For the first time our team was split in 2... Team 1 (Riaan, Henk, Danie, Daniell and Suiyen) spent a relaxing 2 days in Melbourne whilst the rest were living la vida loca in Malaysia... Two days later we met up and boarded the train and then the bus to Canberra, Australia's capital. (orange story to floow :)) and finally off the MOUNTAIN TRAILS near a little town called Wee Jasper...
Afert 2.5 month in Asia we were thrilled to have a toilet we could actually sit on AND flush.. sigh... the little things make me smile :)
We spent the majority of our time working on a farm with an ex South Afiran Afrikkaans family... We ate real meat and had a braai and slept on beds and baked rusks AND Tannie Nolen made MELKTERK!!!! AAAHH!!! It was as if 'heaven on earth' was a reality we experienced... Now I dont mean to go on about the nice thongs we had, I really want to emphasized hpw God blessed us throught this loving. kind and generous family and their staff!!! We experienced a home away from home with a real Afrikaans touch... THANK YOU JESUS!
But do not be mistaken... We worked for our dialy bread!!! Manual farm labour is nvere to be mentioned lightly again for let me tell you, it os no joke... We built a fence.. Now that means cutting down the trees in the mountains, bebarkeing them, cutting them, digging the holes in the ground, planting the poles, securing the crossbars.... and so its goes... now it may not seem like much but its enought to make grown men cry... it was hard work!!! But with all the glory going to GOD and us excited to serve the Mountain Trails family, we loved (almost ) every minute :) THe team in team blessed us with a range of camp acivites, some stretching team members beyond usual capacity - and so we learn to trust the Lord in even the little things! We even got the see wombats and kangoroos :)
A beautiful country, a blessed time of devotion, a time to reflect on the work the Lord has done and a period to reconfirm our commitment to Christ not because of His mighty works, but because of WHO HE IS.... We will nevre forget our time in Australia :)
The gilrs in our "Luuurrrvv" suits....
Boys and their toys.. :)
As said by Pap Beer Riaan: "Following Jesus and giving your life to Him is not easy, its not sunshine and roses, its not having all you've ver wanted; in fact, I've experienced its quite the opposite. It the most ferarful and exciting rollacoaster I've ever been on. I love it!"
SHRIS