Catch-up with 5 C's

so... a week on & things are good. quite a lot has happened since i last updated so i guess some selective news will be best!

1. CHURCH. St Matt's church was a big hit. An active and lively church committed to the Bible, evangelism and Gods kingdom. I felt really welcome & met a few people - a couple of guys even asked if they could pray with me when we were chatting after the service (a surprisingly rare occurence in church!). They've just begun a series considering 'love' & various related issues in our contemporary culture eg sexuality, homosexuality, marriage, divorce etc. So good to bring these current issues to the Bible & have it throw its illuminating light on them... very refreshing, & good for conversations back at college after church too! Also, checked out the CU which seems cool - some good training opportunities for me, & found a good Bible study group. Also, got to know some great Christian friends, some my age & some others a little more mature. Praise God for all these things!

2. COLLEGE. Settled in at college & got to know the guys here. People are very friendly & welcoming - a very easy going place to meet people. Still missing you guys from back home, but know it is good to be stretched in this sort of stuff! Had big party at college on Thursday, where I was asked to help behind the bar because I would be sober... one way to make friends I guess!!! Just had a couple of cool days a few hours south at Bunbury for a 21st party. Met my first Roo - took a bit of guts to stroke it as it seemed to be wild, but then this little 4 yr old kid ran up & hugged it! Turns out it was a kind of pet - these people had acres of land! Stayed in a sweet place with a very hospitable & friendly family - good to meet a 'real' Ozzie family.

3. COURSES. Started. Reality of having to do some work whilst I am here hit home this week. Oh well! A few seem quite interesting - especially one on aboriginal history. A couple will be a bit tedious at times... but I did choose a law degree!

4. CRYING SHAME (dubious title, but worth it for the alliteration). Major dissapointments so far are failing to get on the waves yet (am hopeful to this week), & also realising I quite like Aussie Rules Footy (which is the most ridiculous sport in the world). Was also really sad yesterday to miss John & Sian's wedding, especially as Anneli was bridesmaid. I'm sure it was a cool day & a big celebration... congratulations Mr & Mrs Newton-Webb!

5. COMMUNICATION. Just beginning to adjust to keeping in contact by blog, emails & letters. Often really encouraging, so thank you... especially those who have posted stuff - so cool! On that note, bye!

The hardest part...

I think the most difficult thing about this year away may be done... or certainly one of the more difficult things. Saying good-bye to so many people in the last 2 or 3 weeks before I left was emotionally and physically draining. It was particularly tough leaving Anneli and my folks. Thanks to everyone who I hung out with in that time as they were very fun days.

But, now that is over and it is a week since I left the UK/ 5 days since arriving in Perth. It has been a crazy week in many respects... settling in my accomodation (St George's College - very posh!), registering for my courses at the university, being 'orientated' as an international student, getting to know Perth (crazily my new home), and meeting lots of new people from all over the world.

Australia is more backward than I had hoped or anticipated! The banking, mobile, and internet services have been the bain of my week (which shows it has been pretty good i guess!?). I guess as such a new country it is only just catching up to the pace of modern life?! I hope no aussies read that.

Anyway, I am well and beginning to get settled. I have met lots of really cool and friendly people. God has been so good - he has definitely sustained me through a mad period. Now I want to get on with serving Him in this 'strange' new place. First port of call: St Matthew's Church tomorrow morning.