Ruby Shoes and Where They Take You

There's no place like home....There's no place like home.

Words I think perhaps everyone in western culture knows. We say words like these all the time.  I'll be home for Christmas, Home is Where the Heart is, etc.  Everyone has a home, and that home helps us to stay grounded as we spread our wings and explore the world, whatever that path might look like.

Growing up in Spokane, many of my friends couldn't wait to get to the next step, away from Spokane, away from home. I was never one of those kids.  I was happy with Spokane, I love my friends, family and just about everything about it.

Aparently God had other plans for me.  First to Indiana for Valpo.  I recieved a wonderful education, despite my typo filled blog.  I met some amazing people, who I am thrilled to have in my life, and have so many memories I will cherish forever.  Throw in some summers at camp, full of friends family and unbelievable growth in my own personal faith.

Then, it was off to Tacoma. Tacoma was a hard place for me. On paper my job was perfect, and my congregation was full of wonderful and supportive people who I miss dearly some days. Despite this, I think that the first couple of years in ministry are difficult. Everything in Tacoma seemed like a battle.  Yet, I learned so much about myself, and I grew up a lot.  I made some great friends, had many important professional and personal milestones, and gained confidence that I could do what I put my mind to.

One day out of the blue, I applied for a job in Australia, one thing lead to another and now I am here. I have found so many adventures, friends who I feel like I have known forever, and a very special someone, who makes everything seem easier.  Everything isn't a battle here, and I feel a bit like I know what I am doing most days.  Here it's the small things that throw me off, the littlest thing might seem impossible, but it always gets done.

 As I dropped my Mom off at the airport the other day, I was sad to see her go, yet as I drove back to Bundy it felt like I was coming home.  I have had many homes over the years, and for me I think that at the end of the day, the people in your life make your home.  They don't have to be in the same house, they can be continents away, but they help you to stay grounded even as you fly, and the ruby slippers may just be a fabulous fashion statement.

Traveling Domestic, Internationally

Well I am currently sitting at the airport on my way back from a weekend in Sydney and a conference in Newcastle  and what a trip it has been.
To start with I got to go through security with my shoes on and a full water bottle!  Small victory I know.  I had never really thought about how different countries would have different ways of going about security.  I know that things were very different in Indonesia, but somehow I expected Australia to be the same.  It’s not.  People looked at me like I was crazy for having my liquids out in a plastic bag.
Another fun fact, in Australia, airlines feed you!  Nothing elaborate mind you, but at least a muffin or a sandwich depending on the time of day.  They do not however seem to have sodas, you are stuck with tea and coffee.
Each time I travel in Australia I am struck by the level of hospitality I encounter.  People I have never even met picking me up from the airport and from the platform of the train, letting me stay in there homes, feeding me and the like.  While for the most part I like this expected level of hospitality, I can actually find it extremely overwhelming at times.  One of my hosts in particular on this trip made me feel this way.  I think it makes me feel like I am being chaperoned, and I find that off putting.
That being said, my weekend in Sydney was incredible.  My host there was the perfect balance of hospitable, but I also had the chance to do some exploring on my own. Sydney is a lovely city, lots to explore and do. The opera house is incredibly majestic sitting out on a point, and it’s tiled.  The Royal Botanic Gardens are massive.  There is a nice bled of new and old buildings, and some beautiful and massive shopping centers.  I got to ride trains and ferry’s and spend lots of time on foot.  It had a similar feel as Chicago to me, but I love Chicago, so I was a fan.
There are so many things I miss about living in or closer to the city, the food being one.  I got some amazing Greek food, Thai food and Starbucks while there; a nice blend of familiar and variety. I love that there is always something to do in the city; whether you want a museum, markets to wander through, a ballet to attend or just a new place to walk with a street musician to listen to.
I don’t miss the buzz and the noise though.  When I first got off the train in downtown Sydney, I can only say I was overwhelmed.  I was also overwhelmed when I ended up on the wrong train out of Sydney and experienced a 6-hour delay. In Sydney there were people everywhere, and people all seem so inconsiderate, very concerned for their own needs and not looking out for others.  The city can be such a lonely place. I hope someday to move closer to a city, but I think as much as I enjoyed my trip, I was most glad to leave the concrete jungle.
I think that I have started the journey to become a bit of an Aussie.  I found that especially when traveling people didn’t ask me where I was from after they heard my accent, and lots of people asked me for directions.  Or perhaps my accent just seems less out of place in the city.  I did have to laugh at the fact that I bought a green and gold Australia sweatshirt and had so many people ask what sport I represented Australia in.  My response of course, was tourism.  It just made me chuckle that a $20 sweatshirt had people convinced I was awesome enough to compete at national level athletics!
 Well that’s all for now.  More later.

Wipers, Indicators and Olypmics. Oh my!

So yet again it has been a while since I have posted.  I seem to find that life in Australia, is just starting to feel normal, and not quite so bloggable.  Then when I remember that I am living in Australia, and you are not, I decide I might have something to share.

Let's start with my trip home.  It was totally wonderful to be home and see everyone.  It made me feel like I was grounded again.  Like things were familiar again and like perhaps things just hadn't changed so much with out me.  Yet when it was time to leave, I was ready to go.  My life is not at home right now.  People I care deeply about are, but they have lives in the states, and I don't.  I have a wonderful life here in the land of OZ.

Although I will admit there was some reverse culture shock.  Mainly while driving.  The entire time I was home, every-time I went to turn I would attempt to turn on my blinker on whichever side of the steering wheel I was about to turn. This pattern continued for about 2 weeks after my return to Australia.  I must say it is a bit alarming to have your windshield whippers start unexpectedly.

My other big culture shock as of late has been watching the Olympics.  I have not seen any non-Australians compete in anything but swimming. As Australia is not very good at gymnastics, or diving I am finding it is like the Olympics aren't happening. If I paid for my tv coverage I could watch all the medal events, but as I don't I am stuck watching lots of swimming, rowing, field hockey and equestrian events.  I did see part of one beach volleyball game and a bit of basketball. The announcers are great, but I don't even see the non-australian competition.  It's a bit too much green and gold from this view.

Well that's all I have for now.  Please comment if you have anything you would like to me write about, and I will try and post sooner next time.