My adventure to Western Australia began in June 2009 where I went along to an interview in Milton Keynes, offered to me by Scripture Union. They offered me a place to go between January 2010 and July 2010- I took it!
I looked around lots of ‘Christian Gap Year overseas mission trips’ on the internet prior to this and Scripture Union really caught my attention because of the wide spread activity that was going on in 130 different countries across the world. I knew I wanted to go to an English speaking country so that narrowed it down pretty quickly. Perth in Western Australia really caught my attention because there was so much you could volunteer for.
Scripture Union Western Australia (SUWA) is made up of three departments. Schools, Camps and a Theatre company. They all work at the same cosy little site, in a suburb called Mount Hawthorn in Perth.
My internship took place with ‘Warriuka’ (camping department). I spent all of my 6 months working for them, apart from a well deserved break to Melbourne and Sydney at the end! As a ‘Warriuka intern’ my job was to assist on the running of camps which schools, in WA, signed up for. The ‘Field workers’ oversea the directing and running of camps. I organised and lead some of the activities and often had a group of 15 students on camp to be responsible for. During the day we did different activities with the students. Depending on the age group and the location of the camp I covered: Canoeing; Kayaking; Abseiling; Rock climbing; Caving; Hiking and Flat water rafting. The other intern (Brian- from Belfast) and I got alot of training before we lead any of these activities. Some of them you had to have qualifications for, but the three Field workers that were leading our internship took every opportunity to challenge us and stretch our skills. For example the ‘Warriuka Family’ (Brian and I and the three field workers Anna Ross and Keith) went on a Kayak training day, and we took a wrong turning down a steep hill and a corner. I was driving the Warriuka Ute (Nissan Navarra) and a big trailer with all the boats on the back. They asked me to stop and reverse back up! I was so convinced there was no way I could do this so I tried to prove them wrong- I had a go and actually did it quite well! I definitely surprised myself that day. Not once in the 6 months did they doubt my ability, and the fact they had faith in me was so encouraging. During the evening of each camp we did ‘Warriuka time’. This was a quieter time of the day where we introduced the Bible and get the students talking about different issues. The idea was to link the days activities to the discussion, for example going through a dark cave with only a torch to guide you and the reflectors showing you the way is like God’s guidance. As I got more confident at leading all of this I began to realise that if there was one thing I wanted to tell the students in my group, and the one thing they could take away from the week, was that Jesus died for them on the cross and that He loves them even if they may not even know Him in their lives. All of the schools that signed with us were Christian/ Baptist/ Catholic so they let us go quite deep with the discussions which was awesome.
Whilst I was based in Perth, Scripture Union organised my accommodation with local host families. For the first 3 months I lived in 3 different houses because of the current circumstances. I really made great connections with the couple I was staying with first. They were from Kenya and they really took care of me, it was a great comfort to me and my parents to know I was happy at home. After one of the camps around easter time I moved permanently into a really nice couple’s house. I began to settle alot more there and it was very easy getting places to meet friends because it was right next to the train station and took 12 mins to get into the city. The beach was also just down the main road, which is very different from my home in Cambridge!
Whilst I was in Perth I found two really great churches that I attended. The first one some friends and I found was called St Matts Uni Church, which met in on of the UWA (Uni Western Australia) lecture halls. It was the church alot of the Uni students went to and had a usual number of about 400 people. The teaching at this church was really great in-depth Bible study which I found really engaging. I also went to C3 (Christian City Church) Joondalup. I found this from being invited by a great friend, Jess (the SU receptionist) to a film night as part of their young adults work, the very first saturday I was in Perth in fact! The teaching worship ministry and people were awesome- everyone was so welcoming and so excited Brian and I had come along (we were know well because we were the new English and Irish people!) I got involved with the connect group in a friends home around Easter time, which was really good for getting to know people on a lower key environment. There was about 10 of us in the group and we prayed together alot which I really enjoyed, and even if I wasn’t there I knew they would be praying for me on camp.
Sadly I had to leave at the end of July. It was hard because I felt like I was still getting to know people. We had a leaving party the saturday before we went home (I say we being Emily, Brian and myself, the 3 interns from UK). To my surprise about 20 people turned up at the airport to say goodbye to us- and they had even wrote us a song! But it was a great way to say goodbye to some amazing people that had made such a difference in my life.
Coming back home has been hard at times because 6 months went so quickly, but also really great seeing my Brother getting married, and catching up with friends. I start University at the end of September to study Photography at Nottingham Trent for the next 3 years. I would really recommend anyone that is thinking of taking a gap year to work for an organisation to definitely go for it! It really helped me grow up and make sure I can ‘fend for myself’. Its such a great opportunity and the best time to do it whilst you have no responsibilities! You only live once!

Monday, 6 September 2010
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Last week in Perth
Hello,
Wow i have not written on here since the end on May. Its been so busy here and everything is going so fast- time is literally running through my hands.
So i will start off with what i have been doing since 28th May- my last blog.
We did some Abseil training on the 8ths jUne to prepare for 2 Abseil days we were hosting with a school in the are. We went to a Quarry in the Hills east of perth. I learnt how to rig up a climb and an abseil. Quite scary because you know you will be hanging off the cliff on the knot you did and the anchor you rigged! I discovered a really like Abseiling and rock climbing- im going to try keep it up by joining a mountaineering club at uni or something!
So the 9th June we (as in the warriuka team) Anna Keith Ross Brain and I we all went on a hike in the hills for the day to prepare and train us for the big hike we did at the end of june. We was a really good day- so so tiring and physically hard work. We hike around 24 KM that day leaving at 8 am and didn't get back till around 6 pm. We had to wear the 20 kilo packs also with all the water and gear we need for the hike. Was an awesome day and opportunity because the Australian country side is beautiful and so so different to england.
Most of the rest of that week I was preparing for the camp with a school in a few weeks later. I was organising food for the teachers and warriuka staff. Never really liked doing food prep but i have come to realise it has helped me heaps with cooking skills and working out quantities. I can cook a few more meals now that before i came here and feel alot more confident in the kitchen- in no master chief but it will be good practise for uni.
The week beginning 14th June us 5 (anna keith ross brain and i) went on the intern expedition- a hike/ camp that brian and i had to organise. This was hard work but so rewarding and a huge learning curve for me. We had to do everything and didnt really have much help. The hike we were doing was the hike that the interns last year did and was very hard. Most of it was not on a path and mostly following a bearing on a compass. We started off walking along the cliff edge right on the south of Australia in a place called Walpole (near Albany if you look at a map) we the had to walk in the vegetation because the cliff edges were getting too dangerous and high. The bush at the top tho was really thick and we literally had to barge through. lots of scratches the next few days! We got to a place called mt hopkins which we pressed on through to a clearing where we could camp. there wasnt' any good water supply but we found some rivers where we could filter the water and stock up. We went around following the cliff line again and look at some amazing coves. Some of the most beautiful scenery i have seen in Australia. The waves were insane and so dangerous. We did just sit for a while on most of the coves and take in the world because it was breath taking.
All in all the hike was 5 days and when we finally reached the car it was a great feeling. I really appreciated warm dry clothes and a comfy seat on the way home.
Day after We got back I helped at a SUPA fun day- SUPA (scripture union primary age) it was an out reach day to kids and families at this school. there was lots going on and i lead some parachute games which was really good fun.
The week beginning 21st I had alot to do for the last school camp we had. Keith was directing the camp and it was his first time doing it so i helped quite a bit which was good.
On the saturday Emily and I went to Rottenest Island, which is an island off perth preserved for nature and there are no cars on the island. Alot of tourists go for the day or weekend on a boat and cycle around it. It is so beautiful and natural. I got heaps of photos and i will hopefully print some when i get home and mount. Let me know if you want to have a look at any.
So my last camp started on 27th june and finished on the 1st july. It was SOOO much fun and probably one of the best camps i have ever done so it was such a good way to end!
The camp involved Hiking Rafting and a low ropes course. The students were yr 11 and i was with a group of 15 a teacher and another warriuka leader. We had heaps of fun and it was really cool hanging out with the students playing cards and chatting to them. It was a Baptist college so they had christian teachings in school. About three of them in my group believed there definitely was a God which was awesome, some of them weren't sure which is cool because we had some good chats about why. alot of them said because there was no proof. But i think that is just one of the steps of faith we all have to take.
I feel like i have become so much better and more confident in leading a small group and forming discussions which is cool because i would love to practise this when i am home at church/ youth or something.
It was very weird on the last day of camp thinking i had finished my internship.
The saturday after camp 3rd. Emily Brian and I flew to sydney and spent about 5 days there looking at the opera house and harbour bridge. Visiting the sights and discovering more of Australia. It was a really big city and had a different feel to perth. it was alot more 'worky' and business so ALOT more people on a mission to get to work and in their own world! There were heaps of tourists. I think everything in Syders was more expensive simply because of the amount of tourists. They literally squeeze money out of you- spose that is the same in london.
Whilst we were there we did the typical walks around the city. we also went to 'circular point' and went to the top of the tower- you can see the whole of the city and it has amazing 360 view. we all did this thing called the sky walk which was awesome. We got harness onto the railing outside at the top and we walked around. Quite awesome.
On the thursday we got the plane to Melbourne and arrived and stayed with my cousins which was great to see them because i haven't seen them for a good 10 tens maybe?! we stayed in Camberwell- quite a nice house 15 mins outside of the city by train. On the friday we went to visit the neighbours set in Ramsey street which was really cool. Funny how we tell people what we did and nobody watches it here. some people havent ever heard of it! We got on this tour bus and they took us to see Erinsborough high, which is a real school in a suburb near the street. We also got to Meet Dilion from it who was sky's boyfriend a few years ago. He was very used to meeting fans i think because he was very comfortable at talking to us. Ramsey street isnt called that in the suburb because it is a real street and people live in the houses. They just use the out side of them to film. The residence get a schedule each week of when they are shooting. Quite funny really! And its so much smaller than i thought. We also got taken to where they used to film greese monkeys and Lou's garage. WE spent the day with my cousins on saturday- they took us to hillsvillle a suburb in the hills outside Melbourne.
We flew back yesterday (11th) my 19th birthday which was weird we went straight to church after Jess (a really good friend) picked us up.
Really going to miss the church here. I have been going to the connect group on thursday with about 10 people in which have all become great friends. going to miss these people alot.
wow so its my last week before we take off next tuesday avo. I am planning to clear out my desk and say goodbye to people which will start to get harder as the week goes on really. If you can all pray for that it'll be great =)
We have a leaving party on saturday avo and a morning tea with scripture union on the monday also so will be great.
Also forgot to say that we went to the Hillsong Conference in Syders on wednesday evening with people we were staying with. It was massive. It wa held in the ANZ arena which is like the O2 in london. it was packed out and they said 77 nations were represented in that evening. Brian Hugeston was leading worship and there was a really great speaker taking about when Jesus calmed the storm on the boat. was an awesome talk because he was so passionate about what he was saying. Tim Hughes was leading worship the night before but i dont get to go to that but im sure i will be able to see him over the summer at momentum or soul survivor.
Anyway i think thats all i have to say... im sure i could write more but i should probably get on with other things.
soo looking forward to see everyone when im home NEXT WEDNESDAY!!!!
My english phone is not connected because i paused my contract whilst i was here so if you want to get hold of me ring my house or facebook/ email me or just knock on my door =)
thanks for all you who have been praying for me. i have had such a great time here and i hope some day i can return the favour and pray for you.
