March 30, 2015

Greetings,
For this week's newsletter click on;www.nursinghomemusicministry.com/3-30-2015.html

   Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6

          Monday March 23 rd ~

     G' Day Mate!

          Started the day at the Conference Centre on Mt. Tamborine in Queensland, Australia. Packed up the car and drove off the mountain towards the coast, to the M1 Motorway and headed north to Brisbane. Navigated my way through the Big city avoiding the Toll Roads to the north side of town where I located the nursing home which had been arranged by a Chaplain I'd connected with a couple of weeks ago.

     With time to spare, I scouted out the drive to the airport I'll be making the day after tomorrow and also got a motel room not too far away.

     Over to the "Clifford House" aged care facility where I was able to minister for a nice group of residents and staff. Then to the motel to publish the newsletter.

          Tuesday March 24 th ~

     Drove south across Brisbane to the "Wishart Village" where the staff gathered a large crowd in their purpose-built activity room. Complete with a stage and in-house sound system. Although I stayed off the stage (up close and personal) I did use their wireless lapel mic.

     Of all the sixteen sessions I've had the opportunity to minister in here in Australia, this was one of the most uplifting for me. Many folks were singing along. A number of song request were made. And I received numerous heartfelt Blessings from folks as I visited afterwards.

     Drove back across Brisbane to the motel near the airport by about 4:00 pm. Cleaned all my clothes at the guest laundry. Packed everything up in anticipation of heading back to the States in the morning. Got to sleep by nine, but woke up about three, too wound up to sleep further.

          Wednesday March 25 th ~

     A long, long day!

          Started for the airport at daybreak, stopping on the way to top off the gas tank. Turned in the rental car at the airport. (Might've gotten a little spoiled over the past month driving this nice new Jetta.)

     Eventually boarded a big 747 which was chuck-full. No more than one or two empty seats. I was lucky to have an Isle seat next to a couple of friendly guys. One American, one Aussie.

     Long flight of 13 hours.

     Kind of strange leaving Australia mid-morning on Wednesday, then crossing the Equator and international date line, flying through the night approaching the rising sun, arriving at LAX in Los Anglos at daybreak the same day, Wednesday.

     They really put you through the wringer upon entry into the States; off the plane through an initial Customs check-point, then collect bags and go through another Customs check-point, then return bags for the connecting flight. Walk over to another terminal and go through yet another security screening. (This one I had to remove my shoes.) Finally into the concourse where I had a couple of hours layover. Found a corner next to the boarding gate and laid down. Might've even dozed off a time or two.

     Boarded the last plane on this mission, for the relatively short flight to Austin. Collected my bags (The guitar survived all this.) Went outside to the loading & unloading area where dear Brother Richard arrived to pick me up in less than 60 seconds. Near perfect timing!

     Back to the camper van at Richard's place. Unpacked. Got a shower & a bite to eat and went to bed.

          Thursday March 26 th ~

     Slept eleven hours last night. Awoke refreshed and full of energy. Did some domestic chores, caught up on email and met dear Brother George for lunch. Sweet visit, then out to a nursing home to see a resident, Penelope (medical missionary to China in the past) and arranged to sing tomorrow.

     By the bank to exchange Australian dollars for American currency. Walmart for supplies. Then back to Richards for a shower, dinner, a visit and to bed early.

          Friday March 27 th~

     Ministered at the "Brodie Ranch" rehab & healthcare facility here in Austin, Texas.

          Saturday March 28 th ~

     Spent the first few hours of the day with some old friends at a prayer breakfast. The rest of the day relaxing.

          Sunday March 29 th ~

     Attended Jubilee Christian Center in Austin, Texas.

     Had lunch with some of the folks.

     Afternoon visiting with my host Richard for a bit.

     An evening meal with dear Sister Sarah.

    

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!