Camp

I've been at a camp since Thursday. We had a really good time. I wasn't
sure what to expect. There was the usual "sessions" with a speaker and
worship. It was all pretty good. Except, I'm not sure about some of
what the speaker said. He talked a lot about unity in Christ and how we
shouldn't split or get worked up about "little issues." To an extent I
think it was a good and appropriate message.

However when he started talking about music I think he was too
simplistic, as a lot of our friends in the liberal church movement tend
to do. Basically people like him acknowledge the powerful positive
influence of music while denying it's potential negative influence.

I hung out with Derrick a lot there. He's such a great guy. He's always
trying to do what is right and seems to be free of other people's
opinion's. I guess that's what I admire the most about him. He can just
be himself around anyone.

There were envelopes for everyone at the camp in which people could
write notes of encouragement or whatever to anyone, without necessarily
signing it. So I got a couple notes. I'm almost positive one of them
was from Derrick. The other...I could guess but I'm not sure. meh.

The first night Darren and Gavin and this other Ausie guy named
Jonathan were all in a room. (The place was pretty nice by the way). So
Jonathan's a larger guy. He snores really really loud and obnoxiously.
It's hard to explain. You kinda have to here it. He'll like pause for
maybe ten seconds and than gasp for air. It's a horrid sound. So anyway
none of us (besides Jonathan) got much sleep that night. We switched
rooms the second night. I hope Jonathan wasn't offended. We tried to
talk with him about it but he wouldn't really listen. He's kind of one
of those oblivious guys.

We had such great weather. And just being with friends the whole time
was so great. It's so cool because I feel like we all know each other
and bond well. Like one big family.

I sat next to Emily on the way down. She's cool. We talked heaps (as
the Ausie's would say). I really enjoyed it. For some reason she
reminds me of Bonnie (my Aunt) when she was young. I'm not really sure
why. Just something about the way she looks and the way I picture
Bonnie as a youth.

Tonight Darren, eight girls, and I all went to a little cafe/ice cream
place near our house. It was really fun. I thought there'd be more
guys. But oh well. Afterwards, Cassie and Heather came over to our
house and we played ping-pong while waiting for their bus to arrive.
That was great fun too.

These females are all good friends. Nothing more.

A Post

Yesterday I got in too late to post a new blog. Darren and a bunch of
other ASC people including Derrick, Emily, Melissa, Cassie and Heather
all went to the city. It was pretty fun. We all met at the Town Hall
steps and walked around the city, spending most of our time getting to
places. But I guess that's half the fun. We went to a coffee shop like
Star-bucks where I got a cappuccino. It was very good especially sense
it was pretty cold out.

I had a good chat with Derrick about many things. This will probably
sound dumb, but we talked about our confidence in life, when we have
it, when we feel insecure. It was very good to know that somebody else
has the same type of feelings I do. It's so amazing how we all try to
make it look like we have it all together when in reality none of us
do. And everyone thinks he's the only one with the problem. I know it's
been said before, but it's very true.

I talked a little with Melissa too. She's a nice girl but I'm not
really interested in her if you know what I mean. I hope she doesn't
like me. That would just be awkward.

At about 11:30 most of the group had gone home. But there were about 6
left including me. We went back to check what time the last train left.
There was still a bunch of time so they all wanted to go back out to
the city. I guess to go to a club or pub. I didn't feel comfortable
doing that so decided to try to make my way home by myself. They seemed
to be fine with that and didn't look down on me for it or anything. I
was very thankful for that.

On the way home on the train there was this guy who I think was
Sciztofrinick. I have no idea how to spell that. He was sitting by
himself talking and yelling at someone (who was no one) across the car.
It was scary but at least there were other people in the car. He kept
cursing and saying bizarre, gross things over and over. I finally
arrived at my destination.

I started a class called The Christian Artist in the Industry. It looks
like it'll be a breeze. The teacher is really animated. It's pretty
entertaining.

I'm going to a "Spiritual Emphasis " camp today. I'm kind of looking
forward to it because I'll get to hang out with friends all day (I
think). Also I feel like I haven't had much spiritual instruction and
therefore growth lately. I think it'll be refreshing.

Classes, Busses, Career

This one might not be as long. I'm pretty tired, even though it's only 10:30. I never take naps anymore so I get tired early. But it's kind of nice because than I can get up fairly easily in the morning.

Today was good. My Theology class looks like it will be good. A lot of potential learning. Same with with my Video Production class. They don't really look like that much work. I mean it'll be work but nothing unbearable like some classes.

I had to use the busses again today. It's kind of a long story and one that doesn't really matter. But basically I had some classes at odd times so I wanted to come home early and leave again. As a result I had to use some busses that I don't normally take because it doesn't come in the middle of the day. Anyway it was kind of another adventure. A little worrisome at times but it added to my confidence and trust in God.

