Outback Spectacular and a Game of Football

September 12th, 2006 Bridgewater Apartments, Brisbane, Australia
Sunday morning (the 10th) we once again attended Cleveland Church of Christ, though we met in a different building. One of the members spoke, and did a very good job on the subject of redemption, which is “admission and submission.” I felt encouraged by his talk. We had a potluck afterwards, but beforehand I was chased by ten little kids in the backyard, all giggling as they attempted to rip my head from my shoulders. It was good exercise before a large meal. If ever I had children, I hope they think I’m as much fun as some of these kids seem to, that’s all I’m saying.
We returned to the apartments for some much-needed downtime. The guys of my suite spent the few hours watching The Empire Strikes Back, which was time well-spent, I thought. After all, it is a classic. We hopped on the bus once more around 5 and drove close to an hour to where the Australian Outback Spectacular is held. It’s similar to the hillbillies of America, but it just seems much more adventurous. Australian country music (along with American classics like “Sweet Home Alabama”) was being played by a couple of guys in a large room. We were then shown into the stadium. I sat with the Littles and Derek on the front row. The dirt of the arena was perfectly combed and stars were projected on the floor. As the show progressed, we were served a meal of excellent barbecue. I had a desire to say, “Put another shrimp on the barbie!” to those serving, but I figured I’d get shot. Then the show began.
This was impressive. The audience was seated on either side according to the color of the band around the hats we had been given: yellow on one side and red on the other. We had red. The riders were then pitted against one another as they raced in competitions to win for either yellow or red. Yellow, unfortunately, won, but who really cares? The amount of training that goes into being able to ride like these people do must be overwhelming. They rode standing up, lying down, hopping on and off, two horses at once, and bareback. These people were tough: the real deal. They were like the Clint Eastwoods or Viggo Mortensens of Australia. They could kill you by touching you with their pinky, even the girls. The riders were also actors, with dramatic bits in between the riding. I would suggest getting a different scriptwriter, but it was still a very enjoyable experience. Although they did diss Robert Redford by making a rather derogatory comment about The Horse Whisperer (which I haven’t seen). I’m not sure it’s appropriate to do that to Robert Redford. All in all, I was inspired: I wanted to go ride a horse and crack a whip. The music of the show was predominantly from The Man from Snowy River, which has a beautiful score. At the end of the show, all the riders came out in long riding coats, holding the flag of Australia with this music playing. I thought it a very suitable ending.
The rest of the night was spent studying for a map test in International Studies (which, I say this with all humility, I aced). I then had some very good conversations with some people about topics being discussed in Missionary Anthropology. It was good to hear people’s perspectives on these things, although I didn’t always agree. However, it is good to have that unity even in the midst of disagreement. I was then asked to elaborate somewhat on my subject from chapel. I did (which took awhile), but I think people were encouraged by it and appreciated having some background information, which hopefully shed some light on my talk. Some people wanted to talk more, so I may be able to listen and encourage others further, which was the point in the first place.

7:30 the next morning (the 11th) came all too early. We got the test over with and reviewed for our Missionary Anthropology test, which we had today (Rich already graded mine, and I got an A, so I was pleased). We had the afternoon off, taking a break from Dr. Byram’s classes. Nothing at all against his classes, but I very much enjoyed that time. I went for a run in the afternoon when the sun was shining, which was a pleasant departure from the chill of the darkness in the evening to which I’m now accustomed. I was able to read for awhile, which would allow me a large amount of time to study later that night. Then, somehow had the ingenious idea of playing a game of football. I group of thirteen of us walked down the river to a field which sat directly under the Story Bridge. And we had a smashing time. I don’t know what it is, but you feel closer to somehow after you knock the snot out of them. Everyone could tackle the guys, but the girls had to be stopped by simply holding them back, which wasn’t always simple in practice. Ashley and I butted heads, and my nose and forehead are still hurting. Dr. Byram came out and played and I have a small raw spot on my face from he hit me. I must say, he’s really stinkin’ tough. He won’t hesitate to take you down. I had some pretty good catches and runs, which almost made me wish I had played football. But that passed. I made a pretty impressive run and dove for the long catch, but it bounced off the tips of my fingers. If I had caught it, nothing would have mattered. But my back is killing me today and I wish I hadn’t jumped for it.
After the game, I got cleaned up and went over the river with Felicity, and we eventually met Anna. Felicity needed to go shopping and I wanted to use some of my free time to check out St. George’s Church. It’s striking because this old stone structure is nestled between the large skyscrapers of the city. The sanctuary was empty, which was disappointing, because I kind of wanted to speak with a priest or someone and just visit about their faith and the history of the church here. Still, I’m glad I was able to go.
I was invited for a chili dinner, and afterwards we studied for our test. I thought “Chili with a side of Missionary Anthropology” would be a good title for an inspirational book. The test was completely short answer and listing, which is sometimes the most difficult kind of test, because it requires you to actually know what you’re talking about. Rich feels it is the most effective way to test, and I probably have to agree. By the end, I knew the material backwards and forwards. Well, almost, because I didn’t get a perfect score.
A lot has been shown on T.V. concerning 9-11. It’s sobering to watch as the planes pummel into the side of those towers. I had goose bumps as I watched the planes explode. It’s a defining moment, and strange to think that it’s been five years since it occurred.
Another interesting thing on the news is the hype about global warming. Places in Siberia are thawing out after 40,000 years of being frozen. People are being relocated because their villages are underwater now. It could be frightening for future generations. The temperatures are rising, and the Windy City could be 150 degrees at some point. Reminds me of the Kevin Costner movie Waterworld. If that’s what happens, I want a boat like his.

I appreciated being able to sleep until 8:30 this morning. We received our tests back in Dr. Byram’s classes. Ashley did an admirable, and humorous, job speaking in chapel this morning. Will and I goofed off with William and Shelby, tossing a rugby ball around. I then left to review for our test and eat peanut butter and honey sandwiches. We had Rich’s classes, took the test, and reviewed for our Australian Civ. test tomorrow. Tight scheduling. I ran afterwards and then filled up the bath tub with hot water and just sat in it. And it was good. I felt remarkably relaxed afterwards. I read for tomorrow’s classes, heated up soup for dinner, and studied with a group of people for the test.
I ventured down to the Littles’ apartment, where I spent a little bit more than an hour visiting with Rich (and Heather was also present, although she was a bit preoccupied IMing her friends in the States, which I am not criticizing). We talked about 9-11, global warming, the need to make chapel a time of sincere worship and not “Only thirty more minutes until lunch,” different theories regarding the stories of Job and Jonah and the Garden of Eden, and some about my talk in chapel and subsequent talks regarding that topic. I very much enjoy my conversations with Rich because they cover such a variety of things. It’s sometimes good to be able to contemplate and laugh and be somewhat confused all in the same discussion. I felt a bit less-stressed about a few things after leaving Suite 3005.
I was disappointed that I missed my mom and dad on Skype (which is a free way to use the Internet as a telephone) during that time. That was frustrating. Hopefully I will be able to talk to them over the weekend of later this week, because I am staying quite busy. I received an email earlier from a reporter from the LaFallette Press asking if he could interview me about my trip. He said (if I remember correctly) that Harding contacted him about it and he wanted to do a short story on it. I thought that was pretty cool. I hope someone can hold on to a copy of that for me until I get home…cough.
I think I could place for me to be at the moment is in bed, because I’m feeling a little tired. Sleep is underrated. It’s a beautiful thing. God definitely knew what he was doing there.