Day #11

Today was fun but painful too.

We woke up and we were ready to go when some unforeseen changes arose and we had to wait a bit longer. But all was well because Mallory Jess and I decided to get me some breakfast. 

Ok this whole eating out needs to stop hahah. I'm just eating all the time! 

Moving on...

So by 10:45 am we were ready to board the Ferry to the Taronga Zoo. 

I have never been a fan of zoo's. I just hate to see animals caged. But I was very impressed with the Taronga Zoo. The staff seemed to love and respect the animals in the zoo. I really appreciated that. 

Thanks to the guide we were able to see many species that were unique to Australia.

                                                                   Tree Kangaroo

                                                                     Red Kangaroo 

I also took pics of some really cool looking reptiles like...

                                                        Can you tell where his face is?!

I even saw a seal show. 

It was so much fun and the seals were so cute. I'll have to show you the video when I see you because it was really entertaining! 

Unfortunately, during the zoo experience my knee began to hurt a lot so I had to get a wheel chair.

Luckily I got the LAST one!

I was so embarrassed but I was in so much pain I needed it. Thank God, Jess offered to push my wheel chair. Poor girl had to take me up HUGE hills.  I felt so bad for her but she kept reminding me that it was ok and that she was really strong. Haha. Love that girl. 

So after 4 hours we we were ready to take the ski lift down to the ferry. Oh man was that fun. Look at the view...

After the ferry we needed to rush back to the hostel and get our stuff and head to the temple housing. Luckily, my teacher, his wife and the rest of the group were very accommodating so they brought my bags and Angie's since she was helping me walk as we stayed behind. Seriously, I was so grateful. 

In the meantime, Angie and I stopped by a French Fair and I got some 

                                                                       Ratatouille

Ok let me just say that I felt robbed haha

First, I thought it had meat. I was wrong! Second, I paid a lot of money for something that had NO meat! And third, where was the meat?!?!? Haha. I guess next time I should pay more attention. 

But it's ok there is always a first and now I can also say I had an authentic dish from authentic french people. Bon Appetite!

After eating, Angie and I were ready to head out and meet the rest of the crew who were meeting us at a different station four stops away.

Oh I forgot to mention that after we got off the ferry and parted ways we found some cool boomerangs.

Look Joseph I got you a boomerang like I promised! What do you think?!

Ok back to my adventures...

So we met the group and boarded the train to head to the temple housing. After what seem like a really long time we made it. OMG this place is beautiful. Like it does not even compare to any other hostel we have stayed in AND the temple is not that fat away. Thank you church!!!! I love how the church takes care of their members. Definitely strengthens my testimony in tithing and the organizing of the church. 

Now I'm in bed resting my knee and hoping I'll be all better for church tomorrow. Although we will have to wait and see.

But I'm loving this whole experience.  I'm learning so much not just about myself but about the world around me. I'm sad I can't just write everything I'm experiencing down on this blog but A) I'm writing on my iPhone B) I'm always exhausted at the end of the night and C) this will give everyone a good enough reason to contact me after my trip. ;) 

So two things I learned today...

2) The Lord does NOT put people in our paths to become stumbling immovable rocks in our path. I say this because today I witnesses what I can only call a tender mercy. I was really hurting bad today. As much as I tried to walk on my own it just really hurt. Jess (with herniated disk) pushed me up and down hills during the whole trip at the zoo. Then she went to the grocery store and got me all the things I needed for our time here at the hotel and she did this all with such Christlike love. I felt so bad but she just kept assuring me that she was fine. I am just glad that we are friends. I'm glad I took the time to talk to her and get to know her. Thanks Jess!

2) We should always try our best to make the best out of a bad situation. Ever since our first night on this study abroad we have been in some sketchy hostels. Some betters than others but still. Every time our plans change, people's moods are all over the place and well throw in other things and your in for a heck of a ride. But through out all of this I remain grateful and happy. Yes sometimes I may not seem it but I am. Heck will I ever have this chance again? No! Therefore, I am choosing to put on a smile and and enjoy this ride. Also if I don't I will always look back at this time with regret because I didn't make the best out of a once In a life time experience. 

But now I must go to bed. It's late and I'm tired. I shall see you tomorrow my dears.

Yours truly, 

Your traveling soul