PowerHouse Retreat

So the reason I haven't blogged for a few days is because PowerHouse (the young adults groups from Hillsong) had a 3-day retreat! We went up the coast a bit and camped out, then had sessions/worship/dance parties/fun! :) It was a really awesome time, and God really showed up!

This blog is generally going to be about what God taught me during retreat and then I'll give a brief update on some general life things!

Each day of the retreat there was between 1 and 3 sessions, each with a different speaker and a worship set. First of all, I have to say it is pretty awesome to have worship every time with Hillsong bands. The music is phenomenal and just enhances the worship "experience" -- especially when you're a musical person! Anyways, I'm going to give a few general points from different sessions that God spoke to me through.

The first thing that really hit home for me was a message about going through trials and how when we have issues and struggles, that's when we are developed and grown. The speaker talked about how we need to change what needs to be changed in our lives and how when we become aware of those things and deal with them, we develop perseverance. But not only that, God RESTORES our souls through those hard times. I had a day last week where I just become totally exhausted and overwhelmed. I missed my friends from home that just KNOW me. The people that I don't need to say anything to, but they know something is up. They can read me, and know me in an intimate way. I missed those relationships and connections. Yes, I'm making great friends here, but it takes TIME and INVESTMENT to really get to know someone deeply. And I was feeling worn out, tired, and disconnected. But God restores my soul. And He truly did during this retreat. Even though I am extremely tired from lack of sleep, I know that emotionally and in a heart-way, God has restored me.

The second thing God revealed to me during the retreat was we can't allow our fears/insecurities stop up from going through the doors of our lives that God puts in front of us. Opportunities that God gives us. We need to push through and find out what lies beyond the door for us. If we are too scared of change, we may miss amazing things that God has for us! I am realizing that I need to be fully focused and devoted to my life here in Sydney. To the people that are around me, to the church, to my ministries, and to school. I need to surrender my fears and insecurities to God and allow Him to calm my spirit and have a hold of my life.

Finally, God spoke to me about decision-making. Generally when it comes to important things I'm a fairly intentional decision-maker. However, many times I do feel indecisive. Unsure. But the speaker gave 3 very awesome points about this:
1) We have the authority and responsibility to make decisions. [we need to be intentional and take charge. we need to understand that we have authority and power.] -- Deut. 17:9
2) We have the ability to make decisions. [we have the Word and the Holy Spirit with us. But if we aren't reading the bible, how can we make good/right decisions? I know I need to be in the Word more regularly.]
3) We have the opportunity and urgency to make decisions. [there's no point in waiting. we can't be too arrogant to admit a need.]
We can't be people that are indecisive. We can't sit half in the shade, half in the sun! We need to make a decision and a choice. I've chosen Jesus. I've chosen the Sun. And I want everyone I know to choose Him too! There's no fence, there's no half-way point! For what fellowship can light have with darkness? We can't be lukewarm. God doesn't want people who serve Him part-way. We need to stand up for Him, and never sit back down.

So those are some thoughts on what I've been processing about retreat. It was an awesome experience and I'm so glad I went, even though it was a tad pricey. haha. Besides the retreat things have been really great! My flat truly feels like home now, and I love that. It's nice to have my own place and that it actually feels like mine and not just a hotel I'm staying in for a while.

Auditions (aka: assessments) are tomorrow for the Worship Ministry people. We just have to play a couple of songs with the band and do a short theory test -- I'm not worried about it. The only thing is that they don't use chord charts here! It's all ear and memorization. So that will really stretch me I think... I'm really happy that this is the case though, because I think it will really help me grow as a musician! :)

I hope everyone is doing well at home! Make sure you leave some comments and let me know how you're all doing! Love and miss you!

Community

One thing I love so much about where I'm living is the sense of community. Most of the college students live in the same apartment complex, and there is a courtyard in the middle of all the buildings that the balconies look out onto. So when you're walking through it, home from Coles (the local grocery store) or from getting a coffee at one of the cafe's close by, you often run into friends from the college. Or sometimes, people are up on their balconies and just call for you to come up to their flat and hang out! It's just really cool to feel so close to people so quickly... Everyone just hangs out together all the time. It truly feels like a big family!

I spent a bit of time alone in my flat last night just journalling and listening to music and talking to God. It was good for me because I've been WITH people pretty much all the time since I've been here. I got to reflect a bit on why I'm here and what God is calling me to within this experience. Also got to think about the friendships I've made, and ones I want to improve. I thought about my family and friends at home and how much I miss you all! But realizing that I'm so blessed to have such an awesome family in Windsor who are all praying for me and following my journey! Thank you all so much for your support! :)

My flat mate Cheryl and I have been bonding a lot more too! She's my age, which is really awesome, and we just get along great. Same sense of humour and similar personalities... So that's going really well! Plus, she loves to take Photo Booth pictures too, so OBVIOUSLY that's a plus haha! Anyways, I will be in touch again soon... Just wanted to share some thoughts! Much love...

Getting my Tan on!

First things first: my flat mates and I went and got pretty much all we needed from Ikea, and yesterday I rounded up some guys to help build all our furniture! That's bed frames, coffee tables, and shelves! My room is actually starting to feel like home now!


I also got to spend the majority of my day yesterday at Bronte Beach! We took a bus to Bondi Beach which is the most famous/biggest beach in Sydney, but we walked from there to another beach called Bronte to tan, swim, and relax! It was SO BEAUTIFUL there... the whole walk over I was trying to convince myself that I'm not on vacation.. I LIVE here. It's so amazing - God's artwork is so gorgeous. I could get used to this!

