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.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
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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