Take care for now xx
Wow i have not written on here since the end on May. Its been so busy here and everything is going so fast- time is literally running through my hands.
So i will start off with what i have been doing since 28th May- my last blog.
We did some Abseil training on the 8ths jUne to prepare for 2 Abseil days we were hosting with a school in the are. We went to a Quarry in the Hills east of perth. I learnt how to rig up a climb and an abseil. Quite scary because you know you will be hanging off the cliff on the knot you did and the anchor you rigged! I discovered a really like Abseiling and rock climbing- im going to try keep it up by joining a mountaineering club at uni or something!
So the 9th June we (as in the warriuka team) Anna Keith Ross Brain and I we all went on a hike in the hills for the day to prepare and train us for the big hike we did at the end of june. We was a really good day- so so tiring and physically hard work. We hike around 24 KM that day leaving at 8 am and didn't get back till around 6 pm. We had to wear the 20 kilo packs also with all the water and gear we need for the hike. Was an awesome day and opportunity because the Australian country side is beautiful and so so different to england.
Most of the rest of that week I was preparing for the camp with a school in a few weeks later. I was organising food for the teachers and warriuka staff. Never really liked doing food prep but i have come to realise it has helped me heaps with cooking skills and working out quantities. I can cook a few more meals now that before i came here and feel alot more confident in the kitchen- in no master chief but it will be good practise for uni.
The week beginning 14th June us 5 (anna keith ross brain and i) went on the intern expedition- a hike/ camp that brian and i had to organise. This was hard work but so rewarding and a huge learning curve for me. We had to do everything and didnt really have much help. The hike we were doing was the hike that the interns last year did and was very hard. Most of it was not on a path and mostly following a bearing on a compass. We started off walking along the cliff edge right on the south of Australia in a place called Walpole (near Albany if you look at a map) we the had to walk in the vegetation because the cliff edges were getting too dangerous and high. The bush at the top tho was really thick and we literally had to barge through. lots of scratches the next few days! We got to a place called mt hopkins which we pressed on through to a clearing where we could camp. there wasnt' any good water supply but we found some rivers where we could filter the water and stock up. We went around following the cliff line again and look at some amazing coves. Some of the most beautiful scenery i have seen in Australia. The waves were insane and so dangerous. We did just sit for a while on most of the coves and take in the world because it was breath taking.
All in all the hike was 5 days and when we finally reached the car it was a great feeling. I really appreciated warm dry clothes and a comfy seat on the way home.
Day after We got back I helped at a SUPA fun day- SUPA (scripture union primary age) it was an out reach day to kids and families at this school. there was lots going on and i lead some parachute games which was really good fun.
The week beginning 21st I had alot to do for the last school camp we had. Keith was directing the camp and it was his first time doing it so i helped quite a bit which was good.
On the saturday Emily and I went to Rottenest Island, which is an island off perth preserved for nature and there are no cars on the island. Alot of tourists go for the day or weekend on a boat and cycle around it. It is so beautiful and natural. I got heaps of photos and i will hopefully print some when i get home and mount. Let me know if you want to have a look at any.
So my last camp started on 27th june and finished on the 1st july. It was SOOO much fun and probably one of the best camps i have ever done so it was such a good way to end!
The camp involved Hiking Rafting and a low ropes course. The students were yr 11 and i was with a group of 15 a teacher and another warriuka leader. We had heaps of fun and it was really cool hanging out with the students playing cards and chatting to them. It was a Baptist college so they had christian teachings in school. About three of them in my group believed there definitely was a God which was awesome, some of them weren't sure which is cool because we had some good chats about why. alot of them said because there was no proof. But i think that is just one of the steps of faith we all have to take.
I feel like i have become so much better and more confident in leading a small group and forming discussions which is cool because i would love to practise this when i am home at church/ youth or something.
It was very weird on the last day of camp thinking i had finished my internship.
The saturday after camp 3rd. Emily Brian and I flew to sydney and spent about 5 days there looking at the opera house and harbour bridge. Visiting the sights and discovering more of Australia. It was a really big city and had a different feel to perth. it was alot more 'worky' and business so ALOT more people on a mission to get to work and in their own world! There were heaps of tourists. I think everything in Syders was more expensive simply because of the amount of tourists. They literally squeeze money out of you- spose that is the same in london.
Whilst we were there we did the typical walks around the city. we also went to 'circular point' and went to the top of the tower- you can see the whole of the city and it has amazing 360 view. we all did this thing called the sky walk which was awesome. We got harness onto the railing outside at the top and we walked around. Quite awesome.
On the thursday we got the plane to Melbourne and arrived and stayed with my cousins which was great to see them because i haven't seen them for a good 10 tens maybe?! we stayed in Camberwell- quite a nice house 15 mins outside of the city by train. On the friday we went to visit the neighbours set in Ramsey street which was really cool. Funny how we tell people what we did and nobody watches it here. some people havent ever heard of it! We got on this tour bus and they took us to see Erinsborough high, which is a real school in a suburb near the street. We also got to Meet Dilion from it who was sky's boyfriend a few years ago. He was very used to meeting fans i think because he was very comfortable at talking to us. Ramsey street isnt called that in the suburb because it is a real street and people live in the houses. They just use the out side of them to film. The residence get a schedule each week of when they are shooting. Quite funny really! And its so much smaller than i thought. We also got taken to where they used to film greese monkeys and Lou's garage. WE spent the day with my cousins on saturday- they took us to hillsvillle a suburb in the hills outside Melbourne.
We flew back yesterday (11th) my 19th birthday which was weird we went straight to church after Jess (a really good friend) picked us up.
Really going to miss the church here. I have been going to the connect group on thursday with about 10 people in which have all become great friends. going to miss these people alot.
wow so its my last week before we take off next tuesday avo. I am planning to clear out my desk and say goodbye to people which will start to get harder as the week goes on really. If you can all pray for that it'll be great =)
We have a leaving party on saturday avo and a morning tea with scripture union on the monday also so will be great.
Also forgot to say that we went to the Hillsong Conference in Syders on wednesday evening with people we were staying with. It was massive. It wa held in the ANZ arena which is like the O2 in london. it was packed out and they said 77 nations were represented in that evening. Brian Hugeston was leading worship and there was a really great speaker taking about when Jesus calmed the storm on the boat. was an awesome talk because he was so passionate about what he was saying. Tim Hughes was leading worship the night before but i dont get to go to that but im sure i will be able to see him over the summer at momentum or soul survivor.
Anyway i think thats all i have to say... im sure i could write more but i should probably get on with other things.
soo looking forward to see everyone when im home NEXT WEDNESDAY!!!!
My english phone is not connected because i paused my contract whilst i was here so if you want to get hold of me ring my house or facebook/ email me or just knock on my door =)
thanks for all you who have been praying for me. i have had such a great time here and i hope some day i can return the favour and pray for you.
Take care for now xx
Friday, 28 May 2010
Navigation and Hiking fun
These last couple of weeks have been really good. I havent had any camps with school kids. Warriuka have been busy giving us lots of preparation work for hikes coming up.
Last week we went to Kattaning Primary school to run a day with the yr 6 and 7s doing team building games and adventure courses. That went really well. We had to travel up the night before and stay in a conference centre near by. It was quite scary driving at night down in the south of perth because it is very remote and none of the highways are lit up. There are alot of accidents with kangaroos and cars going too fast (apparently if your going too fast your car can often come off worse). I have been taught also if you see one run across right in front of you and you kill it. You must stop to make sure i is dead. If it isn't you have to run it over again, then drag it to the side of the road! ewwwwww...
Anyway, it was a very long drive - 4 hours in total- but we could share that out between 4 of us.
We have also done a Navigation training day with the Warriuka team ( me Brian- the interns, Anna and Keith- the field workers and Ross- camp coordinator). I had done so navigation before on camp but always with another leader. This time we had to do it our selves and find these points marked out on a map. Really helpful day.
I just got back from a big hike me emily and brian went on. It definitely felt very strange going off in the bush just us three... I feel like we have come such a long way tho and was very prepared and ready for any dangers coming our way.
The hike was so beautiful... we parked the car in hills forest car park just outside kalamunda and hiked along the bibbulm track east. It was very up and down hill and the weather was very changey... one min bright sunshine... other pouring it with rain... not great hiking weather because we had to keep stopping - lugging our massive pack off and taking layers off/ waterproofing up!
My purple rucksack is SO AMAZING and such a luxury to hike with. Its really good because the tighter you have it around the waist the less weight you can have on your shoulders, then when your waist gets tired and sore you can off load the weight from your hips to your shoulders... ect. BRILLIANT! But my hips are soo sore because our packs were so so so heavy. We were all carrying about four or five litres and all our food supplies/ sleeping stuff.
The first day we must of trekked about 11 KM because we didnt start the hike till 11 am because we got a little lost in the car on the way. We slept at a hut called 'Helena hut' which is literally a wooden built open shelter with 4 double bunk beds and a table. There was an awesome toilet tho... bear in mind this was a long drop and so very smelly it was this tiny little hut at the top of the hill when you opened the door and sat and did you business you could have a great view!
We set up a tent that night in the entrance to the hut so being protected by the wind and also all the hundreds of bugs crawling into the wooden beds! We slept that night from about half eight to 7 am the next morning... well needed sleep for sure. It was a cold night tho, good job i borrowed my friends winter sleeping bag.
The next morning we woke up and opened our tent to this spectacular view of the mountains almost covered completely in myst and low cloud.
We packed up our stuff and hiked around 15 KM back to where we parked the car. It was again a really beautiful walk, up and down hill. Navigation this time was harder because we were not always on the Bibblum Track because we wanted to go a different way. I saw a couple of kangaroos about 11 am hopping across the track we were on! But they are very shy animals so bounced off pretty quickly. There were some really beautiful birds i saw too... look like a cross between vultures and parrots! And i am sure I heard some animals outside our tent in the night... either wombats, possums or kangaroos.
It felt so good seeing the gate which we knew was the end and getting closer. I feel like i could of done more which is really good practice for the hike me and brian have in june (2 weeks) for 5 days bush bashing through thick track.
Anyway hope everything is well in England - not long till i am home!
If you want my Address for post or anything just ask =)
Last week we went to Kattaning Primary school to run a day with the yr 6 and 7s doing team building games and adventure courses. That went really well. We had to travel up the night before and stay in a conference centre near by. It was quite scary driving at night down in the south of perth because it is very remote and none of the highways are lit up. There are alot of accidents with kangaroos and cars going too fast (apparently if your going too fast your car can often come off worse). I have been taught also if you see one run across right in front of you and you kill it. You must stop to make sure i is dead. If it isn't you have to run it over again, then drag it to the side of the road! ewwwwww...
Anyway, it was a very long drive - 4 hours in total- but we could share that out between 4 of us.
We have also done a Navigation training day with the Warriuka team ( me Brian- the interns, Anna and Keith- the field workers and Ross- camp coordinator). I had done so navigation before on camp but always with another leader. This time we had to do it our selves and find these points marked out on a map. Really helpful day.
I just got back from a big hike me emily and brian went on. It definitely felt very strange going off in the bush just us three... I feel like we have come such a long way tho and was very prepared and ready for any dangers coming our way.
The hike was so beautiful... we parked the car in hills forest car park just outside kalamunda and hiked along the bibbulm track east. It was very up and down hill and the weather was very changey... one min bright sunshine... other pouring it with rain... not great hiking weather because we had to keep stopping - lugging our massive pack off and taking layers off/ waterproofing up!
