Two Months Later

You said:
Ask and you will receive whatever you need.
Pray and you'll hear from heaven, and I'll heal your land.
Your glory will fill the earth like water the seas.
Lift up your eyes, the harvest is here, the Kingdom is near.

Ask and I'll give the nations to you.
O Lord, that's the cry of my heart.
Distant shores and the islands will see Your light, as it rises on us.

I love the Truth in this song. The Lord so faithfully sent me to a country that He put in my heart two years ago. During that month, He connected me to people with amazing stories, adventurous hearts, and a desire to make the Kingdom known in their community.

When people ask me, "How was Australia?" I can't help but sigh and get a little sad. If only I could describe it in a sentence or two. Most people want the "It was amazing!" answer and then we move on. Or they ask "Tell me your favorite thing." Really? I've found my favorite question is, "Tell me what the Lord showed you in Australia" or "Tell me about the people." Now those are some questions I don't mind answering.

Over the summer, God tore down the walls I had up about specific denominations. I was born and raised in the Southern Baptist Church, which is where I got most of my foundation about Christianity (along with amazing guidance from my wonderful parents and older sister). It was in this church that I asked Jesus to come into my heart and was baptized at a young age. I also met a lot of my best friends at this church who I still keep up with to this day. Over the years, God has shown me that a relationship with Jesus is what He really wants for me. John 17:3 says, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." Through this realization, I have also opened my eyes to see that the denomination has nothing to do with the person's relationship with Christ. We all have our own set of rules that go along with denomination, but I see no where in the Bible a set of rules for being a Christian. We have guidelines for living like Jesus. I love the WWJD bracelets because that is truly all we need to be asking ourselves.

So I went on a trip with a group of students and adults from a Church of Christ school to join in ministry with the Church of Christ in Holland Park. I wasn't "converted" nor did I "see the light", but I did find people who have a relationship with Jesus and are serving just like the people in the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, or non-denominational churches. I saw people who challenged one another in a daily walk with Jesus and served the community with hopes of showing non-believers the love of our Savior. Denominations are just another label we put on ourselves almost like it's a sorority or a fraternity. One of my favorite memories was watching Josh (a boy in the youth group) get baptized on a Sunday morning. It was amazing to be a part of his Christian family as he professed his belief in Jesus and explained how he wanted to give his life to Christ.

As I sit here in Auburn, Alabama, I have had lots of thoughts going through my mind. Do I pursue a teaching career in Australia? What about the South, the place where I grew up and love so much? Over and over I thought about these things and basically stressed out about my future. Thankfully, God so gently asked me to surrender those anxious feelings to Him, and I have been able to do that. I know that no matter what happens in my future, my ultimate goal is to bring Him glory. I plan too much, and I am trusting God to take these plans and completely use me however He wants.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to go to Australia and grow with Him, and now I see how He is growing me back in Auburn. It's interesting to think that He is the only One who knows exactly what I did over there and what I do here, and it gives me comfort to know that He will never leave my side.

These Proverbs say it right: chapter 16 verse 9 says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps," and Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

One of my last sunsets in Australia looked strangely familiar to some of my favourite colours :) War Eagle.

Finishing This Race...

Today marks one week left in Brisbane. Nathan, Laura, and Emma left this morning on a flight home to go back to "normal" life. Yesterday, we were able to eat breakfast as a team at Jan and Arthur's home to debrief the trip. It seems like just yesterday, I was sitting at CDH having the same sort of talk with my Crossroads family. We discussed what life would be like when we got home. "Culture shock" was the term most used last summer and now it seems to be creeping up again.

