My updates have been nonexistent thus far, and for this I am very sorry. We just got internet running yesterday here at the base, and the girls in my Music DTS (Discipleship Training School) all live about a block off campus. So here goes nothing: the flights over were grueling and tiring, but I have adjusted to the time change, and jet lag has finally worn off. Coming in to Youth With A Mission, I really had no idea what to expect, but it has been so much better than anything I would have expected. Although we are in the city, and there are no kangaroos bouncing around, the people here are incredible. I have met people from all over: Northern Ireland, Canada, Holland, Madagascar, England, South Africa, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Nepal, etc. It has been really great, and I have learned so much about all of the different cultures already. So far, I learned not to call flip flops by the name that we usually do, but instead, thongs. Also, that pants are underwear. Oops. :) In addition to all of the people, the worship has been incredible. Being able to play music every night, and travel around the city of Perth. Everything here is insanely expensive; I was forced to buy a sleeping bag for 70 AUD which is 74.83 American Dollars. Despite this, it has been such a ride, meeting together to just hang out and drink tea, or to be willing to pray for each other at a moment's notice. I am so looking forward to how everybody will grow and be stretched in this experience, whether from sharing a room with over 20 girls, starting the morning with morning exercises at 6 AM, followed by "family chores", or by the amazing lectures that we will be receiving these next few months. The people here are the nicest I have met in the world, and it is such a relief to be with like-minded people who care about their faith. Many thanks to the prayers that you have all been sending my way; I would not have been able to make it this far without them. Although I love and miss you all, I have never felt more in-step with the people around me. Yesterday we had a scavenger hunt around the city, and the night before we went to the most gorgeous spot where the city overlooking the water. This place is unreal, and we have only stayed in the city. There's so much I am leaving out, but that's all for now. Love to you all!
Rachel
