Toilets

God is good.

I can't believe it's been a week already! It feels like I've been here in Sydney for weeks and weeks.  God is so good and so faithful.  Here are some sweet praise reports/updates:

My flatmates are amazing women of God who truly pursue the Lord's will.

Carol from Germany

Betsy from Kenya

Alanna from Canada I have yet to meet, but I hear she's amazing!

I've made some incredible, Godly friends here already.

Miss Aly from Georgia

Kate the great! From Canada.

I've been exploring Sydney (all safely in groups!)

Sleep schedule is completely normal!

And I've taken a Barista course for fun...praying for a good job!!

Hillsong Church service was amazing.  The Spirit of the Lord in the room was incredible and brought me to tears.  To know that God has called me to serve at this place, in whatever capacity, is truly humbling and amazing.  As I'm preparing for classes to start, my heart's desire is that I will be open to whatever God has for me in this next season.  Because I know that He's preparing me for great things!   

I miss you all at home! Been thinking and praying for you constantly! Thank you for your prayers and support for I can definitely feel them.  If you see my family, give them a huge hug and squeeze from me! Love you all.

God bless!!

Home at Hillsong

Well I made it!! 

It’s been a crazy adventure and I’ve only been here 2 days! God is so good and faithful and I love it here...but it sure started crazy!! I felt like I was 15 minutes late the whole time.  My adventure began on January 14th as I left my beautiful Island in the early morning.  My flight itinerary, although unbeknownst to me, was a crazy one:

Seattle to Oakland-2 hours, Oakland to Las Angeles-1 hour, waited standby for 2 1/2 hours but didn’t get on.  Overnight in LA at Uncle’s (Thanks Gary!!).  Next day...Dim Sum (Chinese tea time), standby LA to San Fran-1 hour, made it!  Standby San Fran to Sydney-14 hours, made it! But unfortunately my checked baggage did not. 

Our view

Day 1: I arrive to Hillsong Church around 9:30am and it’s already January 17th! I lost a couple days in the mad travels and international date line.  Without my luggage I go to my new apartment and meet my new “flatmates” as we call them here in Australia.  Amazing ladies!!! Unfortunately...because I don’t have my shower stuff I have now gone almost 3 days without a shower.  (No one said anything about me smelling bad...)  Miss Betsy let me borrow her things which was so gracious of her!! 

The balcony of my Flat

The night ended with an amazing worship jam session with a bunch of students at one of the “flats.”  Already, I know this place is special.  The hearts and talent in the room were amazing.  To hear 20 voices blending in several harmonies, each worshiping their Creator with reckless abandon was truly humbling.  God is going to do amazing things this year and I am so blessed.  

Kangaroo burger

Today has been so fun! Got lost in Sydney with my new friends Kate and Corey, ate a kangaroo burger, and met many new faces.  Oh! And got my luggage!! No more smelly Jess.  Jet lag has been funny...I slept at normal time but I have been feeling almost dizzy.  Someone mentioned gravity’s pull is different?? Who knows?

Miss Kate

Thank you so much for your prayers!!  They are so felt.  While I miss home and my family there is such peace here.  I have yet to break down in tears (though I’m sure that time is coming soon) and I’m truly having a wonderful time! Love you all and can’t wait to see you again!!!

Packed and Ready

I have a confession to make...

... I have been putting off writing this post.  I put it off because once I start writing this sucker I know that I must finally admit I'm leaving.  Leaving family, friends, and comfort. BUT! I'm so excited at the same time!! A new adventure is merely two days away...