This past weekend, we participated in Camp Connect at Burleigh Heads (the Gold Coast). We were able to stop at Surfer's Paradise and hang out with each other at the shops and the beach. This was also when we met the team from Harding University in Arkansas. Connect was a time to do just that, connect with other believers from all over Australia. There were people from Sydney, Melbourne, and even Tasmania. I went with little expectation of actually forming deep relationships, but came out with a new perspective on how quickly you really can form connections by just spending time with them non-stop for 48 hours. There were five times of worship and speaking throughout the weekend. Let me just stop right there. Have I mentioned that I am with a Church of Christ group? Well, they sing all acapella music, and it is gorgeous! I am blown away that even at this camp, people from all over can come together and know the songs and their parts. What a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ... everyone doing their part to make something that sounds so full and vibrant to bring praise to the Lord. After each session we broke up into small groups to discuss and pray together. I led a group of 5 ladies from age 12 to 35. I loved hearing what each one got out of the lesson and how neat it was that God specifically placed each one of us in this group. Here's a picture of our group. I am so thankful especially for Lea (standing next to me) and all her encouragement this weekend. It's amazing how God places people around you for such a short period of time and you are able to form an instant bond.



On Saturday, we all went to the beach and played a huge game of ultimate frisbee. Only a few of us stuck with it for the full 3 hours, but it was great to get to know our teams and have some fun. How often do people get to say they played Ultimate on the beach in Australia? Sunday night we went to West End--a church in the west end of town. This ministry was originally designed for university aged students and ended up with a majority of homeless people. It was great to sit and talk with some of them and hear their stories and about their talents. Afterwards, we walked to eat downtown with the group including the Aussies. We realized at dinner that we wouldn't be seeing much more of them after that night because some were helping out with Mission Moree, others had to work throughout the week, and the Tazzy guys were headed back home the next day, so we went back to the Ware's house to watch a movie. I think this was when I realized how much of an encouragement these guys were to us and that we were actually feeling appreciated for our time hanging out with them. It took me by surprise to hear that they were getting upset that we were leaving in a week too. I just thought they were used to it by now. Since then, Shuen has turned 17 and we walked to Ronya's house to help the Harding students pack up for Mission Moree, we have had another family fun dinner (picture below), and have gone to another bon fire (or "bomb" fire as Keith calls them. Not sure why that is...). Tonight we go abseiling at Kangaroo Point with Jamie Ware and tomorrow we are headed to Byron Bay to surf/snorkel.



As I sit here thinking about how much it is going to hurt to leave this place, I realize it's not the place, but the people I'm going to miss. These people who talk with the neatest accent in the world, who think that a biscuit is a cookie, who are giving with generous and hospitable hearts to a bunch of crazy/loud Americans, who are committed to get up at 6 am to go for a surf, who don't all go to university but jump right into their profession with a passion to excel in what they do, who raise their families with the love of Christ shining through not only themselves but also through their children, who think that all Americans say "yall" only because they've met so many southerners, and who love the Lord with all their heart and are surrendering their lives to His calling. I love the different ministries that we have been able to serve here with the people in a community of believers. Not only are they blessing the hearts of other believers, but they are making a different in their secular workplaces (Lea), in their schools (Shuen, James, Lin, Min, Sarah, Mike), with their neighbors (Nikki), and in their families (Lims, Cokers, Wares, Johnsons, Faulks, Leijens, Davis, O'Dells). I love how proud they are of their country, how family is tight, and how friends become family. God is doing awesome things here, and I hate to leave it when we are getting so close with the community.

Someone told the story of how someone else didn't want to leave Jesus' side and what He was doing:

"As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with Him. Jesus did not let him, but said, 'Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.' So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed." Mark 5:18-20

It's hard to put into words what the Lord has done in my heart through these people, but I am praying as I go home that I will be able to tell the story of all that He has done. It's hard to think that He would bring me here to build relationships with people that I may never see again, but I trust in His plan. I pray that I will be able to see them again and share life with them someday, but until then I will do what I'm called to do at the moment. He has placed me back in Auburn for a season to fellowship with the community He has for me there. I pray that He would use me to make a difference in the lives of those around me. May I be a light in the darkness just as these people are here.

Finger Lickin' Good - Cyril Lim

Where do I begin? I guess it's my fault since I haven't updated yall in a while. I'll try to make it brief, yet detailed. Is that possible? Let's see...

