Surviving Lent... ish!

On Thursday Jenn and I were off out for another night on the streets of Sydney with Hillsong’s homeless project, Street Beat. We had a few new faces joining us so had a short meeting to discuss the vision of the project and also do a little training. It was fascinating to see the daunted faces of our new team members, only a week before Jenn and I had been in their shoes and I remember well the nervous butterflies in my stomach as we headed out.

I had been so anxious about approaching a stranger in the street and attempting to start a conversation, and I am far from shy! But when we got out there I realised that most people pass these guys by in the street, pretending they can’t even see them. So most of them are happy to have a bit of company. When I listened to the new folks, amazed at how easy they had found it, and how different it was than they expected, I had a wee giggle remembering my own relief the previous week.

We spent Friday in the Hillsong City Care office with Gary (Street team and Street Beat leader) making up booklets for the training day on Saturday. We also helped him shop for pancakes and toppings which was a bit of a trial as Jenn and I have decided to do a traditional lent this year, giving up all things sweet!

Training day came and we were faced with plate upon plate of pancake - 4 days into lent Jenn and I were still going strong!

We arrived home at lunchtime to an empty house, Tanya had gone to pick up our new roommate, Micah. Micah is from New Zealand, and has a guitar... this was the first two things I liked about her, but after spending more time, she’s also a very sweet and fun girl. I hope she’s going to survive a week in a room with Jenn and me! We do get a bit manic before bed...

Unfortunately Micah had to go to work, so Jenn, Tanya and I took a trip to Bondi Beach for an iced coffee. Now I feel like I’m in Australia. This is what I’d always pictured! Bodies bathing in the sun, surfers out on the water, surf and tourist shops, trendy bars and cafe’s along the promenade. It was ‘beautiful’!

On the drive home we debated about what to do in the evening, coming from Scotland means we don’t really know what to do on a sunny Saturday night! However we worked together and came up with an awesome plan! We stopped at the supermarket for some meat and salad, headed home, chopped and marinated everything ready for cooking, packed one of the best picnics ever and headed to Marubra Beach for a BBQ. We arrived around 8pm, stuck on the iPod, lit the communal BBQ up and began cooking. An hour later the wind was blowing a gale, and nothing was cooking. We tried our best to salvage our plan, but it just wasn’t happening.

Laughing hard we began to pack up, wondering what the people around us might be thinking, and headed homeward bound for a fried burger and a movie on the couch.

Sunday morning we headed back to Redfern Anglican Church, for a familiar feeling family service. After the service we got chatting to one of the members who told us about Tropfest, a short film festival which was taking place on the Sunday evening and was FREE! So after Hillsong in the evening we headed to the domain for the festival.

Tropfest is the largest short film festival in the world, with around 75,000 in the audience and stars such as Toni Collette and Elijah Wood judging and presenting.

So after a hectic, but very fun and sugar free weekend Jenn and I are relaxing a bit before helping out and being completely challenged and inspired at Shine again tonight.


Please keep the comments, texts and e-mails coming, we might not always get a chance to reply but it’s so good to hear what you’re all up to!

Loads of love and blessings from down under!

Laura xXx

~Rippling~

Last night Laura and I were helping set up an “educate for life” programme at Hillsong church, which offers several classes on different issues in life (e.g marriage counselling). We ended up running the teas and coffees at a class for women called “shine”. The main aim of this class is the empowerment of women and celebrating their individuality through developing a small community of women who can journey together through 8 weeks of talks and group activities, that aim to lead them to understanding their own value. The class was huge, with around 100 women from all backgrounds showing up. It was a lovely environment; women huddled round candles, the air filled with laughter and sweet smells of moisturiser used for hand massages. As the class commenced we listened as these beautiful women discussed value, and how easily they can give it to others, but how much they struggle to place any on themselves.

The following day Laura and I had a discussion about the need for empowering women and our own experiences growing up which we thought contributed to our own sense of value. Laura and I had very different experiences at school, both hanging around with different groups and filling our weekends with different things; and as we continued to share these things we surprised each other, both describing an adolescent experience quite foreign to the other. However the one thing we did agree on was that neither of us began to feel comfortable in our own skin until a long while after leaving high school, and spending some time trying to find our own identities, And despite our extreme differences, as with probably every person I know, we are both still shaped by our past and are left with insecurities from this to battle with.

