It's a month today when Lam hit and this afternoon, the Remote Area Tree Services team arrived in my yard. They have been attending to tree debris over houses and in people's yards. Although their priority continues to be with those trees lain on houses, they came to remove the wood pile that has now been identified as a fire risk at the entrance to my drive. Between their 'big jobs', with only a couple of 'spare' hours remaining in their day and a wood-chipper, the team of five men changed the wood-pile into a chip-pile. Thanks guys! What a great job!
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With special PERMISSION, Guymun, Kaye and I travelled beyond Galiwin'ku to visit Guymun's homeland, Dharrwar. Two 'YBE' men have been clearing the main road from Galiwin'ku to Gäwa this past month. This road runs a somewhat north to south route, connecting many homelands on the island. During this time all persons who would have a homeland beyond Dhäyiri (Second Creek) on Elcho, have been waiting at Galiwin'ku to return to their homes. The wait has been long and difficult. With a bulldozer and grader, the two YBE men are now widening the main road as they make their way back to Galiwin'ku. Guymun has been anxious to know the state of her homeland, Dharrwar, and Kaye, one of her trusted drivers, only had this one free day here, for the next month or so, to help Guymun out. SO, today was to be the only chance to do this together for some time. The authority of the Emergency Relief program gave his considered approval to this special request. The timing was impeccable! The YBE drivers were only a kilometer away from the Dharrwar turn-off, when we arrived. The Dharrwar road was originally formed by a group of yolŋu women, with axes and prayer, over two and a half decades ago. Those women had witnessed a guiding hand then, that still speaks today, encouraging their spirit each time they travel over it. Though that message in the land is held dearly by Guymun, she appreciated that a different kind of hand had come to help today. By the end of the day, a grader had gently scooped away the fallen trees off the surface of the road, clearing the hand-made track into her beloved homeland. Here's what Guymun saw... Here's some excerpts from a report that Rev. Wendell Flentje has shared of this weekend: "Features of the celebrations were the powerful preaching of the Rev. Dan Armstrong who had led a Mission to Galiwin’ku in May 1979 which made a significant contribution to the Revival which began that year and has been commemorated each year since then. Dan spoke on “Claiming your birthright” and on “Personal revival”, resulting in many people responding to the invitation to be prayed for after the messages. A bible study was led by NRCC Educator Yurranydjil Dhurrkay on Saturday morning on Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple. Many people shared their insights as Yurranydjil skillfully led the discussion. On the Saturday evening the Rev. John Blacket showed his film “God’s Firestorm” which told the story of the 1979 Revival to an enthusiastic crowd. Many copies of the DVD were distributed to local people following its showing. On Sunday morning there was a 4 hour service which included Holy Communion, many wonderful items from community groups and many testimonies from indigenous and non-indigenous people on how they were blessed by God during the 1979 Revival. Leading the celebrations were Maratja Dhamarrandji and his wife Dorothy Gapany, Djawut Gondarra and his wife Yurranydjil Dhurrkay, the Rev. Rronang Garrawurra and his wife Sally Djulunga and the Galiwin’ku Community Minister Timothy Buthimang Dhurrkay. Many others participated in setting up the venue, providing excellent musical items and accompaniment. Cyclone Lam certainly caused much physical damage on Elcho Island. However, following its destructive path there was a tangible sense of the local peoples’ concern and care for one another. The event had a real sense of celebration, gratitude and joy for the goodness of God. (The Rev. Dan and Mrs Sue Armstrong, the Rev. John and Mrs June Blacket and the Rev. Wendell and Mrs Mary Flentje were privileged to be part of Thanksgiving 2015.) After working daily on the debris around my yard since I arrived home, it was a great day, to have more assistance, by way of the Shire Emergency Relief workers. This mob have been assigned to clear edges of the roads. In the cool of the afternoon, two graders rolled up just outside my home, along with a large tip truck, and a couple of men with chainsaws. They were here to finish off the area outside my yard. I was glad I had made careful preparations in the past days whilst this team of workers were occupied with other more urgent areas of town. You can appreciate that I was needing to rescue whatever is alive in the garden. I behaved like a protective mother hen over its nest, when the team of workers kicked into action, ... scooping, clawing and emptying out all the debris that lay on top of my remaining 'garden'. They finished the job in two hours, just before sunset. One worker attempted to cheer me up, as I gazed over the almost empty space; "Well at least you have some good seaviews now!" Now to focus on the inside of the yard... in preparation for a different relief team, with a woodchipper, I hope...
 Sunset at Ŋayawili Although I began with a early start at 6.30am in the garden to gather up small items in my front yard before the heat of the day, there was a general sense elsewhere of 'a day of rest'. How special to catch-up with Wurrthal on the roadside and to have a chat with him. He was on a walk to inspect the 'land and the sea'. His fisherman heart could see that the better days of fishing had gone on Thursday and Friday, with a westerly breeze now stirring up the surface of the water, bringing cool breezes to the land. But our hearts were warmed as we together reflected on God's presence; of his hand that still hovers over this land and sea, despite the destruction of Lam. Yes, our creator God wants our attention and adoration in the midst of the devastation in the land.
