Hi Everyone,
I just realized, that I haven't given my new address out, so I better get on the ball and share it now while I can.
OK, so I know it's not exactly the best time to share the new address out, now that most people may have sent Christmas Cards to my old address, but later is better than never. Also, for those that have sent me mail to my old address, I do keep in touch and visit my old place now and then, and can pick up my mail from there too.
Paul Ross
18 Coorumbene Court (Ct)
Bella Vista, Sydney
N.S.W., Australia
Postal Code: 2153
Thanks for reading, and keeping up to date so far, the year 2007 has been nothing short of incredible, and I can only imagine and look forward to what 2008 will offer!
Remember that next month, from January 2nd, till January 15th, I'll be in another part of Australia, and I should have pictures and videos to share with everyone by that time. Thanks again for keeping updated, and for caring to read my blogs thus far, the adventure thus far has been one I'm very glad to have shared it with so many loved ones.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Season's greetings to all, and may the best wishes of the New Year come true.
I'm excited to have experienced Christmas over-seas in Australia, but I will admit, it has been an interesting Christmas to experience without the usual friends and loving family that I would have shared it with from those back home in Canada. My love and best wishes go out to all of you back home, and to enjoy the holidays, to grow closer to each other during this festive and Joyous time of year. All the children are getting ready to open gifts soon, and the parents anticipate the lit up faces they'll have in the morning. The snow outside must be quite the blessing to be comforted by the warm fires inside and the welcoming hearts of family as they dine together in fellowship of Christ's birth. Wow, I really miss home right now. That's OK, I'll have plenty of Christmases again in my future when I return in many years from now. All the more to appreciate them for when I return.
Well, my day ahead of me will be spending Christmas dinner at one of the College leader's house, with several students that have stayed here in Australia over the break. Though we miss our families back home, we have made our own culture of family over the Christmas season, of friends from all over the world. Many with different traditions to others, and different experiences and stories to tell from previous Christmas events from growing up.
I'm not sure if many people back home knew this, but for the past four days I've come down with a bit of a soar throat and a cold that has congested my chest. Its not exactly the best time to have a cold, while it is after all summer here in Australia, but in some cases it was almost needed for me to slow down. I did have the chance to participate in the Hillsong 2007 Christmas Spectacular with mic setups, but as for the last few shows, I couldn't help out, due to bed ridden sickness. It was most unfortunate, but the rest was well worth it. As of right now, I'm feeling much better, and hoping the sickness will have been fully healed by tomorrow morning, and will prepare for the next few days of potential work and preparation for a trip.
I've been offered a trip to visit Brisbane Australia, driving Pastor Phil Dooley's car through the Gold Coast, to drop his car off at the Brisbane Airport, and visit another College friend from Hillsong who lives there. So if you haven't noticed, my videos and photos have been very low recently, but soon that will all change, for another adventure is in the making for everyone back home to see. The trip will be completely covered from basically the hand of God blessing me with favor. Its an interesting story, but I'll fill in the details if anyone would like to ask.
So for now, I'm off to the Christmas dinner and wish all a Merry Christmas again, and be a great blessing to all you meet over these joyful holidays.
I'm excited to have experienced Christmas over-seas in Australia, but I will admit, it has been an interesting Christmas to experience without the usual friends and loving family that I would have shared it with from those back home in Canada. My love and best wishes go out to all of you back home, and to enjoy the holidays, to grow closer to each other during this festive and Joyous time of year. All the children are getting ready to open gifts soon, and the parents anticipate the lit up faces they'll have in the morning. The snow outside must be quite the blessing to be comforted by the warm fires inside and the welcoming hearts of family as they dine together in fellowship of Christ's birth. Wow, I really miss home right now. That's OK, I'll have plenty of Christmases again in my future when I return in many years from now. All the more to appreciate them for when I return.
Well, my day ahead of me will be spending Christmas dinner at one of the College leader's house, with several students that have stayed here in Australia over the break. Though we miss our families back home, we have made our own culture of family over the Christmas season, of friends from all over the world. Many with different traditions to others, and different experiences and stories to tell from previous Christmas events from growing up.
I'm not sure if many people back home knew this, but for the past four days I've come down with a bit of a soar throat and a cold that has congested my chest. Its not exactly the best time to have a cold, while it is after all summer here in Australia, but in some cases it was almost needed for me to slow down. I did have the chance to participate in the Hillsong 2007 Christmas Spectacular with mic setups, but as for the last few shows, I couldn't help out, due to bed ridden sickness. It was most unfortunate, but the rest was well worth it. As of right now, I'm feeling much better, and hoping the sickness will have been fully healed by tomorrow morning, and will prepare for the next few days of potential work and preparation for a trip.
I've been offered a trip to visit Brisbane Australia, driving Pastor Phil Dooley's car through the Gold Coast, to drop his car off at the Brisbane Airport, and visit another College friend from Hillsong who lives there. So if you haven't noticed, my videos and photos have been very low recently, but soon that will all change, for another adventure is in the making for everyone back home to see. The trip will be completely covered from basically the hand of God blessing me with favor. Its an interesting story, but I'll fill in the details if anyone would like to ask.
So for now, I'm off to the Christmas dinner and wish all a Merry Christmas again, and be a great blessing to all you meet over these joyful holidays.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Season's Update & Prelude
Season's Greetings to all!
Merry Christmas everybody, I'm sure in Canada it definitely feels like the Holidays are in full tilt with one week left to Christmas day, but I can honestly tell you that it doesn't really feel like Christmas in my end of the world. It has been an interesting past month since my last post, so I'll share my details as best I can.
Immediately after my birthday message on this very blog site, I had the busiest week of work I've experienced here in the land of Oz. I worked off a ten hour shift on a Saturday, went to a busy Sunday church service, then went full gear again on Monday with an eleven hour shift, and had two more days worth 13 hours combined. It was a blessed week, but I have to admit that the taxes on students in Oz aren't as friendly as they should be!
After the busy stretch passed, it was moving time for me to the new house. All my previous American house mates had shared a car three ways, and they were all back home in America for the Christmas break, so they allowed me to use their car as a blessing to help me move my belongings to the new house. The unfortunate part of this move was that moments before the car was fully packed, we had some interesting weather patterns strike up, and experienced all four season in 20 minutes time. It was extremely sunny, hot, and muggy one minute, the next minute it started to cool down rapidly, than winds started picking up violently, and large flashes of lightning followed with extremely loud cracks of thunder following shortly after each flash. It immediately started to rain, from literally nothing to all out flood rains. It was then followed by small bits of hail, randomly falling, down to golf ball size hail falling frequently, then to almost baseball sized hail falling rapidly. It then completely stopped all together, and became sunny again as though nothing happened. After that experience I was lucky enough to have the car parked inside the garage, protected from the randomness of the weird weather. The worst part of this weather wasn't the weather itself, but the aftermath of the weather. It left large "gum trees" and palm trees in pieces all over streets and downed power-lines for blocks near the Old Northern housing, right next to the main mall of the "Towers." Castle Towers is the name of the mall in Castle Hill where I used to live. So with that being said, I had to drive to the new house. It normally takes me 10 minutes to drive from Old Northern rd to the Hillsong area or Bella Vista (where I live now), but because of the traffic lights being down, and the police directing traffic as best they could, it took me over 50 minutes to get from Old Northern rd, to Bella Vista. The lesson learned for the day was definitely "patience."
The next week following is the experiences I've had here in the new house with the new house mates in Bella Vista. I have to say, that God led me to this house as a stretching point for me, to learn and grow. The truth is that He was right on the money about the growing experience! The guys I'm living with in this new house are great men of integrity and great men of God. We're all on the same page, we love life and share many things in common. On the plus side, I'm living with another Canadian from Ontario, and he has a great Canadian sense of humor that we as Canadians can truly enjoy and laugh about.
Next on the agenda of news would be the Hillsong Christmas Spectacular. Its a long title for the word "play." Anyways, Hillsong hosts this amazing production of a Christmas play that really is driven by excellence and has amazing theatricals and great everything really. I was involved with their setup in the City campus for a good 14 hours of volunteered work, and then on the performing night of the play, I helped one of my house mates with mic setups for all the main stars of the play, and switch ups with packs and communications during the Spec. It was a huge hit, and on the Sunday afternoon spec, Hugh Jackman, who was the lead actor in all three "X-Men" movies as Wolverine, was in the audience of the Christmas Spec and had a great time. It was really awesome to be part of the Spectacular, and I'm hoping for next weekend, that I'll be able to video tape a bit of myself in action working behind the scenes of the Christmas spec for all you lovely friends and family members back home. The Christmas Spectacular was a hit in the City campus, and now for next weekend, we'll perform it again in the Hills campus for its finale. It was definitely a blast working behind the scenes during the Spec, they provided us all with great food and kept us hydrated and "well groomed" so to speak during the production and action of the Spec. So thank God for those amazing blessings courtesy of Hillsong Church!
As for the end of this post, is to share my struggles in finances for this coming stretch of the 4 months ahead of me. I'm currently on my break working one job as much as I can, and am in search for job number 2 to help my end of year one at Hillsong International Leadership College. I would ask that as many people as possible that reads this very message would please pray on my behalf for finances to help my well being here in Australia. I'm not asking for donations, I'm asking for the faith of many people to unite and help trust in God's providing hand in my life for this time I have here. This past month has been a bit of a struggle, and the truth is that I have been too proud to admit it. Though I completely have faith in God over this situation, I still have worries about finances during my time of studies. Its an interesting balancing act, but I pray that I have the strength to not only carry on, but finish extremely well, and leave Australia in the right timing with no regrets.
