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Today was my "American" birthday; however, yesterday I celebrated with pancakes in the morning, and one girl did my half of some of the chores in the morning as a present. It was a nice birthday -- very simple. And who could ask for more being in the Australian bush? Its funny since I am a "winter" baby here, but a "summer" child in the states.

If a guest had a headache there are a few remedies the staff will do as protocol. One is a hot foot bath: very hot water for 20 minutes, cold face washer on head, finishing with a cold flush, and than submersion in an ice bath afterwards. Cayenne poultice on both feet. A herb tea is made: two tsp. wood betony, two tsp. peppermint, two cups boiling water, and allow to sit for 15 minutes before serving. Pick some fever few leaves, and let them chew on them. Willow bark capsules: 1 or 2 capsules, and 2 every 1/2hr if severe. If in the states you wanted to buy some herbs please visit this website -- called mountain rose herbs, they are great. The herbs sold their come from Oregon, they have a great selection, and they are either organic or wild crafted (picked ethically from the wild).

Before my lecture notes here are a few cool recipes for digestion aid:
Digestive powder = 1pt. Myrrh, 8pts. Slippery Elm, 1pts. Golden Seal : you can put these into vegetable capsules (you can buy them at www.mountainroseherbs.com) as well.
Digestive Tea = 1pt. Genetian; 1 pt. Dandelion; 1pt. Goldenseal and a 1/2 piece of fresh ginger.

I also watched the most boring documentary of my life last night; I know me? the documentary buff -- bored with a documentary. It was horrible, but it had some good information. If William was to fall asleep during a documentary this is the one. I am confused how he fell asleep during the other ones, but this one was bad. It's called Quick silver about mercury or silver fillings in the teeth. I'll have to find another documentary to recommend about this topic, but Quick Silver is even too boring for me. Sorry.

I did my first massage in like a month it feels like today. I went well. It's almost odd not doing massage all the time. I feel like a part of me is missing -- and to believe I was burnt out a month ago. I am really starting to enjoy it again, and I remember why I love massage. It's wonderful.

Lecture today was on the eight laws of health which are:
1. Sunshine -- people don't realize they need at least 15 minutes a day of sunshine to harvest enough vitamin D for the day. So many people are deficient in vitamin D these days -- why? when you put on sunscreen you not only are blocking out the bad rays, but also the good -- you cannot get Vitamin D with sunscreen on. You don't have to go outside and tan for 15 minutes, but staying outside working, or reading -- even with properly layered clothes will help you maintain your Vitamin D levels. Also, don't scrub your skin before or after sun exposure. By not scrubbing your skin before or after you are helping your skin retain the vitamin D while it is being absorbed into the body. But a note for my husband's family -- the darker your skin, the more sun you need. So you guys may not need as much as me!

2. Air -- Open your windows when you sleep! Open your windows when your home! It will bring pure air into your home, and purify your air naturally.  Be mindful of the air your breathing -- the air you breath can effect your health.

3. Temperance -- a good trick Barbra taught us for correcting the little ones. Smile when you correct them sternly; your smile tell them you still love them, while your words correct their behavior. Teach your children chores. Barbra said her daughter bought all stainless steal dishes so that her children can do the dishes too -- without breaking any!

4. Rest -- The pineal gland releases 4 hormones ONLY between the hours of 9pm-2am (or 10pm-3am for daylight savings) seratonin, epithalamin, arginine rastoncin, melatonin. Haven't you heard the old saying, "one hour before midnight is worth two after?" To increase these hormones: Laugh! Exercise daily, sleep in the dark (your body get confused with a nightlight on, or in my case, the bathroom light!), fasting before bed (don't eat 5 hours at least before you sleep!). Sunshine, and Eating bananas with produce more melatonin. What can decrease these hormones? Going to bed late, worry, meat products -- they contain methionine which interact with serotonin and melatonin. Caffeine, Artificial lighting (screens from the computer, or cellphone). The most dangerous time for your eyes to use a computer is between 9pm and 2am -- study early in the morning you university students!

