Again, thank you to whoever in the wide world is reading this. Luke and I are doing well, still adjusting to life here down under. We are still living with Luke's parents, which has its challenges (not because they are the in-laws, they are great people, its more just getting used to living with people again).
Some changes that should be mentioned are that, I (Danielle), finally hav a job! Whoo hoo! I think half of Brisbane has my resume under their belt, I was amazed at how long it took just to get an interview somewhere- but God used it to humble me, and to trust in Him in circumstances that are frustrating and overwhelming (a lesson I am sure I will be brought back to). Oh yes, the job. I will be working at Borders, a large book store at a busy shopping centre during Christmas. This is not what I anticipated doing, but felt peace after taking time to pray and seek the Lord during this time of transition. I will be working during Christmas time, and will potentially be hired on for longer, we'll see. For now it is nice that I will be able to get out of the house, get a discount on books, and hopefully share my faith with some co-workers.
Luke and I will most likely be attending the church that he was a part of before he moved up to Canada. Because we anticipate our time in Brisbane to be limited, we long to be part of a community where we are already known. Being part of a community and sharing life is one of the greatest functions a church body has, and with family and friends there, we are hoping that a transition into this will be easier than if we started going to a church where we didn't know anyone.
Luke has started working at a factory molding milk crates, where his brother-in-law is the manager. He has done this work before, when he had time here before the wedding.
We are still praying about what this time is meant to look like while we are here, beyond what I have mentioned here. This pertains to areas of ministry, whether inside or outside the church. Please be praying that we would be open and listening to where the Lord will lead us during this time.
Also, as I mentioned in an earlier entry, transition can be emotionally taxing on us as individuals and a couple. Pray that we focus in on the Lord and His purposes, and that we will know and trust Him in the big as well as small picture.
That's it for now!! Much love, Danielle and Luke
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
You know your in Australia when...
Since arriving a few months ago, Luke and I have been visiting several churches looking for a "home base." Last week we had the privilege of going to a preview service for Citylife church at the University of Queensland. After, there was a free BBQ where they were serving snags (sausages on a bread roll).
As Luke and I approached the food line, it looked like it was in a bit of disarray, mainly due to it going down a set of steps that people used to navigate the crowd. The line probably had, oh, 8 people in front of us. After about 10 minutes, I began to look at the trays, half expected them to be empty and people waiting for fresh snags from the barbie. They were full! I then scanned the people loading there bread rolls, only to see them casually chatting with friends, slowing adding in a few words between each action, fulling enjoying their friends with the food as an afterthought. I put my hand in front of my mouth and whispered to Luke, "right now this is such an Australia moment, if we were in California people would be freaking out right now." Even as we approached a section where people finished up grabbing their food, they stood in front of the trays and started talking about wives and babies. I had to laugh and feel repulsed inside all at once (at myself).
Now, for those of you who are Australian, you may be thinking get a grip. And I think that about myself as well. And for those who are California, you would be saying, "Are you kidding me? Get that line moving and then start talking to people!" You would think two cultures that are so affected by beach culture would both have a laid-back, chilled out pace. There couldn't be anything further from the truth. And as much as I would like to say I have been mellowed out by the more laid-back-than-America Canada, I still seem to have that inkling of Type A SoCal in me. We'll see how I do after being here for a few years. I hope to progress to one of those people chatting at the front of the food line, and I can be cleansed a little from the part of my personality and busyness culture that demands quickly.
As Luke and I approached the food line, it looked like it was in a bit of disarray, mainly due to it going down a set of steps that people used to navigate the crowd. The line probably had, oh, 8 people in front of us. After about 10 minutes, I began to look at the trays, half expected them to be empty and people waiting for fresh snags from the barbie. They were full! I then scanned the people loading there bread rolls, only to see them casually chatting with friends, slowing adding in a few words between each action, fulling enjoying their friends with the food as an afterthought. I put my hand in front of my mouth and whispered to Luke, "right now this is such an Australia moment, if we were in California people would be freaking out right now." Even as we approached a section where people finished up grabbing their food, they stood in front of the trays and started talking about wives and babies. I had to laugh and feel repulsed inside all at once (at myself).
Now, for those of you who are Australian, you may be thinking get a grip. And I think that about myself as well. And for those who are California, you would be saying, "Are you kidding me? Get that line moving and then start talking to people!" You would think two cultures that are so affected by beach culture would both have a laid-back, chilled out pace. There couldn't be anything further from the truth. And as much as I would like to say I have been mellowed out by the more laid-back-than-America Canada, I still seem to have that inkling of Type A SoCal in me. We'll see how I do after being here for a few years. I hope to progress to one of those people chatting at the front of the food line, and I can be cleansed a little from the part of my personality and busyness culture that demands quickly.
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