Back in Australia, What?
God is so good! I never thought I would be coming back to this beautiful country. Oh Australia how I’ve missed you:) For those of you that don’t know, it has been almost two years ago now I was in Australia on a study abroad through my University, called the Pacific Challenge. I completed my internship through this study abroad, as the trip was geared towards recreation tourism students, emphasizing adventure tourism. It was such a wonderful experience! Not only was this the first time I travelled outside of the USA, to Australia and New Zealand, but this trip definitely impacted my life. Through travelling throughout these countries I was able to meet some wonderful people, bask in beautiful landscapes, stretch outside of my comfort zone in doing crazy things like bungy jumping and scuba diving, and grew in knowledge of our world. This trip increased my passion to travel and experience other cultures around the world.
AND now I am back! I absolutely love it! This trip is definitely different than before, but so good. I feel I am getting to experience the local and real perspective of this area.
This month here in Australia, we are partnering alongside YWAM Byron Bay. This organization, called Youth with a Mission, has a vision similar to the World Race of giving young adults the opportunity to reach countries and communities around the world to share the hope and love of Jesus.
Once we arrived in Australia, the leaders of YWAM Byron picked us up in vans to shuttle us to our ‘home’ for the next three weeks. We have been staying at Eastgate Church in Byron Bay. After all of our flying, seriously sleeping on the floor of a church was such a blessing. Anything to stretch out and let our swelled ankles deflate a bit 😉 This church and location has been so wonderful. Far enough from the busy downtown, but walking distance to coffee shops, a grocery store, and the best part, the ocean!
(Eastgate Church and nearby beach)
After having our first day of rest, two weeks ago now, we have been getting accustomed to the area and community. Each day looks a little bit different with what we are doing. Partnering with YWAM we have been able to join in their events, such as Pancakes and Chi. This was an awesome opportunity for all of us to love on the Byron community. We served free food, played music, and provided an atmosphere for people to hang out. Outside of this outreach event, each day we are praying and asking the Lord for what He wants us to do for the day. That has looked like playing volleyball on the beach, providing free art and henna tattoos, walking around the town, doing prayer walks, and just being involved in the community.
We are grasping what it means to walk out with a mindset of ministry is life and life is ministry. So no matter where we are or what we are doing, we are being intentional with those around us.
For me, this month has been about Community and Relationship. Community amongst our team and squad. Being a part of the Body of Christ, through prayer, encouragement, worship, growth, fun, and adventure. Relationship amongst the team and squad, but also people I have met in Bryon Bay. Locals, those travelling on holiday, church members, shop owners, and homeless friends. I have loved being able to show the love of the Father through building these relationships. So many different stories just waiting to be heard.
(My team Dauntless and half our Squad)
Oops. Had this done sooner, but sending it out now… Thank you all for your patience and grace. So much has been happening each day! Written 2/3/18
We are actually in Indonesia now, but more to come on that later:)
