It's Begun!

It’s been a great day. I started work around 8:30 this morning and only now after the sun has been down for several hours, have I retreated to my room. It has been a long day, but so rich and full. Many students here are leaving home for the first time. Some excited, others constantly on the edge of tears. Life as they knew it has been left behind and college is about to start.

Today was a day of “firsts” for many here. For some of the students it is the first time they will be living in a different province, house, or country than their families. For others it is the first time they have pushed themselves this far out of their comfort zone knowing that God has something big for them here.  Excitement and nervousness lingers in the halls and in the faces of each student.

As each day has gone by, last week with Student Leader Training, and today as we welcome the students, I have been made aware that this job is a blessing. I am joyfully anticipating each day, each conversation, each bit of shared laughter, each prayer, tear, cup of tea, walk through the park, and crazy adventure that lies ahead. I anticipate the Lord is doing some pretty unique and big things in the lives of the students He brought here, and I am honored to be a part of it.

Although I am “home” now, work is not far off. It literally waits for me on the other side of my door. So for myself I anticipate a year of learning what it looks like to take opportune moments to connect as well as retreat and abide. And now I will retreat, place my head on my pillow, shut my eyes and thank the Lord for this opportunity. Lord, I give you my time, these students, and all the feelings that are swirling about in my heart. Thank-You for what you are doing here, let the adventure begin. 

Taking a break from decorating the Student Development Center with the Resident Leaders for a quick photo op.

Transition

Since arriving at Columbia Bible College, I have been blessed in so many ways. 

I arrived to a fridge which had the basics as well as lactose free milk, and a counter with countless goodies including a bouquet of flowers (I don't care what I've said in the past, I LOVE flowers!), some CBC gear, and a "welcome home" sign! I've been overwhelmed (in the best way) by the hospitality and helpfulness of my co-workers. I am part of the Student Development Team and the four of us call ourselves "The D-Team". These people are amazing, we laugh a lot and still get work done! :D

I came not knowing anyone. My parents knew a few people here and through them I have been SO BLESSED! One of my mom's friends took me all around town to show me around, help me get furniture at the local MCC store (thrift shop), took me to change my licence from Manitoba to British Columbia, helped me get insurance quotes for the car I'm buying, took me for breakfast and even gave me chocolate! Another one of my mom's friends, had me over for dinner, introduced me to their pastor, let me watch the hockey game at their house and sent me home with fresh bread and freezer jam! Through work I have met a few other friends and through them, I've met even more! Again, I must say I am overwhelmed by the Lord's goodness to me through the people He is placing in my life. 

It's crazy how fast time flies by. I have been in Abbotsford over a month now. It's still not home, but I know these things take time. I've found a mentor, car, dresser, and a few odds and ends from the MCC store. Still looking for a church, but again, these things can take time. I have found a few "spots"; places I go to be alone, soak up the sun, sit and just be with the Lord. I am constantly giving thanks for the beauty that surrounds me. The mountains are everywhere and on a good clear day Mt. Baker seems to glow (I am looking forward to the day when I get to bring my snowboard to that hill!).

I feel like I know what I'm doing at work, but I also know that as soon as the students arrive, my job description will change from paper work to people work...which I'm pretty sure I enjoy much more (though I kinda enjoy the paper work too!). I never would have dreamed that I would get paid to do what I love which is simply doing life with people. Thank-You Lord.

This transition has happened so fast. I know there is a lot more coming my way but I know that with the Lord, it's all gonna be more than ok.

A fresh start...

I feel like the phrase: "So much has happened since my last post." is one that has often been used on this blog. ...Well...it's true.

Since my travels to Sydney and the Blue Mountains, I returned to my home in the Gold Coast, continued working at the gelati shop on the beach, joined the worship team in my church (Living Temple Christian Church), met some new and wonderful close friends, went to a few weddings, surfed, soaked up as much sun possible, bundled up as the Autumn weather hit, got offered a job back in Canada, accepted said job, packed up my little life, said my "see ya later's", and hopped back on a plane to Canada.

Leaving the Gold Coast in June was never in my plans. As always, the Lord knows best and I am trusting in that fact. As I was preparing to leave, I was overwhelmed by the friends who have become my family. Especially Sawden Manor. It's only recently hit me how much I miss my Aussie family. They sure did give me a wonderful send off. I am looking forward to the next time we are all together again.

 Last night with Sawden Manor.

What a crew.

Arriving in Canada....

When I was in Australia, I would look for familiar things to make me feel more at home. Now I find myself looking for things from Australia here to make me feel more at home. Australia, though I was not there for heaps of time, became my home. I am thankful for the opportunity I have here in Canada, but I really do look forward to the day when I will return!

After arriving in Canada, I was blessed to have just over 2 weeks to spend time with my family, friends, and pack up what was left of my life in Winkler before moving out to Abbotsford, BC (just less than an hour away from Vancouver). Though it was short, it was the perfect amount of time to catch up with people and get ready for this next chapter of my life at Columbia Bible College as the new Female Residence Director...

Catching up with friends from youth/high school

Taking in an opportunity to watch my cousin Chris get the whole shot at the races. 

Trying to be like Chris :)

Tara and I walking to Jonny's Java
Best coffee shop in Winkler.

Hangin' with the broski.

Traveling...

Finally, after 6 months of being in one place, I go to travel a bit and see a little more of Australia. It was a last minute trip and perfect timing! 

I flew from the Gold Coast Airport (which is right across the highway from my house) to Sydney. There I was met by my friend Matthew (who I know from Qwanoes and Briercrest/Kaleo) and went surfing for the day with him and some friends he made during his stay in Sydney. He was flying out of Sydney later that afternoon, so it was perfect timing! I was stoked that I got to use a short board. It made it more difficult to stand up on a wave, but I managed to stand on one! This is a big improvement from using a longboard (which I normally do.)