I also would like to express how interesting it is to have this Christmas season as the first of many things. They include a Christmas without snow and friends and family. Though I will experience Christmas with great friends here in Australia, but without family is a big adjustment to the norm. I'm left with thoughts of well wishes over the holidays to everyone back home in Canada, with warm houses and love of Christ and family and friends in the air. Please remember the reason you celebrate the Christmas season, it was never intended to be a time off of work, but for generations and generations, it has always been a time to reflect why you celebrate this season. The birth of Christ is so crucial, that it even rests the soul reason why I'm in a foreign country. Do not forget, please, as my final request for this post, and to remain faithful in the Christmas spirit, with or without family and friends.
Love,
Paul
Merry Christmas everybody, I'm sure in Canada it definitely feels like the Holidays are in full tilt with one week left to Christmas day, but I can honestly tell you that it doesn't really feel like Christmas in my end of the world. It has been an interesting past month since my last post, so I'll share my details as best I can.
Immediately after my birthday message on this very blog site, I had the busiest week of work I've experienced here in the land of Oz. I worked off a ten hour shift on a Saturday, went to a busy Sunday church service, then went full gear again on Monday with an eleven hour shift, and had two more days worth 13 hours combined. It was a blessed week, but I have to admit that the taxes on students in Oz aren't as friendly as they should be!
After the busy stretch passed, it was moving time for me to the new house. All my previous American house mates had shared a car three ways, and they were all back home in America for the Christmas break, so they allowed me to use their car as a blessing to help me move my belongings to the new house. The unfortunate part of this move was that moments before the car was fully packed, we had some interesting weather patterns strike up, and experienced all four season in 20 minutes time. It was extremely sunny, hot, and muggy one minute, the next minute it started to cool down rapidly, than winds started picking up violently, and large flashes of lightning followed with extremely loud cracks of thunder following shortly after each flash. It immediately started to rain, from literally nothing to all out flood rains. It was then followed by small bits of hail, randomly falling, down to golf ball size hail falling frequently, then to almost baseball sized hail falling rapidly. It then completely stopped all together, and became sunny again as though nothing happened. After that experience I was lucky enough to have the car parked inside the garage, protected from the randomness of the weird weather. The worst part of this weather wasn't the weather itself, but the aftermath of the weather. It left large "gum trees" and palm trees in pieces all over streets and downed power-lines for blocks near the Old Northern housing, right next to the main mall of the "Towers." Castle Towers is the name of the mall in Castle Hill where I used to live. So with that being said, I had to drive to the new house. It normally takes me 10 minutes to drive from Old Northern rd to the Hillsong area or Bella Vista (where I live now), but because of the traffic lights being down, and the police directing traffic as best they could, it took me over 50 minutes to get from Old Northern rd, to Bella Vista. The lesson learned for the day was definitely "patience."
The next week following is the experiences I've had here in the new house with the new house mates in Bella Vista. I have to say, that God led me to this house as a stretching point for me, to learn and grow. The truth is that He was right on the money about the growing experience! The guys I'm living with in this new house are great men of integrity and great men of God. We're all on the same page, we love life and share many things in common. On the plus side, I'm living with another Canadian from Ontario, and he has a great Canadian sense of humor that we as Canadians can truly enjoy and laugh about.
Next on the agenda of news would be the Hillsong Christmas Spectacular. Its a long title for the word "play." Anyways, Hillsong hosts this amazing production of a Christmas play that really is driven by excellence and has amazing theatricals and great everything really. I was involved with their setup in the City campus for a good 14 hours of volunteered work, and then on the performing night of the play, I helped one of my house mates with mic setups for all the main stars of the play, and switch ups with packs and communications during the Spec. It was a huge hit, and on the Sunday afternoon spec, Hugh Jackman, who was the lead actor in all three "X-Men" movies as Wolverine, was in the audience of the Christmas Spec and had a great time. It was really awesome to be part of the Spectacular, and I'm hoping for next weekend, that I'll be able to video tape a bit of myself in action working behind the scenes of the Christmas spec for all you lovely friends and family members back home. The Christmas Spectacular was a hit in the City campus, and now for next weekend, we'll perform it again in the Hills campus for its finale. It was definitely a blast working behind the scenes during the Spec, they provided us all with great food and kept us hydrated and "well groomed" so to speak during the production and action of the Spec. So thank God for those amazing blessings courtesy of Hillsong Church!
As for the end of this post, is to share my struggles in finances for this coming stretch of the 4 months ahead of me. I'm currently on my break working one job as much as I can, and am in search for job number 2 to help my end of year one at Hillsong International Leadership College. I would ask that as many people as possible that reads this very message would please pray on my behalf for finances to help my well being here in Australia. I'm not asking for donations, I'm asking for the faith of many people to unite and help trust in God's providing hand in my life for this time I have here. This past month has been a bit of a struggle, and the truth is that I have been too proud to admit it. Though I completely have faith in God over this situation, I still have worries about finances during my time of studies. Its an interesting balancing act, but I pray that I have the strength to not only carry on, but finish extremely well, and leave Australia in the right timing with no regrets.
I also would like to express how interesting it is to have this Christmas season as the first of many things. They include a Christmas without snow and friends and family. Though I will experience Christmas with great friends here in Australia, but without family is a big adjustment to the norm. I'm left with thoughts of well wishes over the holidays to everyone back home in Canada, with warm houses and love of Christ and family and friends in the air. Please remember the reason you celebrate the Christmas season, it was never intended to be a time off of work, but for generations and generations, it has always been a time to reflect why you celebrate this season. The birth of Christ is so crucial, that it even rests the soul reason why I'm in a foreign country. Do not forget, please, as my final request for this post, and to remain faithful in the Christmas spirit, with or without family and friends.
Love,
Paul
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Birthday Thanks to All
Ok, this entire post is dedicated to the many people that have sent birthday wishes and encouragements. There will also be some pictures of my birthday dinner, but the focus is on all of you wonderful, and inspirational, and loving people here at College and those back home.
Where do I start?
I want to give thanks to all the college students and staff that gave birthday wishes via text messages, in person, or through the internet and phone calls. Thanks to Lee Burns, Celeste Hutton, Matthias Walter, Ben Mays, Ryan Gomez, Wes Bennet, Jon-boy, John Rinehart, Libby Christian, Jared Harries, Jahred Schmidt, Joey Allison, Beth Caldwell, Gemma Heard, Topher, Felipe Schurch, Kirsten Jones, Lukas Jundt, Suzi the Aussie, Lindley Joyner, Ciwi Hollund, Colby Truesdell, Felicia McAlpine, So Young Pak, Sara Govea, and many other students I know I'm missing, but am so thankful for.
A special thanks to those who sent more personal messages either from emails or phone calls from back home! Thanks to Aunt Louise, Lori Friesen, Rob Toews, Ma Tante Gabrielle, Auntie Della, Matt Boehlig, Jon Penner, Justin Ross, & Andrew Syme, and always Mom & Dad!
An extra special thanks to the people that spent the day with me on my Birthday dinner. Thank you to Diego Herrera, Hanna Crezee, Suzanne Nijenhuis, Jeremy Chau, Hannah Banderet, Alan Dennis, Diana Gudmundsdottir, Sandra from Belgium, Elisa Wagner, & Michael Newsted.
More thanks going to Jolene Jolicoeur, Juergen Weisschuh, Matthew Keilty, Rhonda Patterson, Angela Gosselin, Luke Friesen, Michelle Fiola, Melanie Fiola, Wesley Heine, Christal Miller, Emily McIntosh, Katy Gourlay, Kate Smith, Sharon Abraham, Danielle Beaton, Mich & Shannon & Gabriel Levac, Sian Wyn Rees, Angela Niger, Rachelle Loewen, Maresa Maritz, Adam Bellemare, Claudia Schmid, Charles Kehler, Sabrina May Kehler, Lorna Sobering, Heather Toews, Jen Enns, Naomi Fenton, Bobbi-Jean Saurette, Jacki Klippenstein, Jim Rush, Tessa Masi, & Trevor Utech.
Thanks to Auntie Cheryle & Uncle Claude, & Ginette and Marc for the letter!
Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Marion for the Card and support!
Also thanks to Hillsong Church for saying their birthday wishes as well.
If there were any friends and family I may have missed out, I'm terribly sorry for not making mentions, but your love, thoughts, and wishes are in my heart. Also to the belated wishes, the thought is always there, and I love you always.
What can I say, I feel that the age of 24 will be one I won't ever forget! It feels like a new beginning of new life, new adventure, new love, and new life for a future I can't imagine just yet. Thanks again to everyone for making my day feel that much more special! It was 24 years ago that this crazy big brother, humble son, best friend, distant encourager, love filled heart, spirit led man became a reality to this beautiful world. Again, I can't say "thanks" enough!
If all this thanks to all you blessed people in my life is not a testimony of how great God is, than I just don't know what is!?
I'll end the post with photos:
Look at the clean shirt after eating my saucy birthday meal! it's a sign folks!
Where do I start?
I want to give thanks to all the college students and staff that gave birthday wishes via text messages, in person, or through the internet and phone calls. Thanks to Lee Burns, Celeste Hutton, Matthias Walter, Ben Mays, Ryan Gomez, Wes Bennet, Jon-boy, John Rinehart, Libby Christian, Jared Harries, Jahred Schmidt, Joey Allison, Beth Caldwell, Gemma Heard, Topher, Felipe Schurch, Kirsten Jones, Lukas Jundt, Suzi the Aussie, Lindley Joyner, Ciwi Hollund, Colby Truesdell, Felicia McAlpine, So Young Pak, Sara Govea, and many other students I know I'm missing, but am so thankful for.
