Thursday and Friday was an exciting time for the Illawara, especially the Diocese of Wollongong. The cross that Pope John Paul II gave as a gift to the world's youth in 2002, along with the "icon" --another gift in 2006, traveled throughout the diocese in preparation for World Youth Day. WYD'08 is in July in Sydney. The cross and icon has traveled throughout the world but in the last year it has traveled through out Australia calling all youth to come to Sydney. Because I had my camera as I walked Kait and Sam to school--I was able to take this photo of the sunrise over the harbor. On the anticipation of a spiritual event, this sunrise seemed especially fitting the day.
They festivities began at the harbour with St. Mary's Star of the Sea College(it's an all girls 7-12 grade school). You can see the girls carrying the cross as it begins its journey and the icon--the painting of Mary and child. Pope JPII gave the painting to symbolize Mary as the ulimate follower of Christ and one we all are to emulate. The painting followed the cross as the girls first carried it to the Cathedral. Kait and Sam's school participated in a ceremony and got to touch the cross. Bishop Peter was a vigiliant participant in every ceremony. You can also see a stick by the speaker. That is the message stick--an aboriginal way of communicating. So at every stop the hollowed stick was opened and a message from that school was added to the stick.
Years 5 and 6 helped carry the cross through town and to the Market area. It was a fairly large procession lead by the girls from St. Mary's.
Once in the stage area at the market, there was music and ceremony and a beautiful sermon by Bishop Peter. He challenged us not to have "donut syndrome." To often, he said, we focus on the hole and not the donut. We focus on what we don't have instead of what we do have.
The cross and icon continued to travel with groups and schools throughout our region. On Friday night it was carried into Win Stadium for a concert. John and I took the kids and had an amazing time. The music was beautiful, and seeing so many highschool and college students so excited about Christ was moving. Emma, Kait and Sam even went onto the floor, with glow sticks in hand, and danced to the music with lots of other kids. It was truly well done. John was very excited to hear the Christian music --his way-with lots of guitars, drums and singing.
Saturday was rugby game, drama, and a going away party for the Parr's. Tami, Spencer and Alaina Parr are heading back to North Star after spending 12 months in Wollongong. They have been good friends to us and we will miss them.
Since Dad had his heart attack, Sam is determined to take Grandpa surfing. So, John borrowed a surf board from one of his friends at work. He decided to take it to the beach and give it a go.
When this lifesaver saw John coming he pulled over the rescue boat and signalled his mates.
They are getting ready! Just kidding! But it was pretty funny that they did prep-up shortly after we got there. 
John never did get to stand on the board, but he had a great time trying! Sam was quick to give him advice. As they left the beach, Sam told John not to worry he'd get up next time-- if he just kept trying. 