It was impossible to enter the church today, but how encouraging to join a number of people who had gathered for prayer and fellowship on the stage area outside the church this morning. There was a buzz in the air as together, each one affirmed the preparations being made for next weekend. The rakes were taken up and the dry leaves burned around the grounds, all in expectation of fresh soil and spaces for shelters to be erected for next weekend's Thanksgiving program. Some large trucks were buzzing around the town for different reasons, but for those I had the opportunity to meet with today, we rested, visited nearby homelands, collected some maypal and soaked in the breeze and the beauty of the sea. I have dedicated these days to cleaning and clearing at home. On Friday, I came to the end of my strength with trying to finish off the lounge room. I was glad to take a break, when the phone rang. Rhonda asked what people could do down south... send money or clothes? I replied, "just someone to help with cleaning my lounge room?" Well that seemed such a selfish and minor request to what is needed, but the prayers of my friend envigorated me to get the job finished. THANKYOU LORD for the prayers of others and YOUR strength and power, when I come to the end of our own! While waiting for the team of woodchippers, I have been reclaiming my yard. The grassy area of the back yard seemed a 'simple task', with just tree debris needing to be removed. Kaye gave a finishing touch with the lawnmower. However, the front and side gardens are huge. In order to catch the coolness of the day, I am starting in the garden at 6.30am. On Saturday, Kaye joined me at 7.30am, and Djawuṯ arrived later with a chainsaw! The efforts were remarkable before the heat set in at 10am. Kaye's words of wisdom this morning: "We are not in a sprint, but a marathon here!" THANKYOU LORD that we can accomplish one task at a time with your help and the help of each other. Day 13 and 14 This is my second and third day since my return to Elcho and I am feeling the pain of living in community. The sun is HOT, with no canopy.. but it is HUMID too, as the clouds pass by with no rain. As one person described their beloved island - it's like hell! When I visited the workplace and church with Wäŋgarr I found the asbestos replacement program for February had been delayed by Cyclone Lam. Not only is the Translation Centre and the church in an incomplete state of replaced building materials on the inside, but there is a general concern for the spread of asbestos from other buildings that are broken that need attention. It is going to be some time before things return to normal at the Translation Centre. Back at home I have been cleaning inside, one room at a time, and dodging the hot sun to clear the debris around the yard. My 'Lot' has been listed as needing help by a team of 5-6 working on the fallen trees. They have been clearing the school area ready for school to begin yesterday, and making their way around the town, lot by lot. Meanwhile I continue to do my 'bit' in the backyard. How encouraging to sit with 6 yolŋu at 5.30pm after work, for planning and prayer for the coming Thanksgiving weekend to be held on the 14th March. This year it is being declared as a 'local' program, for Galiwin'ku only, with a special emphasis on thanks to God for no loss of life during cyclone Lam. My first day back home comes 12 days after Cyclone Lam. My long holidays with mum are over and I am coming to terms with the reality of a sad community, where many are recognising a greater hand of protection over them, even though the landscape is battered and barren-looking - for a 'tropical isle'!
I am counting my blessings right now; My car was sitting at the airport like it had come off 'a show floor', washed and clean. It was rescued from many near misses of trees, sporting only one broken window in the canopy, a 'knock' at the top of the passengers door and a few small dents elsewhere; all small reminders of it's miraculous protection from cyclone Lam's fury. My driveway had been cleared the day before, just enough for my car to be parked under my home. Under my house, tossed items had been cleaned, rotten food from 2 freezers emptied, two patches of grass mown, all by the hands of Kaye, Craig, Ian and Jimmy. Inside the house is 'moy-mirr' with dust and 'specks' that cover everything - a job for the washing machine now. How delightful it was to be greeted by 2 pied butcherbirds in my yard on my arrival. By the end of the first day I had counted a blue-wing kookaburra, a couple of peaceful doves, a friarbird, a small family of woodswallows, a pair of bower birds and 3 black-faced cuckoo shrikes. Each has made my heart skip to see such 'fragile' creatures alive. All were restless, looking around for something to eat. Dogs have survived too! Yolŋu are counting their blessings too! Over the course of the day, I had a chance to hear many stories, whilst visiting just a few people. They recounted to me the care and support of three large cyclone shelters that housed many people that were otherwise not safe at home. As they gazed out in awe at their battered community the next day, they were amazed at how many large trees JUST missed homes with even the occasional mango tree still standing! Two sick people were able to be airlifted only hours before the community went into shutdown mode on the 17th February with no-one dying during the cyclone, nor were there any births to manage on that day/night! Praise God! We will be having a Thanksgiving Weekend on the 14th March, but it has been declared that it will only be for the Galiwin'ku community, as it would be too difficult to host any other communities for the event. It will be a Thanksgiving Weekend with a difference, with the opportunity to thank God for protection of life this year. The oval is being prepared as a 'tent city' for the homeless and it may be ready Wednesday or Thursday of this week. It was great to hear that the voice of senior Yolŋu members at Galiwin'ku is being involved in some decision-making processes now and the initial emergency work is being implemented. Much to be done! 2014 was a year of study and research for me, and hopefully the benefits of that will unfold in time... however, 2015 could be called the year of a 'Cyclone on Elcho'. We have broken the Bureau of Meteorology's records. I returned today to a 'home' that I've been told makes you feel sad. So in preparation I have been shopping in Darwin yesterday. I have followed advice to purchase for the garden; a machete or handsaw, gloves and a garden rake, for the home, lemons, bi-carb soda, white vinegar and vanilla essence, for myself; betadine, antiseptic cream and I've added dencorub! .  Valentine's Day with my Mum This week I have been recalibrating in the 'Great Southland'. It's been good to slow down, join with the Aussie world that is leading the time of day around the world, drive on the correct side of the road and reflect on that wonderful experience I have just had in Dallas, Texas.
How thankful I am to have been encouraged and supported by God's people, and to have such a great opportunity to study this last month in the growing company of those desiring God's Word for all the world. Happy Valentines' Day from Sydney! There is only one love purer than a Mother's love - the love of our creator God. I am loved ... and so are you! |
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AuthorMM lives at Galiwin'ku.  Archives
May 2015
Words by Jesus
"I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, will live, eventhough he dies... " John 11:25 |
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