A special thanks to those who sent more personal messages either from emails or phone calls from back home! Thanks to Aunt Louise, Lori Friesen, Rob Toews, Ma Tante Gabrielle, Auntie Della, Matt Boehlig, Jon Penner, Justin Ross, & Andrew Syme, and always Mom & Dad!
An extra special thanks to the people that spent the day with me on my Birthday dinner. Thank you to Diego Herrera, Hanna Crezee, Suzanne Nijenhuis, Jeremy Chau, Hannah Banderet, Alan Dennis, Diana Gudmundsdottir, Sandra from Belgium, Elisa Wagner, & Michael Newsted.
More thanks going to Jolene Jolicoeur, Juergen Weisschuh, Matthew Keilty, Rhonda Patterson, Angela Gosselin, Luke Friesen, Michelle Fiola, Melanie Fiola, Wesley Heine, Christal Miller, Emily McIntosh, Katy Gourlay, Kate Smith, Sharon Abraham, Danielle Beaton, Mich & Shannon & Gabriel Levac, Sian Wyn Rees, Angela Niger, Rachelle Loewen, Maresa Maritz, Adam Bellemare, Claudia Schmid, Charles Kehler, Sabrina May Kehler, Lorna Sobering, Heather Toews, Jen Enns, Naomi Fenton, Bobbi-Jean Saurette, Jacki Klippenstein, Jim Rush, Tessa Masi, & Trevor Utech.
Thanks to Auntie Cheryle & Uncle Claude, & Ginette and Marc for the letter!
Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Marion for the Card and support!
Also thanks to Hillsong Church for saying their birthday wishes as well.
If there were any friends and family I may have missed out, I'm terribly sorry for not making mentions, but your love, thoughts, and wishes are in my heart. Also to the belated wishes, the thought is always there, and I love you always.
What can I say, I feel that the age of 24 will be one I won't ever forget! It feels like a new beginning of new life, new adventure, new love, and new life for a future I can't imagine just yet. Thanks again to everyone for making my day feel that much more special! It was 24 years ago that this crazy big brother, humble son, best friend, distant encourager, love filled heart, spirit led man became a reality to this beautiful world. Again, I can't say "thanks" enough!
If all this thanks to all you blessed people in my life is not a testimony of how great God is, than I just don't know what is!?
I'll end the post with photos:
Look at the clean shirt after eating my saucy birthday meal! it's a sign folks!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Round 1... Accomplished!
Hi Friends, Family, and guests,
I'd like to share with everyone that all my assignments for this semester are handed in and taken care of, and that the two tests that I had to worry about went by smoothly. The past two weeks have been very busy, making sure that time was used effectively to get the job done. In my previous post, I mentioned that I was baptized and that I now have some video footage to share with everyone.
The next part of my agenda in sharing the adventures thus far, happens to be my trip to the Zoo with my house-mates. I can say it was a long needed day coming, with the tests and assignments to worry about the week before, and some much needed kick back time on the weekend. I've also always wanted to get some footage of Kangaroos and Koalas, so what better way then to get some shots at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. You can enjoy the footage and share the good times with everyone back home.
As for the rest of the news in the life of Paul, Christmas time is coming soon, and sooner than that, my Birthday is in exactly one week! Whoa... I didn't even realize that until I saw the date and calender on my laptop. Cool! I'm gonna be 24! Ten days after that, is the graduation ball near the Darling Harbor for all students (Hills & City) to have... well... "a ball". I'm already wondering and considering who I should ask to go with... and well, if things pan out the way I'd like them too, you'll find out who at the beginning of December when I get pictures from the night coming. Other things I'm looking forward to and looking into, happens to be another job opportunity with my room-mate Diego. There's also a potential house near the church with room and board, but I'm not 100% sure about leaving my place I'm at right now. God has presented many opportunities and many blessings in this month, and I'm so greatful for them all. Well, my time is running short, and I've got a few things to do on my agenda, so I'll catch you all in the near future, and a reminder to my readers to be blessed and live life to the fullest. God Bless, and have a great week!
I'd like to share with everyone that all my assignments for this semester are handed in and taken care of, and that the two tests that I had to worry about went by smoothly. The past two weeks have been very busy, making sure that time was used effectively to get the job done. In my previous post, I mentioned that I was baptized and that I now have some video footage to share with everyone.
The next part of my agenda in sharing the adventures thus far, happens to be my trip to the Zoo with my house-mates. I can say it was a long needed day coming, with the tests and assignments to worry about the week before, and some much needed kick back time on the weekend. I've also always wanted to get some footage of Kangaroos and Koalas, so what better way then to get some shots at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. You can enjoy the footage and share the good times with everyone back home.
As for the rest of the news in the life of Paul, Christmas time is coming soon, and sooner than that, my Birthday is in exactly one week! Whoa... I didn't even realize that until I saw the date and calender on my laptop. Cool! I'm gonna be 24! Ten days after that, is the graduation ball near the Darling Harbor for all students (Hills & City) to have... well... "a ball". I'm already wondering and considering who I should ask to go with... and well, if things pan out the way I'd like them too, you'll find out who at the beginning of December when I get pictures from the night coming. Other things I'm looking forward to and looking into, happens to be another job opportunity with my room-mate Diego. There's also a potential house near the church with room and board, but I'm not 100% sure about leaving my place I'm at right now. God has presented many opportunities and many blessings in this month, and I'm so greatful for them all. Well, my time is running short, and I've got a few things to do on my agenda, so I'll catch you all in the near future, and a reminder to my readers to be blessed and live life to the fullest. God Bless, and have a great week!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Knock Knock Knock
That's the sound of opportunities!
Well, as many of you know, I've been working on videos for my blogs and doing some random other videos with new friends here at Hillsong, and with that, comes opportunities... but I'll get to that in a moment.
I'd like to share the news with everyone that I've been baptized! as of October 28th, 2007, I made my own public declaration to take the dunk and make my commitment that much more publicly known that it has ever been before. I know that I was previously baptized in the catholic faith as an infant, but my conviction came when I realized that being alive for 2 months of my life and than being baptized does not imply it was my own decision. Another factor for myself was that baptisms represent burying the old self and rising the new by declaration, and that as an infant being 2 months alive and being baptized didn't leave much room for "the old" to even exist. I also must apologies since very little people back home knew that was my plans, but the truth be told, I signed up for it and kind of forgot that I was getting it done, until about three days before going I received an email from Hillsong about it. So please forgive me for not saying anything about it earlier, but out of love I'm letting everyone know the day after it happened. Hopefully by next week I'll have pictures and videos to share with you all.
As for the opportunities in my life, first of all, I may have found a cheaper and bigger house to live in with some great guys who are second year students. Also I'd be moving in with a good friend of mine, Michael from Michigan, where we'll be living a nice 10 minute walk away from Hillsong Church. This blessing is huge for savings on fuel, bus fare, rent and time between days and classes. Its not 100% official yet, but it has been worked on, and we've met with the people that want take up the lease coming this December.
The next opportunity is that working with the video guys here at Hillsong, first of all has been loads of fun, second of all a great experience. The word thus far is that the three main students that do the videos for United and for Wild-Life youth, are leaving and need someone to take over and carry the torch. Thanks to working with some of these guys, they want to put in a good word for me to work with some of the worship pastors and video crew people to help make the cuts they want. So I've been blown away with this as an opportunity, praising God for it immensely, and loving life!
Well as promised, I'd have the Blue Mountain video ready for you by this post, so enjoy the Blue Mountains, and I'll send the pictures and videos of my baptism next post.
Well, as many of you know, I've been working on videos for my blogs and doing some random other videos with new friends here at Hillsong, and with that, comes opportunities... but I'll get to that in a moment.
I'd like to share the news with everyone that I've been baptized! as of October 28th, 2007, I made my own public declaration to take the dunk and make my commitment that much more publicly known that it has ever been before. I know that I was previously baptized in the catholic faith as an infant, but my conviction came when I realized that being alive for 2 months of my life and than being baptized does not imply it was my own decision. Another factor for myself was that baptisms represent burying the old self and rising the new by declaration, and that as an infant being 2 months alive and being baptized didn't leave much room for "the old" to even exist. I also must apologies since very little people back home knew that was my plans, but the truth be told, I signed up for it and kind of forgot that I was getting it done, until about three days before going I received an email from Hillsong about it. So please forgive me for not saying anything about it earlier, but out of love I'm letting everyone know the day after it happened. Hopefully by next week I'll have pictures and videos to share with you all.
As for the opportunities in my life, first of all, I may have found a cheaper and bigger house to live in with some great guys who are second year students. Also I'd be moving in with a good friend of mine, Michael from Michigan, where we'll be living a nice 10 minute walk away from Hillsong Church. This blessing is huge for savings on fuel, bus fare, rent and time between days and classes. Its not 100% official yet, but it has been worked on, and we've met with the people that want take up the lease coming this December.
The next opportunity is that working with the video guys here at Hillsong, first of all has been loads of fun, second of all a great experience. The word thus far is that the three main students that do the videos for United and for Wild-Life youth, are leaving and need someone to take over and carry the torch. Thanks to working with some of these guys, they want to put in a good word for me to work with some of the worship pastors and video crew people to help make the cuts they want. So I've been blown away with this as an opportunity, praising God for it immensely, and loving life!
