Tea, Thai food, my aussie twin, and good mates :)

What the perfect ending to a swanky as trip!

oh my. how do i end this.

It rained all day except for the time I spent out on my balcony this morning, and for my hour at the beach :) yes! There was even a rainbow over Mooloolaba today. sigh. It was tough to leave the surfer beach behind...bugga. My Australian semester has come to an end. I spent 5 months in the land of:

Sun ☼
Surf
Sand
TimTams
Gloria Jeans, Zarrafas, and Emjays
Manly Queensland jaws
Volleyball ;)
Summery winters
G'day Mate
Kangaroos and Koalas
Keen, ya reckon?
Mooloolaba
Alex Heads
Noosa
Tea and scones
Lifegroup love
Calvary <3
and Heaps and HEAPS of fun...

Spent the evening at the Silva Spoon with my ever so lovely lifegroup girls....I'll miss them terribly! I want to bring them home with me! Then I had thai food and a final TimTam coffee with my aussie twin, Ella, down in Moololaba by the ocean. The waves were ginormous today! Just for me. It was the best way to end it.

Tea, thai, twin, and timtams...sick as mate!

I'm a bit sick in the tum tum...but that's just what leaving does--no matter where from.

Looking forward to home :) I keep forgetting that it's 4th of July weekend! hooray! I can't lose !

name these songs:

"I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again--oh babe I hate to go."

"Ridin along on this big ol' jet plane, I been thinkin about my home.....Big ol' jet airliner--don't carry me too far away...cuz it here that I've got to stay!"

"It's not that it goes too fast
It's just that it goes at all"


but mostlyyy....

"Now all the glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever ask for or imagine." - Epeshians 3:20

See ya in the states! Really...despite the suckiness of leaving Oz, I CANT WAIT TO HUG YA! Happy fourth of July weekend mates!




Rainbow over Mooloolaba :)



Lifegroup love--at the Silva Spoon <3

Stockholm something or other--yummy tea! and a very nifty as spoon!

Thai with the twin!

ocean view---

Last Gloria Jeans with the twin :)

P.S. I'm about to go back in time...tick that off the ol' bucket list :)


AHHHHHH << that's how i feel...excited and sad all at once :) Too much fun here! Back to reality yo!

One day left!

Yikes! Only one more day in Aussie land...holy cats time flew!

I walked for miles and miles today..from one end of the beach to the other, to the plaza for a final Zaraffas coffe, and then back to the beach to watch some surfers. That's it. I just jammed to my tunes, let my mind run free and walked walked walked....trying to soak it all in. Oh, but I also got some fish and chips from a very delicious dive! I was told to go there---good life choice. Barrumundi and chips--yumo! I'm pretttty tired now.

Went to the last lifegroup tonight :( It was such a blessing getting to know them! After it was over Ella (my aussie twin) and I stayed over and jammed on the guitar with Anna, Mel, and Claire....good times. I must return! I must! Coffee date with all of them tomorrow--then the dreaded final goodbye! Good thing skype exists!

There are many ups and exciting things about coming home---don't get me wrong. Cheerios, family, friends, going back in time....I'm pumped---I'm just really terrible with "lasts".

I had pictures to post....but its not working--soooo I'll try to get one last blog in tomorrow! Goodnight from Aussie Land!

Pancakes, Opera Houses, Friends from Home, and Ashley-isms ☼

Before I get into the depressing stuff, let me just tell you how sick as my weekend was!

I'll try to condense it to only the best highlights.

First! Rayanne met me there! How weird it was to see a friend from home all the way in Australia! It was o good to spend the weekend with her, and celebrate her birthday! The drive down was very scenic, but a bit long :) However, we made it, and that was Saturday.

On Sunday, we cruised around the city exploring shops and taking in the view of the Opera House/Harbor Bridge. It honesty didn't seem real to us because of how many times we've seen pictures of Sydney Harbor. It's so pretty! Sometimes places like that get so hyped up that when they're seen in real life it's a disappointment. This was not one of those times. We also took a stroll to Darling Harbor and got a Starbucks....pretty there too!

