changes

I'm sure many have heard the news of the flooding in Australia.  Especially  in Queensland the high waters have left towns under water, destroyed houses and separated families.  Although I'm living in Queensland, the Gold Coast hasn't had any flooding.  If I traveled and hour or two away, it would be a different story.  The people impacted are on everyone's mind as we lift them up in prayer and support.

My outreach team was supposed to leave next Monday.  The place where the van's at is currently under water. The new plan is we're staying on the Gold Coast for an extra week to do local evangelism.  The week after we will be working with flood relief in Toowoomba. After about two or three weeks of flood relief, the water should recede enough to get the van to the Gold Coast.  Once the van and trailer are here, we will pack up and head west to Alice Springs.  We will stay in there until March 10.

I'm excited for these new plans.  I mentioned before that Dave wouldn't be joining us. Now he's able to come for the flood relief portion.  A girl on my outreach team came to salvation through doing flood relief for Hurricane Katrina, so this type of outreach has a special place in her heart.  This week has been a lot of unexpected changes, but we're grateful for the opportunity  to help those in the flood.

All this week we'll be preparing for outreach.  Lots of sermons, shopping and preparing need to be done.  This morning our base director came and gave us a cultural briefing on the aboriginal people.  It was good to learn more about their culture and way of life.  Understanding their ways will help us develop relationships and further the gospel better.  Between an average English speaking person and an Aboriginal, eighty to ninety percent of a conversation would be misinterpreted.  They have their own tribal language and they perceive the world very different from us westerners.  We have to prepare according to their culture.

Please keep the prayers coming.  To be honest, this week has been challenging for me.  There's been a lot of changes, but I know God has us where he wants us.  

Funny story: My team went to the outdoor shop to purchase supplies for the flood.  We found these ridiculous water shoes for half price.  The guy at the store said they'd be good for what we're doing.  We all bought a pair and walked around the mall with them on. I wish you could see these shoes and the faces of the people who saw us wearing them.. They make me laugh just thinking of them.  We figure our feet will be covered with mud anyway.  I love this outreach spirit of not caring. :)

Love you all!