Wednesday, October 08, 2025

Missing People 1st October 2025

 We were walking through the dense jungle at Mossman Gorge when we heard a man calling out in another language. We soon caught up to him and asked if he was okay. He shook his head and said, “No — my wife and son are missing.”

He explained that he had stopped to take some photos, and when he turned around, they were gone. He’d been calling out for them but couldn’t find them anywhere.  . There was no mobile coverage in the area, so he couldn’t call or message them.

We decided to help. We backtracked a little and checked a few turn-offs, but there was no sign of them. So we continued in the same direction, praying that we’d somehow be able to find his family

As we walked, we started asking people if they’d seen a Korean woman wearing a white hat and a young boy. Eventually, someone told us they were only about 50 metres ahead. I took off running, following the track for about three or four hundred metres, until I reached a turn-off. I stopped there, scanning the swimming area below, but there was still no sign of them.

A few moments later, Robyn caught up to me — and then I heard her shout, “I found them!” They had taken a small side track that I hadn’t checked because I thought they were further ahead.

We were so relieved and thankful that Robyn had found them. It really felt like an answered prayer.

We expected a joyful reunion, but instead, it was a little tense. The husband was upset and angry that they had left him behind. I gently suggested that they be kind to each other — after all, it was an accident, and hopefully, they’d learned not to get separated in the jungle again.

C-Spine Injection – 7th October 2025

 After months of pain, numbness, and tingling in my left arm from a pinched nerve in my neck, I was finally scheduled for a cervical spine (C-spine) injection at C7 on the 7th of October. Then, on the Friday night before the appointment, I noticed numbness along the inner side of my thumb — a sign of C6 nerve involvement.

I tried calling the GP clinic on Sabbath morning, but it was the long weekend and they were closed on both Sabbath and Monday. I prayed that I’d be able to get an appointment on Tuesday morning, just before my procedure at 11:30 a.m.

I was planning to call my GP clinic right at 8:00 a.m. when they opened, but around 7:30 I was suddenly impressed that New South Wales was one hour ahead due to daylight savings. Acting on that thought, I called immediately. The receptionist told me there were no appointments available with my GP or any of the other doctors.

However, after I explained the situation, she kindly went and spoke to my GP, who took my call.  She agreed that the injections should be done at both C6 and C7, and quickly sent through the updated referral.

After more prayer I took the new request to the imaging clinic at 11am.  The receptionist said that I would probably have to make a new booking for the C6 injection as they were running behind, but praise God that even though they were running behind, the doctor agreed to inject both levels.

At other clinics I had tried to get into, I’d been quoted hundreds of dollars out of pocket for this procedure. So I was absolutely delighted when, after the injections were completed, the receptionist told me that for both injections, they agreed to bulk bill under Medicare — no charge at all.

It felt like one more reminder that prayers really are answered in the smallest, most perfectly timed ways.

 

Booking in for Cardiac Stress Echo – 18th September 2025

 After discovering I had a very high calcium score of 1425 — which usually means I’m a sitting duck for a heart attack — I was keen to book in for a cardiac stress echo test. Unfortunately, I was having trouble finding a clinic that could fit me in. Thankfully, my former work colleague, Dr. Allison Main, who lives in Cairns, had a friend who happens to be a cardiologist there.

I called and dropped Alison’s name.  The receptionist, Lisa, went above and beyond to try to find a spot for me. She mentioned that one person hadn’t yet confirmed for the following day, so we were hoping and praying that I might get their place. But the next morning, Lisa called to say they had confirmed — darn!

An hour or so later, however, she called again with great news: they would fit me in during the lunch break. The only catch was that the cardiologist required a referral from my GP (as well as a formal request for the stress echo).

I contacted my GP for an appointment, and she called back while we were driving down the Gillies Highway. With only a few minutes to spare, she sent through the referral — just in time!

On our way to the clinic, we stopped to buy a couple of boxes of chocolates to thank both Lisa and Dr. Sean Nguyen for their kindness in fitting me in at short notice.

I was relieved and grateful to hear that the stress echo showed no abnormalities, even after pushing hard on the treadmill. And to top it off, I was pleasantly surprised to learn at the end of the appointment that there was no charge, as it was fully covered by Medicare. This was especially appreciated, since I had previously been quoted several hundred dollars at other clinics.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Exposed Reef at low tide

About 12 k's north of Cable Beach, is a small reef that becomes exposed at a very low tide.  We took advantage of that low tide yesterday afternoon and drove up the beach to go and explore!


Beautiful pools and waterfalls occur as the tide retreats! 
A great way to spend a Sabbath afternoon.


A small reef shark was caught in one of the pools 
as the tide receded.  Some times there are turtles, sting rays etc.


Matilda is a pretty brave little girl


We found a couple of octopi, (not blue ringed) and I was amazed how quickly 
they can change colours to try and camourflage themselves.


Matilda taking the octopus from her Dad!


The Broome SDA church members, Annette (pastor's wife) Wendy & Chris, 
Robyn with Clancy. Colin & Tammy and Matilda.


WW II Catalina Flying Boats


We got up at 5:00am to take advantage of the very low tide to walk out to see the Catalina flying boat wrecks that are normally in 30 feet of water.  They had been bombed by the Japs just after landing.   It's an hour's walk each way.  We only had about 30 minutes there and had to treck back again as the tide would beat us!


Matilda & Clancy with a big star fish we found on the way

On the way back again... had to move fast to beat the 30 foot tide


Robyn and Dr Wendy Cavilla


That's about the closest I've got to flying since being here in Broome - but that will change



Sunday, November 09, 2008

Arrived in Broome

Our little home for the next couple of years!


