lessons learned.

Dane and I have been here in Sydney for six months now.  We laugh because this experience has been a bit of a time warp for us.  Some days we feel like the six months feels like six weeks.  Other days it feels more like six years, but all in all, a lot can happen in six months.  Dane's first semester at Hillsong is coming to an end, which means a new intake of students has started, many from the USA.  We have learned a lot of lessons here already, and I wish someone would have clued me in on a few of these things when we first started.  So, to the new American students, this post is for you.

Lesson #1: Grocery Stores
Yes the price of food is going to scare you to death at first.  It is ok, eventually that shock will wear off.  Just remember, when you are buying 1 kilogram of something, it is like buying 2 pounds of it at home.  The cheapest ground beef is at Coles ($6/kilo).  Not the highest quality, but affordable.  If you are looking for frozen chicken breasts, just stop.  Go to the deli counter and buy from there.  Yes, the deli counter is cheaper than the meat freezer.  Don't be afraid to try new dishes.  You'll find a lot of Asian and Indian influence here.  Embrace it.  Buy the packet of satay mix from the grocery store aisle.  Try the Japanese mayonnaise, it tastes amazing.  And if you are looking for candy, might I recommend strawberry zappos.  If you are looking for fresh produce, try the markets.  Parklea isn't really that far, and the prices are amazing.  They are only open on Saturday and Sundays.  Go in the late afternoon to get the best price on items.

Lesson #2: Cravings.
You will crave things that you never thought you would from back home.  Here is a bit of help.  Reject shop will become a friend of yours.  Dr. Pepper for $1.50/ can, Marshmallow Fluff for $2/ jar, Hershey Chocolate Syrup and Reeces cups are also available here.  Forget about eating black beans or corn bread for awhile.  Mama is just going to have to send those to ya via US Postal Service.  Which brings me to my next lesson.

Lesson #3:  Mail
Mail will make your day.  Letters from home make the world feel smaller.  Become pen pals with several people back at home (I love writing people from my church especially).  It keeps you up to date on life back at home, but also allows someone to learn a bit about another part of the world.   Also, if you are needing something from home, your parents can ship it for around $65 in a flat rate box.  They will become your best friend...trust me.

Lesson #4: Coffee
Coffee here is so different and so amazing.  Take it in!  The cafes in Australia are unique and fun.  May I recommend your first drink be a latte, then you can work your way up to a long black for something a little more stout (or as my papa would say, something that will put hair on your chest).

Lesson #5: Your Feet
You are going to walk, A LOT.  Comfy shoes are a must.  You will wear through the soles of your shoes very very quickly.  Dane and I have already worn holes in the bottom of six pairs of shoes since arriving.  Take care of your feet.  Girls, I know you want to look cute, but sometimes it is just not worth walking round trip 80 minutes in healed boots.

Lesson #6: Take Initiative
There are so many opportunities at Hillsong, but they might not be put on a silver platter for you.  Ask questions, volunteer, get to know people and doors will open up for you!

Lesson #7: Courage
We are often told that coming to Australia was so courageous.  So many days I do NOT feel courageous.  Dane often reminds me that just because you are scared does not mean that you aren't courageous and brave.  Don't be afraid to face your fears while you are here.  Talk to someone you might not normally talk to, eat vegemite on toast with butter, pet the kangaroo, volunteer to pray aloud in class, hug someone who needs one, cry like a baby in the middle of church.

Lesson #8: Transportation
The public transit system here is unorganized.  Do not expect Chicago or NYC.  Use this website to figure out bust time tables: www.131500.com.au  A bus ticket will cost you $4.50 one way.  You can buy an unlimited day pass at most News Agency for $21.  Be ready, you'll have to pay for those in cash.  I would recommend buying a bike.  Do not buy a bike from Big W.  The pedals will fall off.

Lesson #9: Gum Tree
gumtree.com is just like craigslist back at home.  Use it to find furniture to furnish your home, used bikes, tickets, jobs, phones, guitar pedals or whatever else you might need while you are here.

Lesson #10: Hillsong In General
Hillsong is a very unique place.  While you are here, get ready.  God has a plan for your life.  Sometimes that means dealing with past hurts, pains, suppressed memories, darkness, and so on.  Trust me, God wants to and will set you free from all of this.  Just know that your soul will be stirred by the Holy Spirit and Jesus will set you free.  He comes to give life and give it abundantly.  Chains will be broken, lives will be healed, in Jesus name.  So be joyful my friend, you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

a new member of the family

It happened.  We finally found the perfect souvenir I've been searching for here in Australia.  I knew one thing I wanted to bring home from Aussie land was an owl to add to my collection.  Say hello to this guy.  He came from Typo, my favorite store here in Australia, and he is a fantastic color of burnt orange.  Now the kicker.  Typo has released several other adorable owls that I'm working hard to say no to, but I'm not going to lie, I might cave.  One is all white and it lights up, the other is turquoise with the most comical eyes I have ever seen.  My opinion, the eyes make the owl.  But for now, I'm loving this little fellow.

a chance to pause.

