MIJD ACTIVITIES FOR AUSTRALIA

Queensland, Australia

The Supreme Visit in Queensland, Australia was held in Brisbane.  However, I had an opportunity to sight see in New Zealand as well as the city of Cairns before the visit.  I will tell you about the visit first, and then touch on some of the sight seeing adventures. 

The night I arrived in Brisbane, Barbara Harris, Ross Kirk and the Nelson family greeted us at the airport.  It was very reassuring to see a familiar face when I was so far from home!  That evening I relaxed at Mrs. Harris’s house with Ross and Reanna, PMQJD.  We had a ball playing Wii tennis, baseball, table tennis and even bowling.  Later that evening I met Lauren Harper, Miss Queensland Job’s Daughter, her friend Pearl as well as Jane-Elizabeth Kirk, BG.  All of us went to check out the Chermside Mall and try our luck at the bowling alley.  I scored a strike on the first frame, although I only knocked down nine pins, good deal for me because that was the only break I got the rest of the game.  Even though I had the lowest score it was still a fun environment to get to know each other.  I stayed with the Harper family while in Brisbane and met the rest of her family that night.

 The next morning Mr. Harper took Lauren, Ross and I to the Steve Irwin Australian Zoo.  We met Mrs. Harris, Aunt Denise, Uncle Tom, Aunt Carol and the rest of the Nelson family there in time for the crocodile show.  There were native birds, snakes and of course a huge creepy croc in the show.  I was amazed at the adaptations of the reptile killing machine and was glad to see them from such a far distance.  After lunch we explored more of the zoo.  I fell in love with the marsupials!  There was a wombat getting exercise on a leach, koalas hiding in the eucalyptus trees and a kangaroo area where anyone could feed and pet the tame kangaroos.  More fascinating animals included a Tasmanian devil, Gila monsters and cute spiny echidnas.  I could hardly believe that I was actually interacting with Australian wildlife that before this year I never would have imagined seeing in real life. Awesome!  I took some time to pose for pictures with the kangaroos and a koala named Kramer.  We looked at a memorial set aside for Steve Irwin and I was inspired at the legacy he left behind.  

Later that evening we attended a Supreme Reception dinner where the Supreme Officers, Supreme Bethel Officers and Representatives were honored.  I sat at the table with the Daughters present and we had a ball together.  The tribute to Elaine, Supreme Marshal, was first followed by Barbara Harris, Supreme Director of Music.  Both of the ladies have dedicated a great deal to Job’s Daughters and I enjoyed looking at pictures of Mrs. Harris from all stages of her Job’s Daughters career.  The Daughters were honored next, Kerryn is the Supreme Bethel Rep to California 9 & 10 and Tamara is the Supreme Bethel Rep to Mato Grosso Do Sul.  I enjoyed listening to the remarks about them and watching the slide show with very entertaining pictures.  The food for the evening was delicious and I was thrilled to have Tim Tam’s on the table as a favor J.             

I was glad I packed a purple and white shirt, because that was the attire for the picnic the next morning.  The park was close to the bay although the beach was pretty muddy.  Before the fish and chips arrived some of us, including the Grand Guardian and Supreme Marshal, played in the park.  We climbed on top of a rope jungle gym and when our feet and bums were sore enough we tried a small merry-go-round and other fun equipment we were just a tad too big for.  During lunch I thought I was grabbing an onion ring, but after chewing it for a bit I realized I was eating calamari… oops.  The fish and chips hit the spot, we even got some ice cream later.  During more recreational time, I learned how to play French Cricket.  One person stands in the center of a circle with a large flat wooden bat down by her feet.  The rest of people in the circle attempt to either hit her legs with the ball, or catch the ball off a bounce after it hit the bat.  We also took some time to walk to the end of the boardwalk.  The view was nice and I found myself in disbelief that I was finally in Australia.  

