Back and Still Alive from the ROAD TRIP!!

Hey Everyone

Wow almost a month's time until I have last written. Well I'm still here and everything and absolutely having a great old time in the Down Under.

Lets see now about the road trip. IT WAS AWESOME!! One of the best times in my life. We went with me and 5 other girls and had a super duper time.

We started Monday morning on our way to Denmark. We camped at a caravan park and would be staying there for 2 nights - by the time everything was all sorted out it was time to make dinner and then setting up the tent and all. Well this was going to be the record time for the longest time to set up the tent which was a flat time of 1hour and 30 minutes!!! (Don't worry it went a whole lot quicker the next time - someone had forgotten the instructions lol)

The following time in Denmark we went and toured around in town, shopped, etc. Quite a lot of fun.

Next on our list was Albany - before we hit that one we made a stop to the toffee factory which was yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We were in Albany for 5 nights and yeah ended up not staying in a caravan park but yeah we were on a churchie's backyard and they were just so nice about it. In Albany we saw the Gap and Natural Bridge (pictures will be posted on Facebook) and Dog Rock. We climbed up this huge castle rock and went canoeing and beach. Now the weather was totally awesome but the flies were TERRIBLE - they have these stupid flies called March flies but they actully bite you!! Not fun LOL - but by saturday they were gone because then came typical Albany weather - cold rainy and drizzle!!

Next on our trip was Margaret River and we were there for 5 days - the unfortunate part was that they entire time we were there it was either cold, rainy or windy. But we comprised and still had alot of fun by going wine tasting, some swimming (the daring ones), sightseeing, and to all the cheese, chocolate and candy factories around the area.

Then as soon as out of Margaret River area the sun was shinning the weather hot (flies were back LOL) and we went on our way to Busselton which is the last lag of our journey. Busselton was beautiful with the jetty and everything - we even saw the sunrise one morning - ABSOLUTLEY GLORIOUS!!!!!!

But that unfortantly is the end of my tale and now I am back, in debt, working and carrying on - I will try to keep contact a little more kk and if is this is the last time you are checking my blog this year then a very merry Christmas and happy new year!

Signing off - DJ

It's SUMMER!

Hello y'all!
how you all going? Well...i pity you now...i mean, you've had snow and everything! and i've been busy here sweating in the heat...really...SWEATING IN THE HEAT! WOW so hot.
okay...next topic...what happened this week? hmm...hahahahahhahaha okay umm...seriously cassie...what happeened this week? :-O (hi guys its cassie here...shannel is too lazy to type...) I've been busy at work...thankfully i only have one week left because i found out..I'M NOT AN OFFICE GIRL!! i hate dressing up for work...ugh! the people i work with are INTERESTING...seriously...but its all good...the money is good...REAL good. WOW!! its good...(lol) (that means laughing out loud) (hahaha)
i had club on friday...and GREG if you know him (is really totally hot and shannel loves him...) and he was tehre! he talks a lot in club. (cassie...take it out) (no shannel!!) (seriously..my family reads this!) (and greg is not hot) (shannle really thinks hes not hot guys...) (but i know thta shes lying when she says that) (lol)
FRIDAY NIGHT WE SLEPT ON THE BEACH IT WAS TOTALLY COOL!! wow! (mom it was safe. we didnt get mugged or attacked in any way...) we didnt get much sleep...but thats beside the point! (thats what saturdays are for!) then we went swimming and surfing and body boarding and the whole australian thing thing to do...(which not all australians do...lol) so yeah...
what else?
oh!! i'm at cassie's house at the moment...shes really awesome :-) and she did her profession of faith this morning...so did HEAPS of people...and tonight, i'm going to have dinner at uncle neils and thats coz i wanna see him before i GO ON MY ROADTRIP WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! (shes coming with us!)
Signing off now, seeya!
DJ
(authorised by the australian government, canberra, spoken by: cassie hart)
xoxoxoxox

LONG TIME BUT AM STILL HERE!!!!

