Well I'm getting settled into life in Sydney and it's amazing.  The last two days have been Orientation for college.  It's been a lot of information but very exciting meeting new people and hearing about what I'm going to be doing in the next year.

Tomorrow I'm leaving to go on a retreat until Saturday.  I'll be meeting new people, getting to hear sermons and lessons by many different pastors, and also get to spend some time on the beach!  I am very excited!

My third flat mate, Kim, arrived from London on Sunday so there are now four of us in my flat.  Please be praying that we all get along and are able to compromise if needed.  Also please pray that God will bless our friendships and help us to be a strong support system for each other.

My intensive class schedule starts on Tuesday and will continue for two weeks.  I will be hearing a lot of great lectures and will be very busy.  On Tuesday, everyone from the City campus where I am attending will be bused over in the morning to the Hills campus for combined lectures.  The City campus where I attend has about 300 students, but the Hills campus is much larger and has about 700 students!  There will be a lot of people but it will be a great experience!

Please be praying for travel safety going to the retreat tomorrow and returning Saturday night.

Pray for my studies as I will be starting on Tuesday.

Pray for provision that God will provide us with furniture for our flat.

Arrived in Australia

Well I made it here safely.  I spent 5 hours in the LAX airport, then 14 hours on the plane here to Sydney.  But I made it to the airport, through customs and immigration (with all my luggage) and caught a taxi to Hillsong Church where I met the people from the college.  I am settled into my flat with two of my flatmates already here.  Jen is 18 and from California.  We actually arrived at the college at the same time so that was very nice.  Anri is my other flat mate. She is 18 and from South Africa.  She arrived yesterday and was very excited that she wasn't by herself anymore.  Our other flat mate is from England and should be arriving on Sunday.

We got settled into our apartment and then a 2nd year student named Ti came over and took us around town to go shopping and get familiar with the area some.  Our flat is still very empty but we are working on finding furniture. The main thing being a refrigerator.

The weather here is very hot and humid but the occasional breeze is very nice.  I am currently sitting in a cafe down the street from my apartment with my two flat mates.

I am very excited for this year.  I know that God is going to change me and use me a lot during my time here.  I'm looking forward to when classes start on Tuesday and I can meet more people.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Preparing for Australia

Hello!
As many of you know I am leaving on Wednesday for Sydney, Australia. I will be spending a year (actually 10 1/2 months) studying at Hillsong International Leadership College. I will be taking core Bible and Christian Leadership classes as well as classes focused on Worship Music. If you would like to know more about the college here is the website: www.hillsong.com

A little background as to how this all came about:
This past November I was attending the University of Arizona but I realized that was not where God wanted me to be anymore. I did a lot of praying and God pointed me toward Hillsong College. I then had a chance meeting with a former student there and learned more about the college. I really felt God leading me to apply, so I did. The next thing I knew everything was coming together faster than I could imagine. I got my visa in less than 24 hours! It usually should take at least 2 or 3 weeks. Now that's what I call seeing God work. Well after a lot of prayer and trusting in God to orchestrate everything, I'm leaving for Syndey in 2 days.

I'm starting this blog in order to keep all of you updated and informed as to what I'm doing, how God is working in me and through me, and how you can be praying for me. I really appreciate all your prayers and support.

Current Prayer Requests:
Please be praying as I'm packing and preparing to leave on Wednesday.
Pray for safety as I fly to Sydney and then make my way to the College.

Thanks again for all your prayers!