I didn't count on so much traffic when I left for my evening class. So I was about 12 minutes late. I'll make it next time. I felt bad because this school has a VERY strict attendance/punctuality policy.

I got an email from Michelle today. It was really great. I enjoyed it. I love her so.

During my Video Editing class I started day dreaming about the path I'm on in school and whether this is really what I want to be doing with the rest of my life. I'm starting to realize my lack of passion for this field. Which I think is very important in deciding a career. The problem is I don't have a passion for much, at least not stuff that will make me money. Don't get me wrong, this field can still be fun. And I don't plan on copping out on this major. Sometimes I can picture myself doing media type stuff but really only with cool people. That's like the only way I could do anything and have passion. People are what make life meaningful. People and God. It's all about relationships.

Anyway, I just need to get with a/some/a group of people that I enjoy being with and do something with them (most anything really) that can be counted as a career.

Sorry if I'm confusing or depressing.

Clare de Lune is heavenly. Give it a listen sometime.

OK so it's not possible for me to type a short blog entry. Have a good day.

Reality Sets in a Bit

Today I experienced a little bit more of what I think
the rest of the semester here will be like. In other
words, I experienced a little of "the honeymoon's
over" syndrome. It's not like it was a bad day, it
just wasn't as glamorous as the weekend has been.

Darren and I took the L03 to school. It's nice because
it stops right outside our house and goes pretty close
to the Wesley Institute. But today was different than
it will be (at least I hope) in that we over shot our
destination by a few stops. So we walked about a mile
or so back to the school. It was all good though
because we gave ourselves enough time to make errors
like that. Man Darren walks fast!. I was pretty tired
by the time we got back. My first class went well. Not
really much to it. Just a lot of sitting and
listening. But it was cool because it was a class that
the ASC students have to take, so we knew each other.

Today after class, a bunch of us needed some stuff
from the store so we went to Target together. I needed
an alarm clock. Once again it was a pretty fun time
being Mr. Independent and getting to know others by
sharing experiences with them.

Afterwards I wanted to go back home and everyone else
I guess had another class so they went back to the
school. I decided to be brave and try to find my way
back home. When I initially separated from the group I
was being all self confident and stuff, but later I
realized that that probably wasn't the wisest
decision. I was slightly worried but not overly. I
think I'm somewhat becoming more confident in God by
becoming more self confident. That might sound weird,
but for me I think it's a plus to be more self
confident as I view myself as lacking in that area.

Anyway, after asking a few people I found my way home.
It was such a great feeling. I was proud of myself.
I'm realizing more and more that what my wise father
has said many times is true. And that is that we're
all pretty much in the same boat. People will help you
out along the way if you just ask. Do you're best,
that's all.

Nothing really notable happened for the rest of the
day.

I forgot to mention something yesterday. You know that
part on the Matrix where Neo walks past that lady in
the red dress in the Matrix? Well, I saw right were
that was filmed. Kinda cool. Also, the highway chase
seen in the second Matrix film was filmed right
outside Sydney. They apparently built a strip of
highway just for the movie. And I'm told it's still
there not being used. Maybe I'll get to see it sometime.



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Connectivity

Today was day number three. It's Sunday. We didn't go to church this morning because we were supposed to meet the rest of the ASC group at Town Hall. So Darren and I got up and braved the public transportation for the first time. It was kinda scary but also exciting. After some confusion we eventually made it to our destination. We were fortunate in that we figured out which train to get on about two minutes before it came. At the train station at our destination we met up with Cassie and some other girl whom I can't remember the name of. We were both early so we decided to walk around downtown and get some lunch. It was so fun to walk and talk. All the students are so nice here. They'll just like come up to you and start talking to you.

Anyway after that we all met at a park which was beautiful. I know none of this is going to seem that great the way I'm telling it. But I don't really know how else to describe it all. It's just such an amazing experience. It's the combination of being in Sydney and being with such cool people.

We split up into three groups and went of a tour of Sydney. Mostly by foot. These were led by people at the Wesley Institute. Our leader was Abe. He's so funny. He's kinda immature but he's funny because of it. Until it gets old. Anyway, he showed us all the pubs and bars he likes to hang out at at night. I know it sounds bad. I thought so too, at first. But to the Ausies, drinking is a much more socially exceptable past time. It's not always associated with low lifers like it might be in the US. Don't worry I don't plan on drinking.

Anyway we saw the Opra houses up close today. And we just walked all around the city. What was the greatest though, was walking and talking and getting to know people more. LIke this one girl named Mellissa just came up to me while we were walking and started talking to me. It's not like I had the hots for her (though she wasn't bad). It was just such a great experience. We talked about all sorts of stuff about each other. Don't worry, I'm not getting emotionally attached to her. That's just how it is here. Connectivity is at it's highest. And it's awesome.

