Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Monday, November 29, 2004
The Last Days
It's been three days since I've arrived home from Australia.
I tell you what, life is depressing without relationships. But
I've grown closer in the relationship I've held all along. God
is good he's dependable and He'll stay with you when no
one else will or can. I'm thankful that God is willing to know
me, and know me intimately.
In the last week, I spent a lot of time with my American friends.
On that Wednesday Darren and I went over to the Concord
house where we met Michael, Cassie C., Cassie F. and Katie.
We then went to Darling Harbor to take a Captain Cook cruise.
It was a good time. We could have done pretty much the same
thing had we just taken one of the public transport ferry's. But
that's alright. Later that night we and a bunch of others met
again at Darling Harbor to see the Christmas tree lighting.
There was also some singing and a show going on. A lot more
people showed up then I thought would. It was a really good
time afterwards. We all walked down the harbor a bit to get
some ice cream.
I talked a bunch with Cali about homeschooling. She had been
homeschooled until highschool. She and I agreed on pretty
much all of the positive and negative aspects of homschooling.
It was really cool to talk with her about it. I always feel like
people sort of look down on homeschooling, because of the
social issue and stuff. So I was happy to entertain her questions,
especially since I felt like she wasadmirable of the fact that I was
homeschooled and not just curious about a different lifestyle.
On Thursday night, the last night in Australia, I went over to the
Concord house again. A bunch of us including, Cassie Cook, Leslie,
Brittany, Chris C., and Amber then went to Pancakes on the Rocks.
We didn't get there until about 11:45. It was a going away/Shannon's
birthday party. When we got there, there were heaps and heaps of
people there already. I knew or recognized nearly everyone from
school or the ASC program. There was trouble finding a place to sit.
But we finnally did and I shared some really good blue berry pancakes
with Amber. Amber Chris and I had to sit kind of secluded from
everyone else because of the lack of space. So Cali, being the nice
thoughtful girl that she is, came over and talked with us so we wouldn't
feel so left out. I was really glad to get to talk with her some more.
Due to some previous joking, Shannon later came over to me and
asked if I would dance with her. It was a restaurant and I could barley
hear the music. There were cameras on us as she asked. It was quite
embarrassing. I had to say no just because I didn't know how and
there were so many people around.
That night I came home and saw two letters on my bed. One from
Jon and one from Wendy. I made the mistake of reading Jon's right
away. It was really late by the time I got back and when i read it, I got
pretty emotional. I realized that I probably wouldn't see him again, and
I felt sorry for him because of his state without Christ. I decided to add
a little more to my letter to him about some spiritual things. I hope God
uses what I've done and said to bring Jon to Himself.
In the morning it wasn't to terribly hard to say goodbye to Wendy and
Jon for some reason. I guess I was pretty excited about going home. It
was kind of hard to say good bye at the Sydney airport. But then once
we got to LA I think we were all so excited to get off the plane and get
to our next flight that there weren't many tears. On the plane we all
watched movies and I talked some with April and others briefly. Then
Cassie F. came over to sit by me (because there was an empty seat). I
was really glad she came over. It was like she came over just because
she was a friend and wanted to talk for the last time. We didn't even
really have much to say to each other. It was just a nice fulfilling time.
So that's that. Good-bye Australia. As I said, life has been kind of sad
lately as I've had to readjust to home and being without the friends
that I made in Australia. But I've been trying to be mature about and
live in the present, not the past. As God said there is a time for
everything. My time for Australia is over. What He has next for my life
I don't know. I can only hope it will be as amazing as Australia.
I tell you what, life is depressing without relationships. But
I've grown closer in the relationship I've held all along. God
is good he's dependable and He'll stay with you when no
one else will or can. I'm thankful that God is willing to know
me, and know me intimately.
In the last week, I spent a lot of time with my American friends.
On that Wednesday Darren and I went over to the Concord
house where we met Michael, Cassie C., Cassie F. and Katie.
We then went to Darling Harbor to take a Captain Cook cruise.
It was a good time. We could have done pretty much the same
thing had we just taken one of the public transport ferry's. But
that's alright. Later that night we and a bunch of others met
again at Darling Harbor to see the Christmas tree lighting.
There was also some singing and a show going on. A lot more
people showed up then I thought would. It was a really good
time afterwards. We all walked down the harbor a bit to get
some ice cream.
I talked a bunch with Cali about homeschooling. She had been
homeschooled until highschool. She and I agreed on pretty
much all of the positive and negative aspects of homschooling.
It was really cool to talk with her about it. I always feel like
people sort of look down on homeschooling, because of the
social issue and stuff. So I was happy to entertain her questions,
especially since I felt like she wasadmirable of the fact that I was
homeschooled and not just curious about a different lifestyle.
On Thursday night, the last night in Australia, I went over to the
Concord house again. A bunch of us including, Cassie Cook, Leslie,
Brittany, Chris C., and Amber then went to Pancakes on the Rocks.
We didn't get there until about 11:45. It was a going away/Shannon's
birthday party. When we got there, there were heaps and heaps of
people there already. I knew or recognized nearly everyone from
school or the ASC program. There was trouble finding a place to sit.
But we finnally did and I shared some really good blue berry pancakes
with Amber. Amber Chris and I had to sit kind of secluded from
everyone else because of the lack of space. So Cali, being the nice
thoughtful girl that she is, came over and talked with us so we wouldn't
feel so left out. I was really glad to get to talk with her some more.
Due to some previous joking, Shannon later came over to me and
asked if I would dance with her. It was a restaurant and I could barley
hear the music. There were cameras on us as she asked. It was quite
embarrassing. I had to say no just because I didn't know how and
there were so many people around.
That night I came home and saw two letters on my bed. One from
Jon and one from Wendy. I made the mistake of reading Jon's right
away. It was really late by the time I got back and when i read it, I got
pretty emotional. I realized that I probably wouldn't see him again, and
I felt sorry for him because of his state without Christ. I decided to add
a little more to my letter to him about some spiritual things. I hope God
uses what I've done and said to bring Jon to Himself.
In the morning it wasn't to terribly hard to say goodbye to Wendy and
Jon for some reason. I guess I was pretty excited about going home. It
was kind of hard to say good bye at the Sydney airport. But then once
we got to LA I think we were all so excited to get off the plane and get
to our next flight that there weren't many tears. On the plane we all
watched movies and I talked some with April and others briefly. Then
Cassie F. came over to sit by me (because there was an empty seat). I
was really glad she came over. It was like she came over just because
she was a friend and wanted to talk for the last time. We didn't even
really have much to say to each other. It was just a nice fulfilling time.
So that's that. Good-bye Australia. As I said, life has been kind of sad
lately as I've had to readjust to home and being without the friends
that I made in Australia. But I've been trying to be mature about and
live in the present, not the past. As God said there is a time for
everything. My time for Australia is over. What He has next for my life
I don't know. I can only hope it will be as amazing as Australia.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Down to the Wire
Today I went to school and studied and hung out with
friends all day. It was pretty fun. Danika and Cassie had
asked me awhile ago to help them import their video of
their New Zealand trip and then make it into a DVD. Of
course we never got around to it until this week, the very
last week. I'm happy to help them and I even enjoy it,
but I just hope I have enough time. I hate being pressured.
I have other stuff I want to get done before I leave on
Friday. I guess I'll just do what I can.
It's really getting down to the wire. I'm excited about going
home. Today I got homesick all of a sudden. I just pray
that this transition time goes quickly. I hate feeling so
anxious about leaving. I also hate it when I start to get all
worried about everything that needs to be done before I
leave. It's not really that much. But I always feel like there's
something else I should be doing, some other way in which
I should be spending my final days here. I just want to be
home and relax in my own bed. It's been a long time.
friends all day. It was pretty fun. Danika and Cassie had
asked me awhile ago to help them import their video of
their New Zealand trip and then make it into a DVD. Of
course we never got around to it until this week, the very
last week. I'm happy to help them and I even enjoy it,
but I just hope I have enough time. I hate being pressured.
I have other stuff I want to get done before I leave on
Friday. I guess I'll just do what I can.
It's really getting down to the wire. I'm excited about going
home. Today I got homesick all of a sudden. I just pray
that this transition time goes quickly. I hate feeling so
anxious about leaving. I also hate it when I start to get all
worried about everything that needs to be done before I
leave. It's not really that much. But I always feel like there's
something else I should be doing, some other way in which
I should be spending my final days here. I just want to be
home and relax in my own bed. It's been a long time.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
New Zealand Summary
It's been awhile hey. I got back from New Zealand yesterday
morning and I've been kind of recovering ever since.
It was an amazing trip. I'd rather not spend forever typing at
what all happened. So I'll just mention a few of the highlights,
and then paste my two journal entries from the trip.
First I just want to say how much I've grown to admire both
Derrick and Shannon as friends. They're really fun people to
be with. I feel like we all bonded quite a bit and now I feel very
sad to be apart from them. Especially knowing I'll be leaving
Friday for home.
Derrick is such a talker. He can strike up a conversation with
anybody. Several times he was able to buy stuff for cheaper
then the listed price just by negotiating with them a bit. It's so
funny because we would all have a good laugh about what he
had gotten away with. At the black water rafting place their
t-shirts were $35 each, and eventually, by getting a bunch of
other strangers to buy shirts with us we were able to get them
for $10 cheaper. It was so funny. Derrick's a great guy.
We got back into Wellington on Friday night which is where we
were to fly out. We had to check our car in by midnight and our
flight was Saturday morning at 6:40. For some reason the airport
isn't open 24 hours a day. They close at 1:30 am and open again
at 4 am. So we had a two and a half hour period where we had
nowhere to stay. It wouldn't have been worth it to take a cab into
the city with all of our luggage and spend the night at a hostel
just to be back at the airport early in the morning. So we borrowed
a couple of those luggage carts and took it off the airport property
for two and half hours. We just went to this gas station and hung
out there. The guy behind the counter was as nice as could be. He
said this type of thing happens at least once a week. We tried to
sleep some on the stools and even some on the floor next to the
drinks in the back. It was quite the experience. Basically we got
next to no sleep that night. But man it's a great memory.
The other thing I wanted to mention was what happened early that
Friday night. We went to the mall to eat and kill some time. After
we ate we had what I thought was the most meaningful conversation
we had had on the trip. Shannon told us her impression of each of
us guys and what stuck out to her about each of us. It was all light
hearted of course, but it was interesting to hear. Then we each told
her something that surprised us or that struck us about her on this
trip. I said that I was surprised at how comfortable and easy it was
for her to converse with three guys for a week.
Anyway, after talking for a very long time Derrick got up to get some
coffee or something and he came back with a guy and two girls
following him. They were Christians who Derrick just happened to
start chit chatting with. They were going to do some type of food
service to the poor that night. So anyway they came over to us all
still sitting at a table in the food court. We all starting talking
straight
away, getting to know each other. It was so amazing how fast we all
seemed to connect. We talked for probably a couple hours about
what we were all doing in life. It was so fun. It's like we were all
instantaneously friends. One of the chicks was pretty cute too. It was
a great experience that God put together for us. I think it must have
been a way in which God wanted us all to be encouraged as we
saw other Christians going through the same life on a different side
of the world. I praise God for that and every other good experience
on the New Zealand trip.
Here are the journal entries. They're not too detailed as I didn't feel
like writing much on the trip.
November 16, 2004
I'm on the 4th day of my NZ trip. I'm having a fantastic time. On Friday
Shannon and I flew into Wellington which is on the southern tip of the
north island of New Zealand. Everything went pretty much as
planned for us. However Derrick had some complications getting
onto the flight. For some reason, because he was originally from
Kenya he had to get a Visa into NZ whereas the rest of us didn't have
to. After much stress he finally was able to get what he needed and
get on the flight at about the same time as us.
We hired a sweet Nissan Maxima at the airport. We were supposed
to get a smaller car for what we payed but I guess the guy at the car
hire place liked us so we got a good deal.
Friday and Saturday night we stayed with Derrick's friend Abby in
Napier.
She and her boyfriend showed us around all day Saturday. Fraser,
Abby's boyfriend was so nice to sacrifice his Saturday and show us
around. He even got up before the sun to take us to the point where
we could be the first in the world to see the sun on Sunday the
4th of November 2004. It was pretty cool to do that. This land is
absolutely amazing. The lush green color is amazing. I can totally
see how the Lord of the Rings could be filmed here. The hills are
as green as golf courses and there's so many of them.
By the way, on our trip was Darren, Derrick, Shannon and I. To tell
you the truth I wasn't terribly excited about that group of poeple.
But it's turned out to be wonderful. They really know how to have a
good time and i've really come to respect Shannon and Derrick a
lot more than I did.
November 18, 2004
Yesterday we all took a day trip up to the Bay of Islands. It's a
choice place (as the Kiwi's would say). It was so amazingly beautiful.
Have you ever seen Jurasic park? Man I swear, that place looks
exactly like that movie. They're big, green, mountainous islands. We
all took heaps of pictures. You just can't stop, every place is so
picturesque. We took a boat tour of the islands. And we were
supposed to go kyaking and snorkling. But I guess the tour ran out
of time. It started to get really choppy out there and I was getting
really close to throwing up. But God was good to me and I was able
to hang on to my lunch.
On the 3 hour drive up there we stopped several times as we saw
places to take pictures along the side of the road. Those times were
so fun. It was so spontaneous and we got some choice pictures. I
feel like we've all bonded quite a bit. You might think there would
be some tension between Shannon and the guys because of the
maintenance a girl normally requires. But Shannon is totally not like
other girls in that way. She's grown up with boys and so she gets a
long and understands them probably a lot more than most girls.
She even gets in on the guy joking that goes on.
morning and I've been kind of recovering ever since.
It was an amazing trip. I'd rather not spend forever typing at
what all happened. So I'll just mention a few of the highlights,
and then paste my two journal entries from the trip.
First I just want to say how much I've grown to admire both
Derrick and Shannon as friends. They're really fun people to
be with. I feel like we all bonded quite a bit and now I feel very
sad to be apart from them. Especially knowing I'll be leaving
Friday for home.
Derrick is such a talker. He can strike up a conversation with
anybody. Several times he was able to buy stuff for cheaper
then the listed price just by negotiating with them a bit. It's so
funny because we would all have a good laugh about what he
had gotten away with. At the black water rafting place their
t-shirts were $35 each, and eventually, by getting a bunch of
other strangers to buy shirts with us we were able to get them
for $10 cheaper. It was so funny. Derrick's a great guy.
We got back into Wellington on Friday night which is where we
were to fly out. We had to check our car in by midnight and our
flight was Saturday morning at 6:40. For some reason the airport
isn't open 24 hours a day. They close at 1:30 am and open again
at 4 am. So we had a two and a half hour period where we had
nowhere to stay. It wouldn't have been worth it to take a cab into
the city with all of our luggage and spend the night at a hostel
just to be back at the airport early in the morning. So we borrowed
a couple of those luggage carts and took it off the airport property
for two and half hours. We just went to this gas station and hung
out there. The guy behind the counter was as nice as could be. He
said this type of thing happens at least once a week. We tried to
sleep some on the stools and even some on the floor next to the
drinks in the back. It was quite the experience. Basically we got
next to no sleep that night. But man it's a great memory.
The other thing I wanted to mention was what happened early that
Friday night. We went to the mall to eat and kill some time. After
we ate we had what I thought was the most meaningful conversation
we had had on the trip. Shannon told us her impression of each of
us guys and what stuck out to her about each of us. It was all light
hearted of course, but it was interesting to hear. Then we each told
her something that surprised us or that struck us about her on this
trip. I said that I was surprised at how comfortable and easy it was
for her to converse with three guys for a week.
Anyway, after talking for a very long time Derrick got up to get some
coffee or something and he came back with a guy and two girls
following him. They were Christians who Derrick just happened to
start chit chatting with. They were going to do some type of food
service to the poor that night. So anyway they came over to us all
still sitting at a table in the food court. We all starting talking
straight
away, getting to know each other. It was so amazing how fast we all
seemed to connect. We talked for probably a couple hours about
what we were all doing in life. It was so fun. It's like we were all
instantaneously friends. One of the chicks was pretty cute too. It was
a great experience that God put together for us. I think it must have
been a way in which God wanted us all to be encouraged as we
saw other Christians going through the same life on a different side
of the world. I praise God for that and every other good experience
on the New Zealand trip.
Here are the journal entries. They're not too detailed as I didn't feel
like writing much on the trip.
November 16, 2004
I'm on the 4th day of my NZ trip. I'm having a fantastic time. On Friday
Shannon and I flew into Wellington which is on the southern tip of the
north island of New Zealand. Everything went pretty much as
planned for us. However Derrick had some complications getting
onto the flight. For some reason, because he was originally from
Kenya he had to get a Visa into NZ whereas the rest of us didn't have
to. After much stress he finally was able to get what he needed and
get on the flight at about the same time as us.
We hired a sweet Nissan Maxima at the airport. We were supposed
to get a smaller car for what we payed but I guess the guy at the car
hire place liked us so we got a good deal.
Friday and Saturday night we stayed with Derrick's friend Abby in
Napier.
She and her boyfriend showed us around all day Saturday. Fraser,
Abby's boyfriend was so nice to sacrifice his Saturday and show us
around. He even got up before the sun to take us to the point where
we could be the first in the world to see the sun on Sunday the
4th of November 2004. It was pretty cool to do that. This land is
absolutely amazing. The lush green color is amazing. I can totally
see how the Lord of the Rings could be filmed here. The hills are
as green as golf courses and there's so many of them.
By the way, on our trip was Darren, Derrick, Shannon and I. To tell
you the truth I wasn't terribly excited about that group of poeple.
But it's turned out to be wonderful. They really know how to have a
good time and i've really come to respect Shannon and Derrick a
lot more than I did.
November 18, 2004
Yesterday we all took a day trip up to the Bay of Islands. It's a
choice place (as the Kiwi's would say). It was so amazingly beautiful.