Well as promised, I'd have the Blue Mountain video ready for you by this post, so enjoy the Blue Mountains, and I'll send the pictures and videos of my baptism next post.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Mountains and Lightning
Hello Friends and Family,
I send my love and best wishes to all who read this, thanks for being so faithful in hearing the news from this Crazy Canuck in the land down under. I have great news to share, I've started working again This Thursday already and will have more work this coming Saturday and possibly have an interview with an elderly home to work there on a more scheduled basis. I'm absolutely loving life here, and enjoying my time with great new friends.
Last Monday I had the opportunity to take on a 5 hour hike at the Blue Mountains not far from Sydney (about a 2 hour drive out of town). The adventure was with 3 friends from our "ONR" neighborhood, Diego, Hannah, Sandra, and myself. I carried the backpack with our 10 bottles of water and some hiking snacks the whole way down and back. We found a place we called "Paradise" at the bottom of the valley of the Blue Mountains at the 2 hour mark of hiking. It was an incredible place to see, and makes me want to go there again to camp out. We ended up finding 3 main sources of fresh mountain water that ran past our path, and it was so cold and refreshing to drink. The water was naturally filtered by the vegetation up stream, and was crystal clear and so pure and so delicious. I question why we drink tap water after drinking that... and to answer anyones question, no I did not get sick after drinking the water. I have some pictures to share with everyone from the hike and I should have a video ready next week from the Blue Mountains. As for a video this week, I have some incredible footage of Lightning in Sydney as of last week, so I hope you enjoy it, and be blessed.
I send my love and best wishes to all who read this, thanks for being so faithful in hearing the news from this Crazy Canuck in the land down under. I have great news to share, I've started working again This Thursday already and will have more work this coming Saturday and possibly have an interview with an elderly home to work there on a more scheduled basis. I'm absolutely loving life here, and enjoying my time with great new friends.
Last Monday I had the opportunity to take on a 5 hour hike at the Blue Mountains not far from Sydney (about a 2 hour drive out of town). The adventure was with 3 friends from our "ONR" neighborhood, Diego, Hannah, Sandra, and myself. I carried the backpack with our 10 bottles of water and some hiking snacks the whole way down and back. We found a place we called "Paradise" at the bottom of the valley of the Blue Mountains at the 2 hour mark of hiking. It was an incredible place to see, and makes me want to go there again to camp out. We ended up finding 3 main sources of fresh mountain water that ran past our path, and it was so cold and refreshing to drink. The water was naturally filtered by the vegetation up stream, and was crystal clear and so pure and so delicious. I question why we drink tap water after drinking that... and to answer anyones question, no I did not get sick after drinking the water. I have some pictures to share with everyone from the hike and I should have a video ready next week from the Blue Mountains. As for a video this week, I have some incredible footage of Lightning in Sydney as of last week, so I hope you enjoy it, and be blessed.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Home Sweet "Over-Seas" Home
Hi Everybody,
I want to share some great news today, I found some temporary work today with two other College students unpacking and delivering furniture in a warehouse. The job is great, and the pay is decent, but the hours are few. I can't complain, it will be the first time I've been paid to work here in Australia and that's something to praise God for!
I've also compiled this video to commemorate our amazing family here in Australia in our wonderful community of Old Northern Rd from Hills Campus.
Enjoy:
I want to share some great news today, I found some temporary work today with two other College students unpacking and delivering furniture in a warehouse. The job is great, and the pay is decent, but the hours are few. I can't complain, it will be the first time I've been paid to work here in Australia and that's something to praise God for!
I've also compiled this video to commemorate our amazing family here in Australia in our wonderful community of Old Northern Rd from Hills Campus.
Enjoy:
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Palm Beach Sunrise
Greetings friends & family,
I love you guys so much! I've been understanding more and more lately how blessed I truly am with God inside of me and my friends and family at my side. I've received great encouragement, words from God that have shaped my life, and a passion that continues to burn brightly.
I received a great blessing last week, and I won't say who it was from, but I will say that God will not hold back his blessings in your life for what you've done, that your financial aid was a blessing at the most opportune time, and that because of your faithfulness, other students have a "second chance" and helping each other with our struggles in daily living. I only pray that God can continue to bless others as they search God for answers in the same manner, no matter what the heart's request is.
I want to share with you all a video and some great photos that my room-mate and some neighbors of mine took on an adventure that will not be forgotten. I'll start by introducing what happened in the beginning and the photos and video will help see what actually happened.
It all started at 1:00am October 1st, 2007 when a small group of us thought how amazing it would be to see the sun rise here in Sydney on the Pacific Ocean. With very little influence, we all knew that would be something crazy and awesome to do, spontaneously, and take the plunge. We packed what we needed, some warm blankets, pillows, towels, and some snacks, and left for the beach at 2:00am in the morning. When we arrived at the beach it was roughly 2:30am, and we unpacked what we needed to keep warm during the midnight sky, and rested a while to anxiously witness a glorious sunrise. The rest of this story will be taken care of with the pictures you'll see and a video to watch.
Link to the video:
I love you guys so much! I've been understanding more and more lately how blessed I truly am with God inside of me and my friends and family at my side. I've received great encouragement, words from God that have shaped my life, and a passion that continues to burn brightly.
I received a great blessing last week, and I won't say who it was from, but I will say that God will not hold back his blessings in your life for what you've done, that your financial aid was a blessing at the most opportune time, and that because of your faithfulness, other students have a "second chance" and helping each other with our struggles in daily living. I only pray that God can continue to bless others as they search God for answers in the same manner, no matter what the heart's request is.
I want to share with you all a video and some great photos that my room-mate and some neighbors of mine took on an adventure that will not be forgotten. I'll start by introducing what happened in the beginning and the photos and video will help see what actually happened.
It all started at 1:00am October 1st, 2007 when a small group of us thought how amazing it would be to see the sun rise here in Sydney on the Pacific Ocean. With very little influence, we all knew that would be something crazy and awesome to do, spontaneously, and take the plunge. We packed what we needed, some warm blankets, pillows, towels, and some snacks, and left for the beach at 2:00am in the morning. When we arrived at the beach it was roughly 2:30am, and we unpacked what we needed to keep warm during the midnight sky, and rested a while to anxiously witness a glorious sunrise. The rest of this story will be taken care of with the pictures you'll see and a video to watch.
Link to the video:
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Prophets Abound
OK,
So, for the last week and a-half, our house has had no internet, because of our GB of internet being close to our maxed limit. So, I'm sorry that I never had the chance to say anything extra on my blogs since then and sorry for that delay as well.
On the brighter side, I have more experiences to share since then till now.
Let’s start from 2 weeks ago...
I attended a seminar for two nights on Tuesday and Wednesday night called "Sense & Sexuality" with guest speakers Allan Meyer and Sy Rogers. The seminar was great; a lot of applicable teaching was presented on our make up for our drives with our sexual maturity and identity. I particularly enjoyed hearing Sy Rogers, since his previous lifestyle before accepting Christ was homosexual. His insight on what life is like before and after his decision was extremely insightful. Most people think that when you've become a Christian, you just magically have all your problems go away, because you're "taken care of" now, but the reality of it all, is that we have to fight for our freedom sometimes, and Sy Rogers explains that his cravings for his past was not an easy burden to dismantle in his life. It was with the help of God, as his strength, through his weaknesses that prevailed. Sy learned that his memory was very functional at the worst of times, and it was running towards God saying "help me" rather than running away from God saying "hide me" that made the difference. He's now a married man, with one beautiful daughter who’s recently married, and is now speaking across the world of his testimony and previous struggles, and sharing his victory in Christ.
So that was just the seminar, and there's more that has happened since then too. College continues to grow in excellence, and I continue to grow passionate in serving and building great character with integrity for God.
I've had an interesting past week, considering I've had prophecies pour into me several times from totally different random people through out the college. The first one started in one of my lecture classes, I like to sit up front in my Doctrine 2 class, and the teacher is Lee Burns who's the principal of the college at the Hills campus. He spoke of ways to simply encourage one another, and through his "example" he just decided to encourage and pour prophecy in my life. He mentioned I was a man of God, with great character and integrity, hungry for the word, and obedient to God's call and will. He continued to encourage and made note of a destiny with God, and I was in a way shocked and yet confident that those words would soon come true to pass.
The next word of I had was in a leadership group I meet in before chapel, and every Wednesday each member of the group gets to have prophecy done in their life. It happened to be my week for it, but the Sense & Sexuality seminar brought an encounter day with Sy Rogers to guest speak, so a week later passed and I received it then. I was told from three different people what they say, and 2 of the 3 were nearly identical and neither of those people had shared with each other what they received, and the 3rd prophecy was somewhat on the same lines, and encouraged the next levels of my character. The major theme from the 2 members went something like this: I am to be a great leader, in many areas of life. That I have a natural gift to lead, with words and actions towards other people. What some people may find difficult in leading, I will find it to be natural and with ease. That I will have a great team of leaders work with me, and change the perspective of the world in certain areas of life with God. That what ever my dreams are currently, they will only be the beginning of even greater things to come. That I will have two areas in my life that will be ever so important as my responsibility with this leadership offers. One being to be stronger and two being softer. To be stronger is defined that my intimacy with God and growing in Christ will be evident and crucial to my leadership. That intimacy will guide and guard many areas of my life and my very being and heart. God's plans will be clear and precise as I grow intimately with God, and move at an incredible pace. The second being softer applies for care towards others and those around me. The softness required of this leadership is also crucial, that there will be times to tend to needs of others, allowing for growth and "catch up" carrying others with me to even greater heights. With out this softness, I may trample over others with out intentions, but by default, and possibly leave important people behind and possibly damage those left behind by accident. Through the softness of the heart will I truly understand the intimacy I'll grow with Christ, and lead the way I aught to by example. With all of this in mind the final thought was that my dreams now are almost nothing in comparison to what God will do in 10 years time. I won't understand why or how, but the job is not to ponder, rather to act on what God blesses us with. Also that the team I will work with will be prepared by God and will also be key and crucial for the dreams to become reality and to do something amazing.
