We have just passed the half way mark of our trip. I have read Mrs. Anderson’s posts and I am so grateful she is writing such great updates and I’m thankful that you are seeing things through her eyes - as someone who has not been to Australia.
Our students have been exemplary in every way. I’ve heard it from those who are interacting with them as well as those observing them. They have stepped up every time even before they were asked. They have enjoyed the community in Brewarrina and all they have met in Sydney and the Central Coast. They are kind and friendly to all. Praise God for your beautiful children and the honor to be on this trip with them.
We have learned a lot about the Aboriginal culture. We have had our eyes opened to their many struggles and their way of life.
One thing we are very informed on is that Aboriginal people have not felt valued and our role here is to love them and value them and point to their identity in Jesus. Some in the community of Bre know Jesus but still struggle with these underlying feelings. We also know that listening to them is important. We have had to establish a history of listening here. Sometimes in our culture, we don’t want to do this. We want to just “act”. But it is ultra important here to listen. Maybe it’s something we will take with us long into the future.
I have witnessed our students be brave and begin conversations (and listening) with strangers at every turn. I know you all are so proud of them.
We have a few days to go and I have no doubt we will continue to be impressed with our students.
On a lighter note-
They love to stop at every opportunity to buy Aussie snacks. We have snacks available, but they are giddy about Aussie servos (gas stations) and want to get as many snacks from them as they can.
They play “Land Down Under”’every time they see a Kangaroo.
They have learned some rugby and seemed to like it.
They have eaten a lot of sausages. Aussies are lovers of a good “sausage sizzle.”
They have been mostly good with sunscreen and looking “right-left-right”’ when crossing the street.
Everyone wants to help every time but Ruby and Andrew have been masterful in the kitchen. They are excellent cooks!
They have been brave with giving their testimonies and leading worship whenever asked. This has caused the leaders at the church, the outback school, and the school on the coast to be so impressed with them.
They have been extremely kind and helpful to Andrew McGillivray (our ministry partner leader). The kids would consider him a friend and vice versa.
That’s it for now. See you all soon.
Our students have been exemplary in every way. I’ve heard it from those who are interacting with them as well as those observing them. They have stepped up every time even before they were asked. They have enjoyed the community in Brewarrina and all they have met in Sydney and the Central Coast. They are kind and friendly to all. Praise God for your beautiful children and the honor to be on this trip with them.
We have learned a lot about the Aboriginal culture. We have had our eyes opened to their many struggles and their way of life.
One thing we are very informed on is that Aboriginal people have not felt valued and our role here is to love them and value them and point to their identity in Jesus. Some in the community of Bre know Jesus but still struggle with these underlying feelings. We also know that listening to them is important. We have had to establish a history of listening here. Sometimes in our culture, we don’t want to do this. We want to just “act”. But it is ultra important here to listen. Maybe it’s something we will take with us long into the future.
I have witnessed our students be brave and begin conversations (and listening) with strangers at every turn. I know you all are so proud of them.
We have a few days to go and I have no doubt we will continue to be impressed with our students.
On a lighter note-
They love to stop at every opportunity to buy Aussie snacks. We have snacks available, but they are giddy about Aussie servos (gas stations) and want to get as many snacks from them as they can.
They play “Land Down Under”’every time they see a Kangaroo.
They have learned some rugby and seemed to like it.
They have eaten a lot of sausages. Aussies are lovers of a good “sausage sizzle.”
They have been mostly good with sunscreen and looking “right-left-right”’ when crossing the street.
Everyone wants to help every time but Ruby and Andrew have been masterful in the kitchen. They are excellent cooks!
They have been brave with giving their testimonies and leading worship whenever asked. This has caused the leaders at the church, the outback school, and the school on the coast to be so impressed with them.
They have been extremely kind and helpful to Andrew McGillivray (our ministry partner leader). The kids would consider him a friend and vice versa.
That’s it for now. See you all soon.
Love the updates Team Australia!