Preparation

Growing up I heard stories from both my Mom and Dad about living in other countries before their days together. I don't know if I ever had dreams of living abroad so to speak, but I can see how my Mom's stories compelled to do a stint with YWAM when I grew up. I wonder how little Brooke would react if I told her that she'd end up living in Australia for two years.

This wet season has delivered with downpouring, lightning, and cracks of thunder like a show. With that being said, three of us were still able to venture out in February for the first outreach of 2022. After receiving an invite to help out in Nyikina Mangala Community School, three of us made it out to Jarlmadangah. Our team has now been there a total of four times. Technically I came last year, however, I never left the donga as I had a rough case of pharyngitis. Feeling at ease, we drove out hopeful and with country music to kick us off.

Each morning we started with a team Bible study before jumping into school mode. We would walk over to the school grounds, sit outside with the staff and greet the students as they strolled in for breakfast. For morning activity, I played a version of softball with the kids but with a tennis ball and racquet, a game they called 'Bat and Ball.' My soft toss skills came in handy making me think that all those years of competitive sport did not go to waste. Eventually, after running around in the 40+° heat, everyone was eager for air conditioning.

As for the classroom setting, I was with the older age group. With there being diverse learning differences, the teacher wanted extra help to assist students with their literacy and math. I was confronted with a memory from grade two, where I had a teacher's assistant sitting with me as I tried to decipher the telling of time from drawings of clocks. I remembered her explaining it and then nodding my head as if I finally got it. I didn't, and I thought to myself how I would have to go on in my life pretending I knew the time. With that memory fresh in my mind, I sat with students allowing them to try, pointing out where corrections were needed, and then waiting for the invitation that help was wanted. We would work through the problems together until they felt confident to do it on their own. After completing a worksheet with one of them who was fighting the wrestle in their mind to focus and work sequentially, we high-fived. I felt a lump in my throat forming as he proudly showed it off to his teacher. These moments gave me a glimpse of the heart of God. He is incredibly patient, not in a rush, never forcing Himself, always willing to help, and delights in us.

This outreach was on the short end of the spectrum, and even so, it served as a reminder as to how faithful God is. In ministry, it's easy to let our minds wander to how we think things should play out, or to be overwhelmed by all the brokenness. If we don't achieve those things, it can feel disappointing. Often we ask one another, "How did God lead?" In these moments that we recall and verbalise, the weight seems to lift. Our job is to be obedient to what He speaks, and then trust Him with it. From upon arrival, to our departure, we were able to see growth in unity and inclusion amongst the kids. Through following His lead, there was a shift.

Here in Broome things are going well. We've had an Australian join our team! He has a big heart, is incredibly relational, and brings a whole new level of gusto to practical work opportunities. As a team, we've recently begun a new branch of compassion ministry. Through different churches (hopefully local government soon), we have been referred to individuals and families that want extra helping hands in their homes, often preparing for their inspection. We get to show up with supplies ready and willing, ask what it is that would be most helpful, and get to it. It's been eye-opening how willingness to serve in practical ways can build a bridge for a relationship, depth of conversations, and chances to offer mental and spiritual support.

Each of us attend different churches throughout Broome. We want to help build up the Church as a whole. Recently we were asked to run a service at Victory Life Broome. A week before this happened, we'd listened to teaching related to a component of identity. Afterwards, we all shared how the gist of the message could spur others on too. It all came together. Everyone contributed in some way, from setting up, speaking for communion, delivering the main message, sharing personal stories, or doing prayer ministry. After the service, the senior pastor shared how they had been thinking about starting a series exactly on what was highlighted to us to speak on. We acted as an introduction without even knowing it. It's so encouraging to witness this sort of unity!

Click below to have a listen.

Calling & Spheres of Influence

At the beginning of the year, I felt like God gave me three words. The first was 'preparation.' If this was to refer to one singular situation, then I wouldn't quite know what to say. There are small things I'm integrating into my routine so that the lifestyle I'm choosing is aiding my growth, and makes time for what I want to value. I'm happy to say that I've recently completed two books that had taken the role of dust collectors on my bedside table. There was processing that took place waiting for the arrival of my newest family member. And as the dry season soon commences, there will be more outreaches taking place. In four months, I will be back in Canada! As I'm living out this season marked by preparation, I can't help but wonder what it will be like to see its full scale looking back, in time.

Preparation: the things that you do or the time that you spend preparing for something

February was a month full of anticipation. Before I went on outreach, Rachel had her baby shower. An absolute highlight for me personally was being able to see her watch a video compilation with words of encouragement from her friends over the years, and family too. Plenty of preparation went into this event to shower her with love, and afterwards, I think we were both left with this new level of excitement.

It is my greatest joy to share that I have been promoted to my newest title, Auntie B. I am grateful, entirely grateful to have been here for such a monumental moment in our family. Witnessing these two incredible people, Rachel and Tyler, step into this newfound honour as Mum and Dad has made me cry profusely and makes my chest feel as if it were going to burst - I'll call this pride and delight. The tenth of March is now etched in my memory and marked on my heart.

Archer Hudson Roy

10.03.22

6lbs 9oz

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Milk chocolate & Coffee - Mimochi {Northbridge, Perth}

My holiday to Perth in December was full of memories that I will always cherish. On this particular outing, I was hopeful for some matcha (one of the keys to my heart). Sadly they were sold out. This was my first time trying mochi donuts, a Japanese-American hybrid. They were so airy! The bubbles breaking off reminded me of Timbits, a morsel of home.

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All smiles, Brooke