Have you ever seen Jurasic park? Man I swear, that place looks
exactly like that movie. They're big, green, mountainous islands. We
all took heaps of pictures. You just can't stop, every place is so
picturesque. We took a boat tour of the islands. And we were
supposed to go kyaking and snorkling. But I guess the tour ran out
of time. It started to get really choppy out there and I was getting
really close to throwing up. But God was good to me and I was able
to hang on to my lunch.
On the 3 hour drive up there we stopped several times as we saw
places to take pictures along the side of the road. Those times were
so fun. It was so spontaneous and we got some choice pictures. I
feel like we've all bonded quite a bit. You might think there would
be some tension between Shannon and the guys because of the
maintenance a girl normally requires. But Shannon is totally not like
other girls in that way. She's grown up with boys and so she gets a
long and understands them probably a lot more than most girls.
She even gets in on the guy joking that goes on.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Off to New Zealand
I'm at the Drummoyne house for the night. I'm leaving with
Shannon for New Zealand in the morning. I'm so excited
about it. Darren just called here and said how beautiful of
a place it is. Derrick's been having some complications.
He's originally from Kenya and for some reason he has to
have a Visa for New Zealand while the rest of us Americans
don't. He was planning on going with Darren this morning
but wasn't able to because he didn't have a visa. So he's
been running around all day trying to figure out how to get it
and how he's going to get to New Zealand. I think he'll be able
to make it tomorrow night though. Lord willing.
Today was our very last choir practice. It's all over. All we did
for practice was sing requested songs and David said some
words and we prayed some. It was very good. Wondrous Cross
was very emotional. Unfortunately I don't feel like I'm as close to
some of the choir people because I don't see them as much.
That kind of makes me sad. I spend more time with American
friends these days.
Yesterday evening I was so busy trying to get everything ready
for the trip. And when I started doing my quiet time I realized how
fast my mind was racing and how consumed it was of New
Zealand plans. I feel like I've been putting God on the back burner
lately. I can fully tell when I'm not as close to Him. Something just
isn't right. So I tried to slow down last night and I talked with Him
about it. I'm grateful that He is always there for me. I know that's
said so many times. But it really is amazing that He remains
despite our attitude towards Him.
I wish I had a mindset that was less focused on this world. Every
now and then I do get that idea and I'm just like, "Nothing really
matters here, why worry so much." But it doesn't last that long
unfortunately.
Well, unless I'm able to find a place to connect to the internet in
New Zealand, I won't be posting until the 20th. Take care.
Shannon for New Zealand in the morning. I'm so excited
about it. Darren just called here and said how beautiful of
a place it is. Derrick's been having some complications.
He's originally from Kenya and for some reason he has to
have a Visa for New Zealand while the rest of us Americans
don't. He was planning on going with Darren this morning
but wasn't able to because he didn't have a visa. So he's
been running around all day trying to figure out how to get it
and how he's going to get to New Zealand. I think he'll be able
to make it tomorrow night though. Lord willing.
Today was our very last choir practice. It's all over. All we did
for practice was sing requested songs and David said some
words and we prayed some. It was very good. Wondrous Cross
was very emotional. Unfortunately I don't feel like I'm as close to
some of the choir people because I don't see them as much.
That kind of makes me sad. I spend more time with American
friends these days.
Yesterday evening I was so busy trying to get everything ready
for the trip. And when I started doing my quiet time I realized how
fast my mind was racing and how consumed it was of New
Zealand plans. I feel like I've been putting God on the back burner
lately. I can fully tell when I'm not as close to Him. Something just
isn't right. So I tried to slow down last night and I talked with Him
about it. I'm grateful that He is always there for me. I know that's
said so many times. But it really is amazing that He remains
despite our attitude towards Him.
I wish I had a mindset that was less focused on this world. Every
now and then I do get that idea and I'm just like, "Nothing really
matters here, why worry so much." But it doesn't last that long
unfortunately.
Well, unless I'm able to find a place to connect to the internet in
New Zealand, I won't be posting until the 20th. Take care.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Revelation 21 & 22
My last Theology class went well. At the end Mr. Barker
read a few chapters at the very end of Revelation. He
read quite a bit. It was really meaningful. I can not wait
to see what John saw. He paints an incredible picture.
I can't wait to see gold so pure you can see through it.
Reading that at the end of the class was a very good idea.
It seemed as if he was reminding us all of what we'll see
together someday. Even though half of the class was
going away and probably never coming back, we'll see
each other in that great place.
I worked with Andy and Carlie on our video project all
afternoon and through class this evening. It was a long
day but we got it done. I didn't think we would finish so
soon, so I felt really good about that. It's not a very good
video, but it was alright for the level of experience that
we all had.
Things are coming together quite nicely as far as my
assignments, praise God. The feeling of finishing papers
and big projects is like none other.
I'll miss Australia. As soon as I leave, I'll want to come
back, I just know it. Oh well, life goes on. Better things
are on the horizon.
read a few chapters at the very end of Revelation. He
read quite a bit. It was really meaningful. I can not wait
to see what John saw. He paints an incredible picture.
I can't wait to see gold so pure you can see through it.
Reading that at the end of the class was a very good idea.
It seemed as if he was reminding us all of what we'll see
together someday. Even though half of the class was
going away and probably never coming back, we'll see
each other in that great place.
I worked with Andy and Carlie on our video project all
afternoon and through class this evening. It was a long
day but we got it done. I didn't think we would finish so
soon, so I felt really good about that. It's not a very good
video, but it was alright for the level of experience that
we all had.
Things are coming together quite nicely as far as my
assignments, praise God. The feeling of finishing papers
and big projects is like none other.
I'll miss Australia. As soon as I leave, I'll want to come
back, I just know it. Oh well, life goes on. Better things
are on the horizon.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Beginning of the End
Today was the beginning of our last week of classes. It's a
kind of a good feeling. I brought my computer to school and
worked on my paper most all day (and I'm nearly finished).
I even skipped choir practice to work on it. I figured, we
don't have any more performances and I've never missed it
before and I'm not even taking that for credit so it doesn't
really matter. So I just wanted to justify my actions there. At
least for my own sake. :)
I'm staying up kinda late tonight, till 1. Because I have to
register for classes and that's when it's 8 a.m. back in Arkansas.
Of course this is the first year they changed it to 8. It used to be
at six which would have given me a much better advantage as
far as getting classes.
I was supposed to turn in a form with my advisor's signature on
it before I register. But I couldn't get him over here to sign it. So I
emailed the registrars office and explained the situation. Of
course I haven't heard back from them yet so I can only pray that
I'll be able to register come 8 a.m. CST.
Another dumb thing, I'm like 4 credit hours short of being classified
as a junior. They don't count this semester so I just barely missed
it. This means of course that I have to sign up with the freshmen
and sophomores. I hope I get the classes I need.
I'm going to New Zealand on Friday so I won't be posting for a
week. Then six days after I get back I'm coming home. I haven't
decided if I'll continue blogging when I get back. I probably will
but not as often. We'll see.
I think going home might be more of a culture shock then coming
here. Just because of the faster pace of life in America. I've heard
from people who go back to the US that they are humbled and they
realize how big stuff is and how much we have. I'm interested to see
if I notice anything different.
kind of a good feeling. I brought my computer to school and
worked on my paper most all day (and I'm nearly finished).
I even skipped choir practice to work on it. I figured, we
don't have any more performances and I've never missed it
before and I'm not even taking that for credit so it doesn't
really matter. So I just wanted to justify my actions there. At
least for my own sake. :)
I'm staying up kinda late tonight, till 1. Because I have to
register for classes and that's when it's 8 a.m. back in Arkansas.
Of course this is the first year they changed it to 8. It used to be
at six which would have given me a much better advantage as
far as getting classes.
I was supposed to turn in a form with my advisor's signature on
it before I register. But I couldn't get him over here to sign it. So I
emailed the registrars office and explained the situation. Of
course I haven't heard back from them yet so I can only pray that
I'll be able to register come 8 a.m. CST.
Another dumb thing, I'm like 4 credit hours short of being classified
as a junior. They don't count this semester so I just barely missed
it. This means of course that I have to sign up with the freshmen
and sophomores. I hope I get the classes I need.
I'm going to New Zealand on Friday so I won't be posting for a
week. Then six days after I get back I'm coming home. I haven't
decided if I'll continue blogging when I get back. I probably will
but not as often. We'll see.
I think going home might be more of a culture shock then coming
here. Just because of the faster pace of life in America. I've heard
from people who go back to the US that they are humbled and they
realize how big stuff is and how much we have. I'm interested to see
if I notice anything different.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Church with Emily
Today I went to the Drummoyne Baptist church with
Emily. She knew that I liked the traditional style churches
and hymns so she told me about this one. I had Wendy
drop me off at the Drummoyne house and Emily and I
walked over there together. She's a good friend. I enjoy
her company. She's easy to talk to. And she seems to
really respect my opinion which makes me feel smart
or important or something.
Every time I talk with people and enjoy their company
I can't help but think how I'll never see them after another
few weeks.
I'm starting to get worried about getting all my work done.
I don't really have that much, and it's not terribly hard. It's
just time that's the issue.
I'm really tired of dreading leaving everyone. I'm tired of
worrying about it. I'm just going to try to except it and get
on with my life. It's not like anything's going to change by
me worrying about it. There is a time for everything. I trust
God when he decides to take me back home again.
By the way, Blogger has been acting up lately. Like it won't
post my blog till a day later. So you're just going to have to
bare with me on this one. I know the flow of your life hinges
on this blog, but try to manage without it if it doesn't work.
Emily. She knew that I liked the traditional style churches
and hymns so she told me about this one. I had Wendy
drop me off at the Drummoyne house and Emily and I
walked over there together. She's a good friend. I enjoy
her company. She's easy to talk to. And she seems to
really respect my opinion which makes me feel smart
or important or something.
Every time I talk with people and enjoy their company
I can't help but think how I'll never see them after another
few weeks.
I'm starting to get worried about getting all my work done.
I don't really have that much, and it's not terribly hard. It's
just time that's the issue.
I'm really tired of dreading leaving everyone. I'm tired of
worrying about it. I'm just going to try to except it and get
on with my life. It's not like anything's going to change by
me worrying about it. There is a time for everything. I trust
God when he decides to take me back home again.
By the way, Blogger has been acting up lately. Like it won't
post my blog till a day later. So you're just going to have to
bare with me on this one. I know the flow of your life hinges
on this blog, but try to manage without it if it doesn't work.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Low On Time
Can't say much. Not much to say anyway. Today was long
and boring because literally all I did was work on my
Theology paper. But I got it done (except for proof reading
and such) so I'm really relieved about that. I got kind of
frustrated and nervous about finishing the paper on time.
Because looking ahead, I have very little time to work on it
before Tuesday. So yeah, I had to trust in God and work hard.
I talked with Jonathan a lot today about politics and stuff on
the phone. It was really interesting and fun to discuss things
with him. I haven't talked with him in ages! It makes me look
forward to going home even more.
Darren and I talked a bunch during our breaks. We starting to
realize how little time we have left here and all the work we
have to do before we go. We're leaving for New Zealand a week
from today and we pretty much have to have all of our assignments
done before we go. It's crunch time.
and boring because literally all I did was work on my
Theology paper. But I got it done (except for proof reading
and such) so I'm really relieved about that. I got kind of
frustrated and nervous about finishing the paper on time.
Because looking ahead, I have very little time to work on it
before Tuesday. So yeah, I had to trust in God and work hard.
I talked with Jonathan a lot today about politics and stuff on
the phone. It was really interesting and fun to discuss things
with him. I haven't talked with him in ages! It makes me look
forward to going home even more.
Darren and I talked a bunch during our breaks. We starting to
realize how little time we have left here and all the work we
have to do before we go. We're leaving for New Zealand a week
from today and we pretty much have to have all of our assignments
done before we go. It's crunch time.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Memory
Today I had somewhat of a frustrating day. Mainly because
the computer projects I was working on at school didn't go
very smoothly. It seemed like it was one thing after another
that went wrong. Both with my video project and my
multimedia project.
But something very interesting happened today during my
multimedia class. I was getting really tired of working on
my project and I was pretty much done with what I knew
how to do. So I opened up the iTunes music store and
listened to samples of some Sixpence None the Richer
songs. I don't know why I thought of listening to it, but I felt
the urge for it. I hadn't listened to that album in ages.
As soon as I started listening to the songs I immediately
experienced a very real, intense memory of this past summer
of when Sean and I would go to class at KWU and then
house sit in the evenings. We listened to that CD a lot during
that time. It was so amazing how powerful of a feeling I got
from just hearing those songs. That type of thing has happened
to me before, as I'm sure it has you. But this time was so intense,
it's like I could recall every single emotion I was experiencing
during that time. It felt like I was immediately transported to that
time and place as soon as I heard the music. It made me homesick.
It's amazing what information the mind holds.
I'm sure I can't portray what I felt during this experience. And it may
have even sounded a little strange to you. But hopefully you can
relate a little.
the computer projects I was working on at school didn't go
very smoothly. It seemed like it was one thing after another
that went wrong. Both with my video project and my
multimedia project.
But something very interesting happened today during my
multimedia class. I was getting really tired of working on
my project and I was pretty much done with what I knew
how to do. So I opened up the iTunes music store and
listened to samples of some Sixpence None the Richer
songs. I don't know why I thought of listening to it, but I felt
the urge for it. I hadn't listened to that album in ages.
As soon as I started listening to the songs I immediately
experienced a very real, intense memory of this past summer
of when Sean and I would go to class at KWU and then
house sit in the evenings. We listened to that CD a lot during
that time. It was so amazing how powerful of a feeling I got
from just hearing those songs. That type of thing has happened
to me before, as I'm sure it has you. But this time was so intense,
it's like I could recall every single emotion I was experiencing
during that time. It felt like I was immediately transported to that
time and place as soon as I heard the music. It made me homesick.
It's amazing what information the mind holds.
I'm sure I can't portray what I felt during this experience. And it may
have even sounded a little strange to you. But hopefully you can
relate a little.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Steak and Fellowship
Today was Wednesday so we had the morning off. I couldn't sleep in very much though. When I first woke up I was kind of cranky. Something just wasn't right. I don't know what it was, but I was just kind of frustrated with life straight away this morning. I kept thinking of all the stuff I had to get done, with school and stuff. So I prayed that God would give me peace and calm me. And when we left the house that morning, I felt heaps better already. I didn't even give God credit or realize what He'd done till this evening.
Last night Darren and I decided to make ourselves bacon and eggs for breakfast, just for fun. So we did that and it helped to brighten the morning. We had fun with Darren's video camera on the way to school. We took it on the bus and just did random stuff. It was fun.
Darren and I decided this morning to invite a bunch of people over to cook steaks for them. Darren's sister sent him some Texas steak seasoning and we had been wanting to use it for awhile. So we invited a bunch of people. I was afraid too many people would show up but it worked out really well. We had enough steaks and everything. I even made a salad all by myself. I was pretty proud of it.
Wendy was gone at work all evening so she didn't/doesn't know it even happened. It was a fun time. I was kind of hoping a couple other people could come, but I guess it was too late of notice. I told Cali about it when we first got to school and she sounded all excited about it like she was going to come. But she didn't, I guess she got held up in the city or something.
The people who did come were, Amber, Liz, Angie, Cassie, Heather, and Dan. And Jon, Darren and I. All we did was eat, watch the elections, and play pictionary. It was a good night. I was proud of Darren and I for be able to host and cook for all those people. Especially on such short notice.
I'll try to post some pics of the party.
Last night Darren and I decided to make ourselves bacon and eggs for breakfast, just for fun. So we did that and it helped to brighten the morning. We had fun with Darren's video camera on the way to school. We took it on the bus and just did random stuff. It was fun.
Darren and I decided this morning to invite a bunch of people over to cook steaks for them. Darren's sister sent him some Texas steak seasoning and we had been wanting to use it for awhile. So we invited a bunch of people. I was afraid too many people would show up but it worked out really well. We had enough steaks and everything. I even made a salad all by myself. I was pretty proud of it.
Wendy was gone at work all evening so she didn't/doesn't know it even happened. It was a fun time. I was kind of hoping a couple other people could come, but I guess it was too late of notice. I told Cali about it when we first got to school and she sounded all excited about it like she was going to come. But she didn't, I guess she got held up in the city or something.
The people who did come were, Amber, Liz, Angie, Cassie, Heather, and Dan. And Jon, Darren and I. All we did was eat, watch the elections, and play pictionary. It was a good night. I was proud of Darren and I for be able to host and cook for all those people. Especially on such short notice.
I'll try to post some pics of the party.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
New Zealand Planning
So today is Halloween. What a great holiday. Today for our
Australian history class we were supposed to meet at the
Australian Art Gallery downtown. But it was so ridiculous
because nobody knew we were supposed to meet there.
Darren and I found out from Heather, who happened to hear
Dr. Johnston mention it. I guess Renee (the new ASC director)
was supposed to tell everyone. But for some reason she has
been gone a lot recently. Anyway, communication really needs
to be worked on around here. It's pretty frustrating.
Today Shannon, Derrick, Darren and I met to talk about our
plans for our New Zealand trip. It's going to be so great. We
don't have all the details ironed out yet, but we're going to do
some camping and hiking. And we're going to Hobbit town
and probably some other places where Lord of the Rings
was filmed. We also hope to do some white water rafting
or kayaking. Cali was going to go because she was going
to but Megan's ticket (because she couldn't go). But they
weren't able to transfer it. So I was pretty bummed that
she couldn't go. It would have been great to have her
along.
Sean finally got back from his tour. I've been wanting to
talk with him for awhile now. Hopefully I'll get a chance to
call him soon. Man it really makes me sad that we'll only
be able to see each other for about a day at Thanksgiving.
Australian history class we were supposed to meet at the
Australian Art Gallery downtown. But it was so ridiculous
because nobody knew we were supposed to meet there.