Then to my amazement--Rayannes Australian roomate's mom lives in Sydney so we got to stay with her for free! That was sooo nice. :)

Monday was by far the best. We started out early with a trip to Manly Beach by ferry. Paradiso. Teal crystal clear water--surfers--squishy soft sand--sun. We just stood and took it in for awhile not really believing we were in real life.What kind of people get to have houses on places like that? I need to get to know them! After that adventure we decided it was time for some pancakes! I was told ahead of time to go to Pancakes on the Rocks. Oh man. Sweet as. I ordered chocolate pancakes with chocolate syrup and chocolate ice cream. I've never been so happy with pancakes. What a healthy and nutritious lunch :) Next stop: Bondi Beach. What can I say? Bondi was beautiful too, and also the setting for the first Ashley-ism. Ray and were, again, taking it all in saying how great the day had been when we hear "Girls, looks there's dolphins!". WHERE!? Sure enough, about 5 dolphins just swimming around the surfers and waves at Bondi. Perfection! Then I opened my mouth.."You know, if there's a dolphin that usually means there is a shark, or there isn't one?"---good logic. It must just be Grand Rapids people that bring out my smart side.

So, now Ray and I are in seventh heaven. We've eaten delicious pancakes, been to two unreal beaches, and now saw dolphins. What could possibly be next? How about a walk across the Sydney Harbor Bridge. So good. And how about gelato and a walk around the Opera House? Yea. Life was good this weekend. This quote sums up how we felt, "If someone punched me in the face right now, I'd still be smiling". We also crashed an Asian birthday party upon running into random friends of Rays...odd as. (Free Asian dinner...yes!)

My 30 dollar tiger airways flight even went smoothly! So upon returning, I went to Chancellor Park for my last 5 dollar Tuesday pizza---yumo. Then went out for Spanish thick and divine hot chocolate with my girls :) Oh how I'll miss them! Two more days left. It's supposed to be rainy--Please no!

How nutz is it that I'll be home this weekend? This trip could not have gone by faster!

As far as I'm concerned...Sydney is my favorite city in the world, and this weekend wasn't actually real.




the beginning



Ray!

The one and only Sydney Harbor!

Manly Beach

Pancakes on the Rocks. Sweet as.

Bondi!

Dolphins!

Harbor at night from the bridge :)

San Churro thick hot chocolate---with mint :)

love these girls!

Off to Sydney!

Yes! Road trip tomorrow! so good. How crazy is it to meet up with your Michigan friend in Australia? That doesn't happen everyday :)

Went for a walk on the beach this morning. Twas lovely. I walked out to the rock pier like I've been wanting to for ages now. Talked to these two old ladies from Victoria, they were asking me how the night life is here. HA.  Mel and my friend from lifegroup Ane met up with me later on in the day. Ane is from South Africa, and she taught us some South African lingo. (phonetically: oou---Han (as in Han Solo with a "hawk a loogie" sound)--det. OO-Han-det---you just said 'how are you' in some language...or something like that!??) Wasn't the sunniest day for the beach, but it was still good for relaxin :) The ocean has been so blue lately!

Went for a Wooly's walk to stock up on peanut butter sandwhich fixins for this weekend's meals (oh yum..psych), and then I did some more packing up. It's weird to have bare walls again and empty closets! Everyone is headed out tomorrow basically...it's going to be so quiet when I come back next week. I'll have the place to myself!

Said goodbye to Yogesh my roomate today, and to Kim. Bugga! Other than that...I am ready for bed early tonight....wakin up early tomorrow! Road TRIP! yipppeee

I be livin in the land down under!

cool little guy with crazy eyes who crawled in front of me this morning



I suck at panorama....but it sort of gives you an idea!?



da pier



Mooloolaba

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." -- Phil 1: 20-21

Bye bye Noosa :(

Since my depression is getting redundant...I'll just tell you about my awesome day!

Headed to Noosa National Park bright and early this morning. I figured it would be my last chance to Noosa it up. First Mel and I found a nifty little bead shop--made a couple things---Im weak. WEAK. But then, we all headed to the national park coastal walk. I can't express to you in words how pretty it was. Ugh.