After the picnic was over, some of us headed back to Brisbane to shop in the market place.  I regretted not getting a scarf because when we went back all of the booths had closed.  The river cruise on the river taxi was wonderful!  It was a beautiful way to see more of downtown Brisbane, stunning bridges and massive houses on the water.  I stayed outside as it got darker in order to have a view of the Southern Cross.  Several of us moved to the front of the water taxi and tried to take pictures of the views despite it being nighttime. We fought the cool winds to see more of the beautiful views from the river.  Before going our separate ways we ate at an outdoor foot court close to the market place we were earlier.  Aunt Denise and I split a tasty calzone and two small wraps, spinach and pumpkin. 

 That evening I went with the Harpers to two parties.  One was a Sr. Princess Project “mocktail party” and another was a birthday party of a friend.  It was good to get out and meet more friendly Australians.

 On Sunday we attended the final meeting of Bethel #18 Sunshine Coast.  It was a sad day, but we realized that it was what was best for the Bethel.  The two Daughters from Bethel #4 presided as Honored Queen and Sr. Princess and the other offices were filled by Daughters from around Queensland.  The Bethel was opened in regular form and after escorts the Daughters performed a final ceremony.  It addressed the institution of the Bethel, its relocation, the good times the Bethel went through as well as the bad.  I thought the ceremony was honorable and touching.  The Librarian’s Report was conducted so that those in attendance could relate stories and favorite memories from the Bethel.  Some of the stories were funny and others were about summer camp, fund raisers, special meetings or moments; all of them were filled with love.  Remarks were difficult, but I hope that everyone could agree that the Bethel had fought hard.  I was impressed that they had chosen to end with dignity and touched by the love for the Bethel and its two remaining Daughters from everyone in attendance.        

There was a reception to follow with pizza or chicken for lunch.  I had a chance to meet more of the Queensland Job’s Daughters and continue the friendships I had made so far.  I was excited to meet and talk with Carmen Jenkinson, MIJD 2000-01.  She was one of the first Miss Internationals that I can remember so it was fun to chat with her.  I was presented with the money from the coin march which was set aside for my travel fund.  THANK YOU!  It was hard to say good bye that afternoon, especially to the friends I had made prior to this trip.  I’d say that is the only downside of having Job’s Daughters all over the world- it is hard to when we may see each other again.  (Reanna, keep buying those lottery tickets!)  I hope someday I can make it back to Australia. 

Back at the Harpers we had an enjoyable evening at their home.  Megan made an awesome dinner with pork, beef and heaps of veggies.  We gathered around the television and watched two movies that I hadn’t seen yet, “Deja Vu” and “Night at the Museum”.  Both were great movies and it was nice to spend an evening relaxing.  I felt bad for Lauren who had school the next day! 

Mrs. Harper took me downtown the next morning to the court house to meet with Aunt Denise, Mrs. Harris and Mr. Dimmick for a HIKE grant donated by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane.  There were several organizations present, all of them with a cause for the greater good.  I was honored to meet some dignitaries during the morning tea and hear how the money would be put to use.  Following the presentation Aunt Denise, Mrs. Harris and I headed to Chermside Mall to do some last minute shopping.   

Harpers had a huge buffet of seafood spread out for dinner.  I tried some new fish and enjoyed the crab meat and prawns (…if only Wyoming was closer to an ocean).  I spent a good chunk of the evening repacking and trying to figure out where all of my stuff was going to fit.  Mrs. Harper had helped me finish up my laundry and I really appreciated it since I would only be home for a short time before leaving again.  

Before I write about some of the sight seeing, I would like to thank the people who made my trip to Brisbane so wonderful.  To the Harper family, I would like to thank you for making sure I enjoyed a true Australian experience.  You made me feel at home and I’ll never forget the memories we made while I was in Brisbane.  Thank you for opening up your home for covering many of my meals and for being so accommodating.  I promise to visit if I ever make it back to Australia, and I am glad that I will see you again soon in Indiana.  Also to Mrs. Harris, I would like to thank you for picking me up at the airport and for letting me hang out at your house throughout the trip.  I know it was a difficult weekend for you and I appreciate your kindness.  Another thank you goes to Jane-Elizabeth and Ross for making sure I got to where I needed to be.  You are both passionate about the Order and it was fun to get to know you during my stay. 

