My Australian Connection

I almost skipped this part of how I came about my decision to spend 5 months, November '06-March '07, in Australia. In August, I was debating whether I should even bother going to Australia at all, since my desire is to go to third world countries and document the poor. I figured Australia is just another first world country that is probably very much like the US. Anyway, there was a point where I was intensely debating between Africa and Australia, and God made it clear that He wants me to go to Australia first. He said 'no' on Africa right now because I didn't get good connections with the disciples there and I'm still a bit apprehensive about that region of the world due to my lack of knowledge. I didn't feel ready. I need to do more research.

On the other hand, the door to Australia was wide open. I was able to sign up with BUNAC, an organization that helps Americans get a working visa and helps them find a job. Not only that I also got hooked up with the church in Melbourne by a brother named James Carmen, who is originally from Florida but is now living down under. I met him unexpectedly on funintheson.com. He hooked me up with a sister Anna Acevedo, whom he calls 'the welcoming committee.' I've come to like her already even though we haven't met. Furthermore, she hooked me up with a household where Danae lives. So I'll be living with disciples while in Australia. I think God's leading me in that direction next year. We'll see what's going to unfold...

This experience reminds me of the Scripture:

"I still have seven thousand who haven't quit, Seven thousand who are loyal to the finish. It's the same today. There's a fierce minority still--not many, perhaps, but probably more than you think. They're holding on, not because of what they think they're going to get out of it, but because they're convinced of God's grace and purpose in choosing them. If they were only thinking of their own immediate self-interest, they would have left long ago." ~Romans 11:2-6 (The Message)