Feeding the homeless

Last night we got to experience something that will give us a better understanding of life.

We went to the baptist church in cairns and were given a brief understanding of what street feeding is all about. We were told how a man named Harold started this feeding ministry 20 years ago when he noticed children selling their bodies for food.

His empathy for these children has now become a nightly occurrence In cairns supported by the church family and many businesses in cairns.

We went out to the park with Rita (a 64 year old) and Vaughan ( a past manual arts teacher from Brisbane). They were so street savy and do an amazing job. We were fully briefed on what to do if things went a little skewiff and that included running to our bus but it was highly unlikely. The most difficult thing they have to do is turn the over 21's away. They only feed the kids.

Not many kids came to the feeding last night but we did experience what it's like. The whole process is watched on a cc tv camera by the police and Rita also wears a monitor that connects directly with the police. We were so blessed to spend time with Rita and Vaughan and see how they volunteer to help others sometimes at risk to themselves.

We didn't get home until about 9.45 do it was showers ice cream and off to bed.

Oh yeah the other big happenings of yesterday was mr hellinga pulled his hammy whilst losing a race against Isaac and caleb did a face plant off the exercise equipment. No photos of mr h but a great photo of caleb. Sorry Denise I was having a sleep. Andrew was in charge.

Monday. Jumping right in.

This morning we were bright eyed and bushy tailed by 6.30 am to be showered (cold), dressed, packed up and breakfasted by 8 am. For some it was a little more difficult than for others (the boys). But still we made it up the the Freshwater church for a 7-9 assembly which we transformed into a mini chapel service.

Our team was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response of the freshwater students especially in praise and worship when the kids all rushed down to the front for mosh pit worship session.

After that it was a quick trip to all the butchers in town to buy a cows tongue for our RE sessions in Cairns West State School. We had 3 classes to take in years 6 and 7 which was very much the unknown for us. It turned out to be an awesome time of sharing and singing. The teaches even thanked the team. The children in the school were just beautiful. We felt like we were back in Nepal. They were so engaged in what the team was presenting.

Then it was off to cairns esplanade to have some hot chip sandwiches for lunch ( yep we are on a tight budget) in the park. Then we split up some chose coffee, some went swimming and others shopped and went to the art gallery.

Back to freshwater school now to set up our rooms for tonight and a quick game of footie and handball.

Tonight we are off to the park to help in feeding the homeless which I'm guessing will be an eye opening experience for most of us

Lots of photos today

Getting ready for our first night away from home

Lunch didn't eventuate and so we managed a huge hamburger dinner cooked in record time as church here at freshwater school started at 6 pm. We were so blessed to listen to the message of learning our spiritual identity.

After church we went to the church cafe which was fun.

Some of the team (not me) have braved the cold showers and now with beds blown up we are getting ready to sleep.

We are really enjoying each others company and are a little nervous awaiting our very first assembly here at 8.30 tomorrow morning.

We're on our way

We have finally started our 2012 mission trip and already it's been very eventful.

So eventful in fact that we managed to hold the aircraft on the ground for an extra hour and I (Mrs Keith) got to visit the pilots in the cockpit. All this was to ensure the safety of our peanut allergy boy, Caleb. Jetstar are now reviewing their availability of peanuts on planes as a result of our visit. We had the legal department of Jetstar working overtime trying to sort out this situation. The staff were just lovely and told the other passengers that I was famous and the pilots just wanted to meet me. Very embarrassing.

Flight otherwise was very smooth. Lovely photo below of Mr Hellinga having a snooze and dribble on the way. Lots of games of snap being played on board.

Looks like we've only lost one bag. Glad it's not mine.

Made it now and looking forward to some lunch.

One more practice before we leave.

Today we got the chance to have one final practice before we leave on Sunday. It was the bus drivers, grounds staff and the cleaners who watched us go through our paces.

We were very grateful for the encouragement and enthusiasm showed by our audience today.

It seems like our message of the danger of our tongue is worth sharing with all ages.

Only 2 sleeps to go now.

Chapel today

Today the team had their first taste of sharing God's word with our LCC students as a practice for the Mission Trip. They bravely faced the students in the four Tuesday chapels (Year Prep to 2; 3-5; 6-9; and 10-12). Lots of shock horror was heard in the MPC as the "cow's tongue" was revealed from the very dangerous box. The students were taught just how dangerous our tongues can be and God wants us to watch what we say and how we say it.

At our staff meeting this afternoon our staff were singing the praises of the team and their message and they shared that many of the younger students were inspired to become just like the members of our mission trip team.

Just 6 sleeps to go until we leave - please uphold us in prayer as we prepare for this trip.