Summer School in Bathurst had to come to an end eventually, unfortunately, but we didn't have to say goodbye to everyone right away. Jennine and I headed down to Canberra with our newly acquired friend, Bri. The car ride consisted of lotsa fun questions, like "Who would you choose for your celebrity husband and bridal party?" Niall Horan and Kate Middleton may have been among my answers. Bri dropped us off at Clare and Nathan's place, also friends from Summer School. Basically our entire time in Canberra was made awesome because of our Summer School Friends.
Jennine. me and Amy at Bush Dancing!
Among the weeks activities, catch up sleep was at the top of our list, but we also took time to explore the nations capitol. We toured the parliament building with Nathan and Amy - who I quickly clicked with the week prior. She took us bush dancing, which is an Australian type of dance with a live bush band and traditional folk dancing from Europe and parts of North America. It was a blast! We were the only young people there, with the average age being about 65 otherwise.
My shake!
The next day we hit up Patissez, the talk of the town in Cannberra. It's a cafe that's famous for their 'Freak Shakes'. I got a Nutella shake, afterwards I felt like I was gunna go into a chocolate coma. It was delish though.
We meandered over to the War Memorial and were in awe of the thousands of names we discovered on the wall who had passed away during combat. The museum was particularly impressive, I felt quite educated after our walk through.
Hiked up to the top of Mount Ainslie which overlooked the entire city. Beads of sweat rolled down our faces as we hit the top. It was a blistering hot day, the water in the car wasn't as refreshing as we hoped, maybe we should have saved the freak shakes for after...
View from the top of Mt. Ainslie
The rest of our time in Canberra was spent hanging out, watching the Australian Open (tennis tourney) on TV, going to dinner parties, going away parties, and Settlers of Catan parties. Despite some saying there's not much to see and do in Canberra, it was definitely worth our time to visit. Clare and Nathan were fabulous hosts, it was sad to leave, but we left with the hope that perhaps we'd see the in Melbourne!
Summer School, what a way to spend your Australian vacation, eh? Well, to be fair... this wasn't just any kind of summer school, this was a special edition following more of a retreat format, and the subject was Evangelization. Heaps of people in Mortdale had raved about it, but we never really considered going. After an official invitation, some encouragement and discernment, I decided to commit. It consisted of seven days of lectures, seminars, plenary sessions, mass, adoration, sports and recreation, plus meeting and hanging out with tons of awesome Catholics who are in love with the Lord. My Mom said I wouldn't regret it, and she was pretty spot on (she's a wise lady).
We drove down from Tamworth to Bathurst on Sunday morning, about a 5 hour trek, and arrived at St. Stanislaus College, a Catholic boys boarding school, where we stayed for the duration of summer school.
There were about a 185 of us, including participants, presenters, MGL's (Missionaries of God's Love - Brothers, Sisters and Priests), and all the people up front and behind the scenes who planned for weeks to pull off an event that spiritually impacted many people in a profound way.
The theme for the week was 'The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength' - Nehemiah 8:10, what a relevant topic for my life over the past month! Joy - such a simple, three letter word with a plethora of meaning behind it, constantly begging me to pay it some well deserved attention. Throughout the week, I couldn't ignore it. All my buckets were full; I received Jesus in the Eucharist everyday, filling my soul, learned more and more about my Catholic faith in various talks, filling my mind, I got to play sports (soccer, ulty, tennis, swimming), rejuvenating my body, and I was surrounded by heaps of beautiful people striving to love one another as Jesus loves us, making my heart overflow with so much JOY! Since we're kinda in a bubble at summer school, people talk about the going back to the 'real world' but THIS. This is the real world. This is what life was meant to be like. If only everyone could experience a week such as this, they wouldn't accept the world we live in today as reality. We want so badly to be loved, but often we're looking for it in messed up, convoluted places.
Each day there's a different focus (whether it be on God's Love, Mercy etc.), so on Thursday it was Holy Spirit night. Everyone kept asking if I was excited and looking forward to the evening, being 'baptized in the holy spirit', but I decided to go into the night without any expectations cause I didn't want to be disappointed. We had Mass, then some praise and worship, where everyone is singing with their hangs raised or dancing. I just stood there. I couldn't sing. I couldn't dance. I was spiritually dry, feeling no desire for any outward sign of praise. Trying not to be resentful, I went in line to be prayed over. Once I reached the front of the line, the guy directing people where to go skipped over me - twice, assuming I was waiting for someone in particular to pray with me. Finally, he realized I wasn't. He showed me to Steve and Kate - two new friends who, though I don't know well, have so much respect and admiration for. I felt that God was directing me to that prayer team, which may have been why I had to wait in line a little longer. They asked me what gifts of the Holy Spirit I wanted to ask for, but once they started praying they said there was something I was holding onto, to let it go 'cause God had something bigger in mind. Ironic, "Think big", that's what my Dad always says. I ended up falling in the spirit, though hesitant at first. I fell in a way that reminded me of the 'Speak Life' music video by Toby Mac.