If you've checked out photos, you would know that we participated in Camp Orion. This camp is led by Jamie Ware and Nikki Coker. Their vision is to use Camp Kindilan's ropes course and instructors to bring the teams together in order to face our fears of heights and rely on each other (community) for support. The first night, I was paired with my buddy--Sarah (convenient huh?--and we started getting to know each other. I had been praying for my buddy since I heard about the idea behind Camp Orion, but I never expected for us to get along so well. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. Within the first few hours, I found out that Sarah was actually in one of the grade 11 "form" (homeroom) classes that I spoke in at Redlands College the Friday before. She was good friends with Kristy (the girl who showed me around) and had not planned on coming at all. When Nikki (her next door neighbor) came by and asked her Mom if she wanted them to come, Sarah and her brother both decided to come (this was 3 hours before camp started!). Hearing that made my heart so happy to know that God really had a plan for the week. We quickly got into a routine of reading our Bibles together at night and discussing what the Lord was showing us. It was even more neat when the speaker the next night would use the exact verse we had been discussing. Her heart was so beautiful, and I loved hearing how much she yearned to continue growing in her relationship.



We were split into two teams (sticking with our buddies) and went through heaps of low and high ropes courses over a 3 day span. Our instruction, Jemma, took us through the continuous course, the dangle, absailing, kayaking, leap of faith, and giant swing. Each day it was amazing to see our team getting closer and accepting each others strengths and weaknesses through encouragement.

At night we ate dinner together then had one-on-one time which I found very beneficial to forming a true relationship with our "buddies." Some nights Sarah and I would share our stories and cry together or we would just play cards together. Either way, it was a beautiful time to break away from the group and be real.

Then we went inside for a speaker. Nathan, Jamie and Nikki, and Lucas each shared their stories during the week. Their willingness to be vulnerable and honest was truly inspiring. It wasn't a time for someone to get up there and preach at the kids, but to simply share their stories. These stories had a common theme though--God. Some stories had a happy ending, and others didn't. I was glad to see the realness in these stories in order to give us listening a hope that not everyone has it together. Some stories God has wrapped up nicely, while others He is still working on. One thing I learned was that God's timing is perfect. There's no need to rush anything because He is orchestrating together a beautiful story that ultimately will bring glory to Him. Also I remember hearing that, "God is good. Sometimes He's not fun, but He's always good."

We ended out the week with a bonfire where I taught the Aussies how to make s'mores. Poor things don't even have graham crackers and their marshmallows are weird. Luckily, I was tipped off to bring some with me from the States.



There's just something about a fire that brings filling conversation. I loved sitting around the fire until 2 am talking with one of my teammates about life and an Aussie about what God has taught him through the years.

I had heard that Camp Orion was a staple to the trip, but I had no idea it would mean so much to spend time with my teammates and meet new people. I loved building relationships and hanging out with all sorts of people. I loved sitting around the table with Jamie, Nikki, and Brittany (former Florida basketball player) talking about ministry and other random things. I loved getting to know the youth in the community and how they are connected to the people who were there to support them. I am excited to keep up with them here in Australia and even after we are gone. Here's a picture of the Gator and the Tiger who met in Australia... proof that God provides community wherever you go.



We came home from camp and immediately went to a rugby game. Intense is all I can say. I enjoyed sitting next to an Aussie who explained everything I asked, even the question of "Who are the guys in pink?" (the refs). The next day we went to the zoo where most of us held a koala and some of us even held a snake. We also got to see the Irwin family put on a croc show! Talk about an Australian experience. Here's a picture of me feeding a kangaroo/wallaby. Not sure which it is because we saw both.



We went to the Glass House Mountains to watch the sunrise and ran into some Asian tourists who wanted a picture with me and Anastasia because we had our faces painted.

Lucas spoke at church taking what we know about Jesus and sharing it with others. Then we went to another picnic with our church at Wellington Point. It was a beautiful day, and it was the 4th of July! As I thought about the fact that at that moment, fireworks were being set off back home (because they celebrated on the 3rd), I knew this was where God wanted me to be. I missed the fireworks and such, but being in such a tight-knit community was just want I needed. We even started up a friendly game of American football with a mixture of Aussies and Americans. We ended the day with a surprise party for Lucas and a trip to the cinemas to see ECLIPSE! There is even talk about seeing it again already... the movies are so cheap here you just can't help it!

