It's Saturday here and I'm sitting in the cafe at the base enjoying a cup of tea. That's been a change for me to drink more tea than coffee :)
Last week we had a couple of exciting events including ANZAC day. This is similar to Veterans Day in the US honoring the Austrailian New Zealand Army Corps, those who fought in WWII. We as an entire base went to the Sunrise Service at 5am. At least 1/3 of the entire community showed up for the event. It was incredible to see all the pride and honor the Australians take in their military. That was last Wednesday.
On Thursday we had a huge fundraiser for the "I want to live" medical ship that we will be sailing on. It was amazing, and we (the Ship DTS) got to take part in it by serving for the event. Sir Rabbi Namiliu , who is the former Prime Minister of PNG was the speaker at the event. Here is a link to to see his speech:
http://vimeo.com/41123626
The fundraiser was a big success with not only financial support but in telling people about the Ship and our mission to serve PNG with medical Ships
Another big event was sending the Ship off on Monday. We will be flying up to PNG and meeting the crew at the end of May to set up the medical clinics, but from talking to different people it was a challenge to anticipate the needs of the Ship for 6 months. But we got it done and it set sail!
It was incredible to see it off, as it was quite a celebration with multiple flags of different countries. There was also news media recording the event YWAM Medical Ships Media . But I can't even begin to describe what it's like to be surrounded by so many people from different nations with flags waving high and seeing the American flag in the in the mix. I guess it just made me realize where I come from: that I represent America.
Christina and Kevin acting as excited sailors... In the background the red and black flag is from PNG.
Will write more soon, but stay tuned for more AUSTRALIA ADVENTURES!!!!!!!!
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