My purple rucksack is SO AMAZING and such a luxury to hike with. Its really good because the tighter you have it around the waist the less weight you can have on your shoulders, then when your waist gets tired and sore you can off load the weight from your hips to your shoulders... ect. BRILLIANT! But my hips are soo sore because our packs were so so so heavy. We were all carrying about four or five litres and all our food supplies/ sleeping stuff.
The first day we must of trekked about 11 KM because we didnt start the hike till 11 am because we got a little lost in the car on the way. We slept at a hut called 'Helena hut' which is literally a wooden built open shelter with 4 double bunk beds and a table. There was an awesome toilet tho... bear in mind this was a long drop and so very smelly it was this tiny little hut at the top of the hill when you opened the door and sat and did you business you could have a great view!
We set up a tent that night in the entrance to the hut so being protected by the wind and also all the hundreds of bugs crawling into the wooden beds! We slept that night from about half eight to 7 am the next morning... well needed sleep for sure. It was a cold night tho, good job i borrowed my friends winter sleeping bag.
The next morning we woke up and opened our tent to this spectacular view of the mountains almost covered completely in myst and low cloud.
We packed up our stuff and hiked around 15 KM back to where we parked the car. It was again a really beautiful walk, up and down hill. Navigation this time was harder because we were not always on the Bibblum Track because we wanted to go a different way. I saw a couple of kangaroos about 11 am hopping across the track we were on! But they are very shy animals so bounced off pretty quickly. There were some really beautiful birds i saw too... look like a cross between vultures and parrots! And i am sure I heard some animals outside our tent in the night... either wombats, possums or kangaroos.
It felt so good seeing the gate which we knew was the end and getting closer. I feel like i could of done more which is really good practice for the hike me and brian have in june (2 weeks) for 5 days bush bashing through thick track.
Anyway hope everything is well in England - not long till i am home!
If you want my Address for post or anything just ask =)
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Lots to say....
So I have not got round to writing on my Blog for so so long. I will try and give an update of what i have been doing since March!
Firstly I feel like I have grown so much both spiritually and physically as a person. I certainly feel alot more fit now because of all the lifting/ hiking/ different type of boating i have been doing. But i also feel so much more spiritually great because I have grown so much in my relationship with God.
So I moved into the house i am in now (and will be for the rest of my time) on the 25th march. Its really easy for getting around because it is right next to a station on the line heading straight into perth- so takes about 20 mins to get into the city which is awesome.
The last week in March I was on a camp with about 60 year 9 students. It was one of the busiest camps out of them all in the summer term. It was held at a camp site in the south of perth near Busselton, on the wellington dam. Basically there were 4 camp sites and each site had a different camp leader and a different activity at the camp. So one site was managed by Keith (ex intern, now the new field worker). He was on the Bibnium track hiking with the students to the gorge. They would then be handed over to Anna (camp director/ other Field worker) where she paddled across with the students in kayaks and canoes to my camp site where I lead Flat water rafting with them. The students had to make their own rafts from poles and blow up rings and paddle across the dam. They then went onto another site where they were white water rafting with a couple of old interns. It was quite a complicated camp because everyday i would have a new group to my camp site, I had to learn all their names and get to know them before the next group came along the next day and they left to the next activity! It was such an awesome week and I learnt so much about my leadership skills. It was really fun being in a Kayak all week in this beautiful area, it was really nice not moving tents and packing up my back pack every morning. A down side was that I had to eat the same meal every day for the week, and also didnt get to shower which is the norm on these camps now but still not nice! We had proper toilets, and basins at the camp site i was running which was quite a luxury! Its amazing how much I take for granted and how thank full i am for just a roof over my head!
That was my last camp in the summer term we did because week beginning 5th April was the easter holidays.
For the next two weeks Racheal Clear came over to stay with me and visit Perth. I knew her a little from england because Ella went to South Africa in 2008 with Scripture union and Racheals sister Charli also went with Ella. They became quite close friends and so we met through them. Racheal is also on the same SU program as me Emily and Brian. Scripture Union Action Abroard. She was working with the schools department over in sydney from september to march.
So Racheal came over for just under two weeks. It was so nice having her here because It felt quite sister like and we really got on well. We had a bit of a road trip down to Albany (5 hours down south) with me her emily brian and this girl called Mel who came on a couple of camps with us. She is really nice also and feels like quite a good friend already. Mel took us down because she was going to visit her family so we were all invited to crash at her parents house for the three night we were there. We did a few beautiful walks because the landscape is very English down there and the weather is significantly cooler, which was nice to get out of the hot hot hot... soon missed it though!
After getting back from Albany Racheal and I did alot of visiting around Perth. Went to Fremantle/ Hilarys- just down the road from me. Plenty of beaches and ocean swimming. Kings Park. Lots of things. She then flew back to sydney on the saturday, which was hard because we had had such a great time and got on so well.
The week after the easter Holidays I was just in the office planning for the next two camps coming up. I was planning all the food for one of them which was really hard- and stressful!
The last week in April was a camp down south again in Boronup Forest. The students were Year 11. Brian and I were leading 15 of the students around. There were 2 other groups with leaders but we didnt see them all week because we were constantly moving through different camp sites. The first day was Abseiling which was awesome because the views were amazing. We abseiled a 10 metre and a 30 metre. Anna was the Abseil instructor but alot of the time Brain and I had to connect the students onto the safety lines and run through all the checks before Anna double checked and lowered them down the cliff face. It was quite a responsibility but i was confident in Anna trusting us to do this, and I was constantly learning from things like this. We then had to hike back to our camp site/ set up camp and cook dinner. Next day we had to hike from the camp site to another site set up about 20 KM further south. It was a challenging hike because we were given a couple of maps (being about 10 years old) and a compass. Brian and I had to get the group of students to navigate us down the right paths. Alot of it was in the middle of this beautiful australian bush but very difficult to mark out a path sometimes. We went via Boronup beach and i will remember it for the rest of my life. We were hiking for so so long and everyones feet was sore, we could smell the sea and hear it crashing against the shore but it wasn’t until we climbed over this sandue that we could see this amazing beach. It was spectacular... Blue sea, really white sand and green grass on the tops of the banks. And after not washing and not touching water much for 3 days it was such a feeling putting your feet in the ocean! BEAUTIFUL!!
We then hiked back to the next camp site which was this crazy looking- really really old hut in the middle of dense forest! It did look like something from a scary movie... and didnt get much better on the inside. As soon as you walked in the door a cold damp feeling came over you, there was a small kitchen that had some pots hanging covered in spider webbs, and this rusty looking fridge that didnt work. Luckly we had the comfort of our own 2 man tents and own cooking sets so i was rather pleased to be outside! It was amazing to also go to the camp site and see a little hut burried in the bush which was a long drop toilet! Even though it was real smelly and filled with lots of cockroaches i was pleased not to have to go in the bush!
The next day we had to hike to the Giants cave- which was a fair walk. I have done this cave 4 times there now because it seems a really popular choice. So I didnt mind doing it again. It is spectacular in the cave and alot of the students find it really challenging, but come out feeling like they have climbed a mile stone. So its really nice to help them over come that and lead them through that process. We then had to hike more to get back to the final camp site we were staying at.
Brian and I felt like we really got on well with the group. Every evening we had a small group time discussing the day and what challenges they faced etc. That was also a time to share my faith. We split into boys and girls for this which worked really well. Most of the girls were christian and it was really interesting some of the topics/ discussions we had.
After that camp I literally got back showered and packed for a weekend away with the uni church i have been going to. It was a really good weekend and was great to get to know some of the friends i have made whilst being out here. Even though it was short and seemed to get lost in between other things, i felt it to be really important.
After that weekend i had another camp with a different school starting on the monday. This was held down south again in Geographe Bay, the kids were year 6. It was at the Scripture union camp site in dorms so was not as full on camping as the others. The activities were hiking/ caving/ trust games and rafting. It was really hard camp for me actually because I was ill for the first half of the week. I had to be taken to the doctors on the tuesday morning so it wasnt great. But alot of prayer went round and i soon bounced back up... at least i thought i did because i actually got worse on the saturday after getting home. Im better now thank goodness, but it certainly wasn’t great being ill on camp. The camp was similar to my very first camp i did back in February- so it was nothing new. The Kids were really fun and the teachers and parents always make it extra fun... this time one of the parents decided to bring stink bombs which was hilarious when set off late at night in one other the boys dorms! Ha ha... adults can still play pranks and get away with it!
So it has been quite a busy last few months- im really looking forward to getting back home and showing everyone photos and telling more stories about my experience here.
At the moment Brian and I are working together planning the staff hike at the end of June before my last camp. Ross was explaining this morning that there are often a few tears and scratches on the staff hike. I think it will defiantly be a achievement once we have done it. They have suggested to start training now for it- taking up jogging with 20 kilo packs on us to prepare ourselves, I think we are planning to hike min 22 KM a day. Depending on what hike we do... its a toss up between the stirling rangers (see google) or part of the Bibnium track (hiking track running from perth to albany in the bush) near wolpole. It is also a spiritual expedition so i will be challenged for sure.
Im missing england like crazy and really looking forward to seeing everyone, I have changed my return date to the 21st july which is only like 9 weeks away!!!!!!!
Thank you for all your prayers and support for this. Please continue to pray that i make the most of my time left, and also get all the planning for this hike and my last camp done.
Martha =)
Firstly I feel like I have grown so much both spiritually and physically as a person. I certainly feel alot more fit now because of all the lifting/ hiking/ different type of boating i have been doing. But i also feel so much more spiritually great because I have grown so much in my relationship with God.
So I moved into the house i am in now (and will be for the rest of my time) on the 25th march. Its really easy for getting around because it is right next to a station on the line heading straight into perth- so takes about 20 mins to get into the city which is awesome.
The last week in March I was on a camp with about 60 year 9 students. It was one of the busiest camps out of them all in the summer term. It was held at a camp site in the south of perth near Busselton, on the wellington dam. Basically there were 4 camp sites and each site had a different camp leader and a different activity at the camp. So one site was managed by Keith (ex intern, now the new field worker). He was on the Bibnium track hiking with the students to the gorge. They would then be handed over to Anna (camp director/ other Field worker) where she paddled across with the students in kayaks and canoes to my camp site where I lead Flat water rafting with them. The students had to make their own rafts from poles and blow up rings and paddle across the dam. They then went onto another site where they were white water rafting with a couple of old interns. It was quite a complicated camp because everyday i would have a new group to my camp site, I had to learn all their names and get to know them before the next group came along the next day and they left to the next activity! It was such an awesome week and I learnt so much about my leadership skills. It was really fun being in a Kayak all week in this beautiful area, it was really nice not moving tents and packing up my back pack every morning. A down side was that I had to eat the same meal every day for the week, and also didnt get to shower which is the norm on these camps now but still not nice! We had proper toilets, and basins at the camp site i was running which was quite a luxury! Its amazing how much I take for granted and how thank full i am for just a roof over my head!
That was my last camp in the summer term we did because week beginning 5th April was the easter holidays.
For the next two weeks Racheal Clear came over to stay with me and visit Perth. I knew her a little from england because Ella went to South Africa in 2008 with Scripture union and Racheals sister Charli also went with Ella. They became quite close friends and so we met through them. Racheal is also on the same SU program as me Emily and Brian. Scripture Union Action Abroard. She was working with the schools department over in sydney from september to march.
