Back in Brisbane

Well today we arrived back in Brisbane from the outreach to Northern Australia (Townsville & Mt. Isa). The outreach went well and the team did great despite many long hours of travelling.
The church service at Happy Valley was really interesting. Isi lead some praise & worship songs, a team member shared a testimony, and then one of the local pastors shared a brief message. Afterwards they ate the food that we brought for them.
There were about 8-10 homeless people that attended the service. I knew that their 'living conditions' weren't going to be great but I was still a bit surprised. Most of the people there shared 3 wall shacks made out of steel siding and had a make shift door of some fabric. We could see everything in their small quarters. Some of them lived in small vehicles, and the service was held in front of an old van that housed someone as well. One man that joined us half way through was drunk and making noises during the message. No one really seemed to pay any attention to him or mind his distractions.
I was probably more surprised, however, by the warm welcome that we recieved when we got there. We were all dressed up for another church service afterwards and although they could have wanted nothing to do with us, they shook everyone's hands and thanked us for coming. We even had the opportunity to pray with one woman who's boyfriend was in the hospital. It was clear that the people there were blessed to have someone take time for them. I was also very blessed by their openness and kind hearts. They loved the songs and told us to come back again.

After Happy Valley, the team spent 2 days helping out at the Townsville YWAM base and practicing for the big performance in Mt. Isa. They (everyone except me) travelled 10 hours up to the mining community of Mt. Isa to perform at a Cultural Festival of sorts. 6 team members danced, and Isi and two other guys made up the band. Isi played guitar, sang, and played the island drums for most of the songs. He also ended up being the emcee - which he was a bit nervous about having never done that before for an Island Breeze performance. As you can imagine, he did a fabulous job and was told by some of the locals that he should come back and emcee for their weddings! It was a job well done by all. The team then travelled back down to Townsville (where I was still staying) rested for a day, and then continued home.

We arrived home in Brisbane this afternoon and I have to say that I am extremely grateful to be back in my own bed. Isi is sound asleep after driving so many hours - poor guy! He has been doing a tremendous job in everything that he is a part of. I have been trying to keep up where I can, although at 30 weeks of pregnancy I am definately a lot slower than I used to be :) We are both doing very well - and of course baby too.
We are leaving for Sydney on the 26th of this month, and from there flying home to Canada on September 28th. Please pray for us as we prepare to travel and travel home. We are very excited to come back to Canada and see all our friends and family - and of course have a little break.

We have been recieving a lot of emails from you, prayers and financial support. Thank you so much for all of these! They are very much appreciated :) Thank you also for reading this update and for your comments.
God bless,
Tessa, Isi & baby