I got pretty tanned, but a bit burnt as well! Even though I layered on the sunscreen a bunch of times! The sun is crazzzzyyy hot here! Also went into the ocean which was awesome. Very salty, but awesome! The waves are actually ridiculous - SO HUGE! I got tossed around a bit, so I got out haha. But it was still fun :)

One of the best parts of yesterday was in the evening. We were all tired from a day out in the sun and a bunch of people wanted to watch a movie, but a few of us weren't feeling it. So my friend Caleb and I made tea and read our books outside while a couple of other people played guitar in the 

background. It was so relaxing and just... great! I am finishing Captivating right now, and God is really speaking to my heart about a lot of things! It's been cool.

Today I think is going to be a pretty relaxing day as well! We're getting our fridge today, so grocery shopping will be happening ASAP! Yay for food!! Haha... Also, I believe we're getting a washing machine and a TV today that we got a really good deal on. Our flat is really shaping up! I think I'm going to love it here.

All is Well!

So far, Sydney is absolutely amazing!! The city, the people, the BEACH! AH! :) Yesterday I went on a bit of a sightseeing adventure and saw the Sydney Harbour and Opera House. We didn't get to go inside, but the view from the top was stunning! We then went to the Sydney Harbour and took a ferry to Manly Island and hung out on the beach there!! It wasn't the hottest day - but we still got to lay out, and some people went into the ocean! (I didn't because I didn't have a towel... haha)

me at Manly Beach!

me at Sydney Opera House!

After the beach, we took the ferry back to Sydney and I cut 3 of my friends' hair! haha it was really awesome, and they all turned out really well! I don't have pictures to show, but just trust that I can WORK those scissors! :)

I ate dinner at my friend's house with a bunch of people, and he made everyone enchiladas! They were delicious. 

I'm still trying to get over the jet lag, but it's slowly wearing off. My cold is a bit better, but still have the runny nose and a pretty brutal cough. Hopefully that stops soon! Your prayers have been, and continue to be appreciated! :)

Oh! My flat mates have all arrived now! I have one from Sacramento, one from Germany, and one from Sweden! We're very multicultural around here. :) Today we are trying to set up our internet (I am currently just using an internet stick) and also we are hoping to get our fridge and washing machine! We're also going to head to Ikea to get some basic house "stuff" and also some furniture for our bedrooms. Anyways, we're going to be heading out soon so I will write again soon! Love you all, and miss you!

Safe & Sound

I have arrived! It is 10:18PM local time, and I have successfully stayed up all day without napping! Woohoo! Let's hope I beat this jet-lag fast!

my room as of now... haha
a little bland, but it'll perk up soon enough!

Today has been an awesome day. I got to see a bit of Hillsong Church when I first arrived (because that is where the taxi dropped me off from the airport!). This is where I met a ton of people and got the keys to my apartment (aka: flat), etc. My "assignment tour guide" and fellow student, Alison, took me under her wing and brought my to my apartment with the help of some other lovely people! None of my other flat mates have arrived yet, so I have the place to myself right now! And boy is this apartment nice! The complex is newer, so all of the flats have balconies overlooking a courtyard which is a general area for all of the buildings in the complex. It is really well-maintained and fairly modern looking!

After I showered and unpacked a bit, Alison and I met up with one of her new room mates, Rayna, and the 3 of us headed to the bank to set up accounts. There we met up with Matt (Rayna's fiance) and Tommy (another first year student that Matt was "guiding") and the 5 of us did some shopping! I was able to get a cell phone, an internet stick, a few groceries (none of which could be perishable because I do not currently have a fridge!), and a few other necessities! We then headed back to Alison and Rayna's flat for dinner and watched some Aussie tennis! I really like this group of people -- they're really nice and we get along really well already! That's a huge blessing from God!

Anyways, I really should head to bed as my eyelids are quite heavy... Hope to be in touch again soon, although tomorrow is a trip to Ikea, and hopefully the beach!! :)

More to come.

In L.A.!

So this entry is NOT from Down Under, however I am en route! Currently, I am sitting in the Los Angeles airport waiting for my flight to Sydney! It doesn't take off for another 3 hours or so... :| eek! So, I paid $8 to have internet and Google Video with Mom & Dad, send some emails, pay some bills, and of course, Facebook!

I haven't been feeling 100% as I am battling a cold, and the descent into L.A. was not a pleasant one for my ears... Prayers are appreciated for my next landing!! I hope and pray that this is just a short cold and doesn't develop into anything significant for my first week in Australia.

I am still really excited to get to Sydney, get settled into my apartment, meet my roommates and get the things I need! Airports aren't that exciting -- especially when you're by yourself! I will admit, I am a bit nervous about getting to Sydney and finding my way around, but I'm just trusting that God will provide the means for me to get there safely!

Love you all, and I will be in touch as soon as I can get internet in Sydney!

Getting Ready...

This week has been completely hectic so far trying to get ready to leave. I can't believe my flight is this Saturday and I will be leaving Windsor for a place far, far away.

I have mixed emotions as I try to process this... Of course, I am SO excited to be going (which is the main emotion I am feeling), but I also am nervous for the journey ahead. Leaving everyone behind here at home is the main thing... But also not knowing exactly what to expect when I arrive in Sydney! I don't know who my room mates are, or where anything is in the city! That makes me a bit nervous as well. But I also know I am in God's hands and He's got this under control.

I am SO excited for what He has planned for me this year. I can't wait to start classes and get to know people from all around the world! This is going to be a crazy learning experience, and I can't wait to share some of that with you on this blog as I'm gone!

Well, that's pretty much where I'm at right now - amidst cleaning my room and packing! So much to think about as I pack for a whole year... Wow! Anyways, the next blog will be from Down Under! Ah!