First things first... EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT! Yes, everything... Steering wheels are on the right side of the car, which drives on the left side of the road, light switches go down to turn on and up to turn off, toilets have their own separate room, Australian food tastes nothing like American food even when you can manage to find the same American brands, December is Summer and July is Winter, french fries are called chips, trash is called rubbish, power outlets are crooked, and a whole list of other things which just don't seem to make sense. However, the truth is I love it!
Australia is absolutely gorgeous! The first week I was here, I got to go into Sydney and see the famous Opera House and Harbor Bridge as you can see in the photos below.
The only unfortunate thing is that it was Winter when I landed so I still haven't gotten the chance to go to the beach. It's been WAY too cold. I never knew that Australia could get this cold!!! Brrrr! But thankfully it's starting to roll into Spring and these last couple of weeks have been warming up enough to bust out the shorts and t-shirts.
Ok, so on to Hillsong Church... The reason I'm here. Oh Em Goodness! I don't even know where to begin. How about the worship? Let me tell you... the people here know how to get excited about God! They dance for Him, clap for Him, jump for Him, cry to Him, shout to Him, lift their hands to Him, and sing their lungs out to Him unashamedly and unabashedly. And the musicians are the most professional instrumentalists and vocalists I've ever seen in a church setting. They strive for excellence every time they get onto the platform! It's a never ending display of joyful sacrifice, offering their gifts of music and worship to God.
The preaching is quite challenging as well! So many different pastors from week to week bringing something fresh to test your faith and convictions. Let me tell you... I have loved it here, but it has not been easy! I have been shaken... Put through the fire of what I truly believe and why I believe it, but have come out the other side refined and stronger than ever before. I have had very obvious God encounters. He showed up in a very personal way one night last month and broke me, threw me to my knees and found me weeping, crying out to Him. I haven't felt God that closely in a long, long time. So yes, it is absolutely fantastic, but it's not all roses. It's real and it's raw, not always sugar coated. And honestly I find myself sometimes questioning what's being taught, which only leads to me to make sure that I find what I believe for myself and stand up for it. This is seriously one of the most demanding times in my life where I must decide what I will believe in. And all I have to rely on is myself and God. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
And finally... College. Yet another place to get challenged in your musical skills and walk with Christ. It's not nearly what I had expected. There is actually very little music involved at this point. They stress the significance of a pure heart, a respectable character and an unyielding integrity. They're more concerned about who you are than what you play. Again, not expected, but such an awesome testimony to the heart of Hillsong. They want to raise up true leaders, not just talented musicians! However, I have to admit, those couple times a week where my tutorial of 15 people come together and make music together are some of my favorite times. The amount of talent I have in my group is unbelievable. Rumor is that I'm part of the "Advanced Class." With all of the talent that I get to observe from week to week, I don't doubt it, and I very much consider it an honor to be placed with them! To check out some of our performances from our first in-class evaluation just click HERE.
Ok, so while that appears to be quite a bit to read, it's only scratching the surface of what has actually gone on here in Australia. I will work on updating a bit more regularly so you can all know some specifics of what everyday life consists of. Love you all. Thanks again so much for all of your prayers and support! And if you want something specific to pray about... I am in desperate need of a job. Funds are starting to be depleted and I am currently unemployed. God will provide, I know it! Just help me let Him know how much I need Him to come through right now. ;) Until next time... With much love.
V.
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