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.

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

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).

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!

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!