Day 21

It is the afternoon here and very grey. We have been in the grip of a low level cyclone since Sunday evening. The rain, storms and wind have been incredible. We stayed in yesterday except for our inspection of storm damage and visit to Curly's for a hot drink, because of the weather. Loads of trees came down and small animals like possums and birds have been affected. New South Wales does not plan for climate change and the government has sacked the climate change department! So there is lots of low lying water and pieces of trees and houses lying around. The houses are not built sustainably.   

But today I braved the weather and went into Sydney on the bus. The ferry was too risky. I met the minister from the Pitt St Uniting Church for lunch. The journey was fine except for walking to the church in the centre of Sydney when I got soaked. The pavements don't allow for water to run away so my feet got soaking. 

We went to a local cafe. We just talked about lots of things, the treatment of aborigines, her son with autism being refused education in Oz because he's autistic and has a U.S. Passport and having to go back to live with his dad in New Zealand, attitudes to same sex marriage in Oz, creationism, how to cope with time boundaries as a minister..it was a great conversation. 

Back at home, home schooling  continued. The home schooling structure is very informal but behind the scenes has to be structured because the kids do have to hit targets for the New South Wales curriculum.

I have had a great time reading, thinking, praying, planning and feeling. The break and change of continent has been very helpful. 

The storm seems to have gone.