Hello everyone! Sorry for the lateness of this blog... I guess I became busy and distracted and forgot about my updates! I will try not to let that happen again... :)
So much has happened since the last time I blogged, so I will just try to condense it a bit! First of all, my normal class schedule has commenced, and it's been really great! I was asked to be a "tutorial host" which means I'm just the go-to person for my tutorial classes. There is a tutorial that goes with each lecture, just so that we can be in smaller groups to further discuss what we learned in lecture, or if we need help with our assessments (aka: assignments). So that's been going really well too! Our tutorial groups stay the same for the whole semester (or maybe the year... i'm not sure) so we get to know our group of 25 people pretty well! I think it's an awesome idea because you really start to build community within that!
One of my classes is Worship Band/Music Excellence. This class is based around learning to work together in a band setting. So within our tutorial groups, we were divided into 2 bands (yes, quite large bands!). For our first assessment, we had to choose 3 songs out of an allotted 6 and learn them together in order to perform them in about 3 weeks from now! We have one class that is dedicated to rehearsing each week, and then outside of that we have to find our own time to rehearse. So far, it's going really awesome. My band is super talented... Actually, everyone in my "in-take" (the people that came at the same time as i did) are really talented. It's pretty awesome!! So as far as classes go, things are really good! I have a few assessments due on Monday (2 days from now) so I have to finish those up tonight. They're not too hard yet, but we do have to keep a Practice Journal to record what we're practicing each week, which is good for my procrastinating nature! haha.
Tonight at church I played piano for Kids Worship for the first time! It was really fun, and an awesome opportunity that I got to play already! I guess that isn't the most usual occurrence for new students, which made me feel kinda good :) although, it's most likely because I'm a piano major and they need us haha. Either way, it was awesome! The kids are really cute and super fun to play with and worship with! It's cool to see how God is touching their lives already at such a young age, and seeing them respond is really amazing. I get to play piano again tomorrow morning for their service again, so I'm looking forward to that.
I suppose that's my life here in a nutshell right now! Things are still awesome with my roommate and flatmates! I'm still meeting more new people and developing the relationships I already have. Community is such an awesome thing :) Miss you all at home, and always feel free to comment on here, send me a facebook message, or send me an email and fill me in on your lives as well!!
Love you all!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
New Involvements!
So classes have started and it has been crazy busy around here! For 2 weeks (one week is done) we have "intensives" which is 2 full courses jammed into 2 weeks. Hence why they are called intensives. We are in class all day with short breaks in an auditorium style setting. It can make one somewhat antsy! But the classes are good. Some of my trainers (aka: profs) are phenomenal speakers and teachers. Right now the information is more focused on leadership training as opposed to learning "new" things. That will come when classes start and we get to study Old Testament, etc. I'm really looking forward to getting my schedule for classes!
Also, I got a job! Praise the Lord! :) I handed out a few resumes and got word back from a local cafe around the corner from my apartment. I will be starting this Wednesday as a new barista at Cafe Two Baristas! It's a really happening little place that is really really busy in the mornings and fairly steady throughout the day. It's going to be really fun working there. There's a couple other students from Hillsong that work there too so that'll be nice to get to know more people! They make coffee/lattes/etc. a bit different here so it'll be cool to get trained on a different way to make things! I'm pretty excited about it.
Today is Sunday here and to be more specific, it is "Vision Sunday." The day where the church explains it's vision for the year. It's a really big deal here so I'm excited to see what the service is going to be like! Speaking of church, I found out what my service is going to be here at Hillsong. Every student has to be involved in a "Church Life" and "Fieldwork" throughout the year. Church Life is something you're involved with over 2 services on the weekend, and Fieldwork is something you're involved in during the week! My Church Life is Kids Creative Ministry! Which essentially means I'll be helping in Kids Ministry over the weekend doing worship or other "creative" ministries (i'm not entirely sure what that looks like yet). And then my Fieldwork is Wildlife which is the Sr. High age youth group here! I'm SO excited that I get to do that because I've been missing all my students at home! (Don't worry, you can't be replaced!)
So things are still going really well here! I have my days of really missing home and friends, but I know God has called me here. Through the trials or troubles I know that God is working out His will for me here, and I can't wait to see what else He has in store.
Much love!
Also, I got a job! Praise the Lord! :) I handed out a few resumes and got word back from a local cafe around the corner from my apartment. I will be starting this Wednesday as a new barista at Cafe Two Baristas! It's a really happening little place that is really really busy in the mornings and fairly steady throughout the day. It's going to be really fun working there. There's a couple other students from Hillsong that work there too so that'll be nice to get to know more people! They make coffee/lattes/etc. a bit different here so it'll be cool to get trained on a different way to make things! I'm pretty excited about it.
Today is Sunday here and to be more specific, it is "Vision Sunday." The day where the church explains it's vision for the year. It's a really big deal here so I'm excited to see what the service is going to be like! Speaking of church, I found out what my service is going to be here at Hillsong. Every student has to be involved in a "Church Life" and "Fieldwork" throughout the year. Church Life is something you're involved with over 2 services on the weekend, and Fieldwork is something you're involved in during the week! My Church Life is Kids Creative Ministry! Which essentially means I'll be helping in Kids Ministry over the weekend doing worship or other "creative" ministries (i'm not entirely sure what that looks like yet). And then my Fieldwork is Wildlife which is the Sr. High age youth group here! I'm SO excited that I get to do that because I've been missing all my students at home! (Don't worry, you can't be replaced!)
So things are still going really well here! I have my days of really missing home and friends, but I know God has called me here. Through the trials or troubles I know that God is working out His will for me here, and I can't wait to see what else He has in store.
Much love!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
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...
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...
Friday, January 21, 2011
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.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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)
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| me at Manly Beach! |
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| 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!
Monday, January 17, 2011
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!
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.
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| my room as of now... haha a little bland, but it'll perk up soon enough! |
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.
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