We've Made It

Well what a long day it has been.

Today we had a contemplative morning, all of us were a little quiet, each trying to deal with a day that was always going to suck (best word I could think of tonight).

We spent a wonderful morning at church with our church family and Gran Watson too.  They lavished us with love and prayers and encouragement and care.  They truly are an exceptional bunch of people.

Gran, Jack and Sam at Longreach Airport.

We headed out to the airport in the late afternoon, not quite ready to be separated.  Who could ever be ready right?  I was leaving half of my heart behind and half of Don's heart was coming with us. We  both knew the separation would be tough.  The flight was 40 minutes late and we had a very rough approach and landing at Brisbane airport.  It was all a bit scary ( I have a pilot for a husband remember).  A fierce crosswind, some bad decisions and a very fast landing were enacted leaving the tyres a bit thread bare I would imagine.

Sam was really tired on arrival and so we lugged our suitcases and other bags and arrived at Ronald McDonald House just before 8pm.  We did not have dinner, Sam was too tired, so he had choc chip biscuits in his bed for dinner and I will have breakfast tomorrow.  Praise God that we did have snacks on the plane. 

Sam is laying beside me now trying to go to sleep, while we listen the unfamiliar noises and the traffic outside.  We are thankful for a bed and a time to rest now.

Tomorrow is a new day and thank God his mercy and joy are new every day is too.

Adventures, Lingering, Longreach

 

 

The beginning of November saw a change sees a change of pace for us. Don has just returned from a three day ministry trip in the north west of QLD. Stops at Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Normanton and Mt Isa made sure the days were filled to capacity. Pastors Scott, David and George packed in with Don to visit the churches at the stops. 10 hours of flying in the Saratoga, took them over some rough terrain and it was an enjoyable and enriching trip for all involved.

 Some times the ride was a little rough due to the heat and thermal winds but they all managed to hold their lunch.

 Our country Australia is rough and rugged and brilliant in colour, especially from the air. Being able to fly is a great blessing and saves many hours on the hot, bumpy and dusty roads.

 

 

Normanton church is 3.5 hour to fly by plane from Longreach, or 10-13 hours by car. The aboriginal painting that you can see in the right hand corner is of the last supper. The pastor and his wife cooked Don and the others up a wonderful dinner that night of Mackerel and Barramundi to celebrate the occasion.

 

 

This Crocodile statue is a replica of a real crocodile that was shot and killed by a woman in Normanton some years ago.  It is 28 feet 4 inches in length and weighed around 2 tonne.  Imagine coming across this one while having a dip in the river.  Apparently there is one to rival it's size in the river at the moment.   Fancy a quick swim anyone?

Don was even able to catch up with his sister Lenita in Mt Isa.  It had been over three years since they had seen each other.

And then of course there was little Steele to coo over, the newest addition to our family. 1, 2, 3 awwww.

 

 

 

So here we are doing what we know God called us to do, in a way that is unconventional and not at all how we planned.  It is simply marvellous!  All of His ways are. It is like we have been given a gift and are still unwrapping it one layer at a time.  And each layer of paper that is removed reveals a new blessing, an new gift just for that season. 

 

This Sunday morning was spent at home (a rarity for us) and as I watch my boys play in the warm Longreach weather I see them growing up before my eyes.  Just last night we played our first family games of Uno.  We no longer have toddlers but little boys who are full of life and love.  On Tuesday Sam and I fly to Brisbane for his heart appointment and we go with fresh reassurance of God's goodness to us. A renewed realisation of his greater plan for each of us.  I cannot possible ask for more than that.

 

 

 

One day at a time.

Less hurry, more linger.

Incidental fun, learning and teaching.

More joy, to chase away the blues.

Meandering with God, enjoying His comfort.

QLD Bound

We are officially Queenslanders again and are really enjoying unwinding at the Sunshine Coast for a few days before we set off again to head further north to Bundaberg.  The photos below tell the story of our journey.

 

Packing the container

 

It looks messy but is surprisingly methodical. We left at 9.00am Friday morning.

Breakfast in Grafton on Saturday morning.