The caravan is parked amongst the mango trees 
and they're just starting to ripen!


Chris and Wendy Cavilla and Robyn on the beach


This is one of the things that I love about Broome... 
beautiful beaches and you can drive on them!


Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Patrolling Territory Beaches

Unfortunately I had the video off when we saw a big saltie croc get a fright and head back into the beach!

Flying around Darwin

Checking out an alternate landing area

Lovely Darwin beaches from Ben's Thruster 500

Robyn swimming in Edith Falls, one of our favourite spots!

Our car and caravan

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Monday, January 28, 2008

Christmas 2007


The children of Norm and Dulcie Scale got together at Paynesville, Victoria for Xmas this past year. Even Geoff came for a few hours!  It was a great time catching up with all the families and kids.  Yet at the same time, it was sad seeing Del not so strong.  Her courage and strength is amazing!



Graduation 2007

Rob & Scas with Julz and Jase, Caleb and Lenny












Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Del's slideshow

Here's a slideshow of Delwyn

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Lenny - almost 3 months old



Lenny's doing well. He has quite chubby cheeks - obviously feeding well, despite having a little tongue tie! Julie is doing well, wouldn't know that she's had a couple of kids!

Monday, October 01, 2007

Visiting Delwyn

Del's strength and courage are so inspiring! During the birthday party, we watched the slide show that Danielle made and we then had a prayer petitioning God to heal her, but leaving it in God's hands. Most of us were in tears, but Del was so strong. What an inspiration! She is truly amazing!

Robyn has done a great job in looking after Del this past week. Her experience has been invaluable in helping Del be more comfortable! A new electric hospital bed, wheel chair, walker etc have gone a small way in helping her. Probably the biggest part though is helping get the pain medication sorted out! I'm proud of my wife! She's a great nurse!

Julie come down with me and brought her 5 week old baby! These two cousins have been very close. Julz was able to sit and chat with Del about a huge range of things which helped Del unload.

Julz and Jase will be going to New Zealand (as missionaries!) at the end of this year. Jase will be pastor for 2 churches. Julie is about to become a pastor's wife. Judging by what I saw in the few days with Del, she's going to be a great pastors wife!

It was great to spend time with family during this difficult time. One will never know why sickness comes to such a beautiful girl. We do know that our God doesn't make mistakes. Having a close family certainly helps ease the pain! It's very hard for Elwyn and Helen!

Thanks to our many friends for your care, support and prayers!

Don't forget to keep checking www.delscale.blogspot.com for updates on Delwyn.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Update on Del #4

We have set up a blog for Delwyn. Please visit it at
www.delscale.blogspot.com

Thanks for visiting

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Update on Delwyn #3

Robyn flew down last Sunday to help Del. As a community nurse, Rob specialises in palliative care. She has been able to assist with Del's pain management which has helped her lots. Robyn just said that she was walking a little in the house today and even went outside in a wheel chair! That's good news.

Julie and I are to Melbourne tomorrow morning to see her, so hopefully we'll be able to give some more up to date news.

Thanks so much to people who are sending messages to her... she really appreciates it, even though she is not able to respond to everyone! And of course, thanks too for upholding her in prayer.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Update on Delwyn #2


Del's contagious smile!

Delwyn is back home at Delhuntie after a good stay at Highwood. The good news is that the blood tests show a reduction of cancer in her body (down from 275, to 261), making Del, the doctor and family very happy. Blood test will be continuing! She’s definitely feeling better, but still got pain. She’s stiff and not up and about too much.

Should you be planning to visit Del, please coordinate with her parents, Elwyn and Helen just to make sure that there isn’t too much going on. They’re phone number is 03 5633 1000 or 0438 563 329.

Del wants to thank all of her friends for their love and support. She particularly enjoys text messages, rather than phone calls. She is by no means out of the woods and still needs your love prayers and support. Her faith is stronger than ever.

Should you have any nice pictures of Del for the web, please email them to me wscale@gmail.com

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Update on Delwyn Scale and her battle with cancer

Del having fun on the Big Rip at Delhuntie, Christmas 2006

Almost a couple of years ago, my niece Delwyn, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite having surgeries and a lot of treatment, the cancer has spread through her body with metastases in her lungs and back.

While the prognosis is not good, Del’s faith in God is very strong and she’s certainly not giving up. She’s currently in a specialist health retreat centre at Highwood in the Dandenong Ranges. She’ll be there until about the 21st of September when she returns home to her home Delhuntie Park.

The cancer is impacting on Del’s life. She’s spending more time in bed due to a tumour putting pressure on her spine. She’s needing some morphine (Endone 5mgm) to help control the pain. As the morphine makes people nauseated, she’s having anti nausea medication when needed (Maxalon).

Each of us, as family members, are amazed at her faith in God. Del has said that she’s much closer to God as a result of her struggle and that it is worth going through all of this to bring her closer to God! She is even taking the time to encourage loved ones who are finding it hard accepting this illness.

Probably the best way to communicate with Del is by text message as she can then reply at her leisure.

Del was anointed some time ago, and just a couple of weeks ago, we had a Sabbath of prayer and fasting petitioning God to heal her if it was His will. We also prayed that if she’s not healed that she won’t be in a lot of pain. (Bone cancer can be very painful).

I know that you’ll join with the family in praying for her continued strength and that she may be a blessing to others.
(I’ll keep updating this blog weekly and at other significant times).

Friday, August 24, 2007

Lenny - One Week Old

He's one week old tonight!

He looks a lot like Julie when she was born!

Julz came home a day earlier than expected! She's doing really well. Caleb has happily accepted Lenny into the family. Jase is a pretty proud father!