Community.....

 Sunday.... Today's life lesson was "it is better to give than to receive." It was embedded within the concepts of community and purpose, two challenges put to us by Ali, one of the residents in Poatina. She got us thinking about how we can so quickly revert to becoming self absorbed in our own needs and concerns at the expense of others around us, whether it be our friends and families, or strangers in need. She reminded us that a sense of purpose helps us gain meaning in life. All big issues and faced before morning tea on a Sunday morning! Thankfully, many of us had begun the day with an early morning invigorating walk around the town, and where a simple skateboard ramp provided an opportunity for exercise, team building and generally just good fun.....                                           

Meanwhile.....back at the camp, the musicians were busy practising for the church service. They did a fantastic job and were a real blessing to the small gathering that normally meets each Sunday. In fact, everyone was a blessing, as the 'regulars' were so encouraged by our presence, singing and those who helped with the children. The students did a fantastic job of 'engaging' with 'new friends' especially considering that some of the children they met had special needs. 

After lunch we had further opportunity to be a blessing to others, as several teams were formed to achieve a number of projects around the community school. We worked on a Permaculture garden area clearing the area of a number of large stumps and timber, collecting pea straw and manure, creating garden beds and fencing off the whole area to (hopefully) make it rabbit, possum and kangaroo proof! A small team also finished off a timber floor area under the new library building ready for sanding! What a mammoth effort, and EVERYONE worked over and above what was asked of them! The 'Heads Up Award' for today could have been given to any number of people, but the general consensus was that it be awarded to Teneisha, as she literally ran from task to task in her endeavour to get the job done!

 God really blessed us by keeping the rain and wind away (it was still cold!) while we were busy working, but later in the evening it began teeming and howling outside! Needless to say, after working so physically hard today, everyone was struggling to stay awake after tea tonight.  After devotions, and the obligatory camp experience of 'horror stories around torch light', an 'early mark' was given so people could head off to bed......