Hello friends.
It's been a while since we've met, but I'm glad we're here again :)
I'll do my best to keep it short and to the point.
Let's just jump right in, shall we?
College is in full swing. Classes and tutorials (smaller versions of class) are brilliant and I'm learning so much! It's like trying to drink from a fire hydrant. Before coming to Hillsong, I was completely aware of how much "basic" Bible knowledge I lack, but being here has definitely confirmed that. Not necessarily in a negative way; yes, I have a lot of catching up to do, but where better to learn? Some of the most brilliant minds are leading and teaching me. The group of people from whom I get to learn are truly amazing...or as we say here Down Under, "they're legends."
The staff at Hillsong amaze me with their constant awe of God and everything that has to do with Him and/or His Kingdom. So often at schools it's easy to see that teachers have become bored with their subject of expertise. Not the case with my teachers. For example, one teacher has been doing the same subject for 13 years, but still manages to still exude a true amazement and genuine gratitude for the material. It's passion like that which keeps my attention and draws me in to learn more. My prayer is that I, as well as anyone who hears God's Word, would be filled with such admiration for our King that it would inspire and intrigue others.
As much as I enjoy all my classes, I kind of have a favorite...shame on me, I know, but I can't help it. World religions is my favorite class. Ben is the instructor and he has the best heart for it: so kind, understanding, and non-judgemental. His mere demeanor teaches me every day in class to love people from all religions and not be close minded.
When learning about Islam, there's a belief that Muhammad couldn't read or write and that's why it's such a miracle that he wrote the Qur'an. My first response was, "that's stupid!", but then I realized that I believe a man lived in the belly of a fish, and that every kind of animal cohabited on a boat. I believe those things happen, because I trust the Bible. Just like Muslims trust the Qur'an. I get the idea. We can connect on that level...I'm being stretched to really see things from another perspective.
My core tutorial group is legendary! Point. Blank. Period.
It's the smaller group of 16 people I get to do college with on a more personal level and I'm just honestly so blessed to be with them. Three things we always have: food, fun, and a dance-off.
General Life
My 25th birthday is vastly approaching. Although I didn't have any "by the time I'm 25" thoughts, I think where I am (physically and spiritually) is a pretty good place to be. Who knows when I'll get my quarter-of-a-century freakout, but I don't expect it to be too crazy.
The first day of Spring finally arrived! Thank you Jesus!
I felt short changed on summer this year, but as the weather gets warmer and my skin gets darker, the more I settle in and relax :) I was feeling homesick the past week or so, but as soon as I felt the sand in between my toes and could heart the waves I immediately felt at home. And what a beach!! Bondi (Bond-eye), the most famous beach in Oz, is only a 30min bus ride from my flat. Awesome...until the tourist arrive and then apparently it gets so packed you can't even see the sand. So I'm glad I went while it was open.
Fun stories: A lot of the Aussie's I've met haven't had just a spoonful of peanut butter.
I know. I know.
It's beyond shocking.
But The Lord sent His people just in time ;)
One by one, Australia is finding a new obsession.
I at kangaroo in the form of a hot dog aka "Kanga Bangas". They smell and look terrible, but they taste great!
Things are good. I'm learning and stretching so much! I say that pretty much every post, but I'll keep saying it. God is doing a work in my spirit and I just can't contain it! What a beautiful Creator, Father, and Designer we have.
More friendly faces:
It's been a while since we've met, but I'm glad we're here again :)
I'll do my best to keep it short and to the point.
Let's just jump right in, shall we?
College is in full swing. Classes and tutorials (smaller versions of class) are brilliant and I'm learning so much! It's like trying to drink from a fire hydrant. Before coming to Hillsong, I was completely aware of how much "basic" Bible knowledge I lack, but being here has definitely confirmed that. Not necessarily in a negative way; yes, I have a lot of catching up to do, but where better to learn? Some of the most brilliant minds are leading and teaching me. The group of people from whom I get to learn are truly amazing...or as we say here Down Under, "they're legends."
The staff at Hillsong amaze me with their constant awe of God and everything that has to do with Him and/or His Kingdom. So often at schools it's easy to see that teachers have become bored with their subject of expertise. Not the case with my teachers. For example, one teacher has been doing the same subject for 13 years, but still manages to still exude a true amazement and genuine gratitude for the material. It's passion like that which keeps my attention and draws me in to learn more. My prayer is that I, as well as anyone who hears God's Word, would be filled with such admiration for our King that it would inspire and intrigue others.
As much as I enjoy all my classes, I kind of have a favorite...shame on me, I know, but I can't help it. World religions is my favorite class. Ben is the instructor and he has the best heart for it: so kind, understanding, and non-judgemental. His mere demeanor teaches me every day in class to love people from all religions and not be close minded.
When learning about Islam, there's a belief that Muhammad couldn't read or write and that's why it's such a miracle that he wrote the Qur'an. My first response was, "that's stupid!", but then I realized that I believe a man lived in the belly of a fish, and that every kind of animal cohabited on a boat. I believe those things happen, because I trust the Bible. Just like Muslims trust the Qur'an. I get the idea. We can connect on that level...I'm being stretched to really see things from another perspective.
My core tutorial group is legendary! Point. Blank. Period.
It's the smaller group of 16 people I get to do college with on a more personal level and I'm just honestly so blessed to be with them. Three things we always have: food, fun, and a dance-off.
General Life
My 25th birthday is vastly approaching. Although I didn't have any "by the time I'm 25" thoughts, I think where I am (physically and spiritually) is a pretty good place to be. Who knows when I'll get my quarter-of-a-century freakout, but I don't expect it to be too crazy.
The first day of Spring finally arrived! Thank you Jesus!
I felt short changed on summer this year, but as the weather gets warmer and my skin gets darker, the more I settle in and relax :) I was feeling homesick the past week or so, but as soon as I felt the sand in between my toes and could heart the waves I immediately felt at home. And what a beach!! Bondi (Bond-eye), the most famous beach in Oz, is only a 30min bus ride from my flat. Awesome...until the tourist arrive and then apparently it gets so packed you can't even see the sand. So I'm glad I went while it was open.
 |
| shameless selfie. |
Fun stories: A lot of the Aussie's I've met haven't had just a spoonful of peanut butter.
I know. I know.
It's beyond shocking.
But The Lord sent His people just in time ;)
One by one, Australia is finding a new obsession.
I at kangaroo in the form of a hot dog aka "Kanga Bangas". They smell and look terrible, but they taste great!
Things are good. I'm learning and stretching so much! I say that pretty much every post, but I'll keep saying it. God is doing a work in my spirit and I just can't contain it! What a beautiful Creator, Father, and Designer we have.
More friendly faces:
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