The trip from Jeeralang Junction to Buderim was surprisingly smooth.  Both the boys and Bear our dog were incredibly well behaved.  Our 23 hours of driving was done in 27, making sure we had plenty of rest stops along the way.  We slept for a few hours in Gosford, and made many other stops for refreshments etc.  A nice hot shower, the comfort of a good bed and the loving arms of family made the drive more than worthwhile.  We also saw some beautiful county along the way.

 

Canola Fields in North Victoria

The scenery around Gundagai in NSW.

 

 

A double rainbow to light our way.

 

We have been enjoying spending time with family and even went to the beach this morning.  The weather is nothing short of glorious.  My body is rejoicing in the warmth and Sam's fingers are finally warm again.

Time for snacks

 

 Having fun and clowning around.

 Glorious Currimundi beach.

Still sweethearts after all of these years.

 

Don begins his twin engine endorsement on Wednesday and then we will head to Bundaberg by the end of the week.  Our belongings are now safe and well stored in Longreach, ready for our arrival, thanks to a super effort from the people who helped us move.  They will remain unnamed but they know who they are.  We ask God to pour out his blessing on you.  For you are the answer to our prayer.  We could not have moved without you. 

Flying News

Today Don achieved his Commercial Pilot's Licence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Thank you God.  

To celebrate here is some Ding Duck:

This comic is borrowed from here.

It is Sam's last day at Kinder tomorrow, Jack's last day on Thursday, and then we head over to our new town to get the keys for our new home on the hill. Mum and Dad Watson arrive on Saturday and we will be moving on Monday.

But for tonight we are celebrating God's favour and his faithfulness in bringing the end of the season here to such a wonderful end.  Thanks for sharing in the excitement with us.

The Fog

Fog is all encompassing isn't it?  The last two mornings we have had very thick fog while driving Don out to the airport.  Fog so thick, that we can not see the rear lights of the car in front of us.  There is beauty in the fog and the way it lies across the terrain, but today I don't want to tell you about it's beauty as much as it's danger. 

When driving there were some cars that had not turned on their headlights.  We could not physically see them until we were face to face.  And what struck me the most is that our headlights were not so much for ourselves, they barely help in the fog, they were to warn others where we are there so that they too can keep safe.  By having our headlights on, we were a beacon of warning providing a sign to show how we travelled.

So it is when we are filled with Holy Spirit.

When God reigns in our lives, we are lights in the darkness, a beacon in the fog.  Sometimes the fog will be so thick that the light will do little to help you see where you are going. You may feel like you are wandering and cannot see far in order to know your path.  Still we keep moving, bit by bit revealing the next part of the road ahead.  And in the meantime our light shines to warn others that we are on the move, that we travel a safe path, and we provide a guiding light so that others can travel safely as well.  It allows the other drivers of this life to make choices about their own journeys.  And one day who knows they too may even choose to switch on their own lights and provide a bit of light for others as well.  Our little light shining in the fog may bring others to realise that they are traveling in the dark.

Today Don is flying his Commercial Pilot's Licence Test again.  We are having a farewell morning Tea at ACMA and Sam and I will continue to pack at home.  We can see the next little part of our path and we are going in with our lights blaring.  Let it be a warning to all who see, that we are not lost in the fog.

Exceptionally God News

We have exciting news to share.  Today was the day that the MAF candidate committee met to discuss our application to MAF, with the information that they have.  This includes our application forms of considerable length, our medicals, psyche evaluation and interviews.  This means that is includes all of the requirements except Don's flying capabilities.
To tell you the truth I had actually forgotten about it today. It was not that the day was exceptionally busy, it just didn't pass my mind.  We were at peace either way as we know God called us and that His hand is upon it all.

We received an email this afternoon to tell us that the committee unanimously agrees that we should continue to pursue the calling to serve with MAF and that they encourage us every step of the way! 

They know that Sam has further surgery ahead and will need a letter of review down the track from his cardiologist, but other than that they are very happy with our application.

Tonight we have a resounding peace and assurance from God that all is in His hands.  What may look like a messy journey is actually His most beautiful work.  I stand astounded once again at His faithfulness. 

Thank you Father that you have not left us orphans.  Thank you that you are ever faithful in all that you call us to do.  Thank you that you speak to the spirits of those who serve you at MAF, and told them of our calling to serve with them, for Your sake and Your glory.  We take this next step, in blessed assurance that you love us. Even when we doubt ourselves, we may trust in You.

