Goodbye Australia...

... Well, I am back in America now!

Summary of what happened since I last wrote.

On Thursday morning we woke up late (well, I woke up at four a.m. but everyone else woke up late) and headed to Gateway Cafe. There we had brunch! It was made by Teanelle, Richard, DJ, and I. YUMMY sandwiches :) Following lunch, we all went to the mall. Taylor & I needed an extra suitcase and so we were on a mission to find one! She eventually found a HOTTT PINKKK one at Target [just so you know, their Target is nothing like ours.. it is more like a parisian or something] Anyways, the day continued with mcdonald's (oh & Australian McDonald's have yummier desserts! woohoo!) and a little walking around. Before I knew it, it was time for AWANA CLUB at the local school. We headed there to help Josh & Richard. Richard was heading back to get his car from the coffee shop... so Taylor & I walked with him... on the way there, Taylor told me that she would ride back with Richard so that I could have some time alone... That was nice!

You're not going to believe who was pulling up to Gateway as we walked up!! NATHANIEL! Yay. It was a real joy to see him. I went into Gateway to relax, then he came in... We were able to talk for a bit about diets & healthy eating, plus Australian colleges... (supposedly, the government pays for their college... if you get a job, they take money from you.. kinda like a tax... but if you do not get a job, you are not required to pay it back!!! cool) Talking with him really did bless me.

Richard came to get me because Dr. Taylor was looking for me. No surprise.

At Awana, I almost fell asleep.. but I held myself together knowing that we were about to be at the Salvadors for dinner :)
Dinner was awesome. I almost did not eat, but was glad that I did :) Immediately following dinner, the "young ones" went downtown! Let me try & remember who all went... It was Precious, Josh, Danwin, Ken, Kirsten, Miikhail, Richard, DJ, Kim, Nathaniel, Taylor & I... (I feel like I am missing someone... but, not sure)... We went to this chocolate place... :) Forreal. I'm pretty sure it was Nathaniel's idea... The place was so cool, if only I could remember the name. If you are from America, you would have went in thinking it was just a coffee shop. There were tables and neat booths everywhere... there was also seating outside. Everyone ordered delicious drinks... I had a white chocolate chai.. DELIC!!! It was my first chai tea in Australia (on my last night, surprised? def a shocker)... Nathaniel also ordered Kim & I these chocolate covered waffles... HA sooo good :) What? We need this place in America! Fair dinkum.

When the night came to an end, I was not ready to say goodbye. I still remember standing in Annie's driveway thinking... do we have to go? As everyone who rode with Nathaniel stood their grateful for the memories we created.

I thought that meeting Miikhail & Nathaniel for breakfast at Gateway would be great, so I said I would meet them there... The next morning, I did not wake up until an hour or so after I was supposed to meet them... & the only reason I woke up was because Richard came into our room informing us that it was too late to be sleeping and that we needed to wake up and seize the day (adding my own words) HAHA! Anywho, the guys were most likely disappointed & I was definitely sad to not have seen them one last time...

Once we got ready, we headed to the airport... & said our goodbyes to Richard (he's still with us in spirit)

The twenty hours in air only seemed like two (because I literally only awake for two)... so, that was nice :)

We encountered many things on our way home... things like....
1) I stepped in pee, barefoot
2) Taylor got really sick and threw up
3) Our six hour lay over turned into an eight hour lay over
4) After everyone boarded our second plane, we had to get off & switch planes
5) sleeping on the ground in the Dallas airport

... a lot happened, but we finally made it home! To Alabama, that is...

I am half & half right now... Half glad to be back! But half missing Australia & all of my new friends!

I am really considering another trip... next summer :) Maybe three months this time! God willing.

May His will be done above my own!

Either way, this ten day adventure was the greatest blessing! I am so grateful to have experienced everything I did & to have met such wonderful friends.

... so blessed & thankful!!

May 26, 2011

Last night was awesome. We left the coffee shop around three o’clock to head downtown for dinner. On the way to downtown Sydney, it started raining; that was beautiful. Once we got down there, we all walked as quickly as possible to the building that the restaurant was in. It was a huge tower; literally, the tallest building in Sydney. The place was so fancy. It spins around while you eat, so you get a view of all of Sydney before your meal is over. Eating a buffet was ideal, because we were all missing American food just a tad bit. I ate things like potatoes, bread with hummus, green beans, pineapple, watermelon, and all kinds of delicious desserts. My favorite thing to eat was the bread and hummus. Or was it the ice cream? Not sure! All I know is that going to this restaurant was a big deal, and an expensive deal. It was such a blessing to get to go there and spend time with the team just relaxing.

