Well I have only been here about 48 hours and decided to get behind the wheel. My host family has a Nissan Patrol 4WD manual transmission. I was so thankful that I had driven a stick shift for 10yrs. I guess God even prepared me for driving here long ago. I was already used to driving on the left since that's the way us Aussies do also, so that helped. The dirt roads and huge pot holes will take a bit of getting used to. The terrain is quite hilly so have to be mindful of shifting gears. The actual traffic is .... I don't know what word I want to use... horrendous! I must be a very aggressive driver or I will never make it. I had a good strong grip on the steering wheel I can tell you that. Anyway we all made it safely home.

Can't believe I am actually here :-) After a very long flight from Australia that took me via Singapore, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Addis Ababa and then onto Entebbe airport I was so happy to see my fellow Aid Sudan team members and their families waiting outside the customs area.
Just a couple of strange sights as we drove from the airport. the first was a passenger on a motorcycle (otherwise known as boda boda) holding a very large pane of glass in front of him. The next sighting was a man with a huge, dead fish strapped on the back of the boda boda. It was the size of a marlin! After settling into my room I enjoyed some local pineapple and mango and could barely keep my eyes open so tucked myself in under the mosquito net. Thankful to God for finally being here.

Bet you thought I had fallen off the planet? Well almost. I am way down here on the island of Tasmania, one of Australia's 7 states. My parents, 83 and 90 yrs old needed some help. My dad was hospitalised for 3 1/2 weeks and then has spent the past 10 days in rehab. The photo shows him about to enjoy one of his favorite desserts. Pavlova! Actually it's a favorite of most Aussies. I am getting to have some of my childhood favorites as well. Tim Tams, Twisties, lamb and of course Vegemite on toast.
If all goes well here I will be on my way to Africa on March 28th. Until later mates.

Commissioning Sunday 27th 2011

After Director, Peter Swann, read from Acts chapter 13:1-4 my family and I were prayed over. You can just see my grandson. Looks like he's being commissioned with his "Mema". It was a very memorable and special occasion. I am much blessed to have so many wonderful friends and supporters.