Greetings from Townsville

Yes, the time has finally come. I have arrived in Townsville. I actually got here yesterday, about 3ish, after quite a long and slow day. I was woken at 5ish am by Dad, eager to get on the road and beat the city traffic to the airport. We left by 6:30 and arrived at the airport well ahead of time. My flight was due for takeoff at 10:25 but we weren't in the air til about 1ish I think.
I was seated next to a very friendly middle aged woman and her young daughter who I shared conversation with and was quite entertained by. During the usual in-flight emergency notice thing where the air stewards inform us of the all important emergency exits and all the bits and pieces that go with it, this lady decided it would be funny to lean over and tickle the stewardess closest to us. Although she didn't quite reach the young woman still had a giggle whilst trying her best to keep a straight face and remain professional.
Anyway, in further conversation the woman asked me of my reasons to be heading to Townsville I answered that I was going to study at Bible college. Her response was öh cool, so you're a hairdresser?" She obviously knew I was puzzled by the expression on my face and asked ÿou said barber college, right?"

So, the flight finally came to an end, but unfortunately my subsequent migraine did not. We were greeted at the airport by the lovely Simoane, an ex GDT-er from last year, who escorted us to what is now our new home for the next 5 months.
Willows Lodge is lovely. I didn't come expecting anything in particular, but I've been quite impressed with the facilities and more so the general feeling of the place. I was immediately welcomed by the other students who had arrived earlier in the day, aswell as the house supervisors, a young couple - Amber and Tim, and thier gorgeous new arrival, Josiah.

After unpacking and decorating we were taken over to the principals home for a barbeque welcome meal which also served as a great 'getting-to-know-you' session. We all shared our stories and enjoyed each others company.
We were also given our timetables and briefly discussed what was going on, though this will all be clearer come Monday. At this point I know I will be busy studying but also look forward to all the fun that is to be had in the group activities and other prac stuff.

Tomorrow morning we head to morning service and will be briefly introduced to the congregation (some 400-odd of them!!) followed by a luncheon where we have all been asked to speak briefly on our stories so far and how/why we have to GDT. Thankfully it will only be around 70 people at the luncheon, not 400.

Everything is pretty relaxed at this point, as I sit at Jasmin's lappy I can hear some of the others laughing from the loungeroom. We are all filled with anticipation at this point but are enjoying the down time before the organised chaos that is soon to follow.

Until next time, keep us in your prayers as I shall you, and everything will be just fine. (that's for you Sherie)
love Bel xx