Hey Everyone
Whew its for sure has been a long while. Well whats happening over here in AussieLand. The weather is getting warmer (ha ha you might get snow this month) and I have been to the beach a few times to do some sunntanning, bodyboarding.........the list can go on!!
Besides that one really funny thing that happened was Daylight Savings. They really get super worked up about it - so hilarious!!! Its wierd because like yeah we are used to it and all but they are going on this 3 year trial base thing to see it they want it permeantly. I don't have a problem with it buts it more the farms and stuff that do rather then the office people.
I have been keeping busy with work and stuff- trying to juggle 2 jobs is good fun but for the next 3 weeks I'll be at a place called Chubb Security with the service department - so like on jobs, calling people up etc.... it is challenging and I only just started but its going good.
Club is every Friday and thats going really good as wel - I love my discussion group that I am in but it like is over in the next month anyway because of summer holidays so yeah. Its cool though I am on like the Congress committee already which is like YCC at home -so that should be fun.
I took my STAT test last weekend - to achieve a higher score for making it easier to get into university over here - so glad that is done!!
Not meeting as many people but so hard to stil remember all the names of the people I have met - lol !! But I'm gettting to really know my Auntie's Kina's family which is awesome fun - I even was busy stripping wallpaper and cleaning the walls up for painting for my cousin's rental place (so I guess I still proudly hold the name of the painter's daughter!!)
Oh well better get going again
Off to soccer
Love to hear from you all bye!
DJ

Updated finally LOL

Hello Everyone
Thanks to someone who has continuously reminded me in the last few days to update my blog I am now updating it. So lets see last week I worked a lot that’s for sure pretty much everyday except Thursday went I went to the Royal Show again!! Yes I know twice in one week that seems questionable but this time I got to see all the family type stuff like the pavilions, animals and some of the shows. So a very good day overall.
Friday night we decided to go play poker rather then going to Bible club. Nah just kidding the club was actually cancelled still because of school holidays. And then Saturday was good fun – we had fish and chips on the jetty by the foreshore in Rockingham and the sunset was beautiful upon the ocean. You just have to see it because no picture or painting could ever do it justice.
Sunday was busy as well. It was the minister’s birthday and I actually then met the minister as well and there was a big coffee social at church. And at night was a big games night for a lot of us people and that was good fun as well.
This past week (till now anyway) has been good fun as well. Working lots but that’s ok at least I am making money so its all good. But yeah been out to people’s houses getting to more lots of them but I think I am finally settling in and finding my place so that’s pretty cool.
Anyways better go again
Miss you all and hope to hear from you
Shannel

Fab Weekend

Hey y’all
How is you all doing? I am doing absolutely fantastic at the moment that’s for sure. I just had an awesome weekend and now you are all going to be stuck there reading about it.
It was called a congress weekend and that meaning I guess more studying involved – as there was no formal entertainment planned (but we were pretty good on planning our own). So Friday night we had an introduction speech to the book of Ecclesiastes and then for the remainder of the week were 3 big workshops (which in Canada aren’t really workshops but rather a speech and discussion) led by Rev.Vandelden as a summary of the book of Ecclesiastes. He was a very powerful speaker and used Canadian analogies, which made me feel right at home.
Saturday after noon we had a big break in-between workshops so we went to the beach and guess what – I got sunburned!! Obviously (only and we were only there for like a couple hours too yet but whatever. It was good fun and then I played poker before the big barbecue dinner (no money involved I promise!)
On the Sunday evening we had a big sing-a-long night with praise and worship music with the Bergsma band. It was really cool – they are so musically and vocally talented it was incredible and reminded me a little of Every Breath or the Guido Benefit concert so pretty cool.
Monday moring was the last workshop and the closing of the weekend so overall the weekend was an absolute blast and met some more people and got to know some other people a little more as well.
Then Monday afternoon was so fun because we went to the Royal Perth Show it was awesome - the rides were really good espeically for a fair and the displays and shows were such a laugh. We went with about 10 people and yeah had a great ole time. Then because it was the holiday because it was the queen's birthday huge firworks went on as well. And it was so beaufitul man they did an awesome job for that.
But now my exciting weekend has come to an end and I must get going into work again
Have a great week everyone
DJ