It got me to wondering about the cause of these insecurities so common to us all. Where are we going so wrong that the majority of people grow up learning things about themselves to loathe, and things to be ashamed of? There are numerous Christian groups with similar goals to shine around the world, countless books written about how you can only find your true identity in God and how to do this, over-worked mental health services sifting through millions of people whose lives are controlled by their inability to cope with just being themselves, and millions of songs written each month describing similar battles of finding identity and worth. But what I’m wondering is how we all seem to manage to get to the point of needing these things. Why is it that generation after generation we are producing more and more unsure, insecure and unconfident people? Why can’t we install this sense of worth and value from the start, thus empowering people to fulfil their purpose with courage and determination from the start? Is it a confused parenting style? A bad education system? The fact that we don’t always take the time to find our own self worth before we turn to helping and influencing others, so that there is a ripple effect of hurt people hurting people? Or could it be our glamour-obsessed media that drives beautiful and talented men and women to tears when they simply look in the mirror?

If we were born to love each other and be loved then where have we gone so wrong that we need classes, book upon book and thousands of songs to begin to learn how to accept love in return? By raising generations of people unaware of their value we are robbing the world of the amazing gifts that only this person can give until they have struggled over and over and sometimes are blessed enough to find the courage to be themselves, and I am sad to assume that there are thousands, if not millions out there who never find this courage. Imagine if Mother Theresa had never had the faith and courage based in love to leave her doubting family, or if Anne Sullivan had given up on Helen Keller, as it would have been so easy to do. So often Christians talk about love and spreading God’s love but how are we meant to “spread” something if we don’t first take the time to understand and accept it? Maybe it’s time we begin to become truly aware of the effect of our words and actions toward others, as we also give ourselves the well deserved time to learn who we are as individuals, and to love this person. Because, despite what you might have been told by peers back at school “loving yourself” is nothing to be ashamed of, so long as you understand where this love comes from and your important part in the ripple effect. If you create a ripple from your heart that is full of love, and you begin to pour out that love to others then just maybe you’re small act of love that began the ripple will be enough to flood somebody’s world with the love they have been thirsty for the whole time.

Jenn xx

From a sleep deprived Leroy...

Hey everyone!

Sorry it’s been a while since I wrote to you. The girls have been selfish as ever and been hogging the computer to email “family and friends”...WHATEVER! Well whatever you’re into I suppose! Sydney is beautiful! Loads of cute wee coffee shops, local food shops and fancy clothes shops; very cosmopolitan darling! Since most of the work the girls are involved with in the church is at night time, we have had some lovely days free to absorb the sun (although listening to the girls going on about protecting their peely waly Scottish skin is a bit boring). We spent one of these days reading in the stunning Botanic Gardens in Sydney with a view of the Opera House.(I'm jumping in the picture, hence the flying effect!) All three of us giggled at the crazy looking Australian birds and creepy crawlies , although Laura’s giggles quickly turn into screams when it’s a big stripy spider we’re looking at. Other than that I’ve pretty much just been chilling out, working on my Spanish and keeping in shape , so I should probably tell you about what Jenn and Laura have been busying themselves with.

They have attended several Hillsong church services for all different age groups through the week, but the things they are both raving about the most are definitely the work they have been doing with the homeless team and the street team. These groups are giving them the opportunity to go out and just have a wee chat with some of the homeless people in Sydney (who apparently are fascinating to speak to) and also to work in council owned flats doing whatever people need done, from cleaning toilets to sitting down for a chat. I’m telling you though, I am getting slightly jealous as the girls seem to be meeting and chatting with some incredible people whilst doing this. Jenn was giggling all day after a woman she described as having an amazing laugh told her that she could read people well and that Jenn has a tough face but a big kind heart. After Jenn enquired about what a “tough” face was, the woman replied “you know, tough skinned...like...chubby”!Haha!I also had a wee giggle to myself at this and now like to call her fat face!

However despite all this fun and good work , the girls have been keeping me up late at night discussing how they want to help in more practical ways with more people. So, they decided to follow up a charity they were told about called “Youth off the Street”, who seem to be doing some amazing work in the community and they are getting back in touch with them on Monday. So please keep this in your prayers as it will mean I might have a chance of getting a bit more sleep if they have more work and aren’t yapping so much!

What a wonderful morning we all had today though, on this day of loooorrvvee! I was woken up to the smell of bacon as Laura, Jenn and Tanya (their current flatmate) had a yummy valentines day breakfast together. But, even better than that, they then left to go to church (with Laura and Jenn visiting the local Anglican service) which gave me ample time to munch all the remains! Laura and Jenn are not long in, after really enjoying the different style of service which seemed to remind them of this other place they keep talking about “St Andrews”, and I am in a heap in the bedroom with fruit and yoghurt stains on my top and typing with bacon greasy fingers!mmmmm! Think I better go to sleep before they get hungry and start looking for left- overs!

Hope you ‘re all well! Leroy! x

A bit down in a land down under...

