By: Caitlyn D., Grand Faith and Representative to Australia and the Orient Pacific
In January I had the privilege of going to Australia to meet the girls of New South Wales/ South Australia, and Queensland Jurisdictions. I first met the girls when we planted trees at a local park with the help of their newly instituted DeMolay chapter. Afterward, I took a ferry trip around Sydney Harbour with some of the girls and let me tell you it was very hot as it’s their summer. The girls put on an Open Meeting where each station I went to was a new fact about Australia’s history and culture.
Although there were many fires affecting their wildlife, all the Rainbow Girls are safe and away from them. The day after the Open Meeting, I went to the Torango zoo with Friendship-Dilkara Assembly. I photographed many koalas and got to introduce the girls to Capybaras for the first time. I even attempted the Zoo’s ropes course but had to stop because it started raining. And of course, I didn’t leave before taking pictures with the Lemurs.
Talese, a Past Grand Worthy Advisor from Australia, took me around to see many sights. We went shopping and to local markets, went on a dinner cruise around the harbor, and looked for crazy and interesting food and candy to try. Fun fact: my hotel window had a direct view of the Sydney Opera House.
It was really hard to say goodbye because I made some amazing memories and even better friends. I learned about a new culture through the people and the experience. I hope I get the opportunity to visit the girls again.
