A ramble update

I've decided that I'm going to write a ramble of a blog...so no real idea where this is going to go, but I'm going to type away anyways.

My intense weekend of collecting for the Salvos Red Shield Appeal has finally come to an end. I did my last shift this morning at a train station, and now I've finished collecting forever....well, until Christmas anyways.

For anyone over there in Canada who hasn't heard, this is my final day on The Order (my program here at 614). I've gone through my reasons and explanations so many times in the past two weeks, I really can't bring myself to do it again on this blog...but you can either talk to my family for more details, or send me an email and I'll go into specifics. I will say though, that I'm not leaving with negative feelings towards anyone on my program, and this has actually been a really good opportunity to make amends and bond with several people on my team who I hadn't had a chance previously to get to know. I will still be attending 614 here in Melbourne as my home church, as well as teaching Junior Soldiers. However, after trying out several options, I'm unable to continue my participation on the kid's ministry team at 614 as a volunteer, so I won't be able to be involved in the programs at the Flemington Flats (where I have been running kids programs).

Also need to say..I am not leaving Australia. I still intend to stay here for the remainder of the year, and head back to the great white north in December. I am looking forward to having my time table free up a bit, and have an opportunity to do more things here in Melbourne, as well as build on several relationships with people that I have met since being here.

The last month, mainly since just after Easter, I've been really struggling. There has been several things that have really broken me down and put me in a real negative state of mind that I haven't enjoyed at all. As well, I've been really homesick and just wanting to be in a familiar place that I can hide in and be with family. Since last week I have been doing a lot better though, and really just trying to get through this step of finishing up on my program and then get my head clear and focused and move forward.

One thing that has gotten me through though is really letting it sink in how blessed I am. It absolutely boggles my mind the support I still receive from people in Canada, and it always brightens my day to receive a text message or an email from someone at home. Thank you Jeff for your email last week, because it was exactly what I needed to hear and allowed me to really focus in on God again. Thank you Matt for supporting me through all this craziness and being someone I can depend on when everything becomes a struggle. And thank you heaps to my family. From text messages from my parents and siblings, to getting a Veggie-Tales e-card from Joseph, to getting emails from my Grandparents in BC, and to getting lovely cards and encouraging letters from Family in Toronto....all of it just reminds me of how much love I have at home, and that I know I'm being supported in prayer when I need it the most. God is amazing, and has really blessed me with incredible friends and family in my life.

So...I can't honestly say that I know what happens next. I know that today is my last day on The Order...I know that I'm looking forward to getting a good nights sleep and recovering from this crazy past weekend...I know that I get to go to the Junior Arts Camp next weekend to help teach the art elective...I know that my mum is coming to visit me in 43 days (YAY!)...I know that I'll most likely need to get a part time job in order to be able to financially support myself for the rest of this year. But besides that, I haven't really gotten much planned out. However, I should add, I KNOW that God is taking care of me through all of this, that I'm in His hands, that He will provide for all that I need, and that He has plans for my life that are beyond anything I can imagine.

To end this post, I think I'll say a couple prayer points for anyone who reads this who is able to shout out a prayer for me every now and then.

Please pray that God will provide for me financially, or that a job will work out so that money won't be an issue. Pray that a door will open so that I can continue ministry in some form at the Flemington Flats (where I've been working with the kids team with the Order Program). Pray that my ears would be open to what God wants to say to me, and that I would be open to His teaching and his guidance as things change over the next little while. Pray that I would make the most of every opportunity for the remainder of this year.

Thanks again to everyone who has been such a support to me, both in Canada and in Australia. It means more then you can even imagine. Everyone from home, especially my girls who are starting camp soon, feel free to drop me an email anytime to let me know how you're doing and with some things that I can pray over for you.

Blessings!

More pictures of the fam...

Scotty (my cousin) and Di (my sister)

Scotty, all smiles. (Auntie Mel, he looks so much like you!)

Scotty and his big bro, Joseph.

Do Not Worry...

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Thank God for the Salvos

Well, it's Red Shield Appeal weekend. The weekend where the Salvation Army collects money either door to door, street corners, or at intersections all throughout the country.