So today was really the first day I’ve had some doubts about what we are doing. I’ve been boastfully saying how New Zealand was soooo easy for us and how we were carried the whole time, and then we hit Australia and all of a sudden random kind families don’t want to take us in and show us around the country! I know it’s hard to imagine, but I get the impression that just maybe, some people have some other stuff going on in their lives that’s not soultouch! (Shock horror I know!) However, as Laura has said we have after a wee hunt managed to come across a brilliant wee flat really close to the church which suits us great. But after a couple of nights restless sleep and a few stressful days (where we spent the whole time trying to see the positives and trust something would come out of it all) waking up to pouring rain at 6.50am just seemed to push me over the edge and a little tear ran down my cheek. It was one of those tears that you don’t even give permission to roll, but it does anyway (I hate those sneaky ones). I wiped it away as doubts flashed through my mind about if we were even helping anyone at all or if this trip is a waste of time. But I didn’t have much time to really think as we were off to our first street team meeting at Hillsong church.

As we sat with all the street team volunteers I began to perk up a bit, giggling with Laura about nothing really at all (like I said we’d just had a few nights restless sleep). The leader of the street teams then shared a quote with us (I didn’t get who said it) about how we can’t and aren’t expected to “save the world” or take on everyone’s problems ourselves, but rather, we each have to responsibility to simply do what we can and no matter how small a thing we may think that is, so long as we do what we can, that’s enough.

I looked around me at all the smiling faces agreeing with this quote from people who had also gotten up far too early for a Saturday, and it hit me that just like High School Musical said; we really are “all in this together” and that’s perfect. And so as the day slowly unfolded into a good day with lot’s of encouragement from those at home, I began to realise that 1 wee tear every now and then isn’t a bad thing afterall. It simply shows we care enough. But the important thing is that we wipe the tear away, put on our rain coats and go out and face the storm. And if we all do this in whatever little way we can, then that’s enough. It’s just like in a football game, during a free kick from the opposition all the defenders are worried about getting hit by the ball where it might hurt, but they put on a brave face and huddle close together so as to protect their joint goal. And the more the scared, huddled defenders the less chance the “baddies” in the other team will get anything past them.

So as Laura and I huddle in close to this team of incredible people at Hillsong who are desperate to serve others, we giggle with nerves and excitement at what might be coming flying at us next!

Australia

Hi folks, hope you’re all well, we’ve lots to update! We arrived in Australia late Wednesday night and waited an hour and a half at the airport for a couple of girls that were about 5 yards behind us pretty much the whole time. We had already come through from customs by the time they arrived so they didn’t notice us behind them, and we were looking for a guy so hadn’t paid them any attention. After a bit of confusion and a giggle we were in the car for an hour long journey to the Hills campus (Hillsong Church) where we were spending the night in student accommodation.

There were 7 girls ‘flatting’ together so the house was pretty packed and we really appreciate them making room for us. We arrived just in time for bed so said our hello’s, goodnights and had some rest. We all left early the next morning, the girls for college and Jenn and I to find digs for the next three weeks in Sydney. We also had a meeting with the street team leader, Gary, in the afternoon. Jenn suggested we check where Gary’s office was when we arrived at 9am. Then we planned to spend the day in the library doing some bible study etc. Things didn’t quite work out like this. Turned out Gary’s office is in the City Campus, about an hour from the Hills. OOPS! We had no idea there was more than one campus.

Anyway, after a trip on the train we were finally in the city, ready to meet Gary. The meeting went well, and it was looking like Gary was able to find us lots to do in the church. But we were yet to find accommodation! We looked into some backpackers – all full, things were not looking great! After a while we headed back to church for the evening service. Before the service we asked the receptionist for a list of student accommodation, she handed us a list then highlighted all the places close to the church. We sieved through the list and found only one place that would suit two girls, was available for the time we needed and was close to church.

I called up to see if it was still available and turns out it was, and Lorna and Diego had already been in touch to see if there was space for us. Praise the Lord!

So here we are, we have our own space, with a beautiful host, Tanya. And are feeling very much at home!

We started our street team this morning (couldn’t do much as this street team work in gardens etc for the community, but we’re experiencing some good old Scottish weather i.e. rain and LOTS of it!), this consisted of visiting an elderly lady, who just needed a few odd jobs done and a little company. She was so sweet, had done a fair bit of travelling when she’d been younger so Jenn and I were fascinated to hear of her travels. I can’t wait to be sharing the stories of my Soul Touch journey in years to come.

Australia has been a huge learning curve already, I’m really learning that I need to trust God more. It might feel a bit scary when we don’t know where we’re going to be staying, but God knows! If the backpackers had room we wouldn’t be in such a comfortable environment. I guess God really is always at work ;)

It’s a bit like the Footprints poem.

www.barefootsworld.net/footprints.html

Keep trusting!

Laura x

Under and over and through the bridge...