Then later on I hung out with a few friends who let me try out their skateboards---twas fun. For an hour or so heaps of people met up at this pub called the Pig and Whistle to hear some live tunes :) It was okay---I was bummed at first because our ride had to leave early. However, when we got back to the apartments we talked them into playing some volleyball---unfortunately, the security guards proceeded to rudely kick us out. Way to pick on the sober kids Mr. Security guard. SO we made cookies and stuffed our faces.....all while playing cards! What a great night! Dude---okay never mind...I won't say how badly I'll miss these people. Oops..I said it.

Tomorrow is declared as a beach. day. ALL day--I refuse to leave. REFUSE. Until I can't take the impending cold that sunset brings...there will be some fish and chips from "The Spit" and there will be a walk to the rock wall....yep. Please be sunny! Pretty please with gelato on top!?

Well here's some pics for your viewing pleasure:



nifty bead shop!



I thought I'd swim to this sailboat---except. the water is ice

WHY!? why did i have to go on this walk..I love you guys, but I think it'd be better for everyone if we all live HERE :)

somehow--this is not how I pictured hell?

mel and me

I prefer sand angels



bye bye Noosa....it has been real.

 Enough of that...time for bed...must rest up for my beach day.

"Satisfy us each morning with your UNFAILING love,  that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." --Psalm 90:14

Emotional Wreckage!

I'm more than pleased to say that IM DONE WITH THOSE WRETCHED CLASSES! There's always that sweet relief after exams are over---a transition from your mind always thinking about studying to "hey I dont have to study!" Yes!

However, I see home pictures and think "man oh man i want to be home already!" But then I come back from lifegroup nights of new friends and think "I'm really depressed". The next week is about to packed with heaps of good times! I might be headed to The Silva Spoon tomorrow for a tea date, then off to open mic night to hear a couple friends play, then to a movie, and then chocolate celebration after all that. Then Friday----plans to hang out with whoever is around to----Then Saturday SYDNEY ROAD TRIP full of harbors, beaches, Hillsong, and Rayanne! Then who knows what the last two days next week will bring?? Gosh I just can't believe I'm actually leaving! There may be tears. But I'll keep it to just a few, I think this experience deserves them. Oh bother...this was a very incredible 4 months and 3 weeks. Can't wait to see what the next year will bring! I never actually thought I'd get to study abroad. It was always in the back of my mind---but it's so crazy that it came and went just like that!

Okay...enough of that. I'll stop unloading my crazy thoughts on you. It's just consuming my mind right now. My walls are bare, my suitcase is half packed (getting it done early so I can enjoy the final days), and I still have some stuff to get rid of :)

I think I'll go do some more organizing....excited for tomorrow! I'm going to spend some quality time with my beaches. All of them. There will be thinking, iPod jamming, resting, and exploring. Over and out.

" 'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could ever imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher that your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.' " --Isaiah 55:8-9

" 'For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken' says the Lord, who has mercy on you." --Isaiah 54:10

Theres light at the end of the tunnel!

Had a repeat of yesterday--studied at Mooloolaba FOR THE LAST TIME! Tomorrow I will take my politics exam and then be free. I cannot wait. I still have some cramming to do in the morning, luckily my exam isn't until 12:30. Almost there! Almost there!

I was actually really cold on the beach today, so I was forced to re-locate. The re-location was a serious upgrade. I felt like I found a little Fiji on the Sunny Coast. I declared these my favorite palm trees in the very beginning of the semester. I have no idea why I didn't spend more time by them. The wind was blocked there, so I could just bake. Ahhhhhh...so good.

The view from my towel of studying...a bit distracting

Shortly before I mustered the energy to take this photo...I was put into a deep palm tree/ocean waves-induced coma...it was bliss.

What will I do without my study beach next semester? oh...do more studying probably.

That was basically my day. Study marathon cram session. I hope my brain can keep it all in there. Tomorrow is life group in Buderim! Were having a chocolate extravaganza to celebrate! OH and I finally found someone to buy my little bike, I took it for one last spin to Wooly's today to send my very last Australian letters! EEk...I'm in disbelief that I have to leave.

"Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be bright as noon." -- Isaiah 58:10

"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." --Isaiah 58:11

"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life." --Isaiah 55:3

I like looking back on what I read earlier in the morning...

And I shall think of film history no more!

