Made it to Cairns

After leaving Madison around 5:30 PM on July 4th, I arrived in Cairns at 12:15 pm on July 6th (I am about 14 hours ahead of East coast time...I think).  The most interesting part of the flight was flying into LA around 9:30 pm.  During the twenty or so minute descent, there were fireworks going off all along the way.  Fireworks are definitely more spectacular seen from the ground but what made this show so spectacular is that we got to see ALL the fireworks going off in the LA area.  And it seemed like there were literally fireworks going off on every corner.  So that was a nice 4th of July surprise.  The 13 hour flight from LA to Brisbane was not too bad.  I got some sleep and got some food to keep my stomach from growling.  I chatted it up with a guy originally from France going to a coral reef conference.

I think the theme for this trip will already need to be flexibility, as my initial plans have already been changed somewhat.  The host family I am staying with for the first week picked me up at the airport and then dropped me off at a hostel for the first night instead of taking me to the farm!  The plan is that I will go with them today back to their house.  There is another wwoofer (willing worker on organic farms) already there who is from Florida.  Thankfully, I got a great night sleep at the hostel and some sweet time walking around Cairns this morning.  From the first glances, Cairns seems to be pretty much like any beach town.  I got to have some good coffee this morning and there God reminded me that He is in control of this trip.  So I continue to be excited about what He has in store. 

I did not get a chance to send out an e-mail with prayer requests prior to leaving.  So here are the things I am currently trusting God with and would love to have you praying for this as well:

1) Explore:  Open eyes and open ears to see and explore all the ways God is working in this place and in my heart and the hearts of those around me.  May he use conversations and circumstances to broaden my perspective and focus on Him.

2)  Respond:  That I would be able to respond to the needs and circumstances that come up in a way that shines for Him.

3)  Expect:  That I would be enabled to step into each situation with an expectancy that God is on the move and He wants to use me.

4)  Serve:  That He would use me to serve these people. May He help me take care of the people's musculoskeletal concerns and may by taking care of their body give me a chance to care for their spirit as well.

Thanks for reading.  I am not sure if I will be able to send updates while I am at the farm.  But I should be able to check e-mail, so please send me updates if you get a chance.  I would love to hear from you!  Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.