So Racheal came over for just under two weeks. It was so nice having her here because It felt quite sister like and we really got on well. We had a bit of a road trip down to Albany (5 hours down south) with me her emily brian and this girl called Mel who came on a couple of camps with us. She is really nice also and feels like quite a good friend already. Mel took us down because she was going to visit her family so we were all invited to crash at her parents house for the three night we were there. We did a few beautiful walks because the landscape is very English down there and the weather is significantly cooler, which was nice to get out of the hot hot hot... soon missed it though!
After getting back from Albany Racheal and I did alot of visiting around Perth. Went to Fremantle/ Hilarys- just down the road from me. Plenty of beaches and ocean swimming. Kings Park. Lots of things. She then flew back to sydney on the saturday, which was hard because we had had such a great time and got on so well.
The week after the easter Holidays I was just in the office planning for the next two camps coming up. I was planning all the food for one of them which was really hard- and stressful!
The last week in April was a camp down south again in Boronup Forest. The students were Year 11. Brian and I were leading 15 of the students around. There were 2 other groups with leaders but we didnt see them all week because we were constantly moving through different camp sites. The first day was Abseiling which was awesome because the views were amazing. We abseiled a 10 metre and a 30 metre. Anna was the Abseil instructor but alot of the time Brain and I had to connect the students onto the safety lines and run through all the checks before Anna double checked and lowered them down the cliff face. It was quite a responsibility but i was confident in Anna trusting us to do this, and I was constantly learning from things like this. We then had to hike back to our camp site/ set up camp and cook dinner. Next day we had to hike from the camp site to another site set up about 20 KM further south. It was a challenging hike because we were given a couple of maps (being about 10 years old) and a compass. Brian and I had to get the group of students to navigate us down the right paths. Alot of it was in the middle of this beautiful australian bush but very difficult to mark out a path sometimes. We went via Boronup beach and i will remember it for the rest of my life. We were hiking for so so long and everyones feet was sore, we could smell the sea and hear it crashing against the shore but it wasn’t until we climbed over this sandue that we could see this amazing beach. It was spectacular... Blue sea, really white sand and green grass on the tops of the banks. And after not washing and not touching water much for 3 days it was such a feeling putting your feet in the ocean! BEAUTIFUL!!
We then hiked back to the next camp site which was this crazy looking- really really old hut in the middle of dense forest! It did look like something from a scary movie... and didnt get much better on the inside. As soon as you walked in the door a cold damp feeling came over you, there was a small kitchen that had some pots hanging covered in spider webbs, and this rusty looking fridge that didnt work. Luckly we had the comfort of our own 2 man tents and own cooking sets so i was rather pleased to be outside! It was amazing to also go to the camp site and see a little hut burried in the bush which was a long drop toilet! Even though it was real smelly and filled with lots of cockroaches i was pleased not to have to go in the bush!
The next day we had to hike to the Giants cave- which was a fair walk. I have done this cave 4 times there now because it seems a really popular choice. So I didnt mind doing it again. It is spectacular in the cave and alot of the students find it really challenging, but come out feeling like they have climbed a mile stone. So its really nice to help them over come that and lead them through that process. We then had to hike more to get back to the final camp site we were staying at.
Brian and I felt like we really got on well with the group. Every evening we had a small group time discussing the day and what challenges they faced etc. That was also a time to share my faith. We split into boys and girls for this which worked really well. Most of the girls were christian and it was really interesting some of the topics/ discussions we had.
After that camp I literally got back showered and packed for a weekend away with the uni church i have been going to. It was a really good weekend and was great to get to know some of the friends i have made whilst being out here. Even though it was short and seemed to get lost in between other things, i felt it to be really important.
After that weekend i had another camp with a different school starting on the monday. This was held down south again in Geographe Bay, the kids were year 6. It was at the Scripture union camp site in dorms so was not as full on camping as the others. The activities were hiking/ caving/ trust games and rafting. It was really hard camp for me actually because I was ill for the first half of the week. I had to be taken to the doctors on the tuesday morning so it wasnt great. But alot of prayer went round and i soon bounced back up... at least i thought i did because i actually got worse on the saturday after getting home. Im better now thank goodness, but it certainly wasn’t great being ill on camp. The camp was similar to my very first camp i did back in February- so it was nothing new. The Kids were really fun and the teachers and parents always make it extra fun... this time one of the parents decided to bring stink bombs which was hilarious when set off late at night in one other the boys dorms! Ha ha... adults can still play pranks and get away with it!
So it has been quite a busy last few months- im really looking forward to getting back home and showing everyone photos and telling more stories about my experience here.
At the moment Brian and I are working together planning the staff hike at the end of June before my last camp. Ross was explaining this morning that there are often a few tears and scratches on the staff hike. I think it will defiantly be a achievement once we have done it. They have suggested to start training now for it- taking up jogging with 20 kilo packs on us to prepare ourselves, I think we are planning to hike min 22 KM a day. Depending on what hike we do... its a toss up between the stirling rangers (see google) or part of the Bibnium track (hiking track running from perth to albany in the bush) near wolpole. It is also a spiritual expedition so i will be challenged for sure.
Im missing england like crazy and really looking forward to seeing everyone, I have changed my return date to the 21st july which is only like 9 weeks away!!!!!!!
Thank you for all your prayers and support for this. Please continue to pray that i make the most of my time left, and also get all the planning for this hike and my last camp done.
Martha =)
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Surfing at Scarborough
Saturday- yesterday- was also such a good day. There are two people staying with Andy and Eleanor from the USA atm because they are doing some work with the university. We went to Scarborough beach an hired some surf boards. Brent (one of the guys with us) surfs back home so he was teaching me and Winita. It was so much harder than i thought it would be. The waves are so strong and it is so difficult to stand up on the board on top of a wave. I spent most of my time on my tummy on the board so i got a few bruises on my ribs and hip bones and a sun bunt back! oh well... all for good fun.
I couple of times i got take under by the wave because you have to paddle out to a particular spot to catch the ways- on your way out there you get caught up in all the white water from the crashing! To avoid that you have to either got over the wave or if it is too high you have to put your head against the board and got through it! Once i was trying to get to the shore after getting taken under and i was just going with the waves but i got close to the beach and a huge wave came up from behind and threw me right onto the beach! Was quite funny but hurt a bit... i did get a whole shorts full of sand though!
After that we went to anther popular surfing beach called Cottesloe where there were some big random sculptures on the beach.
Ah then Me and Winita went for a jog along the coast on the biking track. It was so beautiful... the sun was settling over the sea and we got back to the car in time to get my camera out just as the sun went down. Really cool- was really nice to run though. It was quite a big jog too- about 3 km?! perhaps- that is just a guess.
Will try write again before my next camp next saturday- I am moving to the permanent accommodation this fri which i right next to a train station so will be easy to get places. Looking forward to that because it is so hard getting buses and travelling from Andy and Eleanors house.
Since Monday i have Hiked, Canoed, Kayaked, Rock climbed, Absailed, Caved, Surfed and Jogged! Good week all in all. =)
I couple of times i got take under by the wave because you have to paddle out to a particular spot to catch the ways- on your way out there you get caught up in all the white water from the crashing! To avoid that you have to either got over the wave or if it is too high you have to put your head against the board and got through it! Once i was trying to get to the shore after getting taken under and i was just going with the waves but i got close to the beach and a huge wave came up from behind and threw me right onto the beach! Was quite funny but hurt a bit... i did get a whole shorts full of sand though!
After that we went to anther popular surfing beach called Cottesloe where there were some big random sculptures on the beach.
Ah then Me and Winita went for a jog along the coast on the biking track. It was so beautiful... the sun was settling over the sea and we got back to the car in time to get my camera out just as the sun went down. Really cool- was really nice to run though. It was quite a big jog too- about 3 km?! perhaps- that is just a guess.
Will try write again before my next camp next saturday- I am moving to the permanent accommodation this fri which i right next to a train station so will be easy to get places. Looking forward to that because it is so hard getting buses and travelling from Andy and Eleanors house.
Since Monday i have Hiked, Canoed, Kayaked, Rock climbed, Absailed, Caved, Surfed and Jogged! Good week all in all. =)
I am REALLY living life now! Camp number 3.
Hello. I though instead of doing lots of little posts from time to time i will just write one big post when i have spare time.
So i last wrote on here after the rafting camp. So the week after that I went to Darlington to spend some time with my friend Trina and here cousins. They have such a lovely house and it over looks the city of perth from the hills. It was really nice to be in a family home that i have connections with and I was saying to mum that i was really nice talking to Trina about people we both new from school or just general chatter. Monday we went into the Midlands shopping mall, in the evening we went out to darlington national park to look for Kangeroos... surely enough there were loads just chilling out in the feilds. Tuesday we got up quite early and went to Fremantle. It is a toristy town because it is where the first aberiginales landed their boats, so there are a few 'historic' buildings! Its werid how the history of Australia only goes back to about 100 years ago. Everything is very new here and there are new suburbs popping up everywhere. Whenever Eleanor and i go in the car somewhere she says she remembers when that plot of land was just sandues!! it is amazing how fast this country is growing. Don't blame them i spose, there is heaps of land. Anyway so we spent the moring in fremantle, went to Little creatures for lunch. Then got the bust to Rockingham (further south) because trina had said the beach there was amazing- I didnt think the beaches could get much better, but i was wrong! it was incredible. White sand, blue clear water, really sunny. ahh wooooowwwww...
I got the train back to Wanneroo (Andy and Eleanors) for the evening ready to get an early night and head for work in the morning.
Wednesday was quite a good day at work. I got a text the night before saying we were going Canoe and Kayak training and had to meet at the office for 7.30am! I found the Kayaking quite difficult because the swan river was really rough and the wind was quite bad that day. After all that I had to drive the 4x4 uite and the canoe trailer back to the office... we took a wrong turning and i had to reverse the car and trailer up a steap hill and round a bend.... at first i got out the car and was convinced i could do it but the leaders talked me into it and said it would be a 'good learning experience' i was determined to prove them wrong but i actually surprised myself and did it easy! I have found that with alot of things actually that i am more capable than i think i am.
Thursday was quite a stressful day because i was trying to get things done for the camp last week but also prepare for the camps the following weeks too. I kept getting tasks to do from people and got quite stressed out. Not the best day really. Friday was ok as well. We had Geoff Westlake come into talk to us about small group and warriuka times again which was really awesome and helpful. I always come away from those meetings feeling so full of ideas. We had to pack up the trailer and car ready for monday in the afternoon.
Saturday was quite a quiet day. Was just at home in the morning catching up on sleep and rest, then went to Fremantle in the afternoon with Brian and Emily. Sunday did some baking with Eleanor then went to St Matts Uni church in the evening. Feel like i have really made some friend there and its so nice to go there and meet new people. The age of most of the students range from 18 ish to about late 20s so all sort of my age or older which is really cool.
Monday was first day of camp... always an unexpectant day because the week is often determined on how good the kids are so meeting them is always a bit nerve racking! Basically the camp was made up for 3 warriuka staff (me Brian and Ross) the Chaplin from the school and one other teacher. there were only 14 students this time because it was for the school council team. And the aim of the camp ws to get them to work together and bond as a team. For this we didnt have small groups within the group because then they could always be working and sharing ideas together. It was really nice not to be responsible for a certain amount of students (just me) so we all were dong everything together. The kids were all really nice and everyone got on so well. Had loads of little jokes and phrases by the end of the week- something which i will remember for ages!
