Days 3 - 5: An Invitation to Tea, An Island Adventure and Other Memoirs

18 - 20 July 2014

It has been a full weekend as you can see from the title! Each day in Australia gets better and better. I shall share the highlights of the past three days:

Friday we were invited to Afternoon “Tea” at a near-by coffee-shop by the leader of Christian Union here at JCU, Tom and his wife Katrina. He wanted to assure my parents that I was in capable hands and I am so grateful. It seems everyone here is so nice and welcoming, and genuinely care that I have a great stay here in Townsville. 

The View from Magnetic Island

Saturday we took a day trip to Magnetic Island which is right off the coast of Townsville. I loved it! We got to ride the ferry which was a lot of fun. We then decided to take an “Outdoor Safari” tour. It was great! I forced myself to hold all the animals, including a snake and a baby salt-water crocodile! We also got to see lot's of other animals native to Australia.

Our Tour Guide Holding A Koala Bear

The beaches on the island are absolutely incredible. I have never seen water so blue-green before. Then, as a complete surprise, we saw a real live kangaroo! They’re like deer here! It’s so neat to see an animal in its natural habitat! He even posed for a picture! 

Side-note: Even the food here seems to be getting better! Or maybe my mindset is changing towards it. I am starting to love having so many choices of fruit compared to french fries, or something more fattening. And the water here is fabulous! I know that sounds weird but it is seriously great! If you want to become healthier, this is definitely the place to be. 

Today we met the Senior RA and the person in charge of my “college” as they call it. (That’s their word for dorms, a “college” here is the University or “Uni”) They were both so welcoming and great. I feel like if I ever have any problems they would be there in a heartbeat. Cam, the Senior RA is even taking my parents to the airport Tuesday. I am so thankful for so many people who want to help us. 

Me Trying to Get A Picture of the Kangaroo

After breakfast we walked to church. It took us about 45 min. But because we were late, (talking to Cam) we practically had to run to keep up with my dad! The church service was great! Even my dad was pleased. The pastor has five children just like my parents and teaches from the bible. When we talked to him after service he remarked, “It’s amazing to think that there are Christians halfway across the world.” That’s my view as well. It amazes me to think that I’m on the other side of the world and yet the gospel is being preached and they love Christ just as much as we do. 

Our View on the Way to Church 

A Peek Into the Future: 

Tomorrow I have International Orientation and my suite mates should be arriving any day now! I’m also curious to see how I’ll fare once my parents are gone. They’ve been so helpful on this entire experience I don’t know what I’ll do without them! And classes, how can I forget that! But as Joan of Arc once said, “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” Let the games begin.