Hallelujah! The dreaded, most despised History of Film in Australia is OVER, el Fin, done-zo, no more, finished. I think I did pretty well too, thanks to the studying. Had I not studied, I'd have been in for a big fat failure. They do exams here like the movies. All of us are packed into the gym with creepy "over-seers" lurking through the aisles. This is the way to study :

Showing you this was not the way to get sympathy :)

 It's official. Goodbyes can...well....to use nice words...they stink. But it's such a blessing to have met so many awesome people! Had another prayer and worship night at the last Connect of the semester. Oh how I will miss these people! But oh how I look forward to being reunited with y'all back home! Eleven dayss yo! I think I said that yesterday, but it's really 11 this time. One more final to go---meaning another study day tomorrow/sun-bake day. I think I can probably handle it.

Then sweet freedom! There will be a happy dance! Happy happy joy joy..

Oh, and don't forget! God is good...real good people!

"But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it...All of you together are Christ's body, and EACH of you is part of it." --1 Corinth 12:18; 27

Goodbyes suck so I ate a TimTam...and then another

Goodbyes are weird. You want to think it won't be the last time you see these people, but life is crazy? I may not be back here again. Or maybe I will. I guess the unknown is exciting, and it leaves room for hope? wondering? Who knows...Thank goodness for facebook hey!?

Went to both Calvary services tonight...sad sad sad. But it was so awesome while it lasted!

Played volleyball this afternoon. Wouldn't have been a typical Sunday if we hadn't. Other than that---I think it's time for me to begin the History of Film cram sesh. Wish. me. luck. I am SO gonna need it. Or maybe that's just my freakish mind psyching myself out. I'll find out tomorrow at 4:30. At the moment I'm deciding if I should study in Mooloolaba tomorrow, or stay here? Coffee shop studying sounds perty schweet.

11 days homies...prepare yourselves for my return! Warn the dairy queen for me... :)

OH! and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD! Love ya heaps yo!

the volleyball crew---well the four who are die-hards..minus me in the pic

action! I'm too slow

:( Calvary :)

Calvary Ladies :)

Wooly's yay?

"If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with humility that comes from wisdom." -James 3:13

"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." --James 1:21

"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says..." --James 1:22

First Goodbyes :(

I woke up with the wind today--it was sooo so loud! However, something had to motivate me out of bed this morning :) Studied a bit today, but mostly I spent the day at Suncoast One Conference!

I've heard some really awesome speakers the last couple days. So good. I guess I could quote some highlights:

Dan Lian was the main speaker for the night...here's some paraphrasing of his messages

--God shifts something in a person before He shifts something in a culture.
--In response to those who say Christians are just brainwashed: Everyone in the world gets brainwashed by something...the only decision we have to make is to be sure God is doing the washing
--You ARE (present tense), the LIGHT of the world---God has destined us to be noticed, helpful and useful for His glory
--Lights need  both intensity and positioning to be effective
--To have confidence in God you have to keep a clear conscience..God sets the standard.Our conscience is cleared by the blood of Jesus.
--When we do things wrong our "hands" may be dirty, but were still saved. God has given us responsibility for our actions, or hands, but He takes responsibility for the cleansing of our heart.

"Give us clean hands, give us pure hearts"
--Jesus comes to you--He pursues you
--God sees us as we can be, not as we are.
--He calls us out on our sin because He loves us that much!
--He calls you out, and then calls you to Him.

Quick overview---it was a great night...God was really moving everyone. It's exciting!

Me mate Nate let me drive his car today! haha..I just went around the parking lot, but It wasn't as weird as I thought shifting with my left hand....super weird! He was a brave man for letting me drive haha :) I HAD to drive in Aussie land at least once...had to.

Said goodbye to some of the Suncoast people tonight...a bit depressing, but it was a lot of fun meeting everyone :) Last Sunday at Calvary tomorrow---now that I won't like. Good thing is, I can't wait to be back to the homestead. Just think, next Sunday I'll be in Sydney at Hillsong, and then the week after that I'll be at Grace Ministry Center in good 'ol Wadhams! Hard to believe!

Alright! up bright and early tomorrow! Peace!

