Sunday (1st)- Wednesday (4th)

Here goes the rest of my week from my previous post...
(Pardon any spelling or gramatical errors... I typed this fast... and more photos will be added soon!)


SUNDAY
The Schulz family picked us up and took us to Glynde Church, also known as Zion Lutheran Church. The service was very similar to my church experiences in the states. one interesting thing is that there is a large Sudanese population that attend Glynde. There is one service in their language and then one in English. The service we went to was in English and five Sudanese children from three families were baptized. It was very cool to see the similarities and differences in this act of worship between Glynde Church in Adelaide and and the churches I've been to in the states.


After the service there was a pasta meal, then after the meal we went to another beach with the Schulz family! The beach is called Port Elliot/Middleton, and it is about 70 kilometers away from where we're staying. The drive was beautiful! We passed through a more rural part of Australia... there were lots and lots of vineyards, and because it was so dry a lot of typically plush green fields were brown. Nonetheless, it was still amazing to see. At the beach I learned how to boogie board/body board... but it took all day and I only successfully boogie boarded two or three waves. I know, lame. :) The temperature was above 40c in Adelaide, but it was about 27c at our beach, so it was nice to escape the heat... for a bit! We returned home and had dinner at the Schulz house where it finally started to cool down later that night.


I found out that Australia almost brok the record for the longs number of days above 40c in Australia. I also heard that this was the driest January in the past 15 years, which further explains the water shortage. Many people catch rain water to drink, but there hasn't been rain for so long that people are not able to do this. So, it is about as hot and dry as it gets... anywhere!




MONDAY
Today we walked to Magill and we had a meeting with Helen and Helene where we discussed exactly everything Lutheran Community Centre (LCC) does. We also set up some possible goals for our internship which include:

1. understanding the big picture of the welfare strucutre in Australia... we will be examining public vs government agnecies and the legal sector
2. Hands on experience. We will have heaps (lots) of training (Child Safe, Safe Place, Parenting courses, pre-marriage courses, domestic violence courses, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse courses, how to be a counselor courses, and emergency relief) We will be working at a shelter, a domestic violence shelter, and with the low income community through emergency relief, support groups, and working at the op shop (thrift store).
3. professional development skills
4. reflect on cultural differences

I've already begun to understand some of the differences between Australia and America when it comes to the welfare system... I think America needs to change. In Australia, there are requirements that individuals need to meet in order to receive welfare benefits, such as volunteering somewhere a set number of hours each week. I like this idea.

There are also differences when it comes to divorce. When a couple wants to divorce they are required to go to a set number of marriage counseling courses before they can be legally separated. If there are children involved they too have to go to counseling. Then I believe the whole family has to go together and the counselor helps explain everything to the child with the parents. The court won't even look at a case unless the couple has gone through this process, that is unless domestic violence is involved. I think they're on to something here...

Anways, back to my day. We went to Blair Athol, another LCC site where we met heaps (lots) of people who work there. We also went to the op shop (thrift store) to look around and see where we will be volunteering, we also made additions to our wardrobes. :)

We had our first "western" meal at Hosanna Heights. It consisted of potatoes, roast beef, and carrots. There were also some Asian choices as always and white rice... heaps (tons) of it! At dinner we sat with Arbi, Nevin, Josh Yee, Tushi, and a few other Asian students. Later that night I went on a run, it was much cooler in the evening (although nothing compared to what is is there).


TUESDAY
Today we walked to Magill and this morning we made our own personal goals for when we are here. My goals are pretty similar to the goals I mentioned yesterday. Ellie also put together a blurb about the three of us that will be put in the brochure called "The Update" that goes to all the LCC staff members.


Helen then took us to the grocery store, fruit and vegetable shop, bakery, and the butcher in preparation for our barbie (BBQ) tonight. This was my first time to the butcher shop... and as many of you would guess, it grossed me out big time. We then returned to Magill and prepared for the barbie (BBQ)... all the staff members from LCC and members from Magill Church (next door to our office) were invited. It was nice to meet some new people and get better acquainted with a few somewhat familiar faces.

(Some snacks and candies that were shared at the babie... they are only made in Australia)


WEDNESDAY
Again, we walked to Magill. However, today we went to Glynde Church (where we went on Sunday) and assisted in a play group. Mums (moms) brought their children and they played, did arts and crafts, tea/snack time, and played a bit more. We helped by playing with and watching the children, preparing for the various activities, cleaning up, and whatever else was needed.

After play group we regurned to Magill, had lunch, and met with Jazz. Jazz is from the district Lutheran office (I believe) in Adelaide. She does children, youth and family, and camping ministries.... Jazz is in her early to mid 20s and I really enjoyed chatting with her about a possible grant Hilary, Ellie, and I are trying to put together to bring a Christian camp to the aboriginal people in the northern territory. Ellie then began the on-line news letter for LCC while I met with Elizbeth. I'm not quite sure what she does, but she stops by often! :)

We ate dinner and wen ton a walk to the grocery store named Coles.

Here are a few of my observations (which may or may not be correct) about Australia/Australians:
-Australians overall know a lot more about their country than Americans do
-Australians don't see the need to speak or remark after every time someone says something... silence is okay!
-Australians won't go out of their way to help you unless you ask for help, but if you do ask they will do just about anything for you
-Australians won't necessarily compliment things (i.e. a great meal), and if you do compliment them they typically respond with "oh, that's alright."
-Australians eat fruit at the end of their meals
-Australia is about the same size as the US on a map... you can pratically lay the United States on top of Australia and it will fit. (a fact that is often unknown to others)
- Australians take quite a few tea/coffee breaks... it is nice to enjoy each other's company
-When you thank an Australian they typically respond with: "no problem," "no trouble at all," "oh, that's alright," and "no worries." The words "your welcome" are not common at all.
-Australians don't say "G'day Mate."
- Almost all people in Australia live along the coasts... and it doesn't resemble what many people think about when they imagine the outback
- Australians use an "s" instead of a "z" and a "f" instead of a "ph" when they are spelling words (i.e. organization (American English) is organisation (Australian English).