 We left Maroubra Beach (where we surfed), and I was dropped off at Central Train Station where I caught a train to meet Emily and Phil Stibbs (more friends from Qwanoes) at Quaker Park and drove from there to the Blue Mountains where they live and train with Youth Specialities at a Christian camp. 

 It was such a retreat to be with them and reminisce about camp, laugh and just catch up. 

We went mountain biking (which I loved!) and they took me to my first ever Rugby League game, which I also really enjoyed!(Even though the Panthers beat the Eels 46-12)

 We made homemade meat pies (which is a very Aussie thing)

 And they took me to see the 3 sisters. 

 Little fact Phil taught me while we were at the 3 sisters...

The Blue Mountains are called "Blue" because the dust from the eucalyptus trees flies up into the air and causes the trees to look blue!

Em and Phil blessed my socks off while I was staying with them. It was such perfect timing and I felt like I had been on a week long retreat by the time I returned to the Gold Coast. Thank-You Lord.

A little bit of Canada...

 It's crazy how much Camp Qwanoes has brought about so many travel connections! Markell (who we know from Qwanoes in Canada) came to stay with Brad and Mar this past week and a bit as she's just finished Bible school in New Zealand and is doing a bit of traveling before heading back home to Vancouver. One day Jesse lent us her car so we could do a little exploring...

Us at Byron Bay light house where we ran into 3 other Canadians from Alberta! 

 There were hang-gliders everywhere..something involving flying that I would consider participating in.

 The water was so clear and blue I just wanted to jump in!

We stopped at Fingal Head on the way home..

At some vegan restaurant with a group of friends for one of Dave's gigs.

An Afternoon with my Housemate in the Currumbin Valley...

 Frankie thought Steph's hat was real straw and tried to eat it.

Hurray For Accessible Internet!

Huzzah! Now I can do one of those catch up posts again full of photos...nobody really likes reading anyhow right?

  Hiking at Springbrook with Ash

Chillin' out at Coolangatta Beach

Hangin' out in the car park with Ash before Church. 

Facts about our church:

It's called Living Temple Christian Church (you can check out the podcasts if you like :)

It starts at 4pm

It's a church plant

We are life group based

I love my life group!

At the beginning of February I got a job! I work at Hopscotch Gelati in Coolangatta which is a 25min walk from my house! 

February 22nd I moved into the house with 3 other girls. 2 Aussies and one American. The house (I like to call it The Beach House:) has been such a God thing, I couldn't have planned this house better myself. It's one street over from the beach and so close to work so I can save money on the bus too! (Busses are quite expensive out here). 

 What I've been doing my best to do :)  For those who keep up with my blog or see my pictures on instagram, it might seem to you that all I do is sit around on the beach and go do fun things...Obviously that's not the case. Don't know why anyone would post pictures of the monotony of life :) I work 4 days a week and the rest of the time, when I'm not out and about, I'm looking for other jobs, doing laundry, biking or taking the bus to get groceries, and pretty much being a normal human being :) I haven't gotten to travel Australia yet but am hoping to go to Sydney for a weekend and am planning (Lord willing) on going to New Zealand in July before I head back to Canada on July 31st. 

 Courtney came to visit 2 days after we got possession of The Beach House. The above pictures are from the Byron Bay Light House and an evening playing Saucebin at Sawden Manor.

 Coolest frog I've ever seen.

Just chillin with the roo's and the Currumbin Wildlife Scantuary 

 Shortly after Court left, I found a bed for $40.00 on Gumtree (kinda like Craigs list) Beck and I picked it up that day. As you can tell I was very excited not to be sleeping on the floor anymore!

The before and after getting a bed. The top picture is of my first night in the house sleeping on a folded up blanket which was upgraded to an airmattress. The bottom picture is with the new bed (which now is a queen that Beck and Andy are lending me), a dresser and bedside table given to me from my roommate Rosie. AND the guitar that's sitting behind the bed is also on loan to me from Rosie...God even takes care of the little things!

A stick bug!!! I haven't seen one before or since, but I was stoked to see this little guy! 

 Celebrating Rosie's birthday at the Robina mall cinema watching Oz.

 I have a very musically talented housemate.

 Bruises from surfing....I wasn't even on my knees!!

 Getting to babysit this little gem and her 2 year old sister has been a blast.

Jesse, Steph, me and Rosie at our house warming party that doubled as Rosie's birthday party.

Dave and Beck from Sawden Manor hanging out at the house warming. 

Jesse and I took in the Quick Silver Pro Surf Comp for an afternoon...this guy was really lovin' his cat.

 Our back yard...aka: Bilinga Beach

 Ash and I on our way to the Currumbin Valley Rock Pools

 A morning with Beck, Andy, Ava and friends SUPing (Stand Up Paddleboarding)

 Jumping on the "pillow" at Surfer's Paradise ...

Yup, we were the only adults on the thing. 

 A common sign to see. Koala crossing.

 Love spending time with Ava and her family at Sawden Manor. 

 Sunday night girls night in with chocolate, wine, and good conversation. 

Our first house dinner, we even got to host Emma from Ireland. We're loving having our home open to visitors. So far we've have guests from Canada, Geelong, Ireland, England, South Africa, and to be honest...I don't know where else :) We're just loving this house!

Jesse and I took in a morning of the Aussie Titles (it was the Iron Man comp for the surf life saving clubs of Australia that lasted all week and closed down our beach).

That's all for now, hopefully, I'll be able to keep up with this thing now so it won't be so disorganized next time! Until then..