Buderim Falls

Headed to Buderim Forest today! There are picturesque waterfalls there that I've been really wanting to see before I leave here. To my surprise, it was actually a very short walking distance from the bus! That's twice in a row that a "Mel and Ashley" adventure didn't turn into a 2 hour journey just to arrive at our destination. Wowza were getting so good just as were about to leave! how sad! Had a mini sale for UniCentral today..I made 7 dollars--hey that's a coffee! And unfortunately I'm still the proud owner of textbooks and a pink bike....hmmmm.

Tell me how 5 months can go by so fast? What was I doing all this time? Now that the end is near I can't help but think of all the things I should have done, or should have done differently. However, I know that is not a good way to think. I was able to do SO many awesome things :) AND I'm still going on a Sydney trip. No regret here.

Went to Suncoast tonight for ONEconference. It was great. There was dinner/hang time, then some worship and a speaker. The worship leader was originally from Colorado, but now he lives in Brizzy. I really liked him. And the speaker was from the Hillsong church in Sydney. It has been a really cool experience to be at churches across the world. There's a serious Aussie energy that needs to spread to the US :) I've learned heaps.

Well...back to studying tomorrow! Just until 2 though, then it's back to Suncoast for the final day of the conference.

Only 12 days left...what? So ready to be home, so don't want to leave.



my very favorite purple flower bushes...dey everywhere!



mel by Serenity Falls

Serenity Falls---ver' nice

mini falls

"Come near to God, and He will come near to you." --James 4: 8

3 for $5 TimTams! What?

Had a glorious day at la playa today :) I was sitting in my room this morning preparing to go study all day when it hit me that I should take my studies to la playa. duh. It was the most beautiful day I've had in a while. I love the beach in the morning best. There's a burger joint tucked in between all the stores and hotels in Mooloolaba that I've been dying to try every time I walk by. The Onshore Cafe. It always has it's "BIG BREKKY" and the "best burgers on the coast" as it's advertisements. I concur. My cheeseburger hit the spot. Smothered in bbq sauce, onion, and fresh tomato..mm .mm. good.

Sometimes I don't think this place is real. Haha. It was just so pretty and perfect this morning! Blue blue sparkly ocean, surfers everywhere, coffee shops all open for brekky, big palm trees, wild turkeys (haha), runners, warm sun. And as a bonus to all that bonus I got a new CD for FREE today :) Josh Garrels. Look it up, he is the definition of relaxing.

I did my best to pound all that dry history of aussie film crap into my mind...we shall see if it sticks.

Other events of the day included a walk to Wooly's for cheap TimTams and a night of throwing away junk I don't need. There's a sale tomorrow at our apartment complex--hopefully I can get rid of some stuff!

Off to ONEconference this weekend at Suncoast church. I'm pretty excited to learn some more good stuff before I head back to a really busy life! Must soak up these last few days of relaxation, although they're getting busier and busier it seems!

Well I'm off! Look Jon Foreman posted another article! YES. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/meaning-of-life_b_874934.html

delicious burger..and random leg

"By His wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away, but now you have turned to your Sheperd, the Guardian of your souls." -1 Peter 2: 24-25

"Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your Godly lives will speak to them without any words." 1 Peter 3: 1

Volleyball Marathon!

Yes. I played volleyball for five hours straight today. I was in heaven, and completely exhausted. Ritendo is from Africa and always plays with us...he's super good and helps me and Mel with our spiking....I love that I've gotten to play heaps of volleyball while I've been here! At one point there was a real college life moment in my opinion lol. Let me explain. A bunch of 20 somethings playing some beach volleyball avoiding studying, other 20 somethings coming back from taking exams "Dude I think I passed?", and another 20 something serenading those of us on the court from his front porch on his guitar. I took that one in...it was fun :)

Also went to lifegroup tonight, we had some talk time and then turned on the second State of Origin Rugby game. It was a bit more exciting this time maybe? Either way it was fun to hang out with people tonight and drink some tea and eat some yummies :) I'm headed to a conference at church this weekend with all of them, should be good!

Only 2 more weeks left! Holy cats! Where on earth did the time go? I'll be back in the states in the blink of an eye. I still have so much I want to do---and I still have two exams. I plan to study hard all day tomorrow so I don't have to worry about studying over my busy and fun weekend :)

Weeelll...I'm off to catch some zzz's and wake up early to be productive! I think I'll tag team the studying with tanning. That's always a good combination :)

Nitey nite yall!

