can’t believe that month 1 is already over! It has flown by, but it’s packed
with many wonderful memories! After one night on a bus and one night spent in
the airport, we MADE IT TO AUSTRALIA! The weather here is so hot, but the
kangaroos and koalas outside our window make it worth it!
first 5 days we were h
ere, we stayed at a YWAM base near Brisbane, Queensland.We stayed here with 3 other teams, so it was good to catch up with our fellow
racers and see what the Lord has been doing in their lives! While we were here,
we worked with a local church and food bank. We basically helped them with
cleaning and maintenance, etc. We also had the privilege of meeting many locals
at the food bank and listening to their stories.
then an hour bus ride up to Mareeba, where the rainforest meets the reef! This
month we are working with IMLA (Indigenous Ministry Links Australia). We are working
with a local aboriginal church that reaches out to the community daily. This
area is very segregated and the people are not use to white people trying to
be-friend them. It’s kind of mind blowing, because I feel like I’m in a third
world country when I’m in the community. Most people walk around barefoot,
personal hygiene is not a priority, and many are illiterate. I’ve noticed that
most people mumble and I have a difficult time hearing and understanding them
when they do speak. The community has big issues with alcohol and drugs and
most kids don’t even go to school. Every day the church has community service
for the kids that are in trouble. This time has been good to show our faces and
get to know the people. It is going to take a little time for them to warm up
to us, but we will be located here for three weeks!
are also doing some construction on a house that is owned by the church. It’s
in pretty bad condition and we don’t have many tools, but we are doing the best
we can! Hopefully in three weeks there will be a noticeable difference!
This
is the first time we have been in a ministry location with just our team of
six. It’s actually kind of nice; we are starting to feel more like a family! We’ve
been grocery shopping and cooking our own meals on a $3.75 pp/per day budget!
It IS
possible! 🙂 The girls are staying with Sarah, the lady who runs the
youth program at the church. The guy’s are staying with another family in a
tent in their backyard.
Overall,
I’m getting adjusted to the heat, and the realization that I’m not going home
any time soon! I finally feel like I’m a mission trip! I ask that you pray that
the Lord will soften the hearts of the aboriginal people and that He would give
us plenty of opportunities to bless these people. I miss and love you all and
pray for you daily! Be Blessed!
