Day 11 - A Fun Night Out

Hi everyone! It is hard to believe that we are almost done with our classes, it is bittersweet. After todays class we have two more and then it is time for final exams. Our Tuesday began just like every other week day, we had our always delicious breakfast made by chef and then we went to chapel. As always, chapel was full and people were standing all around to hear what was being said. After chapel the morning teachers (Art and Mel) and their assistants headed to their classes, while the rest went to their rooms to prepare for afternoon classes. Art’s U.S. History class is still enjoying learning about our history and all of the knowledge he has to share with them. In Mel’s class, the students did some of the teaching themselves. Mel gave them a question in groups and they presented to each other. These are some of the most intelligent students I have ever met! Listening to them work together to make sure everyone understands is so rewarding, they truly care about one another’s success. The afternoon classes went well also. In Diane’s children’s literature class there is always fun to be had, and today in Dave’s class Ken came and spoke a little bit. In Cliff’s computer class the students continue to embrace the new skills they are learning that will help them advance in the future. The teachers for the afternoon classes let their students out a little early so we could have an early dinner. We met for dinner and then immediately loaded up on a University bus to head out for the evening. The team decided to go out for ice cream at Java House for an early birthday celebration for myself. If I may, I have to share the fun that we had this evening. When we got there, we all placed our orders and then Mel and I left for a second. When we returned Ken and Art were gone and I had asked where they went? I had ordered a brownie sundae and they were out of brownies so when Ken found out he set out on a mission to find me a brownie. When he returned he had a large piece of cake and he proceeded to somehow stick 21 individual candles on it and light them all. Everyone sang happy birthday and blew their very loud noise makers. As embarrassing as it was I was so thankful for Ken and the group and everything they did for me that evening. I felt like a very lucky girl and it made me somewhat feel like I was back at home with my family. We all then enjoyed our delicious shakes and sundaes, and then headed back to ANU. We were delighted and honored to have Don Gardner join us for our night out at Java House, it was nice to catch up with him and learn how his travels were going. He is one busy man! I forgot to mention this earlier in the week, but we had also received a text from Evie Gardner about how Crystal and the Radically Changed team were doing in South Africa. At one of their recent assemblies they had over 1,500 people in attendance!! Some of the group included Muslims and people of other religions. They said it was an amazing opportunity to share their testimonies and worship with all of these people. They know God is with them and that he will bless all they are doing on this trip. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as well. God has been blessing us with every moment on this trip, we are so thankful for the opportunities we are presented with each day. Thank you for all of your prayers and for checking in on how we are doing, it is nice to know the love and support we have back at home!