I felt a weird tingling throughout my entire body. Sometimes I think I put God in a box, but God doesn't fit in a box. It was a super surreal experience, something I've never felt before. Although I feel like I trust God, I think there's often a part of me I want to hold onto, a part I can control. Learning to give that to God has been a daily choice, but I've been learning to more fully allow His will to guide my life.
Me and Pia, watching the Talent Show.
On another note, we had lots of late nights hanging out, playing games or having deep discussions - like "If you moved to Australia, choose 6 friends from Canada you would bring with you." Brutal question.
Saturday evening we had a formal dinner, had fun getting all dressed up, then broke bread and drank wine, just like Jesus did back in the day. What a lovely way to finish a beautiful week. After dinner there was also a Talent Show, heaps of raw talent, plus lotsa random content...
All in all, I had an amazing time, encountered God in a real, authentic way, met so many genuine, real, holy people - Mom was right, there was no part of me that regretted my decision to go. If only I could attend next year... *sigh*....
The South Sydney Community - My Australian Family <3 (some key people are missing)
It's time to bring it back. Back in the day, one of my oldest and closest friends wrote a blog where often on Thursdays she wrote a list of her favourite things in that day. Aside from it being a fun way to remember and thank God for all things we're blessed with, I'm also hoping she will start up her blog again, but maybe she just needs to reminisce a little.
This ones for you, Hank.
Skype dates. Catching up with friends and family on the other side of the world.
God. Prayer. Faith.
My Oma. What a beautiful, holy lady. She passed away today while my family said the rosary and held her hand. May her soul rest in peace.
Running. Something I often take for granted. What's even better, running outside in January and not having your lungs freeze.
Shania Twain.
Getting lost then finding my way home. It's becoming a hobby. That moment when you have no idea where you are, slightly nerve wracking. Then the moment you recognize something familiar, pure excitement.
Making bland food taste good. Had a bunch of leftover rice so I made rice pudding!
Water. My favourite beverage. Without it few other bevvys would exist.
Having no agenda. So much possibility. This was my entire day. And it was epic.
We had been super back and fourth about whether we'd make it to Tamworth or not, we originally planned to go to the Country Music Festival in mid-January, but the opportunity arose to go a little earlier on when Maegan said she was going to visit her family and invited us along. We didn't stay for the festival, but we got to hang out with more of my favourite Australians!
The day before we left though we got a group of Mortdale friends together to play ultimate! My first time throwing plastic in nearly three months (I got a disc for Christmas!!). And yes, I've been dying a bit on the inside, but I'm trying to cope. We had a solid game, then headed to Mass for before we took up a large portion of the seating in a nearby pub! Everyone found out "The Canadians" were leaving, so we had a bit of a 'going away' party at the girls household after. There were about 20 adults playing sardines, in and around the house. It was a blast. No wonder I love Mortdale so much!
In the morning we attended a Hillsong worship service. Was kinda surreal to be at the home where such world renown worship music is created.
We the headed to Tamworth where we were reunited with Maegan's beautiful family. It was so lovely to see them again after we bonded over Christmas time.
Bernie, Maegan's dad, doesn't mess around when it comes to food. To my surprise and pure delight, on our first morning there we woke up to the smell of pancakes! I showed them how they should properly (in my mind) be consumed... with peanut butter, yogurt, banana and maple syrup. They liked that.
We also had Mexican Monday, complete with tacos, margaritas and tequila shots!
Another night we had prawns along with hollumi and chorizo appies! So yes, they fed us very well.
We taught everyone how to play Dutch Blitz! Even Gramama Isobel from Canada played! We took a short break and went on a kangaroo search. Just up the road from their house we spotted about 4 of them! Them 'roos are still quite a novelty to see!
Kaelin, Maegan's sister, was pretty adamant about showing us the new park in town. So on our last night in Tamworth we meandered down and checked it out. Coolest. Park. Ever. Seriously Canada, you need to step up your game in the playground department. Jennine and I were in our glory. I swear they made this park for adults, cause kids could easily die on it. There were these super epic rock climbing hexagons, a zip line, huge multi-teir spider web, massive slides, a deadly swing, a merry go round... it was like Disneyland! But better. Cause it was in Australia ; )
Needless to say, Tamworth was a definite highlight. So glad we didn't pass up the chance to spend some quality time with quality people.
After lotsa adventures, laughs and good company over Christmas, we took a day or so to let it all seep in, then we were back at it again :)
It was a gorgeous week, so warm and sunny, so we took the opportunity to enjoy being outside. Maegan, Sarah, Jennine and our Brazilian friend, Andre, conquered the breathtaking view of the coastal walk between Bondi beach and Coogee beach! It was a BLAST! I had heaps of fun climbing up and over these huge boulders along the ocean (we skipped the trail at this point and took the adventurous route!).