5. Exercise -- did you know that 30 push-up can raise your blood sugar levels? By exercising you release the glucagon in your cells without the lollypop for those diabetics out there. On the note of diabetes did you know that if a child has cows milk in the first year of life they are more likely to develop type II diabetes? *AS IN THE CHINA STUDY BY COLIN CAMPBELL*

6. Proper Diet -- Eat all good things in moderation. Not "ALL" things are good in moderation and these are the things that aren't > White Sugar (Even the brown sugar in the US is too processed -- try limited your sugar intake in only natural sugars such as maple syrup, or honey), Bleached Flour, Caffeine, Mercury -- yes, that means fish. There is no safe dose of mercury -- take a look at your silver fillings. Haven't you heard of the Mad-Hatters?, Alcohol -- women are giving birth to babies who have fetal alcohol syndrome when only drinking a limited amount, a glass of wine per week. There is a big debate out there, but there is no safe dose of alcohol; especially when pregnant. Tobacco, Drugs, MSG, and any Chemicals. Did you know that when you clean any type of mold with bleach the fumes they release are toxic? Clean mold with vinegar. Old days, Old ways.

Eat two meals a day -- your stomach needs rest. Eat breakfast like a king, Lunch like a Queen and Tea like a poor man. Give your stomach a rest, take time to digest your food. When do you run into digestive problems? Over-eating, Eating too often, Being anxious when you eat, drinking large quantities of water when you eat, alcohol. Yes, I know it may sound odd but do not drink water with your meal! It will dilute your digestive enzymes! Drink an hour and a half before or after! It will also speed up your metabolism! An easy way to lose a pound or two.

7. Water -- Did you know that staying hydrated will limited or erase how much you get sunburned?

8. Jesus. A connection with God always helps the mind and body. Don't you agree?

Thanks for reading! Hope your all doing well. I miss you all. Thanks for all my birthday wishes they were all much appreciated! And William, your sad songs about me gone are always my highlight -- you know down here they are all saying you sound like Bob Dylan? I love you. Please you all keep in touch. I am doing well -- part of me wants to move you guys to Australia so I can live here forever. It is a beautiful country. Truly spectacular. But in a month I will be home sick -- or maybe just for Idaho country. I am sorry Baton Rouge, you know I love the people, but your scenery and the lack of wilderness is lacking.

I am going into a poultice lecture tonight, than on my way back to the dorm. In America it is 3:12am on August 28, yet it is 6:12:pm on August 28th in Australia -- I am posting this blog from the future. Far out!

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Everything's quite nice out lately, it's warming up now here; I am getting along wonderfully.

The guest are getting along wonderfully. The stay is one to two weeks depending on severity of the problem, and expenses. Most stay two weeks, but this comes with exceptions. One lady is treating her cancer with natural remedies, and all the other guest are here for other extreme problems as well. Most have found that western treatments product little results or none; or just seem to cover up the symptom yet the underlying problem is still existing.

A lady did a liver flush for her gallstones last night. most people believe that gallstones can be found only in the gallbladder. This is a common, yet false assumption. Most gallstones are actually formed in the liver, and comparatively few occur in the gallbladder. It was a rough night for her, yet she seems to be doing okay this afternoon. (It's a completely natural remedy composed of few items such as oranges, olive oil and lemon juice ect.) It's wonderful to see such people relying on God's natural remedy for healing instead of man's concoctions. The liver flush is a very interesting topic -- a great book was recommended to me about it called "The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush" by Andreas Moritz. People here in Australia really rely on this program for health concerns; its truly a wonderful structured program for the ill.