It's mid day on Sunday, and I've still got 4 more hours of collecting ahead of me, but I'm already pretty beat. I think that this is the most full on collecting I've ever done with the Salvation Army. Two hours Thursday in a train station, two hours Friday in a train station, four hours yesterday at an intersection, eight hours today at an intersection, two hours tomorrow in a train station, and two hours on Tuesday in a train station.

But we're more then half way finished, and it hasn't been all bad. Just from our church alone we collected about $10,000 yesterday, and thats really amazing. We've had several bizarre interactions with people, lots of sore backs and tired legs, and standing out in some cold and wet weather....but I know that God will use the money raised in some incredible ways to minister to those in need in this country.

Blessings!

So do not fear...

"I took you from the ends of the earth,

from its farthest corners I called you.

I said, 'You are my servant';

I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

-Isaiah 41:9-10

Staying strong in Him...

Blessings.

Lets go fly a kite...

Moment of the week.

Spent this afternoon at the Flemington Flats for our Tuesday after school program that we've been running there. The weather is getting colder, but we still had 22 kids show up, including 2 new ones.

I have a little side kick every week. She's our youngest member, being only 3, and doesn't speak English. She usually just holds my hand and pulls me around to what activities she wants me to play with her.

Today she pulled me towards our fabulous kite we got a couple of weeks ago. So I grabbed it and we walked hand in hand out to the field. As we were walking, two of our 5 year olds came running out to join us as we began our kite adventure.

I must say that it was the most fun I've ever had flying a kite. The three kids are the youngest I've ever flown a kite with, but I've never seen more determination and team work to try and get something in the air. They each took turns to hold it, while another one ran with the string, and the third one did the count down to when it was time to run. Made me smile, and absolutely made my week.

Just thought I'd share.

Blessings!

The fam

I don't have anything interesting to say, but I was browsing through my sister's pictures on her blog, and found these two that made my day..so thought I would post them.

My Siblings: Dionne, Bradley & Donna

My cousin Scott and my bro, Bradley.

The Boys

Isn't this a fantastic picture? I came across it when I was checking out the pictures on my Aunt Mel's blog. That's my Uncle Mike, my four year old cousin Jospeh, and my cousin Scott who I believe is 8 months old now. It brought a smile to my face, so I thought I would share it...

Blessings!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Just wanted to say Happy Mother's day to a fantastic and wonderful mum (who will be visiting me in less then two months!).

Hope you had a beautiful day! Sorry I couldn't share it with you!

Love you heaps! MUAH!

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

What does the worker gain from his toil?
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ready to Launch

I just attended the Red Shield Appeal Launch, that was held this year from 614. I don't think I've ever attended a launch in Canada, so this would be a first experience for me.

It's been an interesting morning. We arrived in our lane way at 6:45am this morning, where we usually have a couple of our guys sleeping out, or by the time we normally arrive in the morning there are a few guys just hanging out until the centre opens at 10. But this morning, our jaws dropped when we arrived. There was a tent set up in the lane way, and people everywhere. Being so early in the morning, the first thing that caught our eye was the huge coffee machine that was set up. There were waiters in fancy suits everywhere, walking around with elegant juices (like green tomato juice...who drinks that??) and mini crossants, and fruit kababs. Shortly after we got there, big wigs in business suits and Salvo uniforms started pouring in, as well as heaps of media people with big cameras. I got excited when I saw some guys in Salvo uniforms walking past with brass instruments, mostly because there were several guys that I knew from our xbox system link parties.

After about an hour everyone was ushered upstairs to the temple where heaps of speeches were given, and a lot of acknowledgements were said on behalf of all the important businesses who were represented. It always spurs some interesting thoughts for me when I see so many classy uniformed and suited up people talking about the needy in the city and how the Salvation Army needs money "more than ever" (slogan for the campaign this year). Not saying that the money isn't needed...it's just a bizarre thing to watch so many clean and upper class people asking for it.

So an interesting morning overall...and definitely some things to think about. We have two Red Shield Appeal weekend blitzes coming up, where us Order people get to do some hardcore intersection collecting...good times! Should be an experience anyways (~whispers word 'experience' and does corresponding hand movements..just for you Matt~).