Darren and I found out from Heather, who happened to hear
Dr. Johnston mention it. I guess Renee (the new ASC director)
was supposed to tell everyone. But for some reason she has
been gone a lot recently. Anyway, communication really needs
to be worked on around here. It's pretty frustrating.
Today Shannon, Derrick, Darren and I met to talk about our
plans for our New Zealand trip. It's going to be so great. We
don't have all the details ironed out yet, but we're going to do
some camping and hiking. And we're going to Hobbit town
and probably some other places where Lord of the Rings
was filmed. We also hope to do some white water rafting
or kayaking. Cali was going to go because she was going
to but Megan's ticket (because she couldn't go). But they
weren't able to transfer it. So I was pretty bummed that
she couldn't go. It would have been great to have her
along.
Sean finally got back from his tour. I've been wanting to
talk with him for awhile now. Hopefully I'll get a chance to
call him soon. Man it really makes me sad that we'll only
be able to see each other for about a day at Thanksgiving.
"Call Sean," said I. And so I did.
I must say, the highlight of my day was talking with Sean on
the phone this afternoon. It was great to hear about his tour
and what's been happening in his life. I really can't wait to
visit him when I get back. I'm going to try hard to get free time
to drive up there in December. Maybe I could take Tyson or
Tanner with me. That'd be really fun.
Today in my theology class we discussed gender roles and
issues surrounding that issue. That issue with like the head
coverings and woman in church has always been kind of a
daunting issue for me. I've never really felt like I could every
get my brain around all of the different ideas regarding that
issue. I suppose I should do research and figure out what I
believe. Particularly if I plan on getting married.
Cali is so smart. During class she'll be bringing up all these
different points about what a certain verse means in the
greek or something else deep. She seems to be at an
intelligence level (or two) higher than the rest of the class
including myself. As a result I always feel kind of dumb
talking with her. It's kind of intimidating but at the same time
admirable. She's always extremely nice to me though, so I
guess that helps.
the phone this afternoon. It was great to hear about his tour
and what's been happening in his life. I really can't wait to
visit him when I get back. I'm going to try hard to get free time
to drive up there in December. Maybe I could take Tyson or
Tanner with me. That'd be really fun.
Today in my theology class we discussed gender roles and
issues surrounding that issue. That issue with like the head
coverings and woman in church has always been kind of a
daunting issue for me. I've never really felt like I could every
get my brain around all of the different ideas regarding that
issue. I suppose I should do research and figure out what I
believe. Particularly if I plan on getting married.
Cali is so smart. During class she'll be bringing up all these
different points about what a certain verse means in the
greek or something else deep. She seems to be at an
intelligence level (or two) higher than the rest of the class
including myself. As a result I always feel kind of dumb
talking with her. It's kind of intimidating but at the same time
admirable. She's always extremely nice to me though, so I
guess that helps.
Film Shoot
I went to the central coast today where Carly lives. She's a girl
in my video production class that Andy and I are working with
on our video project. I left pretty early this morning. The train
ride wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. Only about an hour and
a quarter maybe. Anyway, the reason we went up there was
because she got a bunch of her friends to act and we filmed it
at her church. We wrote a script based on a parable. It worked
out pretty well. It could have been better but I was happy
enough with it. Now all we have to do for the project is edit.
Which is a big task but I'm looking forward to it. It makes things
so much better when you can work with a group on a project,
that way all the pressure of finishing the project isn't just on one
person.
The filming went well. We got it all done by about 3. Both Andy
and I were pretty tired most of the time. And Carly was all
excited about it and always seemed to be with the program.
Whereas Andy and I tuned in and out. I'm glad she was there
to keep things moving.
Darren's at some party he was invited to and Jon's at his mate's
house for the night. Wendy is inside with a bunch of other ladies
talking over tea and coffee. So I don't have much to do right now.
I think I'll go to bed early. I'm really stuffed.
It was funny, Wendy came in with all the other ladies and I was
out in the computer room and I was like "Please don't make me
come in." Fortunately she didn't. But I'm afraid I'm going to have
to go through them to get to my room. sigh...
Jon went over his download limit for the month for his cable
connection. So now there's a cap on our speed. It's so annoying.
I really want to download some of those Chuck Misler talks on
Daniel. But it would take ages. Can't wait till Monday the 1st.
By the way, my friend Rachel puts her pics up on yahoo photos.
If you want to see the costume party I was talking about you can
check it out at:
photos.yahoo.com/raegoble
Click on 10/31/2004 (even though it wasn't the 31st). I don't think
there's a picture of me in there so it probably won't mean much to
you, but at least you can see what I was talking about.
in my video production class that Andy and I are working with
on our video project. I left pretty early this morning. The train
ride wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. Only about an hour and
a quarter maybe. Anyway, the reason we went up there was
because she got a bunch of her friends to act and we filmed it
at her church. We wrote a script based on a parable. It worked
out pretty well. It could have been better but I was happy
enough with it. Now all we have to do for the project is edit.
Which is a big task but I'm looking forward to it. It makes things
so much better when you can work with a group on a project,
that way all the pressure of finishing the project isn't just on one
person.
The filming went well. We got it all done by about 3. Both Andy
and I were pretty tired most of the time. And Carly was all
excited about it and always seemed to be with the program.
Whereas Andy and I tuned in and out. I'm glad she was there
to keep things moving.
Darren's at some party he was invited to and Jon's at his mate's
house for the night. Wendy is inside with a bunch of other ladies
talking over tea and coffee. So I don't have much to do right now.
I think I'll go to bed early. I'm really stuffed.
It was funny, Wendy came in with all the other ladies and I was
out in the computer room and I was like "Please don't make me
come in." Fortunately she didn't. But I'm afraid I'm going to have
to go through them to get to my room. sigh...
Jon went over his download limit for the month for his cable
connection. So now there's a cap on our speed. It's so annoying.
I really want to download some of those Chuck Misler talks on
Daniel. But it would take ages. Can't wait till Monday the 1st.
By the way, my friend Rachel puts her pics up on yahoo photos.
If you want to see the costume party I was talking about you can
check it out at:
photos.yahoo.com/raegoble
Click on 10/31/2004 (even though it wasn't the 31st). I don't think
there's a picture of me in there so it probably won't mean much to
you, but at least you can see what I was talking about.
Monday, November 01, 2004
New Zealand Planning
So today is Halloween. What a great holiday. Today for our
Australian history class we were supposed to meet at the
Australian Art Gallery downtown. But it was so ridiculous
because nobody knew we were supposed to meet there.
Darren and I found out from Heather, who happened to hear
Dr. Johnston mention it. I guess Renee (the new ASC director)
was supposed to tell everyone. But for some reason she has
been gone a lot recently. Anyway, communication really needs
to be worked on around here. It's pretty frustrating.
Today Shannon, Derrick, Darren and I met to talk about our
plans for our New Zealand trip. It's going to be so great. We
don't have all the details ironed out yet, but we're going to do
some camping and hiking. And we're going to Hobbit town
and probably some other places where Lord of the Rings
was filmed. We also hope to do some white water rafting
or kayaking. Cali was going to go because she was going
to but Megan's ticket (because she couldn't go). But they
weren't able to transfer it. So I was pretty bummed that
she couldn't go. It would have been great to have her
along.
Sean finally got back from his tour. I've been wanting to
talk with him for awhile now. Hopefully I'll get a chance to
call him soon. Man it really makes me sad that we'll only
be able to see each other for about a day at Thanksgiving.
Australian history class we were supposed to meet at the
Australian Art Gallery downtown. But it was so ridiculous
because nobody knew we were supposed to meet there.
Darren and I found out from Heather, who happened to hear
Dr. Johnston mention it. I guess Renee (the new ASC director)
was supposed to tell everyone. But for some reason she has
been gone a lot recently. Anyway, communication really needs
to be worked on around here. It's pretty frustrating.
Today Shannon, Derrick, Darren and I met to talk about our
plans for our New Zealand trip. It's going to be so great. We
don't have all the details ironed out yet, but we're going to do
some camping and hiking. And we're going to Hobbit town
and probably some other places where Lord of the Rings
was filmed. We also hope to do some white water rafting
or kayaking. Cali was going to go because she was going
to but Megan's ticket (because she couldn't go). But they
weren't able to transfer it. So I was pretty bummed that
she couldn't go. It would have been great to have her
along.
Sean finally got back from his tour. I've been wanting to
talk with him for awhile now. Hopefully I'll get a chance to
call him soon. Man it really makes me sad that we'll only
be able to see each other for about a day at Thanksgiving.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
An Unsafe God
Today was a long day. It was pretty uneventful until this evening.
I mostly read the Chronicles of Narnia and worked some on my
theology paper. The Chronicles of Narnia is really good. It can
be doll at times but usually it's pretty entertaining. I love the parts
when Lewis talks about Aslan. The way he describes him is
always a very powerful analogy for Jesus. He used the words
"terrible" and "beautiful" to describe Him. That stuck out to me.
He also said that He's not safe, which also made an impression
on me. They are interesting ways of describing God. It really
makes you think about the nature of God.
Tonight was a costume party and the Drummoyne house. It was
kind of in place of Halloween. Pretty much all of the ASC students
were there and a bunch of Aussies too. I didn't dress up as anything.
But I wasn't the only one so I didn't feel bad. Mostly we just stood
around and talked and ate. But there was also pumpkin carving
and bobbing for apples. Towards the end some people watched
a movie and some danced. It was fun to watch. They wanted me
to join but I really didn't feel comfortable doing it. I did a tiny bit
though. It probably would have been fun if I would have just let
loose. But I didn't feel like it. The music wasn't that great either so
it was hard to get into it.
Anyway, I'm glad I went. As always it was really fun to talk with
friends. I know I still have a month here, but I just can't get it out
of my head that I'll be leaving everyone soon. I guess I shouldn't
worry about it and just enjoy the time I have.
I mostly read the Chronicles of Narnia and worked some on my
theology paper. The Chronicles of Narnia is really good. It can
be doll at times but usually it's pretty entertaining. I love the parts
when Lewis talks about Aslan. The way he describes him is
always a very powerful analogy for Jesus. He used the words
"terrible" and "beautiful" to describe Him. That stuck out to me.
He also said that He's not safe, which also made an impression
on me. They are interesting ways of describing God. It really
makes you think about the nature of God.
Tonight was a costume party and the Drummoyne house. It was
kind of in place of Halloween. Pretty much all of the ASC students
were there and a bunch of Aussies too. I didn't dress up as anything.
But I wasn't the only one so I didn't feel bad. Mostly we just stood
around and talked and ate. But there was also pumpkin carving
and bobbing for apples. Towards the end some people watched
a movie and some danced. It was fun to watch. They wanted me
to join but I really didn't feel comfortable doing it. I did a tiny bit
though. It probably would have been fun if I would have just let
loose. But I didn't feel like it. The music wasn't that great either so
it was hard to get into it.
Anyway, I'm glad I went. As always it was really fun to talk with
friends. I know I still have a month here, but I just can't get it out
of my head that I'll be leaving everyone soon. I guess I shouldn't
worry about it and just enjoy the time I have.
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Film Shoot
I went to the central coast today where Carly lives. She's a girl
in my video production class that Andy and I are working with
on our video project. I left pretty early this morning. The train
ride wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. Only about an hour and
a quarter maybe. Anyway, the reason we went up there was
because she got a bunch of her friends to act and we filmed it
at her church. We wrote a script based on a parable. It worked
out pretty well. It could have been better but I was happy
enough with it. Now all we have to do for the project is edit.
Which is a big task but I'm looking forward to it. It makes things
so much better when you can work with a group on a project,
that way all the pressure of finishing the project isn't just on one
person.
The filming went well. We got it all done by about 3. Both Andy
and I were pretty tired most of the time. And Carly was all
excited about it and always seemed to be with the program.
Whereas Andy and I tuned in and out. I'm glad she was there
to keep things moving.
Darren's at some party he was invited to and Jon's at his mate's
house for the night. Wendy is inside with a bunch of other ladies
talking over tea and coffee. So I don't have much to do right now.
I think I'll go to bed early. I'm really stuffed.
It was funny, Wendy came in with all the other ladies and I was
out in the computer room and I was like "Please don't make me
come in." Fortunately she didn't. But I'm afraid I'm going to have
to go through them to get to my room. sigh...
Jon went over his download limit for the month for his cable
connection. So now there's a cap on our speed. It's so annoying.
I really want to download some of those Chuck Misler talks on
Daniel. But it would take ages. Can't wait till Monday the 1st.
By the way, my friend Rachel puts her pics up on yahoo photos.
If you want to see the costume party I was talking about you can
check it out at:
photos.yahoo.com/raegoble
Click on 10/31/2004 (even though it wasn't the 31st). I don't think
there's a picture of me in there so it probably won't mean much to
you, but at least you can see what I was talking about.
in my video production class that Andy and I are working with
on our video project. I left pretty early this morning. The train
ride wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. Only about an hour and
a quarter maybe. Anyway, the reason we went up there was
because she got a bunch of her friends to act and we filmed it
at her church. We wrote a script based on a parable. It worked
out pretty well. It could have been better but I was happy
enough with it. Now all we have to do for the project is edit.
Which is a big task but I'm looking forward to it. It makes things
so much better when you can work with a group on a project,
that way all the pressure of finishing the project isn't just on one
person.
The filming went well. We got it all done by about 3. Both Andy
and I were pretty tired most of the time. And Carly was all
excited about it and always seemed to be with the program.
Whereas Andy and I tuned in and out. I'm glad she was there
to keep things moving.
Darren's at some party he was invited to and Jon's at his mate's
house for the night. Wendy is inside with a bunch of other ladies
talking over tea and coffee. So I don't have much to do right now.
I think I'll go to bed early. I'm really stuffed.
It was funny, Wendy came in with all the other ladies and I was
out in the computer room and I was like "Please don't make me
come in." Fortunately she didn't. But I'm afraid I'm going to have
to go through them to get to my room. sigh...
Jon went over his download limit for the month for his cable
connection. So now there's a cap on our speed. It's so annoying.
I really want to download some of those Chuck Misler talks on
Daniel. But it would take ages. Can't wait till Monday the 1st.
By the way, my friend Rachel puts her pics up on yahoo photos.
If you want to see the costume party I was talking about you can
check it out at:
photos.yahoo.com/raegoble
Click on 10/31/2004 (even though it wasn't the 31st). I don't think
there's a picture of me in there so it probably won't mean much to
you, but at least you can see what I was talking about.
An Unsafe God
Today was a long day. It was pretty uneventful until this evening.
I mostly read the Chronicles of Narnia and worked some on my
theology paper. The Chronicles of Narnia is really good. It can
be doll at times but usually it's pretty entertaining. I love the parts
when Lewis talks about Aslan. The way he describes him is
always a very powerful analogy for Jesus. He used the words
"terrible" and "beautiful" to describe Him. That stuck out to me.
He also said that He's not safe, which also made an impression
on me. They are interesting ways of describing God. It really
makes you think about the nature of God.
Tonight was a costume party and the Drummoyne house. It was
kind of in place of Halloween. Pretty much all of the ASC students
were there and a bunch of Aussies too. I didn't dress up as anything.
But I wasn't the only one so I didn't feel bad. Mostly we just stood
around and talked and ate. But there was also pumpkin carving
and bobbing for apples. Towards the end some people watched
a movie and some danced. It was fun to watch. They wanted me
to join but I really didn't feel comfortable doing it. I did a tiny bit
though. It probably would have been fun if I would have just let
loose. But I didn't feel like it. The music wasn't that great either so
it was hard to get into it.
Anyway, I'm glad I went. As always it was really fun to talk with
friends. I know I still have a month here, but I just can't get it out
of my head that I'll be leaving everyone soon. I guess I shouldn't
worry about it and just enjoy the time I have.
I mostly read the Chronicles of Narnia and worked some on my
theology paper. The Chronicles of Narnia is really good. It can
be doll at times but usually it's pretty entertaining. I love the parts
when Lewis talks about Aslan. The way he describes him is
always a very powerful analogy for Jesus. He used the words
"terrible" and "beautiful" to describe Him. That stuck out to me.
He also said that He's not safe, which also made an impression
on me. They are interesting ways of describing God. It really
makes you think about the nature of God.
Tonight was a costume party and the Drummoyne house. It was
kind of in place of Halloween. Pretty much all of the ASC students
were there and a bunch of Aussies too. I didn't dress up as anything.
But I wasn't the only one so I didn't feel bad. Mostly we just stood
around and talked and ate. But there was also pumpkin carving
and bobbing for apples. Towards the end some people watched
a movie and some danced. It was fun to watch. They wanted me
to join but I really didn't feel comfortable doing it. I did a tiny bit
though. It probably would have been fun if I would have just let
loose. But I didn't feel like it. The music wasn't that great either so
it was hard to get into it.
Anyway, I'm glad I went. As always it was really fun to talk with
friends. I know I still have a month here, but I just can't get it out
of my head that I'll be leaving everyone soon. I guess I shouldn't
worry about it and just enjoy the time I have.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Cool People
Today was good. I had the morning off and my Christian Artist
in the Industry class got out way early. So I spent a lot of time
just hanging out at school talking with friends and such. I
walked down to the Thai restaurant with April. She's a good
friend. I never seem to run out of things to talk about with her.
Ever since I told her about my Dad being a doctor she keeps
saying that we're so rich. Especially when I tell her things like
how I'm going to New Zealand she brings it up. In a way it's
annoying because it's like she's putting me on a different level
than her.
Because of various reasons I feel like I'm getting to know Cali
and Cassie from Concord a little bit better. It's really great getting
to know people better. It's interesting how your opinion of a person
changes once you actually get to know them. Cassie is so funny.
She's one of those girls that you sort of think isn't so bright or
quick,
but then after spending time with her you can see that she's very
quick and witty. She has an extremely sarcastic sense of humor so
she's really funny to talk with. She'll carry on a whole conversation
in sarcasm with out once cracking a smile.
