port 13: bowen

ahh. and so we made it to bowen... bowen is the location for the epic film "Australia"... and so as you walk around this small town, you'll see lots of memorabilia and all that jazz that claim its fame to this movie.... I wouldn't blame them. it was a wonderfully made movie... i love Bowen and I loved where we were docked... look at that jetty! it was seriously a 10 minute walk and though it seemed like it went on forever, i didn't mind it at all... it was good 'jojo time' to think and clear my head on the days events and the sunsets were amazing ... and as for tours, anyone that would take time to walk down that dodgy wooden jetty to come see us had to have some sort of genuine interest in what we did... and thats what it turned out to be... and that what we like... thank you bowen.

... who gets to do this? ...

again, i found myself walking up to the aft deck on our sail from gladstone to bowen, looked out at the beautiful massive uncomprehending big blue ocean and asked myself (again), "now, who the heck gets to do this?"... there it was again... thankfulness.... and so there we were, ahead of schedule... so the captain took us through the Whitsunday Passageway and we anchored somewhere for a good 4 hours. the boys went fishing... some went for a swim ... and some of us got in the dingy to get to the beach around the corner to explore... far out... again, who get to do this? ... now i'll let the photos speak for itself...

port 12: gladstone

gladstone... closer and closer to 'bogen-ville' we get... like similar ports on the north tour, it was a bit quieter than what we expected.... but still- we just had to give it all that we could... the extra mile you know? ... and to be honest- those stragglers that came around a bit after 4 that 'just missed the opening hours,' were probably the most genuine people and most keen to be involved in what we do. when we go beyond the 'opening hours', it puts things into perspective that its not just putting on our nice tour guide faces, but its what we actually believe in... and its what we are called to do... and we really want to see people get involved... so good good times in the extra mile... and good good times with the $20 underwater camera and glowing soup ...

port 11: brisbane

So there we were in Brisbane... I'm not going to foo-foo it up and make up stories ... but it was a bit unfortunate that we were tucked away under a bridge that expected slower tour days... as usual, we scoped the area to check out our surroundings the first night and we walked a good half hour to see if anything was open... and there it was... a Mobile station... so we what did we do? ... ate meat pies and ice cream, drank L&P and hung out in front of the mobile like a bunch of teenage hoodlums... our first taste of Brisbane. oh well... don't get me wrong- there were some awesome things that came out of our stop in this city... like raising 7 grand at the fundraiser... or making great connections at the medical reception and getting donations of medical supplies... or having awesome free hot showers or doing our laundry on shore ...

Sail from Southport to Brisbane

The sea never seizes to amaze me... or rather... the Creator of the sea never seizes to amaze me.

port 10: Southport

... so as you can see... we were NOT in the ghetto here in southport! this was our view from our 37-meter Pacific Link that was tucked away in the middle of these million dollar yahts and that looked out at all the high risers that covered the Goldcoast! ... this was the first of the whole tour to be docked in an area like this and it definitely brought a different element with our tours. contemplating on the wealth & success that was surrounding us, it was quite humbling coming to the realization again that we do what we do is not for self-gain or leisure, but because God has clearly given us a call and purpose beyond ourselves... and because of that- in the midst of all these yahts and boats in South port... sets the Pacific Link apart and is richer than the rust tell us...

port 9: Ballina

After a 3 week break in Townsville... we regrouped back in Ballina for the second portion of the tour... the North Tour... where we would be travelled up the coast of Australia until we made it up to Townsville at the end of June. And so... we kicked it off in beautiful Ballina (close to Byron Bay)... Small towns plus a good prime spot where people walk plus no other boats is ideal for being an attraction doing tours! ... i actually took the picture on the very top which was quite odd being on shore seeing the ship come in. im usually on it but it was awesome being part of the crowd to welcome them in... so as good as the break was in townsville- i was ready to go at it again! ...

blog freezer

Forgive me again while i blog vomit these next few journal entries ... Just when i get on top of it- i just fall right back in a silly blogger freezer.... so bare with me while i back track and tell you more about the North Tour (the second portion of the 'YWAM PNG and Australia Ship Tour) ... but for now, let me share with you this picture that was taken right when we got back from the south tour... this is what happens when you clean out the vans from outreach and you find jumpers and medical scrubby thingies...