African return...

My return to Perth has been a memorable one. For the 1st time, the reality of my arrival home didnt hit me until the plane literally hit the tarmac (And the landing was a rather smooth one in comparison to some of the other landings we experienced whilst away).

Never had i felt so physically exhausted, emotionally drained or intellectually zapped after a trip. Normally i feel, well, normal!! But spiritually, I felt totally recharged.......

This trip to africa is one i will treasure for a long time to come, as it was the kind of trip i really needed to improve my spiritual growth. I wouldnt say my faith was wavering, but it was definitely stagnating.

For those wondering, we went to Madagascar to teach the local pastors and church leaders. We basically had to lead an inductive study into 3 books of the bible; the books of Galatians, Ephesians and 1 Timothy. This is something I was not very comfortable with, as I thought my knowledge to be insufficient to be teaching anyone! But give God a chance, and it'll amaze you what he can do with you. :)

I could write a book on my travels, but it still wouldnt cover what i have to say. So here are a few pointers i have extrapolated instead, any other details and you will just have to ask me personally...........

- poverty sux, especially when u see it affecting children
- half the population of madagascar is aged under 14, so there were a LOT of kids!!
- When challenged outside your comfort zone, giving my fears and apprehensions to God empowered me to complete tasks once thought impossible.
- I've developed a real compassion for the people of madagascar and africa
- Perth is SO clean and nice smelling!
- Lemurs run funny and have soft hands. (yes hands, NOT paws!)
- Madagascar is reknown for their wood carvings, and i scored these carved hidden daggers and a carved musical lute for under $10!!
- On our return from madagascar, we went via mauritius for further teaching, but also for some R&R...... :)
- On one of our days off, we formed a scooter gang and terrorized the island of Mauritius. We invaded the lush tropical beaches, tranquil blue waters, gently swaying palm trees, doing as we pleased (mainly lying on beaches comatose)
- I've taken a liking to sunbaking, where in the past i detested it. Must have something to do with the Mauritian sun! :)
- Scooters rock, especially when all they are used for was for getting from one beach to the next.
- The food in Mauritius was delish!! The chinese food in madagascar was NOT.
- I tried snails for the 1st time ever in madagascar!!
- Africa will always have a place in my heart. Always.

Photos will be up when i get the time to put them up. Watch this SPACE!!!