A Little Gift Just For Us

There is nothing quite like knowing you are walking along holding the hand of God.  When He sits, we sit.  When He walks, we walk.  When He stops, we stop.

This last few weeks have been exhausting and at times testing, but they have also been feverish with God's presence. 

Don is excited about beginning his new job with Gipps Aero on the 10th April.  Please pray for him to finish his CPL (Comm Pilot License), in the next week and a bit.

We are moving on the 2nd April and we now know where to, as we have been approved to rent a home at Jeeralang Junction, only 15 minutes from Don's work.

We could not be more happy or more blessed by our new home, it suits us down to the ground.  It is like God held out his hand to us and slowly uncurled his fingers to reveal the hidden gem inside.  It may not look like much to some, but it has already captured me.  It is not just the home that has me smitten.  This is the view from our verandah...

I can see myself sitting here, with a cup of fragrant tea, spending time Jesus.

I love your sanctuary, LORD,
the place where your glorious presence dwells. (Psalm 26:8)

Tomorrow I will begin to organise schools, Kinder, connection and disconnections etc.  We have two people coming the the next few days to inspect our current home, to rent it.  There is plenty I could be and should be doing.

Tonight I will just relax in the reminder that God loves me and knows the desires of my heart.

What are we doing?

Time for another update:

Don's interview went really well today.  So well that they called him back within an hour of the interview and offered him a job.  The job is as an AME with GippsAero, at Traralgon, VIC. 

This means that we will be moving about 2 hours South.  And Don starts on the 16th April.

That means we are all about to get very busy.

The rest of this week Don will hopefully get some flying done.  While I pack and clean and get the house ready for rental inspections.  As our lease runs out in August, we need to find someone to take over our lease.  It is officially back on the market, as of now.  Anyone looking for a great little house in Yarra Glen?

This Saturday we will drive to Traralgon and find the home God has prepared for us to live in.  If you can believe it, I actually had a dream about it last night!

We have had encouraging communication with MAF recently, and they will make their decision on us continuing our application with them on Thursday. 

Once we have settled in and Don has a grasp of his new job, he will look at continuing his flying, followed by Bible College by distance in the next year.

At least that is the plan....

I only wish I  could explain to you how at peace we are with all of this.  On the outside it looks messy, but nothing could be further from the truth.  We want to thank each one of you for your love and prayers.  We look forward to embracing this new direction God has given us.

Interestingly enough, we have been praying for God to open a door.  And he did, just one. We asked Him to be obvious, because we are not good with hints.  We have only to this date received one job offer and it has been amazing to watch it all just happen with very little effort on our behalf.  Praise God with us for his amazing answer to prayer.

Taking The Scenic Route

This weekend has seen us face many new challenges, so I thought it must be about time that I share them here.  As most of you know I blog to share our family life, to rally people to pray, and in the process I work things out with God, hoping to help others as well.

Our call to MAF is not going to take the path we originally thought. Over the last month any things have happened to bring about this change.  The two most pertinent being:

• God has brought to Don' and my attention that it is not possible for Don to complete Bible College this year, as well as finishing the flying training.  For us to continue our course of action and do this is would all need to be completed this year, as otherwise we would have no income after that.

• We received news on Friday that the cost of the remaining of the flying course has now increased by $6000-$10000.  This is when the door was finally closed to us following our present course of action.  God has closed the door. 

It is not the enemy.  We feel at peace.  At first we were disappointed, but as we waited on God and he spoke to our hearts we realised, this is His way.  And His way, is ALWAYS better then ours, no matter how it looks at the time.  We know God can miraculously supply the money needed and already we have had offers of people wanting to help. But we cannot, when we know it is not God's will that we do. 
For the last month, God has been talking to us about open doors, and the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 has been ringing out loud.  So we know now that God has closed this door, that another will shortly open. 

So what does this mean...

• It means that we are still moving toward serving with MAF, but at a much slower rate.  WE have asked MAF to give us an indication on our suitability to serve with them, using the information they have (interviews, medical, psyche etc).  If this is favourable, then we will continue to pursue this calling. 

• The open door we are waiting for is a job for Don.  We trust God that he has something ready somewhere, for him to go to.  It may mean that we need to move again. In fact it is highly probable.