HBS has come and gone now as well. The theme was LOVE. We talked about how love forgives with the story of Joseph, how Jesus was and still is love, and how love serves others. We made coats of many colors, salvation bracelets, and washed the kids feet on the last day just as Jesus did with His disciples. Overall, I loved hearing the kids sing songs in the morning with Nathan and Anastasia leading them, watching them run around with Swinea, and make crafts each day that they were so proud to show their parents. I heard of at least two kids sharing with their parents, in detail, what they learned about each day. Mike Shepherd (the Redlands College chaplain) said that his son, Cambridge tried to share the Gospel with him as if he didn't know what the colors on the bracelet meant. I love how bold kids are! We finished up with a sausage sizzle the last day to bring all the families together, and it was great. We had a total of about 50 kids (including the teens which Lucas headed up). I felt at peace throughout each day. I can see how God moved and was able to use us to be His hands and feet. Now I pray for the relationships to continue growing as we wind down the trip. Here's a picture of why I want to be a teacher one day...



I am still enjoying time with my host family, but also the other families that are opening up their homes to feed us. We have had two family fun dinners where we switch families and get to know another one from the community. This past week we ate with Christina and Dirk, and I asked them for the most Australian meal they could think of... meat pie was the answer. Not just that, but mashed potatoes, mushed peas, and pumpkin. The pie was great, the peas is another story... but I really enjoyed the atmosphere of community and fun. Dirk even put on John Williams for us (an famous Australian country singer), and when the national anthem came on we all stopped, turned it up, and started the song over.

And of course, we had to celebrate the 4th. So on the 6th of July, we went to the Bunt's house for their annual Bunt Family Feast which included steak, chicken, sausage, kangaroo, and crocodile. Yes, I tried them all! Michelle made 3 different cheesecakes and a marange of sorts for dessert. Yes, I tried them all :) We ended the night by watching Independence Day. It was fun hanging out with our American family (the team) in Australia.

That's a little catch-up for ya. God is at work for sure, and I am anxious to see what else He has to show me. I am praying for the relationships He has brought and asking that my eyes be opened to see the needs of those around me. Easier said than done, I know that full well. With God all things are possible.

Love from tomorrow.

Aussie Vocabulary:
Potato Gems = tater tots
Trolley = buggy/shopping cart
Smash = car crash
Bogan = Aussie red neck
Fair dinkham = true
Hache = the letter “h”
Zed = the letter “z”
Far out = no way... yes they actually say that here and it's awesome
Toilets have a half flush and a full flush… you do the math.

Out Of The Cup, But Still Loving It

Monday we left for Beaudesert or as the Aussie's call it... the bush... for our team retreat. It was a great time of fellowship and planning. It was so nice to see the Australian outback and all the cattle. I mean, I thought I saw a lot of cows in my life, but this does not even compare. We also had time set aside for quiet time with the Lord. Man, it was good. I read Jeremiah 29:11 and decided to read around it for context. I loved how the Lord was promising His people to bring them back to the place where He originally took them. Now, I'm not saying I feel banished to Australia, but I do feel that God took me away for a month for a reason, and He will bring me back to the place He took m e from. Now, I am praying with an expectant heart that He would fulfill His plans for me this summer. They are not to harm me, but to prosper. I am promising to seek Him with all my heart so that I can find Him. I also loved the reminder that He is the vine and I am the branch, and my ultimate goal is to bear fruit. I know full well that fruit does not grow unless it is being nourished, so I am choosing to remain in the One who gives nourishment.



Tuesday and Wednesday we were able to keep the kids at church while their parents attended Chris' midweek Bible study at Holland Park. This is a big deal because they don't normally provide child care, which we found out last Sunday sitting in the service with kids running around. It was nice to give the parents a chance to really listen and soak up the story of Exodus as Chris is presenting with "The Road Trip" series.