Lecture today was about the liver and sex hormones. She explained the theory behind Dr. Akins Diet -- and how it was truly a revolutionary topic and study. Except for one minor detail -- animal protein. It has been proven in many studies including the most famous, the China Study by Dr. Colin Campbell, that a high meat diet can accelerate cancer growth while a diet high in plant protein can reverse it. Grains, Legumes, Seeds, and Nuts are all wonderful forms of plant protein. What Akins proved is that fiber is essential, and that your gastro-intestinal track must be swept everyday. And also that without protein your body cannot heal. He also gave a wonderful example of if you stop carbs, your body will start living on stored fat, and you will lose weight quickly. But understand that not all carbs are bad. They can be adjusted in your diet according to what you need at the certain point. She also recommended a great book called, "Why French Women never get fat".

Another point was cholesterol medication. A good question is, is the medication curing you? or is it coving up your symptom (i.e. lowing or raising your blood pressure)? All medication cover up a symptom they do not treat the cause. Also, we were brought to the topic of mercury fillings (silver fillings) and some problems that lie within that area of dentistry. She also went to the topic of fasting and how water fast are dangerous, yet juicing is beneficial. Some interesting points that I need to look into further.

Than we shifted to the sex hormones and the 1960's sexual revolution and the introduction of the pill in 1957. And how the pill has formed a problem with hormone imbalance in all generations leading up to now. And how that relates to the epidemic of infertility in the World. A good point was that estrogen is a good slave, but a bad master -- in our society we are being force fed estrogen through the birth control pills, meats (GMO chickens, cows always have high hormone level to increase growth speed, and even some organic chickens are still being fed estrogen in their feed.) Think of children now who are getting their menstrual cycle earlier and earlier --its an epidemic of estrogen, everywhere. Breast cancer rates have risen, along with migraine issues. And estrogen even resides in the plastics. The liver can detoxify excess toxins or estrogen by simple herbs: cabbage, licorice root, Anna's Wild Yam Cream (a natural hormone balancer) and flax seed.

Another book recommended was "The Ultimate Detox" by Sandra Cabot.

Thanks for reading, but a little about me. I am doing really well. I stay on campus and have two roommates. I did my laundry yesterday and hung it all out to dry in the sun -- it was lovely. Kind of neat how old fashioned I feel these days. I hike to and from work everyday. I start around 6:30 and finish around 8pm. I get a few breaks for lunch, and the food here is fantastic -- its simple. But today we had gluten free pancakes with chia seeds as a binder --wow. after being gluten-free; my acne is starting to clear. I feel clearer like I can think and my hyper activity has decreased! I took some B-vitamin supplements today. And other than that -- Australia has lived up to its expectations. Except for one detail, my husband. I miss him a lot. He's my best friend, and it's hard being away from him for so long.

Some bible verses Barbra pointed out was psalms 104:14 and the original diet in Eden in Gen. 1:29. You can't argue with the original diet, it was perfect. These related to her lecture on herbs, and food.

I hope you all are doing wonderful, to both my family -- the Emmi's and the Bellefontaine's I miss and love you. And Blake, hope you are feeling better -- sleeping better? Hope all is well and sending my love! Please keep in touch via email, I have little to none cell phone reception! Till next time.

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Dearest Family and Friends -- Look if you have any questions for me, or a medical issue you wanted help with or anything concerning natural medicine; please let me know, and I will ask in lecture or figure out the answer while I am here. Or recommend a book. It's a great opportunity while I am in Australia volunteering on this health retreat; don't be scared to leave a comment either. Please, I'd love to help.

Its been quite slow here compared to life in the city. But its hard work. I do odd chores around the campus until I either sit in with a lecture or go into a consultation. People are sick here, one women whom is very young, has liver cancer. And many others suffer from skin cancer and other deadly diseases. Its wonderful to see them get such relief with natural medicines.