As some of us already know, that team is somewhat completed, but still not 100% there yet. Some of us on this team are being discovered, others are in the making, and others haven't even shown themselves yet, but soon will join the cause for Christ.
Now that's just the few instances so far where people have spoken and encouraged in my life, there's still more, and from people I really don't know that well at all. They just come up and boldly encourage and I'm left sitting there wondering sometimes, "God, why me?" Then I remember its all because of His grace.
I want to finish this post with an extremely amazing example of what "reality" , "mercy" and "grace" can offer us.
The story begins with a young man getting in his car after drinking too much, and recklessly driving home. At an intersection he crosses paths with another car and crashes into a wreck. The drunk driver is still alive, but the young man in the other car has passed away. The next week he is in trial standing next to the father of the diseased son. The father is presented with the penalty.
Reality: The father through bitterness wishes the worst upon the drunk driver and mourns the loss of his son, thinking justice has been served.
Mercy: The father forgives the drunk driver and leaves the charges into the hands of the drunk driver, letting the weight of his actions speak for them self.
Grace: The father not only forgives the drunk driver, but takes the drunk driver in as his own son. Not only giving him a second chance, but growing with him, and giving life back where it may have looked like it no longer existed.
PRoss02@Gmail.com
This picture is for Jon... he wanted me to send him a shot of what P&W looks like at Hillsong. One draw back though brother, this is only Power house, not their standard Sunday morning. So its filled with Young Adults, not all ages.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Happy Birthday Justin
Hi everyone,
It's my little brother's birthday today, he turns 17, so if anyone see's him... which can be rare at times... than please wish him a Happy 17th.
I just wanted to send a small recap from the past week, and it has been good and some minor bad things too.
I'll start with the bad... We still don't know or have the funds to pay the phone bill, and its past the due date since September 3rd. We're all praying for provision, and thus far, we're still believing something will happen.
The goods would fall in the category with having a great week, We had two guest speakers in the past week, one for our Friday morning, where classes like Church History and World Religion were canceled. Those happen to be two classes I really like, but the speaker, Tom Rawls, was very good, and instilled confidence to his audience. The second speaker we had was at Church in the services, his name is Reggie Dabbs. He's a great man, with a wicked history and testimony. When he was 7 years old, he found out that his parents were foster parents, and his real mother was a prostitute, and he was a product of "Mom trying to earn another dollar to feed her kids." The problem was that Reggie was given up for adoption, because his biological Mother couldn't afford to keep another child, and Reggies testimony starts with him learning what the Gospel means, and than realizing that his family all along was with Christ, and through this victory he now preaches to thousands, and leads a thriving church in Florida.
Other great things that happened during the week, from cousins Melanie and Marc, both gave encouraging emails, and loved hearing from both of them. You guys lifted my spirits, and made a good day into a great day. So thank you guys so much for doing that, I pray amazing blessings going both your ways. Also, Mom has been encouraging more so than usual, in the past week, and its been incredible. Talking to Dad on his birthday was another high lite, and today chatting with Justin on Skype was great.
I have some videos I'd like to post, I'm going to get some help from my room mates who used to work with multi-media stuff for over two years, and I'm sure I can get something going by next post. So hang tight, I'll catch you all later, and I love you and miss you all, and don't forget to be blessed.
With Love
It's my little brother's birthday today, he turns 17, so if anyone see's him... which can be rare at times... than please wish him a Happy 17th.
I just wanted to send a small recap from the past week, and it has been good and some minor bad things too.
I'll start with the bad... We still don't know or have the funds to pay the phone bill, and its past the due date since September 3rd. We're all praying for provision, and thus far, we're still believing something will happen.
The goods would fall in the category with having a great week, We had two guest speakers in the past week, one for our Friday morning, where classes like Church History and World Religion were canceled. Those happen to be two classes I really like, but the speaker, Tom Rawls, was very good, and instilled confidence to his audience. The second speaker we had was at Church in the services, his name is Reggie Dabbs. He's a great man, with a wicked history and testimony. When he was 7 years old, he found out that his parents were foster parents, and his real mother was a prostitute, and he was a product of "Mom trying to earn another dollar to feed her kids." The problem was that Reggie was given up for adoption, because his biological Mother couldn't afford to keep another child, and Reggies testimony starts with him learning what the Gospel means, and than realizing that his family all along was with Christ, and through this victory he now preaches to thousands, and leads a thriving church in Florida.
Other great things that happened during the week, from cousins Melanie and Marc, both gave encouraging emails, and loved hearing from both of them. You guys lifted my spirits, and made a good day into a great day. So thank you guys so much for doing that, I pray amazing blessings going both your ways. Also, Mom has been encouraging more so than usual, in the past week, and its been incredible. Talking to Dad on his birthday was another high lite, and today chatting with Justin on Skype was great.
I have some videos I'd like to post, I'm going to get some help from my room mates who used to work with multi-media stuff for over two years, and I'm sure I can get something going by next post. So hang tight, I'll catch you all later, and I love you and miss you all, and don't forget to be blessed.
With Love
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Happy Birthday Dad
Happy 52nd Birthday, Dad!
To celebrate, I'm posting a whole bunch of pictures, to say hi and love you all and miss you all, and a special birthday wish to you Dad to have an extremely blessed day!
I just also want to finish this blog post, with a great praise report on my behalf. After getting off the phone with Mom tonight, I felt the weight of the world upon my shoulders, and my house mates and neighbors that were over noticed my change of mood. I was a little down, but nothing overwhelming. My neighbor asked if it was OK if we could pray, and to just have God's hand work in all our lives and be an example for each other. So after we finished eating some pancakes... because I was half way through making pancakes when mom called... We started praying for each other and for different needs and to lift each other up. All I can say is WOW. God did it again. I felt totally lifted up, the weight of the world was gone, I feel confident in what God will do, and to top all this off, I prayed that Mom would be healed in the name of Jesus from her Lupus, and that her back problems and body pains would completely seize to exist. If anyone feels encouraged to pray the same, to be in union with that prayer, feel free to jump in, and see a miracle happen. Thanks God for my great friends and neighbors here at Hillsong, and for the faithfulness we all have.
I Love you all
To celebrate, I'm posting a whole bunch of pictures, to say hi and love you all and miss you all, and a special birthday wish to you Dad to have an extremely blessed day!
I just also want to finish this blog post, with a great praise report on my behalf. After getting off the phone with Mom tonight, I felt the weight of the world upon my shoulders, and my house mates and neighbors that were over noticed my change of mood. I was a little down, but nothing overwhelming. My neighbor asked if it was OK if we could pray, and to just have God's hand work in all our lives and be an example for each other. So after we finished eating some pancakes... because I was half way through making pancakes when mom called... We started praying for each other and for different needs and to lift each other up. All I can say is WOW. God did it again. I felt totally lifted up, the weight of the world was gone, I feel confident in what God will do, and to top all this off, I prayed that Mom would be healed in the name of Jesus from her Lupus, and that her back problems and body pains would completely seize to exist. If anyone feels encouraged to pray the same, to be in union with that prayer, feel free to jump in, and see a miracle happen. Thanks God for my great friends and neighbors here at Hillsong, and for the faithfulness we all have.
I Love you all
Friday, August 24, 2007
Pancakes
The latest craze...
Something really interesting has happened in the past week or so, and it's thanks to pancakes. I've been asking my parents for sometime, maybe three weeks ago, for the recipe of pancakes that Dad normally makes for breakfast. I already know that Dad's signature pancakes are incredible, but I did not expect the following reaction from my house-mates and our neighbors. It started off with trying them out, and people who did try them were lining up for round two. I'm kinda thinking to myself... "OK, cool." After that night (maybe two weeks ago) my house mates have been asking when the next time we'll have pancakes would be. So after the house-mates have given approval on the deal, I thought it would be nice to make a larger batch for the neighbors to try them out. So one Sunday night we gather almost all the neighbors in our house, and host a pancake night while everyone socializes and mingles. In the end at least one person had a pancake to try, and they've given the approval of loving them too. So, where does this leave me now?
Here's the deal, since I've made those pancakes, I've now been known and almost labeled for them. All our neighbors ask whens the next time I'm gonna make pancakes, or hey you should come by our place and make some pancakes. What's even crazier than this, my house-mates have become obsessed with them. I know they're good, I mean I grew up with them, and Dad's the man for knowing how to make them, and teaching me, but now... At any random time, the entire house has gotten cravings for pancakes. So I find myself making them at 2:00am in the morning on our pre-days off, or at supper time, or even lunch. I don't mind making them, but I can kinda see where the demand is starting to become big, I mean REALLY big. To me, that's cool and I enjoy the sincerity of people wanting them and telling me they love them, but wow... I never saw this one coming.
So thanks Dad for the recipe, it turned out bigger and better than I could have imagined. I'm thinking now if anyone else has recipes of great foods and food ideas that they don't mind sharing, please send me an email. I now have an entire army of taste testers to give approval from around the world.
