In flight from daylight...
Australia has been pretty unreal thus far. It's crazy to think I am actually here but at the same time it feels so right. I absolutely love the girls I am living with, the house is incredible (amazing backyard, can't wait for springtime to roll around so I can play outside). Everyone I have met so far is just so friendly, Australians as a whole are all so genuinely giving. Marie and I went to Ravenswood, an all-girls school, today and taught year six (6th graders) how to be leaders. It was such a great time, they were adorable and made me feel loved. Although they told me I talk funny, they didn't hold back the compliments either, showering me with plenty of "you're so pretty" and "your hair is lovely" comments.
I've met a plethora of people in the past few days. It started with my 19 hour plane ride, in which in the last 5 minutes the gal I was sitting next to randomly asked who I was coming to see in Australia. I threw out Bev and Jock's name and received and unexpected gasp and "oh my gosh, I know them" in return. Apparently she's worked with the Forum and Prayer Breakfast in the states and her sister is best friends with Bev (the woman "in charge" of me). She'd been attending grad school in Canada for the past 2 years and was returning home for the first time and crazy enough I happened to sit next to her. Too bad we didn't speak until the last 5 minutes.
I went rock climbing last night with three guys from the guys house. They're all pretty cool men, good hearts. There's 4 more that I haven't met but I will this Sunday at "the Gathering". 70 people are getting together at Bev and Jock's house, it's a monthly tradition. Bev asked if I would speak about myself to everyone, introduce myself and my life; let people get to know me. Hmm, rather scary if you ask me. Then Monday night we're having dinner at the guy's house. Jock wants to start up a Friday night bible study for the girl's house and guy's house...sounds interesting, can't wait.
I ventured into the city this afternoon, it is absolutely incredible. I met up with a guy I met at the Prayer Breakfast back in February, Austin. Amazing, amazing, guy; have to admit I'm a bit sad that he's moving back to the US in 3 weeks. It's weird how the Forum and Prayer breakfast create such an immediate intimate bond with someone. But that's what it's all about; relationships, people, openness, vulnerability.
I haven't been able to sleep much since I've been here, I find myself waking up at 4:30am every morning because of the jet-lag. But I've used the time wisely, escaping my cold room and finding a cozy spot on the couch where I've spent my mornings reading Captivating and having some alone time in prayer. The first morning was 6 hours and was by far the best time I have had in a really long time. My heart was definitely thirsty and I can't wait to get through this book. It's offering a lot of healing for my broken and bitter heart; and it's time for that.
Well, my fingertips are eager to keep writing but my tea is getting cold and eyes are getting heavy.
I've met a plethora of people in the past few days. It started with my 19 hour plane ride, in which in the last 5 minutes the gal I was sitting next to randomly asked who I was coming to see in Australia. I threw out Bev and Jock's name and received and unexpected gasp and "oh my gosh, I know them" in return. Apparently she's worked with the Forum and Prayer Breakfast in the states and her sister is best friends with Bev (the woman "in charge" of me). She'd been attending grad school in Canada for the past 2 years and was returning home for the first time and crazy enough I happened to sit next to her. Too bad we didn't speak until the last 5 minutes.
I went rock climbing last night with three guys from the guys house. They're all pretty cool men, good hearts. There's 4 more that I haven't met but I will this Sunday at "the Gathering". 70 people are getting together at Bev and Jock's house, it's a monthly tradition. Bev asked if I would speak about myself to everyone, introduce myself and my life; let people get to know me. Hmm, rather scary if you ask me. Then Monday night we're having dinner at the guy's house. Jock wants to start up a Friday night bible study for the girl's house and guy's house...sounds interesting, can't wait.
I ventured into the city this afternoon, it is absolutely incredible. I met up with a guy I met at the Prayer Breakfast back in February, Austin. Amazing, amazing, guy; have to admit I'm a bit sad that he's moving back to the US in 3 weeks. It's weird how the Forum and Prayer breakfast create such an immediate intimate bond with someone. But that's what it's all about; relationships, people, openness, vulnerability.
I haven't been able to sleep much since I've been here, I find myself waking up at 4:30am every morning because of the jet-lag. But I've used the time wisely, escaping my cold room and finding a cozy spot on the couch where I've spent my mornings reading Captivating and having some alone time in prayer. The first morning was 6 hours and was by far the best time I have had in a really long time. My heart was definitely thirsty and I can't wait to get through this book. It's offering a lot of healing for my broken and bitter heart; and it's time for that.
Well, my fingertips are eager to keep writing but my tea is getting cold and eyes are getting heavy.