Just want to finish off with this Bible passage that my wonderful Grandparents left for me in a comment in the previous post, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this morning...

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.

I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Phil 3:8 - 12

Blessings!

Back from holidays...

Well, it's been ages since I've posted so I thought it was about time to at least write up an update.

I am just back at work today after having the past week off. I had a wonderful visit from the fantastic Chris Tidd, who came down from Sydney for a week and a half as he had holidays as well. We spent the past week staying at the most hospitable Matt Atkins' abode, and enjoyed some sight seeing, an xbox system link, three birthday parties, two nights out to the comedy festival, heaps of rented movies, and most importantly, lots of sleep. Also got my first Austrailan haircut...but no worries...I didn't get a mullet, no matter how cool some Australians may think they are.

Overal, I'm doing well. Feeling refreshed and a lot more sound of mind after some much needed time off, and time away from my house and the city.

Oh, I also spent 5 days over Easter at camp, which was an amazing time away. Definitely a different way of spending the Easter holidays, but one that I very much enjoyed. It was great to see a lot of familiar Salvos from all different corps from this division. I also had the opportunity of leading an art elective for a homelessness project, and had twenty-three 12-17 year olds that I got to paint their thoughts reflecting the subject onto a huge canvas. It turned out really well, and was also a lot of fun getting to hang out with a lot of amazing youth.

So, I guess I'll finish off with some prayer requests. Honestly, I am struggling with a lot in terms of the program I'm on. There are a few things that are really breaking me down for various reasons, and some things that my own pride is getting in the way of and just causing me to stress about things that I need to just let go of. I'm hoping for a lot of clairty this week being back at work, and being able to hear God's discernment about a few things. I'll need to make some decisions soon...even just deciding about what I want to get out of this year, and in what ways do I just need to let go and trust God....so prayer about those things would be very much appreciated.

If you're one of the people who have emailed me ages ago, and haven't gotton a reply...I'm sorry! I'm currently working my way through the build up that is my inbox, and fighting through my procrastination to make sure I get some emails sent! Anyone that I haven't heard from, feel free to drop me a line...would be great to hear from you!

Blessings!

Don't run with a chainsaw...especially if it's turned on.

Just wanted to write a quick blog while I had a few minutes in front of the computer.

First, to say...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!! And for anyone out there in Toronto right now, you can blame the sudden snow on my Dad. It always snows on April 5 (his birthday).

Also just wanted to give a quick update on how I'm doing. I haven't done too much this week as I was a bit under the weather. But, after heaps of sleep, I am finally recovering and was back into work this morning. Thank you so much to those who left comments on my previous blog. It definitely helped me figure some things out in my head. Also, really appreciate those who are praying for me...it's meant a lot. I am in a better frame of mind today..more so then I have been in a while. I've realized several things that I need to just let go of, and trust to God...so over the next little while, hopefully some things will become easier.

Winter is beginning here in Melbourne. I've honestly never heard any group of people talk more earnestly about the weather then those who live in Melbourne. But, I guess that's because it can change on a dime, so there is always something to talk about. I'm loving the cooler weather though. Reminds me of spring back home.

Pulled out a quote today from my wallet that was one of several by Max Lucado that my lovely Aunt Mel sent with me when I left Toronto. I thought that I would share it...

"Don't measure the size of the mountain;

talk to the One who can move it.

Instead of carrying the world on your shoulders,

talk to the One who holds the universe on His."

Also, if you get a chance, have a look at Matt's blog that he's written today. It's got some interesting points to consider, and make sure to leave a comment if it provokes some thoughts.

Blessings!

The Grand Finale!

It's been ages since I've written a blog, so I thought it was about time I updated.

Although it was weird not being at home and being around family and good friends, I still had an enjoyable birthday over all. I shared a lovely birthday dinner with the Atkins, my Australian family, which included party hats and dim sims...what else could I ask for? Also scored the "Rent" soundtrack (thx Matt!) and have been enjoying listening to that every day on the ride in to work.

I had my first experience at children's court on Friday. I'll be going every Friday for two hours, just to hang out with kids who are involved with their families in court cases. It was a full on time when I was there, as we had heaps of kids running rampid in the play room, but it was a lot of fun, and great to be working with kids again. I look forward to this ministry this year as it's not an atmosphere I've worked in before.

