March 2, 2015 (Australia)

Greetings,
For this week's newsletter click on;www.nursinghomemusicministry.com/3-2-2015.html

   Therefore he (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25

          Monday February 23 rd ~

     A cold front came in, keeping temperatures at or near freezing all day. I published the newsletter from the van at Richards house here in Austin, Texas and just stayed put doing more online research into lodging and car rental in Australia for the upcoming Mission.

          Tuesday February 24 th ~

     One more day before flying out. A sweet lunch with the little brother (Ray) and more packing and planning. Made a phone call to the company which offered a nice quote on a car rental. Found out it was only half of what would actually be charged when all was said and done. Buyer beware?

          Wednesday February 25 th ~

     Final packing, then Brother Richard (who by the way has offered to store and watch over the ministry's camper van while I'm gone) drove me to the airport. And even came in with me to make sure I got off okay.

     We gave ourselves plenty of time. So with almost no lines to wait in, we quickly got through baggage check-in and to the security check point where he could go no further.

     Through the x-ray machines, encountering no hassles about the insulin.
     With several hours to spare I wondered around the concourse visiting with some folks here and there. Ate a small salad and eventually boarded a plane for the first leg of my journey. Which arrived at LAX in Los Angeles before midnight.

          Thursday February 26 th ~

     Got on a big 747 for the over-sea's flight. Pretty full, but I was one of the few who had an empty seat beside me, so I was able to spread out a little bit on this thirteen hour leap.

     As we flew southeast crossing the Equator into the southern hemisphere chasing the setting sun, we passed an international date line. Which meant that we pulled into Brisbane at 7:00 am Friday morning local time.

          Friday February 27 th ~

     Might have dozed off a little bit sitting in that plane seat, but for the most part I've been up for a lot of hours. Long lines at Customs, but they moved along relatively quick and Praise God, the guitar came through unscathed. One scary moment. At the place where the luggage from my flight was going around, my checked bag eventually showed up, but the guitar didn't. When bags stopped coming, I asked an employee, who pointed out another place where oversize and fragile items were. I walked over and there it was, sitting on the floor all by it's lonesome.

     In the terminal, a mate at an information booth showed me to a Booking Center display with flyers for hotels advertising their prices. Including a couple of phones with free direct calls. The first three I called were booked up for the night. The fourth was available. Back to the info booth to buy a ticket for a bus which dropped me off at the front door of the Dorchester Inn. A very small, rather old city center hotel. However, it does have a small frig to keep the insulin cool. Thank ya Jesus! Got lunch from a coffee shop next door, then slept for four hours.

    All through the afternoon, evening and night; asleep for awhile, awake for awhile, etc.

          Saturday February 28 th ~

     During one of last night's awake periods I fired up the laptop.
     Before leaving on this trip, the Spirit had led me to purchase at Walmart an electrical converter/adapter. Because Australian electrical wall outlets are 220v-50Hz while USA is 110v-60Hz with different plug configurations. Without the appliance interceding between the two I'd be unable to use the laptop. (There's probably a sermon in there.)

     While google searching, I spotted a church within walking distance who's website sported a weekly activity calender showing a prayer breakfast scheduled for this morning. I  thought I might attend.

     So, I was sitting on the steps at 7:30 am when the first of about nine Believer's showed up at this historic church building for a toast & cereal breakfast followed by a time of prayer which included petitions for me & the ministry. Then, after swinging by the hotel to pay for another night (one day at a time sweet Jesus) I walked to the "Europcar Rental Office" for info and a quote. Figure I'll start it Monday.

     On the walk back I spotted a grocery store (Woolworth) and stopped to fill my day-pack which I carry everywhere I go, keeping the wallet and passport with me, as well as some sugar and water bottle.

     Returned to the hotel where I had some crackers & cheese for lunch and planned on relaxing for the afternoon in the air-conditioned room. It's still summer time here with 90 degree days.

     Along about mid-afternoon I started sneezing a lot with a runny nose, red itchy eye's and a mildly sore throat. Bummer! To bed early.

          Sunday March 1 st ~

     Decided to go to church even though not feeling well. Made it through with only minor discomfort. Chicken noodle soup back at the hotel room followed by a three hour nap. Attended evening services followed by a fellowship meal of finger food. The pastors wife asked me to sing, so after getting the guitar from the hotel I did a couple of medleys. The voice held up okay.

     Don't know if I'm dealing with a cold or reaction to something in the air, simply hope it ends quickly.

And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!