okay guys! random update! so i can't really think of anything in specific to update about, but i haven't posted in a few weeks or so, so i figured i should :)
Things here are going fantastically! Ah, man, i sure do love it here!
I guess i could start talking about my classes!
I have mondays off, so so far those have been my catch-up/homework/assessment doing days for the most part. On Tuesdays, I start the day with 6:45 a.m choir rehearsal for chapel,then i'm normally back at my flate before 8:30,then back to school at 10 and have a New Testament lecture with Duncan Corby. Great class,and Duncan makes it so interesting! then chapel!which is always so good, lunch, and then Christian Doctrine lecture with Tracy Barrell. challenging,informative,in depth,but fantastic. wednesday is my most busy day for sure!we go from 10-5 with a 30 minute lunch break. we do Church History tutorial(tutorials=where we break down in our core group of 25 and discuss in depth what we learned about in the lecture), World Religions tutorial, Church History lecture with Tracy, and then Core Tutorial time!we in our core of the 25 of us that are all youth&young adult pathway students, we do more tutorials on Personal Evangelism, Christian Doctrine, and Teamwork. i love my Core! and within my core i'm in a team of Five of us, we named ourselves "the blondes"..because we are all blonde..yeah,its good :)
Thursdays are my easy day! We have sisterhood in the morning, which is always good! and then about 2 hours later i have Person Evangelism lecture with Catrina Henderson, the city campus president. Then on Friday, 9 a.m World Religions lecture with Katie Peters(she's my core tutorial leader), 2 hour break, then Chapel, lunch, and New Testament tutorial!
then begins fieldwork and church life..
so being in the Youth pathway, i'm a leader in the year 7 tribe!on tribe Loco :) (team lo-mexican-co)(which is the best!) but further along that, i'm also on the Creative team for Fuel, which consists of decorating and all that jazz for Fuel every week after my last tutorial(about 4 p.m) until the leaders meeting at 6:15, then Fuel starts at 7:30! and on Sundays I serve on Car Park for the 8:00 service, and in Ravaque for the 9:45 service(or that's what the plan looks like for now) it's fun! i enjoy sundays, then i typically go to on of the saturday service and the sunday night service. love it :)
I've gotten okay at cooking here lately, i really enjoy it! i've started to love cooking and baking. the gym is super convenient, it's literally right outside of my flat. that's fun and nice. I love going into the city whenever i can! man, sydney is so convenient, it's like a 40 minute walk into the city, about 30 minute bus to the beach, only about 2 hours to the mountains! I love it here! and I have so many relationships with so many incredible people here, it's astounding :) so many fun movie nights,dinners, coffee dates, etc. love all of those folks so much!
that's all i can think of for now! let me know if there's anything i should write about in particular or anything! love you all!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
50 Random Facts
so idk where to start as far as an update goes, so i'm just gonna start doing random facts i've found. or if you have any questions about anything else, let me know and i'll tell you :)
1.I feel like i spend half my life on Danks street. (It's the street i walk from my apartment, to and from church several times a day.) It's a lovely street with art shops, cafes, organic grocery stores, and such. 'tis cute.
2. As a Pastoral student, my day off is Monday.. so if you need me or want to skype, best day to do it is Monday!(for L.A folks, sunday evening for yall!)
3.Aussies take No Worries seriously. allll the time "no worries, no worries no worries"
4.Australian and New Zealand accents are actually quite different
5.easy mac here is awesome. it's cheesier..but of course more expensive.($2 a bowl,round about)
6.speaking of round about...most streets use "round abouts" instead of stop signs. i have had several close calls crossing the streets because of these weird things!
7.and speaking of expensive... everything here is crazy expensive. soo expensive, especially food. i think the cheapest meal i've had here was $5 at hungry jacks. that's right folks, no dollar menu.
8.speaking of hungry jacks... Hungry Jacks=Burger King(same thing, different name)
9.Paddy's market is awesome! it's kind of basically China Town, well, it's in China Town, but they have everything to clothes,headphones, jewelry, to all kinds of food! i've found that the best part of Paddy's market is the food! fruit and vegetables are soo cheap! so that's where i've been getting all that from.
10.Big W=walmart
11.american like places=they do have kmart,target, build a bear, taco bell, and a couple of other places i just dont remember
12.canadians call shopping carts Buggies like we do in Louisiana! but here, they are called "trollies"
13.Boost is my new favorite candy bar. its awesom!it has cookie pieces, carmel,chocolate and all that god stuff in it
14.cookies=biscuits
15.anything chocolate is Cadbury chocolate....YUM!
