Whether you are lying on your bed, on the easy chair outside your cabin or room, or just lazing on the beach, this magnificent scenery is much the same throughout the Whitsundays Islands.
In a real sense this is what you are paying for when you visit the Whitsundays. Although there are plenty of activities, and you can view the majestic colours of some of the most remarkable coral reefs in the world, and see for yourself all the different fish and other organisms that make up the ecology, but nothing quite beats this simple pleasure of looking upon these blue waterways.
It doesn't matter which of the many islands or resorts or communities on the mainland that you are visiting, resorts and communities along the mainland, you can be easily mesmerised by the blue of the water and the relaxing view through the palm trees. Any "blue" view along this Whitsundays coastline is prized beyond measure.
Well-Being Australia chairman Mark Tronson said that last November when her and his wife, Delma were conducting a Country Town Tour to the Whitsundays, we were pointed to a humble cottage at Laguna Quays, near Midge Point. It was perfect for a respite facility for our Well-Being Australia mission.
Mark Tronson picks up the story: We had been discussing the possibility of a change in lifestyle now we are wanting to downsize our own ministry responsibilities, and this house was eminently suitable. Because this particular estate, named Laguna Quays, had been intended as a tourist village but had not gone ahead, the price was also reasonable, compared to the exorbitant prices normally expected for a house in such a desirable location; particularly as we found the owner amenable to some negotiations.
The finalisation of the necessary inspections and approvals was delayed due to the Christmas holidays, so it was not until we actually got up there in February that we recognised the reality of the cottage setting.
That first day, Delma was in the kitchen, and looking out the kitchen window, she called out, "I can see the ocean". Like the others at Jesus' empty tomb on the resurrection morning, I couldn't believe it. "Where, I responded".
And sure enough, through the palm trees of the house adjacent, was this beautiful blue of the Whitsundays. It can be seen from the lounge room as it can be seen from the front and back verandas. It's only a good stone's throw away.
The reason it wasn't noticed last November was that it was overcast and nearly raining, and the colour of the ocean on such days is a muggy grey. If you were not specifically looking for the ocean, the water view blends into the setting.
Although we realise that respite can be equally effective anywhere – in the snow, in the bush (as we had at Moruya), in a community (as in Tweed Heads), somehow humans are attracted to water views and the magic of the ocean, and Australians pride themselves on having access to these when they are relaxing.
Who could believe a Respite facility with ocean views through the palm trees was there waiting for us. We believe the Lord's hand was upon us.
For us, it was a matter of faith. Living by faith financial support for 29 years has taught us not to look at what the world values, rather to place one's eyes firmly upon Jesus. Moreover we try never to tally the resources, as we take our lesson from 2 Samuel 24 verse 10 when it was considered a sin against the Lord when David, having been told by the prophet the military victory was his, then went and counted his fighting men.
This Laguna Quays Respite facility is available to missionaries and missions along with ministers and Christian workers. To date five missionary couples have booked in, as it happens, for 2 weeks each respite visit: June, July, September, December and January.
Please contact Well-Being Australia at timeout@bushorchestra.com