Birds –
In my last newsletter, I wrote about the birds that have a beautiful whistle at both dawn and sunset.  After moving to our new house, we found out that we moved to crow country.  Instead of melodious whistling, we hear squawks.  One evening there were several loudly squawking together and we started laughing at the change of noise.  Also after moving, we have been startled when walking into an upstairs room and seeing a bird perched on the window sill looking in at us.  This bird is called a Myna.  We’ve never seen a bird so boldly curious.  Years ago we met a man who came to Papua New Guinea to observe birds, binoculars and all.  It seemed strange to me at that time, though now I have to admit that I too thoroughly enjoy observing birds. Now where did I put our binoculars…?

Since You Are Staying, You Can Help –
Last week we took Sister Chat to her doctor’s appointment to have laser treatments on her wound from the facial surgery she had to remove cancerous tumours.  Neither one of us had ever seen this treatment done and wondered what all it entailed.  First the nurse inserted an eye shield onto her eye to protect it.  The shield is made of plastic and goes under the eyelid.  She has had this done many times in years past when she had a series of radiation.  It looked quite painful, but she was brave about it and didn’t utter a sound.

The same nurse that did the eye shield was scheduled to do the laser procedure.  She was a kind, bubbly person.  From the minute we met her, we knew she had found her calling in ministering and helping patients feel comfortable.  She asked if I wanted to stay in the room or step out during the procedure.  I wasn’t sure what to do, but Sister Chat said, “She’s staying.”  So then the nurse said, “Okay since you are staying, put on these glasses and you can help.”  My heart sank for a second because I wasn’t sure if I could do a good job of whatever it was she was asking.  Though it ended up being easy.  It was to hold the hose that blew cold air on her face while she zapped away with her laser tool. This nurse seemed to have an uncanny sense on how to involve everyone to get a job done with the least amount of stress.  All turned out well and Sis. Chat’s facial wounds are healing up nicely.  We feel so thankful to the Lord for this blessing.

Renting a House in Australia –
If you rent an apartment or house in the USA, it usually involves things such as wanting to see your driver’s license, checking your credit, paying a deposit, and then the house is yours to use.  Here in Australia, there is more.  This past month before we moved, we were told to read 10 pages of a strict contract before we could finalize the lease.  Things are quite regulated in Australia and in the past have leaned towards the home-owner’s benefit.  The Fair Trading Commission has recently been enacting laws to help the renter.  Our contract states that we cannot put a pin, nail, tape, and so forth in or on the walls without permission.  Also, we were refused our request to put a spigot water filter on the sink.  The contract also mentioned no black marks on the wall, so Frank has put felt tabs and even foam on the back of all of our furniture so there will not be any scuff marks.  Though we have recently read the Fair Trading Commission’s rulings and a renter cannot be held liable for “normal wear and tear.”  I have a bit of obsessive clean disorder, but this lease contract was making it worse where I was constantly going around with a rag wiping off any little smudge.  However after reading the renter’s rights, a sigh of relief was felt that we could actually “live” in the house. Though if you come to visit, will you please remove your shoes before you enter?  We’ll remind you to shake them out for spiders before you put them back on.

    A friend in Christ,
    Sister Cyd James