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Highs and lows of life

This week has been an awesome week for us. Going away last weekend was the highlight of the student’s time so far. The girls couldn’t believe how much fun it was to go out riding on the back of a Ute with a spot light looking at Australia’s amazing night wildlife. They saw so many kangaroos and lots of wombats – even got some pictures with one very docile wombat! The guys on the other hand loved the beach, surfing, eating BBQ ribs and just chilling under the stars. These experiences have offered our students so much opportunity to bond that they all feel as though they’ve been here for months – I think the homesickness has gone forever!!

Amongst the highs of great times and growing relationships we have also experienced some of the tougher sides of life.

The outcome of the Victorian bushfires had a devastating effect on everyone living in Australia. At Torchbearers we heard that one of our board members only just escaped with his wife and lost his entire house. A former property manager wasn’t so fortunate; he lost his wife and two daughters. Our prayers make a huge difference at times like these and we rely on our faith to help us through and see the good in everything. The spirit of the Aussies to rally round and help in so many different ways is outstanding. We have started our own appeal and some of our staff and students will be involved with fund raising.

On top of all that, a former Canadian student, Arno Ekkert and his friend Andrew Atoui, who were travelling around Australia, were killed in Queensland’s worst motor accident. We have all been grieving and our Principal, Neil, has flown to Canada to speak at the memorial service and be with the family. We truly love all our students not only while they are with us but also through life’s journey.

It’s amazing how these though times have brought us together as family. My prayer is that our faith will continue to grow and sustain us what ever we face and that our example may lead people to see Jesus in us.

WOODSEY