Back to BASE(ics)

Hello friends! Wow a lot has changed over here in Perth and dare I say that life is starting to feel some what normal again. Let me fill you in...

Last week restrictions were once again lifted, meaning groups of 100 people are now able to meet, social distancing space has reduced from 4sqm per person to 2sqm per person, and basically everything is open. That also means that we are back on base! We have 4 groups under 100, who eat in different rooms at different times and those are the same groups we are in for our corporate gatherings (worship & staff meeting). It has definitely been an adjustment this week, but personally I have loved being back on base. Because of the nature and function of PTX, our ministry doesn't spend a lot of time on the base other than for our corporate events and meals, so seeing people hasn't been a massive part of my day these last couple of months. Now however, I am able to build more relationships with people on base which I am extremely exited about!

Getting back to "normal" life also means that there are new and intriguing opportunities arising for me here, one of which being my living situation. As you may know, my aunt, uncle, and two cousins are also here with YWAM Perth and have themselves been looking into moving out of YWAM housing and into a home of their own, with more space for them as a family and especially for the kids. This has opened up a great opportunity for me to rent a room from them, which would have a lot more benefits than living with YWAM. One of the main reasons I am eager to enter this new journey with them, is that a room of my own will allow me to create more and further my ministry (its pretty tricky to write songs and sing all day when you have 3 roommates and 21 house mates who all also have work to do). I would love it if you could all partner with me in prayer as we search for a house that accommodates all of us, and also for prayer over my finances as I embark on this adventure!

I also want to update you on my health. Around 3 years ago I started having problems with my voice which, after some investigating, turned out to be caused by acid reflux, that was eroding my vocal folds as I slept. I have been taking tablets for the last 2 years to help control the acid in my stomach, and I had vocal therapy on and off for around a year and a half. This massively improved my voice, both in singing and also being able to speak! Unfortunately, over the last month I have experienced similar symptoms to the problems I started with, making it not only difficult to sing but also to simply have conversations. I would love it if you could pray for me and over my voice!

You may not be aware, but I have also struggled with back pain for probably the last 4 years. In short the issues in my back are postural and muscular, with a little soft tissue damage thrown in there too. I have had multiple physio therapy sessions related to this however nothing that has had any form of lasting healing. My back has hindered me from many different things, from jumping on trampolines to walking around all day. Okay so maybe I don't jump on trampolines all that often, but not driving definitely means I walk around...A LOT! As a 21 year old woman, it's hard to think that I'm already struggling with back pain, and I'll be honest, it really is a struggle. I would really appreciate your prayers for healing but also that more physio therapy sessions (if needed) won't cost me too greatly!

Wow...I never realised how truly amazing the NHS was until I didn't have it!!

I know this has been a pretty wordy blog post, so thank you for reading and journeying this crazy life with me. God is so good and I am immensely blessed to do what I do (and in the Aussie sun too).

God bless you all!

Love Kate x