I feel like I want to get to know so many more of these people better
and go places and do things with them. But then I remember how
little time we have left together and it makes my heart sink. I guess
I'll do what God allows.
After our short class Darren, Amber, and I got a ride with Renee to
the Seymour Theatre where the music students have been performing
their end-of-the-year concerts. It was a fun time. Renee sang a few
songs for Jonno McDonnell. She is a really gifted singer. And tonight
she sang some good pleasant songs. It was very enjoyable to listen to.
in the Industry class got out way early. So I spent a lot of time
just hanging out at school talking with friends and such. I
walked down to the Thai restaurant with April. She's a good
friend. I never seem to run out of things to talk about with her.
Ever since I told her about my Dad being a doctor she keeps
saying that we're so rich. Especially when I tell her things like
how I'm going to New Zealand she brings it up. In a way it's
annoying because it's like she's putting me on a different level
than her.
Because of various reasons I feel like I'm getting to know Cali
and Cassie from Concord a little bit better. It's really great getting
to know people better. It's interesting how your opinion of a person
changes once you actually get to know them. Cassie is so funny.
She's one of those girls that you sort of think isn't so bright or
quick,
but then after spending time with her you can see that she's very
quick and witty. She has an extremely sarcastic sense of humor so
she's really funny to talk with. She'll carry on a whole conversation
in sarcasm with out once cracking a smile.
I feel like I want to get to know so many more of these people better
and go places and do things with them. But then I remember how
little time we have left together and it makes my heart sink. I guess
I'll do what God allows.
After our short class Darren, Amber, and I got a ride with Renee to
the Seymour Theatre where the music students have been performing
their end-of-the-year concerts. It was a fun time. Renee sang a few
songs for Jonno McDonnell. She is a really gifted singer. And tonight
she sang some good pleasant songs. It was very enjoyable to listen to.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Lonely
I didn't post yesterday because I got home too late and was
too tired. Our Australian History class was cancelled and
choir was cancelled. But I didn't know about choir. So I went
to school and found out. It was kind of disappointing, and
irritating that I came all the way in to school just to turn around
and go home.
Later that day a bunch of us went to Pancakes on the Rocks.
We didn't have anything to do so we just decided to do that
since some of us hadn't gone yet. I was going to go with my
family when they were here but we couldn't find it. It turns out
it was really close to where my family and I walked. Anyway
we had a great time there. Andy, Cassie, Heather, Gavin,
Caroline and I all went. It was really nice to go with such a
small group. It was easier to relate and interact with everyone
in the group that way.
After we ate, Cali, Andy, Cassie and I went to the movie
"The Notebook." I had kind of been wanting to see it so this
seemed like a good opportunity. It was basically just one big
romance movie. But it really wasn't that bad. Except for a
couple parts where we had to cover our eyes (I was glad to
see at least Cali has high moral standards and covered her
eyes). Anyway the whole night was really fun. I really enjoyed
the company.
Today was a different story however. It's kind of a long story.
Basically I'm mad at myself for staying home and not going
swing dancing with the group that was going tonight. They
went to this place to learn swing dancing for free. At first I didn't
want to go. But then Cassie and Cali and others were telling
me I should go. So I decided that I wanted to go but I didn't
know when or where it was. I was waiting for Darren to come
home to go with him. But I guess he went straight there. There's
much more to it, but it's not worth going in to. I feel left out right
now and it's nobody's fault but mine. I had an idea of where it
was but I was too chicken to go.
I'm still reading through Daniel. It's frustrating. All of those visions
and stuff. I want to know what it all means, but I don't want to do
all the research and studying to find out. I'm kinda lazy like that.
Maybe I'll use some of my free time here to go online and see
what I can discover about it.
I've been designing stuff for fun lately. I'm using a free program
called "The Gimp." It's not too bad once you get used to it.
Doing that stuff has made me think more about my future business
with my brother. An idea came to mind during Theology class today.
What if we made a single product that we customize for individuals
but still has enough room for creativity on our part. The key
difference being the single product, instead of doing all sorts of
different kinds of multimedia services. It would need to be
something unique that we can offer. Basically this idea would
give us an edge on the market so that we wouldn't be competing
directly with other new media design type businesses.
too tired. Our Australian History class was cancelled and
choir was cancelled. But I didn't know about choir. So I went
to school and found out. It was kind of disappointing, and
irritating that I came all the way in to school just to turn around
and go home.
Later that day a bunch of us went to Pancakes on the Rocks.
We didn't have anything to do so we just decided to do that
since some of us hadn't gone yet. I was going to go with my
family when they were here but we couldn't find it. It turns out
it was really close to where my family and I walked. Anyway
we had a great time there. Andy, Cassie, Heather, Gavin,
Caroline and I all went. It was really nice to go with such a
small group. It was easier to relate and interact with everyone
in the group that way.
After we ate, Cali, Andy, Cassie and I went to the movie
"The Notebook." I had kind of been wanting to see it so this
seemed like a good opportunity. It was basically just one big
romance movie. But it really wasn't that bad. Except for a
couple parts where we had to cover our eyes (I was glad to
see at least Cali has high moral standards and covered her
eyes). Anyway the whole night was really fun. I really enjoyed
the company.
Today was a different story however. It's kind of a long story.
Basically I'm mad at myself for staying home and not going
swing dancing with the group that was going tonight. They
went to this place to learn swing dancing for free. At first I didn't
want to go. But then Cassie and Cali and others were telling
me I should go. So I decided that I wanted to go but I didn't
know when or where it was. I was waiting for Darren to come
home to go with him. But I guess he went straight there. There's
much more to it, but it's not worth going in to. I feel left out right
now and it's nobody's fault but mine. I had an idea of where it
was but I was too chicken to go.
I'm still reading through Daniel. It's frustrating. All of those visions
and stuff. I want to know what it all means, but I don't want to do
all the research and studying to find out. I'm kinda lazy like that.
Maybe I'll use some of my free time here to go online and see
what I can discover about it.
I've been designing stuff for fun lately. I'm using a free program
called "The Gimp." It's not too bad once you get used to it.
Doing that stuff has made me think more about my future business
with my brother. An idea came to mind during Theology class today.
What if we made a single product that we customize for individuals
but still has enough room for creativity on our part. The key
difference being the single product, instead of doing all sorts of
different kinds of multimedia services. It would need to be
something unique that we can offer. Basically this idea would
give us an edge on the market so that we wouldn't be competing
directly with other new media design type businesses.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Last Choir Concert :(
I had a weird experience last night. I slept walked. All I
remember is finding myself at my door trying in vain to
slide my door open. It's a normal door that opens with a
handle but I was trying to push and slide it open.
Somehow in the process I slid the shelves on top of my
desk over. Fortunately I didn't push it very far otherwise
the whole thing would have come down with a crash. I
remember finally feeling the door knob and feeling very
relieved and wondering why I had forgotten how to open
the door. It was like I sort of woke up a little bit more. So
I just went back to bed.
The only reason I remembered it was because I saw the
shelves out of place. Then the experience all came back
to me. It's weird how that whole experience was laying
dormant in my mind until it was triggered by what I saw.
The mind is so mysterious. Anyway, I just wanted to share
that strange experience with you.
Yesterday I had planned to go surfing with my friend. He
just transfered to Hillsong University from JBU. So that's
how I know him. And I haven't had a chance to see him yet.
But unfortunately he wasn't able to make it. It was such a
perfect day for it too! I was disappointed.
So instead I just stayed home all day and read and watched
a movie and stuff. It was nice for a while but then it got boring.
I was going to call the Concord house to see what they were
up to. But I don't really feel that comfortable with just going
over there by myself. Especially since there are few guys there.
Plus Gladiator was on TV so I just decided to be lazy and watch
that. Awesome movie by the way.
Today we had out last choir concert. At least the last full concert.
It was kind of sad. But I've learned not to expect it to be like choir
tour again. I don't think it'll ever be like that again. There's just
something that happens between a group of people when they
spend that much time together. I'll never forget what a blessing
choir tour was to me.
Anyway, the show went pretty well. There was no band because
the church wasn't big enough for it. So it was really weird trying
to sing our gospel upbeat songs without the band. Couldn't really
get into it very well. And sometimes there were these weird pauses
where the band was supposed to fill in. It was comical at times
because everyone (in the choir) would just like wait quietly,
listening to the band part in their heads. It made me laugh.
It also makes me laugh when Jaygo, the guy behind me, slurs his
notes up to the correct note. Know what I mean? Like if the note's
a high D he'll start maybe on a G and slide up to the D. It's hilarious
at times. Especially when you can predict it. I think it's just a bad
habit he's gotten into.
I apologize for the great length of this post. Heaps of stuff happens
to me and I gotta tell somebody! :)
remember is finding myself at my door trying in vain to
slide my door open. It's a normal door that opens with a
handle but I was trying to push and slide it open.
Somehow in the process I slid the shelves on top of my
desk over. Fortunately I didn't push it very far otherwise
the whole thing would have come down with a crash. I
remember finally feeling the door knob and feeling very
relieved and wondering why I had forgotten how to open
the door. It was like I sort of woke up a little bit more. So
I just went back to bed.
The only reason I remembered it was because I saw the
shelves out of place. Then the experience all came back
to me. It's weird how that whole experience was laying
dormant in my mind until it was triggered by what I saw.
The mind is so mysterious. Anyway, I just wanted to share
that strange experience with you.
Yesterday I had planned to go surfing with my friend. He
just transfered to Hillsong University from JBU. So that's
how I know him. And I haven't had a chance to see him yet.
But unfortunately he wasn't able to make it. It was such a
perfect day for it too! I was disappointed.
So instead I just stayed home all day and read and watched
a movie and stuff. It was nice for a while but then it got boring.
I was going to call the Concord house to see what they were
up to. But I don't really feel that comfortable with just going
over there by myself. Especially since there are few guys there.
Plus Gladiator was on TV so I just decided to be lazy and watch
that. Awesome movie by the way.
Today we had out last choir concert. At least the last full concert.
It was kind of sad. But I've learned not to expect it to be like choir
tour again. I don't think it'll ever be like that again. There's just
something that happens between a group of people when they
spend that much time together. I'll never forget what a blessing
choir tour was to me.
Anyway, the show went pretty well. There was no band because
the church wasn't big enough for it. So it was really weird trying
to sing our gospel upbeat songs without the band. Couldn't really
get into it very well. And sometimes there were these weird pauses
where the band was supposed to fill in. It was comical at times
because everyone (in the choir) would just like wait quietly,
listening to the band part in their heads. It made me laugh.
It also makes me laugh when Jaygo, the guy behind me, slurs his
notes up to the correct note. Know what I mean? Like if the note's
a high D he'll start maybe on a G and slide up to the D. It's hilarious
at times. Especially when you can predict it. I think it's just a bad
habit he's gotten into.
I apologize for the great length of this post. Heaps of stuff happens
to me and I gotta tell somebody! :)
Friday, October 22, 2004
God's Reminder
I've had a long day. I didn't have classes so I stayed home
pretty much all day except this evening. I worked on my
2000 word paper and finally got it done. It took forever.
It wouldn't have been so bad if I would of had enough to
talk about. But I ran out about half way through. I didn't
have much to say on the topic in the first place and it was
supposed to be a lot of personal observation. Eventually I
thought of enough stuff though.
I spent a lot more time with Jon today because we were
both home all day together. He's pretty fun to be with. It's
fun to sit and watch TV and talk about all sorts of stuff.
Sounds kinda dumb. But it's just a time where we can
both just be ourselves. We have fairly similar interests
so it's cool to chat.
This evening I went with Jon to his friends house. It was an
interesting experience. There was a lot of drinking and
smoking. Basically we just hung out around the pool table
the whole time. Fortunately I wasn't there for too long. It
certainly wasn't a very comfortable place. The people were
all really nice and all, but I didn't know anyone except Jon so
it wasn't very fun.
I read a story about Nebuchadnezzar (the King in Daniel) last
night in my quiet time. It was a story about God humbling him
because he started thinking he and his kingdom was greater
than he/it was. It seemed to speak to me in some way. After
king Neb was humbled by God he said speaking of God, "He
is able to humble those who walk in pride." That phrase stuck
out to me. It reminded me to remain humble before God and
give God the credit not myself. It's a simple thought, but God
seemed to speak to me through that story. It felt more powerful
than it normally does when reading the Bible. That's why I
wanted to mention it.
pretty much all day except this evening. I worked on my
2000 word paper and finally got it done. It took forever.
It wouldn't have been so bad if I would of had enough to
talk about. But I ran out about half way through. I didn't
have much to say on the topic in the first place and it was
supposed to be a lot of personal observation. Eventually I
thought of enough stuff though.
I spent a lot more time with Jon today because we were
both home all day together. He's pretty fun to be with. It's
fun to sit and watch TV and talk about all sorts of stuff.
Sounds kinda dumb. But it's just a time where we can
both just be ourselves. We have fairly similar interests
so it's cool to chat.
This evening I went with Jon to his friends house. It was an
interesting experience. There was a lot of drinking and
smoking. Basically we just hung out around the pool table
the whole time. Fortunately I wasn't there for too long. It
certainly wasn't a very comfortable place. The people were
all really nice and all, but I didn't know anyone except Jon so
it wasn't very fun.
I read a story about Nebuchadnezzar (the King in Daniel) last
night in my quiet time. It was a story about God humbling him
because he started thinking he and his kingdom was greater
than he/it was. It seemed to speak to me in some way. After
king Neb was humbled by God he said speaking of God, "He
is able to humble those who walk in pride." That phrase stuck
out to me. It reminded me to remain humble before God and
give God the credit not myself. It's a simple thought, but God
seemed to speak to me through that story. It felt more powerful
than it normally does when reading the Bible. That's why I
wanted to mention it.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Boring Recap
I've been pretty lazy about posting recently. Mainly because I'm just
too
tired to do and only want to go to bed.
On Tuesday, the only thing worth mentioning that I can remember
happened after my video production class that night. Normally Wendy
picks me up after that class because she's in the area, but we got
done with out class an hour early so I just took the bus. It ended up
taking
just as long as it would have had I waited for Wendy. I had to walk from
Burwood because the busses were so far apart in time. Anyway this is
taking way longer then I meant for it to.
After I got home I was pretty hot and tired from walking for the past 30
minutes so I got my pajamas on and settled down for a quiet evening in
my room with my book. The door bell rang. It was Amber and Renee.
They "were in the neighborhood" and just thought they'd stop by. They
then asked if I wanted to go to Marrika's house and have pie and ice
cream. So I agreed. Mainly because I didn't have a good enough excuse
not to. But I still kinda wanted to.
So we drove over to Marrika and Colean's apartment. Basically we just
sat around and ate and talked. Thankfully Paul and Andrew showed up
so I wasn't the only guy. These are all people from choir btw.
My first major assignment - a 2-3000 word essay - is due Monday. It's
really quite annoying. Here I haven't had much to do all semester and
then bam, I have an essay. It's really not that big of deal. It's just
that I'm
not used to this work so it's hard to make my self do it. Darren and I
were
saying it's funny how we complain about two papers due all semester
and last semester I did one every couple weeks.
Anyway, I'm really tired of typing nonsense. Sorry for this lame post.
I just
wanted to get all that out to fill people in on what's been happening
in my
life. There's heaps more to say but it's not so interesting.
too
tired to do and only want to go to bed.
On Tuesday, the only thing worth mentioning that I can remember
happened after my video production class that night. Normally Wendy
picks me up after that class because she's in the area, but we got
done with out class an hour early so I just took the bus. It ended up
taking
just as long as it would have had I waited for Wendy. I had to walk from
Burwood because the busses were so far apart in time. Anyway this is
taking way longer then I meant for it to.
After I got home I was pretty hot and tired from walking for the past 30
minutes so I got my pajamas on and settled down for a quiet evening in
my room with my book. The door bell rang. It was Amber and Renee.
They "were in the neighborhood" and just thought they'd stop by. They
then asked if I wanted to go to Marrika's house and have pie and ice
cream. So I agreed. Mainly because I didn't have a good enough excuse
not to. But I still kinda wanted to.
So we drove over to Marrika and Colean's apartment. Basically we just
sat around and ate and talked. Thankfully Paul and Andrew showed up
so I wasn't the only guy. These are all people from choir btw.
My first major assignment - a 2-3000 word essay - is due Monday. It's
really quite annoying. Here I haven't had much to do all semester and
then bam, I have an essay. It's really not that big of deal. It's just
that I'm
not used to this work so it's hard to make my self do it. Darren and I
were
saying it's funny how we complain about two papers due all semester
and last semester I did one every couple weeks.
Anyway, I'm really tired of typing nonsense. Sorry for this lame post.
I just
wanted to get all that out to fill people in on what's been happening
in my
life. There's heaps more to say but it's not so interesting.
Monday, October 18, 2004
God is Real
Today while waiting at school in-between classes I talked
with Jonno Dollin a bit. He's a really cool guy. He's as nice
as can be. But yet he's very cool about it. I can tell he has
high standards and takes God's Word seriously. He's a sax
player who went with us on tour, which is where I got to
know him a bit. Anyway, we had a great conversation today.
It really wasn't about anything that great. It was just really
really good times. I'm not sure why I enjoyed it so much.
It's just like, we really hit it together. Like we were both
ourselves and enjoyed each others friendship. I really
want to have him over sometime or something. He's a
great guy.
I know I shouldn't dwell on the negative. But I can't help
thinking realistically. And when I do that I am reminded of
the fact that I will soon be going away and will probably
never see these guys again. Every time I think of it I get this
tense feeling inside. It's a feeling that distresses me a great
deal. It's an indescribable feeling of sadness. However, once
again, the hope of reunion in heaven is reassuring.
