Sunday 20 December 2015

Toowoomba

Upon leaving Brisbane, we headed to Toowoomba to stay with my friend Laura who I met last year in Canada while she was on NET. We visited a couple really cool places, like Sugar Maples, a Canadian cafe with aaaamaaazing peanut butter and chocolate frappes! We also went for a picnic in the park and the city's Christmas light extravaganza. It reminded me of attending the Wildlights growing up, except here it was plus 25 with no snow!
Another night we put on some Christmas carols and decorated the tree and the rest of the house, which really put us in the Christmas spirit.
Was a pretty chill couple of days, but Laura and her parents were so good to us - they even spoiled us with little Christmas gifts! We left so loved! I got an ornament, a red star that says 'JOY' on it in big, white letters. It now hangs on my backpack!

We really loved Toowoomba, but mostly cause Laura was there.

Friday 4 December 2015

Fraser Island!

After our unreal experience on our sailboating tour, we needed a few days of R&R. Hence, we called up our buddy Mick, from Brissy, and were able to stay with his sister in Rock Hampton for a couple days to recoup. We spent a whole day watching season 5 of Gilmore Girls - not quiteeee the whole season, but close! Hahaa. We also had some solid beach time. Was exactly what we needed before taking a night bus to Rainbow Beach, the coastal town across from Fraser Island.
We had heard Fraser Island, largest sand island in the world, was beautiful and we'd seen the pictures to prove it, but our experience even better than I imagined. Our tour consisted of 30 of us, plus Karl, our 'Captain' (or guide, as some might say). We were lucky enough to stay at a resort while we were on the island, most tours camp on the beach (and hope the Dingo's don't eat them!). Day 1 we went to the Champagne Pools for a quick dip, then Indian Head lookout, 360 degree lookout where we could see Turtles and Manta Rays! Sometimes you can see sharks from above too!
Day 2, November 29th, was my quarter birthday! We were hanging out with some people we met from another tour (some fellow Canadians!) around midnight, so Jennine told them it was my 1/4 birthday, and they all started singing to me. Was a great start to the day! We headed to Lake McKenzie early on, a freshwater lake with ridiculously soft sand. Karl's tours always have this competition to see how many times they can keep a volleyball up in the air. The record was 158, the lowest scor
e was 19. Thankfully, after a while of trying, we finally hit 93! Pretty decent. After lunch we headed to see the Maheno Shipwreck, which washed up on Fraser Island in 1935. After some photos, we headed to Eli Creek, and floated down a couple times - I felt like a crocodile. We played some legit volleyball on the beach!SO FUN! Met a couple Danish guys, whom we ran into at our hostel later on, one of which we noticed had a super swollen ankle. We thought maybe it was a sports injury of sorts, but soon discovered he got bit by a SNAKE. Yeah. Intense (just to freak you all out a little ;)  I also got to drive the SUV, on the right side! First time everrrr. Was definitely the best quarter birthday I've ever had!
Day 3 we headed to this sahara-sized sand dune (maybe that was an exaggeration) with a lake (Lake Wabby) on one side, which is slowly evaporating. It likely will be entirely gone in about 5 years.
Headed on back to the mainland after lunch.

It's been super cool running into multiple people over and over again from destination to destination. I feel like I know people everywhere we go! It's great!

Each time we go to a new town, experience new things, we leave thinking things can't get any better... and then they DO! hjfdfguguifhaefheuiaelhfhdaugudfhdhfr
JUST LOVING LIFE. I feel so blessed to have had the experiences I've had so far. Day after day, I fall for 'Straya a little more. Weirdest thing ever... it's December. Christmas is in 20 days. It is SUMMER. The shops are all decked out with Christmas decor, but since the ground isn't covered in a blanket of white, my brain is so CONFUSED. Although, we listened to Michael Buble's Christmas album this morning, so that helped.

Just watched Finding Nemo, we spent the entire movie going "OMIGAWSHHHHH! THEY LOOK EXACTLY LIKE THAT IN REAL LIFE!", "Hey! I touched Crush!", or "I SAW GIL UP CLOSE!" was really funny. I'll never be able to watch that movie in the same way again.

Kay. I'm done blabbing now,

Continue on enjoying your lives.

Much love and prayers!

-Silks (the name I often go by now, cause 'Silken' is too complex! ...yeah. I know.)