So on the monday after meeting all the students and teachers we set of the hike. We were on the Bibbulum track, which is basically a path through thick bushland. The pathway wasn't always that clear so it was difficult trying to work out where to go... but luckly we had a map and a compass and there were occational markings on trees to say where to go. So we all set of with out packs/sleeping mats/tents/ food supplies. If you have facebook there are photos of me with my pack on... thank goodness for christmas presents! Thanks mum and dad =)
we only hiked about 5/6 Km that day because we got a bit lost trying to find the path we were ment to start on. That night we camped out at Yabberup hut- literally a shack in the middle of the path with a long drop toilet- which was a bit of a luxury compared to just the bush floor! Anyway we pitched our tents and did Warriuka Time- small group time. We had typicall first night camp food of spag boll that had been defrosting in our packs most of the day. So yummy and we were all starving. Went to bed and woke up about 2am to here about 20 kangeroos just sitting outside my tent... was so cool, you could here the 'BOINK' in their steps and i was so tempted to stick my head out but thought i wouldn't jut incase i would get eaten! lol.
Tuesday got up at 6.30 packed up tents and got ready for the day. I was told I had to hike on my own back to the car to drive it to a certain point on the map to meet them after their walk. It was one of those things that i really didn't want to do but surprised myself in doing it. I had to hike about 2 KM on my own through the bush with map compass and my pack... it was such a good feeling when i could make out the car through the trees. I got to the car but i was packed off road and the only way of getting it out was to go over this ditch. No problem with a 4x4- but i different story with a trailer attached to the back! I did thry to do it but the trailer came off! it didnt get stuck though which was good so i just had to put it back on. Ha funny story i think i will remember in a few years time. I then met the others as they finished their hike and left the car with the other leader to take down to the dam. I walked with the group to Wellington Dam where we had dropped the canoes and lunch off on monday morning. We set up lunch and i practised my briefing of the PFD (personal floatation device) and the paddles. Was good practise. We then canoed with all our packs to Potter Gorge where we set up camp. I had a go on the Ski Kayak which was really good fun because i am leading the flat water rafting on the next camp on a sea kayak so it was good practice. I am finding i really like kayaking... perhaps a new found sport i can carry on in england?
Wednesday was a bit of a rest day. I had organised this thing called adventure journey- team challenges to get the groups working and problem solving together. Then in the afternoon we drove to a different camp site in geographe bay with the luxury of toilets- showers- beds and a roof over our heads... it was sooo good to have a building! In the afternoon we all went down to the beach for a few games which i ran and a free swim. Although that didn't last long because the waters were swarming with stingers. not good.
Thursday was i think the best day i have had here yet. In the morning we drove to Giants Cave which last time i did i found such a challenge and really hard for me. This time i really enjoyed it and discovered i overcame my fear. That was awesome. Then we had lunch on the run whilst travelling to Williabrup- a stretch of coast with some awesome cliffs to absail and rock climb. We rigged up a few ropes and off we went. Ross is and trained absail instructor so was really good to have him. Brian and I took turns to do the rock climbing. We had to hook them up then lower them down when they had finished. It was alot easier than it sounds. I managed to get a go on the 15 meter absail which was soo good. I got to the bottom and felt like i wanted to do more. So we rigged up some ropes on the 30 meter one and i went down that one. I would quite happily do a 60 or even 80 meter so i suggested it to ross and we are going to do a training day with some in. cannot wait for that one!
Friday was just a pack up day- said good bye to the students which is always a bit sad but all good things have to come to an end! Got back to normal life fri eve and was really weird going from such a tight community of people to a house where people do there own thing. I do really love being on camp and having the sense of belonging to i group I always come back on such a high.
So i last wrote on here after the rafting camp. So the week after that I went to Darlington to spend some time with my friend Trina and here cousins. They have such a lovely house and it over looks the city of perth from the hills. It was really nice to be in a family home that i have connections with and I was saying to mum that i was really nice talking to Trina about people we both new from school or just general chatter. Monday we went into the Midlands shopping mall, in the evening we went out to darlington national park to look for Kangeroos... surely enough there were loads just chilling out in the feilds. Tuesday we got up quite early and went to Fremantle. It is a toristy town because it is where the first aberiginales landed their boats, so there are a few 'historic' buildings! Its werid how the history of Australia only goes back to about 100 years ago. Everything is very new here and there are new suburbs popping up everywhere. Whenever Eleanor and i go in the car somewhere she says she remembers when that plot of land was just sandues!! it is amazing how fast this country is growing. Don't blame them i spose, there is heaps of land. Anyway so we spent the moring in fremantle, went to Little creatures for lunch. Then got the bust to Rockingham (further south) because trina had said the beach there was amazing- I didnt think the beaches could get much better, but i was wrong! it was incredible. White sand, blue clear water, really sunny. ahh wooooowwwww...
I got the train back to Wanneroo (Andy and Eleanors) for the evening ready to get an early night and head for work in the morning.
Wednesday was quite a good day at work. I got a text the night before saying we were going Canoe and Kayak training and had to meet at the office for 7.30am! I found the Kayaking quite difficult because the swan river was really rough and the wind was quite bad that day. After all that I had to drive the 4x4 uite and the canoe trailer back to the office... we took a wrong turning and i had to reverse the car and trailer up a steap hill and round a bend.... at first i got out the car and was convinced i could do it but the leaders talked me into it and said it would be a 'good learning experience' i was determined to prove them wrong but i actually surprised myself and did it easy! I have found that with alot of things actually that i am more capable than i think i am.
Thursday was quite a stressful day because i was trying to get things done for the camp last week but also prepare for the camps the following weeks too. I kept getting tasks to do from people and got quite stressed out. Not the best day really. Friday was ok as well. We had Geoff Westlake come into talk to us about small group and warriuka times again which was really awesome and helpful. I always come away from those meetings feeling so full of ideas. We had to pack up the trailer and car ready for monday in the afternoon.
Saturday was quite a quiet day. Was just at home in the morning catching up on sleep and rest, then went to Fremantle in the afternoon with Brian and Emily. Sunday did some baking with Eleanor then went to St Matts Uni church in the evening. Feel like i have really made some friend there and its so nice to go there and meet new people. The age of most of the students range from 18 ish to about late 20s so all sort of my age or older which is really cool.
Monday was first day of camp... always an unexpectant day because the week is often determined on how good the kids are so meeting them is always a bit nerve racking! Basically the camp was made up for 3 warriuka staff (me Brian and Ross) the Chaplin from the school and one other teacher. there were only 14 students this time because it was for the school council team. And the aim of the camp ws to get them to work together and bond as a team. For this we didnt have small groups within the group because then they could always be working and sharing ideas together. It was really nice not to be responsible for a certain amount of students (just me) so we all were dong everything together. The kids were all really nice and everyone got on so well. Had loads of little jokes and phrases by the end of the week- something which i will remember for ages!
So on the monday after meeting all the students and teachers we set of the hike. We were on the Bibbulum track, which is basically a path through thick bushland. The pathway wasn't always that clear so it was difficult trying to work out where to go... but luckly we had a map and a compass and there were occational markings on trees to say where to go. So we all set of with out packs/sleeping mats/tents/ food supplies. If you have facebook there are photos of me with my pack on... thank goodness for christmas presents! Thanks mum and dad =)
we only hiked about 5/6 Km that day because we got a bit lost trying to find the path we were ment to start on. That night we camped out at Yabberup hut- literally a shack in the middle of the path with a long drop toilet- which was a bit of a luxury compared to just the bush floor! Anyway we pitched our tents and did Warriuka Time- small group time. We had typicall first night camp food of spag boll that had been defrosting in our packs most of the day. So yummy and we were all starving. Went to bed and woke up about 2am to here about 20 kangeroos just sitting outside my tent... was so cool, you could here the 'BOINK' in their steps and i was so tempted to stick my head out but thought i wouldn't jut incase i would get eaten! lol.
Tuesday got up at 6.30 packed up tents and got ready for the day. I was told I had to hike on my own back to the car to drive it to a certain point on the map to meet them after their walk. It was one of those things that i really didn't want to do but surprised myself in doing it. I had to hike about 2 KM on my own through the bush with map compass and my pack... it was such a good feeling when i could make out the car through the trees. I got to the car but i was packed off road and the only way of getting it out was to go over this ditch. No problem with a 4x4- but i different story with a trailer attached to the back! I did thry to do it but the trailer came off! it didnt get stuck though which was good so i just had to put it back on. Ha funny story i think i will remember in a few years time. I then met the others as they finished their hike and left the car with the other leader to take down to the dam. I walked with the group to Wellington Dam where we had dropped the canoes and lunch off on monday morning. We set up lunch and i practised my briefing of the PFD (personal floatation device) and the paddles. Was good practise. We then canoed with all our packs to Potter Gorge where we set up camp. I had a go on the Ski Kayak which was really good fun because i am leading the flat water rafting on the next camp on a sea kayak so it was good practice. I am finding i really like kayaking... perhaps a new found sport i can carry on in england?
Wednesday was a bit of a rest day. I had organised this thing called adventure journey- team challenges to get the groups working and problem solving together. Then in the afternoon we drove to a different camp site in geographe bay with the luxury of toilets- showers- beds and a roof over our heads... it was sooo good to have a building! In the afternoon we all went down to the beach for a few games which i ran and a free swim. Although that didn't last long because the waters were swarming with stingers. not good.
Thursday was i think the best day i have had here yet. In the morning we drove to Giants Cave which last time i did i found such a challenge and really hard for me. This time i really enjoyed it and discovered i overcame my fear. That was awesome. Then we had lunch on the run whilst travelling to Williabrup- a stretch of coast with some awesome cliffs to absail and rock climb. We rigged up a few ropes and off we went. Ross is and trained absail instructor so was really good to have him. Brian and I took turns to do the rock climbing. We had to hook them up then lower them down when they had finished. It was alot easier than it sounds. I managed to get a go on the 15 meter absail which was soo good. I got to the bottom and felt like i wanted to do more. So we rigged up some ropes on the 30 meter one and i went down that one. I would quite happily do a 60 or even 80 meter so i suggested it to ross and we are going to do a training day with some in. cannot wait for that one!
Friday was just a pack up day- said good bye to the students which is always a bit sad but all good things have to come to an end! Got back to normal life fri eve and was really weird going from such a tight community of people to a house where people do there own thing. I do really love being on camp and having the sense of belonging to i group I always come back on such a high.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Rafting camp
Hello all!
Sorry I haven’t been able to write on here in a while, I have had so much on!
On 13th Feb I moved into emily’s host family house for a couple of weeks. It was so nice to be in a really homey home and really good to live with emily too!
I just finished my second camp yesterday (fri 5th march) and I feel so exhausted. It was so much fun though and I got so much out of it! It is really amazing how much i have learnt in just over a month now. The camp was a rafting camp down the blackwood river 5 hours south of perth city. The weather was so different there, much cooler and alot windier which was actually quite nice to not be so hot all the time. The camp was with 6 Warriuka leaders (me included) 4 teachers from the school and about 40 year 9 students. I was given a group of 7 students, I think they were the ‘cool kids’ a bit because the were a little bit loud and dominant. My team was the only one without a teacher on the raft which was hard at first but by the end i found the students to be so much more relaxed.
So the basic outline for the camp was to build our rafts out of 4 blow up boats and 6 long poles. There was an upside down table in the middle where they had to put all their gear, so tents sleeping mats and bags. My teams raft was pretty sturdy but other rafts had a few sinking problems... luckily none of their gear got wet apart form a couple of sleeping bags!