Tomorrow afternoon we're starting our program at the Flemington Flats. Pretty much I'm in charge of this activity that we're going to run every Tuesday afternoon from 3:45 - 4:45 for the children who live in these flats. It's an extremely multi-cultural and poor area that 614 just started getting involved with at the end of last year. Not sure how many will turn out tomorrow as we've just started handing out flyers, but hopefully it'll be a good afternoon anyways. Prayers would be appreciated over this ministry as I'm super nervous about it, and just really wanting God to use me in a productive way in this program.

Overall, last week I found a lot of things becoming a bit of a struggle with the Order program that I'm on. I ended the week just physically and mentally exhausted, and now unfortunately afraid that I'm getting sick, which I'm not at all excited about. It's been a continual struggle since the beginning of this program, living with the very diverse and dramatic people that I am living in community with. Three members have left over the course of the past two weeks, so that will be changing the dynamics up a bit. But I am finding it hard to build positive relationships with a few people that I live with, as well as just feeling comfortable in my house to just hang out with my other team mates. Also struggling with feeling like I'm not getting spiritually fed, and receiving positive input into my life while on this program. I've got a few people outside the order that I know I can depend on for support and encouragement, and a house that I can spend every weekend at to get a sanity break, but it's still an area I'm struggling with. So, I guess I'm asking for prayers over me remaining strong, focused on God, and that things will be put in place that can help me be challenged and grow spiritually.

I had an interesting thought occur to me last night as I was doing some prayer activities at the Moreland corps. One of the reasons contributing to my decision to coming to Australia was to build on my independence, and to learn to live away from home, and away from everything and everyone I had grown to be somewhat dependent on. Something I realized last night though was that I'm actually the most un-independent right now that I have been since I was probably 16 or 17. I do have a lot of freedom in what I do in my free time, I don't have a curfew, and I can budget and spend my money on what I like..but 75% of my life right now is organized and delegated to me in the form of a time table that I am expected to adhere to...even down to what church I am to call home, which I never thought would be a struggle.

So...I've come to learn how to be independent, and have entered a program that has more control over the decisions in my life then I do. At what point then is this a learning experience that I'm being humble and giving up the idea of control to other's so that I might learn what it is to be flexible and let others dictate to me what is expected of my time.....and then when does it become a realization that I'm old enough and smart enough to be independent and give up control to God alone, and make my own decisions about what occupies my time and the direction that I take my life?

And I think I'll leave my ramblings at that. Hope everyone is doing well.

Blessings!

It's a royal occasion...

Today's my royal..or champagne birthday (meaning I've turned 23 on the 23rd).

It's offical...I'm old.

One of my house mates this morning told me that it's a wonder I'm still alive, and it's all down hill from here. Fantastic words of encouragment lol.

Day is only half over...but favourite moment so far. One of the guys who come into the drop in centre who I've been spending a lot of time with over the past week or so getting to know, suprised me this morning with a beautiful birthday card. He knew it was my first birthday in the southern hemisphere, and away from home, so he wanted to make sure I still felt like it was being celebrated. Love it.

My humility will be known throughout the world...

Pet Peeves. Got any? I’ve got a few, although I don’t always remember them at a moments notice.

One I’ve had since I was a kid, and that is when people try to engage me in a conversation when I’m deeply into a book that I’m reading. Of course if someone needs to talk to me about something important, or if it’s just someone saying hello or checking in or me…that doesn’t bother me. But it’s when for whatever reason someone thinks that I’m only reading because I’m bored, and they’re going to relieve me from that boredom by making continual attempts to start up a conversation I don’t want to have. My family knew right from when I as young not to bother me when I was reading, and my mom even bought me a cheesy bookmark with a horse on it that said “don’t nag me, I’m reading” to poke fun at my pet peeve.

