I made it!!

I'm in Australia!! I can hardly believe that after years and years of wanting to go do a DTS, I finally am here!

I started my journey on January 3rd when I left Versailles to IL to stay with my friend Ali. It was wonderful that I was able to spend my last night with the greatest parents I could ask for, and my very best friends, Ali, Melissa and Katie. We all set off to the airport early in the morning as we said my goodbye's. Which were pretty emotional...ha. I'm not the best at saying goodbye to anyone. So you can imagine how sad it was to say goodbye to the people I love the most..at the same time.

I set off for Chicago at 10:50 AM. The flight went well, however once I landed and tried to check in with Cathay Pacific, they said they didn't have room for me! They kept my passport and made me sit in the back just in case they had an opening. Finally after what seemed almost like hours, they finally said they found a seat for me and eventually I got on my plane. It was wonderful though because they ladies I did end up sitting by were absolutely amazing. There was to of them from the Philippeans. One was a retiered doctor, and now she just travels the world doing missions work. The other, was just getting back from IHOP's One Thing. Her son is a missionary with IHOP and does a ton of inner city missions. It was incredible to hear their stories and all encourage eachother in the missions that God has called on each of our lives.

I arrived in Hong Kong pretty confused...I got a little lost and had a tiny bit of trouble getting around (I was dead tiered by this point). The flight from Hong Kong to Perth seemed to take even longer than the 15 hour flight before. Especially the last two hours. I felt so miserable. BUT, I made it! The plane hit the ground with a glorious thump and I was able to get through customs and everything just fine. I went to search for my luggage, and two hours later I had everything but my guitar..still haven't gotten it yet. I was talking to the baggage people about getting my guitar and such, until I finally made it outside and found my poor DTS leaders who have seriously been there for hours waiting for me to come through those doors. Patient people. I felt horrible. But, they were really great and showed me mercy. They showed me around Perth a little bit, the new and old base, and then the house where I'm staying at.

I talked to all of the new girls for awhile, they are so great. We all are pretty chill and easy going, and it seemed really easy to talk to them all. Praise God! After some coffee and a good shower, I was ready to go again as we all made our way to the great city of Perth. I bought most of my needs (pillow, blanket, toothpaste) and then we came back to chill at the base. We made tons of noodles, and played card games. Then we went outside to do one of my most favorite things....CLIMBING TREES!!! YES!! haha...I went up with Hayley and Tyler. Going up was good, but once Hayley made it up as far as she wanted to go, she sat in an aunt home and they crawled all over her. I was abover here and saw it all happen. She seemed a little nervous as it was so I didn't even try to tell her what all was crawling all over her bum...I didn't want her to fall out of the tree!! So I tried to help her down talking through what I would do. When she got past Tyler however he was like, "Hey! What's that on your butt?!? Are those aunts??" Good job Tyler...good job. She started getting a little scared, which made me scared so I went and brushed them all off of her. Hahaha. That girl was Terrified!! I made it down the tree with no problem, but Hayley...well, she took awhile ahha. She was shaking like crazy!! But finally made it down with a safe landing. Hahaha..it was brilliant and I'm glad I have a tree climbing buddy..even if she does freak out a little bit, it made a story!

Soon after, we broke into small groups and ate at staff houses. I was with Tyler, Maddie, Brice, and Elora. I honestly can't remember my DTS leader that took us there..whoopsie!! But everything was delicious and we filled our stomaches full. Afterwards, we went to the oval, a kinda park/field infront of the girls house, and we chilled and played games. We attempted to play the game atmosphere but it basically just became one huge laughing stock. Greatness.

The day was a success. I met a lot of really amazing people, and they're still pouring in! I cannot wait to see what all God is going to do. I know it's going to be incredible. There were three school leaders in here yesturday that even just sat, each of them reading aloud different books of the Bible..They've been going through the whole Bible reading it aloud in the whole school. It was beautiful.

I have no idea what to even expect for today (It's 6:09 AM at the moment), but I cannot wait. I have God with me, and He has chosen Me of all people to come to Australia. Why? I have no idea..but I can't wait to find out.

Well, I suppose this is a good place to end my first blog. I can't belive I'm in Perth!! I also can't believe I'm the only one awake!! If only I knew how to make coffee....

Blessings,
whit