Thursday 3 December 2015

Samurai Sailboat Tour - Whitsunday Islands

Sailing on the Whitsunday Islands was definitely at the top of my list of 'must sees' while in Australia. We booked a 3 day, 2 night tour on Samurai. There were 23 passengers, plus 3 crew members. The boat definitely wasn't huge, so it's a good thing we all got along. We slept on the boat both nights - me, Jennine and Sarah were especially lucky cause we got the spacious three person bed (basically a queen size). We felt so bad cause these two French guys had to share a "2 person" bed, comparable to a single bed (they ended up taking turns sleeping on the deck).
We got to go scuba diving again! (my first time was on the Great Barrier Reef). We saw so many cool fish and choral! My feet seem to consistently take a beating, this time I rubbed up on some choral (which, little did I know, is often made up of a thousand little knives), I thought I might have to amputate my toe, but thankfully one of the crew members, Shawn, graciously took time to carefully pull out all the little prickles. Praise God. Relief.
Day 2 we went to Whitehaven Beach, which has the worlds whitest sand! Seriously, the sand feels like flour between your toes. It's unreal. We spent the morning there - saw some Sting Rays and little sharks in the shallow water swimming right beside us. Honestly though, it felt like I was in a postcard. We climbed up on some rocks to gaze out upon the breathtaking view. We exfoliated our skin with the sand, and Sarah scrubbed her teeth with it (me and Jennine thought they were joking about that, but apparently it's a real thing).
Day 3 we got to snorkel with TURTLES! Another thing to cross off my list! It was such an epic experience, I even got to touch it! We had brunch then headed back to Airlie Beach *sniff*. I looooooved our time on Samurai, we had amazing weather (though not much wind for sailing), met some beautiful people, and the crew was hilarious. Couldn't have been better! You need to go to the Whitsundays.

Saturday 21 November 2015

Genuine Aussie Hospitality

After many long days and late nights over the past few weeks, we've been taking it easy as the next week or two will also be  pretty fully packed! 

Jennine and I took a stroll along the ocean on a boardwalk that lead us to the harbour. We looked out upon the ocean from this huge wall of rocks. Location #189 for the perfect date (lemme know if you're interested, I can give you insider information). Had a beautiful arvo (afternoon) basking in one another's presence.

We headed back to get ready for Mass, which was a 30 minute drive away - there were no buses so we ended up taking a cab (yes, it was as pricey as you think, but worth it). Talked with  the priest and a few of the parishioners before Mass, as they were intrigued by our "accents", so we told them what brought us to 'Straya ect. After Mass we went to call a taxi to pick us up, but out waltzed Father, at first offering a ride, then asking if we wanted to stay for the teachers end of the year potluck! Needless to say, God provides. We met a plethora of beautiful people, ate delish food, and played a solid game of (primarily Australian) trivia! We were only any good at the Religion category ;) We did get a ride home after it all too - sang Uptown Funk without music  with a seven year old too! (That was probably my favourite part!) What a fun, unexpected evening!  Better than partying with Schoolies!

Bed time!  Going on our sailboat tour tomorrow to the Whitsundays!!! Pray we don't get seasick!

Wednesday 18 November 2015

The Coastal Adventures Begin

Over the past 2 weeks we've done some intense sightseeing, as well as a whole lot of relaxing and beach time. We spent 5 days in the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise. We got super lucky worth the hostel we booked, as it was only a 5 minute walk from the beach, was fully equipped with hammocks, as well as lots and lotsa cool people whom we easily befriended during our stay. It was our first real experience being a backpacker in a hostel. We ended up staying an extra night cause we liked it there so much! Best decision ever, as we ended up going on a private tour to the rainforest and got to swim in what was advertised as 'Silky Smooth Rock Pools'. Obviously I was instantly interested.  Suuuper fun day, got to slide down a waterfall, see wild kangaroos up close, eat Mexican food, visit a surf club while sipping on a cold one while watching people surf, AND be in two States at once. Would do it all again in a heartbeat!

After spending the weekend back in Brisbane - attended a NET Australia Alumni Event, and a super charismatic Sunday Mass, we headed up to Cairns (pronounced 'Cans', yeah, don't ask - them Aussies shorten everything).
Spent 9 days there, we did an epic tour to the Tablelands, got to swim in more waterfalls, and a freshwater volcanic crater lake!  But my favourite day of all was visiting the Great Barrier Reef!! The boat ride out there was utterly gorgeous, but seeing the reef up close was probably the coolest, most surreal and exciting thing I've ever done in my life!  We didn't find Nemo, but I saw Dori and Gil! Plus a plethora of other exuberant and vibrantly coloured fish! I went snorkelling as well as scuba diving - which was an experience in itself! One of my most favourite days of my life. God's creation blows my mind.