• Bible college will be completed by distance at Don's own pace.

• Don will continue to fly now until he achieves his Commercial Pilot's License (CPL).  At this point he will cease flying at ACMA and just continue with Bible College until the end of Semester or until he finds work.

We have been through much this last weekend with all of this; first shock, then disappointment, then humility, then a sense of feeling lost.  So we just both held on tight and sat in God's lap listening to his heartbeat.  No profound sense of revelation came.  Just His steady heartbeat and then finally His amazing peace.  We know we have made the right decisions.  Now we just wait and act patiently for Him to point us in the right direction.

We have not failed.  In God's eyes, we have done all He has asked, and that makes us His obedient children.  He has blessed us here with great friends and an awesome church.  The people we have met have impacted out lives and we have impacted theirs.  That is what missions is all about anyway.  Even if this was the whole purpose to us being called to MAF, that is enough for me. 

We don't pretend to have this altogether, in fact we are more unsure of our future here than we have ever been.  But I know where my future is secure.  Jesus is building us a home in heaven and it is beyond what my mind can ever comprehend.  I know that when I see it, I will crumble at his feet and cry, because He knows me better than I know myself. We may not have much treasure left this side of heaven, but I know Jesus is storing up mine with Him. He sees our future and He knows what is to come.  And so we will trust Him now, as we always have and rest in the fact that he has plans to prosper and bless.

If you think of us, please pray for us in this time of endings and new beginnings. 

xx Nicole

Praise and Prayer Points

As there are many things swimming around in my heart and head at the moment, I thought I would share them with you, so you can celebrate and believe with us.

Praise with us:

• Jack is loving school and God answered his prayer by sending him a friend in his class that knows Jesus. He is loving writing and reading, so this is awesome.

• Sam loves Kinder.  He is exhausted afterward but so energetic while he is there.  He absolutely adores playing with the kids.  His introductory line is : 'Hi guys, I'm Sam', so cute.

• Sam's cardiologist is in the process of writing us a letter stating that he is happy for Sam to live wherever we are, as long as he can attend his appointments every 4-6 months.  This will be forwarded to MAF, so that our application can continue.

Pray with us:

• Don is (weather permitting) resitting his practical flight exam tomorrow for his Commerical Pilot's License.  This would take a load off his shoulders and be a really awesome early birthday present for him (and all of us).

• I am continuing to write my next book and though I am over halfway, I lack the time to really get into it.  I get distracted so easily.  Pray for me to have a focused mind and perseverance to complete what I know I must.

• Pray for safety in travel, as Don is travelling a lot both in air and on the road. And pray for us that despite the changing weather the walks to school and Kinder will be pleasant.  Also pray that our car continues to motor along, as it is well overdue for a service.

• Pray for Sam's continued healing, good health and growth.  He is doing really well at present and seems to be back to his normal self. 

• My Dad is going to have surgery on his foot tomorrow, a surgery that has quite a long recovery.  Please pray for his healing but also for him to rest, relax and make the most of the time he has to be  stationery.

Thank you for believing with us for these things.  Sometimes a monthly newsletter is just not enough! 

Also if anyone has snow gear that they think might fit us.  Could we please borrow it for the Winter if you don't need it?  We are really looking forward to seeing the snow this year and do not have the proper clothes to go.

Love to you all. xx

A Chat Over A Cuppa

Don has been back at ACMA (Australian Center for Mission Aviation) now since the 9th of January.  In that time he has been working on doing Commercial Pilot License NAVs (planned trips), his Cessna 206 endorsement, and IFR training.  He is really happy with how it is all progressing.  We have been so blessed that Ian Deed, one of the flight instructors has been down helping out, as he is a very encouraging and supportive man of God.  Don is on target for achieving his Commercial Pilot's Licence before he starts at MST (Melbourne School of Theology) on February 14th (my birthday!).  He is very focused, but much more at ease than he was last semester completing the theory tests.  Praise God for that!

Last week, we all had our medicals for the application to MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), the kids and I included.  The went extremely well and as a bonus, majority of it was bulk billed by our very sympathetic doctor.  When we rang to collect the results for the blood tests, we were asked to make and appointment with the doctor. OH OH!  Two days later was the earliest we could see her.  We prayed that all would be well, and once again I had to contend with fear.  On the morning we arrived for the appointment to find there was a miscommunication and the tests were excellent, all of them.  She just wanted to advise us that if we were heading overseas we would need injections!   We will think about injections if we are accepted to serve with MAF.