We had a couple decisions to make by the time New Years Eve rigged around: do we do the touristy thing and go watch the world renown fireworks in the Sydney harbour, or being in the New Year with Maegan and her friends at a backyard party? Of course we chose the party. And a solid good choice it was! We ate, we drank, we danced, we laughed, we may have shoved ice down a few people's shirts, we talked, we watched less elaborate fireworks, we HAD PAVLOVA FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER (thanks, Claudia!), we had a damn good time! Made a good choice. Stayed up till 2am, but had to get up at 8am 'cause the party just continued!
On New Years Day, my favourite Australian couple, Chris and Jess, along with Jess' brother Pete, took us to the Blue Mountains to do some CANYONING! Omigawsh. After this day, my adventure bucket was overflowing. We experienced the beautiful view at the top, and hiked down the mountain (I know, it's backwards), then walked, swam, climbed and explored the bottom of this canyon for a hours. It was another of my top favourite days in 'Straya. The whole afternoon I was gawking around, smiling my big cheeky smile. God's creation is amazing.
All these places we've been are 109 times better with the people we've experienced them with.
Christmas quickly snuck up on us which was quite obvious as we made last minute shopping trips on both the 23rd and 24th! Talk about stress, why do people do that to themselves!
Christmas Eve we headed to North Sydney to spend the next few days quality Maegan's family, none of which I had met before. Her dad picked us up, we had to cross the harbour bridge and as we were conning up to it he put his tour guide voice on and started telling us all about everything. "Up ahead in that building is where my brother got married..." Meanwhile, Sarah if freaking out about seeing the Opera House for the first time! He started singing 'O Canada' as we passed the Canadian embassy, and we sang the entire anthem as we crossed the bridge.
We were welcomed with open arms by Maegan's aunt, uncle and cousins who were hosting the festivities. Headed to Christmas Eve Mass in summer dresses, arrived a bit early as some carols were being sung. There were three little kids dressed up with santa hats and drums, they marched down the isle as 'The Little Drummer Boy' was being sung, drumming on beat. It was the cutest thing ever! After Mass they served beer/wine and little chicken sandwiches, what a good way to celebrate the birth of Christ!
Christmas morning I woke up first of the kids, and was greeted with many Christmas hugs and kisses. I felt so at home. We had panettone (delightful Italian fluffy bread) and fruit! Opened our presents - Sarah and Jennine got me a few little things, but they said the rest of it was in the mail. I found out later that it was a frisbee!!! Ahhhhhh!! So stoked.
Everyone else arrived around noon, so many aunts, uncles and cousins. I soon discovered what a blast they all are. I got to help Uncle Pat cook prawns on the 'Barbie', Uncle Bernie threw together the legendary haloumi (greek cheese) and chorizo, and grandma Joy brought her famous lemon tart! It was Christmas as it should be: with lotsa food!
Later on after everyone left we went for a swim in the pool. Yeah, swimming outside on Christmas, had never done that before!
Ended the day off by watching the classic 'It's a Wonderful Life', eating popcorn and drinking suuuuper delicious hot chocolate.
Overall, spending Christmas away from home couldn't have been more enjoyable. I quickly fell in love with the Williams family, what beautiful people. What a blessing it was to be apart of their Christmas celebration! It will be the Australian Christmas I'll never forget.
After our nice relaxing time in Toowoomba, it was time to get back to the hostels, beaches and instant noodles. Byron Bay typically talked of as the super hippie town, known for the incredible surfing, lighthouse and special brownies. I experienced two of the three, I'll let you guess which ones.
We stayed at a hostel just outside the town, a minute away from the beach but far from our soon to be favourite spot, the Cheeky Monkey, and everything else.
Kay, that's enough of the suspense. Hopefully you guessed surfing and the lighthouse, in which case you'd be right. Surfing was incredible. I took a lesson since I had never done it before, they taught techniques and basic skills necessary for the art of surfing which lead me to getting up no problem, which was uber exciting. Me and Jennine caught a "party wave" (a wave with two or more people), what a satisfying feeling. I quickly fell in love. Trading snowboarding for surfing for a year isn't such a bad deal!
The hike up to the lighthouse was pretty extreme. Lotsa stairs. We were on the most easternly point in Australia, looking out upon the water watching turtles poke their heads above the water. What a gorgeous view it was, not only from the summit, but the whole way up! I had many freak outs on our way up, having to remind myself that this was indeed real life!
I also got to play beach soccer! Basically I was super insistent on going, and with some coaxing Jennine also decided to play. It was an organized game put on by some people we met at the Cheeky Monkey. I got the first goal! Showed them guys I wasn't messing around! We played three matches, had a win each, then tied the last game. We went to shootouts and lost, but Jennine's team won. Went to the after party and got free dinner and drinks! Was a fun time! Made a couple awesome friends, Laura from Denmark deserves a shout out! She's a real gem, the only other girl who played soccer with us!
Overall, Byron Bay was super good to me. I loved it.
The next day we hit up Patissez, the talk of the town in Cannberra. It's a cafe that's famous for their 'Freak Shakes'. I got a Nutella shake, afterwards I felt like I was gunna go into a chocolate coma. It was delish though. 