Besides all the epic stuff we saw, again - we made lotsa new friends, especially from Sweden and Germany, but even a couple of Canadians. On our last night in Cairns, a bunch of us went to the lagoon/park across the road from our hostel for a BBQ! Was a great time, I also learned how to throw a footy (rugby) ball.

Our time in Cairns was definitely memorable, I'll never forget the humidity! We're in Townsville now, a couple hours south of Cairns. We'll be making our way down the east coast, doing lotsa sightseeing along the way! 

Keep us in your prayers, you'll be in ours! :)

Crosswords

Life is like a Crossword Puzzle. Sometimes you you can't do it alone and need to 'phone a friend' for help, maybe you are Hannah and can complete one by yourself in 5 minutes. Some people prefer the commitment of using pen, cause they are so confident they have the correct answer (or you're like me and use pen purely for the satisfaction of dark, bold ink on recycled, beige paper). Perhaps pencil is more your type cause you can simply reconsider if you have the incorrect answer and use that nifty hunk of rubber at the end of your instrument. I personally enjoy doing crossword puzzles with friends, being reaffirmed in my sometimes questionable guesses is often real confirmation - plus! It's social, it's fun and it's educational!  (I've learned lotsa new words over the past couple weeks!) Although, if a single word is wrong, it affects the many words connected to it, and the words connected to those words - then it can just be a downward spiral.

You are a word in a crossword.

Your life affects those around you: your friends, family, co-workers, cashier's, waitresses, bus drivers,  neighbors! If you are aren't quite 'right', your negative vibes, attitude,  emotion, tone, lifestyle affect the other people (words) in your life (crossword puzzle).

I had no idea what i was going to write about when I started this post,  but this is what I came up with... and it kinda drastically stopped there.  Ha. Enjoy the concept at the very least!  More to come soon :)

-Silks

Sunday 1 November 2015

The Art of Refreakedouttedness

You're probably wondering what the heck that word is. Refreakedouttedness: also known as 'wonder and awe', taking delight in things seemingly normal,  things we take for granted everyday. For example: the internet.  We use it effortlessly day after day.  If you're stumped with a question,  'Google' it.   Having trouble remembering what day your best friends birthday is? Facebook stalk them. Time to pay your bills? Online banking is there for you 24/7. The internet is INSANE. I can talk with my famjam on the other side of the world and see their faces (for free!). Technology is miraculous,  but we check our e-mails multiple times a day without giving a thought to how bizarre the internet is. Yeah,  you can take a second to be refreakedout!
I was first introduced to the term 'refreakedouttedness' by Chris Stefanick. God's creation is so beautiful, articulate and mind-blowing, and we should take more time to revel in it.

I often look at the Canadian Rocky Mountains and gawk a how incredibly majestic they are. Same goes for the waves of the ocean that so simply toss me about, like I'm weightless. This term is a reoccurring thought in my mind, but since being in Australia, it's more like 'Freakedouttedness', since I'm seeing everything here for the first time.  God is incomprehensible. It's not humanly possible to understand Him entirely. More and more His creation hits me, whether its a vibrant, purple Jackaranda or a black and white, long-beaked Ibis (sorry, I'll need to get pictures.... -> Google it!), God likes color and definitely has a sense of humour!

Take some time to 'stop and smell the roses!'

Currently on a train, headed to the Gold Coast! Soooo excited!

God bless ! Love and prayers!

-Silks

Tuesday 27 October 2015

Off To Brissy! ... :'(

Yesterday morning Chloe and Simone,  Megan's roommates,  took us to this cute little shoppe called 'Paper and Poppies'. It's a tea and cupcake joint that made me feel like I was in England at tea time! We got four deserts ands shared them all, so we could try a taste of everything.  Pretty epic, I just wanna go back! 

Had to book it so Chloe could head off to Uni, and we could head off to the airport... ended up running a bit late... ALMOST missed our flight... but we didn't! Praise God! But we learned our lesson! So our time in Sydney is over for now... but we're already planning for part 2! Had the best time living with the girls for the first week,  just felt so at home! They set the bar really high,  dunno how we're gunna top it! So we were quite sad to leave.

NET has been the biggest blessing, since it's been NET alumni taking us in and loving us so well.  We were picked up at the airport  in Brisbane by Ben Walsh, a NET Canada alumni from Australia, met up with Sarah DeCoste, my teammate from NET, were driven to our host home by a current NETter, where we are now being hosted by another NET alumni!  Omigawshhhhhh! Praise God for NETworking!

Anyways, we're being hosted by this  super generous, legendary host home! He treated us to Chinese food last night, then took us grocery shopping for whatever we wanted.  Yeah,  we're pretty spoiled. 