Dream Big

First I have to express the excitement of being done with my Indigenous Australia class! Hallelujah! Done-zo.
I hope to never have to study that again...Now only two more exams next week to prepare for. (Ya you read right--next week lol). The dreaded History of film exam and Politics...I'll git-r-done...always do.

That was basically my day..studied before my final, came home to take a thinking break, went to Wooly's for my weekly food run (and 5 dollar pizza Tuesday!), and studied some more tonight! Although, it was one of those study sessions where the mind will not cooperate and concentrate. Ah well. I have till Monday.

I think God wanted to remind me today to dream big. Sometimes I forget that it's God who gives me my true dreams in the first place, and that I have to dream big in order to accomplish great things for God's kingdom! Also that I should share my dreams with Him, so we can chat about em ya know? A friend gave me a little teeny pocket cross before I left that has "dream" written across it. She wrote on my card to dream big because God can make my wildest dreams come true. (Insert laugh here---how true is that? I'm in stinkin Australia as we speak). It was a brilliant reminder that God didn't die for me to hold back, but He died to free me from sin so I can live a bold and joyful life for His glory and plan---(and of course so that we can spend eternity with Him).

I'm glad my study session of Aussie film was interrupted with this not-so-random revelation.

Wish I had the perfect Bible verse to end this with. Ope! Thanks to Elisabeth Elliot's blog, I do..

"Lord, all that I long for is known to You, my sighing is no secret from You. I put my trust in You, Yahweh, and leave You to answer for me, Lord my God." --Psalm 38

Beach volleyball, studying, and lifegroup tomorrow :) And hopefully some tanning (pleassssseee some sun!)

P.S.
Somehow every single time, without fail, as soon as I'm cozied up and warm in my covers ready to doze off into the sweet honeydews of slumber (name that movie mom!)...I hear my shower drip. drip. drip....drip. Stinkin drives me bonkers. However, it's easily fixed---just have to get out of bed! Bugga. ☼

Coffee Shop Hoppin

Headed to Mooloolaba early to get some cramming in for my exam tomorrow (tomorrow! eeek)...It's just hitting me that I have to write two three page essays tomorrow---crap. I think I'll do a bit more studying tonight before sleepin. Good news is...after that NO MORE learning about Indigenous Australians. Phew. Pray that I can find three pages worth to write about!

But ya, I didn't have the best of luck at my good ol' coffee shops this morning. For one: Emjay's internet failed me...so I went to Gloria Jeans and waited ten years for my drink. Yup, their internet failed me too. So my final attempt was the Coffee Club who finally had internet that worked. Still a beautiful day--- ☼ Mucho Sunshine. Silly Queen's birthday made the prices on everything go up too. Should have known. I forgot what country I was in.

Other than that---went to connect group tonight at Calvary. Just a night of praise and worship, prayer, and chillin out before everyone starts exams. It reminded me of a night at The Barn back at Grand Valley...but not as awesome :)

Okay, must cram now...having a significant yet very minor freak out. I just feel the need to look over things one more time tonight. Fair enough?

"...I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right." --Isaiah 45:19

"I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime-- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." --Isaiah 46: 3-4

"I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you. I have swept away you sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free." --Isaiah 44: 21-22


Night yall!

Church and Volleyball :)

Made a quick choice to head to church this morning--twas good. Everyone is scrambling and making last minute plans to hang out before all us study abroad students head for home. This makes studying a bit difficult to find time for :) Butttt tomorrow I'm going to have a marathon study day---just cram it all in.  I have one final exam on Tuesday and then the last two aren't until the following week.

In between morning church and evening church ( I attempted to study a bit ), and then played some beach volleyball! It was fun to play some 2 on 2 then 2 on 3 and finally 3 on 3...beach volleyball makes you work! Especially 2 on 2...I love it. Can't wait to play at Grand Haven when I get back---woohooo!

Other than that---I went back to church tonight ( I have to get as much Calvary in as possible). Tomorrow is Connect group night--it'll just be a chill, eat, pray, and worship night. Should be good.