Life has been so crazy for Dane and I the past couple of weeks.  Tonight was our first night to just be home in a while, and so we took it easy.  Dane finished a book.  I read a few blogs.  We built a shelf in our closet for our boots (we live in boots here).  Dane enjoyed his birthday candy (banana salt water taffy and hot tamales).  I drew a few pages in my art journal.  We enjoyed some letters from home.  Dane slept in until 1:00pm (much needed and deserved).  I made potato soup for dinner.  We enjoyed each other's company.

lately.

Hi Everyone.  Just stopping in to let you know why this space might be a bit quiet this week.  Let me just say it is NOT because life is quiet for Dane and I.  First things first.

This came out this week.  Yes, the new Hillsong Live album.  It is incredible.  My second favorite Hillsong worship song is on here.  (number one being With Everything).  Number two is titled Beneath the Waters.  The chorus is going to just blow you away.  It is a declaration of who God is, what He has done, and what that means for us.  Please please please grab this album on itunes.  You will not regret it. Dane and I got to be a part of the live recordings of Beneath the Waters and Cornerstone.  Dane also got to be a part of the choir recording process for this album.  So yes, we feel a bit connected to it.

Second.  It is Hillsong Conference week.  Tonight I got to hear Joyce Meyer speak.  Yes, I know some of you are totally jealous right now, but don't worry, the message she shared will be released by her in the next couple weeks.  You'll probably see it on TV or something.  Can I tell you something, that woman just makes me laugh.  It love her sarcasm.  Oh my goodness, I love it.  Now, let me get to my point.  You too can be a part of Hillsong Conference.  Just grab your Iphone, Ipod, Ipad, (sadly yes, it is limited to you apple people) and download the Hillsong Ap.  They are streaming the conference live.  After this weekend they will begin streaming Hillsong church services live, so in a sense, you can go to church with Dane and I.

And finally a few prayer requests for those of you who have committed to praying for Dane and I.
* Pray for health, safety, and positive attitudes for Dane and the other 4,000 volunteers that make Hillsong conference happen.  Their job isn't easy, but they are an amazing team.
* At night, Hillsong conference is free to the public (amazing, I know).  Pray that people will come to know Jesus, personally.  Not just know His name, but begin a true life long, lasting relationship with Him.
* Lift up a shout of praise.  God provided for their needs so they will be able to stay at Hillsong for another semester.  We are so thankful for our friends here.
* Dane will be job searching next week.  We are praying that God will tear the hinges off doors, and swing them wide open for us.
* We are hoping to come home for Christmas.  Pray that we can find affordable flights home.
* Pray for our bikes.....they need it.
* Some of our friends have just been diagnosed with illness.  We are praying for God's wholeness and healing in their lives.
* Keep my coworkers in your prayers.  I pray daily that God will move and work in their lives.  Two of them might even be coming to church with me this Sunday.  Hip Hip Hooray!

Know that we love you all!

xoxo,
the kids down under

thirty. flirty. and thriving.

Meet my girl Mel, my beautiful housemate from Melbourne.  You would never believe it but this girl turned thirty this year.

Yes, I didn't have to go into thirty alone.  In Australia 30 is celebrated like 21 in the USA; a big wild party.  But my girl Mel is sweet, classy, and chic. So, she decided to throw a big, wild, sweet, classy and chic party.  I had the pleasure of helping with the decorations and taking photos of the event.  We had a great night, so I wanted to share some of the moments with you all.

Happy Birthday Mel.  We love you!

Dave and Robin's Australian Adventure: 27 years.

It was so much fun getting to celebrate Dane's 27th birthday with his parents here in Australia.  The original plan was to go to the zoo, but as you will see in many of these pictures, that idea was rained out. So the decision was, if you can't be the water, join it!  And off to the Aquarium we went.

 These are all made of legos my friends.  legos.

I spent a lot of my time at the aquarium looking for one of my favorite foods.  crab!  and boy did I find some!  not all edible, but a few.  

Now if someone could just find me a bowl of hot butter, we'd be in business!

A Barramundi.  A fish that often comes to mind when I think of Australia.  Another fish that comes to mind is the next exhibit we visited, which I think was probably my favorite part of the day.  SHARKS!

One image you would never want to see while swimming in the ocean.

Dane and I also watched shark feeding time.  The window to see this was about as big as a movie screen.  It was so impressive!

And then we were off to explore the city.

While shopping we found Duke and Pearl's cousin.  We wanted him to come home, and he still might, but as of right now a gift shop in Darling Harbour has offered to take care of him for us.  Notice the beak and eye resemblance.

At home we celebrated with chocolate cupcakes, dark chocolate, zappos, coke, friends, and the game of things.

Robin and I were constantly trying to get Dane to behave in pictures, but we were caught on film looking like the fools.  It makes me laugh!

Happy Birthday Dane!  We love you!