I'm reading through Daniel. In the second chapter after God
has revealed Nebuchadnezzar's dream to Daniel, Daniel
says that God, "...gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge
to men of understanding." This phrase stuck out to me. I don't
know what exactly it means. I just found it interesting. You
would think it should say that God gives wisdom and knowledge
to those without understanding. But it doesn't. It reminds me
of the New Testament where it says "To those who have, more
shall be given." What does it mean though? Is it a reference
to God's sovereignty in choosing to bless some greatly and
others not much at all?
In Daniel God reveals part of the future in Nebuchadnezzar's
dream. It's really cool to think that God can see all of time at
once. I know it's all been said before. But tonight it was made
more real to me. It's like He decided to give us a glimpse of the
future in Daniel. This is really frustrating me right now because
I can't explain my feelings. It's just real. God is real.
with Jonno Dollin a bit. He's a really cool guy. He's as nice
as can be. But yet he's very cool about it. I can tell he has
high standards and takes God's Word seriously. He's a sax
player who went with us on tour, which is where I got to
know him a bit. Anyway, we had a great conversation today.
It really wasn't about anything that great. It was just really
really good times. I'm not sure why I enjoyed it so much.
It's just like, we really hit it together. Like we were both
ourselves and enjoyed each others friendship. I really
want to have him over sometime or something. He's a
great guy.
I know I shouldn't dwell on the negative. But I can't help
thinking realistically. And when I do that I am reminded of
the fact that I will soon be going away and will probably
never see these guys again. Every time I think of it I get this
tense feeling inside. It's a feeling that distresses me a great
deal. It's an indescribable feeling of sadness. However, once
again, the hope of reunion in heaven is reassuring.
I'm reading through Daniel. In the second chapter after God
has revealed Nebuchadnezzar's dream to Daniel, Daniel
says that God, "...gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge
to men of understanding." This phrase stuck out to me. I don't
know what exactly it means. I just found it interesting. You
would think it should say that God gives wisdom and knowledge
to those without understanding. But it doesn't. It reminds me
of the New Testament where it says "To those who have, more
shall be given." What does it mean though? Is it a reference
to God's sovereignty in choosing to bless some greatly and
others not much at all?
In Daniel God reveals part of the future in Nebuchadnezzar's
dream. It's really cool to think that God can see all of time at
once. I know it's all been said before. But tonight it was made
more real to me. It's like He decided to give us a glimpse of the
future in Daniel. This is really frustrating me right now because
I can't explain my feelings. It's just real. God is real.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Mountains and Caves
So much to say, so little time. Yesterday morning all the American
students left from the school on our trip to the Blue Mountains and
the Jenolen Caves. I really wasn't looking forward to the trip that
much. Because I've already seen the Blue Mountains with my
family and I've seen many caves before. But I was surprised with
the fun that it was.
The Blue Mountains were once again very beautiful. But as I said
I had been there before. It was still good to see them, mainly just
because it was with all my buds. But the caves was really
something. The first night we got there we took one of those
normal walking-on-a-paved-walkway cave tour. Actually a really
cool part of that was when we stopped in one of the rooms down
there and sang. We had all four choir parts, so we did a little
performance acappella (sp?). It was really cool. Cool to sing and
cool to get attention. :) We also sang songs as a whole group.
The caves made the singing special. A lot different than singing
in a normal room.
This morning we all got geared up in our coveralls, helmets,
lights, and harness. The first thing we did was repel down into this
hole to where we could enter the caves. That was pretty fun.
Then we split up into groups of about 6 where we started our tour.
There were no lights down there. We just had our lights on our
helmets. And there was no real path, it was much more rugged
then the previous tour. Much more climbing, ducking, sliding,
squeezing, jumping. It was such a blast. It's like one of those
things every guy wanted to do as a kid. Even though we stayed
as a group and followed a guide, it felt much more like we were
free and exploring.
I don't know why, but I wasn't really too worried about it. Dr.
Johnston kind of exaggerated how bad it was when he explained
it. But then later (before the tour) he explained it better and made
me feel a lot better about it.
There were definitely some tight places. Like where you had to
crawl flat on your stomach to made it through. But usually you
could see the other side where you could stand up again, so it
wasn't bad at all. There was also this really cool girl in my group.
So the experience was definitely brighter.
Man there's so much more to say but I'll try to wrap it up with one
more thought.
I spent a lot of time with the guys in our ASC group. At our
dinner Friday night we had many many laughs. But then the
conversation started going sour. A couple jokes and stories were
shared that were distasteful to say the least. I felt dirty after
hearing them. It of course made me sad. But then later that night
a group of us, many of the same guys got together and had this
great praise and worship time where we prayed for each other
and sang and praised God and read the scripture. I can tell those
guys take God's word seriously, but it's like they're blind to certain
parts. Like 'having no hint of evil amongst you' or whatever the
quote is. They just talk about things that aren't uplifting at all or
pure, or wholesome.
I know I probably have areas in my life that I'm blinded to, but it's
a lot easier to see them in others. It makes me wonder what evil
in my life I'm not seeing.
students left from the school on our trip to the Blue Mountains and
the Jenolen Caves. I really wasn't looking forward to the trip that
much. Because I've already seen the Blue Mountains with my
family and I've seen many caves before. But I was surprised with
the fun that it was.
The Blue Mountains were once again very beautiful. But as I said
I had been there before. It was still good to see them, mainly just
because it was with all my buds. But the caves was really
something. The first night we got there we took one of those
normal walking-on-a-paved-walkway cave tour. Actually a really
cool part of that was when we stopped in one of the rooms down
there and sang. We had all four choir parts, so we did a little
performance acappella (sp?). It was really cool. Cool to sing and
cool to get attention. :) We also sang songs as a whole group.
The caves made the singing special. A lot different than singing
in a normal room.
This morning we all got geared up in our coveralls, helmets,
lights, and harness. The first thing we did was repel down into this
hole to where we could enter the caves. That was pretty fun.
Then we split up into groups of about 6 where we started our tour.
There were no lights down there. We just had our lights on our
helmets. And there was no real path, it was much more rugged
then the previous tour. Much more climbing, ducking, sliding,
squeezing, jumping. It was such a blast. It's like one of those
things every guy wanted to do as a kid. Even though we stayed
as a group and followed a guide, it felt much more like we were
free and exploring.
I don't know why, but I wasn't really too worried about it. Dr.
Johnston kind of exaggerated how bad it was when he explained
it. But then later (before the tour) he explained it better and made
me feel a lot better about it.
There were definitely some tight places. Like where you had to
crawl flat on your stomach to made it through. But usually you
could see the other side where you could stand up again, so it
wasn't bad at all. There was also this really cool girl in my group.
So the experience was definitely brighter.
Man there's so much more to say but I'll try to wrap it up with one
more thought.
I spent a lot of time with the guys in our ASC group. At our
dinner Friday night we had many many laughs. But then the
conversation started going sour. A couple jokes and stories were
shared that were distasteful to say the least. I felt dirty after
hearing them. It of course made me sad. But then later that night
a group of us, many of the same guys got together and had this
great praise and worship time where we prayed for each other
and sang and praised God and read the scripture. I can tell those
guys take God's word seriously, but it's like they're blind to certain
parts. Like 'having no hint of evil amongst you' or whatever the
quote is. They just talk about things that aren't uplifting at all or
pure, or wholesome.
I know I probably have areas in my life that I'm blinded to, but it's
a lot easier to see them in others. It makes me wonder what evil
in my life I'm not seeing.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Memories
After classes yesterday, Darren, Dan, Angie, Rebecca, and I
went over to Heather and Cassie's to swim. They live at a
homestay at an apartment place with a pool. It was so hot
yesterday. I think it got up to 100. It was fun to swim, but of
course the sun went down before we got in. After we swam
we ate there and then looked at pictures/video of Heather,
Cassie, and Darren's trip to Melbourne and Brisbane. It was
really fun to watch the video because they were always doing
stupid/funny stuff for the camera. It was quite entertaining.
I really like reading. I wish I could do it more. I'm still working
on The Testament. It's really fun to be in another world. When
you get tired of your own world, books are a good way to go to
others.
I'm leaving for the Jenolan caves with the ASC group tomorrow.
I don't really feel like going. I just want to stay home and relax.
But I guess it might be fun. I'm also a little worried about doing
the Adventure Caving Tour because apparently there are parts
where you have to crawl through on your stomach. And there
are no lights except the ones on your helmet. I'm not terribly
excited about doing that. But hopefully it won't be a big deal. I'll
pray about it.
Today it was really hot again. Up until about 1 or 2 when it got
cloudy and nice and cool. It felt so good after the heat. It was kind
of windy and looked like a storm. It reminded me of Colorado
weather for some reason. Which in turn reminded me of Horn Creek -
the family camp we go to every year. It made me long to be there.
To be with family, with no worries. Not that I have many worries here.
That's just a comforting memory I have.
went over to Heather and Cassie's to swim. They live at a
homestay at an apartment place with a pool. It was so hot
yesterday. I think it got up to 100. It was fun to swim, but of
course the sun went down before we got in. After we swam
we ate there and then looked at pictures/video of Heather,
Cassie, and Darren's trip to Melbourne and Brisbane. It was
really fun to watch the video because they were always doing
stupid/funny stuff for the camera. It was quite entertaining.
I really like reading. I wish I could do it more. I'm still working
on The Testament. It's really fun to be in another world. When
you get tired of your own world, books are a good way to go to
others.
I'm leaving for the Jenolan caves with the ASC group tomorrow.
I don't really feel like going. I just want to stay home and relax.
But I guess it might be fun. I'm also a little worried about doing
the Adventure Caving Tour because apparently there are parts
where you have to crawl through on your stomach. And there
are no lights except the ones on your helmet. I'm not terribly
excited about doing that. But hopefully it won't be a big deal. I'll
pray about it.
Today it was really hot again. Up until about 1 or 2 when it got
cloudy and nice and cool. It felt so good after the heat. It was kind
of windy and looked like a storm. It reminded me of Colorado
weather for some reason. Which in turn reminded me of Horn Creek -
the family camp we go to every year. It made me long to be there.
To be with family, with no worries. Not that I have many worries here.
That's just a comforting memory I have.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Goodbye For A Little While
Monday was good. Probably one of the best days with my
family. They came to school with me. I was able to introduce
them to some of my friends. We ate there and talked a lot.
They didn't embarrass me which is good. Choir practice
was great. My family was able to hear pretty much all of our
other good songs. We sang all of my favorite. I was glad.
They said they really enjoyed it and were impressed. I was
proud. Dr. Johnston was kind and asked if there was anything
in particular I wanted my family to hear. So at the end we sang
Wondrous Cross. An incredible arrangement that is so powerful.
I really love it and was very glad my family could hear it.
I didn't have Theology today. My teacher is out of town or
something. So I was able to see my family off at the airport. It
was sad to see them go. But I've kind of gotten used to their
absence. Plus I know I will see them pretty soon at Thanksgiving.
Not too far away. Having left this morning, They'll be getting
home about the time I wake up tomorrow. That's a long time to
travel at once.
By the way, I don't mean to sound like I didn't appreciate my family
coming. I really did. It was fantastic to see them again. Especially
to see Michelle. I love her a lot.
I don't know what to do for a career. I've been thinking a lot about
it lately. I've also been talking with my Dad about it. I guess God
really wants me to trust Him on this one. Because I don't have a
very good idea of what to do. I have many interests, but how should
I know what to commit myself to? Trusting in someone you can't
see to guide you is hard.
family. They came to school with me. I was able to introduce
them to some of my friends. We ate there and talked a lot.
They didn't embarrass me which is good. Choir practice
was great. My family was able to hear pretty much all of our
other good songs. We sang all of my favorite. I was glad.
They said they really enjoyed it and were impressed. I was
proud. Dr. Johnston was kind and asked if there was anything
in particular I wanted my family to hear. So at the end we sang
Wondrous Cross. An incredible arrangement that is so powerful.
I really love it and was very glad my family could hear it.
I didn't have Theology today. My teacher is out of town or
something. So I was able to see my family off at the airport. It
was sad to see them go. But I've kind of gotten used to their
absence. Plus I know I will see them pretty soon at Thanksgiving.
Not too far away. Having left this morning, They'll be getting
home about the time I wake up tomorrow. That's a long time to
travel at once.
By the way, I don't mean to sound like I didn't appreciate my family
coming. I really did. It was fantastic to see them again. Especially
to see Michelle. I love her a lot.
I don't know what to do for a career. I've been thinking a lot about
it lately. I've also been talking with my Dad about it. I guess God
really wants me to trust Him on this one. Because I don't have a
very good idea of what to do. I have many interests, but how should
I know what to commit myself to? Trusting in someone you can't
see to guide you is hard.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Disappointing
We went to Wesley Mission for church. It was a really good
sermon. I think I might start going there more often. We went
to a mall nearby and ate lunch, then went back to the church
for our choir concert. We only sang two songs, Brighter Day
and Shackles. I was kind of disappointed with the whole
experience for several reasons. I wanted my family to hear
more of our songs. The two we did were up beat and not that
challenging musically.
I was also disappointed because it just didn't feel like choir
tour. We seemed to have lost the feeling of oneness that we
had on tour. It's hard to describe, but there's no other feeling
like it.
I guess what made it disappointing was my high expectations.
I was thinking things would be all great and we would sing
all these fun songs and show my family at the same time. But
It that's not how things worked out. Oh well. Things will be
better.
When we got home later, we played Pictionary with Jon, his
friends Joel and Matt, Darren, my family and I. It was really pretty
fun. Joel is such a funny guy. He makes all these sarcastic
comments and then just laughs really hard at his own jokes.
Good times.
This blog isn't as good when you are writing to people who you
live with. I've kind of had to limit what I say because I know my
family will read this later. I'm not quite as free.
Sorry if I've made this point before. I've had another one of
those days where I've come to experience the reality of sin
in our everyday lives. By that I mean the effects of sin. Namely,
how things and people will let you down. Nothing but that which
comes from God will last forever and will never let you down.
Today I guess I've experienced how people will let you down
in particular. I'm thinking of the choir. It's not like they've done
anything wrong. They're just not perfectly dependable. God is.
He's who I need to lean on. Mentally, physically and spiritually.
That's why I get so tired with dealing with things which aren't
dependable. Why can't we just jump to perfection in heaven?
That's not for me to decide or complain of I suppose.
sermon. I think I might start going there more often. We went
to a mall nearby and ate lunch, then went back to the church
for our choir concert. We only sang two songs, Brighter Day
and Shackles. I was kind of disappointed with the whole
experience for several reasons. I wanted my family to hear
more of our songs. The two we did were up beat and not that
challenging musically.
I was also disappointed because it just didn't feel like choir
tour. We seemed to have lost the feeling of oneness that we
had on tour. It's hard to describe, but there's no other feeling
like it.
I guess what made it disappointing was my high expectations.
I was thinking things would be all great and we would sing
all these fun songs and show my family at the same time. But
It that's not how things worked out. Oh well. Things will be
better.
When we got home later, we played Pictionary with Jon, his
friends Joel and Matt, Darren, my family and I. It was really pretty
fun. Joel is such a funny guy. He makes all these sarcastic
comments and then just laughs really hard at his own jokes.
Good times.
This blog isn't as good when you are writing to people who you
live with. I've kind of had to limit what I say because I know my
family will read this later. I'm not quite as free.
Sorry if I've made this point before. I've had another one of
those days where I've come to experience the reality of sin
in our everyday lives. By that I mean the effects of sin. Namely,
how things and people will let you down. Nothing but that which
comes from God will last forever and will never let you down.
Today I guess I've experienced how people will let you down
in particular. I'm thinking of the choir. It's not like they've done
anything wrong. They're just not perfectly dependable. God is.
He's who I need to lean on. Mentally, physically and spiritually.
That's why I get so tired with dealing with things which aren't
dependable. Why can't we just jump to perfection in heaven?
That's not for me to decide or complain of I suppose.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Unseen Connections
Man... life goes on. I've had a good couple of days with my
family since I've last posted. I've been reminded of the
patience one must have when traveling with a family. Like,
when I'm with myself I can just go and do whatever whenever.
But with my family it takes longer to do things because we
have to stop for this reason or that. Something I've sort of
forgotten. Of course there are countless positive aspects
on the other hand.
There's something special and very powerful that can take
place between two human beings that is unexplainable. I'm
not merely talking about relationships between male and
female. There are many people whom I've found very
interesting and admirable. Seeing these people have wet
my appetite for a closer more intimate relationship with
someone. It's like my soul says, if a relationship with the
ordinary is this, if a person can be this fulfilling at this
distance, how much greater would it be to experience
someone closer.
I must say I've experienced a little bit of heaven on earth
here in Australia. I will miss it so incredibly much. Most
of all I will miss the people. I hate thinking that it will end.
But I hang to the hope of seeing them all again in heaven.
Along with the rest of my friends and family. I pray that day
comes very soon.
I've got to go to bed, I'm starting to get into one of those
depressed moods that one tends to fall into at night.
family since I've last posted. I've been reminded of the
patience one must have when traveling with a family. Like,
when I'm with myself I can just go and do whatever whenever.
But with my family it takes longer to do things because we
have to stop for this reason or that. Something I've sort of
forgotten. Of course there are countless positive aspects
on the other hand.
There's something special and very powerful that can take
place between two human beings that is unexplainable. I'm
not merely talking about relationships between male and
female. There are many people whom I've found very
interesting and admirable. Seeing these people have wet
my appetite for a closer more intimate relationship with
someone. It's like my soul says, if a relationship with the
ordinary is this, if a person can be this fulfilling at this
distance, how much greater would it be to experience
someone closer.
I must say I've experienced a little bit of heaven on earth
here in Australia. I will miss it so incredibly much. Most
of all I will miss the people. I hate thinking that it will end.
But I hang to the hope of seeing them all again in heaven.
Along with the rest of my friends and family. I pray that day
comes very soon.
I've got to go to bed, I'm starting to get into one of those
depressed moods that one tends to fall into at night.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Help My Unbelief
We went to the Queen Victoria Building, which is a shopping
center, and to Darling Harbor. It was a good but very long day.
