Today I had a day off from work which was nice and relaxing! I was able to go to Wildlife and see some Australian animals which was super fun! Since everyone was working, I went on my own which was actually really nice. As everyone who is reading this probably knows, I love being with people, which is a good thing- but I think God forces me to have time to myself as well without the distraction of others around me (even if it is good distraction). As I was walking to Darling Harbor where Wildlife is, I was able to think and reflect on the time I've had here and the ways in which God has blessed me. It seemed like such a long time ago that I arrived in Sydney, vulnerable and expectant. I didn't know who I was going to meet or where my provisions would be coming from and today, three months later, I was able to look back and admire God's handiwork. He provided me with an amazing apartment at just the right time and through that, an awesome Kiwi friend/roomie who I had adventures galore with :) He provided me with an incredible church to flourish in and a job that overlooks the harbor, opera house and bridge. He has also provided me with opportunity to do everything I hoped to do in coming to Australia. He has protected me through mistakes and has matured me through my experiences. Today as I was walking, I felt that God was so close to me, leading me, loving me as He's always done. I was able to observe others and take in children's spunk and excitement for life as they laughed and played together. I watched as each individual was focused in on their mission to make the most of the time they had in that single day, all with their own unique sphere of influence and experiences. If any of you reading this are thinking about travelling somewhere, but the only thing that is holding you back is that you are scared to go alone- do it anyway! It will not only stretch you, but you will discover so much about yourself, about other people and about cultures in ways you would have never dreamed. It makes you feel so alive to build relationships with people from around the world and to experience the love of God through adventuring into the unknown. Is it scary? Sure, at times. Is it worth it? No doubt about it. There's nothing else like it... :)
My roomie and I went to the Blue Mountains last week! I was sooooooo good! It was really refreshing to get out of the city for a bit and even just breathe in the crisp, unpolluted air haha. The mountains were beautiful. We took the train into Katoomba and got a bus to where Scenic World was where we did the three different attractions (cable car, steep railway...). It was a lot of fun! We did a lot of hiking and climbing on things and goofing around. The creation there was unbelievable and there were lots of adventurous/outdoorsy people around which made me feel at home like I was at camp. We ate delicious food and enjoyed and incredible day together. The next day Almaz departed for LA to do some travelling of her own. I'm sad to not have her here, but I know she'll have an amazing time!
Work is going great. I feel blessed to have the job that I do and I really enjoy everyone that I work with! Our food area alone is incredibly diverse. We have people from London, US, Columbia, Ireland, Australia and Italy. I love it! The Aussie's are always asking me whether I'm from the US or Canada. When I said Chicago, at least three of them broke out into the Frank Sinatra song, Chicago (full fledged singing here). These people just crack me up ;) The view is always incredible and everyone is really nice so I can't complain!
I also just bought my ticket to Brisbane! I'll be travelling with one of my friends and will meet another friend while I'm there. I'm planning on staying in Brisbane for a week and then going to Cairns to dive the Great Barrier Reef! I can't wait! I'm excited to hold a koala bear, do some diving and check out Hillsong in Brisbane- apparently there are a ton of young people there, yeaaaaaa.
Well, I'll end with some lyrics from Charlie Hall's, Constant that I was listening to on my walk today that will hopefully be of encouragement to you.
"Just like the sunshine, you have been our light. Leading us into, beautiful places... faithful Jesus, healing Savior, compass, center, bread of life. Faithful Jesus, cherished treasure, our portion, wisdom, God's great light... My God you are here with us, constantly here with us, you are our everything faithful and true."
If you let him, God will lead you into truly beautiful places... :) He has for me.
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