home.

August 1 was by far the longest day in the history of the world. I left Sydney at 1:40 in the afternoon and landed in Los Angeles at 10:30 in the morning. On the same day. Needless to say I was more than ready for bed, and I still had another flight plus 2ish hours in the car before I could get there. I had a tight connection (90 minutes), and I was worried that I would miss my flight. Thankfully, I got through immigration, customs, and security all within 30 minutes and made it to my gate before they started to board. This was such a blessing because a lot of my teammates waited in security and stuff for quite a while. It was hard to say goodbye to them, but I was ready to get back to Augusta. 

I was greeted in ATL by my sweet parents, and after getting my heaps of luggage (that's another story for another day), we made our way out of the airport and off to Chickfila. I have to say, I was quite looking forward to their sweet tea, and it was sort of disappointing. We quickly made our way to Augusta, and all the while I was texting my roommate, Caroline, not really knowing what to expect when I got home. If I had to guess, I thought I would be catching up with her and her boyfriend that night. However, I was welcomed home by this...

Why yes, that is a beaver sitting in my living room. 

Caroline threw me a surprise welcome home party, and it was so wonderful! 

I had absolutely no idea, and it was great to see all of my sweet friends immediately. 

My friend Corey is the one in the beaver costume, and it freaked me out at first but has now become a joke for all of us. 

Love these ladies!

And this one too!

While it was hard to say goodbye to my sweet family in Pakenham, this welcome home made coming back so much sweeter. I've been enjoying these past few days catching up with friends and family and enjoying a few of my favorite restaurants. I have also managed to drive on the wrong side of the road, and I have referred to Pakenham as "back home". Clearly my heart is in two places. 

I have enjoyed watching the Olympics a lot as I tend to stay up late while I'm getting back on Augusta time. That being said, this video makes me laugh a lot. 

Remembering His Faithfulness

Over the past two months, I've been reminded just how FAITHFUL my God is. He has proven Himself time and time again to me while being in Australia. I was pretty much fully funded to come here. My parents were 100% supportive, as well as my church family who has been amazingly faithful in facebook comments, messages, etc. My friends have been so encouraging. God has been great in showing me His faithfulness by reminding me almost daily how blessed I am.

As surely as the sun will rise...certain as the dawn appears... 

He's also shown me His faithfulness through the people He's placed in my life here in Pakenham. He knew I would need a Casie...so I have a Kammi. He knew I would need a MB/Chelsea combo...so I have a Lauren. He knew I would need a mother figure...so I have a Julie. He knew I would need to get my little kid fix in...so I have Phoebe and Jemima. And He knew I would need so many more people and He blessed me with them as well. He has been so faithful to me, even from before I was born when He placed me in the home of my parents. My God has been extremely faithful.

As surely as the sun will rise...certain as Your word endures...

So, why am I doubting that He isn't going to be faithful when I get home? He's been SO good to me, why wouldn't He be the same when I get back to Augusta? For the first time in my working life (all 4.5 years of that), I have to search for a job. God's been good. He's been so gracious in the fact that I got to work at WBC for so long. I know He has something great in store for me, but it's hard because I hate walking into the unknown. I also know it's going to be really weird for me to go back to serving in the high school ministry and not be on staff. I think it may be harder transitioning back into Augusta than it was transitioning into Australia. But, I have to remember that God is still and will always be faithful.

Basically, I'm writing this as a reminder for myself, but also as a request for prayer. Pray that God will open just the right door for me and whatever job I'm supposed to have, I'll get. Pray that my transition from church staff to church member will be an easy one. And also, please pray for safe travel mercies and that I can make my connecting flight in L.A. Wednesday is going to be the longest day in the history of my world :)

Love from down under....for the last time!

I Went to the Outback!

Most Aussies have never been to the Outback, so when I found that out, I knew that my time in the Outback would be something very special, although I was hesitant about the living conditions. But, no fear, I got to shower everyday, and I always used a toilet while going to the bathroom. All was well :)

We got to the Outback on Wednesday, July 4th, and we came back to Pakenham on Saturday. With travel and everything, we were there just under two weeks. It really FLEW by. While each day was packed to the brim and full on, it was so rewarding. We worked in two different communities, putting on VBS for three days. Each community was different but we learned a lot from each.

The Aborigines are very relational people. They are all about making relationships with people and maintaining good relationships with each other. Australia in general is a laid back nation (so opposite to America), but the Aborigines are beyond laid back. I don't even know how to explain it. They are just so laid back and all about hanging out with each other. It was such a great opportunity to experience that.

I have made lots of relationships while in Australia that I will cherish forever. One of these relationships was strengthened while I was in the Outback. This was my relationship with my friend Lauren (pictured below). She is the youth pastor's daughter, and I stayed with her and her family a week and a half before we left for the Outback. She is such a blessing, and I'm so glad I have this great friend! (Mary Beth, if you're reading this, she's a lot like you, minus your sarcasm :).

It was so warm in the Northern Territory that I did not want to come back to cold, wet Melbourne. However, the friendships and the relationships that I have made here are so worth the cold :) I cannot believe that in two weeks, I'll be headed back to the States. Maggie and I are already making plans to come back to Pakenham next year! It's going to be a bittersweet return. I'm ready to see my family and friends and not live out of a suitcase anymore, but I'm dreading saying goodbye to these sweet people. 

Please pray that I will give it my all every single day that I have left. Please pray for the relationships that I have made, that they will continue to grow. Also, please pray for a sweet lady in the church that is waiting for a test result. Pray for my return back to the States, that it will be an easy one. One more...pray that I will find a job when I get back home. 

Love from Down Under! Next post will probably be from in the States!