February 28, 2009
So, I said goodbye to Mollymook and headed to Albury/Wodonga to check out Eagles Wings. Words cannot express my week... although I felt relief today after vomiting in the toilet bowl. It was a LONG 5 days and now I'm back where I started 5 months ago in Narre Warren, Melbourne.
When I got to Eagles Wings, I thought I would observe and check out the program for the first 2 weeks and then decide from there what to do. However, the most difficult part was not necessarily the intense program, or that I felt more like a student than staff, since I lived on site and ate all my meals with them. It wasn't even the 30 minute drive from town and no access to internet that bothered me most. I'd have to say, how do I put this?... that some of their Christian views rubbed me the wrong way. I felt like they were trying to force me to believe things a certain way that I did not agree with. It caught me off guard and was very hard for me to deal with. Let's just say, I was glad to get out of there. I would love to share more if you have any questions. At the moment, I am totally wiped out. I do have to mention that it was a good eye opener and I'm glad I got to meet the girls in the program. They were beautiful girls trying to get their life back on track and it was encouraging to witness.
I arrived to Melbourne by train yesterday. I totally wish I had a photo to capture a moment for you... but picture this: I wake up at 5:15am, take a bus at 6:20 to a train at 9. Smooth so far. Then I arrive to Melbourne around 10:30 and have to take another train out to Narre Warren. I have way too much crap with me - my huge bag on my back, a large rolling piece of luggage, and then I've got 3 bags I'm carrying on my shoulders. So I thought that I got on the right train, but then somehow discovered I was going in the wrong direction. So, not 1, not 2, not 3... but 4 guys who work for the train helped me with my luggage to get onto the right train. It was so embarrassing walking with them all as they carried my luggage. One turned to me and said, "Do you feel like a celebrity?" And I just laughed and said, "No, but I wish I could take a picture of this." Anyway, an hour-and-a-half detour and I finally made my way to Narre Warren.
I woke up today with the worst headache... I swear it was like a migraine! Anyway, I didn't feel better until I threw up in the afternoon. I think it was the stress of this last week and trying to decide whether or not to come home. At this point, I don't really see why I would try to stay in Australia when I'm missing home so much. Coming here has been an interesting experience. I didn't quite know what to expect and that's okay. I've learned a lot. But mostly, I can't wait to see you all and look forward to catching up. I will arrive to SLO on Wednesday.
love,
julie
