Day 10

'Herding Sheep and Ice-cream Boxes'

Hi and welcome to Blog-land!!
Today we are calling ourselves the jetsetters. Seasoned travellers now, very smooth operators. We started the day with a quick hour of last minute shovelling of gravel, together with our last 'play' with all the little kids from the children's home. Saying goodbye was harder for some than others but everyone felt the tug of heartstrings one way or other. True to form the 'Beech Man' afforded some time for another spot of shopping. This time it was only a little over an hour, so please understand our purchases when we come home!!! Time is not an easy luxury enjoyed on a trip spent with 28 significant others......those who have travelled with a large family will get the gist! It's a little like herding sheep :)

Today consisted of cueing, filling out forms, following the leader and spotting the random informational signs. For example, along with all the various prohibited items such as pointed and sharp objects encouraged not to take in our luggage there was this note in bold font. LEAVE ALL ICECREAM BOXES AT BOARDING GATE.

Something that bothered me as I gazed out the windows of our bus today (and most days as I travelled with the food distribution teams) was the stark contrast between those who have and those who certainly do not have. The little shanties are slammed up next to a western style shopping mall, or leaning off out the edge of a small river. The families represented in each little hovel live hand to mouth and have nothing but the shirts they wear. There is usually a little fire and a scroungy dog lying around, a rooster tied at the leg and plenty of rubbish. There is however, a wonderful sense of community felt within these little areas. These places will always be in my heart somewhere, not only reminding me of how good God has blessed me and my family living in Perth but of our need to see our small complaints in perspective. It has been a hard thing to swallow.

The two hour flight was slightly turbulent and mostly uneventful. Some power-napped. Answered prayer was evident for both Matt and Bri who were feeling quite crook earlier. Please continue to pray that both fully recover, and that others don't fall prey to this bug.

I think that I speak on behalf of most and say that our rooms are just what the doctor ordered. TV's, hot showers and a half decent movie. Some have cracked open a bar of chocolate and frothed their cappucinos. This promises a great rest for all. Thanks to all who have supported us on this trip. It's been wonderful to read all the 'posts' and be reminded of loved ones at home who care.

Tomorrow sounds like it will be fun, a river trip and some chillaxing. So until then, we'll hang up the laptop and snooze a while.

All my love to my four men at home, missing you and look forward to Thursday. xxxx Lots of love, Bon.

Mrs Barham to others.