16.i've gotten so into baking because it makes the flats feel like home :)
17.The best black coffee i've had is just a long black cup from Sonoma(also on Danks). soo strong and soo good!
18.i am loving walking everywhere! call me strange, but i love just being able to get out and walk to wherever i need and not having to worry about a car or driving or anything!
19.fish and chips here are soo good!
20. the beaches here are very pretty, but much smaller than you'd think!
21.Maroubra beach is my favorite so far! it's only a little bit further out than Bondi, but much less crowded
22. climbing on the rocks on the beaches to the tops of the cliffs is spectacular, it's one of the best views in the world.
23.during winter time=sunrise is about 6:50 and sunset is about 5 p.m
24.there are 6 weekend church services you can go to at Hillsong church- Saturday@6,Sunday morning-@8:00,9:45,11:30, Sunday night-@5:00&7:00. i think my favorite so far are the saturday evening service, and the sunday morning at 11:30. but then again, they are all so good!
25.things i've served in at or been a part of at hillsong so far- Backpackers on Monday(Hostel ministry where you go in and make food and sometimes have music, and then you just talk with everyone and make relationship/conversation with the backpackers from around the world.) Chapel Choir on Tuesday mornings, Connect groups on Tuesday night!(led by the beautiful Kourtney Campbell from Alabama!she's such a sweetheart),Wednesday night- Powerhouse!( amazing church service for 18-25 year olds), Thursday morning-SisterHood! its the women's ministry here, every other week i'm apart of the Pamper team where we do hair/nails/massages for the women and just let them relaxed and beautiful and all, i love it :), Friday night- Fuel!!!!(the stinkin' awesome youth group for 7-9th graders(here they call it year 7-9)!soo fun,so much energy,so much dancing,and jesus!) Saturday Morning- Street teams!(break up into teams of about 10 or so and just go help out the community by serving and talking with the people, either doing house or yard work, or barbecue or such like that),then the normal hillsong services.
26. Wentworth Falls in the blue mountains is maybe one of the most gorgeous places i've ever been! the Blue mountains are so amazing
27.Cotton On is my favorite australian clothing store
28.style wise- pants are 2 sizes too small looking and shirts look 3 sizes too big. however, i've found this to be very comfy!
29.unfortunately, soo many people here think leggings are pants.yuck.
30. you have a spectacular view of the city skyline from The Hill at Moore Park. it's only about 5 minutes from my apartment too :)
31.i do make my own sweet tea here! ptl,ptl.
32.i've gotten quite accustomed to drinking hot tea all the time. it's a good habit :)
33. SO many places/businesses/restaurants close at 5 p.m. so it's like, theres alot to do in Sydney,but then NOTHING to do at night,lol.
34.cheese here is quite wonderful, but milk is tricky- skim milk is essentially like 2%, and the rest is very thick.
35.bread goes badly sooo quickly if you don't put it in the fridge. apparently there are alot less preservatives.
36.Coles is like, the big time grocery store here. and especially since it's like a 2-3 minute walk from my apartment,lol.
37.going to coles is about like going to walmart back home- it's impossible to go and not run into someone you know
38.language is not the same as it is in America... you can say ALL SORTS of things here, even during a lecture of church service. it's no matter here, it's just part of the culture. so that's been quite something to adjust to, hearing more "cursing"(what would be considered curse words in america) in church than most any pg or some pg-13 movies. ha, during services it's always "...***...sorry americans..."
39.about over 60% of the college students here are american
40.movies here are rated differently. i dont understand them. theres like, E(i think..) for everybody or general or whatever, then theres M, Then M-15...and i havent even checked if theres anything worse than that. but yeah, it's all quite confusing.but they do alot of american movies here
41. Sydney has the worlds' biggest Imax theater!! For a price of $28 a ticket...yikes!
42.they have redbox here! it's called red...something else. but it's essentially redbox. but for the same concept, you have to turn it in at 7 p.m, and it's $2.95 a day! of course though, because everything here is more expensive
43. minimum wage apparently depends on your age.. like for me at 18, it's $15! ha, to compensate for the rest of the prices, it's not too shabby!