Each day the idea was to raft down the river a certain distance to the next campsite or felid we were in. First day we travelled 5.5 Km, second it was 4km third day it was 3km. In the evening we would set up tents... dig toilets... and cook dinner on a stove, then have something called ‘Warriuka time’ which i had to plan for each day, and with you and your group you would sit down for 45 mins, debrief the day, read a bible passage or a story and chat about issues in the passage. There is alot of freedom you can give with warriuka time and each leader does it differently. There were some really awesome discussions in my group and I was really inspired by what the kids were saying. For example one of them was describing how hard it is to get to heaven yet the easy way leads to hell. He had a picture which was so detailed and i think it really inspired other people in the group to share ideas. I always came away from the warriuka time on a high because it is so amazing to see year 9s talk about christianity and get excited about it! SO AWESOME!
We had a game or activity after dinner. Then it was bed ready to pack up and raft onto the next site the next day.
I got a chance on wednesday morning to take the motor boat out and keep the rafts together which was heaps fun... went really fast!
This weekend I moved back into live with Elenor and Andy for these next couple of weeks then at the end of march before a camp I am moving to greenwood which is alot more central to things. Emaily Brain and I went to a comedy club last night which was really good and then this morning i have been sortying out some of my stuff out of suitcases. I went to lunch with some people from Andy and Elenors church and they lived in cambridge down mill road till they moved out to work here. Tonight im going to st Matts Uni church then tomorrow im going to spend a couple of days with my friend Trina from Milton because she is staying with her Aunties in Darlington (not far from here)
Must dash as im skypeing mum dad and ella soon!
Sorry I haven’t been able to write on here in a while, I have had so much on!
On 13th Feb I moved into emily’s host family house for a couple of weeks. It was so nice to be in a really homey home and really good to live with emily too!
I just finished my second camp yesterday (fri 5th march) and I feel so exhausted. It was so much fun though and I got so much out of it! It is really amazing how much i have learnt in just over a month now. The camp was a rafting camp down the blackwood river 5 hours south of perth city. The weather was so different there, much cooler and alot windier which was actually quite nice to not be so hot all the time. The camp was with 6 Warriuka leaders (me included) 4 teachers from the school and about 40 year 9 students. I was given a group of 7 students, I think they were the ‘cool kids’ a bit because the were a little bit loud and dominant. My team was the only one without a teacher on the raft which was hard at first but by the end i found the students to be so much more relaxed.
So the basic outline for the camp was to build our rafts out of 4 blow up boats and 6 long poles. There was an upside down table in the middle where they had to put all their gear, so tents sleeping mats and bags. My teams raft was pretty sturdy but other rafts had a few sinking problems... luckily none of their gear got wet apart form a couple of sleeping bags!
Each day the idea was to raft down the river a certain distance to the next campsite or felid we were in. First day we travelled 5.5 Km, second it was 4km third day it was 3km. In the evening we would set up tents... dig toilets... and cook dinner on a stove, then have something called ‘Warriuka time’ which i had to plan for each day, and with you and your group you would sit down for 45 mins, debrief the day, read a bible passage or a story and chat about issues in the passage. There is alot of freedom you can give with warriuka time and each leader does it differently. There were some really awesome discussions in my group and I was really inspired by what the kids were saying. For example one of them was describing how hard it is to get to heaven yet the easy way leads to hell. He had a picture which was so detailed and i think it really inspired other people in the group to share ideas. I always came away from the warriuka time on a high because it is so amazing to see year 9s talk about christianity and get excited about it! SO AWESOME!
We had a game or activity after dinner. Then it was bed ready to pack up and raft onto the next site the next day.
I got a chance on wednesday morning to take the motor boat out and keep the rafts together which was heaps fun... went really fast!
This weekend I moved back into live with Elenor and Andy for these next couple of weeks then at the end of march before a camp I am moving to greenwood which is alot more central to things. Emaily Brain and I went to a comedy club last night which was really good and then this morning i have been sortying out some of my stuff out of suitcases. I went to lunch with some people from Andy and Elenors church and they lived in cambridge down mill road till they moved out to work here. Tonight im going to st Matts Uni church then tomorrow im going to spend a couple of days with my friend Trina from Milton because she is staying with her Aunties in Darlington (not far from here)
Must dash as im skypeing mum dad and ella soon!
Monday, 22 February 2010
First week of camp
Well good evening all... it has been a long while since i've been able to catch up on emails facebook and this! But its so nice to feel in touch again.
I got back from my first camp with a school on friday. We were in Geographe Bay, such a beautiful place south of perth. It was about 4 hour drive, which isn't that far out here cause EVERYTHING is miles away! i was quite scared and not sure at the beginning of the week, but as i got into it and got to know the kids i was working with it was soo much fun. And the Warriuka team i was with as well made it really easy for me to settle in. We played so many silly games and pranks. Sounds strange but i really felt at home on camp because it was so nice to belong to a really tight community.
The most challenging part for me for the whole week was caving. I have never really enjoyed tight spaces or going underground in the dark but i had to lead my group, so me 10 years 7s and the teaching assistant. It was insane and I really cant believe I kept so calm cause inside it was like AHRRAHHHH!!! But once we all made it out of the cave, it was so rewarding and as a team we felt so tight. It was AWESOME as they would say!
Another difficult part was driving there and back. I knew we were taking two four by four cars and one trailor between six of us with all the gear. But i was unfortunately in the car with the trailer, and i had to dive it! It was such a good experience and i would love to do it again, but at the time i wasn't so sure! Never now perhaps one day Dad will let me drive our caravan?! Hint hint dad =D
I am about to go to bed now but its too hot!
Ah today was a really hard working day. I was given the lovely task of packing down and rolling up all 47 tents we used last week! I did them all and had a little celebratory dance when i had finished! I had the worst dirt tan ever. you could see where my shorts were on my leg and my tee shirt. My hand were black and i felt disgusting! Pretty awesome shower when i got back tho.
I got internet this week on my laptop because i am staying with emilys host family before my next camp on tuesday 2nd.
This next camp is a rafting one where we have to build rafts in the school teams (ill be leading a group again) and sail them to each camp site each day. Most days we are covering 5 K... the camp sites have no showers... possibly toilets if we're lucky, if not a whole in the ground! looking forward to my dirt tan after that camp! should be good fun tho.
Emily myself and Brian, the three interns from england. Have been looking at loads of different churches. most weekends getting to two possibly three in two days! We have been to some really good ones that are too difficult to get to. We have also been to a couple in the centre, the 'well known ones' which we have all found hard actually. They are really studenty/ young adults and are a bit like soul survivor style but we found a couple of them just to not be right atall. It has been interesting actually seeing the difference between some.
However we went to the University of Western Australia Church (St Mats UWA church) on sunday night and it was so refreshing. The message was clear and the worship was really good. We had communion too which emily and i both loved because we hadn't had it in australia yet. UWA church is held in a lecture hall. It was the opening night for the students on sunday because their semester starts this week. So it was a good time for us to go. Also I had met quite a few people through various Scripture Union things befire and they all went to the church. A couple i met on the bronze medallion course were the youth ministers there, and two Warriuka people i was on camp with last week were there. Im going to the tuesday HUB groups (small group for all the students- so im guessing not actually that small!) tomorrow! Can't wait.
Oh i need sleep... im going to try write on here more this week before camp.
I got back from my first camp with a school on friday. We were in Geographe Bay, such a beautiful place south of perth. It was about 4 hour drive, which isn't that far out here cause EVERYTHING is miles away! i was quite scared and not sure at the beginning of the week, but as i got into it and got to know the kids i was working with it was soo much fun. And the Warriuka team i was with as well made it really easy for me to settle in. We played so many silly games and pranks. Sounds strange but i really felt at home on camp because it was so nice to belong to a really tight community.
The most challenging part for me for the whole week was caving. I have never really enjoyed tight spaces or going underground in the dark but i had to lead my group, so me 10 years 7s and the teaching assistant. It was insane and I really cant believe I kept so calm cause inside it was like AHRRAHHHH!!! But once we all made it out of the cave, it was so rewarding and as a team we felt so tight. It was AWESOME as they would say!
Another difficult part was driving there and back. I knew we were taking two four by four cars and one trailor between six of us with all the gear. But i was unfortunately in the car with the trailer, and i had to dive it! It was such a good experience and i would love to do it again, but at the time i wasn't so sure! Never now perhaps one day Dad will let me drive our caravan?! Hint hint dad =D
I am about to go to bed now but its too hot!
Ah today was a really hard working day. I was given the lovely task of packing down and rolling up all 47 tents we used last week! I did them all and had a little celebratory dance when i had finished! I had the worst dirt tan ever. you could see where my shorts were on my leg and my tee shirt. My hand were black and i felt disgusting! Pretty awesome shower when i got back tho.
I got internet this week on my laptop because i am staying with emilys host family before my next camp on tuesday 2nd.
This next camp is a rafting one where we have to build rafts in the school teams (ill be leading a group again) and sail them to each camp site each day. Most days we are covering 5 K... the camp sites have no showers... possibly toilets if we're lucky, if not a whole in the ground! looking forward to my dirt tan after that camp! should be good fun tho.
Emily myself and Brian, the three interns from england. Have been looking at loads of different churches. most weekends getting to two possibly three in two days! We have been to some really good ones that are too difficult to get to. We have also been to a couple in the centre, the 'well known ones' which we have all found hard actually. They are really studenty/ young adults and are a bit like soul survivor style but we found a couple of them just to not be right atall. It has been interesting actually seeing the difference between some.
However we went to the University of Western Australia Church (St Mats UWA church) on sunday night and it was so refreshing. The message was clear and the worship was really good. We had communion too which emily and i both loved because we hadn't had it in australia yet. UWA church is held in a lecture hall. It was the opening night for the students on sunday because their semester starts this week. So it was a good time for us to go. Also I had met quite a few people through various Scripture Union things befire and they all went to the church. A couple i met on the bronze medallion course were the youth ministers there, and two Warriuka people i was on camp with last week were there. Im going to the tuesday HUB groups (small group for all the students- so im guessing not actually that small!) tomorrow! Can't wait.
Oh i need sleep... im going to try write on here more this week before camp.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Crazy week!
Hello to whoever is following this blog!
Been another busy week of preparations training and stressing about lots of stuff to get done before my first camp next week- mon till fri.
Monday and Tuesday just gone I went to a first Aid course in central Perth which was so good. really enjoyed it because I had always wanted to do one because Mum and Ella (both nurses) had inspired me to from when ella started her course. The lady who ran it from St johns ambulance service was so passionate about what she was talking about and it was so infectious. Its such an important skill to learn basic first aid because you never know when you may need it, and there is nothing more rewarding than helping perserving someones life. So I now have Bronze Medallion and First Aid up my sleave!
Wednesday, today and tomorrow we have been preparing ourselves for the camp on monday with a Catholic Primary school from outside of Perth. Its going to be so much fun but So much hard work. The four main activities we are doing are rafting, Caving, Beach olymipics this massive wide game, and a lighthouse walk. We are staying in cabins for the first 3 nights then the last night is a camp out, so we will be pitching tents and cooking round a camp fire. There is also a small gruop time at the end of each day called 'Warriuka time' where each group leader (i am one of them) has to plan a debrief of the day- link what ever we were doing to a topic then depending on the school and christian backgroud you link it to the bible and christian methods. So Caving would be linked to fear, then you could link fear to trusting in god, and jesus being the light of the world. We are trying to bring a fresh perspective of what christianity is to these children so making it exciting and passionate needs to come out through our planned sessions.
