Exploring the Area

We have been out on the ocean, exploring around the island on Dave's day off... Through still waves, through choppy waves, with great wind, and with a light breeze... While very aware that there were sharks and crocodiles around the boat, I was acutely aware that I didn't want the boat to sink!

And it reminded me of this passage from Mark 4:

"... And a great storm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he (Jesus) was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. He said to them, "why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"

It's amazing how often we think that we are in dire peril. That our lives are falling down around us, and that we are doomed... Even if it is as ridiculous as the coffee machine breaking while guests are over. We can all feel that cold panic rising over us, and it can give way to anxiety, fear or worse.

I have been reflecting on how when we know our Saviour is there, that we can feel safe regardless of our circumstances, we need only have faith, to drive out that fear. I think that a part of strengthening faith that dispels fear, is to focus on the right things. If I focus on scary waves or on the buffeting of our small boat, I become afraid. If I look to the horizon and see the stunning shimmering sea around me, the gorgeous blue sky and hear the birds chirping from the mangroves and trees, I'm suddenly too in awe of the beauty around me to be worried about a little bouncing of the boat on the waves. Life is much the same, if we focus on the things that scare us, or hold power over us in some way, we are afraid for the future... When we acknowledge the beauty and blessings around us, we are filled with hope and contentment, and the worries fade.

I'm discovering more and more that Milingimbi is a rare treasure, filled with beauty. A small island surrounded by good fishing and filled with friendly faces. Many of which are delighted when you come back from fishing... Asking about how your trip went... In fact a "swarm" of young boys usually plead for a fish until you have to shoo them all away (unfortunately 1 small snapper won't cut it with several boys that want a fish each!) usually after you say no, they take off to the shop to get a coke and a chocolate bar, and sit contentedly in the shade as they watch you haul the boat onto the trailer and head home.

Village life is a steady kind of hum. I helped with selling Christian resources under a tree with Janneke, the other MAF wife here. We sold heaps of bibles, sold out of children's colouring books, and sold lots of DVDs, which is encouraging as many were the Easter story in their language. We met some more "Balanda" (white people) at a BBQ and Dave has a great time harvesting coconuts off a tall tree around at the other MAF house. He discovered that a 30 foot bamboo pole with a knife attached was a rather successful technique!

In other village news, this past week we have had a funeral, of a lady who was quite young, but had been ill for some time. Dave has been very busy flying in family members from the surrounding area to attend. I was amazed that the whole village knows within moments, and then they all play their part to support the family. Massive bundles of fake flowers were toted down to "bottom camp" and we have heard the insanely loud noises and smelled the smoke as the local people follow their customs to bury the dead. We have been praying for the Christians who are involved, that they will be able to pay their respects, while still holding their faith strong - a funeral is a time where many previous negative habits and patterns of behaviour can come back strong as grief is dealt with. Some may not do anything much for weeks and weeks as they wait for all the funeral ceremonies to be over.

Well, I will write another blog next week, as this one has become rather long!

Bless you all,

Kimberley & David

Marvelous Milingimbi

Last weekend we had the joy of packing our things once more and boarding a little GA8 to head off to Milingimbi. This is our new home for the next placement period that we have with M.A.F. 

If you want a super thorough blurb about the island, check out the Community Arts Centre page: http://www.milingimbiart.com/about.html 

In short, Milingimbi is a small island off the coast of Arnhem Land, it is close to the halfway point between Darwin and Gove. It has much milder weather than Nhulunbuy, most days sit around 30* with nice sunny skies and the humidity is lessened by the breeze off the ocean.

The community is small, but busy, with about 100 houses, and 1,000 people there is always something going on in the background. On our first night here a church service started up at about 11pm on a Friday - and that's pretty much how it is around here. Church happens when it can, where it can... And although we couldn't attend (As Dave has a very early start at the airport) it was so encouraging to hear the local people worshipping The Lord.

On Anzac weekend we had an opportunity to go out on a scenic boat ride with the Don Family, they are the other pilot family based here on Milingimbi. Janneke and Rene took us with their boys around the southern half of the island. I saw my first crocodile in the wild, it was about 2m long, which is apparently a small one around these parts... A reminder not to go swimming!

David has been flying under ICUS, (in command under supervision) and will do so for another few weeks. He has visited many diffferent locations, and has been building relationships with the local Yolngu. At the moment a normal daily interaction goes: 

"Wawa (brother) what's your name?" 

"David" 

"Yol, David, so you are new pilot here?" 

"Yes, I am" 

"Ah, and you will be good with flying us today???" 

Hehe, the locals take a bit to realize that a "new" pilot doesn't mean that it's the pilot's first time flying a plane! From their perspective they can't see the years of training, then the testing and preparation that goes into getting the job in the first place. Once they see Dave in action they relax, and are very happy to arrive at their destination. 

Often it is a few days before he picks them up again, and it is encouraging when they remember him and are glad to see him again, climbing aboard with a cheery "Hello Wawa" and big smiles.

I (Kimberley) have mostly been unpacking so far this week, arranging the small house to suit us and figuring out how the power and water works. My day at the moment is mostly about familiarizing myself with the township, visiting the different facilities around and meeting a few people here and there. Most people are quite shy, so I only really meet people through other people like Janneke giving an introduction.

There are lots of dogs down our street, which makes for an interesting walk to Janneke's house. If I don't have Dave with me I take a big stick, which usually keeps them disinterested in me.  Often they won't even bother barking if you have a stick... Especially in the midday heat, where they will just sleep under the trees.

So, in summary we are settling in well. Milingimbi is a really nice place, with friendly people and a nice climate. Lots of sand flies - but they are bearable - and a stunning beachfront, with a shimmering sea beckoning Dave to go fishing.

Bless you guys,

Kimberley and Dave