I am so excited to announce our Australian ministry for next month! We are flying into Brisbane on the 27th and will then take another flight to Darwin where we will be ministering to the Aborignes. We will be living on a farm without hot water for showers and will probably be staying in our tents. We will not have any access to internet at our base so blogging and contact will be very limited. According to rumors, Darwin is the HOTTEST and MOST BUG INFESTED of any other place in the world. I don’t know if those facts are accurate but that is what I have been told.
Aborigines are the country’s most disadvantaged group. Statistics show the sad results of the colonial experience: the average life expectancy for Aborigines is 15 years shorter than that for other Australians; they have three times the infant mortality rate and a far higher incidence of both communicable diseases, such as hepatitis B, and “lifestyle” diseases such as heart failure; an unemployment rate six times the national average; half the average income level; and a large proportion living in sub-standard housing or temporary shelters. Adult Aborigines are 16 times more likely to be imprisoned than other Australians.That’s all the information I have for now and one thing I have learned this month is that all details are subject to change. I will keep you all posted as often as I am able to do so.
Lots of love!
Sarah