Jack heads off to begin school at Yarra Glen Primary School on the 2nd February.  He is very pleased with his uniform, shoes and lunch box. All else is provided by the school.  I am so very pleased with that.  it is so much simpler.  He is very keen to start, so that he can play with new friends and learn to read.

Sam is growing up more and more.  He sings out loud when I swing him on the swing at the park, at the top of his lungs.  His favourite song is 'This is the sound of a warrior', by Andrew Ironside.  Sam adores music, and we cannot ride in the car without the CD player going.  He makes sure of it. He also goes down the big boy slides by himself now.    He will also be attending Kinder/Kindy (depending where you live), on a Wednesday morning for 2 and half hours.  He has a new lunchbox and is very excited.

I have just started writing again today after taking a months break.  I really needed the head space and rest.  I am so pleased that I did make the effort to stop.  I feel much refreshed and like I can finish what I have started with God on this project.    Below are a photo of some of my favourite things, bits and bobs that have made my life enjoyable over the last few weeks. I love tea. My husband bought me this six place setting tea set from the local antique store for Christmas.  The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, had me loving God and desiring to serve Him all over again.  And many happy hours of Jane Austen were enjoyed over the Christmas break also.

I wonder, what are you favourite things at the moment? 

A Missions Update

Don is studying a subject called aircraft performance, with an exam coming up in the next week or so. We have had to realign our thinking in regard to him finishing his flying this year, as his medical still has not come through from CASA. In the end we came to the conclusion that the only time limit there was, was the one we had placed on ourselves, and as we always find out, God's ways and times are well above our ways.  So in light of our prayers, Don is now concentrating completing all of the theory exams he has left (I think there are 5), the remainder of this year, with the odd flying component thrown in.  This will mean that next year he can complete the flying while he is studying the ministry at MST.  The Certificate IV in Ministry means Don will spend three full days at the College next year, and then have a day a week to put into flying if needed.  We are always amazed at God's plans.  Now that Don will complete the course in this manner, he will be current with his flying all the way through to the end of next year, with little need to do extra to remain current.  God truly is awesome.  The difficulty in obtaining Don's medical, has been used for God's purposes, and our good.  GOD IS AWESOME!

In relation to the class 1 medical from CASA, they have cleared Don's heart, and have now sent him off to an ophthalmologist. A what you may say?  My question exactly.  An eye doctor for short.  If we had known that they had wanted this, we would have started the process months ago!  Thankfully, God has provided an appointment this week. So hopefully this will all be sorted out quickly and they will stop trying to delay the issuing of his medical.  We head off to this appointment this afternoon.  Your prayers would be valued highly.

We had an eventful morning Sunday when we turned up for church half way through, as we forgot about changing to daylight saving.  Our meeting was very quick, as we missed all of the worship : (, but we were blessed int he afternoon by spending time with some wonderful new friends. We spent close to seven hours, sharing what God has done in our lives and watching our children play.  It was such a blessing to us, and we look forward to sharing more times like these.

Jack heads back to Kinder on Monday.  This week we have been doing some gardening, playing, cleaning, painting and walking to town and the park.  We always meet plenty of interesting people along the way.  The trees are bursting into new growth, and the floral show is prolific, as the warmer weather meanders it's way into the area. I have read two wonderful books this week, both missions orientated, My Seventh Monsoon by Naomi Reed, and And the Word Came With Power, by Joanne Shelter. They are both equally inspiring if you get the opportunity.

We have also started the MAF application process, which is quite a lengthy and detailed exercise.  I will be sitting a psyche test on Monday.  Don and I are taking turns so that we can look after the boys.  Apparently is runs for about 2 and a half hours.  You prayers for this would also be appreciated.  I am looking forward to find out if I clinically insane, or not.  (That was meant to be funny).

Well I will leave it there, and let you know that we are more in love with God than ever.  There has been so much happen that has been obstructing our path since we have arrived in Melbourne, but in hindsight we see his hand in all of it.  We must keep striding forward, one step at a time, toward Him, in the meantime reaching out, and helping along those who stand along the way.