It's quite humid here in Brissy, but so warm!  :) not too sure what this week has in store, but it'll be an adventure regardless!

Have a gooder!

-Silks

Oh!! P.S. at the end of my last blog i mentioned we went snorkelling... was so cool, got to swim around and scope out some fishies. We got out of the water where the boys  got out a bit before... but they failed to tell us that there were sea urchins there,  not just squishy seaweed.  So amid the crashing waves,  we kept getting knocked over while trying to get out of the water where these awfully pointy prickes were stabbing into our feet like a thousand little daggers.  Later on,  I ended up pulling 8 thorns out of my feet,  and two outta Jennine's. Talk about painful.

Sunday 25 October 2015

Trust

Do you ever wonder what your life looks like from the outside?  How people judge your success by the education you have, the job you obtain or the places you've traveled? If you haven't been to school, you're doomed to fail in life, and if you don't have the perfect job now, you're stuck at your current job forever, and if you haven't explored the world, well - you've missed your opportunity.

There is some truth in the previous statements, but they cut off the mystery God has for your life, and the amazing potential you have as a human being. You are capable of so much more than you know. But even more, we need to give God the pen, and allow Him to be the author he was meant to be.

After being in Sydney for one whole week now, I've realized in order to allow myself to completely rely on God, I need to allow Him to take control of the little things in my life. If you know me well, you're probably fully aware that I like to spend very little money. Not for lack of funds, but I figure the less I spend now, the further it will stretch. I've decided after living in this breath-takingly beautiful, expensive country for 8 days, that it's time to do some re-evaluating. In all reality, I have set aside money for this trip of a lifetime, but I think it's time I let God step in and decides where, when, how and how much I spend. 

After meeting many people this past week, I have come across various lifestyles, but one that particularly stood out to me. He has little to no expenses, proudly lives in his personally decked-out van and eats whatever God provides - but that's just it: it's not for lack of money, but he trusts that God will take care of all his needs. I hardly know him, but his friends speak so highly of him, that you can't help but be intrigued. 

His life is a real testament to his relationship with God (by the sounds of it, anyways). I want my life to reflect my love for God, and the willingness to do His will for my life. 

Although you may not be aware, others can be so impacted by the simple ways you trust God. Trust is one of the most beautiful things you can give another. 

Going to the beach to do some snorkelling!

Have a beautiful day!

-Silks

Wednesday 21 October 2015

SYDNEY!

Omigoodness. So we arrived here in Sydney on Sunday morning, October 18th, at 8:25am. My friend Maegan picked us up from the airport and brought us to her place where we'll reside for about a week. During the first day, Maegan took us for a walk around her suburb - Jennine and I were gawking around asking Maegan a billion questions. Their trees and flowers look so perfect they almost look fake, they have terracotta brick shingles on all  the houses, they have VEGEMITE (it's pretty gross, I would't recommend trying it...), you have to switch on the electrical outlets, their tax is included and you don't tip! BYO means you can bring your own alcohol to specified restaurants, but often they will charge you. It's all so thrilling.

The Queen Victoria Builbing
On Monday, we decided to go to the heart of the city in Sydney. Stepping out of the train station, we were in a state of wonder and awe, as we realised this was actually reality. These asian tourist asked if we would take a picture of them, of course we agreed, then realised they meant they wanted a picture WITH us... pretty sure they thought we were real, authentic Australians...
View of the harbour from the bridge.
We discovered the Queen Victoria Building, built in 1898, is a mall with really high class shops. We were heading to the harbour, but clearly had "tourist" taped on of foreheads, cause random people would stop and ask if we needed directions (everyone has been so friendly and helpful!). After being pointed in the right direction, we caught glimpse of the majestic white sales of the Opera House, and realised this was real life, that we were actually in Sydney, Australia and long awaited dream was unfolding before me. We ended up walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to get a epic view of the whole harbour. Super beautiful walk! On the other side we stopped for a bite to eat and got some mini pies (pies are so popular here! Them Aussies really like their pies!)
Me and Jennine in front of the Opera House!
Went up close to the Opera House after to get a closer look, then headed to the Royal Botanical Gardens right in behind.
We went to Maegan and her friends play 'footy' aka: Australian Football! Jennine and I were their cheerleaders. Super cool sport, I definitely wanna learn how play!
Later on, Maegan took us to Messina, this RIDICULOUSLY delicious gelato parlour, with crazy concoctions. Best thing thats ever touched my tongue. As we licked away, we took a stroll through the Surrey Hills, another super cute suburb with awesome little cafes and shops boardering the streets.