Something really interesting has happened in the past week or so, and it's thanks to pancakes. I've been asking my parents for sometime, maybe three weeks ago, for the recipe of pancakes that Dad normally makes for breakfast. I already know that Dad's signature pancakes are incredible, but I did not expect the following reaction from my house-mates and our neighbors. It started off with trying them out, and people who did try them were lining up for round two. I'm kinda thinking to myself... "OK, cool." After that night (maybe two weeks ago) my house mates have been asking when the next time we'll have pancakes would be. So after the house-mates have given approval on the deal, I thought it would be nice to make a larger batch for the neighbors to try them out. So one Sunday night we gather almost all the neighbors in our house, and host a pancake night while everyone socializes and mingles. In the end at least one person had a pancake to try, and they've given the approval of loving them too. So, where does this leave me now?
Here's the deal, since I've made those pancakes, I've now been known and almost labeled for them. All our neighbors ask whens the next time I'm gonna make pancakes, or hey you should come by our place and make some pancakes. What's even crazier than this, my house-mates have become obsessed with them. I know they're good, I mean I grew up with them, and Dad's the man for knowing how to make them, and teaching me, but now... At any random time, the entire house has gotten cravings for pancakes. So I find myself making them at 2:00am in the morning on our pre-days off, or at supper time, or even lunch. I don't mind making them, but I can kinda see where the demand is starting to become big, I mean REALLY big. To me, that's cool and I enjoy the sincerity of people wanting them and telling me they love them, but wow... I never saw this one coming.
So thanks Dad for the recipe, it turned out bigger and better than I could have imagined. I'm thinking now if anyone else has recipes of great foods and food ideas that they don't mind sharing, please send me an email. I now have an entire army of taste testers to give approval from around the world.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
30 Seconds Left...
Hi everyone,
Well I found out how to directly get my videos to work on my laptop for uploading on this blog, and its all thanks to flipping a tiny switch on the cam corder to "digital."
I know I feel like a genius now, please pray for more brains on my behalf.
Well, our house has hit a brick wall, one of the house mates has been making long distance calls without a calling card, and now our house is responsible for an extremely expensive phone bill. So in return I'd like to ask for those to pray for a miracle that we would somehow get through this mess, and believe for something huge from God.
All of us are now on the look out for a job, and some of us have had some interviews and thats a good start.
School is getting better and better as time goes on. The teaching here is so blessed, and inspiring, you have to experience it to really know, believe, and grow from it.
So I leave you all with this video, so that people can see my face once again while I'm away.
Lots of Love, and be blessed everyone.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Message to Canada
Hello Friends and Family, last Monday I spent an entire day off on a Ferry to the Sydney Harbor and checked out the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Opera House, Manly Beach, the Botanical Gardens, and the St Mary's Church. We were a group of 15 from Hillsong Church, and the photos and video feed you see is from that very trip, plus I've added one picture in particular that contributes to the reason why I'm even at Hillsong International Leadership College from the adventure our cell went to January 2006. So again thanks to everyone for being such great encouragers and for the much needed prayers. If anyone wants my mailing address, you can contact me at the following:
Paul Ross
10 - 375 Old Northern Rd
Castle Hill, Sydney, NSW
PO 2154
I love you all, and God bless you all.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Sunday Nights
Hi everyone,
Today was our standard party night for most Hillsong students. Our group here at "Old Northern Rd" (ONR) don't have any classes all day Monday, so after volunteering and helping out at Church for parts of the day, plus hanging out at the services for incredible messages, we normally head back home and all hang out at all 6 different houses that we live in. Our little "neighborhood" houses 28 students, from 14 nations, from 5 different continents around the world. We are all family out here, and love the atmosphere as new students. Our complexes are all brand new, it seems interesting that new students are completely blessed with these new town houses all so nicely connected. We also have some neighbors 2 blocks away of about 90 students in an apartment known as "Rosa", so there's more visitation that goes on there too. So the feeling of "we're not alone" comes to refresh others in knowing we're all in this together.
So here's the deal with my videos that I wanted to upload and share with everyone. I formatted my laptop when I first received it, and didn't have the right software for video uploads on CD or anything. Now, I'm searching for resources online to help get my video up-link connected so I can share some great footage of Fiji at the airport, my arrival of school on the first day of orientation, and of coarse my video of our neighborhood with the gang. Most of the people saying hi to Canada for me too. I do however have a picture that a friend e-mailed me moments ago from our Sunday night service today. So for the time being you can check this out, while I do my best to get my videos up and running ASAP.
Love.
Today was our standard party night for most Hillsong students. Our group here at "Old Northern Rd" (ONR) don't have any classes all day Monday, so after volunteering and helping out at Church for parts of the day, plus hanging out at the services for incredible messages, we normally head back home and all hang out at all 6 different houses that we live in. Our little "neighborhood" houses 28 students, from 14 nations, from 5 different continents around the world. We are all family out here, and love the atmosphere as new students. Our complexes are all brand new, it seems interesting that new students are completely blessed with these new town houses all so nicely connected. We also have some neighbors 2 blocks away of about 90 students in an apartment known as "Rosa", so there's more visitation that goes on there too. So the feeling of "we're not alone" comes to refresh others in knowing we're all in this together.
So here's the deal with my videos that I wanted to upload and share with everyone. I formatted my laptop when I first received it, and didn't have the right software for video uploads on CD or anything. Now, I'm searching for resources online to help get my video up-link connected so I can share some great footage of Fiji at the airport, my arrival of school on the first day of orientation, and of coarse my video of our neighborhood with the gang. Most of the people saying hi to Canada for me too. I do however have a picture that a friend e-mailed me moments ago from our Sunday night service today. So for the time being you can check this out, while I do my best to get my videos up and running ASAP.Love.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Lock 'n Load
Hi everyone,
Well, its been 2 weeks in, and I love it! Hillsong is one of the greatest blessings to have experienced this far and I keep looking into what's to come and get more and more excited as time flies. I'm volunteering now at a few venues at church, but one team that I'm participating in is called "Lock 'n Load." Apparently this team is one of Hillsong's signature teams that people want to work in, and I some how got in on the deal and am pretty pumped about the situation. Lock 'n Load is a group of 30 some guys that gets access to all the cool places around, underneath, and overhead the main staging base where all the action takes place. As a team, we re-arrange the stage in any way necessary, and set the atmosphere for all church services at any given time through the weekend. Today I had my first day with the crew, and I got to work overhead and move an entire back drop of the stage with about 8 other guys in 5 minutes, and it was pretty intense. Our goal as a team is to efficiently change the stage in any way needed within a small amount of time between services. So we are challenged as a team, and we work together to accomplish what we need.
The other half of College life was experiencing brand new and absolutely amazing classes, I finally got a taste of each class now. I love it all, and the direction and passion that comes from our teachers are incredible. I find myself growing at a rapid pace, and I can't wait for the great things to come through this time in training.
Also as a note to all friends and family, keep praying for me out here, I know that my success as a student here is due to the great encouragement from even greater friends and loving family back home, and prayers to support the "bigger picture" in my life. So I'm thanking all those ahead of time for being faithful to my request, and know that I am only human. God's great plans in my life are already at work, and encouragement and support is great fuel to a passionate fire that grows in faith.
Thank you, and Love you all.
Well, its been 2 weeks in, and I love it! Hillsong is one of the greatest blessings to have experienced this far and I keep looking into what's to come and get more and more excited as time flies. I'm volunteering now at a few venues at church, but one team that I'm participating in is called "Lock 'n Load." Apparently this team is one of Hillsong's signature teams that people want to work in, and I some how got in on the deal and am pretty pumped about the situation. Lock 'n Load is a group of 30 some guys that gets access to all the cool places around, underneath, and overhead the main staging base where all the action takes place. As a team, we re-arrange the stage in any way necessary, and set the atmosphere for all church services at any given time through the weekend. Today I had my first day with the crew, and I got to work overhead and move an entire back drop of the stage with about 8 other guys in 5 minutes, and it was pretty intense. Our goal as a team is to efficiently change the stage in any way needed within a small amount of time between services. So we are challenged as a team, and we work together to accomplish what we need.
The other half of College life was experiencing brand new and absolutely amazing classes, I finally got a taste of each class now. I love it all, and the direction and passion that comes from our teachers are incredible. I find myself growing at a rapid pace, and I can't wait for the great things to come through this time in training.
Also as a note to all friends and family, keep praying for me out here, I know that my success as a student here is due to the great encouragement from even greater friends and loving family back home, and prayers to support the "bigger picture" in my life. So I'm thanking all those ahead of time for being faithful to my request, and know that I am only human. God's great plans in my life are already at work, and encouragement and support is great fuel to a passionate fire that grows in faith.
Thank you, and Love you all.
Friday, July 20, 2007
School Commencing
Recap:
Wednesday - Orientation Day 1
The first day at the college was pretty cool. I found out that the campus I'll be attending has over 800 students, and that a ton of them are streamed into what everyone out here calls "WACA." Now you ask, what's WACA? Good question, WACA is Worship and Creative Arts. Now, imagine the term WACA being said with an Australian accent... ya, its funny. As for the rest of the students, we're a combo of many streams, but the second largest group happens to be Pastoral. We started of the day right with Praise and Worship in the Chapel, then had some crazy laughs at comments the staff made towards things in Australia and cross cultures around the world experience in Australia. A lot of people here are talking about "Culture Shock", but I honestly have no idea what anyone is talking about. Aussi's and Canucks have a very similar life style, fairly laid back, like to joke around, and live happy I guess. It seems that Europeans and Americans are getting home sick quicker than others, and Africans are just happy to be here (no matter how cold they think it is here.)
