Had a couple of hours to use for preparation for this weekend's training. Reuben had a meeting, so I wandered around to find a little cafe where I could hang out and study. I found this:
Not a great picture...but I felt right at home in one of my favorite places. I also got a lot of work done.
During my time in Sydney, I stayed with Reuben and Sarah Singleton. Reuben and Sarah head up the Sydney Refugee Team for International Teams. They are doing some incredible things in meeting the needs of refugees and in training the church to reach out and care for the refugee.
Reuben and I had lunch at a little cafe in Blacktown and I was amazed at the number of people that stopped by to chat with Reuben...refugees that they have impacted. We were also able to visit several families during my visit. I am probably most excited about the impact they are having on churches, getting them to live out gospel in the context of refugees.
My days in Sydney were good. First few days were spent around the International Teams Australia office. My time included catching up with the staff and Board of ITA, meeting with Andrew Collins the ITA Director (pictured below), and having the opportunity to share with the ITA staff during their staff meeting. Another neat opportunity was to meet with some members of the IT New Zealand Board, to discuss and provide input on how IT can be relaunched in that country. It was a great discussion.
Here is Andrew standing in front of the ITA sign...good on ya, Andrew!
I made it to Sydney without any difficulties. United accommodated me fairly well and even provided an empty seat between myself and the other passenger. What a difference that empty seat makes...allowing me to stretch out and not feel as squished when someone is on my elbow.
The first 7 seven hours went pretty fast and I actually had the chance to sleep for a few of those hours. The second 7 hours always seem to drag and this trip was no exception.
Its good to be back in Australia, catching up with friends and colleagues, and having the chance to use my coaching skills in several arenas. More updates to come
Well, we made it to Australia. Generally, the trip was uneventful but LONG!! We were all glad to finally get on the ground in Adelaide after 3 planes and 24 plus hours. At the present, we are staying with our friends, Andrew and Daphne Henderson. They have given us the run of the house and are actually staying somewhere else in the evening.
Yesterday we spent some fun time at Gorge Wildlife Park, up in the hills. The koalas were a big hit with Liz and the kids. Here is a picture from our time. More to come!
Well we made the decision!! It all started with an e-mail from United, advertising low rates to Australia. I did not imagine how low they were talking but it was unbelievable. So...we decided to go for Spring Break. I really want the kids to see where I spent some time and meet some key people from that era.
We head out on March 22 and arrive back in Chicago on April 2. We plan to spend a few days in Adelaide (where I spent my time in the early '80s) and then spend the latter part of the time in Sydney. It will give me an opportunity to connect with the IT Australia gang. Plus we hope to have some fun family time. I am sure we will try to post during our time and also include some pictures.
