I know I haven't written in a long time...there is a lot I could write..but it is about 12:30 a.m. here and I think I will keep it short, but remember I would LOVE to tell you more.
I love my friends here. God has been so good to bless me with sweet friends. I wish I could take them with me. Can that be my souvenir? Like this afternoon I caught the train and met some of them who were in the city. They took me and Chase (the other American) to random places without telling us our next stop. We went to Luna Park- except didn't ride anything just looked around. Walked around beaches..we played tag on a giant playground. Then we went home and ordered pizza, sang along to the guitars, and I made beignets for them to try. It was just a lovely day.
This past week was a lot different. It was school holidays so I didn't have anything going in with the schools. Over half of the youth group was gone at a camp called ESA along with several of our youth leaders and the youth minister who were being leaders at the camp. I tried to apply as a leader as well, but it was too late notice and they didn't need any other leaders. I felt really out of my routine because the other thing I had planned for the week was Friendship Group. I helped drop off the youth at camp and it looked so much fun. It made me miss Pine Cove and I wanted to help out. But- God had a plan for me. A couple weeks ago I went on a city walk tour with a Baptist Church in the city. They do a great deal with serving and providing for the homeless commitee. I decided that it would be an awesome and perfect opportunity to help out with them. It took a couple days for them to get back to me though. I even was about to possibly fly to Sydney or Adelaide for a few days to explore. However, Christop from Urban Seed- ( a ministry of the church). He told me how I could serve so I spent Tuesday and Wednesday cooking, setting- up, and serving lunch to the homeless, needy, and actually anyone at the church's Credo Cafe. Here ANYONE is invited to get a free and delcious meal on Tuesday-Friday. They encourage all of their church members to come and have a meal. It was wonderful. After serving the food out, I would grab a plate and sit down at the table with everyone. Sitting at the table it doesn't matter what "class" you are. You are all sitting at the same level. You are all eating the same food. Not only were the staff members friendly, but everyone was. They wanted to talk to me and make me feel welcome. Not once did I feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. The attendees also wanted to help clean- up. They would offer their help which was very cool to see that, because they really appreciated the food and service they were getting . I got to know quite a few people and hope to be able to help out their once a week these last two weeks I have. It was awesome because the head lady of Credo- Tania said that they really needed help this week and how God always provides an extra set of hands when it is needed. I was like woooh, God put me here to help and to love and that is why I am not at camp right now- He wanted me here.
I spent the extra time of the day- when I was done at the cafe- exploring the city. I found the Botanical Gardens, The Shrine ( a war memorial), free museums, I explored shopping centers, coffee shops, and numerous other things. I loved the mornings because I went in early with my new host mom, Liz ( who works in the city). I would have about an hour or 2 before I was needed at Credo, so I would go into a coffee shop, grab a breakfast, and do my quiet time. On Wednesday I had breakfast at Tiffany's. I got my brekkie to go and went in front of tiffanys to enjoy. I asked a lady to take a picture she thought it was so funny. I had a great time in the city. I loved having that time just me and the Lord wandering around. It was surprisingly relaxing amongst the hustle and bustle of city life.
There is a lot more I can write...but I really think I should go to sleep. I can not believe I have a little bit over 2 weeks left. I am ready to see my family and friends, but am going to miss this place terribly.