Richard came with us, so you can imagine how hilarious the entire night was. At dinner, he was quiet and kept to himself. But, the rest of the time was a blast. He made jokes the entire way to the restaurant and talked to everyone about who they were dating on the way back. Although he is really funny, he has a lot of wisdom. Like most of the friends that I have made here, he is studying in a Bible college. Richard either already is a pastor or is going to be. It interests me how he can be so humorous yet love God so much; it really amazes me.

People like Richard, and friends like Tyler and Fenton back home, remind me that being yourself while pleasing God is possible. All I really want is to please God. So, learning about others and their relationship with God interests me. It helps to have people around that are just themselves twenty four seven. I would like to say that I am myself, always. I am. Lately, it has been easier to be free around folks. This probably has everything to do with the fact that I am with a whole new set of friends and that I know they are being transparent too.

Loving God is easy. Balancing life is hard. My only goal is to live a life that is pleasing to God. He has my heart; no one else could ever fulfill all of my longings. Only God is capable. Being in Australia is teaching me more and more about being a servant who is completely reliant on God’s faithfulness and love. Oh, yes! That is it. Being totally dependent on God IS life. I must be.

Fair dinkum, I have been in a dry place lately. God was still speaking, but I was dry. It was as if I had nothing to give. The truth is, selfishness had taken over without me knowing it. Instead of loving with all that I was, I was seeking love with all that I was.

This morning as I was writing on my arm (Something I do every morning. Usually just a proverb, but this morning, there was more to say), I began to write “Love unconditionally”. Then instead it made more sense to write “love God”. Here I was trying to remind myself to love those around me, so that I could show God’s love. Then, I realized that the only way to show God’s love was to love God. The only way to love God is to recognize that He first loved me (Hallelujah). So, today (and everyday) must be lived from a position of love for God. I LOVE GOD! HE LOVED ME FIRST! Woohoo. Where there is the love of God, dryness has to flee. HEHEHE! Fair Dinkum…

Yeah, so everything is wonderful today! It is our last day in Sydney. We are shopping a bit, while ministering to folks at the shops… then, we will be helping with “Awana Club” (if you haven’t ever heard of it, look it up. It is such a neat program for kids. They come together one night a week and memorize scripture, play games and just learn about the LORD. Great thing!). After Awana, we are going to the Salvadors (Danwins) for dinner. Nathaniel mentioned maybe the young one’s going out together while the older one’s ate at the Salvadors. Either way, I am excited. Seeing Danwin, Nathaniel and Richard will be a blast.

Believe it or not, I am going to miss this place. All of the people are so close to my heart now. They have become my closest friends. It is neat when you go all the way across the world to spend time with family you never met before. You just want to stay with them. But, I am also remembering all of my American friends & family. I am very appreciate of the love and support of those God has placed in my life as relatives. It is a joy to know everyone that I do.

Once I get home, everyone is getting a big hug & an I LOVE YOU! My love for people has increased… and hopefully will continue to.

LOVE GOD. LOVE PEOPLE.

*Fair dinkum = honest, true, forreal


*G'day Mate

PICTURES thus far!!

A few pictures of what has been happening (or at least what I have captured... some funny, some more serious) ... Everyone here is awesome! We have enjoyed every second. God is doing so much within my heart & He has used every single one of these people to change my life! Bless the LORD

Proverbs 24:26

"An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips"
Proverbs 24:26

BE HONEST!!! :)

TUESDAY!!!

God is awesome! His love is fresh, always...

We are in the coffee house this morning... I think Scripture reading in the public schools will follow.. then house to house visitation and maybe some basketball outreach... and eating in between...

Pray for us.

I miss the states... but now I have gotten to the point where if you told me I had to stay here for the rest of my life... I would not fight it.

The friends I have made here are wonderful... (pictures to come)

Yesterday we shopped in Sydney & did a little "tourist" stuff.. It was fun. Richard, Danwin, Roice, and Andy came with us :) So that was fun!!

Love you all. Thank you for everything.

Blessings, grace and peace

info..

I saw a stop sign for the first time when we were at the beach.

A lot of people say "yeah" when they are praying... just like me!

Australians do not get married until late twentys or early thirtys.

I have a strong accent.

The pastor, Aris, that we are here with says that everything is "no calorie, no fat" in Australia.

New Day

Now it is Monday... we are going to Sydney! Tour day... I will definitely have much to write...

Yesterday we went to three different church services (took up the entire day)... so awesome :) Then we went back to the houses & slept... I had a lot of dreams.

There is so much to write & I will later hopefully..

Bless you all... Monday morning breakfast now :)

Resting until dinner, that sounds nice

Here I will put my journal entry from today....

