Matt
International Business, Economics Major

Today was a unique day. It provided us a lot of group time during the church service as well as the dinner barbecue, but it also gave us some time to spend with our host families. I can only speak for myself, but I think the time we get with our host families is cherished and much appreciated.

The day started off at the Flinders Street Baptist Church, where Dean Usrey and his wife gave a touching talk to the congregation about what it means to be called. They spoke of their previous time spent in Australia and how they were thankful for the love that was given to them by the people of the church and Australia. It was very impressive to watch Dean Usrey express his thanks and how much it meant to him that they extended their hearts to his family when they needed them most. After the service we were treated to a lunch with the host families, which was rather nice.

After lunch we were set loose to spend time doing whatever we wanted and what our host families had planned for us. I can only speak for myself and my experience during this time. We spent the few hours in the Rundle Mall shopping for gifts local to Australia. We also helped the Tsunami Appeal by donating $5 for a 10-minute massage. Not only were we going to benefit from the massage but also the money was going to the victims of the recent floods.

The last part of the day was spent at the Dodsworth's house for a barbecue. I'm not usually a very people person, but the friendliness of the Aussies just brings the friendliness out of you. We dined on a variety of meats, especially kangaroo, which I found to be quite delicious.

All in all, every moment I spend in Australia makes me want to move down under and live here forever. I don't know what it is, but there is just something in the air, or maybe the water, because after conversing with the rest of the students on the trip, this sentiment seems to be shared by us all.

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