I can make MONEY

Hey Everyone
Well a lot has been happening around here that’s for sure. First of all I now instead of no job have two jobs which I am totally excited about that’s for sure. The first one is I work for Drake temp agency – so just reception or data input in wherever they need me type thing. But I’m only at the job for like a day and then on to the next place so that’s kind of cool. The second one is for the café I previously mentioned – so I work there as well a couple days a week. Its pretty good and I’m finally making money! Lol
Well besides that I’ve again been meeting a lot more people especially within Kelmscott church. I went to YPS, which they call club this past Friday and really enjoyed it. However the ratio of boys is totally up there compared to girls which makes it interesting I guess then. But they were really open and super friendly so it wasn’t to nerve wracking for me.
Also I am now Aunty Shannel to all of Auntie Kina’s grandkids which is pretty cool for me –it’s so cute now when they say Aunty Shannel (it makes me feel important anyways)
This weekend is going to be busy - its their study weekend so guess what?? I get more people again!! Nah it will be good fun and I'm looking forward to it. Also next week is the Royal Perth Show which is kinda like our Royal Winter Fair thing in Toronto so that should be very exciting to go to as well.
Love to chat longer but I'll be late for work then (can't do that now can I)
Looking forward to hearing from you
See ya
DJ

Been a while

Hey everyone
Yes I know its been awhile but I have been busy so its all been good.
I am at my new address now and no more shifting for a while. So I am at my great Aunties place and its very quiet to what I am used to but pretty cool and will definatly help when I begin studying again.
I've done all the nessecary things - like set up a bank account, get a health card, file for a tax number ecteria so thats all been keeping me occupied and of course meeting so many people at the same time.
I've kind of been adopted into Byfird church club (lol) as I got invited to 3 things of theirs over this past weekend but its all been awesome fun. They are so welcome and friendly - almost makes you feel right at home. Also one of the girls (Mrs.Plug would know her) has really been around for me - taking me to all different places and even took me to the University of Curtin to get information on applying into the nursing program there.She really is great!
My Aunties family the vermuelens have adopted me in their family as well which is really nice - I've seen all of them at least twice now and am expected to be at their family events!!!
This past Sunday I had Lord's Supper and it was for the first time that I had to go up to the table. It was my first Sunday at the church, attestation read off just moments before and I was jsut freaking out - everyone was so serious and yeah - but its done and I didn't spill the wine but did almost drop the bread plate (I didn't think it would be that heavy!)
Then that afternoon I got to hear Rev.Wildeboer preach (an amazing sermon) and got the chance to talk to him as well. He will becoming you way soon thats for sure.
So that concludes for now - I am on my way to listen if global warming really exists and now that I am living in Australia I might say it does.(lol)
bye bye
DJ

FUN!!

Hello
How is everybody??!! I'm sure you are all enjoying going back to school - or watching everyone else going back to school around you?!!
This has been a total blast. I got a lot of things done. I went and got a cell phone (except here you have to call it a mobile or people just have no idea what you are talking about). And also set up a bank account with exactly 5 dollars in it. It will get me super far thats for sure.
Some people took me to Rottnest Island and it was absoutley fantastic. We got the VIP package so like compliementary morning tea, a guide all day, buffet lunch and wine testing in the afternoon. Besides that though the history and scenery was just incrediable. There was barely any wind which is rare and it was an amazing day!!
On Friday I went to a new familys house in Byfird visiting with friends and they lived on a bull farm so that was pretty neat - then the ute got stuck in the paddock (truck in the field) and we had to walk back to get the tractor to pull it out - very fun and adventerous.
Then tonight (Saturday) I went to the Baldavis International dinner and that was really cool. They got all the Canadians to come up to the front to sing the anthem which was awesome and there were a lot of us up there thats for sure!! Never really realized how many Canadains were actully here.
Anyways better get going again - can't sleep during church now can I!
Bye
DJ

