Service Work - The Australia Zoo Day 2
February 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 86 °F
Our second day at the Australia Zoo had us doing service work first thing in the morning and after lunch. I posted all the photos I had from both sessions here.
Adrian was there to meet us and getRead more
There Be Roos here!
February 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F
Between service projects and just before lunch, we got to feed the kangaroos!!! Once we got into the kangaroo enclosure, everyone dispersed to find kangaroos and wallabies! I wasn’t able to get aRead more
A Special Surprise - Koalas!!!
February 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F
The kids had a great surprise today, after lunch they each got a picture taken holding a koala!! They have the pictures and will bring them home. I snuck a few shots of them setting up the pictures.Read more
Goodbye Australia Zoo
February 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F
Our time at the Australia Zoo came to a close. It was a wonderful two days filled with sweat, friendship, and fun. Alistair and Davina presented us with our koala pictures and thanked us for doingRead more
Wednesday Comes to an End
February 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 73 °F
We ended the night with the kids making us some incredible fried rice, with chicken skewers, veggies, and eggs. Charlie grilled up some kangaroo steaks so we could try good kangaroo. He did aRead more
Service Work - The Shack
February 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
After brekky we made our way to The Shack Community Centre. It is a non-profit founded in 2002 and provides food, counseling services, outreach, and more for the local vulnerable population, includingRead more
Buderim Falls
February 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
After lunch Alycia and Charlie took us to Buderim Forest Park, which hosts a beautiful waterfall after a short nature hike. Many of the kids chose to swim. We thought the water would be fairly cold,Read more
Special Olympics of Australia
February 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F
After the falls, we had a very impactful experience. We spent time with the basketball athletes of the Special Olympics of Australia. We arrived to loud applause from the group after we wereRead more
Insightful Conversation
February 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 70 °F
After the emotional high of spending time with the special olympians, we had a night of eating out! The kids have been helping make the meals mist of the week, but tonight, earned a well deservedRead more
Saying Goodbye to Alex Heads
February 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Sadly, it was finally time to pack up and leave Alex Beach Cabins. The kids made toasties for brekky (toasted sandwiches) along with cereal, fruit, and yogurt. We also had a special treat, FairyRead more
Made it to Brisbane
February 24, 2023 in Australia
We made it to Brisbane (Brissie for short - pronounced Brizzy). We dumped our gear off at the youth hostel and went for a walk around the city stopping for lunch at GYG Mexican Kitchen. I got the CaliRead more
Biking Around Brissie
February 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
We thought rain might spoil the day, since it did spit a little. However, the rain held off and we were able to get time on bicycles! It has been a few years since some of the kids biked, but everyoneRead more
An Evening of Reflection
February 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 73 °F
The day came to a close with a fun game Alycia played with the kids and then pizza! It is sad to think we only have one more night in Australia, but we do have a full day left!
Charlie led usRead more
Dealing With Adversity
February 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
Today started with a hiccup. Our bus was having engine trouble. We got it sorted out but it took Alycia and Charlie a little bit to smooth over. While we waited for new transportation, Alycia led aRead more
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
February 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Our big event today was visiting the Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation & Education (WRRE), a non-profit organisation caring for Australia’s Wildlife as well as educating the public on the need forRead more
Our Last Night in Oz
February 25, 2023 in Australia
Dinner was at an excellent burger place. The Australian Wagyu was spectacular! There was more than just beef and the kids really enjoyed it.
After dinner, Alycia and Charlie took the kids to Coles,Read more
Saying Goodbye
February 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
We checked out of the youth hostel and arrived at the Brisbane airport without issue. After checking in, it was finally time to say goodbye to Alycia and Charlie.
I have been lucky enough to haveRead more
In the Air
February 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F
We have achieved takeoff! United Flight 97 from BNE to SFO is slated for a possible 20-30 minutes early arrival. Make sure you are tracking the flight. 🙂🇦🇺
Close to Home
February 26, 2023, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 63 °F
We are a little over 2 hours away. Estimated time to land is around 5:50am. The flight had been great. Not as much sleeping as there was on the way out, but we have been able to catch some Zzz’s. 🙂
Thank You Mr. Riches!!!
February 26, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 50 °F
Don’t forget to give a HUGE thanks to Mr. Riches. He made this trip happen. There are a hours and hours of work before the trip even leaves.
On the trip, his cool head and strong leadership skillsRead more


















































































































































































































































