Numero Uno

I've always wanted to start a blog. Well, actually the desire only started to spring up about a month ago, when we moved. To Dubai. in The Middle East...

So we've been living here bang on two weeks today and I really wanted to have my own little place on this massive world wide web where I could have an electronic copy of life as I know it.

So let me tell you a bit about me, my name is Helen Manson and I am a 23 (almost 24 in a weeks time) year old young lady with a beautiful husband called Tim (photos to come) and a fabulous family with three younger brothers, a mum, dad and the best friends a girl could wish for.

I was born in 1985 in Auckland New Zealand and moved to California when I was 7 years old. We left there as a family when I was 13 but I still consider most of my childhood to be cemented in the beautiful Californian sun and the hospitable American Culture. We then moved to Sydney and I lived there until I was 15 years old. I loved living in Sydney, the people, the accent, the shopping, and I think I love it most of all because thats where I met my best friend Sarah. We then left Sydney and moved back home to NZ.

Why did we move around so much? Well, that brings me to my next defining characteristic. God.

I grew up in a loving Christian home with pastors for parents. We are from the AOG (Assemblies Of God) side of the fence and my parents current church is called Newhope Community Church, based in Botany, Auckland, NZ and a Saddleback Church Plant. I have loved being planted in the house of God my whole life long - its so cool to look back on your life and see a pattern of being cared for, comforted and protected by the God of this universe. But more on that later.

After finishing up High School, I attended University and recieved a Bachelor of Communication Studies, I majored in PR and Advertising Creativity. My other interests include photography, interior design, decorating, shopping, fashion and womens conferences...little bit random..but hey!

My husband Tim and I met when we were introduced by the always Beautiful and constant figure in my life JO! Ill upload our engagment story a bit later, but lets just say that Tim is the most amazing, loving, peaceful, caring and gorgeous man on this planet. I know, I know.... its like im smitten, but I honestly am. He is the one person on this planet that I love more than anything and I am eternally grateful to God for giving him to me.

Anyways, Im off - all this writing has got my eyes going slightly cross-eyed.

Looking forward to a long, fruitful relationship between you (this blog) and me (the writer) :)

xOXo helen