Thursday was our day trip to the city! It was full of adventures starting off with two of our guys and our Kiwi friend running onto the train with 30 seconds to spare (without a ticket, might I add). We went to Queenstreet Mall downtown which is much different than our malls in America. The city was very busy and we enjoyed being as touristy as possible. The only places we bought things were from the Australian souvenir shops. I got a socceroo jersey that I am pumped to wear even though they are out of the World Cup. We rode the CityCat (water taxi) and went to Kangaroo Point to watch the sunset behind the city.



Friday was AWESOME. We went to Redlands College (the grades 1-12 private school) and plugged Camp Orion and Camp Connect (two camps coming up) in the homerooms. They split us up so that we talked to two "form" (homeroom) classes about ourselves and the camps. I was paired with a grade 11 girl named Kristy to speak to two grade 11 classes. The first class was great. I couldn't believe that they were able to sit on the tables and chat as much as they did, but I think their teacher was just a chill guy. They were very interested in my accent and if I was related to Chris Daughtry, of course. I loved asking them questions too. I kept telling them how much I felt that I was in an Australian Hogwarts because they all wore uniforms and the feel of the school just felt like a place Harry would go to school. When I said this, a redheaded guy said, "Well I guess I'm Ron." Ha. He later called me Hermione just to go along. It was the best. As if it could get any better, I got to follow Kristy around for the morning and she told me all about her school and introduced me to her friends. She was a part of the SALT leadership team at Redlands (sound familiar PTC people?). I can really see how God is going to use her in her school. And then we went to a few different assemblies, one of which being the announcement of the HOUSE CUP! Yes, they are split into 4 houses, can you believe it? Her house won for the sports carnival they held the day before. They didn't have a big feast, but it was close enough. I loved the school and seeing all the kids in their uniforms. I wanted to take pictures, but I didn't want to be creepy. Had to keep my cool, ya know.

We went back to Wellington Point to plan for KidzDay and some of us walked to an island.



Friday night was "Family Fun Night" where we go to another family's house for dinner. Steffani, Leslie, Nikki, Swinea, and I went to the Johnson's house. Andrew and Danielle just moved to Brisbane from up north with their three kids Laura, Harry, and William (yes... like the royals). They were GREAT! I loved the fellowship and the food. We talked about all the places they had visited in the North America including Atlanta, Kelowna, Calgary, and Edmonton! Small world huh. Andrew was really curious about our chosen majors and what we might do with them. He was the headmaster at a private school up north and now he works with more schools down here, so you can imagine that we talked about the school systems a bit.

Today was KidzDay where we watched the kids from 9-3 while their parents listened to more teaching from Chris. Tonight we rest and hang out with our host families to prepare for Camp Orion which starts tomorrow! Pray with me for my buddy and our relationship. I pray that God will shine through me and that He would get all the glory.

More Aussie vocabulary:
Dodgey = sketchy
Brekky = breakfast
Sweet as = great... but it throws you off when they say it at the end of a sentence. With their accent it sounds like something else.
Kiwi = a person from New Zealand

Jet Lag Will Get You Up At 5:30 am Ready To Start The Day

We are in AUSTRALIA! At a picnic yesterday, I couldn't believe that I was sitting on a different continent. We literally flew over the entire Pacific Ocean to get here. That's amazing. I love how intentional God is with placing specific people around us at His perfect time. Even on the plane, I sat with people I loved getting to know and share life stories with. I sat between a sweet couple from Wisconsin traveling with their two daughters in which one of them just published a book and is touring in Australia for two weeks. I loved hearing how proud they were and how much they loved spending time together. Behind me sat a 23-year-old guy from Brisbane who told me and Nikki where all to go while we were here. He also eased us into the sarcasm of the Australian people by making fun of me for watching Disney Channel and How to Train Your Dragon on the plane.

The Lim family is wonderful! Cyril (Dad), Dee (Mom), Shuen (16), Lin (grade 8), and Min (grade 3) welcomed us into their home for the next month. I love each one of them already. The girls speak with an Australian accent because they grew up here while Cyril and Dee are originally from Singapore. They love teaching us about their culture and making fun of me when I try to speak with an Australian accent. Lin says I sound British.