I think there's hope for some sunshine later on this week ☼ I sure hope that's true!

Ewwww I have to take an exam on Tuesday...what are those!? =D

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." -Psalm 19:14

This is a first---it's 9:32 and I'm about to go to sleep! Excited for my coffee shop day tomorrow---this one will actually happen I promise...

Unless, since it's an Aussie/English holiday tomorrow, everything is closed? Bugga. We shall see! Queen's birthday Queen's smirthday...

Less than 20 days until I see your shining familiar faces! Be excited. I am!

Eyes on the road miss! This is in case you forgot what I looked like---and also so you know where to find me when I get back....good ol' Trusty Rusty is still there right!? Right?

Good night Australia! Good morning America!

My First Winter in June...

Spent all day at the Eumundi Markets---there were heaps and heaps of tents. And guess what!? The bus dropped us off right in front of the entrance....hallelujah! I was not cut out for a 2 mile hike today :) Got a few goods and then headed back to good ol' 55A for some rest and relaxation while watching Sister Act 2....I'd say one of the few sequels I like better than the first. (which was on last weekend haha--what would I have done without Saturday night movies on channel 7?)

This whole semester I've heard numerous times, "This weather is so unusual for this time of year!"....this week was no exception. The coldest days in a Queensland June ever recorded have been this week...really Australia? :) it's all good----I have my Lady Grey tea, my lovely thermos (from my awesome brother), and TimTams...oh and big socks....sometimes it's fun to cozy up. But that's just me trying not to complain...

Tomorrow---you can find me at some kind of coffee shop--I should probably study a bit for my exam on Tuesday. Mise well make it "fun"!

2 weeks from today I leave for Sydney! Wahoo! Less than 20 days until I'm booted from this country :)

"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." -- 1 Peter 2: 1-3

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." --1 Peter 2: 9

Bon Fire at North Beach!

Accidentally slept in today :) Could it have been because I stayed up till 2am skyping mi madre? nah.

Spent some time reading in the sun this morning--Romans 8..packed with good stuff.

Then! I made myself move out of my freezing apartment (it traps all the cold in) and down to Mooloolaba. I took some snacks, I took my Bible/journal, I took some tea, I took my drawing stuff, and I wish I could say I took a nap :) Made a pit stop at good ol' Gloria Jeans for a tim tam chiller and headed down to the beach to do some sketching. It was lovely! Heaps of fun! Didn't do anything else but draw the beach. For a 62 degree day the sun was still pretty strong.

In other news, I've conquered the TimTam slam! Would you like to know the way of the TimTam Slam!? (it's just so fun to say!) Pay close attention:

• Step 1: Dunk and bite off one end of the timmy tam (dunk in hot tea/coffee)
• Step 2: Enjoy the melty goodness
• Step 3: Dunk and bite off the other end of the timtam
• Step 4: Enjoy the chocolatey goodness
• Step 5: Here comes the good part--> now use your TimTam as a straw!
• Step 6: Then eat the whole thing at once!
• Step 7: Indulge in the mushy melty madness your TimTam will become--
• Step 8: Repeat!

I'll never be the same...Warning: addiction is inevitable. (don't burn your tongue!)

Finally got the chance to go to a bon fire! A bunch of people from Calvary invited us to a fire on North Beach...heaps of fun. Aussie smores=no good (fruity marshmallows and no Hershey's or graham crackers), sausage roasting---not easily done when they're frozen :), and campfire guitar by yours truly. I have basically forgotten all my tunes---so sad. It was lovely to play on an Aussie beach though! Yipppeee for fires! Some crazy kats were throwing and twirling fire batons---looked like fun, but I wasn't in the mood to risk burning my hair off....blame me?

Well, off to some huge ginormous markets in Eumundi tomorrow. The question is, how far will we have to walk to get to these ones? Only time will tell :) Time for bed!

Peace, love, and American S'mores!




just fo funsies. didn'te finish...

 

Beautiful sunset tonight!

oh what pyros...there will be a lot of boys peeing the bed tonight....

Kumbya---or something

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger or threatened with death?...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us." -Romans 8: 35,37

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from  the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
--Romans 8: 38-39