A lot of walking. Man this is killing us. We (at least I) always
seem to be pretty tired all the time. I don't wish to be rid of this
experience, but it is tiring.
My sister is very precious. It's funny how she learns from family.
In some areas she seems more mature than I. I hope she
doesn't pick up certain bad characteristics from me.
Not that I'm a master at this, but I've learned that by having a good
attitude about life, life becomes good. Like today. I could have
found plenty of things that went wrong and focus on them, but
the day wouldn't have been so great. The my is powerful.
When I took psychology (ages ago) I learned about how one will
see what he wants to see. For instance with a certain belief one
will only see the evidence that will support that belief. This has
made me think a lot about beliefs. If this is true, if this phenomena
really happens, maybe God uses it to help reinforce our beliefs.
But if that's the case, how do we know we weren't expecting a
different belief in the first place and thus our mind only sees
things that reinforce that wrong belief?
I suppose it all comes down to faith. If God gives us faith to believe
the truth, than we will. If he doesn't we won't. The Bible says that
we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. But even to
believe that statement takes faith. hmmm I'm confused. I believe
and sometimes I don't know why. I guess God truly is the giver of
my belief.
center, and to Darling Harbor. It was a good but very long day.
A lot of walking. Man this is killing us. We (at least I) always
seem to be pretty tired all the time. I don't wish to be rid of this
experience, but it is tiring.
My sister is very precious. It's funny how she learns from family.
In some areas she seems more mature than I. I hope she
doesn't pick up certain bad characteristics from me.
Not that I'm a master at this, but I've learned that by having a good
attitude about life, life becomes good. Like today. I could have
found plenty of things that went wrong and focus on them, but
the day wouldn't have been so great. The my is powerful.
When I took psychology (ages ago) I learned about how one will
see what he wants to see. For instance with a certain belief one
will only see the evidence that will support that belief. This has
made me think a lot about beliefs. If this is true, if this phenomena
really happens, maybe God uses it to help reinforce our beliefs.
But if that's the case, how do we know we weren't expecting a
different belief in the first place and thus our mind only sees
things that reinforce that wrong belief?
I suppose it all comes down to faith. If God gives us faith to believe
the truth, than we will. If he doesn't we won't. The Bible says that
we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. But even to
believe that statement takes faith. hmmm I'm confused. I believe
and sometimes I don't know why. I guess God truly is the giver of
my belief.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Lovely Meaning
I had another full day with my family again today. We
went to the zoo and took a tour of the Opera house.
Man that main auditorium where the symphony plays
is incredible. It's a beautiful design. I really really want
to go to Mozart Requiem in November. I think Sean
played Mozart Requiem in an ensemble once. I've
heard it's really beautiful. And I'm sure it'll will be a
fabulous show at the Opera house. My only wish is
that Sean could go with me.
You ever have those moments where you have an
enhanced sense of the reality of God? I had one today.
I can't explain it. It's like a switch was turned on in my
mind where I all of a sudden realized that God is real
and that he is watching. Obviously I know this to be true
in my head, but something made it real in the depths of
my soul. The moment didn't last long.
I'm not that weird, really.
I can have all the toys, all the knowledge, all the fame,
all the sex, all the riches in the world but unless I have
a relationship that is meaningful, than life is meaningless.
I can't stress this fact enough. Day after day, God reveals
this truth to me. Relationships are where its at. I suppose
that is what will make heaven what it is.
Spend 99 cents on iTunes and buy "Lack of Color" by
"Death Cab For Cutie." This is a secular band that has
found the truth stated above. And this song shows it. It's
an amazing song that I just can't get enough of.
I suppose even more than a meaningful relationship, life
is made good through love. As the bible says, without love
I have nothing. I am nothing. God realized this when he
created us. And He certainly proved it to be true through
His own love for us.
went to the zoo and took a tour of the Opera house.
Man that main auditorium where the symphony plays
is incredible. It's a beautiful design. I really really want
to go to Mozart Requiem in November. I think Sean
played Mozart Requiem in an ensemble once. I've
heard it's really beautiful. And I'm sure it'll will be a
fabulous show at the Opera house. My only wish is
that Sean could go with me.
You ever have those moments where you have an
enhanced sense of the reality of God? I had one today.
I can't explain it. It's like a switch was turned on in my
mind where I all of a sudden realized that God is real
and that he is watching. Obviously I know this to be true
in my head, but something made it real in the depths of
my soul. The moment didn't last long.
I'm not that weird, really.
I can have all the toys, all the knowledge, all the fame,
all the sex, all the riches in the world but unless I have
a relationship that is meaningful, than life is meaningless.
I can't stress this fact enough. Day after day, God reveals
this truth to me. Relationships are where its at. I suppose
that is what will make heaven what it is.
Spend 99 cents on iTunes and buy "Lack of Color" by
"Death Cab For Cutie." This is a secular band that has
found the truth stated above. And this song shows it. It's
an amazing song that I just can't get enough of.
I suppose even more than a meaningful relationship, life
is made good through love. As the bible says, without love
I have nothing. I am nothing. God realized this when he
created us. And He certainly proved it to be true through
His own love for us.
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Fun With Family
It's been a couple days since I've posted. My family's
here and we've been having some full days and going
to bed early. They're tired early from jet lag, and I'm
just plain tired for some reason. We've had a good time
so far. It was great to see them for the first time at the
airport. It's been too long.
We went to the Aquatic Centre yesterday. It was little bit
more oriented towards kids than I thought, but it was still
fun. There was a big water slide and a river thing where
the water is pushed through this area and you just kind
of go with the flow, literally. It was great to swim with
Michelle. I think she really enjoyed it.
We went to Wendy's church this morning. It was pretty
good. The whole service wasn't as wild and crazy as it
was the last time I went. And the message was actually
pretty good. Biblically sound. I think my family enjoyed it.
It was quite annoying to stand with my family and go
through all the introductions to everyone.
It's great to be with my family again. My Dad continues to
make me laugh with his sarcasm and such. We're not
complete though. I miss Sean and Jonathan. I was
showing my family some pictures and was reminded of
good times on our Chicago trip with Sean.
Sorry I'm not really saying much that's very interesting
in this blog. I'm feeling kind of lazy right now.
Feedback's encouraging. Thanks.
here and we've been having some full days and going
to bed early. They're tired early from jet lag, and I'm
just plain tired for some reason. We've had a good time
so far. It was great to see them for the first time at the
airport. It's been too long.
We went to the Aquatic Centre yesterday. It was little bit
more oriented towards kids than I thought, but it was still
fun. There was a big water slide and a river thing where
the water is pushed through this area and you just kind
of go with the flow, literally. It was great to swim with
Michelle. I think she really enjoyed it.
We went to Wendy's church this morning. It was pretty
good. The whole service wasn't as wild and crazy as it
was the last time I went. And the message was actually
pretty good. Biblically sound. I think my family enjoyed it.
It was quite annoying to stand with my family and go
through all the introductions to everyone.
It's great to be with my family again. My Dad continues to
make me laugh with his sarcasm and such. We're not
complete though. I miss Sean and Jonathan. I was
showing my family some pictures and was reminded of
good times on our Chicago trip with Sean.
Sorry I'm not really saying much that's very interesting
in this blog. I'm feeling kind of lazy right now.
Feedback's encouraging. Thanks.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Disappointing Night
I went to the Switchfoot concert tonight. I had just
heard about it yesterday so we didn't get tickets in
advance. We thought we could buy them at
the door. But we couldn't because they were all
sold out. So we didn't get in. But we could see them
on a large screen outside the concert hall, and we
could hear them if we stood close enough to the
door. So if you stood in that sweet spot, you could
hear and see them. Needless to say I'm kind of
upset and disappointed that we couldn't see them.
But I am accepting it. The good news is I have $30
in my wallet that I wouldn't of had, had I been able
to see them.
I'm tired of constant teasing, constant criticism. It's
not funny. I need someone to tell me not to pay
attention to what's said. Someone to tell me not to
worry about the way God made me. Someone to tell
me not to be self conscious. I'm fine, I'm just going
through a challenging time right now.
I need to spend more time with Jon. I feel bad always
running off in the evenings, leaving him alone. I don't
know what to do with him though. I guess I could play
games. He sort of makes me sad.
I'd type more but I'm too tired.
heard about it yesterday so we didn't get tickets in
advance. We thought we could buy them at
the door. But we couldn't because they were all
sold out. So we didn't get in. But we could see them
on a large screen outside the concert hall, and we
could hear them if we stood close enough to the
door. So if you stood in that sweet spot, you could
hear and see them. Needless to say I'm kind of
upset and disappointed that we couldn't see them.
But I am accepting it. The good news is I have $30
in my wallet that I wouldn't of had, had I been able
to see them.
I'm tired of constant teasing, constant criticism. It's
not funny. I need someone to tell me not to pay
attention to what's said. Someone to tell me not to
worry about the way God made me. Someone to tell
me not to be self conscious. I'm fine, I'm just going
through a challenging time right now.
I need to spend more time with Jon. I feel bad always
running off in the evenings, leaving him alone. I don't
know what to do with him though. I guess I could play
games. He sort of makes me sad.
I'd type more but I'm too tired.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
God Gave Us Music
I'm so very tired right now so this probably won't be so long.
I had a test in my Theology and a project due in my Video
Editing class. I got through both of them alright. I think the
only reason to be worried about Theology is that there are
only two tests and a paper for the whole class. The test only
had 6 short answer questions on it. I think I did alright. As
good as anyone. I studied quite a bit so I can't really be hard
on myself.
A bunch of people went to a pizza shop for dinner tonight.
But I couldn't, I had my Video Editing class. Kind of a bummer.
Darren went and it sounded like a really fun time. A lot of
good friends were there. Oh well.
I want to be closer to God. I don't take reading my Bible
or praying seriously enough. It seems to be just a habit that
I do every night.
I'm looking forward to singing in The Gathering tomorrow.
Choir is always fun. I wish we had a piano here. I have
the urge to learn some Chopin songs. I really like Chopin.
I want to learn the one my brother learned called Nocturne
in E flat major. It's beautiful. There's just something about
piano music that I really love, and miss right now. It's such
a beautiful form of expression. Maybe I'll take lessons
when I get back to JBU. Just for fun.
There is most certainly a difference in the quality of life with
music as compared to without it. Especially making music
as opposed to not. I need to make more. I'm so thankful for
God's gift of music. Life's more colorful with it.
I had a test in my Theology and a project due in my Video
Editing class. I got through both of them alright. I think the
only reason to be worried about Theology is that there are
only two tests and a paper for the whole class. The test only
had 6 short answer questions on it. I think I did alright. As
good as anyone. I studied quite a bit so I can't really be hard
on myself.
A bunch of people went to a pizza shop for dinner tonight.
But I couldn't, I had my Video Editing class. Kind of a bummer.
Darren went and it sounded like a really fun time. A lot of
good friends were there. Oh well.
I want to be closer to God. I don't take reading my Bible
or praying seriously enough. It seems to be just a habit that
I do every night.
I'm looking forward to singing in The Gathering tomorrow.
Choir is always fun. I wish we had a piano here. I have
the urge to learn some Chopin songs. I really like Chopin.
I want to learn the one my brother learned called Nocturne
in E flat major. It's beautiful. There's just something about
piano music that I really love, and miss right now. It's such
a beautiful form of expression. Maybe I'll take lessons
when I get back to JBU. Just for fun.
There is most certainly a difference in the quality of life with
music as compared to without it. Especially making music
as opposed to not. I need to make more. I'm so thankful for
God's gift of music. Life's more colorful with it.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Secrets Secrets Are No Fun
Today was pretty good. After my Australian History class I
went to the Drumoyne house. There I studied for my
Theology with Gavin and others. The test is tomorrow. I
didn't feel like we got much done because we kept getting
side track talking. But it was fun.
Emily and Rachel are acting weird towards me. When I
first saw them in class today they sort of waved and laughed
like they knew something I didn't. Then I asked them what
they were laughing about and they said, "You'll find out
soon." Then later they kept asking me about my schedule
for this week. They are planning something but I have no
idea what. They said there's no need to worry about it. I'm
really curious about it now.
People just seem to be acting weird around me lately. I
don't know if it's all in my head or what. There was the
Emily and Rachel thing, then April walked by me and
asked if I wanted to go to Licarght (Sp?) the other student
housing where she lived. It's like people have been paying
more attention to me. I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it's me.
I mean, maybe I've changed since the choir tour and people
have noticed that I've been in a good mood about it. Who
knows, it's probably all in my head.
Choir practice was probably the highlight of my day. It was
kind of like reliving tour for a couple hours. When I saw
people I was like, "Hey I know you." I realized how many of
them I had gotten to know on tour. It was really fun. We had
a time to share thoughts about tour. Then we worked more
on O Solutaris Hostia. Incredible song. I think it's translated,
"Christ Who for Us was Slain." We will be singing in The
Gathering this Wednesday, which is like the chapel. I'm
definitely looking forward to it.
After choir I hung out on "the grassy knoll" and talked with
Jonno, Ben, Michelle, Renea, Cindy, Jackie, and Amy.
They're great people. It was kind of weird. As I was sitting
there with all of them (who were almost all Australians)
some of my American friends would walk by and kind of
look at me with them. Obviously they haven't really gotten
to know the Ausies as well as I have. It was just kind of
interesting to see people's reactions when they saw that I
got a long so well with the Australians.
I'd like to openly express my thankfulness to God for
this time. Life really doesn't get much better than this.
went to the Drumoyne house. There I studied for my
Theology with Gavin and others. The test is tomorrow. I
didn't feel like we got much done because we kept getting
side track talking. But it was fun.
Emily and Rachel are acting weird towards me. When I
first saw them in class today they sort of waved and laughed
like they knew something I didn't. Then I asked them what
they were laughing about and they said, "You'll find out
soon." Then later they kept asking me about my schedule
for this week. They are planning something but I have no
idea what. They said there's no need to worry about it. I'm
really curious about it now.
People just seem to be acting weird around me lately. I
don't know if it's all in my head or what. There was the
Emily and Rachel thing, then April walked by me and
asked if I wanted to go to Licarght (Sp?) the other student
housing where she lived. It's like people have been paying
more attention to me. I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it's me.
I mean, maybe I've changed since the choir tour and people
have noticed that I've been in a good mood about it. Who
knows, it's probably all in my head.
Choir practice was probably the highlight of my day. It was
kind of like reliving tour for a couple hours. When I saw
people I was like, "Hey I know you." I realized how many of
them I had gotten to know on tour. It was really fun. We had
a time to share thoughts about tour. Then we worked more
on O Solutaris Hostia. Incredible song. I think it's translated,
"Christ Who for Us was Slain." We will be singing in The
Gathering this Wednesday, which is like the chapel. I'm
definitely looking forward to it.
After choir I hung out on "the grassy knoll" and talked with
Jonno, Ben, Michelle, Renea, Cindy, Jackie, and Amy.
They're great people. It was kind of weird. As I was sitting
there with all of them (who were almost all Australians)
some of my American friends would walk by and kind of
look at me with them. Obviously they haven't really gotten
to know the Ausies as well as I have. It was just kind of
interesting to see people's reactions when they saw that I
got a long so well with the Australians.
I'd like to openly express my thankfulness to God for
this time. Life really doesn't get much better than this.
The Village
I went to Wesley Mission church today. It's downtown. I misread
the bus timetable and so I was very nearly late. I was getting all
worried about getting there on time. It worked out fine though.
Once again my lack of trust in God was displayed.
I went because the teaching was good the last time I went, and
I remembered that Maricka, a friend from choir, goes there. It
was good to see her again.
I studied for my Theology test today, and road bikes with Darren.
We also went to see The Village today. It was really good. But it
was an outrageous price - $14. About $10 US dollars but still,
that's a lot. And the theatre wasn't even that nice. The movie was
very well made, as to be expected. There were many beautiful
aspects including visual, mental and musical.
I'm really looking forward to choir practice tomorrow, as I always
do. We will probably learn some new songs. Plus I'll get to see
all my mates from tour.
the bus timetable and so I was very nearly late. I was getting all
worried about getting there on time. It worked out fine though.
Once again my lack of trust in God was displayed.
I went because the teaching was good the last time I went, and
I remembered that Maricka, a friend from choir, goes there. It
was good to see her again.
I studied for my Theology test today, and road bikes with Darren.
We also went to see The Village today. It was really good. But it
was an outrageous price - $14. About $10 US dollars but still,
that's a lot. And the theatre wasn't even that nice. The movie was
very well made, as to be expected. There were many beautiful
aspects including visual, mental and musical.
I'm really looking forward to choir practice tomorrow, as I always
do. We will probably learn some new songs. Plus I'll get to see
all my mates from tour.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Goodness
Well I'm back from tour. I had an incredible time as you
might have read. I'm sort of still riding the wave from
the excitement of the tour.
Today I spent the day doing homework, uploading
pictures, and stuff like that. I talked awhile with Sean
and my family. It was very good. Sean's time at St. Olaf
is going very well. I'm very happy for him, and thankful
that my prayers are being answered. I know how scary it
might be to have to figure out classes by yourself. But
it sounds like everything went fine. He made the St. Olaf
Symphony which is awesome. I'm so excited for him and
I can't wait to go to a concert.
It really stinks, I will only get to see him for about a day
when I get back before he has to go back to school.
Major bummer. I totally want to go up there to visit.
That's so weird for Michelle now that Sean's gone. I
feel bad that we can't be more involved in her life. I
can't wait to see her again. From now on, family times
will be that much more special.
I'm going to the Wesley Mission church tomorrow. I
think Maricka, one of the girls I got to know on tour,
goes there. So hopefully I meet up with her. It's also
probably the church closest to what I'm used to. Good
teaching.
God has been so good to me and my family. This past
week in particular has been such an incredible time for
both Sean and I. I can't thank God enough.