What added to the greatness of the whole thing was that we were walking in downtown Sydney! Surrounded by tall buildings, busy people and traffic, walking fast. It's hard to explain.

I've gotten to know a guy named Derrick pretty well. He's a great guy. I really admire him. I'm not sure why. The first time I saw him at the airport he seemed to be the type of guy that is really cool and would never befriend me. But he did. He's such a thinker. He's from southern California. He seems like a cool surfer guy you know? Anyway, like the first day we met, at the airport, he was just like asking me all these questions about me. Even like some deep questions like when I became a Christian. But it wasn't like he was annoying. I don't know, it's just hard to explain. But I really enjoyed/enjoy talking with him. I always kinda thought you know, he wouldn't really want to hang around me much but he always walks with me and is nice. A good friendship has started.

By the way, despite what my blog says, the last two posts were written on the 23, and the 24 of July, 2004.

Homestay Arrival

Yesterday was one of the longest days of my life. I got I only slept for maybe a few hours on the plain (at least that's what it seemed like). Neither the school nor the people at the school are quite what I had imagined. To be blunt, it's not as glamorous as I thought. But that's fine, it's a nice little school and the people are extremely nice. They have very strict attendence policies. Like if you miss more than you're allowed you flunk the class. This has apparently even happened to a couple ASC students last year.

Catherine Gail, whom I had been emailing about my classes and such, was nothing close to who I had imagined in my minds eye. I had pictured a nice middle aged woman when in reality she is about my age.

I can tell this group is going to be great to get to know. I already feel like I've gotten to know some of the guys and even girls pretty well. And I've only known them for one day (one very long day). It will be great to get to know them even better as the days go on. Especially some of the girls if you know what I mean.

My worries with Darren have seem to gone away. All day we haven't really talked much and I was worried maybe he was sort of avoiding me. But as it turns out it was all in my head. When we met Wendy (our hostess) he seemed to be very excited and not in the least bit upset at me.

When we first met Wendy Darren and I were both very excited. I can't really explain it. I guess we realized how great of an opportunity this was. Wendy is as nice as can be. Jon, her son, is also nice. He seems like kind of a nerd because he plays computer games a lot and apparently doesn't get out much. But hey, what's wrong with that?

Traveling to Australia

I'm on the plane to Australia as I'm typing this. Many things have taken place since my last entry. The more notable things only since the start of this trip.

Yes it was sad to see my family walk away as I sat in the airport. But I was too excited for it to really sink in. I think a time will come soon when I will realize how sad it really is to be away from my family for four months.

One of the first surprises I encountered was at the KC airport when I was asked to remove my shoes as they post a metal detector wand all over my body. I didn't exactly expect this. I knew security had been bumped up from when I had last flown but I just didn't expect that.

An interesting thing happened on the flight from KC to LA. There was a man who I believe was in the military sitting in front of me . The gentleman sitting next to him found this out early in the flight and was very friendly and nice to the military man. He offered his news paper to him and even offered to pay for the in-flight television for the man. Granted it was only $5 but it was heart warming to me for some reason. I've heard of other things that happen to the personnel in the military as they come home. LIke cheering and giving up their first class seats for them. I think this is great. Not only does it show our appreciation for their service but it also I think helps to bring us as a nation together.

Everything went fairly smooth once in LA. I had to ask around a few times to get to the right Qantas check-in counter. I never really felt scared and always had a good amount of confidence. I have God to thank for that. And my Dad for praying for me. I'm so grateful for my Dad's interest in my life as shown by his support in many different ways.

I don't want this blog to be just a list of things that happened in my life. I will try to put more of my feelings in it which is, I think, what will be truly interesting for you and me later.

A rather discouraging moment so far in this trip was when I realized that my friend whom I had requested to stay with in Australia, wasn't so excited about staying with me because he apparently wanted to get to know other people. I'm not really upset about it or anything, I'm just kind of disappointed.

Australia and Apple

It's Saturday. Next Wednesday I'm leaving for Australia.
I'll admit it's kind of a scary thing to be away from home,
away from all I know and am comfortable around.
Especially for such a long time. I do know Darren though.
He's a friend from JBU. I'm so thankful that he can be
my roomate.

For a while now I've felt some dread (but not dread,
that's too strong of a word) about leaving. However I was
thinking that I would much rather be going to Australia
than back to JBU. I've also come to realize how great of
an opportunity I have. Probably a once-in-a-life-time
trip. Anyway, that has made me appreciate and even
become more excited about.

I ordered my PowerBook on Wednesday, and I'll be
picking it up today. I don't know why but I've been
feeling so guilty about getting. I ended up spending a
lot more on it than I had intended because of taxes and
other stuff I "had" to get. I guess the main reason I feel
bad is because it's right before this trip and I don't have
a whole lot of money left. sigh. Oh well, it's done now.