This avo (used avo especially for antonia!)we had a planning warriuka time talk by this famous speaker called Geoff Westlake. he was so helpful and made things so much clearer for me.
Tomorrow we are packing the rafts and the 4wd and trailors ready for monday 7 am start!! (aparently that is not too bad!)
Really looking forward to this weekend bevause im going to stay with emily and me her and brain are going to two different churches in perth- The two massive ones that hold like 700 people in the audience! I think they are all Hillsong influenced/ lead. sat eve is Riverview and Sun morn is Victory Life. Hopefully be able to meet more people our age there!
After the camp next week I am mving into emilys house for two weeks (south perth) then after that i have another camp. Then after that camp I am moving back into the people who i was living with in the first 5 days. I am moving around quite alot this month so it will be so nice to feel settled after this month has past.
Hopefully I will be able to write on here before camp on monday. If I dont get round to it I will post how camp went next weekend. =)
Hope everthing in england is good for you all x
Been another busy week of preparations training and stressing about lots of stuff to get done before my first camp next week- mon till fri.
Monday and Tuesday just gone I went to a first Aid course in central Perth which was so good. really enjoyed it because I had always wanted to do one because Mum and Ella (both nurses) had inspired me to from when ella started her course. The lady who ran it from St johns ambulance service was so passionate about what she was talking about and it was so infectious. Its such an important skill to learn basic first aid because you never know when you may need it, and there is nothing more rewarding than helping perserving someones life. So I now have Bronze Medallion and First Aid up my sleave!
Wednesday, today and tomorrow we have been preparing ourselves for the camp on monday with a Catholic Primary school from outside of Perth. Its going to be so much fun but So much hard work. The four main activities we are doing are rafting, Caving, Beach olymipics this massive wide game, and a lighthouse walk. We are staying in cabins for the first 3 nights then the last night is a camp out, so we will be pitching tents and cooking round a camp fire. There is also a small gruop time at the end of each day called 'Warriuka time' where each group leader (i am one of them) has to plan a debrief of the day- link what ever we were doing to a topic then depending on the school and christian backgroud you link it to the bible and christian methods. So Caving would be linked to fear, then you could link fear to trusting in god, and jesus being the light of the world. We are trying to bring a fresh perspective of what christianity is to these children so making it exciting and passionate needs to come out through our planned sessions.
This avo (used avo especially for antonia!)we had a planning warriuka time talk by this famous speaker called Geoff Westlake. he was so helpful and made things so much clearer for me.
Tomorrow we are packing the rafts and the 4wd and trailors ready for monday 7 am start!! (aparently that is not too bad!)
Really looking forward to this weekend bevause im going to stay with emily and me her and brain are going to two different churches in perth- The two massive ones that hold like 700 people in the audience! I think they are all Hillsong influenced/ lead. sat eve is Riverview and Sun morn is Victory Life. Hopefully be able to meet more people our age there!
After the camp next week I am mving into emilys house for two weeks (south perth) then after that i have another camp. Then after that camp I am moving back into the people who i was living with in the first 5 days. I am moving around quite alot this month so it will be so nice to feel settled after this month has past.
Hopefully I will be able to write on here before camp on monday. If I dont get round to it I will post how camp went next weekend. =)
Hope everthing in england is good for you all x
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
What a weekend!
Ah I had a really nice weekend... again! Weekends are so much fun here because everyone just goes down to the beach or heads into town. There is always something that is going on.
Saturday morning I wrote a few letters and postcards to home, then Eleanor (the lady who is was living with last week) picked me up about 1 and we went to meet Linder (her daughter) and had a hot dog! We went for a walk on witfords beach in the afternoon, then she took me to meet Emily and Brian at Hillarys Boat Harbour. us three walked around the shops a bit- had to by a couple of things for my camp next week. Including something called a rashie... it is something which surfers and people who swim outdoors alot use to keep the sun off and to keep them a bit warmer in the sea. We then met up with a friend of a friend emily knows through someone from her church back home (very tenuous link) but she bought us fish and chips and mothered us all a bit which I have to say was really lovely. Emily and I stayed at her house and she really made us feel at home, she made us hot chocolate and everything! BRILLIANT!
We then went to church with her on sunday morning which was lovely.
I just finished a first aid course... sitting in Mc donalds writing this... free wi-fi on my laptop!
Need to check emails and facebook.
will write again this week hopefully before my first camp on monday till friday!
Saturday morning I wrote a few letters and postcards to home, then Eleanor (the lady who is was living with last week) picked me up about 1 and we went to meet Linder (her daughter) and had a hot dog! We went for a walk on witfords beach in the afternoon, then she took me to meet Emily and Brian at Hillarys Boat Harbour. us three walked around the shops a bit- had to by a couple of things for my camp next week. Including something called a rashie... it is something which surfers and people who swim outdoors alot use to keep the sun off and to keep them a bit warmer in the sea. We then met up with a friend of a friend emily knows through someone from her church back home (very tenuous link) but she bought us fish and chips and mothered us all a bit which I have to say was really lovely. Emily and I stayed at her house and she really made us feel at home, she made us hot chocolate and everything! BRILLIANT!
We then went to church with her on sunday morning which was lovely.
I just finished a first aid course... sitting in Mc donalds writing this... free wi-fi on my laptop!
Need to check emails and facebook.
will write again this week hopefully before my first camp on monday till friday!
Sunday, 31 January 2010
What a weekend!
Hello, I just posted everythingthat i have written up so far. Internet is difficult.
Had such an Amazing weekend! I'll briefly tell you because I need sleep soon!
Friday evening had dinner on the beach then went to see a really western australian film at the cinema. Was so nice to so somewhere with air con! It was about 35 degrees on Friday, but only about 30 today... sound hot but after these last few days it is much cooler!
Saturday managed to meet up with the other interns from england- Emily and Brian. We went to investigate Perth centre. We went down to the bell tower at the river and visitied Kings Park! such a beautiful place! Sat evening went to a youth group in this really awesome church, like soul survivor watford. Massive stages, really nice cafe. Hopefully going there next sunday morning.
Me and Eleanor the host i am staying with went to St Peters Chruch this morning. Was really nice, the youth are a bit younger than me and there is a big age gap between them and the adults. I think there is a cafe church where people my ages goes to next sunday.
Went for a really lovely walk along Hillarys Boat Harbour this avo. With Eleanor and Brian.
This week is quite busy. Tomorrow and tuesday I am going on the Scripture Union Western Australia Satff Conference (about an hour north of Wanneroo) where i am now. That will be team building- games and stuff. Then Wednesday I am moving into a new house not as far away from everything as the one i am in now. Thursday I will be in the office preparing for the school clubs starting soon because the kids go back to school tomorrow after thier summer holiday. Friday and Saturday I have swimming training and lifeguard training at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Cannot wait for that, but we need to be able to swim 400 metres in 15 mins to pass the bronze.
Then Week after that I have start the Warriuka training- for like white water rafting canoeing etc. Which again, i cannot wait for! so so good. and really enjoying myself =)
Hope everyhthing is well in Cambridge/ England
Sleep now !!
Had such an Amazing weekend! I'll briefly tell you because I need sleep soon!
Friday evening had dinner on the beach then went to see a really western australian film at the cinema. Was so nice to so somewhere with air con! It was about 35 degrees on Friday, but only about 30 today... sound hot but after these last few days it is much cooler!
Saturday managed to meet up with the other interns from england- Emily and Brian. We went to investigate Perth centre. We went down to the bell tower at the river and visitied Kings Park! such a beautiful place! Sat evening went to a youth group in this really awesome church, like soul survivor watford. Massive stages, really nice cafe. Hopefully going there next sunday morning.
Me and Eleanor the host i am staying with went to St Peters Chruch this morning. Was really nice, the youth are a bit younger than me and there is a big age gap between them and the adults. I think there is a cafe church where people my ages goes to next sunday.
Went for a really lovely walk along Hillarys Boat Harbour this avo. With Eleanor and Brian.
This week is quite busy. Tomorrow and tuesday I am going on the Scripture Union Western Australia Satff Conference (about an hour north of Wanneroo) where i am now. That will be team building- games and stuff. Then Wednesday I am moving into a new house not as far away from everything as the one i am in now. Thursday I will be in the office preparing for the school clubs starting soon because the kids go back to school tomorrow after thier summer holiday. Friday and Saturday I have swimming training and lifeguard training at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Cannot wait for that, but we need to be able to swim 400 metres in 15 mins to pass the bronze.
Then Week after that I have start the Warriuka training- for like white water rafting canoeing etc. Which again, i cannot wait for! so so good. and really enjoying myself =)
Hope everyhthing is well in Cambridge/ England
Sleep now !!
First day
Kent said not to worry too much about what time to make it in to the office because I had had a long day and need to get as much sleep as possible.
The buses in Waneroo are not as frequent as the C7 (cambridge bus) unfortunately. They are about every half hour at peak times. Then every hour during the day. So I got the bus about 11. It is quite a walk from the stop to the office, I started to walk but Amber pulled up on the ʻsidewalkʼ and picked me up which I was grateful for because it was so so hot!
Eleanor said it was 35 degrees today, which apparently isnʼt that hot! (I just laughed!)My first day at SU was nice and relaxing. I had a meeting with Kent where he was telling me what sort of things I will be doing in the next month... it sounds SO good, and really fun! Iʼll tell you briefly what im doing but I will probably post things once I have actually done them.
Monday and Tuesday (1st and 2nd Feb) there is the SU staff training for everyone in
SUWA (Scripture Union Western Australia) so Im hoping I will get to see Brian and Emily there (the other two interns from England and Ireland who I met at the SU training weekend in Oxford in October).
Im moving in to Jan and Laurie Duffys house on the Wednesday so prayer for that would
be really helpful.
Friday and Saturday (5th and 6th Feb) I have a swimming training/ Lifeguard training thing!
I think it is for them just to see how I can swim and get some Lifeguard training too... which I have always wanted to do!
8th and 9th of Feb I have some Warriuka Training (I think I explained Warriuka above)
basically adventure camps for young high school children.
Week beginning 15th Feb I am starting helping at the SUPA clubs in local primary schools.
When I say Local theyʼre not down the road, Perth is very spread out, so SU have a few
cars which I can use to get to these. Hopefully I will be fine driving on the roads, most roads have two lanes at least and cars seem to dodge in and out quite a lot! But Iʼm sure itʼll be fine.
Week of the 1st March I have a ʻFoundation Warriuka Campʼ. Im not sure if that is me
being a small leader at one or training for part of it.
11th and 12th March I have more Warriuka Training which is going to get more fun
because I think itʼll be learning all the crazy out door sports like Absailing, Rock climbing,Canoeing etc!
Then this does have question marks next to it- ʻWarriuka overnight Hikeʼ I think (and hope) the team will see how I get on with the training and go from there.
I still havenʼt managed to get internet so I will post everything I am writing all in one go.
Anyway I think I need some more sleep!
Missing England.
The buses in Waneroo are not as frequent as the C7 (cambridge bus) unfortunately. They are about every half hour at peak times. Then every hour during the day. So I got the bus about 11. It is quite a walk from the stop to the office, I started to walk but Amber pulled up on the ʻsidewalkʼ and picked me up which I was grateful for because it was so so hot!
Eleanor said it was 35 degrees today, which apparently isnʼt that hot! (I just laughed!)My first day at SU was nice and relaxing. I had a meeting with Kent where he was telling me what sort of things I will be doing in the next month... it sounds SO good, and really fun! Iʼll tell you briefly what im doing but I will probably post things once I have actually done them.
