HEY WE'RE IN DARWIN!!!! ;o)

Well we're here!!!! It took two flights with a short stopover in Alice Springs, but we've made it to Darwin (shorts'n'all!). We had two days to 'settle in', but as you might guess, we couldn't handle two days wasted! We've had a tour of the city, seen Darwin Corps' facilities, met most of the CO's and officer staff of the region and even spent a little time hanging out at the shops talking to locals.

So far we've had a 'cool' start to Darwinian weather, around 29-30 degrees with about 75-90% humidity (*pant!*). We're thankful for fans and Air Conditioning! I think I'm beginning to acclimatize (?), because I've reached the point where I'm turning off the A/C!!! Our unit is a one-room set-up with an additional bathroom on the side, it has everything we need and most of the stuff is new (its like Christmas!). Our unit is located under Captains David & Jennie Shrimpton's house (Flying Padre's), they're great! Check out our pics....

So far there's been 2 cockroach 'freak-outs', I think it'll take a bit of getting used to!! Other wildlife we've experienced so far are tiny lizards around the place, heaps of different ant species, on a walk through Mangroves we saw Crabs and mudskippers, down at the wharf we saw huge barra, moon fish and swimmer crabs (nice place for dinner when its not raining!). Otherwise I'm loving the lush greenness of Darwin, there are HEAPS of palm trees and lots of beautiful lawns everywhere, not many flowers though - its very tropical! (A bit like Singapore).

Anyway, we spent our first day in our Social Placement yesterday, the Sunrise centre includes Homeless Accommodation and a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Program. Our Supervisor is Major Geneen Wright (Manager); we'll also be working with new Captains, Julie and Greg Howard (Asst. Manager and Chaplain), we feel very welcomed into the team. Something funny to know, there are now four Joanne's at Sunrise! (Reception, Social Worker, cleaner & me!) It seems they're really into 'multiples' - currently having a few Gregs and in the past having several Steves!

Tonight we're off to mud-racing with Darwin Youth Group, then tomorrow is church at Darwin Corps, we're itching to get into some ministry to see what God might do through us!

Back in Melbourne for Lisa's wedding soon - we'll keep you updated! Bless ya!