"The Koala Park was a lof of fun. We were able to pet and hang out with Kangaroo... Australian Kangaroo. that was enjoyable! I am thankful for this opportunity. Right after the park, we went to the beach. I'm not sure what the beach was called. Richard & I named it 'Eydunno Beach' ;) It was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. The mountains that surrounded it were green and full of life. Kimberly and I attempted to take a normal picture and got soaked! A huge wave came up and surprised us with a massive splash (we are still wet!!!) After that, D.J. and I ran to these rocks. We took a few pictures, same some crabs and I waved at a group of Aussie surfers (yeah). Then a few of us took pictures and played around. Richard, Gerald, Taylor, Aris, Mr John and Mrs Linda, Dr Taylor had all returned to the bus to wait on us. Kimberly, Jonathan, D.J. and I headed back and cleaned up. Now we are all on our way to the Arnettes for dinner. I am not hungry (but I will most likely eat in order to not offend anyone... when I get back to the states, I have 12 Aussie lbs to lose... or should I calculate taht in kg ;) ) Over all, today has been wonderful. I cannot help but thank God for everything that I am experiencing. All of the things we have seen and donw have been awesome! I am realizing how rare this opportunity is (Hey DJ just saw a koala bear crossing sign) I am extremely grateful for everyone who made this trip possible. God used & is continuing to use all of the people who sent financial support, prayers, and encouragement my way. [Thank you to everyone] I believe that God will return to you a blessing for the way you have all blessed me.... Luke 6:38 'Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For the measure you used, it be measured to you'"

.... LOVE YALL!

Good times...

Yesterday we had outreach in the public school, house-to-house visitation, time with another local church, & youth night...

I met another one of Aris' family members. His name is Danwin. He is an awesome friend... We talked about how laid back the Australians are. They are not overwhelmed and jealous the way that Americans can be. The men & women are close... it's awesome. "No strings attached" as Danwin said...

At youth, we played Taboo.. It was funny watching the Australians explain American things... and it was fun playing! :) The youth cursed quite a few times & they thought nothing of it... I loved that.. Everything is so different here!

God is doing a lot & I know that... Even if it does not feel like it, I know He is the one to make the seeds grow. He is the only one able to make something grow. He is all powerful.

One of the guys, Richard, talked with an American accent all day yesterday. It was amusing :) We made a video... I will be putting it up as soon as I am able to use my computer (I use the coffee house computer everyday to blog, not my own)..

The weather here is nice. Kinda chilly in the morning, but hot during the day!

I am still learning Aussie lingo & adapting to everything...

I really miss Grace & Alex... but, I know God is with them.

Hopefully I can write more later to tell you what's going on...

We are about to head to prayer, then the Koala Park! HAHA KOALA AND KANGAROO!!

Pictures soon..

Bless you all in the name of Jesus.

Today!

Today, we are having prayer :)
I am looking forward to it...
Then, our group is going to the Koala Park!
This is exciting :)

I have a friend named Claire and she is in the same room as me right now :) I am so happy!!! She is awesome.

Public Schools...

We did Bible reading in the public schools today... that's right... They have a class called "Scripture reading". It is a choice. The children have a choice (with parents consent) to go to Scripture reading or RECESS (or free time)!!! This amazed me! To see all of the students show up to learn about God. I was in charge of leading them. The first class we went to was made up of grade 4. All of the students were precious and attentive to my voice. I spoke to them about the simple truth of salvation. I had a few leaders guide each table in making Salvation bracelets. It was enjoyable! Girls from my table asked me to lead them to salvation.. WHAT? So I did.. My entire table decided to pray the prayer together & committed their lives to Christ. How beautiful?

Anyways, I must go eat (for anyone who is wondering, I AM NOT HUNGRY! everytime we have meals, I wonder if I am supposed to be hungry... because I AM ALWAYS FULL)

:)

LOVE YALL!

:) Just people livin

Here in Australia, it is the same as everywhere else in the world...

There are people, just livin...

Last night was interesting & a lot of fun. The team went out to this Steakhouse and it was called FRIGHT NIGHT? I think. Anywho, the owner was dressed up really freaky. The Wizard of Oz was playing on a huge screen & the tables were shaped like cofins. HAHA! Anyways, I was shocked to have been there (for anyone who really knows me, you would understand how strange it would be for me to be in this place)... the owner showed me great favor, which was surprising. He knew my name only & kept coming back to me and just talking... It was fun! They taught me a lot. We talked about Hillsong and the "charismatic"... I was blessed!