Bless you all heaps

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯` Nicole

Awesome News!

Today was crunch time for us.  We have moved interstate knowing Don has been called by God to do the flying course to serve with MAF.  He has been training, and we have been paying the large bills that come with it.  All of this time waiting for CASA to approve Don's medical.  They found an anomaly on one of his ECG readings, and this caused a number of appointments with doctors and a cardiologist.  Today he went to the cardiologist for his final check - a stress test.  And....

There is nothing wrong with his heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a quiet assurance, but still the cloud lingered over our shoulders for the last 5 weeks.  Now the cloud has lifted, and shortly he will be approved to fly solo.  Praise God for his faithfulness.
Many times over the last weeks the doubts have come, especially when I am about to pay another huge flying bill. 'What if this doesn't work out?'.  And each time I would answer back, 'It will be well, God has promised, his word always comes to pass.' And then I would pay the bill.  Faith is lived out in actions.

 Don's a happy camper in the Cessna

 Sam, calling in his position.

 Jack, climbing the tree.

 Sam helping Daddy mow the footpath.

One Month On

Well God has turned on the weather in the last few weeks, and we are delighted!  We have had warm days and cool nights, just like back in Pittsworth.  All of the locals here tell me that this weather is extremely extraordinary, and it is about 7 degrees above average.  Sounds like better than average to me!  Jack began Kindy on Monday, and is LOVING it, and I delight in seeing him so happy and settled. 

Don has been busy dong NAVS in controlled airspace, and flew into Essendon this week, first on SIM and then for real.  He is developing much more confidence in this area, which is great to see, because he is very hard on himself, which is both a blessing and a curse.  He is also studying Air Law, for which he will do the exam next week. CASA is still causing headaches for Don's medical, and have upheld their decision that he must go and get clearance from a cardiologist.  So Don is booked in on Thursday morning to go and do this, to silence them once and for all.  Please pray for breakthrough in this area.
I have been very busy orangising our new home life and looking after the boys (that takes up most of my day).  I have also been selling some of our un-needed goods on eBay, in preparation for our future.   The book promotion schedule has been organised between now and Christmas, so that will be full steam ahead soon.  I have an interview with Signs of the Times Magazine tonight, over the phone.  Then in the next few weeks I have a couple of radio opportunities with local Christian, and regular broadcasters.  I will keep you posted about those, as they can be listened to online.  Praise God that in the first month of sales Sam's Heart sold around 600 copies.  So people must be reading our story, which is awesome to hear! Promotion is great, but it is word of mouth that will get our story heard.  So make sure you keep sharing it with your friends.
Our days are pretty long and packed to the brim, but we are beginning to find our feet here.
Keep your eyes open when checking your inbox this week for the first edition of our newsletter.  If you are not on our mailing list, and would like to be, drop me an email (address in the sidebar), and I will pop you on.
 
I want to take this moment to tell you how much we appreciate, and love each one of you that love us, pray for us, support us and walk with us.  That's what this journey is about -relationship with Jesus, and for Jesus.  Mission is not just about helping people in a far off  lands, but affects every heart involved in the process.  Yes we are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but I can tell you that you travel with us in Spirit every step of the way, and it means more to us than you can imagine.

Clear Prop!

Finally, after a week and half of waiting, the sun peeked through the clouds and brought forth a clear afternoon of flying weather.  We left and went to pick up Don, and arrived just in time to see him preparing to take off in his first flight, since we have arrived.  Today saw him do just over an hours flying, with the instructor putting him through the wringer to see what he can do. We were all so excited to see him takeoff.  He did a touch and go on the first landing, and then landed he second time.  Here he is as the boys watched on:

 We all let off a big cheer as he taxied in and then parked the Cessna 172.  Hallelujah!!!  So exciting to see all of this come together after so many years of dreaming and waiting.
The fine weather also meant the boys could play outdoors today.  As I vacuumed and made the inside of the house clean, the boys had a fabulous time in the mud that is in the backyard from all of the rain. 'Look Mum, I'm Bear Grylls.  No midgies will get me now hey!'  I honestly didn't know whether to laugh or cry.  In the end I laughed, took photos, and let him go.  Boys will be boys. 

Bear Grylls, from Man vs Wild