SMBC, SUFM, KYLC and HK...

That's a pretty good summary of my life... a whole bunch of acronyms!

I managed to finish Sydney Missionary and Bible College (SMBC) and "graduate" (more info later to explain "...") and then move back home. College was an amazing time of learning and growth - not only spiritually but personally. I am constantly learning more, but I feel like I am better prepared and equipped for what is ahead because of my time at college and living on campus.

My family at SMBC Graduation 2006

I spent a couple of weeks at home amazed at how much junk I had accumulated while at college and thinking that I can't possibly fit it all into 2 bags, even if each bag can be 30-something kgs each... and doing odd jobs like... buying my ticket... and applying for a new passport...before heading to Forster Scripture Union Family Mission (SUFM).

I love Forster SUFM and it was great to visit the team. I was able to share with some of the kids why I was going to Peru. On my way home from Forster, I caught up with 2 families who live in Newcastle, both with kids who had invited me to Cooks Night Off when I was a Minis leader.

Then it was onto prep for Katoomba Youth Leadership Conference (KYLC). 10 years ago, I was in Strand 2 and it made heaps more sense this time around. I really like Strand 2 which is Biblical Theology and I wanted to experience teaching it in English... which is why I stayed around in Sydney, and it was totally worth it!! Talks from Joshua and Titus - AND great people to hang out with!

Here's to explain the "..."! While I was at KYLC, I found out that I had failed my major project at college - the 8000 word one (we didn't really graduate at graduation... since results come out after graduation)! Thinking back, being at KYLC and having Christians all around me was a blessing. At this stage, things are still uncertain in regards to re-mark, re-submit or re-do but all I know is that God is in control and he is growing me through this.

So on Monday, I go to Hong Kong to see my grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. And when I come back to Oz, it will be 6 weeks before I leave for Peru. Just a note for your diaries: Commissioning on the 17th March in the arvo at Central Baptist Church. And then on the 24th March, I start my journey 28 hour journey to Peru (18 hours in the air and 10 hours hanging around in airports)! Sydney - Auckland - Santiago - Lima!! WOOHOO!

Praise God for:
- all the graduates from SMBC going all around Sydney, Australia and the world to serve God
- everything I learnt while I was at SMBC and the friendships that I made
- the encouraging time at Forster and Katoomba
- all the people that are wanting to partner with me in prayer and finance, so that I was able to buy my ticket

Pray for:
- the time I will spend with my grandparents in Hong Kong
- my project - that it will all be sorted out and I will learn and grow through this experience
- a suitable Peruvian family to live with in Abancay during language and culture learning
- the churches in Peru and the pastors that lead them