We went to Wellington Point the other day for a picnic. Here's a picture of the girls, Steffani (my roommate), and me on the pier.



We are slowly but surely being introduced to the church family of Holland Park and will continue to hang out with them as camps come and go. I have met two people from Alabama! Ronya is from Florence, AL, married an Australian (Brad), and now lives up the street from the Lim's with their son, Orion. I can't wait to have some sweet tea with them and hear their story.

Fun facts about Australia:

Way out = exit
Give way = yield
Gents = men
Socceroos = Australian soccer players. They are really proud of their socceroos regardless of that "hand ball" against Ghana.
Heaps = a lot
Toilet = bathroom
Take away = take out/to go
Uni = University/4-year College

They drive on the LEFT SIDE of the road. And the driver is on the right side of the car.

They watch American television, but the commercials are Australian.

Supposedly koalas will climb across the electrical wires over the road. I'm still waiting to see one.

Leavin' On A Jetplane...

Sitting here in the LA airport waiting for my team to arrive. The internet doesn’t work, so by the time I post this, I will be in Brisbane. Nevertheless, I want to put some thoughts down.

I’m listening to “Always” by Hillsong United... How appropriate, right? (They are from Australia). Here are the lyrics:

“Did You rise the sun for me
Or paint a million stars that I might know Your majesty?
Is Your voice upon the wind
Is everything I know marked with my Maker’s fingerprints?

Breathe on me. Let me see Your face.
Ever I will seek You.

Cuz all You are is all I want always
Draw me close in Your arms
Oh God, I want to be with You.

Can I feel You in the rain?
Abandon all I am to have You capture me again.
Let the Earth resound with praise.
Can You hear as all creation lives to glorify One Name?”

This is my prayer. Right now. As I sit with a journey ahead of me that I cannot even comprehend. I am amazed that He would rise the sun for us, His children, so that we might know His majesty. I love the idea of His voice being in the wind. I pray that I will hear His voice so clearly this summer. My heart’s desire is that He would take me to this foreign country to romance me and bring out all the gifts He has given so that I may serve Him wholeheartedly. I want to be broken, challenged, grown, and loved by my Maker. I know that He will draw me close in His arms. I hope to feel Him in the rain, in the waves, and even in the stillness of the day. Mainly, I want to be with Him. I crave this attention from Him so that I might be overflowing with love to share.

I read this morning in Romans 8 that we are more than conquerors. “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (v.20) I know that God may put us in the path of frustrated people because this world is broken. My prayer is that they would be brought out of that bondage and into freedom! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose… If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v.28,31) I am trusting Him to make all things work together for His glory and my good, whatever that may be.

Waiting with an expectant heart for good things. I can feel Him moving already.

Think Australian. Live Adventurous.

If you are a fan of Outback Steakhouse, you might recognize this saying. With a little persuasion from my wonderful sister, I "borrowed" a coaster from an Outback last summer that said this on it. We did this because I loved the idea of Australia one day, and I decided to let it be my inspiration. Well, yesterday I started going through the clutter that is my room, and I found the coaster. On the back I wrote this verse:

"and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.'" Acts 17:26-28

WOW! How amazing that this time last summer, the Lord laid this verse on my heart to strengthen my faith and confidence in His plan. And now, 15 days until I leave for Australia, He is taking me to the very place I had on my heart last summer. He is so good.

I also read this verse to a friend the other night, and I think it goes very well with the situation at hand.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

In my heart, I had planned to go to Australia for my internship last semester, but the Lord obviously had different plans for my steps. I am so thankful for His continued protection and faithfulness. My ultimate goal is to bring Him the most glory, and it looks like this trip is exactly what He had planned.

As June 17 approaches, I find myself planning for HBS (Holiday Bible School) and receiving more information about my host family and flight itinerary. Pray with me as I talk with my team over the phone/email to relay information back and forth. I want to make sure we do HBS with excellence, and that means we need to get planning now (even though it is the 3rd week we are there). Continue to pray for the hearts of Australians we will meet and relationships we will build. It's all for Him.

P.S. Keep wearing your shirts and share with us (post on Facebook).