Byron Bay to Coolangatta

I just waved goodbye to Coolangatta. We stayed there for just over a week. We met so many great people and had some great surf. Also, Jess and I went Opp shopping (thrift store) , and found 'most everything that we need for Asia. We now have three surfboards, two bags for them, snorkels, masks, flippers, our fishing gear, several excellent hats for sun protection, and all the other odds and ends. Praise God, we found so many amazing deals!

Our hostel was great. It took me a few days to warm up to it. Jess and I met and spent time with kids from many different countries (Germany, Argentina, Venezuela, OZ, US, France, Japan, China, and Taiwan) . Each person was so special.

The surf was awesome. There was a solid swell for about five days. I was out the first day, and the rest I took pictures. Jess surfed the famous wave called Kirra, most of the time. from Coolangatta you can look across the ocean and see Surfer's Paradise in the distance. The whole city looks like a surreal phantom.

Before Coolangatta we spent a week or so in Byron Bay. It is known to be the "coolest" most relaxed place up the coast. All of the backpackers we have met love it. Jess and I had a great time. We surfed a bit in Lennox, and hung out in Byron. Also, we had the opportunity to visit an awesome church called New Earth Tribe. We met the pastors and several other wonderful people. They showed us around and had us over for dinner a couple of nights. It was such and awesome blessing. They have a powerful ministry in the area, and radiate God's love. They are also well connected with Bethel and have a sister church starting in Santa Cruz. We met up with the Byron YWAM team and they gave us some contacts in the Philippines and Indo. Hopefully these will be the leads we need to connect with some medical missions and/or relief teams in Asia.

Jess and I have four days left in OZ. We are flying out of Brisbane on the 19th with is the 20th in America. These last few days we will be preparing for out trip. We are both ready to move on. Haha, We just checked the weather in the Philippines, where we will be staying and the water temp is 85 degrees, the same as the air temp. :O) That sounds awesome!

We visit the beach front McDonald's every day to use the internet and get a 50 cent ice cream. There are always pigeons walking around inside eating off of the floor and sitting on the ledges.
Ah, in Byron we were there for the monthly market. It reminded me a lot of Humboldt county fairs, lots of bongos and tie-dye and organic goods. We ate a kangaroo burger, complete with shredded carrot beets and whole wheat buns. This is something we had to try before we leave. We made it to a little town fair in Coolangatta too. It is so much fun to take part in a local activity like that.

Well we miss everyone back home and are happy to see the fun things you all are doing. Love you! <>< Jessica and Jesse