LIVING IN LOCKDOWN

Hey everyone! You know what I'm finding pretty comical in this time? The fact that ever since technology took over we've been willing our teenagers to relinquish their grip on their phones and laptops and go outside and play...but now we're all living in those modern day teen shoes!! I feel fortunate to have only just left that bubble, so it shouldn't be too hard to jump back in...anybody seen my headphones?

Of course I'm only joking, but wow what a crazy time we're living in. So before I get into how all of this is effecting my life as a ywamer, let me first update you on a few things:

Last week I was moved into a permanent house! I am now living on Cheriton Street in house of (currently) 18 people...yes that's right 18!! It might sound like a lot but honestly the house is pretty big and there's plenty of space for everybody. I have 2 roommates with another roommate re-joining us after coronavirus calms down!

Unfortunately, as I mentioned in my last post, the January quarter schools were all postponed (some indefinitely) and April quarter schools were all cancelled, meaning a lot of my friends have gone home (good thing I don't find it too tricky to make friends!). I feel sad for the people who have left / can't come, however GOOD NEWS! The ministry development school (MDS) will still run, so not only will I be able to take part in online classes starting this Monday, but I also won't breach my visa or get deported!

Even though we aren't able to meet in person as a ministry, PTX is still running with efficiency and eagerness. I will leave a copy of my weekly schedule for those who are interested in what most days look like for me, but in short, we connect as a ministry through WhatsApp / Zoom everyday, and have used a lot of our time to write songs. We often watch sermons together and feedback, and we have all been praying for each other too! It's awesome to know that even with the world on lockdown we are still able to do ministry and create music all for the glory of God. I'd like to do another blog soon all about my ministry and really share the details and heart behind it, so stay tuned for that!

With Covid-19 moving so rapidly, we have made even more changes to our lives at YWAM Perth. The OPs, Kitchen and Hospitality ministries have done an amazing job of organising and sorting out our food. We no longer eat on base, but rather each staff house receives a package twice a week full of raw ingredients to cook for themselves. At Cheriton we have created a team based schedule, that determines who will cook and when (our kitchen definitely isn't big enough to have 18 people cooking all at once!). The last few days, has been my team, and not to brag but we crushed it. It's been an adjustment, and we are all missing the community that comes with having lunch and dinner on base, but I think I can speak for all of us when I say we feel very blessed to be in a busy house...we'll take all the social interaction we can get!

I hope you are all surviving the inside and making the most of it! Here are some of my tips to keep you occupied during iso:

- Decorate - Create something / DIY - Play boardgames / Cards - FaceTime that person you haven't spoken to in a while - Hug your Mum/Dad/Kids/Roommate - Order bubble tea / maccas - Learn a new skill - Do some fun instagram trends - Start a youtube channel - Pull a prank on your siblings (but don't tell them I suggested that!) - DANCE!

Have a great weekend everybody, God bless!

Prayer Requests:

- I've had some pretty bad back pain recently so prayer for healing would be awesome

- I have a few friends travelling home from Australia so please pray they make it home safely and their flights aren't cancelled

- Continued prayer for our healthcare professionals and world leaders during this pandemic