Monday and Tuesday (1st and 2nd Feb) there is the SU staff training for everyone in
SUWA (Scripture Union Western Australia) so Im hoping I will get to see Brian and Emily there (the other two interns from England and Ireland who I met at the SU training weekend in Oxford in October).
Im moving in to Jan and Laurie Duffys house on the Wednesday so prayer for that would
be really helpful.
Friday and Saturday (5th and 6th Feb) I have a swimming training/ Lifeguard training thing!
I think it is for them just to see how I can swim and get some Lifeguard training too... which I have always wanted to do!
8th and 9th of Feb I have some Warriuka Training (I think I explained Warriuka above)
basically adventure camps for young high school children.
Week beginning 15th Feb I am starting helping at the SUPA clubs in local primary schools.
When I say Local theyʼre not down the road, Perth is very spread out, so SU have a few
cars which I can use to get to these. Hopefully I will be fine driving on the roads, most roads have two lanes at least and cars seem to dodge in and out quite a lot! But Iʼm sure itʼll be fine.
Week of the 1st March I have a ʻFoundation Warriuka Campʼ. Im not sure if that is me
being a small leader at one or training for part of it.
11th and 12th March I have more Warriuka Training which is going to get more fun
because I think itʼll be learning all the crazy out door sports like Absailing, Rock climbing,Canoeing etc!
Then this does have question marks next to it- ʻWarriuka overnight Hikeʼ I think (and hope) the team will see how I get on with the training and go from there.
I still havenʼt managed to get internet so I will post everything I am writing all in one go.
Anyway I think I need some more sleep!
Missing England.
Arrival day!
What a day/ two days it has been! Firstly Iʼd like to say I am here, and safe!
Me, Mum, Dad and Ella got to heathrow airport 2 mins (6.50 AM) before the check in desk opened- which was an answer to prayer because we thought we would be stuck in traffic on the M25. We said our goodbyes around half seven eightish. It was so difficult saying goodbye as Iʼm sure you can imagine. Normally I would say to Mum and Dad ʻsee you after workʼ, or tomorrow. But this was like ʻsee you in six months!ʼ Donʼt think it really hit me I was actually going until I let go of Mums hand and walked through the barrier.
It was a really tough journey because it was so long and I am not the best flightier
especially on my own. It was 12 hours from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur, which was
alright because I had a good seat and there was a spare seat between me and this other women (who was really lovely) so we both spread ourselves out a bit!
Kuala Lumpur to Perth was only 5 hours but I was a bit ill at KL airport, so I didnʼt really want to eat anything on the plane, and I was sitting on a row with 3 other kids on!
After going through customs at Perth Airport (took agggeeessss!!) I collected my baggageand Mum donʼt worry, yes I did use a trolley thing, I had three heavy bags. I then got ushered through quarantine (I think where they check your bags for crazy foods being brought into the country). Then straight out into the arrivals, which was much more of a happier place than Heathrow departures! Everyone was wearing shorts and tee-shirt. I
was still in my long sleeves and thick tracksuit bottoms- big mistake for not changing because it was so so hot!
As soon as i walked through these three friendly faces all yelled ʻHi Martha!ʼ It was so nice someone knowing my name and who I was and all been so welcoming, especially after such a long time on my own and only smiling at strangers! It was a really nice welcome.
Kent Morgan (my SU supervisor) Amber Flynn and Sheryn Binks (both from the SU
schools dept) all came to welcome me. They bought me a little welcome present too which was so nice of them!
They all took me back to the office to show me around and introduce me to people. Amber and I then drove to Waneroo to the temporary Billets for this first five nights (whilst my normal billets are away till monday). For now I am living with Andy& Eleanor who are friends of Jan & Laurie (my normal Billets). Andy & Eleanor are both so lovely and welcoming. They have a really pretty house quite far from the SU office (takes about an hour each way on the bus) Andy works ʻout on the fieldsʼ helping endangered animals- he has so many stories its amazing. And Eleanor just doing two days a week of work not far
from here. They have two daughters both in their late 20s. One is married and the other lives here.
Last night (weds 27th) we all had dinner and Eleanor drove me to the bus top to show me how to get there in the morning which was so kind and helpful.
Got to bed about half nine, which is 1.30 PM in England. But I was so tired I just zonked out until half twelve when I woke up thinking it was morning, look outside and it was still dark.... my body clock is very confused! But for the first nights sleep I think it was ok. Lets see how I get on tonight!
I am writing this on Thursday 28th Jan. Andy & Eleanor have wireless but they are finding the password for it. So in the meantime I am writing this on pages, then Iʼll post it on the blog later.
Me, Mum, Dad and Ella got to heathrow airport 2 mins (6.50 AM) before the check in desk opened- which was an answer to prayer because we thought we would be stuck in traffic on the M25. We said our goodbyes around half seven eightish. It was so difficult saying goodbye as Iʼm sure you can imagine. Normally I would say to Mum and Dad ʻsee you after workʼ, or tomorrow. But this was like ʻsee you in six months!ʼ Donʼt think it really hit me I was actually going until I let go of Mums hand and walked through the barrier.
It was a really tough journey because it was so long and I am not the best flightier
especially on my own. It was 12 hours from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur, which was
alright because I had a good seat and there was a spare seat between me and this other women (who was really lovely) so we both spread ourselves out a bit!
Kuala Lumpur to Perth was only 5 hours but I was a bit ill at KL airport, so I didnʼt really want to eat anything on the plane, and I was sitting on a row with 3 other kids on!
After going through customs at Perth Airport (took agggeeessss!!) I collected my baggageand Mum donʼt worry, yes I did use a trolley thing, I had three heavy bags. I then got ushered through quarantine (I think where they check your bags for crazy foods being brought into the country). Then straight out into the arrivals, which was much more of a happier place than Heathrow departures! Everyone was wearing shorts and tee-shirt. I
was still in my long sleeves and thick tracksuit bottoms- big mistake for not changing because it was so so hot!
As soon as i walked through these three friendly faces all yelled ʻHi Martha!ʼ It was so nice someone knowing my name and who I was and all been so welcoming, especially after such a long time on my own and only smiling at strangers! It was a really nice welcome.
Kent Morgan (my SU supervisor) Amber Flynn and Sheryn Binks (both from the SU
schools dept) all came to welcome me. They bought me a little welcome present too which was so nice of them!
They all took me back to the office to show me around and introduce me to people. Amber and I then drove to Waneroo to the temporary Billets for this first five nights (whilst my normal billets are away till monday). For now I am living with Andy& Eleanor who are friends of Jan & Laurie (my normal Billets). Andy & Eleanor are both so lovely and welcoming. They have a really pretty house quite far from the SU office (takes about an hour each way on the bus) Andy works ʻout on the fieldsʼ helping endangered animals- he has so many stories its amazing. And Eleanor just doing two days a week of work not far
from here. They have two daughters both in their late 20s. One is married and the other lives here.
Last night (weds 27th) we all had dinner and Eleanor drove me to the bus top to show me how to get there in the morning which was so kind and helpful.
Got to bed about half nine, which is 1.30 PM in England. But I was so tired I just zonked out until half twelve when I woke up thinking it was morning, look outside and it was still dark.... my body clock is very confused! But for the first nights sleep I think it was ok. Lets see how I get on tonight!
I am writing this on Thursday 28th Jan. Andy & Eleanor have wireless but they are finding the password for it. So in the meantime I am writing this on pages, then Iʼll post it on the blog later.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Farewell England!
Well its the night before I go! Its so scary to think this time tomorrow I will be up in the air, almost landing in Kuala Lumpur actually.
It has been really nice this week doing things at home and getting organised before I go. Saying goodbye to friends has been hard but not really looking forward to tomorrow morning saying goodbye to Mum Dad and Ella. I am trying to think of it as the beginning of an exciting adventure, which it is I spose. Prayers for the morning would be greatly appreciated. And getting used to the time difference too.
Not sure when I will be able to write on here next. Hopefully some time at the end of the week or once I get there I can let you know I got there safe.
Farewell
It has been really nice this week doing things at home and getting organised before I go. Saying goodbye to friends has been hard but not really looking forward to tomorrow morning saying goodbye to Mum Dad and Ella. I am trying to think of it as the beginning of an exciting adventure, which it is I spose. Prayers for the morning would be greatly appreciated. And getting used to the time difference too.
Not sure when I will be able to write on here next. Hopefully some time at the end of the week or once I get there I can let you know I got there safe.
Farewell
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Remains of the snow in Histon
Only ten more days to go! Im getting really excited looking at Emily and Brian's facebook seeing what they are doing. I keep checking the weather in Perth too, it seems to be getting hotter and hotter... its meant to be 45 degrees on tuesday which is going to be a massive shock!
It is becoming very real now that life in Cambridge is coming to an end for me because I started to say goodbye to some friends last night. Saying "see you in six months" to people is very strange.
Last day at John Lewis on Monday though so Mum and I have been cramming in some last minuet purchases with our discount! Then for the rest of the week, I think it'll be time to start packing up my room.
I am still very anxious about flying alone, so prayer for that would be appreciated. And also they haven't found me a family to stay with yet. But I am not too worried about that.
Let the packing commence.
It is becoming very real now that life in Cambridge is coming to an end for me because I started to say goodbye to some friends last night. Saying "see you in six months" to people is very strange.
Last day at John Lewis on Monday though so Mum and I have been cramming in some last minuet purchases with our discount! Then for the rest of the week, I think it'll be time to start packing up my room.
I am still very anxious about flying alone, so prayer for that would be appreciated. And also they haven't found me a family to stay with yet. But I am not too worried about that.
Let the packing commence.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Before I go...
Hello all.
Thank you for taking the time out to read and catch up on my adventures. And thank you to those who helped me to raise money by buying my photography work back in september, it has mad such a difference.
The date im leaving is getting really close now (26th Jan). Its a really scary to think this time in one month i will in flip flops and shorts half way across the world!
For those of you who need brushing up on what i will be doing ill try explain now... I will be working with Scripture Union Western Australia (in Perth) for the whole six months i will be there for. (https://suwa.org.au/index.php) They are a Christian organisation that work mainly with children and young people across the world.
I am doing two of the three placements SUWA offer. 'Warriuka' Adventure camps (https://suwa.org.au/warriuka.php) - schools in the local area sign up for a week of fun basically! We teach kids to go white water rafting, flat water rafting, canoeing etc. There is also time in the evening for Bible studies and discussions.
The second placement which I will be combining with the Warriuka camps will be school work. (https://suwa.org.au/schools.php) So I will be going round schools in the area... which are all very far apart because Perth is SO spread out, but luckly SUWA have a car which we can drive. (not sure how ill get on with a four by four truck but we'll see!) We will be going around doing assemblies and after school clubs with mainly primary school children. There is a SUPA (Scripture Union Primary Age) club already set up which I will be getting invloved with and also a CHIC Programme, designed for girls to teach, challenge, and mentor students, and help them to develop new life skills.
I will be staying with a host family in Perth. I have not heard from anyone who exactly it is but I think I will find out when I get there perhaps on the Wendesday 27th.
I still have 3 more weeks in the UK so I hope to catch up and say goodbye to as many people as possible. If I do not get round to seeing you it'll be so nice to hear from you, just drop me and email mecglass@googlemail.com or a letter... post is alway so exciting when you go away! I will put my address up when I know where I will be. Prayers for the flight over would also be really helpful because I am worried about flying alone!
Thank you =)
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