Treckin’

Wednesday 13, August 2008

It is amazing how much can happen in less than a month. It is even more amazing to realize how much can be accomplished in just a week. I probably met over 200 people in the span of 3 days. I learned more about my own culture, as an American Missionary in the time that I have been here then while I lived in the United States. I also skipped seasons. I left the United States in 90 degree wether, and arrived in what they call "winter" ie. 40 degree weather.
My most favorite accomplishment is the fact that I traveled through time. I completely skipped the 16th of July 2008 when I crossed the international dateline flying over here. Yep, I feel like a super hero now, except for the fact that everybody else in that airplane also lost a day of their lives.

As soon as we arrived, we were swept off in a bus and given lectures on how to live in Australia. I am surprised how much I actually remember from that day, but most of it is quite fuzzy.
We finally were allowed to go to our home stays or student housing at around four pm. I was sent to the student housing with six other students. We were greeted by another swarm of people, but they seemed pretty cool. One girl gave us the grand tour of the house and dorm. The Morton house is where my room mate and I were assigned. It is a huge Victorian style house with fireplaces every where. Unfortunately it is illegal in the city to use fireplaces so it gets quite cold at night. Our room is big enough for 8 people, so Kena, my room mate, and I are quite comfortable. We have french doors that open out to a beautiful veranda - perfect for studying while soaking up the sun at the same time. I was next guided to the roof of the dorm across the way. When it gets warmer I am going to sleep up there one night. Even though we are in the city, the stars are still vibrant. I can find the southern cross almost at any point in the city.
I fell asleep at around eight pm.

There really is too much to tell after this point. I’ve gotten to explore the city, my little suburb, attend five different churches(all different denominations), taken a cruise around the bays of Sydney, spent the night in the blue mountains, and ...well you get the idea.
The people are wonderful here. They are generally helpful, but talk about life like it is. If you are wrong about something they will tell you. I think one of the greatest things I have learned from them so far, is how much the world is impacted by the United States. Because Australia is an ally to the US, the decisions the US makes, directly effects them. Our culture is also rubbing off on them through our television (even though they only have five channels here). Pretty scary if you ask me.

We started our studies a week after we arrived. I love my classes. The professors have jobs in their fields, therefore are always up to date on the latest information. My photography professor gets to use equipment before it is even released on the market. Pretty cool. The strange thing about school here, is that it is pretty laid back, except for the American taught class. That is the most difficult.

Overall my hope of Australia being more laid back was true. People are generally fun loving people, who know what battles to pick and when to just let stuff go. They are pretty accepting as well. I have loved it.

Thanks so much for your prayers. Keep praying for the woman I met at the Homeless café. She has not come back since the abortion, but prayer can do wonders! Pray that I keep well. I have been fighting a cold since I have been here.