Thursday - Orientation Day 2
Again starting the day right with Praise and Worship. A time of celebration for the new intake, and to share and fellowship with those from second year and third year. We got our particulars all figured out with finalizing our streams, and getting our student ID cards ready. What's really cool for attendance here is that our ID cards are scanners, and when we got to a class, we scan in, it tells us the class we're going to, and everything. More people to meet again, you can't say hello to 800 students in one day... or even one week for that matter. So for the next while I'll be meeting people.
Friday (Today) - First Day of Classes
Today was Awesome!
My first class of every Friday Morning is World Religions, and we are going to study other worldly cultures and religions and in some cases cults as well. Our teacher is really cool, his name is Sam, he looks 25, has 4 kids, and rocks the class in Challenges, and makes us learn by helping and teaching others with his teachings. My second class of Fridays (and last class) is Church History, and its my favorite class so far. I love it. The teacher is incredibly smart, has tons of knowledge on the Bible, and on the time line of everything we're learning, she's given us today to learn about the Apostle Paul and his track record so to speak.
Ok so now that the recap from school is out of the way...
Hi everyone, I'm excited about this year, and about where my life is going. I've learned so much in this time frame here at College, and its only been 3 days. Hillsong really likes to share and press into our lives for being significant, either as a student or not, we all have significance in our roles in life, in church, in work, and anywhere we go. They really know how to encourage people here, and its good to have it.
I can already see that my character will be tested, and see that I'll be shaped and changed as time moves forward here at Hillsong. They fully intend to stretch students in many areas of life, and to continually grow in a positive direction, no matter how hard the storms of life may come. I love their passion they share in Character Building, and I hope and pray that I can grow effectively in my Godly Character.
My house-mates are growing too, they've been asking questions about things they're experiencing during times of chapel and learning how the church here is growing the way it has been. I'm thankful that a place like Southland has given me some basics and great training in practical ministries and faith building, because I'm already ahead of some of my house-mates by experiencing things like healing through prayers, and working against fears, and understanding the Holy Spirit.
I'm now pressed for time, I have to get my bank details all figured out for my student pack, and I'll be serving in Church for Power House tonight.
Catch everyone later, I'll keep you posted.
Oh and thanks for all the emails people have been sending me, I will eventually get back to you ASAP, but you may have to wait till Saturday till I can respond, thanks.
Love you all.
Wednesday - Orientation Day 1
The first day at the college was pretty cool. I found out that the campus I'll be attending has over 800 students, and that a ton of them are streamed into what everyone out here calls "WACA." Now you ask, what's WACA? Good question, WACA is Worship and Creative Arts. Now, imagine the term WACA being said with an Australian accent... ya, its funny. As for the rest of the students, we're a combo of many streams, but the second largest group happens to be Pastoral. We started of the day right with Praise and Worship in the Chapel, then had some crazy laughs at comments the staff made towards things in Australia and cross cultures around the world experience in Australia. A lot of people here are talking about "Culture Shock", but I honestly have no idea what anyone is talking about. Aussi's and Canucks have a very similar life style, fairly laid back, like to joke around, and live happy I guess. It seems that Europeans and Americans are getting home sick quicker than others, and Africans are just happy to be here (no matter how cold they think it is here.)
Thursday - Orientation Day 2
Again starting the day right with Praise and Worship. A time of celebration for the new intake, and to share and fellowship with those from second year and third year. We got our particulars all figured out with finalizing our streams, and getting our student ID cards ready. What's really cool for attendance here is that our ID cards are scanners, and when we got to a class, we scan in, it tells us the class we're going to, and everything. More people to meet again, you can't say hello to 800 students in one day... or even one week for that matter. So for the next while I'll be meeting people.
Friday (Today) - First Day of Classes
Today was Awesome!
My first class of every Friday Morning is World Religions, and we are going to study other worldly cultures and religions and in some cases cults as well. Our teacher is really cool, his name is Sam, he looks 25, has 4 kids, and rocks the class in Challenges, and makes us learn by helping and teaching others with his teachings. My second class of Fridays (and last class) is Church History, and its my favorite class so far. I love it. The teacher is incredibly smart, has tons of knowledge on the Bible, and on the time line of everything we're learning, she's given us today to learn about the Apostle Paul and his track record so to speak.
Ok so now that the recap from school is out of the way...
Hi everyone, I'm excited about this year, and about where my life is going. I've learned so much in this time frame here at College, and its only been 3 days. Hillsong really likes to share and press into our lives for being significant, either as a student or not, we all have significance in our roles in life, in church, in work, and anywhere we go. They really know how to encourage people here, and its good to have it.
I can already see that my character will be tested, and see that I'll be shaped and changed as time moves forward here at Hillsong. They fully intend to stretch students in many areas of life, and to continually grow in a positive direction, no matter how hard the storms of life may come. I love their passion they share in Character Building, and I hope and pray that I can grow effectively in my Godly Character.
My house-mates are growing too, they've been asking questions about things they're experiencing during times of chapel and learning how the church here is growing the way it has been. I'm thankful that a place like Southland has given me some basics and great training in practical ministries and faith building, because I'm already ahead of some of my house-mates by experiencing things like healing through prayers, and working against fears, and understanding the Holy Spirit.
I'm now pressed for time, I have to get my bank details all figured out for my student pack, and I'll be serving in Church for Power House tonight.
Catch everyone later, I'll keep you posted.
Oh and thanks for all the emails people have been sending me, I will eventually get back to you ASAP, but you may have to wait till Saturday till I can respond, thanks.
Love you all.
Monday, July 16, 2007
3 Days in
Hi everyone,
Ok wow!
I'm finally in Sydney, I've actually been here for three days now, and my place is so cool. I live with 5 other house-mates, 3 from the U.S., 1 from Zimbabwe, and another from Guatemala. We're all settled in, we have a fridge, some lawn furniture for our kitchen (temporarily), all the bathroom goods, dish washer, phone line, cell phones, and we're currently working on wireless net access, and a washer and dryer.
I've checked out three different Hillsong church services since I've been here and all of them are amazing, passionate, and memorable. The first time I was at Hillsong was an event called Power House for 18 - 25 years young to hang out, and its a great atmosphere. Lots of new students showed up, and most of us got to meet one another (briefly). The second service I checked out was a standard Sunday morning service where the message was great. It totally feels like a home service back in Steinbach or something similar to Springs in Winnipeg. The third service was one of my favorites, it was a Sunday night event and almost all people there were young adults and some middle age adults, but it was in the city near the Opera House and the Bridge. So my room-mate and I, and 2 other students across the street, and our accommodating friend named Ben, drove out to a train station, and hooked up in the city, and had a blast. We checked out a local restaurant with great food, had a ton of laughs, and made it a late night. Since I've got here, I've been sleeping at 9:00pm and waking up with out an alarm at 7:00am its crazy how good it feels to wake up with out an alarm, but the night is so young.
The food here is pretty good, lots of Americans think its expensive, but I think the prices here are similar to Canadians, and I've been doing my best to shop cheaper than normal. I just can't wait to start classes so that I can meet more students that I'll be sharing classes with. Everything here in Sydney is great, people that mentioned anything about Sydney was positive, and everyone was right.
Well I'm running out of internet time here at the Library, I've gotta go login a new password to keep my minutes up, and I'll post again when college has started.
A general message to all friends and family, I totally miss you all and love you all lots, but I am doing great out here, and can't wait to see some visitors out here if people are willing. Let others know about this update on my site, and keep the community back home informed please & thanks.
OH, if anyone wants to send me an e-mail, I'm allowing it to go public. You can contact me at PRoss02@gmail.com
I may not reply right away, thanks to the availability of net access being pretty low out here, but I'll do my best to get back to as many of you as possible.
Also, I want to get my videos uploaded on here, but I have a feeling that will take some time, once I can get wireless at home I'll get my vids up for everyone to see me again, and check on my well being.
Later.
Ok wow!
I'm finally in Sydney, I've actually been here for three days now, and my place is so cool. I live with 5 other house-mates, 3 from the U.S., 1 from Zimbabwe, and another from Guatemala. We're all settled in, we have a fridge, some lawn furniture for our kitchen (temporarily), all the bathroom goods, dish washer, phone line, cell phones, and we're currently working on wireless net access, and a washer and dryer.
I've checked out three different Hillsong church services since I've been here and all of them are amazing, passionate, and memorable. The first time I was at Hillsong was an event called Power House for 18 - 25 years young to hang out, and its a great atmosphere. Lots of new students showed up, and most of us got to meet one another (briefly). The second service I checked out was a standard Sunday morning service where the message was great. It totally feels like a home service back in Steinbach or something similar to Springs in Winnipeg. The third service was one of my favorites, it was a Sunday night event and almost all people there were young adults and some middle age adults, but it was in the city near the Opera House and the Bridge. So my room-mate and I, and 2 other students across the street, and our accommodating friend named Ben, drove out to a train station, and hooked up in the city, and had a blast. We checked out a local restaurant with great food, had a ton of laughs, and made it a late night. Since I've got here, I've been sleeping at 9:00pm and waking up with out an alarm at 7:00am its crazy how good it feels to wake up with out an alarm, but the night is so young.
The food here is pretty good, lots of Americans think its expensive, but I think the prices here are similar to Canadians, and I've been doing my best to shop cheaper than normal. I just can't wait to start classes so that I can meet more students that I'll be sharing classes with. Everything here in Sydney is great, people that mentioned anything about Sydney was positive, and everyone was right.
Well I'm running out of internet time here at the Library, I've gotta go login a new password to keep my minutes up, and I'll post again when college has started.
