I cannot believe how much I like Australia, and I’ve only
been here for 2 days!
Unlike most people I know, I’ve never had a desire to come
to Australia. For some reason it’s never appealed to me. At one point I think I
told my friend I never wanted to go to Australia. Now here I am. And I’m
pleasantly surprised.
Photo from the view of our porch (courtesy of Morgan)
Maybe it’s because I’m surrounded by modernization and could
easily be in a tropical America where people have Australian accents. Maybe in
my 3 weeks away from a developed nation I subconsciously was craving this
modernization. Of course, maybe it’s because the YWAM base we are staying on
has a fully stocked kitchen, air con, a pool, and a gorgeous neighborhood we
can walk around!
Let’s face it; this month is not about abandonment for me.
I’m not ashamed, though. I know that this will likely be my
last taste of a developed nation for the next 10 months. I’m soaking it all up.
The car we rode from the airport (photo courtesy of Morgan)
This month we will be working with a store called Vinnie’s.
It’s a cross between a Salvation Army and a soup kitchen. We haven’t actually
started working there, so I’m not exactly sure what our ministry will look
like.
Darwin is a small city in the Northern Territory of
Australia. The actual downtown is similar to that of Fayetteville. There are no
skyscrapers. The tallest buildings are apartments. There are just a couple of
main roads with stores and restaurants.
Unlike Fayetteville, there is a beautiful coastline for us
to look at! The surrounding ocean is stunningly blue. Unfortunately the waters
are known for being infested with box jellyfish, so I probably won’t be getting
in the water.
There is a large population of Aboriginals in Darwin. I’m
really excited to learn more about their lives. They have government housing
and payments every month, but many choose to not live in their homes. You will
see many walking around barefoot, sleeping in parks, and drunk.
I find their story captivating. I’m very interested in
Native Alaskans, learning about their oppression and lifestyle. I’ve already seen
so many similarities between Alaskans and Australians (the Natives, not the
actual places!). I’m hoping our
ministry will, at some point or in some way, involve working with the
Aboriginals.
I think this is going to be a great month!
Also, I’m starting to perfect my Australian accent! Note:
Instead of saying thank you, they say cheers. Example: I held the door open for
a guy and he said cheers. Also, instead of asking what’s up or how are you, the
say how’s it?
I’ll be sure to keep you updated with any important phrases
I learn. I’ll also let you know how kangaroo burgers taste!
Also, we are teamed up with another team this month, so you
may seem some new people in any pictures I post!
G’day Mates!
