I was touched by God’s love when a couple offered to pay for our flights to Melbourne to join them on a mission cum holiday. However, the mission collapsed when the friend went home to God before we could go there. Nevertheless, we believed God works all things for good, and we trusted God to show us his ways.

Shaun developed a plan for the eight full days we would be there. One of them was the Great Ocean Road. Something clicked in my memory. About twenty years ago, Shaun had talked about the great time he had with another couple driving along this scenic road. At that time, I could never afford overseas vacations like these. I remembered thinking wistfully, How I wish I could do that ocean road. God did not forget that. I felt moved when I recalled that.

I was thankful that Eliam and Joanna, two church members who left for Melbourne by faith, welcomed us to stay with them. We were blessed by the warm and generous hospitality we received. The many meals, walks, shopping and fellowship together renewed and strengthened the bonds of our friendship. Most of the time they drove us, except one day when we went to the city centre by train and tram. Melbourne had offered free public transport for April, and we took it up.

Eliam brought all of us to the Great Ocean Road, stopping at the main scenic lookout points to experience the majesty of the ocean, waves, winds and the sculpted shorelines. This was a long journey, and we stayed a night in a B&B.

The most stunning view was of the Twelve Apostles. These limestone features stood out along the shores like survivors of the relentless attacks by aggressive waves and winds. They withstood it all and endured the fierce force of nature. I laughed when I found out that the original names of these limestone features were “The Sow and her Piglets”. A marketing move changed it to the intriguing rebrand: The Twelve Apostles. I must say it was a stroke of genius.

My wife and I enjoyed walks around the suburban neighbourhood of Boronia. I was attracted by the different types of houses in the neighbourhood. No cooker-cutter rows of similar structures. It was refreshing to walk in the cool autumn temperatures of around 15-20 °C. We hiked in a few public parks, around a creek and a lake, and in the Dannedong Botanical Gardens. The botanical garden was full of plants and flora that I had never seen in Singapore.

I also had an opportunity to meet up and share with Eliam’s Life Group fellowship on a weeknight. I was not surprised to see so many Singaporeans and Malaysians there. When it came my turn to introduce myself, I said, “My name is Kenny. I am a retired pastor. I come from the land of the most expensive cars in the world!” I continued, “Please do not tell me how much you paid for your cars, or I won’t be able to sleep tonight!” I felt at home with the cell group. They were very friendly.

Shaun and Kay stayed with another couple, Henry and Catherine, whom they knew from their years in Hong Kong as expatriates. Catherine, energetic and outgoing, brought us out to the Mornington Peninsula. This was our first excursion, two days after landing. We experienced the rapid change of weather that Melbourne is noted for. It was a good introduction to the rest of the vacation. We learned to be ready for changes. Since our environment affects behaviour, the people of Melbourne are probably more adaptable and flexible.

All good things have to end …. except eternal life. I flew back yesterday, and this morning I was reflecting on all the blessings of God during the vacation. I can only give thanks to God for his love and faithfulness.

One of those blessings was learning to make video stories and use CapCut to edit and export to YouTube. I have embedded those videos here as they tell the story better.