Last Thursday morning Jimmy took Jenn and I to his work at the Harbour Bridge for a walk across the top. On arrival we were presented with our safety gear and I must admit we were looking pretty 'braw' (that's beautiful for you kiwi's), we filled in some safety forms





and paid close attention to our instructions before heading for a look around. Jimmy explained that there are a lot of contractors on the bridge at the moment as they are strengthening it. And he wasn't kidding. I was fascinated to see all that goes on under a bridge. There's even a wee train line that takes one of the workers with some gear from one end to the other.




After our tour it was time to climb the stairs tot the top of the bridge, what a view! It was absolutely stunning. We posed for a few pictures before heading back down for lunch.

We had a wander round the harbour in the afternoon before we visited the supermarket for some Parachute shopping.

Parachute is a Christian music festival with 20,000 visitors. It started on Friday evening and went on till lunch time on Monday. This was an opportunity for some teaching time for Jenn and myself. There were some excellent seminars witch had been well researched and planned by the speakers. A particular favourite of mine was Mark Storm, principal of Laidlaw Bible College in Auckland. He was talking about Acts 17 (Paul At Athens - Seeds of Revolution). I was so impressed with this guys knowledge. He was firing out historical, biblical and cultural information and my wee hand couldn't move my pen fast enough to keep up with notes!

When we left the seminar I didn't just feel encouraged or challenged, I felt completely full! My head was buzzing and I was loving it!




We took the chance over the weekend to catch up with some of the campers from Ponui. Samuel had organised a reunion for the Saturday and Jenn and I were easily identifiable the rest of the weekend by the Scotland flag we were flying. This attracted lots of other Scots to us as well as our many friends in NZ.



So, we only have about 30 hours left in this beautiful country and I must admit I'm pretty gutted to have to leave. I knew I was going to have a great experience here, but I did not expect to feel the way I do. I think this is a result of the amazing hospitality we have received from families like the Bonnar's and the Shaw's and the friendships we've made. I didn't doubt Jenn and I would make friends easily, but the quality of friends we made in a short week at Ponui has really touched my soul!

'And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus' Philippians 4:19

So thank you to all you kiwi's for looking out for us, and Jenn and I will be praying that God will bless you abundantly, the way you have with us. And PLEASE keep in touch!



Loads of love and blessings!

Laurrra xXx

Jesus loves gingers!

Just back from Parachute Christian Festival, exhausted, freshly showered from the first wash in 4 days, sick from processed food, but happy and smiling after a GREAT weekend! Parachute had everything; music, comedy, speakers, dance, charity appeals, discussion groups, basketball games and even their own talent contest! The fact that we were there with a bunch of brilliant fun people was simply the icing on the already scrummy yummy cake (for those of you that can relate, I’m talking about as yummy a cake as Sarah makes!)
It was a brilliant opportunity to hear the thoughts of some incredible speakers including Matt Fielder and Mike Pilavachi. There were a few things that particularly spoke to me this weekend. Firstly was from a seminar by Matt Fielder discussing the book of Esther. Amongst the many interesting points Matt made about this book, he described how purposefully we are all built by God to allow us access to certain places or in certain peoples’ lives (i.e. Esther’s beauty got her into a place of influence in the palace). So really this means that no matter how weird or ugly we perceive ourselves as being, God has fully intended to make you both look the way you do and to be the person you are, and since He loves everyone of His children, He isn’t just ok with who you are and how you look...He LOVES you..EVEN if you’re ginger apparently! But that’s not all! He has created us this way with a purpose in mind, and so it is up to us to stop worrying about our perceived faults and hurry up and get about doing what it is we were purposely built to do!
So in thinking all these things I began to think about my purpose. I have been told that the 3 most important ways to decipher if something for you is in the will of God are 1) that it is scriptural, 2) you have really prayed for guidance with it, and 3) that it has been planted in the very pit of your heart (that mooshy, fuzzy, warm bit that prompts a tear and sets a fire at the same time). The thing that sets all 3 of these on fire for me seems to continue to be to do with international development and seeking justice for the unfortunate. Specifically regarding those with the very least and the most desperate, and finding a way to encourage sustainable empowerment in these desolate settings. This is the one thing that truly makes me squel like a little girl, have butterflies in my tummy, find a tear in my eye and feel at home all at once!
Although I have no real idea yet how I will serve best in this area I am giddy and excited that I will be carried into my purpose (whatever that is) if I am focussed and open. I think it is finally starting to settle in me that we’re only given one life and for anybody’s full potential and influence to be realised and achieved (no matter what that might be)we need to refocus away from insecurities and trying to please others and instead have the boldness to go for what we were made for. We need to let go of our fears and take a few risks. After all if we are bold enough to say we believe in a creative God that has a purpose for us and will provide for us then what’s to fear? It’s funny but one of the most memorable things I think I saw this weekend was on the back of a boy’s hoodie which was actually intended to promote sky-diving, but can be applied to so much more than that, and I hope I never forget: “Fear is always temporary, whereas achievement is permanent.”
Jenn (a proud ginger!)xx