There are many cultural differences between all of the countries we go to. In Thailand, you get yelled at when you walk into the house with shoes on. In Australia, you get yelled at when you walk around with shoes off. I am discovering, sometimes in funny ways, the difference between languages, customs, cultures, and beliefs. Even though Aussies speak English, it can be hard to understand them through their accent, slang, and abbreviations.
In this blog, I want to discuss the differences between animals:
This guy is called a Cassowary. He looks like he could be in Avatar or Narnia. The strangest looking creature I’ve seen is the third tallest and second heaviest living bird. Don’t let this awkward bird deceive you though, it can disembowel a human with one kick to the gut.
The symbolic kangaroo. Always a fan favorite. We went on a 3 hour walk one day to spot these things. They are kind of like deer species back home, but far cooler, as they always look so curious and just hop around everywhere. A side note, kangaroo burger is a nice little tasty treat.
(Just feeding a huge saltwater croc…no big deal)
Crocs here in Australia have a completely new meaning than in America. They are funny, odd-looking rubber shoes in America. In Australia, they are monstrous beasts that kill unsuspecting tourists who are walking too close to the shoreline. They are quick, powerful, beastly, and natural killers. Don’t let them catch you in the water or off guard or it’s game over.
I always picture jellyfish as the creatures floating around in the Finding Nemo movie, but these guys are the reason the beaches are all closed and you can’t get in any of the water here. One sting from just one of these has the potential to kill you. A large box jellyfish sting can be the end of you.
Iguanas in Cambodia were my alarm clock. Their chirps and growls are on loudspeakers.
The masked lapwing has caused me a lot of fear and running for my life. When you get near this bird’s nest on the ground it will let a loud chirp out so you know to back away, but if you get too close then, the attack begins. It will swoop down at rapid speeds directly at your head multiple times. My runs have been interrupted several times with me running for my life and frantically waving my arms.
I am closer to my financial goals, but still need a few hundred $$$. Also, we are set to change teams and raise up some new leaders tomorrow, so be in prayer for this, as we submit to the authority around us and trust God’s purpose behind everything. Thanks!