The schedule is quite structured. In the morning (6AM) drink hot lemon water with a probiotic. around 630 they go for a walk. They eat two meals a day, treatments are given, as well as consultations with the doctor. This week they are doing a juice fast. With broth at night. They all have supplements in the morning and evening. Its all very interesting to observe. They also sit in for various lectures explain naturopathy -- or better yet, how their body works. The meals are all vegetarian with an emphasis on vegan (actually most of it is vegan, straight out the garden; however once in a while they do have lactose free yogurt to go onto their fruit). The food is fresh here. Unlike in America -- it taste better. And like I said the recipes are simple. Not too much spice, it gives your body what it truly craves. They use no sugar, no sugar substitutes except maple syrup and that is used sparingly. This whole retreat is gluten free also. The reason behind that is that wheat is not how God made it -- its been processed to the point of extinction. Wheat is completely GMO; and this genetically modified wheat has more gluten in it than God created it to have. That is why most people suffer from a gluten intolerance -- we are getting too much! I feel so much better not eating gluten, my face cleared up, and all my itching stopped.

Every night the clients sit in a steam bath and jump into the river afterwards as a form of hydrotherapy. Its wonderful to know these health retreats are out there. Another point, the doctor pointed out the correlation between eczema and intestinal health problems. It was so interesting to hear about the daughter of a lady experiencing some of the same problems she had as a child -- this was not genetic. While breast feeding, or during vaginal child birth the child receives all of the gut flora healthy bacteria from the mother, yet if the mother does not have a lot of flora, or has to much candida (yeast) it also is passed off to the offspring. The child does not have the immunity to fight off curtain yeast infection/ viruses causing various health related problems. Also if the child is weaned to young problems also arise. Eczema, and other skin related issues, constipation, IBS and more. The naturopath suggested probiotics and an elimination of dairy and wheat, meat as well. Its funny how modern doctors emphasize diary and meat products -- they are understandably unnecessary and potentially harmful, yet western medicine does not encourage a vegan sugar free diet.

Another help is Oil Pulling with 1 tsp coconut oil. swish this in mouth for 10 minutes and spit it out! it encourages proper micro balance in mouth, good gum hygene, and eliminates toxins in tongue. If your interested google this for more information :)

Write more soon!

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I am going to keep this blog simple.

I arrived in Sydney two days ago. After a long 20+ hour travel I was tired. Arriving in Sydney, I saw a wonderful sunrise from the plane as they announced our landing. Also in the airport there are signs for "toilets" everywhere. It was funny seeing how in the States we call them "restrooms".

It was cold. Colder than I ever thought it was going to be. On the plane I realized that I left my camera memory card at home. Oh shucks -- no pictures. If you could see the scenery, it is truly beautiful. But cold; even though they told me August, in Australia, is winter -- something inside me packed extremely Louisiana like. But luckily I did bring a few sweatshirts.

It feels as though I could travel back in time 50 years here. No phone service, or very little (only enough to place a text to my husband now and again). They're no dryers -- they clothes line all their clothes outside to dry. And they eat simple. Little spice, little preparation, delightful, vegan, and like I said, simple. I think this is how God wants us to eat. Simply. The beans are boiled from scratch, and usually we eat our breakfast and lunches cold. Comparatively to the steaming hot meals in the US. Their are no micro-waves. Everything is fresh. Almost all the fruits and vegetables are grown locally. Farmers markets are the grocery stores or how they say, "green stops". How it should be.

Gas is $7 a gallon. unbelievable, how can I complain about $4? The women in this town all wear cute, modest dress and there is a quaint church on the property on Sabbath. The toilets are much different. They are deeper? Odd, I know, but its one of the first things I noticed.

Here, gardening, sewing and cooking are not a hobby, but a way of life. Its easy -- something that I want to plan to take home with me. All the staff's children are homeschooled and their mothers do not have a formal job. They raise their children.

I've only just arrived and settling into the schedule. Its funny though, thinking about how different it is from the city life in Baton Rouge. It in some ways reminds me of North Idaho.

Oh and before I forget -- I can breath here. William and I always laugh about that as soon as we step off the plane in Spokane. Their is something about the air outside of the city. The pollution level must be lower or something.

All and all it is wonderful here in Australia in the Bush; however, I do miss home. And most importantly, I miss my husband. William, I love you:)

I will be starting to attend health lectures soon, and I will keep you updated. Thanks for reading!