And I just realized that even when things aren't going
well, God is still good. It's who He is. It's unfortunate
that sometimes I try to make my circumstances attest
to God's goodness.
might have read. I'm sort of still riding the wave from
the excitement of the tour.
Today I spent the day doing homework, uploading
pictures, and stuff like that. I talked awhile with Sean
and my family. It was very good. Sean's time at St. Olaf
is going very well. I'm very happy for him, and thankful
that my prayers are being answered. I know how scary it
might be to have to figure out classes by yourself. But
it sounds like everything went fine. He made the St. Olaf
Symphony which is awesome. I'm so excited for him and
I can't wait to go to a concert.
It really stinks, I will only get to see him for about a day
when I get back before he has to go back to school.
Major bummer. I totally want to go up there to visit.
That's so weird for Michelle now that Sean's gone. I
feel bad that we can't be more involved in her life. I
can't wait to see her again. From now on, family times
will be that much more special.
I'm going to the Wesley Mission church tomorrow. I
think Maricka, one of the girls I got to know on tour,
goes there. So hopefully I meet up with her. It's also
probably the church closest to what I'm used to. Good
teaching.
God has been so good to me and my family. This past
week in particular has been such an incredible time for
both Sean and I. I can't thank God enough.
And I just realized that even when things aren't going
well, God is still good. It's who He is. It's unfortunate
that sometimes I try to make my circumstances attest
to God's goodness.
Tour Log
The following is my journal entries during the choir tour. I realize the
names mean nothing to you, but it's for my sake.
Sunday September 5th
Man I'm having a ball. This is such an incredible time. Being with
people all the time is great. It might get old by the end of the week,
but right now i can't imagine it.
There was a bit of a hiccup in our trip yesterday before we left. Our
sound equipment was too heavy for the bus when combined with
the weight of everything else. So we weren't even sure if we could
still go. But through prayers and putting heads together we (the
leadership) decided to have a van follow the bus with all the
equipment. But that didn't work to well so we decided to put someone
in the van to drive it.
The time in the bus on the way here went well. We saw snow on the
ground on the way but there wasn't show in Orange, our destination.
But it was still very cold.
Our first program went this morning. It was kind of an interesting
church. It was in a movie theatre. It was weird but it works.
Later tonight we did another show. We did our Kirk Franklin song it
was pretty rockin and everyone was getting into it. The audience
looked a little stunned. Not sure if they appreciated it. We had a great
time buggen our up there.
I'm getting to know some people better including Glen Marika, Renea
and some others. It's so incredibly fun.
Monday September 6th
So it's been another incredible day on choir tour. A very long day.
I'm pretty tired and it's only 8:35. This morning Glen and I got up
and our host family took us to a grade-school in Orange (the city
we were in). We did two programs for different age groups. And we
also did a workshop with them. It's basically where Dr. Johnston
gives tips or pointers to their school choir. It all wen smoothly.
"Brighter Day" and "Never Gonna Stop" are so fun. Everybody gets
so into it. I just can't describe the feeling one gets when jammin out
on stage. With great friends no less.
There's this guy in the front row named Keith that has a mic for
"Brighter Day" and sort of interacts with the crowd. In the music score
there are words printed for speach, like "Get your bounce on" and
other "black gospel" things to say. So Keith always says that stuff.
He's kind of random and crazy sometimes. So it's always entertaining
to see what he'll do on stage. It's funny because there's not one black
person in the choir and everybody knows it's all kind of cheesy,
but we just have a good time and laugh about it. Nobody cares much
about what people think about us. It's so great.
When I first heard that we were doing Kirk Franklin gospel songs, I
was kind of put off by it. But now I love it because it's so great to
just
let loose with everyone.
I talked with a girl named Michelle a bunch today. She's cool/fun.
She's a bass player in the band that accompanies us. We had a good
chat on the bus today, on the way to Dubbo. We've never really talked
much before. I was surprised when she sat down and started a
conversation with me. I enjoyed the company.
I also talked with Renea a bunch today. These people are very kind
and accepting of me. It really means the world to me. Renea is so kind
to all.
Tuesday September 7th
I have so much to write and little time. This morning we went to the
Dubbo Zoo. It was alright. I had seen all the animals before. Friends
made it fun though. I was in a group with Shannon, Gavin, Lauren,
Loraine, Phil, Chris, and Jackie.
We did a show for the Christian school. We sang "Dawn" and had to
use music. It pretty bad, so did "Sunset."
So I'm staying with this single guy who lives by himself out in the
middle of the country. For some reason Jonathan (a choir member)
didn't want to stay with this guy so I reluctantly agreed to swap
places.
I was kind of ticked about the whole thing because it meant being alone
with this guy. Now that I look back I can see God's hand in the
situation. You see, I got to stick around at the school, where a bunch
of friends were staying, for awhile. Peter, My host, works at the school
so it worked out nicely.
Tonight was incredible at the school. It was a group of about 20. We
were in this gym/stage area. Like the whole night we listened to
music while doing things like jumping off a trampoline onto a huge
matte. It's kind of hard to explain. Everyone was just being totally
carefree and having a good time. enjoying one another's company.
It was Lisa's birthday. So we all payed 5 bucks and some people
went to the store and got some groceries. Then we had a meal
cooked by the girls.
We talked and laughed a lot around the table. And we all said what
we are thankful for. It was such a meaningful time.
Afterwards we played more games. I even learned a little about how
to play Cricket.
It wasn't until after dinner that I actually started doing stuff rather
than
just watching. Doing stuff made the time 100 times more fun. To
relax and be yourself is so freeing. Before that, for some reason, I
was too self conscious to do much.
I talked with Lisa some today. Mostly about music that we like. She's
a very nice girl and I enjoyed talking with her. But she's too
controlling for me.
There are countless little experiences that I've had where I've
experienced kindness and acceptance from all of my friends here.
That has made this tour and my whole Australian trip an experience
that is one of the best in my life. God's grace is abundant to me.
Wednesday September 8th
Today we did a lot of traveling. About 8 hours worth. But it really
didn't
seem that long. We did a lot in the bus. A lot of talking and some
games.
I got to know Jonno Dollin? more today. He's cooler than I thought.
I thought he was kind of annoying before I talked with him much,
which was unfair I suppose.
Not much else happened. It was fun to be with people on the bus.
Some of those guys are so funny. Especially Tim, Keith and Greg. There
were so many funny things that happened.
I saw a lot more of the Australian countryside today. It's beautiful.
Some
of it reminded me a lot of Colorado. Very green and hilly. There were
some fields with bright yellow flowers. It was incredible.
I saw the satellite dish that was in the movie "The Dish" from a
distance.
Thursday September 10th
This is for yesterday. I was too tired last night to write.
We did a show at a Christian school and at Lisa's home church (I think).
We're in Lisa's home town staying with her family. We had some free
time so a bunch went to the bay nearby. I decided to stay and take a nap
and shower. It felt wonderful. We didn't get a chance to shower
yesterday
morning because we slept in a church.
Not a whole happened that was very interesting yesterday. Our shows
went very well. We're getting a lot better at the Bush songs and
"O Solutaris Hostia." That son is incredible. It's so beautiful. I'm
hoping
we can sing it for out practice when my parents and sister are here.
I can't believe it's already Friday. We have three more shows today then
we go home to Sydney. As far as I'm concerned, the more shows the
better. I love "Wondrous Cross." The arrangement is so powerful. It's
especially meaningful when I can focus on Jesus when singing.
Friday September 10th
The last day was great. We did three shows. Two in schools and one in
a church. At the first school after our shows there were little kids
coming
up to us and asking for our autographs. It made us feel important.
We kind of got carried away with the first show so we had to rush to the
next school. Everyone was scrambling to tear down and then set up
again at the other school. By this time we pretty much have our songs
down pat. Therefore it's more fun and we can focus on what matters -
communication, both with God and the audience.
At the church we had left our suits on some chairs and gone to eat.
When we came back we were all getting ready to change. Gavin, a
friend of mine, started taking my suite and putting it on. I was like,
"You
know that's my suite right?" He said, "Yeah." And he just kept putting
it
on and I was like, "Dude that's my suite, what the world are you doing?"
"I'm putting on your suite." So I just kind of stood there wondering
what
was going on. And I said, "You're being goofy Gavin." And then he said,
"Oh you're being serious with me?" And he then realized that it really
was my suite. He said he thought I was just joking with him. It was
hilarious. We got a good laugh about it.
On the way back to Sydney we all shared stories on the mic in the front
of the bus. The time went so fast because we were having a great time.
It was great because everyone knew everyone and could share in all
the funny stories of things that had happened on tour. Gavin told about
our situation with the suite. Everyone laughed.
I'm sad that it's all over, but very thankful for the experience.
names mean nothing to you, but it's for my sake.
Sunday September 5th
Man I'm having a ball. This is such an incredible time. Being with
people all the time is great. It might get old by the end of the week,
but right now i can't imagine it.
There was a bit of a hiccup in our trip yesterday before we left. Our
sound equipment was too heavy for the bus when combined with
the weight of everything else. So we weren't even sure if we could
still go. But through prayers and putting heads together we (the
leadership) decided to have a van follow the bus with all the
equipment. But that didn't work to well so we decided to put someone
in the van to drive it.
The time in the bus on the way here went well. We saw snow on the
ground on the way but there wasn't show in Orange, our destination.
But it was still very cold.
Our first program went this morning. It was kind of an interesting
church. It was in a movie theatre. It was weird but it works.
Later tonight we did another show. We did our Kirk Franklin song it
was pretty rockin and everyone was getting into it. The audience
looked a little stunned. Not sure if they appreciated it. We had a great
time buggen our up there.
I'm getting to know some people better including Glen Marika, Renea
and some others. It's so incredibly fun.
Monday September 6th
So it's been another incredible day on choir tour. A very long day.
I'm pretty tired and it's only 8:35. This morning Glen and I got up
and our host family took us to a grade-school in Orange (the city
we were in). We did two programs for different age groups. And we
also did a workshop with them. It's basically where Dr. Johnston
gives tips or pointers to their school choir. It all wen smoothly.
"Brighter Day" and "Never Gonna Stop" are so fun. Everybody gets
so into it. I just can't describe the feeling one gets when jammin out
on stage. With great friends no less.
There's this guy in the front row named Keith that has a mic for
"Brighter Day" and sort of interacts with the crowd. In the music score
there are words printed for speach, like "Get your bounce on" and
other "black gospel" things to say. So Keith always says that stuff.
He's kind of random and crazy sometimes. So it's always entertaining
to see what he'll do on stage. It's funny because there's not one black
person in the choir and everybody knows it's all kind of cheesy,
but we just have a good time and laugh about it. Nobody cares much
about what people think about us. It's so great.
When I first heard that we were doing Kirk Franklin gospel songs, I
was kind of put off by it. But now I love it because it's so great to
just
let loose with everyone.
I talked with a girl named Michelle a bunch today. She's cool/fun.
She's a bass player in the band that accompanies us. We had a good
chat on the bus today, on the way to Dubbo. We've never really talked
much before. I was surprised when she sat down and started a
conversation with me. I enjoyed the company.
I also talked with Renea a bunch today. These people are very kind
and accepting of me. It really means the world to me. Renea is so kind
to all.
Tuesday September 7th
I have so much to write and little time. This morning we went to the
Dubbo Zoo. It was alright. I had seen all the animals before. Friends
made it fun though. I was in a group with Shannon, Gavin, Lauren,
Loraine, Phil, Chris, and Jackie.
We did a show for the Christian school. We sang "Dawn" and had to
use music. It pretty bad, so did "Sunset."
So I'm staying with this single guy who lives by himself out in the
middle of the country. For some reason Jonathan (a choir member)
didn't want to stay with this guy so I reluctantly agreed to swap
places.
I was kind of ticked about the whole thing because it meant being alone
with this guy. Now that I look back I can see God's hand in the
situation. You see, I got to stick around at the school, where a bunch
of friends were staying, for awhile. Peter, My host, works at the school
so it worked out nicely.
Tonight was incredible at the school. It was a group of about 20. We
were in this gym/stage area. Like the whole night we listened to
music while doing things like jumping off a trampoline onto a huge
matte. It's kind of hard to explain. Everyone was just being totally
carefree and having a good time. enjoying one another's company.
It was Lisa's birthday. So we all payed 5 bucks and some people
went to the store and got some groceries. Then we had a meal
cooked by the girls.
We talked and laughed a lot around the table. And we all said what
we are thankful for. It was such a meaningful time.
Afterwards we played more games. I even learned a little about how
to play Cricket.
It wasn't until after dinner that I actually started doing stuff rather
than
just watching. Doing stuff made the time 100 times more fun. To
relax and be yourself is so freeing. Before that, for some reason, I
was too self conscious to do much.
I talked with Lisa some today. Mostly about music that we like. She's
a very nice girl and I enjoyed talking with her. But she's too
controlling for me.
There are countless little experiences that I've had where I've
experienced kindness and acceptance from all of my friends here.
That has made this tour and my whole Australian trip an experience
that is one of the best in my life. God's grace is abundant to me.
Wednesday September 8th
Today we did a lot of traveling. About 8 hours worth. But it really
didn't
seem that long. We did a lot in the bus. A lot of talking and some
games.
I got to know Jonno Dollin? more today. He's cooler than I thought.
I thought he was kind of annoying before I talked with him much,
which was unfair I suppose.
Not much else happened. It was fun to be with people on the bus.
Some of those guys are so funny. Especially Tim, Keith and Greg. There
were so many funny things that happened.
I saw a lot more of the Australian countryside today. It's beautiful.
Some
of it reminded me a lot of Colorado. Very green and hilly. There were
some fields with bright yellow flowers. It was incredible.
I saw the satellite dish that was in the movie "The Dish" from a
distance.
Thursday September 10th
This is for yesterday. I was too tired last night to write.
We did a show at a Christian school and at Lisa's home church (I think).
We're in Lisa's home town staying with her family. We had some free
time so a bunch went to the bay nearby. I decided to stay and take a nap
and shower. It felt wonderful. We didn't get a chance to shower
yesterday
morning because we slept in a church.
Not a whole happened that was very interesting yesterday. Our shows
went very well. We're getting a lot better at the Bush songs and
"O Solutaris Hostia." That son is incredible. It's so beautiful. I'm
hoping
we can sing it for out practice when my parents and sister are here.
I can't believe it's already Friday. We have three more shows today then
we go home to Sydney. As far as I'm concerned, the more shows the
better. I love "Wondrous Cross." The arrangement is so powerful. It's
especially meaningful when I can focus on Jesus when singing.
Friday September 10th
The last day was great. We did three shows. Two in schools and one in
a church. At the first school after our shows there were little kids
coming
up to us and asking for our autographs. It made us feel important.
We kind of got carried away with the first show so we had to rush to the
next school. Everyone was scrambling to tear down and then set up
again at the other school. By this time we pretty much have our songs
down pat. Therefore it's more fun and we can focus on what matters -
communication, both with God and the audience.
At the church we had left our suits on some chairs and gone to eat.
When we came back we were all getting ready to change. Gavin, a
friend of mine, started taking my suite and putting it on. I was like,
"You
know that's my suite right?" He said, "Yeah." And he just kept putting
it
on and I was like, "Dude that's my suite, what the world are you doing?"
"I'm putting on your suite." So I just kind of stood there wondering
what
was going on. And I said, "You're being goofy Gavin." And then he said,
"Oh you're being serious with me?" And he then realized that it really
was my suite. He said he thought I was just joking with him. It was
hilarious. We got a good laugh about it.
On the way back to Sydney we all shared stories on the mic in the front
of the bus. The time went so fast because we were having a great time.
It was great because everyone knew everyone and could share in all
the funny stories of things that had happened on tour. Gavin told about
our situation with the suite. Everyone laughed.
I'm sad that it's all over, but very thankful for the experience.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Father of Lights
I'm so excited! Tomorrow I'm leaving for choir tour. It's going to be
so great. We get to ride in a big coach bus and stay with families. And
I have a great book (The Testament) and great music
and new Chuck Missler stuff to listen to. And it'll be cool to get to
know people better. Like it seems like the girls are the only mature
ones. But I guess there are guys I haven't talked with much yet.
Darren's already gone to Cans (sp?) so it's kind of boring around here.
And I didn't have classes today so that didn't help. But I did get a
lot done on my video dissection assignment which is due the week after
I get back. So I felt good about that.
I rode my bike to the mall today. It was nice to get out of the house.
Most of the roads are pretty busy. You're not supposed to ride on the
sidewalk so I tried to ride on the road most of the time. It was kind
of scary but also exciting to ride amongst all the traffic. Don't worry
Mom, I had a helmet on. It's the law here. But it was fun. I was Mr.
Independent.
I had to get a Bow Tie for choir and a birthday card for Wendy amongst
other things. I hate getting cards. None of them are very satisfying.
I had wanted to go see "The Village" today. It came out yesterday here.
But I decided to stay home and make sure I have everything ready for
tomorrow. I can't wait.
I was reading in James last night. Chapter 1 verse 17 stuck out to me.
It says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation
or shifting shadow." Doesn't that just sound awesome? Particularly
"Father of lights." I wonder what exactly that means. I'll bet there's
so much more to it than just 'father of good things' or something like
that. I wonder what relationship between light and God there really is.
Light, as studied by physicists, has never been understood. And also,
time. It seems to me that light, God, and time must somehow all work
together.
Have you ever wondered if God IS light? I don't mean just like a figure
of speech, but really light? Like maybe some part of His being is light
as we know it. That's perhaps why it's so weird and hard to understand.
I called Michelle last night to wish her a happy birthday. It was
really good to talk with her. I miss her so. She seems so aware. More
than I was at that age.
To my family, have a good trip.
To Sean, I'm praying for you.
To all, have a good week. I'll be back this time next week.
so great. We get to ride in a big coach bus and stay with families. And
I have a great book (The Testament) and great music
and new Chuck Missler stuff to listen to. And it'll be cool to get to
know people better. Like it seems like the girls are the only mature
ones. But I guess there are guys I haven't talked with much yet.
