News and Adventures

Hello all.
Thought I would take the opportunity of a spare few minutes to jot down an update of what I’ve been up to in the last few weeks. Crazily, I’ve already been here 2 months, and we’re no longer the ‘new GAT’ and people are starting to ask when we go home. But that’s a scary thought, so I just say we have another 3 months to go!
I’ve been up to a fair bit over the last few weeks, so I’ll just try and remember the most significant stories. As a team, we’ve had a few adventures this month starting with our car (Taz) breaking down after a girls night out in Montecasino, leaving us stuck for a few days whilst Taz got repaired, but people were kind with their cars and we managed. Our second adventure was a little more exciting- on the 22nd May we went off to a beautiful place called Mountain Sanctuary Park, about an 1 ½ out of Cosmo. In the morning, we had planned to travel early with Jackie and Steve, but as their car was in the garage we went ahead ourselves (in hindsight, a mistake!) as someone had said it was easy to get to. They were wrong! The first turning we took led us up a mountain track, which we then got stuck up and had to be towed out, and then when we tried to find the next road to it, we somehow ended up driving around the mountain. Anyway, 5 ½ hours later we arrived, but only had 2 duvets between 5 of us in a log cabin- it was freezing! Jackie and Steve had meant to come on the Friday but as it was late only arrived on the Saturday, and they were the ones who had our bed stuff. Anyway, the weekend itself was a really nice break, and we had time to reflect on our experiences so far and to spend time as a team, praying and chatting. We also went swimming and climbing in the rock pools which were stunningly beautiful but again, pretty cold. Brrr. At one point, Sarah, the boys and I climbed a little waterfall and used it as a slide, but just as I was deciding whether I wanted to go down, I slipped and the decision was made for me! I don’t think I have ever laughed so much, it was very very amusing (and I have bruises to account for it!).
Back home, we’re done a few community projects- Oasis ran a ‘knit-a-square’ day in which blankets were made (Beth and I were on child care so we got to paint faces) and a ‘One Love’ day- both days run in schools in the community, engaging local people with projects we are running and were both good fun. Clinic continues to be crazy busy, but I’m enjoying it more and more, and I’m really starting to see the affect it can have on people in Cosmo City, and hearing lots of stories- both sad and encouraging.
The team have all been a little under the weather for the last week- we all managed to catch bugs/cold’s and general things at the same time, so please pray for good health for us all (I’m a little cold-y at the moment) for the coming weeks. Personally, we’ve been up to lots of lovely things- seeing Sex and the City 2 with the girls, out for drinks, out for meals with Oasis staff, and meeting with a home group on a Wednesday. Last night we visited a local church with a friend Audrey for a worship evening and it was a great experience- just to enjoy some time with God. As a team I think we’re building stronger and better relationships (no storming yet!) and we’ve also been adopting Steve into our team.  (this involves lots of cake trips and weekends together).
I could go on and on, but I’ll wrap up now- hope everyone is well, and please send all your news.
Much love, Laura x