Another Winters Morning 22/7/11

Today is truly a good day. We have now made it past enrollment and orientation. While your probably thinking “What is so hard about those two?”, I can easily say that the last two days were some of the most challenging I have ever had. Acclimating to this new system and new culture has left me a bit unbalanced to say the least. More than this was the stress and fear behind finding out I needed to audition with an instrument to be able to study production. I can now tell you there are few things in life more terrifying then a group of professional and semi professional drummers picking apart your every move as you attempt to play songs you don’t know. When I got up from the drum throne I was literally shaking from my stress. I walked away from that room thinking I did awful and that I might not make it in the program, but to my surprise I actually received a good review!

The weather here has been rather dreary as Sydney is getting the most rain it has in 23 years. Luckily, the college has been able to help provide shuttle home at nights so we don’t have to make 2 long walks in the rain. As of Tuesday we start our intensives, which are 2 weeks of intro classes going from 8am-5pm. Hopefully all goes well and I get on board with how everything works here.

First Weekend. 17/7/11

As I woke this morning in a mad panic to get ready for church, I walked out of my room to a house full of sleeping guys. It suddenly dawned on me that I did not need to be at Eagle Christian Church at 6 am. In fact I did not need to be anywhere at all. For the first time in ages I actually went to church at 11am and simply attended church. It was amazing to be able to worship and not have a thought about what was going on, or if the transitions were going to happen on time. Looking back on this morning there were mistakes made and hiccups in the production but it never stopped us from worshiping God. Needless to say worship was simply amazing. The resources and facilities were great and I am looking forward to learning and growing with the men and women here.

It is still a bit surreal to be here in Sydney and see a whole new angle of Gods creations and people. I hope your day has been as blessed as mine!

Finally feeling at home! 15/7/11

After nearly 3 weeks in Australia I have finally reached my new home for the next few years. My new family consists of 9 other guys; Lorenzo from Chili, Gustavo from Mexico, Kristian from Oregon, Michael from Oklahoma, Justin also from Oklahoma, Nathan from Brazil, Artem from Florida, and 2 other we still have yet to meet.
Even though our house is mostly made up of guys from the USA it still has no lack of cultural influence from the rest.
We live in a rather large, but empty house (not what i was expecting when I heard college housing). It is located at 6 Francesco Crest. Bella Vista, NSW 2152 in Australia. I will try to get some pictures up as soon as I can.

One thing I can tell you all without a doubt is that the group of people placed in my are going to grow me and challenge me more then I could ever have hoped. I feel so blessed that God has placed me here!

A Sunny Winter Morning.

As the sun peaks through the window and the streets fill with the sound of busy people I find myself lying awake and wondering what this day holds for me. It is truly strange to wake up and not know exactly where I am. This morning I find myself staying with a man from Charlestown Church of Christ here in Newcastle, Australia. 6am this morning marks the end of my first week in Australia. It is hard to think I have been here a week already, but amazing to know that God has provided beyond anything I could ask during my time here.

Oh, it sounds like Kristian is finally awake.
Until later,

James.