Darren's already gone to Cans (sp?) so it's kind of boring around here.
And I didn't have classes today so that didn't help. But I did get a
lot done on my video dissection assignment which is due the week after
I get back. So I felt good about that.
I rode my bike to the mall today. It was nice to get out of the house.
Most of the roads are pretty busy. You're not supposed to ride on the
sidewalk so I tried to ride on the road most of the time. It was kind
of scary but also exciting to ride amongst all the traffic. Don't worry
Mom, I had a helmet on. It's the law here. But it was fun. I was Mr.
Independent.
I had to get a Bow Tie for choir and a birthday card for Wendy amongst
other things. I hate getting cards. None of them are very satisfying.
I had wanted to go see "The Village" today. It came out yesterday here.
But I decided to stay home and make sure I have everything ready for
tomorrow. I can't wait.
I was reading in James last night. Chapter 1 verse 17 stuck out to me.
It says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation
or shifting shadow." Doesn't that just sound awesome? Particularly
"Father of lights." I wonder what exactly that means. I'll bet there's
so much more to it than just 'father of good things' or something like
that. I wonder what relationship between light and God there really is.
Light, as studied by physicists, has never been understood. And also,
time. It seems to me that light, God, and time must somehow all work
together.
Have you ever wondered if God IS light? I don't mean just like a figure
of speech, but really light? Like maybe some part of His being is light
as we know it. That's perhaps why it's so weird and hard to understand.
I called Michelle last night to wish her a happy birthday. It was
really good to talk with her. I miss her so. She seems so aware. More
than I was at that age.
To my family, have a good trip.
To Sean, I'm praying for you.
To all, have a good week. I'll be back this time next week.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Michelle's Birthday
First of all I want to wish my sister Michelle a happy 12th birthday.
It is really hard to believe she's twelve already. I love her so much
and am very proud of her. I wish I could give her a big hug right now.
XOXOXOXO
I had to get up early today for choir practice. I always look forward
to it. It's usually pretty fun. I still don't feel like we know our
songs well enough. But it'll have to do. You could tell Dr. Johnston,
the director wasn't feeling very good about how much we knew the songs.
He kind of had this worried look and didn't say much. We really need
like another week of practicing. Oh well, as they say, no worries.
I read in the news the other day about the bus bombing in Israel. When
I saw the pictures it was almost eery to me because the bus looked
exactly like the kind I ride every day. I started to think about what
it would be like to have that happen. Obviously I can't fully imagine
it because terrorism is so foreign to me personally. It's always so
distant and unreal when it's on TV. But this time it hit a little bit
closer to home.
I was talking with a girl named Amber today about what we're doing for
breaks and about when we're leaving. We started talking about how sad
it will be to leave. Like we've gotten to know so many people and when
we leave we will probably never see them again. Most of them live on
the coasts. And we'll probably never be able to all get together as a
group again. Man it's really depressing to think about. Not counting
the breaks, next week will be the half way point. Unbelievable.
I checked out "The Testament" by John Grisham at the school library.
I've read a few chapters. It's really good so far. It's a monster of a
book though. Hopefully I can finish it before it's due back (I'm a slow
reader).
Tomorrow night will probably be the last time I'll post before choir
tour. I don't think I'll be able to post while I'm away unless I decide
to take my computer and find a place to hook up. However I will try to
write my thoughts in some way and then post them when I get back. That
won't be till Friday night of next week though.
Have a wonderful Birthday Michelle. I love you.
It is really hard to believe she's twelve already. I love her so much
and am very proud of her. I wish I could give her a big hug right now.
XOXOXOXO
I had to get up early today for choir practice. I always look forward
to it. It's usually pretty fun. I still don't feel like we know our
songs well enough. But it'll have to do. You could tell Dr. Johnston,
the director wasn't feeling very good about how much we knew the songs.
He kind of had this worried look and didn't say much. We really need
like another week of practicing. Oh well, as they say, no worries.
I read in the news the other day about the bus bombing in Israel. When
I saw the pictures it was almost eery to me because the bus looked
exactly like the kind I ride every day. I started to think about what
it would be like to have that happen. Obviously I can't fully imagine
it because terrorism is so foreign to me personally. It's always so
distant and unreal when it's on TV. But this time it hit a little bit
closer to home.
I was talking with a girl named Amber today about what we're doing for
breaks and about when we're leaving. We started talking about how sad
it will be to leave. Like we've gotten to know so many people and when
we leave we will probably never see them again. Most of them live on
the coasts. And we'll probably never be able to all get together as a
group again. Man it's really depressing to think about. Not counting
the breaks, next week will be the half way point. Unbelievable.
I checked out "The Testament" by John Grisham at the school library.
I've read a few chapters. It's really good so far. It's a monster of a
book though. Hopefully I can finish it before it's due back (I'm a slow
reader).
Tomorrow night will probably be the last time I'll post before choir
tour. I don't think I'll be able to post while I'm away unless I decide
to take my computer and find a place to hook up. However I will try to
write my thoughts in some way and then post them when I get back. That
won't be till Friday night of next week though.
Have a wonderful Birthday Michelle. I love you.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Packed Van
I got a haircut yesterday. Today was the first day that
everyone really saw it. I was surprised at how many
comments I got. Everyone seemed to notice. I guess
it was because it was such a big change, it had been
getting pretty long. I thought the cut was too short as I
normally do after a haircut. But a lot of people said they
liked it.
For chapel today we had a speaker that introduced us
to a "new method of worship." I don't remember what
she called it but it was like a scenario we went through
while rubbing our neighbors back, if that makes any cents.
It was like a story where we rub each other's backs
according to what's going on in the story. I was sitting next
to a guy and a girl. It was kind of awkward. I didn't really
know the guy and the girl was... a girl. Despite it's
awkwardness it did feel really good to have a message.
It's been awhile.
Tonight we had our weekly meeting with all the Americans.
It was a good time. It's always really fun and extra
meaningful to sing praise songs together in that group.
It's going to be really sad to have to leave everyone at
the end of the semester.
After the meeting, Dr. Johnston was going to take all of us
to our houses. He's always really nice like that. We walked
back to the school which was nearby and got into the van
there. I think the van holds about 13 people legally. There
were 23 of us. We all piled in. We were crammed and
everyone was laughing and being loud. It was actually quite
fun. It was one of those vans that has a really high ceiling.
So a bunch of us were actually standing up. Probably not
too safe. Nothing happened though.
Dr. Johnston is so good at corny jokes. Remind me to tell
you one of them.
I was able to talk with Derrick and Luke for a little before the
meeting. It's a shame that I don't get to see them much,
except at school when we're passing each other between
classes. Those guys are so great. It's hard to explain. I love
just joking around with them. They're two great friends that I
really admire. I feel like I know Derrick a little better than Luke
but I'm getting to know him too. I love talking with them about
real issues that we all go through. It seems like it's a lot easier
to talk with them about deep issues than it is with some people.
By deep I mainly mean spiritual.
We always call Luke the gov'na, short for governor, because
he's the ASC representative. It's so funny. Derrick came up
with that. Like it sounds stupid but it's funny. Derrick started
calling him that and now everyone knows him as it. A lot of
stuff like that goes on that I can't really explain. I wish I could.
You just have to experience it to understand. But it's great fun.
Relationships make or break life.
everyone really saw it. I was surprised at how many
comments I got. Everyone seemed to notice. I guess
it was because it was such a big change, it had been
getting pretty long. I thought the cut was too short as I
normally do after a haircut. But a lot of people said they
liked it.
For chapel today we had a speaker that introduced us
to a "new method of worship." I don't remember what
she called it but it was like a scenario we went through
while rubbing our neighbors back, if that makes any cents.
It was like a story where we rub each other's backs
according to what's going on in the story. I was sitting next
to a guy and a girl. It was kind of awkward. I didn't really
know the guy and the girl was... a girl. Despite it's
awkwardness it did feel really good to have a message.
It's been awhile.
Tonight we had our weekly meeting with all the Americans.
It was a good time. It's always really fun and extra
meaningful to sing praise songs together in that group.
It's going to be really sad to have to leave everyone at
the end of the semester.
After the meeting, Dr. Johnston was going to take all of us
to our houses. He's always really nice like that. We walked
back to the school which was nearby and got into the van
there. I think the van holds about 13 people legally. There
were 23 of us. We all piled in. We were crammed and
everyone was laughing and being loud. It was actually quite
fun. It was one of those vans that has a really high ceiling.
So a bunch of us were actually standing up. Probably not
too safe. Nothing happened though.
Dr. Johnston is so good at corny jokes. Remind me to tell
you one of them.
I was able to talk with Derrick and Luke for a little before the
meeting. It's a shame that I don't get to see them much,
except at school when we're passing each other between
classes. Those guys are so great. It's hard to explain. I love
just joking around with them. They're two great friends that I
really admire. I feel like I know Derrick a little better than Luke
but I'm getting to know him too. I love talking with them about
real issues that we all go through. It seems like it's a lot easier
to talk with them about deep issues than it is with some people.
By deep I mainly mean spiritual.
We always call Luke the gov'na, short for governor, because
he's the ASC representative. It's so funny. Derrick came up
with that. Like it sounds stupid but it's funny. Derrick started
calling him that and now everyone knows him as it. A lot of
stuff like that goes on that I can't really explain. I wish I could.
You just have to experience it to understand. But it's great fun.
Relationships make or break life.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
I Need Another Book
I finished "The Magicians' Nephew" by C.S. Lewis today. It's
the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. It was pretty
good, but not incredible. It seemed slightly geared toward
children. I do really like the magical imaginary worlds that
Lewis comes up with. It's really cool to be able to retreat to a
place like that in you mind. I'm not sure if I'll continue in the
series. Maybe once I can get them at home, if we have them.
But now I need to find another book. I really don't want to buy
one. Especially when we have so many great books at home
that I can get for free. Maybe I'll go to our school library or
something. Whatever I do I need to do it before I leave for choir
tour.
In my theology 2 class today, we talked more about Calvinism
verses Arminianism. It's good stuff. I really like my teacher. He's
a real down to earth, thoughtful guy. He's probably only in his
thirties but he's really smart. And he'll listen to your thoughts or
ideas with respect and try his best to help you understand. I agree
with most all of his views too. He holds to the calvinist viewpoint.
The more I hear him talk about it the more I'm sure that that's what
I believe. We have a pretty good class. People just ask questions
freely and truly try to understand God's word.
So I'm trying to stop popping my joints. hehe Bet you're glad to hear
that. It's pretty hard to get out of the habit. But I'm going to prove
to
myself that I can do it if I try hard enough.
I'd just like to say that sleep is great. I'm so thankful for this
particular
goodness that God has given to mankind. It's like, you can be in your
own little world, away from all that's annoying and worrisome. This
is most certainly something that one can look forward to every day.
Even if you have nothing else going for you.
And with that, I'm off to bed.
the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. It was pretty
good, but not incredible. It seemed slightly geared toward
children. I do really like the magical imaginary worlds that
Lewis comes up with. It's really cool to be able to retreat to a
place like that in you mind. I'm not sure if I'll continue in the
series. Maybe once I can get them at home, if we have them.
But now I need to find another book. I really don't want to buy
one. Especially when we have so many great books at home
that I can get for free. Maybe I'll go to our school library or
something. Whatever I do I need to do it before I leave for choir
tour.
In my theology 2 class today, we talked more about Calvinism
verses Arminianism. It's good stuff. I really like my teacher. He's
a real down to earth, thoughtful guy. He's probably only in his
thirties but he's really smart. And he'll listen to your thoughts or
ideas with respect and try his best to help you understand. I agree
with most all of his views too. He holds to the calvinist viewpoint.
The more I hear him talk about it the more I'm sure that that's what
I believe. We have a pretty good class. People just ask questions
freely and truly try to understand God's word.
So I'm trying to stop popping my joints. hehe Bet you're glad to hear
that. It's pretty hard to get out of the habit. But I'm going to prove
to
myself that I can do it if I try hard enough.
I'd just like to say that sleep is great. I'm so thankful for this
particular
goodness that God has given to mankind. It's like, you can be in your
own little world, away from all that's annoying and worrisome. This
is most certainly something that one can look forward to every day.
Even if you have nothing else going for you.
And with that, I'm off to bed.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Roommate Woes
I don't know what it is but Darren's been getting on my
nerves lately. It's kind of hard to explain but you've probably
all experienced someone like him before. For example,
he tends to exaggerate things and even stretch the truth
just to get a good reaction from people. Also, he's not very
sensitive to other's feelings. I know I have my huge faults too,
but right now it's a lot easier to see his.
I'm tired of trying to act like something's funny or act a certain
way just to "please" or satisfy his humor. Know what I mean?
I'm just going to laugh at what's funny and not at what's not.
He's not going to rule over me. Another thing, I'm tired of
letting him look down on me, just because I don't like his R&B
crap or I don't think a perverted movie is funny. Or because I
like healthy cereal and not the sweet stuff all the time. This is
probably sounding really immature and dumb. But I'd just like
to vent a little. I'm really not that upset, I just want to be free of
what he or others think of me.
We had our second to last choir rehearsal before tour today.
I don't think we have our songs down very good. I really really
hope we don't have to cut some of the good classical ones.
There's this latin one that's so pretty. And some others called,
Australian Bush Songs. I will be so disappointed if we have to
cut those for tour.
We are going to ride our bikes to school tomorrow. Hopefully
we'll manage on the busy roads alright.
Sean is leaving for school very soon. I'm very happy for him but
also very sad for me. Life will never be the same. We'll never get
back to our happy carefree childhood again. There will obviously
be good times ahead, but nothing the same.
nerves lately. It's kind of hard to explain but you've probably
all experienced someone like him before. For example,
he tends to exaggerate things and even stretch the truth
just to get a good reaction from people. Also, he's not very
sensitive to other's feelings. I know I have my huge faults too,
but right now it's a lot easier to see his.
I'm tired of trying to act like something's funny or act a certain
way just to "please" or satisfy his humor. Know what I mean?
I'm just going to laugh at what's funny and not at what's not.
He's not going to rule over me. Another thing, I'm tired of
letting him look down on me, just because I don't like his R&B
crap or I don't think a perverted movie is funny. Or because I
like healthy cereal and not the sweet stuff all the time. This is
probably sounding really immature and dumb. But I'd just like
to vent a little. I'm really not that upset, I just want to be free of
what he or others think of me.
We had our second to last choir rehearsal before tour today.
I don't think we have our songs down very good. I really really
hope we don't have to cut some of the good classical ones.
There's this latin one that's so pretty. And some others called,
Australian Bush Songs. I will be so disappointed if we have to
cut those for tour.
We are going to ride our bikes to school tomorrow. Hopefully
we'll manage on the busy roads alright.
Sean is leaving for school very soon. I'm very happy for him but
also very sad for me. Life will never be the same. We'll never get
back to our happy carefree childhood again. There will obviously
be good times ahead, but nothing the same.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
--->something clever<---
As I was telling Sean, God becomes so great and exciting
when you are able to separate Him from going to church or
doing the right thing. I get so tired of thinking of God in such
a legalistic way. It becomes so freeing when I remember
Him as a relationship. He's so much cooler when He's not
limited by mere Sunday school like stories.
It's also extremely freeing to have an eternal perspective.
These are some thoughts that I like to dwell on because of
the hope that it gives me.
I went to Hillsong church, the one in Hills. It is one of their
main locations. It's pretty big. It probably holds a few thousand
people. I'm not so sure about that church. Here are a few of my
complaints:
1. It seems like they are more focused on numbers and events
than real spiritual growth.
2. They don't seem to take their "message" directly from the Bible.
They seem to take their own ideas and conform the Bible around
them.
3. They put a huge emphasis on supernatural physical healing.
They said that Christ died to free us from our sins and also from
our physical ailments quoting "...by who's stripes you are healed."
I've never heard this before, and thus don't think I agree with it.
I'm certainly not denying God's power of diseases, but I don't go so
far as to say that Christ died to take them away. What's the point of
that? God could have done that without dying. Please let me know
if I'm off my rocker.
On the free shuttle to Hillsong, we met a girl from Fayetville Arkansas.
Isn't that crazy? We just happened to sit next to her. She said she
noticed our accent and decided to ask where we're from.
I've been trying to remember that God's agenda is what's important,
not mine. Especially when praying and during my quiet time. I must
listen more. But it's hard to hear Him. At least my mind tells me so.
when you are able to separate Him from going to church or
doing the right thing. I get so tired of thinking of God in such
a legalistic way. It becomes so freeing when I remember
Him as a relationship. He's so much cooler when He's not
limited by mere Sunday school like stories.
It's also extremely freeing to have an eternal perspective.
These are some thoughts that I like to dwell on because of
the hope that it gives me.
I went to Hillsong church, the one in Hills. It is one of their
main locations. It's pretty big. It probably holds a few thousand
people. I'm not so sure about that church. Here are a few of my
complaints:
1. It seems like they are more focused on numbers and events
than real spiritual growth.
2. They don't seem to take their "message" directly from the Bible.
They seem to take their own ideas and conform the Bible around
them.
3. They put a huge emphasis on supernatural physical healing.
They said that Christ died to free us from our sins and also from
our physical ailments quoting "...by who's stripes you are healed."
I've never heard this before, and thus don't think I agree with it.
I'm certainly not denying God's power of diseases, but I don't go so
far as to say that Christ died to take them away. What's the point of
that? God could have done that without dying. Please let me know
if I'm off my rocker.
On the free shuttle to Hillsong, we met a girl from Fayetville Arkansas.
Isn't that crazy? We just happened to sit next to her. She said she
noticed our accent and decided to ask where we're from.
I've been trying to remember that God's agenda is what's important,
not mine. Especially when praying and during my quiet time. I must
listen more. But it's hard to hear Him. At least my mind tells me so.
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