Settling In

Hello!

Sorry it has been a while since I have blogged. It has definitely been busy over here. We have completed two weeks of lectures, one on Hearing God's voice and on Identity. The weather here is extremely hot and humid. I am pretty sure that I have lost some water weight!

In the first week, it was really great putting aside any distractions from life and listening to what God is saying. It is difficult to explain but I really valued this teaching. I know that I want to live every aspect of my life directed by God and since there are so many possibilities, it can be hard to know which direction to go.

Last week, we went through Identity week. This week was very powerful. We learned who our Identity is in Christ and how we are all beautifully, and uniquely handcrafted. A powerful time this week was that we made two lists, one with lies that we've been told throughout our life and one with truths that corresponds with these. With out truth list, we proclaimed them in a group of about 10 people. And when I say proclaim, I mean it. If you didn't sound like you meant it, you would not be able to move onto the next!

Through these last two weeks, our schools have become very close, we are like a family here. There are people from all over the world and it's awesome to be able to compare how we say particular words and such. I hope I come back with some type of accent lol. I never knew that Canadians get offended when mistaken for an American same with Australians and New Zealanders (they call them Kiwis). I love the environment here, definitely called out of my comfort zone in a safe place.

Here is a short story that I to wrote for an assignment about one of my experiences here:

Can you hear me God?

As I stand in worship, it hits me, “Am I really here? Did I leave everything that I know to be comfortable for the unknown?” “I sure am!” I am in Australia to be radically transformed. As I pray, it sounds something like this, “God, show me what you want of me. I want to be bold and courageous. I am tired of living a mundane life. Please God, speak to me.” As I wait, I get an image of someone in a sunflower shirt. I open my eyes, and right past me walks the exact image. “Okay God, what does this mean?” I get this sense to pray for her, with her! I was thinking, “I do not know her. That would be weird. What do I even say.” I got this peace that it was going to be okay. I wrestled with God at this time. I came to the conclusion, “maybe next time God.”

Well, God has a sense of humor. As I am worshipping, I get a tap on my shoulder. I open my eyes to a sunflower. What do you know? She has come to pray for me. At this time, I have a grin and while she is praying, I am thinking, “Oh God. I see what you did here.” God knows my heart, my capability and is partnering along side of me. When I am weak, He is made strong. I finished the night praying with her and taking one step forward in having my life transformed. 

Miss you all very much!!

Here are a few pics of things I have been doing:

Hiked up Castle Hill. Awesome view up top. It's pretty intense of a work out.

I am working with the youth here. During the week, I have been learning how to write grants. On the weekend, I volunteer with Youth Street where the kids come to have a good time and hear about Jesus. We did some dart art that was awesome, and much harder than it looks!

I got to hang out with some Kangaroos. Some even had joeys! 

Watched the Super Bowl much later than everyone else and without the commercials since they do not air them in Australia. BOO!

One of my closest friends here! Here name is Bithja (Bit-e-ya). She is from Germany and she is awesome. This night we went to a local church called Calvary Christian Church.

At the beach. You have to swim in an enclosed area because it is jelly fish season. The jelly fish are deadly. So there are nets. 

The people that I will be doing life with until June! They are an amazing group!!