So many things have happened in these last 6 weeks, it's been a whirlwind of joyous experiences, I hardly know where to start!
Classes
I have found a good rhythm to studies now. Mondays and Thursdays are 3hr sessions on the New Testament and training in Exegesis. This is pretty full on but I am enjoying the process of learning how to breakdown New Testament passages to understand what they mean in the original context and how the truths found within apply to the world today. I did well on the first assignment for this class. We have been focusing on Ephesians and the Gospel accounts this term. Next term is moving into Acts, Romans and the larger chunk of Paul's letters. Exciting! Tuesdays and Wednesdays are all my electives of Leadership in Various Church Contexts, Cross Cultural Communication, and Overview of Church History. I am really enjoying these classes. The discussions are really eye opening. I have been particularly encouraged to see how God has kept His church and Word throughout generations and by some of the most unlikely means! I mean I never realised how big of an impact Henry VIII had on the church and it's growth inspite of heavy persecution and his ruthlessness! Fridays are the hardest days for me. We study Biblical Theology and then have a session on Integration into College life. Biblical Theology is something that most people in Sydney church life have discussed explicately from youth at church whereas I felt I lacked the language and understanding to engage with the subject well at the beginning. By God's grace however, he sent along a classmate who encouraged me with lots of helpful resources to plug the gaps and help me to keep up better with the incredibly deep questions being floored during the lecture.
After BTh we head to Integration where we typically end up in our chaplaincy groups to discuss the week and specifically identify how we are feeling. We have to use a feelings wheel... it is a really useful activity and is meant to help us develop our emotional intelligence and self-reflection! The problem in the first 3 weeks was that I am the only girl in my chaplaincy group, we have just finished 2hrs of difficult BTh, I am usually exhausted from the week, probably missing home and then the guys say "how are you feeling Britt?" and I burst into uncontrolable tears! hahah! So I got to know Simon, Tim, Nich, and Phil really well - really quickly! They are so kind though and incredibly supportive. It always ends up being a deeply refreshing time of sharing and praying together. Then we get to have a super tasty lunch so all is well that ends well!
Church & Ministry
I have now started at Vine Church serving for 2 weeks on the morning band for 9.15 and 11am services, 2 weeks on kids, and 2 weeks on the band for 4.30 service. I am spending Monday afternoons at church where we either have all staff training with Toby or I have 1-2-1 with Liv. Our last training session was on managing the AV equipment at church and then a session on how to appropriately and responsibly encourage church giving. With Liv usually shadow her planning sessions or have a guitar lesson. I have recently had a crash course in chord theory which was insane - lots of homework. Trying to practice everyday after classes, building stamina and refining technique. I will soon be taking more of a role in leading the prayer and bible reader teams for Sunday Services. Also I am part of small group that meets on Tuesdays.
I am keeping up my teaching, serving with the primary kids on Sundays which is fun. Also, for college, I serve on the Scripture ministry team where I head into the local primary school once a week to teach the Christian faith to Kindy students who have opted into the program. This program was news to me, let me try to explain. SRE is a government protected program for schools in New South Wales - think Religious Education but actually parents can opt into different groups, there are Christian groups, Catholic, Hindu, etc and Ethics for those who don't want to join a faith-based group. It is compulsory to attend one! The idea is that whichever group kids join, they are taught by followers of that faith. It is strictly not about evangelising, but instead christian teachers educating kids on what it means to be a christian. I teach a really sweet reception aged group of 9 little ones on rotation with my friends Angelo and Adrian. We have teachers for every year group i the school. Half of the students in my group are children of my college peers or staff, the others are from the wider community and their families have decided they want them to be taught about christianity! Last week I taught "God made people" as the follow up to the previous week "God made the world and everything in it". What an incredible blessing it is to share our faith so boldly in the school community!
Food
One of the great blessings about living at Chappo (the single's residence across the street from college) is the food! The kitchen staff here are incredible. We eat so well here! These are the only images I have of food because normally I have an empty plate by the time I remember to take a picture. In fact, these images are from friends!Tuesdays and Thursdays are hot breaky with things like bacon and eggs or waffles and pancakes with all the toppings! All the staff and students have lunch together, even if they live off site. The snitzel and mash are a definite favourite for me! Chef Steve spots me before dinner sometimes and says "It's your favourite! Mashed Potatoes!!" Haha! Everyday they serve morning tea to the staff and students after chapel which is the real test.... do you take the apple or the churros on Monday? The banana or the simosas on Tuesday? The pear or the cake on Wednesday? Honestly. They are so good to us!
Friends
God has been so kind to me in these 7 weeks. I prayed that God would provide deep and meaningful friendships with just a few people while I study here and he has answered that prayer to the highest level. It is really fun living in Chappo with everyone. There are birthdays to celebrate, movie nights and games nights, chill hallway chats, evening walks and lots of laughing. You will notice from the picture gallery that Lisa and Emily feature a lot - well I so appreciate their friendship and the ease with which we have settled into friendship. Kessia is trying to help me get over the fear of sharks (which I maintain is a very normal and logical fear) so that I can enjoy more snorkling and watersports. Stay tuned... there are more exciting adventures being planned in the coming weeks!
Prayer and Praise Points
Thank you for your continued prayers for me! God is answering and providing in incredible ways.
Praise God for the growth and learning despite challenging lectures. Praise God for the supportive college community helping me tackle the difficult stuff and for the joy of learning new things!
Pray that I would stay on top of reading and have courage when writing and submitting assignments.
Pray for upcoming assignments
Weekly exegesis
1500 word Biography of Isaac Watts (April 26th)
Cross Cultural Assignment (June 13th) this assignment requires me finding a non christian female of a different culture to me to have three 1hr long interviews with. It is incredibly difficult to find someone when my life is absorbed by College.
Praise for strong start to minsitry training - really enjoying the lessons with Liv.
Pray that I would be disciplined in practice of guitar skills and that I would see an improvement!
Praise and Pray for SRE ministry in schools in New South Wales!
Praise that God has provided great friendships with girls in dorms. Girls who can sharpen and encourage me in my walk with the Lord. They are very honest and a real blessing!
Pray that I would be an encouraging and supportive friend to them too!
Praise God for technology that allows me to stay in touch with family and friends abroad.
Pray that I would be deliberate in staying in touch with friends I left behind (I can be a bad communicator, especially now living in the future and wanting to be involved in all the fun stuff going on in front of me)
Your messages have filled my heart with joy each time ones pings through. It is so hearwarming just to know that friends are praying!
Thank you for your continued love and support.
In Christ Alone,
Britt
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