Welcome to the Big Apple.

After 26 hours on an Amtrak train I finally made it to NYC. Elaine and I roll my luggage one block away from Penn Station, to my dorm at FIT. Arriving to the 10th floor of Kaufman Hall and walking at the end of the hallway is my new home for this short period of time. On the corner of 10th and 34th is our beautiful view of the Hudson River and the United States Post office.

Later, we go to central park where tons of people are laying out, flying kites, throwing balls, etc. It was nice to just sit and realize that...i'm in freaking new york city. It's a bit crazy. I never thought I would be here. People would always say so, but I don't think that this is real.

It's going to take some time to get used to. It's hot here. Feels much hotter than MS. However, I will adjust. I will post pictures soon, too!

I will periodically update this...or I might not.

gone, but not forgotten.

I have been gone. But I have not forgotten about this blog. I just need to return to who i used to be. I feel so busy and overwhelmed and no time for the little things I enjoy: blogging. dressing fun. doing my hair and make-up fun. ha. I just feel really crazy lately and like I have been put on the run around. I am disorganized in my organization.

Aussie Aussie Aussie-Oi Oi Oi !!!

So, according to my mom--I talk funny now. Maybe it's because I talk like everything is a question ( At least that is how the Aussies talk).



Wednesday Night I organized a girl's night for grades 6 through ages 25. It turned out really well. I tried to make it as close as possible to the ones that we've done back home, just because they have been very special to me. I wanted to bless the girls with encouraging words to let them know how much they are admired by God, just like I have been blessed by women in the church who took the time to care for us. I realize how important girl nights are. They give us time to listen to God with out being distracted. We gave each of them a letter from God, a journal and pen, a crown, an ornament with "Princess of the King of Kings" written on it, and a candle. During our devotional I lit candles and turned all the lights off to have the more intimate setting with God. It was so nice to just be able to talk with God. I assigned them all to a prayer partner. I didn't have this planned out, but I feel like God helped me place them perfectly together. It was amazing seeing the connection between the range of ages. Alayne, my teammate, did a wonderful devotional for the morning and I was blessed by that very much. I think overall the girl's had a great time and I hope that they continue to keep up with their prayer partners and continue to get to know each other. I had so much fun--and I am so glad I got to share that night with them.

There are other things that God has had his hand on, and God has really been speaking through a lot of people and through books, and through his word, through prayer, and preaching. Things have worked themselves out and I have LEARNED so much---

We have a month to go and honestly I can not believe how quickly things have come and gone. I have gotten to know a few people and have had some cool conversations with people. I am so glad I have been able to participate in this opportunity and I have absorbed every minute of it.

I can't explain how much I feel loved. I am so glad I have the assurance that people are praying for me. How cool to think that people are praying across the world for me, and praying that God's work will be done here in Australia.

Love you all and hope I can update again soon.

my bad.

I know God does answer prayer, especially in ways you don't ever imagine. I think sometimes the problem is yourself whenever we think it is someone else. You know that verse in the bible where it talks about how you have to get the log out of your eye before you can help your friend get the splinter out of theirs. I feel like that is me in a way-- there is time to start over.

Getting there.

This is the start of a new week. Monday--The Queen's Birthday (which it's just a day off for the Australians). My teammate and I have been really struggling with a another team member who is here for himself and not for God. He isn't being the leader he should be and trying to be more of a part of the youth group instead of stepping up and being the example. We need prayer--Prayer that we can go to him with christian love to confront him of his behavior, prayer that it won't hinder what we are trying to do here, and prayer that we can all work together as a team successfully.

The youth here is very divided and they struggle to connect to each other so we are going to try to get them to have a better connection with each other. We also want to see them become leaders and grow a closer relationship with God. There are potential leaders here, but no one willing to stand up to be servant of God. Most of the youth at the church have made a decision to follow God, but do not live out that faith. It's very different from home, were the youth is connected and they are kids who are serious about God.

Australia is so apathetic. There are VERY few Christians here, and it's so sad to see. Keep Praying--I know God will use my time here, because I'm here under His will.

First of many

Let me just start off by saying this--14 hours on one single airplane is not fun. Jet lag, also not fun. Currently, according to my computer it's almost 5am, but here I could not tell you what time it is. I'm soooo disoriented as of right now.

Australia is BEAUTIFUL. I love it. I have already experienced the strangeness of being on the opposite side of the road--it will really mess with your brain. lol. Also, I got to see a Kangaroo and a Joey--that was really cool. (don't worry--I took pictures.)

I'm so excited to see what God has planned for Alayne and I once we get in Melbourne. I will update more of what God is doing here later, but as for now friends, it's time for me to get adjusted to this crazy time change~!!!!

miss you. love you.

Packing up, but not going home.

I have so much to get packed up--I'm having to pack in 3 different ways--One way is putting stuff in a pile to put in a storage unit. And the other two ways are for NYC and Australia. I've never had so much trouble trying to get things in order. I need someone to be here directing me. They need to be telling me that "no, you really don't need to take that with you--are you really going to wear that?" so--that's my biggest problem. I need a plan--Put outfits together, but this is kinda hard since some of my clothes are not washed. ugh. lol. Ok--I've talked myself into it--I'll put it off.


sorry this wasn't very insightful! lol just needed to complain about something today.