What We've Been Up To...

We've now been here in the Cloncurry outback for about 6 weeks. In that 6 weeks we have been able to minister to quite a few people here, mainly at the caravan park. We've ministered to many casual travellers that have stayed here for just 1 night to a few nights. We've been able to have a chat and minister to some travelling families that have spent a few weeks here, resting from the constant travelling (and allowing time for our children to hang out together), we have ministered to back packers and the caravan park cleaners and we are ministering to the permanents here at the caravan park. We've invited a few people to church, none have come so far (but some will I'm sure) and over the last few weeks Shane has been asked to preach at the Cloncurry christian Church twice, we are sure that this arrangement will be an ongoing arrangement for as long as we stay here in Cloncurry.

The Pastor at the Cloncurry Christian church wants us to get more involved at church and in the community, so as always we will do all we can to help within the church and within this community...It is our pleasure to serve, and to be a helping hand here in Cloncurry and wherever we go!

Shane has been working in the early mornings cleaning Woolworths over the last few weeks, he will also be taking on shelf stocking at Woolworths for possibly a few weeks (could be ongoing) until November. We've applied for another cleaning job, so either I will do this job or Shane will leave Woolworths (which they are aware that he is only temporarily at Woolworths until a better paid job comes up) if the money and hours are better for us and we will both take the new job on together. So basically we will either have 2 or 3 jobs between the both of us, while homeschooling, ministering, preaching, family life...well it sounds like a whole lot of work but WE CAN DO IT, we are a Great team :-D It has been great, over the last few weeks we have had quite a few different job offers, so really the difficult part has been which job to say no to and which to take on that suits us best, both savings wise and hours of work.

We have become known to the locals and already feel part of the small town of just under 2,800 people. I've really warmed to this area, and even though it's in the outback and there is nothing much to do, we've actually found ourselves to be quite busy now that we are settling here for a while!

The girls are good, enjoying the pool here on most days (the weather here at the moment is HOT, usually in the high 30's everyday and it's only going to get hotter, well into the 40's and possibly 50's as the months go on) and doing a heap of extra homeschooling. The library as always is a big hit with them, and we go at least once or twice a week, usually spending a couple of hours there when we can. As usual, the girls take everything in their stride, they are little champions, always fun and full of life climbing trees, riding their scooters, usually reading a novel everyday or 2, making friends when there are other children around...I love our girls, they are very adaptable, confident, adventurous, they know that life is what you make it..I'm very proud of them xo

We are loving the beautiful sunsets here, even though it is very hot here, we enjoy a splash in the pool with the girls. We are getting used to the many green frogs we encounter in the toilets every day, but we are not getting used to the bugs, spitfires, midges, moths, mosquito...the bugs are difficult to get used to, we have been bitten many, many times. One of the times both my legs were infected with about 25 Midge bites, it was horrible. We've had to learn to apply horrible bug repellent on a daily basis to control the amount of bites we've had, even though I hate using bug repellent on both the girls and us, it is the only thing that seems to work.

Nothing much else to update on. The vehicle seems to be driving fine, and so it should be with all the $$$$$ we've spent on it. We've now driven to Mt Isa twice, just to check out and explore a different area and to purchase a few goodies for Elissa's birthday which is coming up fast!

Other than all that, life continues to move on and unfold before us and we continue to make the most of it :-)

I'm hoping all is well with everyone xo
 May God bless and direct your path xo
Have a good one xo 

Dimi

What we've Decided...

The Beautiful Colours of the Outback...

What has happened with our vehicle has forced us to re evaluate our plans. Most of our journey we have gone with the flow, not planning much ahead of time and it has worked out well for us.
When it was coming closer to the time we were heading down the red centre of Australia, we decided to put some plans in place for that trip, so that we were well prepared for the different conditions we would find in the outback and down the middle. We had planned and prepared well for this part of the trip, we had planned many overnight stops at some free camps, planned some caravan park stops (only ones with pools) so we all could have a dip in the pool after a long drive in the heat of the day.
We planned to go down the middle and back up and stop at Darwin for about 1 week, were Shane was going to have the opportunity to share his testimony with an Aboriginal community there. We then planned to purchase a generator (mainly for the use of our air conditioner since it was going to be VERY HOT) and free camp hop (basically go from one free camp to another and only visit a caravan park when we needed more water, needed to empty the porta loo, and wanted an extra long, good clean shower ;-)) in most of Western Australia. There are quite a few spots by the beach we looked forward to stopping at in WA, and we had decided after we did some exploring in WA we would stop in Perth to relax from our constant travelling and get some work and top up our budget.
(So when we were in Cairns we felt that we wanted an extra long stop so that we could all settle for a bit and have a break from constantly moving around, and we also wanted to top up our budget. We had done well with our budget, but since we had planned on a 12 to 14 month trip, we had needed to top it up because the way we were travelling we were going to take much longer than that. Before we left Sunbury we knew we might need to work, so this wasn't anything new for us).
We decided we would go down the middle of Australia first and then decide if we would return to Cairns to settle and work for up to 6 months, or go down to Perth to settle and work for up to 6 months.

