Intense

Wow! Just finished my first week of real classes after a full week of "intensives." Intensives being almost 8 hours of lectures each day for three days!  I'll tell you, it's been a busy and intense two weeks.  God has already revealed so much to me and it's only going to get bigger and better and harder.

Here are some quotes from amazing men and women of God who taught and preached the Word here at Hillsong:

"Kingdoms are extended, destroyed, and maintained through language." -Robert Furgeson

"Your tongue describes the position of your heart." -Robert Furgeson

Hillsong College Chapel

"Here at Hillsong, we're not looking for clones or cookie cutouts..." -Tracy Barrell

"If you're not glad...you're serving something else [not God]." (pertaining to serving in your local church) -Catrina Henderson

"When Christians do church together they ought to see God." -Duncan Corby

"Your value cannot be determined by your gifting, your value is established in Christ." -Duncan Corby

"It's far better to finish things when people still want more than to finish 10 minutes later than they had hoped." -Duncan Corby

"What if we looked at people like they were just one step away from Jesus?"-Lee Burn

"If you're not gripped by the cause, nothing will change." -Lee Burn

"Jesus didn't do away with the law.  He fulfilled it." -Catrina Henderson

"Live your life in a way that favor loves you." -Brian Houston

"Favor is not the absence of challenges." -Brian Houston

"A family. A body. A house."

Of course that is the tiniest snap shot into two weeks packed with amazing teachings.  Even more so, not only did we have intensives we also got to be a part of Vision Night at Hillsong! Hearing and seeing Brian and Bobbie's vision for the church that impacts the world was incredible.  Home.  That's the 2012 vision for Hillsong Church across the globe; to be a place where anyone can walk in the doors and feel at home in Jesus Christ.

God is teaching me so much and softening my heart in ways I couldn't have imagined! And it's only 4 weeks into being here! Wow. God is good. Thank you for all your support and love.

I haven't found a job yet...though I've applied to several places and I'm still on the hunt. Please be praying that I find one soon! Learning to trust the Lord in my finances. And learning to stay strict to my budget. What up?!

I've been to the beach once and I'm still making incredible friends! God's doing great things while I'm here.  Be praying for Sean Welch as he's serving a year in Haiti. So proud of that man! Thanks for all the love and support and prayers. I so feel them!!

Love,

Jessica

Myself, Caro, and Allie

Maroubra Beach

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!!!