New things

Hello everyone
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the labour day weekend before y'all have to go back to school.
Its been quite a week here with us 3 DeJonge girls - we have been having alot of fun. We only had supper twice at our house this week which was great because otherwise they would have to suffer through my cooking. A lot of people invited us to their houses so that was really nice.
Thrusday was awesome because it was my cousisns birthday so we did a suprise thing for her and boy she was suprised. It was an awesome day though - I think at the end we all had 5 peieces of different cakes people had made for us (YUMMY!!!)
I found out that I'll be staying for this week at their house as well because my uncle and aunt have to stay a little longer in the states but thats no problem I'm already busy all the way up to Thursday this week.
Last Friday was alot of fun. I went to the Rockingham elementary school to help with their cultural week and got to do mosiacs. It was the grouting part so it was the messiest but it was alot of fun. All the kids for some reason knew my name but I didn't really know any of them. Then I went and looked around the other displays and some were really nice - beautiful to see.
I also got a viewing of my uncles mechanic workshop this week - it looked so good, it was amazing. And then I saw a truck that they had transformed with a barbecue in the front and then in the pickup part would hold all the drinks - it was really awesome and they had used it for their open house.
Also I worked!!! Which I thought was pretty cool. Thanks to my Auntie I helped out in the El Shaddai cafe just to see if I would like it and the owner would like me. I think I got it but won't start work of course until my uncle and aunt come back because that cafe is right beside where I am supposed to be living so a bit of a distance for me to get to while I am here.
Full of fun its been for the last week and this week will be just as busy
Enjoy your freedom before school starts!!!
DJ

A busy weekend

Hello y'all
Well this week has been absoulutly crazy busy. As you know I am living with my cousins at the moment and we are having an total blast.
We had people over on Thursday night and then watch an Australian football game the next night which everyone calls here "footy" and the West Coast Eagles won (don't know them but thats a very good thing). So it was really cool though and so much different from our kind of football - alot more entertaining.
Friday was alot of of fun because Pop (my grandpa) came and took me out for lunch on the coast and then we went to Point Peron for some really cool sightseeing. Even though its kind of cold here the scenery is still so beautiful.
Then come Saturday we did some shopping here - and I am just so glad i got most things back at home because everything here is sooooooooooooooo expensive its crazy! Then that night we went to the grandparents for supper which was really good - Nana had made Wonton soup and its something Chinese but it was delicious.
Sunday was a busy day and lots of meeting people and such. Quite fun though and I even went to club (which is our YPS) and its different then mine but at the same time really good. But yeah I met about 3 different familes and then plus the ones I kinda knew and caught up with a bit but it was cool. I was very glad Bal Davis church was small so its alot easier to kinda get to know people. Oh well - its not going to be my church anyways as I am going to Kelmscott.
I miss you all and looking forward to hearing from you
DJ

I'm finally here!!

Hello Everyone
Wow its seems like its just yesterday that I just saw you all at my house. Anyways I am finally here in Aussieland and finally caught up on SLEEP!!!
So the flight was good except that I had to go on 4 different planes but thats alright. Met some very interesting people on all my flights and talking to them helped pass the time as well. However on the way from San Fransico to Sydney the flight was very empty so I had a whole 3 seats for myself and with the help of my special pink equipment (thanks so much!) I crashed for the 10 hours of the 13 hour flight so that was nice.
Landing at Sydney was alright except that I had to claim my luggage and go through the whole thing again so I could fly domestically to Perth. I even got checked if I had any explosive powers on me or my luggage (don't worry - I didn't).
Then finally I got through and before departing to Perth I had a Fredo Frog (it was so good and for those who don't know what it is talk to an Aussie!!)
As soon as I came I got driven back to my Aunts where I met pretty much everyone again kinda of hectic and then went to the hospital because I broke my leg!! (NO just kidding don't worry - we went there because Auntie Kina (the person I am staying with) just got a new granddaughter that afternoon)
Today was good - caught all up on my sleep - went shopping with Auntie Kina for groceries. And now I am here at my Uncles for the next ten days housesitting with my two cousins! We'll have a lot of fun and not much sleep I'm sure of that.
Anyways I just wanted to say a big thanks to all that came that night - it meant alot to me and I read all your cards again while I was on the plane and yeah it was great to feel so loved
Thats all for now
Shannel