So that was our plan!!

Well, I'm sure most would know that plan hasn't quite worked out, well not yet anyway. We still plan to do all the things I mentioned above, but...BRACE YOURSELF...Haha, we now have decided to stay right where we are, in the Cloncurry Outback!

So we are not going back to beautiful Cairns for rest and work, we are not going to beautiful Perth for those reasons either (well not yet anyway), we are staying in the Outback, Hahaha...I think we've been sitting in the HOT Cloncurry sun for too long and we've gone a little bit mad, Hahaha :-D

I'll give another update in a later post on what we've been up to here :-)

Side note: I just want to add, our journey continues but our travels have been put on pause for a little while, our posts will be fewer than usual..instead of up to 7 posts each week, I will post possibly 3 or 4 posts a week and update and journal what we have been up to. It also gives me an opportunity to write some posts I've been meaning to get around to.

So I'm hoping all is well in your world, and everyone is enjoying their week.
Till next time...Take Care xo
Dimi

Our Vehicle...

Our drive to Mt Isa...

Our vehicle has become a big topic the last 5 1/2 weeks we have been here in Cloncurry. It has become a bit of a joke here at our van park with the other travellers and permanents. We've become locals, and most people are aware about our vehicle situation, it's quite funny really...word really gets around quite quickly here, Haha!

What happened with the vehicle after the initial problems (which we were told wasn't caused by anything, these things just happen) was that the mechanic had put the drive plate on backwards, so he had to refit it the correct way. Now before everyone starts calling the mechanic names, he felt horrible and he was very honest and upfront with us, which we appreciated. The mechanic could have covered it up but he didn't! 
So the drive plate was corrected, and then another issue was found, for some reason the car wouldn't start in park, no idea why, but that too was corrected. All up we spent nearly $5,000 repairing and replacing parts for our vehicle, ARGGHHH! 

As I type our vehicle is parked in front of our caravan. We took our vehicle for a long 1 1/2 hour drive to Mt Isa and back (it was so lovely to be somewhere different) and Shane seems to think it is driving well. Really time will tell.
I have no trust in the vehicle and feel a bit anxious in it, especially because we are in the outback, not much is around us, each town outside of Cloncurry is hours away with no mobile coverage/or very little coverage in between towns, so that's a little nerve wracking, however, the anxiousness will pass I'm sure and we will move on as we have done in the past. We hope and PRAY HARD that we have no more vehicle (or caravan) troubles, but whatever happens, happens, we will cross each bridge when we get to it, no point in worrying yourself sick!

So that's the vehicle update...I'll catch everyone up on our travelling/journey update in a later post.

I'm Hoping Everyone is Well xo We are all well, Shane and Myself and Our Gorgeous Girls are doing very well xo
Take Care,
Dimi xo

Matthew 16:24...

We've been spending quite some time seeking God and loving it. Thankfully where we are situated in the caravan park, we usually (not always) are able to pump the worship music without disturbing anyone else, it's awesome. If you know us, you know we LOVE worship/prayer time with God and it's a big part of our life!
So while in prayer and worship time I felt God tell us, " Take up your cross and follow me," Our response to Him was...ALWAYS, we will ALWAYS take up our cross and follow You LORD, WOOOHOOOOOOO xo I LOVE HIM xoxox

Matthew 16:24...
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow me continuously.

You know GOD is GOOD all the time, all the time GOD is GOOD!
If you are at all worried/concerned about me and my family, turn that concern into prayer for us, and don't worry, we are in MARVELLOUS hands. We trust God with every part of us, we are happy, we are healthy, we are loving life, one thing this family knows how to do well, is when life throws us lemons, we make the best lemonade you have ever tasted...if you know what I mean, Haha :-D

We LOVE GOD, We LOVE our Life, Life is GREAT, and when we have GOD, LIFE is MARVELLOUS xox
I hope everyone is well and enjoying life, life is what you make it after all :-)
Love,
Dimi xo

Our Latest Vehicle Update...

Hi everyone, Shane here again. Just a quick update on the vehicle situation.
After a great day sharing the word at church, we were very excited to be able to pick up our car after 4 weeks

As we got to the mechanics I paid the bill and went to start the car and it didn't start too good, I was told that the starter motor was failing and it needed to be changed. I explained that there was never an issue before but he was convinced that it was. We left the car there to be fixed again. So that was Sunday. Wednesday I got the call that it was ready and to come and pick it up, a bit apprehensive we picked it up, it started we went for a drive for about half an hour, how good it was to drive somewhere, we have walked everywhere for the last 4 weeks. I was a bit concerned with some noises that I heard that were not there before so I took it back to the mechanic the next morning and he said that as things had been taken out and replaced there is bound to be a bit of vibration and the like, he assured me that it was fine to drive no problems. Trusting his judgement we decided to go for a 1 1/2hr drive to Mt Isa so we packed the car with plenty of food and water (just in case) everyone got in the car and I turned the key. Arghhhhh it would not start. Not at all, it sounded like it did when we first broke down. 
At the moment the mechanic has the car again and we play the waiting game again. Praying people - please pray.