 Sightseeing Adventures! New Zealand:

Prior to landing in Australia, I was able to spend the weekend in Auckland.  I visited a friend that I graduated with who is going to school in New Zealand.  It was a brief weekend, but it was a unique experience to see my best friend half way around the world.  We shopped our way around Auckland and even made it to the beach for an afternoon.  New Zealand is a gorgeous country!  A few of her friends came along and it was a perfect weekend out with the girls.  

Cairns:

Aunt Carol and Uncle Tom met me in Cairns for a few days before we headed to Brisbane for the Supreme Visit.  Upon arriving, we checked into our hotel with an ocean front view.  That night we shopped around in a market place and even made it to a mall.  Jet lag set in however, and we went to be early.

The next day was our snorkeling and scuba diving adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.  Wow!  It was a pleasant two hour ride out to the reef and once we arrived, I got very brief introduction to scuba diving.  Luckily I was one of the last groups to scuba, so I got to snorkel for about an hour to gain a little practice before it was my turn.  I wish I could describe the sights under the water!  I recognized many fish (admittedly because of the movie Finding Nemo) and was fascinated with their vibrant colors and incredible numbers.  Several times I swam through schools of fish.  They could feel the current I created and they swam around me only to hop right back in line.  Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!  The fish were all shapes and sizes, one massive one that I saw swam along the bottom of the ocean floor, others darted in and out of coral openings.  The coral was a conglomerate of tubes, polyps, and anemones.  In places it was just a column shooting up, and in other areas the coral was the size of a flat football field only about two feet under the water.  I had to be careful not to kick it with my flippers. Also while I was snorkeling I saw two sea turtles, both of them let me follow them for a short distance.  We followed them for a while and eventually one let us get close enough to touch.  I also saw a reef shark!  It was small and I couldn’t believe its agility through the water, I found it as equally beautiful as it was terrifying. 

During the scuba dive, we went down to better explore the coral reef.  The photographer underwater had me hold a sea cucumber for a picture, it was soft and squishy.  I also got to touch the inside of a huge clam that felt like a silk pillow.  Shortly after I touched the inside however, it slowly snapped shut.  I also got to see and touch Nemo himself, who was swimming in his sea anemone.  It was awesome!  This trip was the most unique and adventurous I have ever been on and I couldn’t believe how much time had passed when the instructor filled my vest with air and I rose to the top. 

After the scuba dive, we rode to another location to snorkel.  My group was the last one back to the boat and I was sad that my adventure was over.  I could have stayed out all day!  When I got back on the boat, I could hardly believe all that I had seen… If it weren’t for the beet red sunburn on my back from being in the water for four hours and the pictures I got on an underwater camera, I could have convinced myself it was all a dream! 

Also while we were in Cairns, we took the opportunity to take the Sky Rail over the rainforest to the town of Kuranda.  The Sky Rail had several stops to get out and walk through the rainforest on a trail.  I was amazed at the adaptations that the plants on the lower level had to receive more sunlight.  I learned that only 2% of the sunlight actually reaches the ground.  One stop over looked a breath-taking waterfall.  My only regret was that we didn’t get to see any animals, but being encompassed with bright green plants in all directions was pretty spectacular. 

The town of Kuranda was primarily tourist shops and we shopped our way all though town.  Lunch was in a real rainforest café and we later treated ourselves to passion fruit ice cream.  I found a dress for five bucks and a bunch of other souvenirs to take home.  The ride home was via train on some pretty steep terrain but the views were still great and the conductor informed us of special landforms, old mining equipment and towns below. 

For our last night in Cairns, Uncle Tom, Aunt Carol and I decided to have an Australian seafood dinner.  The restaurant was on a second story and completely open to the outside.  We sat near a porch area that over looked the beach and harbor.  I could hardly believe that this much of the trip had elapsed but I know that the memories of Australia and New Zealand will last a lifetime!

 I want to send a special thanks to Uncle Tom and Aunt Carol for allowing me to come with them to Cairns.  I appreciate you setting up the tours, especially the Great Barrier Reef!  I had an awesome time and thanks to you I was able to experience more of what Australia has to offer.  You two are the best!

Jobie Love,
Erin Leigh Weisshaar
MIJD 2006-2007

 Published as received

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