Tuesday Jennine and I took to Bondi Beach! Picture perfect postcard. Got tossed about in the waves pretty good. The smooth white sand underneath my toes just topped it all off. We couldn't get enough, so we'll definitely be back.
Maegan has introduced us to her community of friends, some of which we spent the evening hanging out with, they made us chicken curry for dinner, then we played some games like charades...with a twist.

Wednesday was a more chill day of running some errands, but Jennine and I managed to fit in 6 games of Catan. We've been keeping track of our wins, right now we're tied at 6 wins each. Once Maegan went home, we went for dinner at Chris and Jess', a recently married couple who are now on my list of favourite people. They are hilarious, obsessed with their little pet fishies, and turtle, Cornelius, and they're coming to Canada next year!! :) :) had many laughs, and compared the dangerous wildlife of each of our countries.

We've been here for 4 days, but the amount of fun, excitement and adventure that has already occurred should not be humanly possible. I love it here, and I feel so at home (Maegan definitely gets props for that).


Thursday 15 October 2015

En Route

So I left home yesterday morning, my mom and Robert (my little brother whom I call Fabio), passed me off to Kyley, the lucky one whom I coaxed into driving me to the Airport in Vancouver, stopping in to visit some friends along the way (Matt and Amy), as well as my second family (Philippa, Eric and Robert). So good to get some solid visiting time in before I depart.

Today though, Kyley and I are heading to the city to do some epic adventuring (that's code for 'we-don't-know-what-we're-doing-yet-but-it's-going-to-be-awesome')

I'm meeting up with Jennine at the YVR, we depart later on tonight!

Wednesday 14 October 2015

Embracing the Little Things

It's 11:25pm, the night before I depart on what some might call 'An Adventure of a Lifetime'. I decided it might be a little easier to keep up with y'all while I'm in 'the land down under' if wrote a blog. The last time I wrote a blog I was 12 years old, so forgive me if my writing is factual, not creative and descriptive. This time 'round though, I hope to share insights of, not only my trip to Australia, but also just relishing in the life I have been given. Throughout the past few years, I have begun to see life through new eyes.. God has created so much beauty in the world, so why not go explore it! Life is short. Revel in His delight. Love lots, smile often and do everything for His greater glory! CELEBRATE life!

"Heaven is the greatest party of all time, so we better start practicing now!" - Rend Collective

Formal dinner, right before team announcements!
Tomorrow, a whole new chapter begins. I am beyond excited to share this journey with two friends, both whom are so close to my heart.

Sarah, from Lethbridge, AB, toured across Canada with me and 8 others while we were missionaries serving with NET Canada in 2011-12. We hit it off from the start, often being the only girls playing sports with the guys, and were pleasantly surprised to find each other on the same team! We grew so much during this year together, fighting through thick and thin to become the friends we are today. Sarah has constantly encouraged me in faith, to try and become the best version of ourselves. When I told her I had decided to spend several months in Australia, she replied with "I'm coming with you." it was so matter-of-factly. A few days later she confirmed, and got her visa before I did! Stoked to share another adventure with her - only this time, Canada's not gunna cut it. So we're going abroad! :)

Ocho Libre, Saskatoon Ultimate 2014-15
I am beyond excited to reveal my next travel-buddy. She hails from Saskatoon, SK and goes by Jennine (or Beans, or Jen). I've known Jennine since December 11th, 2013. I had just moved to Saskatoon, and was at a friends birthday celebration at BP's on 8th St. I didn't know many people yet, but I knew somehow, without really even talking with her, that I wanted to be friends with Jennine. We ended up having lots of mutual friends, but in order to ensure hangout time, I got a job at her work! If you happen to have the pleasure of knowing Jennine, you'd know that her smile makes flowers grow in the bitterly-cold winters of Saskatchewan. Yeah, just imagine that for a minute. Anyways, we became super tight, but after spending Valentine's day together, we knew it was a friendship for the books. Ended up playing some epic indoor ultimate together the following year, as well many countless games of Settlers of Catan (which I am definitely bringing on our trip, for all of you who were wondering how I'd spend 6 months without it). To my surprise, a month or so after inviting Jennine to come to 'Stralia with me, SHE SAID YES! Boom.



So basically we are going to have the time of our lives. Please keep us all in your prayers as we gallivant across the beautiful country I've wanted to visit since I was 9 years old - after watching Season 2 of Survivor.

Off to bed! :)
G'night!

-Silken

P.S. Enjoy the length of this post, cause I'm sure the rest will be far shorter!