Hello from Down Under!!

It's hard to believe we've come so far. We're over halfway done with our summer, and before we know it, we'll be packing up and flying back to Florida for Debrief. Until then, we are staying busy and having a fun time.
What's new? The weather is continuing to be beautiful! It takes a jacket (or for some, a hoodie, puffer jacket, and blanket!) and a beanie to stay warm in the mornings and nights, but it is gorgeous t-shirt weather in the afternoon. The sun is extremely warm here, even though it is winter.
For those of you who are wondering what our typical workday looks like, this is our daily schedule:
- 6:00- wake up
- 6:30 - breakfast
- 7:30- devos
- 8:00-12:00- work project
- 1:00-2:00- bath and laundry (this equates to free time for the many boys on the team! :)
- 2:00-5:00- work project
- 5:00- 6:00- free time (this is a perfect time to catch up on memory verses, hangout with friends, play ultimate frisbee in the open field, or read a book)
-6:00- 7:00- dinner
-7:30 - 8:00- library reading
-8:00-8:30 -Bible study/GG's (girls/guys Bible study)
-9:00- get ready for bed
-9:30- lights out (although we often finish far before this time, and the entire team typically hits the hay not too long after 9:00)

A favorite of the team is what they refer to as the, "junk food ladies." Abigail and Lane, two of the American interns currently here in Australia, have a little store with different goodies and drinks, which they open during lunchtime. The favorites of the team are lollies (gummies), Tim Tams (great for Tim Tam Slams!), and Bundaberg ginger beer.

On Friday, fifteen teenagers from Noosa Church came to the property, and our team got to participate with the group. They did so much! Minute-to-win-it games, scavenger hunts, board games, morning tea, volleyball, basketball, lunch, team building exercises, afternoon tea, and so much more. Our team had a great time hanging out with them, and learning about cultural differences. It was both outreach to the community, and a good time for the team.

Yesterday (Saturday), we took the afternoon for a sightseeing trip, and visited the Noosa Main Beach. What a breathtaking beach! The water was quite chilly, however, so after a quick dunk, everyone played volleyball or different games on the beach. Some of the team took a little walk to the shops and got some yummy food. I'm sure we were quite a sight walking around in our squeaky water shoes and American accents. There were countless options, but we stuck mostly to gelato/ice cream/sorbet, sushi, and chips (fries).

Today (Sunday), we attended Anglican Church Noosa, a local supporter of TMIA (Teen Missions in Australia). Stephen, Scarlett, and Elliot had the opportunity to share a quick testimony of what God has been teaching them, and then the congregation prayed over the entire team. After the service, they had a barbeque where they served snags and bread, and some different assorted finger foods.

Coming up, we have a busy schedule. Here are a few upcoming events/trips:
- July 18th: Youth night at Anthem Church
- July 19th: Bush Dance (public event hosted by TMIA)
- July 23-25 (Wed-Fri): The whole team will travel to Bundaberg. There will be a work project (filling in a ditch), and a cultural tour of Bundaberg (as well as a national meal).
- July 25-26 (Fri-Sat): Hervey Bay whale watching!

Here are a few testimonies from team members:

Navie M:
"Australia is super cool! The people are kind, and the kangaroos are hopping. It amazes me that God created everything in six days and allowed us a day of rest. It's so encouraging to see His creation and know that He chose to make me and love me and put me in the beautiful world He made. God can revive any soul He wants to, and can whenever He wants. He has unconditional love. I want to be like Jesus even if it means that some people will hate me. Jesus loves me and cares so much about me, so I also want to love Him and love His people. I want to live every second of my life for Jesus. After all, He did die so I could live."

Judson M:
"Australia is fantastic. We get to work, swim, hike, work, play basketball, play soccer, make music, work, lead children's ministry, and work. It's pretty sick. Australia is beautiful, Ms. Mari is awesome, and the kangaroos are everywhere. I've learned to paint houses, remove tile, throw boomerangs (although they don't return), and value God's world more than ever. We got to hangout with some Aussie youth yesterday, and beat some of them in basketball. There is lots of time to spend praying and in God's Word. We got to go sightseeing, and eat vegemite. I miss my family loads, but excited for the rest of the trip."

Scarlett M:
"God is moving! It's hard to go anywhere and not feel the presence of God. Our team is connected like links of a chain and I couldn't be more thankful for them. We've been doing a lot of painting, A LOT, and God has definitely been teaching me to have a lot of patience with not only other people, but myself through it. Besides the work, everything else we've been doing is super fun! Hanging out with the Aussies, hiking, swimming, shopping, and fighting kangaroos. I'm grateful for every experience I've had so far and am so excited to see what the rest of the trip has for us!"

Please continue keeping the team in prayer as we continue through the summer. We appreciate all your prayers!