I had the options of spending a month in Sydney, then a month in Iraq, or a month in the Outback followed by a month in Fiji, or two months spent in South Africa. I can honestly say it was one of the hardest decisions of my life. The prospect of ministering to the Aborigines in the Outback, and the islanders of Fiji is so cool and exotic! And of course the mystery and risk of going over borders into Iraq to help those people have (and does) appeal to me very, very much. I spent the week of camping praying about which location God wanted to send me to, and asking Him to give me a heart for the people of that country. Surprisingly, He answered quite strongly- and after assuring me that He would use me no matter where I went, I knew South Africa was in store for me. I accepted this with open arms. I'm so excited that I am spending two entire months in this country with 8 others, feeding the hungry, praying in hospitals, and working in youth prisons. I admit I was shocked at first that the other two locations (who spend the first month pioneering Youth Street in Australia) was not a strong pull for me. I thought God called me to Australia specifically to work with the Youth and the improve my skills in youth discipleships-- but, this week I came to the awakening that perhaps God wants to take me away from that to work on me- to enlarge my heart and compassion and my personal strength instead of pouring into more youth directly. And what better place to break and rebuild a heart than in South Africa.
2.) This is a Goanna. The giant lizard of Australia averaging about 4 feet long. The raccoons of the Bush! These are curious creatures, and will rip apart tents to get to food, I learned. Their tails are sharp enough to rip through skin and they can be aggressive. Luckily, the ones I came into contact with while camping (all 30+ of them!) were easy enough to chase away, and no one got hurt. I did touch one though!-- Also saw heaps of Dingos. These dogs are also curious, yet can attack. They would sneak into our camp at night and either be chased away with giant sticks by the boys, or run off with our shoes, rubbish, or in my unique case- an entire backpack full of 2 weeks worth of food! (I was so mad! They dragged off an entire backpack full of my tent mate's and my food!!)
3.) We stayed at a beautiful, secluded lake site for 8 days. It was a 2.5 mile hike in from the dirt road. The first 5 days it was very hot, and on Saturday the news said that Sydney/Newcastle Australia was the hottest location on the entire planet that day! Ahh! It was the most hardcore camping experience of my life, but I loved it! It was the ideal location for me to build honest relationships with my friends here, and to dive deeper into who I am and how I relate to this Creator of mine. It was awesome! The talks, worships, quiet times and lectures are going to be lifetime highlights!
4.) Towards the end of the week, we had a terrible storm. It hit us at nightfall during a lecture; the rain came down so hard and we were swallowed in thunder and lightning! Everyone got soaked running in the dark in complete chaos trying to secure tents, food and keeping our tarp-structure upright! Luckily, after camp was secure, a few friends and I were invited into the speakers tent to enjoy a cuppa (warm drink) and talk until the rain died down (see below pic). After the storm it rained and was cold for 2 days, and another storm system was making its way in so we came back a day early. But the weather made it memorable, and brought us some best friends, so it was worth it! (I have a lot more stories, and if you'd like to hear more specific ones email me!)
P.S.) Some of you may have heard on the news about the bush fires in Victoria, Australia. They are south of us, and didn't affect us physically, however the fires have had a huge impact on all of Australia.-- These fires are the biggest natural disaster in Australian history, so far taking the lives of 300 people. My school took a night to pray and intercede for the victims; and I encourage you to keep the people of Australia in your prayers as well.
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