A general message to all friends and family, I totally miss you all and love you all lots, but I am doing great out here, and can't wait to see some visitors out here if people are willing. Let others know about this update on my site, and keep the community back home informed please & thanks.
OH, if anyone wants to send me an e-mail, I'm allowing it to go public. You can contact me at PRoss02@gmail.com
I may not reply right away, thanks to the availability of net access being pretty low out here, but I'll do my best to get back to as many of you as possible.
Also, I want to get my videos uploaded on here, but I have a feeling that will take some time, once I can get wireless at home I'll get my vids up for everyone to see me again, and check on my well being.
Later.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Hope Found
Hi again, this time on a much brighter and happier note than before. I have successfully gotten through customs, I am at Gate 101, waiting for my flight to board passengers and will be flying to Fiji in less than an hour from now. This whole ordeal has been such a rush, I must thank so many of you for you much needed and heart felt prayers on this 35 hour wait in LA, and for the sake of everything running so smooth at this point in time.
I guess I lied in my previous post about the next time I post I'll be in Sydney, but I had to let everyone know that things are back on track, and I'm officially past half way to my destination in Sydney.
I guess I lied in my previous post about the next time I post I'll be in Sydney, but I had to let everyone know that things are back on track, and I'm officially past half way to my destination in Sydney.
A Hopefull Hour
OK, so recap on my past 10 hours or so here in LA.
After my much needed rest from earlier today, I ended up sitting with 4 missionaries headed off to China to teach English. We chatted for some time, and shared some interesting stories, and I got to share the trip to Banff with them and share the calling on my life, and then to share my journey to Sydney.
I have only heard good things from people around the world about Sydney, and I'm looking forward to being there.
So I have this last hour to kill before I find out for sure if I'm on the flight to Fiji to get me to Sydney. I have this strange feeling that this whole ordeal may have been a plan in the making from God in my life to experience what I have already. The one thing for sure, is that I'm definitely being tested in faith and patience here, I don't even know for sure if I make it on my flight to Fiji tonight, and I am a little worried now. I'm supposed to be at the counter for Air Pacific by 10:00pm (in 1 hour from now) and get the answer then.
Please please please pray for my safe arrival in Sydney, and for things to be more smoothly from this point forward, out of LA and into Fiji and Sydney.
It's slowly starting to settle in my head that I am finally this far, and I am away from home, yet things are still like home to me.
I will post again, hopefully the next time will be when I'm in Sydney.
After my much needed rest from earlier today, I ended up sitting with 4 missionaries headed off to China to teach English. We chatted for some time, and shared some interesting stories, and I got to share the trip to Banff with them and share the calling on my life, and then to share my journey to Sydney.
I have only heard good things from people around the world about Sydney, and I'm looking forward to being there.
So I have this last hour to kill before I find out for sure if I'm on the flight to Fiji to get me to Sydney. I have this strange feeling that this whole ordeal may have been a plan in the making from God in my life to experience what I have already. The one thing for sure, is that I'm definitely being tested in faith and patience here, I don't even know for sure if I make it on my flight to Fiji tonight, and I am a little worried now. I'm supposed to be at the counter for Air Pacific by 10:00pm (in 1 hour from now) and get the answer then.
Please please please pray for my safe arrival in Sydney, and for things to be more smoothly from this point forward, out of LA and into Fiji and Sydney.
It's slowly starting to settle in my head that I am finally this far, and I am away from home, yet things are still like home to me.
I will post again, hopefully the next time will be when I'm in Sydney.
Don't be Alarmed
Hi everyone, I'm just sharing the news that I'm not in Fiji yet, and I'm in limbo at the LA X Tom Bradley International Terminal still. I had made a mix up in my flight numbers, and due to customs and some new baggage claims at the wrong time, I was forced to miss my scheduled flight. On the plus side, I've gotten tons of good and much needed rest, and the people watching here is of utmost high and most interesting quality. I made a short video at the airport to show my where abouts, but I won't be uploading it till I'm in Sydney. I will leave LA 11:00pm tonight for Fiji, and I may stay in Fiji for a day to work on getting another boarding pass for Sydney. I'm doing fine, I was pretty bummed out last night, but with my awesome bench sleeping skills, I found enough rest, and am good to go for the rest of this trip to Sydney. My bags are still solid, and I have definitely learned the meaning of patience. I remember thinking before arriving to LA "I'll have 11 whole hours in LA!?!" and now I realize my total hours are 35 hours in LA limbo.
While waiting, I saw a large group of Asian folk, easily over 100 of them, and I was just waking up from a nap, and boom the empty spot in front of me started to fill up fast! I had no idea what to expect, but after over hearing what some of them were saying and what they were doing I caught on. They were all Christians, sending off their loved ones to India on a Mission's trip. When they all gathered in front of the open space, the ones leaving on the mission were kneeling, and their friends and family prayed over them. At first it felt eerie, but after a few moments, you can totally see their faith and feel their prayers. I thank God to experience this blessing in my limbo term here in LA. It was incredible.
Well I'll keep you all posted when I get to Fiji, till then I have 12 hours to kill. Lots of love to everyone, and don't forget to do it awesome or don't do it at all.
While waiting, I saw a large group of Asian folk, easily over 100 of them, and I was just waking up from a nap, and boom the empty spot in front of me started to fill up fast! I had no idea what to expect, but after over hearing what some of them were saying and what they were doing I caught on. They were all Christians, sending off their loved ones to India on a Mission's trip. When they all gathered in front of the open space, the ones leaving on the mission were kneeling, and their friends and family prayed over them. At first it felt eerie, but after a few moments, you can totally see their faith and feel their prayers. I thank God to experience this blessing in my limbo term here in LA. It was incredible.
Well I'll keep you all posted when I get to Fiji, till then I have 12 hours to kill. Lots of love to everyone, and don't forget to do it awesome or don't do it at all.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Safe Trip to LA
Right on!
I made it to LA, safe and sound, the flight here was great. I ended up with a window seat, and had some great views to check out on my way here. While flying over Navada, you can check out the dessert and they announced later over the intercom that it was a whopping 120 deg F there.
I ended up sitting next to this great guy with 2 kids and a loving wife back home in MN. We had some good laughs, and even had some meaningful chat with sharing faith and sharing about our futures. The guy was pumped for me about heading out to Sydney, and hearing about Hillsong. I continue to love hearing the encouragement from everyone, including random strangers like the guy I sat with on the plane.
I'm kinda fond of this airport life, I'm sure this is just a face value feeling, but for right now, its pretty cool to people watch at a place like the airport. I'm realizing now that I've gotten roughly 3 hours of sleep in total as of Sunday night and added what I could gather for rest in St. Paul's airport, so I'm gonna do my best to gain a bit of shut eye before boarding for Fiji. I do miss home, and all my friends and family, but I'm still pumped about arriving in Sydney.
Right now at this very moment typing this entry, there's this little girl that is horrified about entering the next plane... my guess is that she's experienced some seriously painful ears popping on a previous flight, and doesn't wanna go for round two.
I guess that's it for now, I'm gonna catch a bit of rest, and will be back online when I can't rest any longer. Maybe later catch some lunch, and check emails again later. Thanks to everyone that sent me an email back, its awesome to hear from so many loved ones.
I made it to LA, safe and sound, the flight here was great. I ended up with a window seat, and had some great views to check out on my way here. While flying over Navada, you can check out the dessert and they announced later over the intercom that it was a whopping 120 deg F there.
I ended up sitting next to this great guy with 2 kids and a loving wife back home in MN. We had some good laughs, and even had some meaningful chat with sharing faith and sharing about our futures. The guy was pumped for me about heading out to Sydney, and hearing about Hillsong. I continue to love hearing the encouragement from everyone, including random strangers like the guy I sat with on the plane.
I'm kinda fond of this airport life, I'm sure this is just a face value feeling, but for right now, its pretty cool to people watch at a place like the airport. I'm realizing now that I've gotten roughly 3 hours of sleep in total as of Sunday night and added what I could gather for rest in St. Paul's airport, so I'm gonna do my best to gain a bit of shut eye before boarding for Fiji. I do miss home, and all my friends and family, but I'm still pumped about arriving in Sydney.
Right now at this very moment typing this entry, there's this little girl that is horrified about entering the next plane... my guess is that she's experienced some seriously painful ears popping on a previous flight, and doesn't wanna go for round two.
I guess that's it for now, I'm gonna catch a bit of rest, and will be back online when I can't rest any longer. Maybe later catch some lunch, and check emails again later. Thanks to everyone that sent me an email back, its awesome to hear from so many loved ones.
Monday, July 9, 2007
In the beginning...
Well, this is really it. Most people asked the same question when it came to how I was feeling about leaving for Sydney, and the truth of the matter was that it still feels like just an ordinary day. I guess you can say I'm completely at peace about where I am and where I'm going. I have to admit, I thought for sure that "life" would hit me when I realized I was on a plane heading away from home, but I'm excited and thrilled about my travels. I know deep down I'm gonna miss home and family and friends, but I know all of you are in good hands back home.
One thing I really find interesting here at the airport, is how many people have laptops while they are in limbo, and also how many people are crashing at random places. Airport culture seriously rocks, and I admire people's ability to just make the best of their times while waiting or needing rest.
The next time I add a post to this site, will probably be when I arrive in LA, and will do my best to keep everyone posted.
One thing I really find interesting here at the airport, is how many people have laptops while they are in limbo, and also how many people are crashing at random places. Airport culture seriously rocks, and I admire people's ability to just make the best of their times while waiting or needing rest.
The next time I add a post to this site, will probably be when I arrive in LA, and will do my best to keep everyone posted.
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