44.i am absolutely loving getting to befriend/meet/talk to/do life with so many people from literally all parts of the world! it's sooo great and soo interesting to learn about all sorts of different culture and all.
45.toilets- so strange-they have 2 different flush options-half flush or whole flush. one uses 3 liters of water,the other 6. but this really makes no sense in my opinion because you always need to completely flush..just saying. the half is never effective or no one ever does that. strange strange stuff.
46.yes folks...the water drains counter clockwise. btw.lol
47.Westfield- an awesome mall chain!
48.for college, you're a part of a fieldwork, and then you have Church life(you serve in 2 services and sit in one), I'm pumped to really get into this next week! my fieldwork is being a Fuel leader!woop woop. and for church life, i'll still a part of Fuel doing the rave-a-que(like, the barbeque in the garage in the morning),and refuel(church service for year(grade)7&8 during the main church service after praise and worship.
49.I love it here :)
50.
1.I feel like i spend half my life on Danks street. (It's the street i walk from my apartment, to and from church several times a day.) It's a lovely street with art shops, cafes, organic grocery stores, and such. 'tis cute.
2. As a Pastoral student, my day off is Monday.. so if you need me or want to skype, best day to do it is Monday!(for L.A folks, sunday evening for yall!)
3.Aussies take No Worries seriously. allll the time "no worries, no worries no worries"
4.Australian and New Zealand accents are actually quite different
5.easy mac here is awesome. it's cheesier..but of course more expensive.($2 a bowl,round about)
6.speaking of round about...most streets use "round abouts" instead of stop signs. i have had several close calls crossing the streets because of these weird things!
7.and speaking of expensive... everything here is crazy expensive. soo expensive, especially food. i think the cheapest meal i've had here was $5 at hungry jacks. that's right folks, no dollar menu.
8.speaking of hungry jacks... Hungry Jacks=Burger King(same thing, different name)
9.Paddy's market is awesome! it's kind of basically China Town, well, it's in China Town, but they have everything to clothes,headphones, jewelry, to all kinds of food! i've found that the best part of Paddy's market is the food! fruit and vegetables are soo cheap! so that's where i've been getting all that from.
10.Big W=walmart
11.american like places=they do have kmart,target, build a bear, taco bell, and a couple of other places i just dont remember
12.canadians call shopping carts Buggies like we do in Louisiana! but here, they are called "trollies"
13.Boost is my new favorite candy bar. its awesom!it has cookie pieces, carmel,chocolate and all that god stuff in it
14.cookies=biscuits
15.anything chocolate is Cadbury chocolate....YUM!
16.i've gotten so into baking because it makes the flats feel like home :)
17.The best black coffee i've had is just a long black cup from Sonoma(also on Danks). soo strong and soo good!
18.i am loving walking everywhere! call me strange, but i love just being able to get out and walk to wherever i need and not having to worry about a car or driving or anything!
19.fish and chips here are soo good!
20. the beaches here are very pretty, but much smaller than you'd think!
21.Maroubra beach is my favorite so far! it's only a little bit further out than Bondi, but much less crowded
22. climbing on the rocks on the beaches to the tops of the cliffs is spectacular, it's one of the best views in the world.
23.during winter time=sunrise is about 6:50 and sunset is about 5 p.m
24.there are 6 weekend church services you can go to at Hillsong church- Saturday@6,Sunday morning-@8:00,9:45,11:30, Sunday night-@5:00&7:00. i think my favorite so far are the saturday evening service, and the sunday morning at 11:30. but then again, they are all so good!
25.things i've served in at or been a part of at hillsong so far- Backpackers on Monday(Hostel ministry where you go in and make food and sometimes have music, and then you just talk with everyone and make relationship/conversation with the backpackers from around the world.) Chapel Choir on Tuesday mornings, Connect groups on Tuesday night!(led by the beautiful Kourtney Campbell from Alabama!she's such a sweetheart),Wednesday night- Powerhouse!( amazing church service for 18-25 year olds), Thursday morning-SisterHood! its the women's ministry here, every other week i'm apart of the Pamper team where we do hair/nails/massages for the women and just let them relaxed and beautiful and all, i love it :), Friday night- Fuel!!!!(the stinkin' awesome youth group for 7-9th graders(here they call it year 7-9)!soo fun,so much energy,so much dancing,and jesus!) Saturday Morning- Street teams!(break up into teams of about 10 or so and just go help out the community by serving and talking with the people, either doing house or yard work, or barbecue or such like that),then the normal hillsong services.
