Years ago, I had a wish list of places in Australia I would like to see, which included Western Australia and through the Centre. It became a possibility, then a reality to visit WA.

I saw an advertisement in the BCA magazine for such a trip so I applied. I had the means, the time and the health, so why not?

This way I could see the BCA places, meet the missioners and their people, the different situations, the distances and the difficulties which would enable me to pray more intelligently. At the same time one could see and experience the amazing beauty and diversity of our country plus the touristy places e.g. Broome, the mining communities, the long, long trains.

I was a novice to group travel and thought this would be my one and only. But I got hooked and 5 years later started an annual exploration. Since then I’ve been with CFT from Adelaide to Darwin, Kangaroo Island, Norfolk Island, Canberra, the Riverlands, and Outback NSW.

In 2017, I’m booked in for The Murray River Cruise and Outback Queensland. But I’ve also ventured overseas. The Steps of St Paul trip gave a great insight in Bible lands, the history and archeology as well as Galipoli in a quiet, reflective time. The Scenic River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam allowed me to see a different part of our planet, different scenery and history but also the amazing engineering, bridges, lochs and so much water on which there was so much traffic, business and commercial.

In 2016 a trip to both islands of New Zealand was on offer. My late husband and I had done a similar trip in 1999 but this time I was able to see so much more and catch up with my son and his family whom I go to see regularly in Wellington.