Good morning Phil. Thank you for what will be a very interesting interview.
You have been a MK in Africa. How old were you when you left Australia; and how did you feel?
Mum and Dad were missionaries in Mirigu, a small village in North Ghana. I was eleven years, and very excited to go overseas. Surely, it was difficult leaving Australia, but exciting going to the mission field, and everything new an adventure.

Did you have interesting experiences relating to the national people?
Yes, Ghanaians are friendly people, with a keen sense of humour, and enjoying making fun with each other. They welcomed us warmly when we arrived. I got on well with them, learning that people are more important than possessions.

I'm sure you didn't spend all your time playing soccer. How about your education and that of your three brothers?
I enjoyed playing soccer. However, soon Daniel and I travelled to Ivory Coast to an American boarding school for missionary kids. My younger brothers, David and Stephen, did their school work by correspondence; although later David also came to boarding school. Our parents really missed us.

Were various nationalities present at the school?
Yes, students came from fifteen countries. MK's had parents working in twelve African nations; quite an eclectic mixture.

Were some students easier to relate to than others?
I found Americans difficult as they considered their culture the only way. However, my best friends were Americans and Canadians, and a really good Brazilian mate.

Did you make close friends; and are you still in touch with them?
Yes, Gran, my close friends write, even though we haven't met for three years. The Americans get together at home; while I miss the reunions, I'd rather catch up with my close friends than have big reunions where everyone from the past turns up.

I hear a whisper of a future re-union, Phil?
Yes, in July two friends from the States and I are going to the world cup in France, and a 1993 dorm-mate may come from Holland. I look forward to meeting them again for the best five weeks of our lives.

Has your world-view broadened through your African experience?
Oh, yes, for sure. No way you can go overseas, meeting so many people, and seeing so many bizarre things, and remain unchanged. When young, I always watched news of the other side of the world. Now overseas events are as important as those at home. Happenings to other humans concern us, regardless of our nationality. However, I love Australia - it is a great country.

Is it relevant to ask about the school food? Did you ever miss Vegemite?
While boarding school food was pretty ordinary, I loved the spicy Ghanaian.
I hate Vegemite; so that was no problem.

You must have known homesickness and loneliness? How did you and your friends counter this?
The first trimester at school was hard, as the first time away from Mum and Dad.
Then you feel independent without parents to rely on, which is normal for missionary kids. With everyone in the same situation, strong and important friendships developed. At times, I missed Australia, for it was like living in a little America. Ghana was easier where I felt at home in a village environment. When Test cricket matches and footy grand Finals were played in Australia, I longed to be home. The BBC gave a few scores on our little short wave radio, while the rest came from newspaper clippings from relatives.

Some people may forget you when you go overseas. Did you have regular mail?
You enjoy writing, but did you receive mail?
At school, we first received a lot of mail, but that soon stopped. Our relatives and a few close friends wrote regularly at school and at home in the village during our holidays. Mum and Dad greatly valued letters because of their isolation in Ghana, whereas in Ivory Coast school occupied us well. There was always a rush for the mail basket.

Is it important for people at home to keep in touch with MK's?
Sure: MK's like to hear what is happening, to show that people are praying. People do not write for they are unsure what to say. You like to read what they have been doing, and hear of important events in their lives, and in our home country.

Phil, I have been privileged to read some poems written at school. Did they express your feelings?
Gran, I tried to express everything at once. The Staff at the Boarding School did not always understand. If students disagreed with a staff-member, they were often told to reserve their opinions to themselves, while in some cases, they were punished. Consequently, we expressed thoughts privately through poetry. My friends and I read our ideas to each other. You go through a lot of different stages, when you question everything around you, while looking for answers. Consequently, Poetry and writing were outlets for us. I still write back here.

I remember you contributed to Readers' Digest, who generously acknowledged you.
Yes, I sent two words for their Picturesque Speech column and received $50. That's the best dollar-for-word ratio I'll ever earn, The two words were 'loyal opposition' or some similar oxymoron.

Did you settle readily when you returned to Australia? Did friends rally around?
I enjoyed settling especially into football and cricket, and the life of our church.
I really missed my friends at boarding school, but I readjusted easily to the Australian way of life. Some former friends had moved on, so I started over again.
I like new beginnings, for I readily make new friends.

I remember that you watched a Day/Night cricket match from Perth when you arrived home at 10 pm. Your Grandpa thought you boys would be too tired to watch cricket.
While the flight home from Ghana took 42 hours, without sleep, you're never too tired to watch cricket, especially when you haven't seen a game for four years.

How did you adjust to the High School system?
The Australian system differs from the American system; I think we have more work. I did the International Baccalaureate (I B) at Glenunga International High school, offering the smoothest transition from one system to another. The IB is designed for those who studied overseas, or plan to study abroad later. I caught up in some areas, while in others I was way ahead. Some subjects bored, because I was not interested, like Physics and Chemistry, which restricted me. However, I loved English, French and Philosophy, which made me think, and develop creativity.

So what has the IB led to; and did your international experience bear on your future goals?
With a good IB pass, I entered my first-preference course at Flinders University: with International studies, majoring in Politics and French, while minoring on International relations. Yes, Gran, overseas experience and worldwide events both influenced me. I hope my Uni qualifications will lead me to political journalism, hopefully as a foreign correspondent at the ABC or THE AUSTRALIAN. Meanwhile, I will write as much as possible.

As a Christian, were you challenged at University?
Not in any major way. Today people accept that you believe differently. I had some interesting debates in philosophy electives last year; I enjoy discussing with others and hearing their opinions.

Have the years in Africa impacted your Christian faith?
They have certainly strengthened my faith. At boarding school, I learned to trust God, because I could not always trust people. God is the only consistent ONE, on whom I rely with complete certainty. Much of my experience and the people I have met, certainly suggest that God has a sense of humour: for which I am thankful.

Well, Phil, thank you for patiently answering your Gran's questions. I pray the Lord will enrich, satisfy and fulfil your longings for the future.

EPILOGUE. Phil has completed his 4 years' research at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar; and is looking to the Lord for future ministry. He welcomes your prayer.