Traveling Mercies

Today is the last full day I will spend in Australia = so many emotions for one girl to handle.  So in order to calm some of my nerves I decided to go to the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral next door to me and have some prayer time.  I need some one-on-one God time to prepare me for my long journey home and to set my heart at ease. 

Here is my prayer:

Dear Lord,

I pray that you allow me to return home to my family and friends safely and under your watchful eye. 

I pray that you allow everyone else travelling on my flights to reach their destinations safely. 

I pray that you give me peace in knowing it is ok to leave this beautiful place, and that I have made the most out of my time here. 

I pray that my family remains safe and healthy during my journey home so I am able to see all of their beautiful faces so very soon. 

I pray that you watch over all the wonderful people I have met on my journey and keep them safe throughout their lives, and to let them know your light. 

I pray that one day I will be able to give my children an opportunity like this, like my parents have so graciously given me. 

And finally I pray to never forget your love, and how you guided me through this amazing adventure and kept me faithful.

Amen.

Here are some pictures of the beautiful Cathedral:

Cannot wait to see everyone at home!!!

Leaving home to go home

So, here I sit with only one day left in Australia. It have been quite an awesome ride these past four months and I can’t even begin to try and express everything I feel as I am about to leave.  All I can really say is this has been the opportunity of a lifetime, and I really do consider this one of my “2^nd homes”.  So crazy that I can call somewhere home that is 10,000 miles away from Clemson football, sweet tea, and Bojangles, but this country has taken a little bit of my heart. 

I have grown as a person throughout this experience without a doubt.  I have made lifelong friends, learned valuable lessons, and made memories I will always cherish. 

Newcastle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know one day I will find myself back here, reminiscing about everything I did during these past months. 

I am so excited to get back home though; I am not going to lie.  I have missed my family and friends more than I could have ever guessed. 

I am so very thankful for everyone that supported me through this whole experience and made it possible.  I am so fortunate to have been able to do this, and I defiantly do not take it for granted. 

I cannot wait to share all my adventures with everyone at home and get back to the good ole US of A! 

Brisbane -- last trip!

Last weekend Xanna and I took at spur of the moment flight to the city of Brisbane, with is an hour flight north of Newcastle.  We had the opportunity to do many "adventures", so here they are!

View of the city from across the Brisbane River

The "Blueberry".   I actually drove on the left side of the road the whole weekend! 

Kangaroo crossing!

First stop was the Australia Zoo, the zoo that Steve Irwin started.

CRIKEY!!! This is a replica of a REAL croc that Steve found.

I decided I needed to get up close and personal with one of these awesome animals.

Prehistoric croc replica.

Hanging with the Kangaroos, and yes, they just happened to be laying like thatt!

Kisses!!

Holding "Maximus" the Koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary!  

Mom and baby Koala at Lone Pine. So cute.

Riding on the Wheel of Brisbane

We took a day trip to Moreton Island, the second largest sand island in the world. 

4-wheeling on the dunes of Moreton Island.

Finally went to a Rugby game, Brisbane Reds!

We bought jerseys!

Brewery tour of XXXX, a very popular beer in Australia! 

Free beer, wahoo!

AND.... I found Brooks Street!!!