26. Wentworth Falls in the blue mountains is maybe one of the most gorgeous places i've ever been! the Blue mountains are so amazing
27.Cotton On is my favorite australian clothing store
28.style wise- pants are 2 sizes too small looking and shirts look 3 sizes too big. however, i've found this to be very comfy!
29.unfortunately, soo many people here think leggings are pants.yuck.
30. you have a spectacular view of the city skyline from The Hill at Moore Park. it's only about 5 minutes from my apartment too :)
31.i do make my own sweet tea here! ptl,ptl.
32.i've gotten quite accustomed to drinking hot tea all the time. it's a good habit :)
33. SO many places/businesses/restaurants close at 5 p.m. so it's like, theres alot to do in Sydney,but then NOTHING to do at night,lol.
34.cheese here is quite wonderful, but milk is tricky- skim milk is essentially like 2%, and the rest is very thick.
35.bread goes badly sooo quickly if you don't put it in the fridge. apparently there are alot less preservatives.
36.Coles is like, the big time grocery store here. and especially since it's like a 2-3 minute walk from my apartment,lol.
37.going to coles is about like going to walmart back home- it's impossible to go and not run into someone you know
38.language is not the same as it is in America... you can say ALL SORTS of things here, even during a lecture of church service. it's no matter here, it's just part of the culture. so that's been quite something to adjust to, hearing more "cursing"(what would be considered curse words in america) in church than most any pg or some pg-13 movies. ha, during services it's always "...***...sorry americans..."
39.about over 60% of the college students here are american
40.movies here are rated differently. i dont understand them. theres like, E(i think..) for everybody or general or whatever, then theres M, Then M-15...and i havent even checked if theres anything worse than that. but yeah, it's all quite confusing.but they do alot of american movies here
41. Sydney has the worlds' biggest Imax theater!! For a price of $28 a ticket...yikes!
42.they have redbox here! it's called red...something else. but it's essentially redbox. but for the same concept, you have to turn it in at 7 p.m, and it's $2.95 a day! of course though, because everything here is more expensive
43. minimum wage apparently depends on your age.. like for me at 18, it's $15! ha, to compensate for the rest of the prices, it's not too shabby!
44.i am absolutely loving getting to befriend/meet/talk to/do life with so many people from literally all parts of the world! it's sooo great and soo interesting to learn about all sorts of different culture and all.
45.toilets- so strange-they have 2 different flush options-half flush or whole flush. one uses 3 liters of water,the other 6. but this really makes no sense in my opinion because you always need to completely flush..just saying. the half is never effective or no one ever does that. strange strange stuff.
46.yes folks...the water drains counter clockwise. btw.lol
47.Westfield- an awesome mall chain!
48.for college, you're a part of a fieldwork, and then you have Church life(you serve in 2 services and sit in one), I'm pumped to really get into this next week! my fieldwork is being a Fuel leader!woop woop. and for church life, i'll still a part of Fuel doing the rave-a-que(like, the barbeque in the garage in the morning),and refuel(church service for year(grade)7&8 during the main church service after praise and worship.
49.I love it here :)
50.
Monday, August 1, 2011
psalm 119:1-16
You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.That's right—you don't go off on your own;you walk straight along the road he set.You, God, prescribed the right way to live;now you expect us to live it.Oh, that my steps might be steady,keeping to the course you set;Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.I'm going to do what you tell me to do;don't ever walk off and leave me.How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt.Be blessed,God;train me in your ways of wise living.I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth;I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches.I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you've done it.I relish everything you've told me of life,I won't forget a word of it.So i've been studying this over and over. I would write about it, and what it means to me,as i like to do with alot of scriptures, but this is unchangeable,it speaks so true in itself. For when you have nothing else, You have Jesus to hold to, and then, you have everything.
If you're like me and have no clue what all you'll do on the road ahead, just stay on The road, His pathway, and you can't go on. For God's not a life coach that will just sit on the side and tell you "helpful hints to walk a decent pace"... no, he comes along side of you and is always with you. He's that voice behind you that says "this is the way, walk in it" (Isaiah 30).
So while life may be confusing, and there may be so many different pathways and choices to make, pursue. Pursue God's heart, and you'll find yourself walking his way. For when you pursue the heart of God, you know Him, and know his ways and his heart.
:)
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