I learned that what we call a hoodie, the Aussies call a "jumper"

Oh & they call tennis shoes "joggers" :)

HAHAHA! Something else... the owner, Rob, was talking to the group & he said something inappropriate... immediately after he said it, he looked to me and said "sorry chynna" just like my american friends :) That was awesome. it was like i was in america all over again. so fun!

Being in Australia is fun. Just being far away from the states & being able to breathe.

God has been speaking to me a lot today. I feel like His voice is more clear than it has ever been! He is using everyone and everything to bring me to a place of deep appreciation. Although I am a great sinner, He is perfect & faithful to me! I am grateful.

Thank you for all who are praying. I can tell that Revival is happening, even within my own heart. Praise the LORD!

I love you all. Miss you much. Keep in touch!

"Ears that hear and eyes that see- the LORD has made them both" Proverbs 20:12

wisdom...

"Enjoy what you have, not what you don't have"

Aris has given me much advice. I am young & have much before me. This is a time to let go of what hinders and embrace what draws me closer to the Father's heart.

I am grateful for the blessings surrounding me.

The prayers of the Australians bless me.

God is over all.

ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE, NOT WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE

Rejected...

... but so was He!
Today, we have been doing house to house visitation... Taylor & I were together, a team. We were literally rejected by every single person that opened the door. Some people chose not to even open the doors fully for us.

We were humbled and reminded that we deserve rejection.

Our humble King was perfect and they rejected Him... how much more do we deserve to be rejected. We are sinners.

God is good to us.

Tonight we have a childrens event called "AWANA". It will be great.

The pastor that we are staying with is full of joy & peace. His wife is beautiful & loves the LORD. I am about to seek advice from her on personal issues. I am in need of spiritual guidance right now. Pray for me!

I love you all & hope for a more inviting report next time.

Prayers are requested.

Bless you all.

Keep focused on Him.

fun times.

australians say "mum" & spell it that way too.

my "mate" (that means friend) Jarrod Money taught me to say "pull up a stump"... which would be translated "come sit down" in America.

australians drive on the opposite side of the road. it is freaky.

my australian friends curse often & think nothing of it.

everyone here drives a nice car.

interior decorating stores seem to be more popular than food.

australians are stylish and skinny.

most australians dream of living in america. la and new york are the talk.

the way I talk fascinates the australians I have met.

facebook is just as popular here as it is in america... "do you have a facebook?" is the most asked question thus far.

sydney is getting their first walmart soon.

coffee is big, starbucks is not.

Sydney

I am in Sydney. There is so much to write. God is allowing me to meet wonderful people. Everyone here is friendly. They have great personalities and beautiful accents. I think I am beginning to understand their lingo. Many of the friends I made today helped me keep joy. It has been fun.

It is the end of the 18th here, but only early morning the 18th back in the states. So, the day that I am finishing... you guys are about to begin. Be warned!!! The day is full of suprises, you may or may not get a shower, there are many people to meet, and God is still in control :) HEHE! Hope you all are doing well..

Text me anytime. Receiving texts from everyone has blessed me so much. I love hearing from you.

Pray for me. There has been a serious need for protection and communication blocks to be broken. Much is happening, including opposition. Thankfully, God is always over all.

My heart keeps breaking. Every time that we pray, I weep. He is humbling me.

Dr. Taylor has put me in charge of the high school talk, which is friday. I have to plan the details and assign certain people to specific positions. Please pray that I will have the wisdom to finish the assignment given to me. I have no idea where to begin :) It will be fun though... and it was definitely an honor to be chosen.

Alright you guys, I really miss the states.. but I am here so I will go enjoy it :)

GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU ALL!

I LOVE YOU!

-Chynna Lee

Made it to Australia :)

Hey everyone!!! We made it to Australia :) One more flight (2hrs) and we will be in Sydney :)

God has already opened huge doors for me to spread the love of Christ. I have made several new friends & am amazed at the way God blessed me through them :) Living for Him is such a joy.

Living for me is death. Truthfully.

Pray that all of our labor is used for His glory. Pray that all of our love is for His glory!!

Blessings grace and peace

Today is the day...

We are leaving Mobile, Alabama (that's in the US) at 4 p.m. We will be arriving in Sydney, Australia tomorrow morning!

:)

Thank you for your prayers.

Get in the Word!!!

Heading out Monday

This is a blog to keep all of my family & friends updated while I am in Sydney. For the CST 425 credit, I am required to journal everyday. I plan to blog once a day, to keep up with the events that take place in order to keep you all posted and to have a written account of what all we do.

Be praying for our group! There are nine of us headed to Sydney, Australia. We will be gone from May 16th until the 28th.

Thank you to all who will be following & praying.

Bless you all in the name of Jesus Christ.