In the midst of all our trials we have managed to really rely on and drawer near to God. He has given us a peace and strength that can only come from Him. We have drawn closer to Him and also closer to each other. Knowing that God is in control is so comforting, even if things don't happen the way I would like them to He is still doing a work in our hearts that draws us to him. 
I believe God has a plan and a purpose for us in Cloncurry, He is definitely stirring something in our hearts. My beautiful wife Dimi can fill you in next time.

Be blessed.

Shane

Preaching and Ministering..Friendships and Fun...

Hi Everyone :-)
We've had some ups and downs over the last couple of weeks...most know at least some of the downs. I'm going to share some of the ups, I prefer to focus on the ups in life :-D

The last couple of weeks we have had a heap of people around us here in outback Cloncurry. You would think it would be very quiet around here (especially since it's now the quite season for travelers) but the caravan park here has been full with families and children, it has been great! 
Our girls have spent the last 2 weeks running around with many children, making cubby houses/tents without any help from adults, making up games, chatting and being creative for hours and hours, even spending whole days (from the time they wake up until dinner time) playing all day, whether it be drawing, making loom bands, jumping in the pool, playing cricket...whatever they did there was constant chatter and giggles and I am so glad for that, and so happy for all the children to have each other to hang out with and build friendships with. It's wonderful to have traveling friends, yes it can be hard to say goodbye to them but that is part of travelling...meeting new people, building friendships and saying goodbye...some we will see again, others we may never see again, that's just how this lifestyle is and it is wonderful (and there is always the chance you catch up again down the track).

Our caravan site with one of two handmade tents the girls made with some of their friends...

Just a couple of the girls friends...Lots of laughs, fun and good times were had by all...

Some cherished Friendships...

Such Girls...not only did they build the tent themselves out of tarps, material, towels, rope and pegs, they decorated it and then they even remove their shoes before they enter so it doesn't get too dirty inside...Love It!

Myself and Shane have also had many opportunities to minister to those around us here, which we love to do. We've been able to chat about God, Church and Christianity to quite a few people the last couple of weeks, it has been wonderful. It is like our boldness to step out has grown so much more over the last few challenging weeks, and at the very least we try to mention Church/Christianity within the first conversation/sentences we have with people, it's been GREAT!

There are some permanents here at the caravan park also, so we are as always purposefully ministering to them and have invited them to church also, so that's going good too!

WARNING: Husband Brag...
On Sunday at Cloncurry Christian Church the church had an Amazing guest speaker, it was my very Spunky Husband ;-) Shane preached a FANTASTIC, RELEVANT message that touched and encouraged the congregation (congregation of about 12 people). I'm so very proud of shane, he preached with full confidence, and he preached a message that inspired people. He definitely has a gift of preaching on his life...I'm so very proud of him xo

So we are thrilled we've been able to enjoy the company of other families here, we went to a 4th birthday party the other day, we've been able to minister quite a bit here and Shane has also had the opportunity once again to preach at a church, so they are some ups we've had over the last couple of weeks.

There have been some downs, it gets worse with our vehicle:-(
Shane is going to update about that in the next couple of days!

I hope everyone is well and enjoying the week.
Take Care,
Dimi 

Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum...

The next museum we visited was the royal flying doctor museum. We found this museum very interesting. We really enjoyed learning about John Flynn who was both a Minister for a Presbyterian Church and the founded of the royal flying doctors.

Reading and Learning about John Flynn...

John Flynns face appears on the $20 note...

One of many short films we watched about the royal flying doctors and John Flynn...

Very Interesting!

I absolutely LOVED reading about the heart of John Flynn, Loved it...He and the Church of God seen a need in the community and in Australia and they reached out their hand and met that need. I yearn for this, my heart yearns for this, for the Church of God to unite and meet the needs of their local community and impact Australia with Gods GREAT LOVE...I Love It...I'm feeling very inspired by John Flynn:-D

We enjoyed learning about the School of the Air...school over the radio in outback areas...how cool!

The Pedal wireless was actually a pedal-operated generator which provided power for a transceiver!

Some Art on Display...

Listening to an emergency recording to the royal flying doctors...

Oh I loved this...The Outback Pharmacy. People who lived in the outback would have these chests full of medicines. If someone became ill they would call up the flying doctors who could prescribe the medicine over the radio. Each medicine was numbered so that there was no confusion in what medicine was prescribed...Cool!

The original Chest...

Updated Pharmacy Chest...

Beautiful Artwork...

John Flynn...

I Love these above words from John Flynn. Even though we don't set out to help people so that they in turn would help us, on our travels in particular we have found many people lend a hand...I Love showing people Love and I've seen so many people around Australia do the same xo
Hoping everyone is well xo
Take Care,
Dimi xo