One month in

I'm not entirely sure who reads this blog ( I know KB does). I think I'll keep writing it as a sort of semi public journal. A way to process my thoughts and experiences of transitioning back to Oz and chronicling experiences of being a full time student at College.

I've read in several re-entry books that it can take 6-12 months to transition back. Other friends say it's more like TWO YEARS! So I can expect this to take a while. I am finding the hardest thing about Aussie culture to get used to again is the constant putting down we seem to do, but passed off as just a joke. Another tough aspect is the noise levels when we have meals or any large gathering - it is usually so loud it's difficult to hear the person across the table. Maybe I am just more sensitive to noise now. I start feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

Was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the course but it's too late to drop down to 3/4 load ( doing only 3 subjects per semester rather than 4) . Missed the deadline to change by 1 day. Oh well, guess that means I need to depend a lot more on God to get me through and that's not a bad thing.

Made a few friends at College. But the texture is different. I don't have the same emotional resources to give anymore - so am choosing carefully who I shall befriend ( in a deep way).  Last time I was here, I think I knew most people's names by this time in the semester ( week 3). This time around, I find I hit my capacity for meeting new people a lot sooner. If I've had a significant conversation with a person, then of course I remember them without the name tag ( we have to wear a name tag all through this term, but usually don't wear it on the weekends, at which point I stick with only the people whose names I DO know!).

Tonight, I went to a Beatnix concert ( Beatles cover band where a friend is one of the singers, he's normally Paul McCartney). Went by myself as no one at College was interested (way beyond their time, and it's barely in mine, but I heard it a lot growing up) . I knew that Andrew and Voula ( College buddies from 2002) would be there so I just took a taxi. I wished I had someone to go with, but it was nice that I had the freedom to just hop in a cab and go without thinking through what people might think of me for going out on my own and returning late at night. Had a great night, dancing away in the sidelines, chatting to my friends afterwards. Now I am too wired to go to bed!
Word on the street is that a group is going dancing to Retro next Friday night - they play 'retro' music, which means stuff from the 80s which is when I was a teen! So right up my alley- it's been a long time since I went dancing. I am going to investigate into Ceroc dance classes nearby and as long as I can borrow someone's car, I can get there and back. I need my creative outlets.

Would appreciate your prayers( anyone reading this!) re transition back to Oz, life as a full time student and struggling a bit with singleness too.

PRAYER POINTS

-Praise God for the privilege of studying at College. And to live on campus and have all my meals catered has been a blessing too, even if it means sometimes the culture clash is more obvious.
- I've been sick with a tummy bug ( possibly giardia) which I think I picked up in the Central Coast a couple of weeks ago. Am now on meds but please pray for quick healing.
-Pray for me to continue adapting and adjusting to College and being back in Oz - yes, there's been a lot of reverse culture shock.
- Please pray as I consider what ministry options to say YES to and what to say 'Not this time, sorry'. Next weekend, I've committed Saturday afternoon to helping with a coffee ministry that C'ian Surfers are putting on as part of the festivities around Australian Open of Surfing ( http://australianopenofsurfing.com/manly12/) which starts tomorrow for 1 week. Please pray I will have some good conversations about Jesus.
-Pray that I will be sensitive to the needs of others too - today a friend came to tell me she failed her Greek test. She was quite discouraged and teary. Please pray that I would know how to support and encourage her in a practical way ( Greek has been easier for me so far).

Finally , please pray that I will be content, whatever my marks, that I can keep remembering to ask our Lord and Saviour to show me every day what He wants me to learn and who He wants me to help and to have the ears and willing heart to do that.

Photos of life at College

My room at College- the doorway leads to the study- 'curtain' is my bedspread from Lombok!

I don't yet have a place to hang all my necklaces so this tree branch is helping out. HOWEVER I have ordered online a very lovely free standing mirror which opens up to a jewellery cabinet.

Hat and handbag rack behind my door. I gave away almost all my hats when I came to Indo and am now restarting my collection - so far only have 2 hats but am sure they will multiply.

I even have a fake fireplace in my room with mantlepiece where I can put my 'bits and pieces' 

This is the front of the College - and is the original building which now houses the lecturers' offices.

My pastor ( far left) his wife and daughters had me over for Sunday lunch with some of the other staff of our church. It was a lovely summer afternoon to have lunch outside.

Here is the evening congregation at my church- many young people, most under 30!

               

This is my new friend Sarah, who attends College and also goes to the evening service at my church. We ended up at a local Thai restaurant after church.

These cheeky boys saying 'Cheese' are the sons of my friends ( who are also supporters).. 

The awesomely tasty chicken and mango salad that my friend ( the boys' mum) made.

The College year traditionally starts with a commencement service after dinner.And one of the musos is from the band Garage Hymnal - so yes the worship session was awesome.

We had a Families BBQ day during the first week - where all the lecturers cooked or served our drinks and meals. Here's one of the NT lecturers at the barbie.

We had this lovely Aussie BBQ feast                                   

Here's a shot from a kids' ministry arvo at my friends' commencement service at their church. There are playing 'Captain's coming'. It was a good time of sharing with the kids' about how to share about Jesus to their friends and people who don't know about Jesus.