Another pet peeve I’ve only just come to realize over the past 6 months or so. It’s being told that I’m better then someone else. I definitely don’t want that to come across as me saying that this happens all the time, or that people just drop it in every day conversation that I’m better then someone. But to have someone say to you, “you know, you’re better then them.” How do you take that? Myself…I’ve realized…I get mad. The things that run through my mind tend to be…what kind of twisted view do you have of me to think me better then other people? Or…how dare you think that low of the person you’re comparing me to? As well as…who has given you the right to compare people to one another?

I know that I have pride, and that in some areas of my life I really struggle with being humble and allowing God to be in control. I think that’s another reason that this is a pet peeve of mine and gets me so angry…because I don’t see it as a favour or as a compliment from whoever is saying it. I see it as a lie that is trying to inflate the pride that I already struggle with letting God break down.

I think it’s an unfair and unjust thing to be compared to someone else. What do you base your comparison on? Looks? Intelligence? Wit? Their talents and abilities? Popularity? How “close” they are with God? What kind of scale do you use to make the call who is better at what, and at what point in time do you decide that you know someone well enough that you are entitled to make that judgement?

So, I guess my pet peeve isn’t just from hearing someone say to me that they think I’m better than “so-and-so,” but also just the idea in general that people have this need to compare themselves and others to those around them. It really isn’t a compliment to either party, and it puts you into a position of being a judge of something you were never meant to judge.

I suppose I could rant about this for a long time, so I’ll end it now. Just wanted to put those thoughts out there while they were fresh on my mind.

Blessings.

This is no time for dwarvish river dancing!

The Commonwealth Games are well underway and has become all that anyone in Melbourne talks about. Australians are pretty much dominating all the medals that have been won, with Canada ranking sixth I believe.

Not too much new or exciting has been going on with me. I've been keeping busy working in the drop in centre at 614, and getting ready for our kid's ministries team which starts up next week when the kid's are back to school.

My 23rd birthday is creeping up on me and arrives in three days (that's THREE days Dad, not one lol). Despite the fact that winter is around the corner, it's apparently supposed to be 30 degrees on Thursday, making it officially the hottest weather I will have ever had for my birthday.

I had an interesting conversation last week with my roommate. We got into a big discussion about boys, and past hurts we've had in relationships. We got onto the topic of how interesting it is how much past hurts can continue to dominate our heart and minds, even years later. Sometimes we don't even realize that something that someone has done years ago in a relationship can make us insecure, and maybe even a little paranoid, when we encounter new relationships..or even just a friendship with the opposite sex.

Trust really is a delicate thing. All to often as young (or sometimes older) teens, we have a real naive concept of people when we enter into our childish and immature relationships with the opposite sex. Speaking from personal experience....I tended to have the outlook that I could fix "him." I usually went for the guys who I knew broke girls hearts, and were a bit rough around the edges, because I thought that they were probably just misunderstood and all they needed was a second chance. Although I suppose this isn't a completely bad outlook to have on it's own... when it's combined with the mind of a naive and pompous 17 year old girl entering into a relationship, however...it can spell heart break.

I had my trust in males ripped from me when I was 17, although I guess the fault can't be entirely put on the fellow I was "dating" at the time, as I did willingly put myself in the position. Hindsight really is 20:20 though, as I look back now and wish that I had done so much differently...including having a better self esteem so that I didn't need to stay with a guy that I knew in my heart was cheating on me and lying to me straight to my face.

But...in trying to see the positives in a negative situation...I learned a lot about trust. I learned that it isn't something to just put in anybody. I learned that putting my full trust in someone who I really don't know can leave me vulnerable and open the door to a lot of pain. And in the last couple of years, I've learned what an incredible feeling it is to be able to sincerely trust someone that I've come to really know and love.

I guess thats about it for now. Keep our kids ministries team in your prayers, as we have lost some leaders and our numbers are dwindling, even before things get under way. But God is good, and I know things will come through according to His plan.

Blessings!

PS. If you were wondering where my random title came from, Matt has gotten me into his addiction called World of Warcraft and while watching a video on it one of the characters said this line. So hilarious. Check out this webpage to see all the characters dance moves.

Sun Smart

Just a quick update for my family (and anyone else who is concerned about my skin)...

I spent a few hours at the beach on Sunday, in some absolutely scorching heat..and I am pleased to report...I did not sunburn!! I was plastering on sunscreen about every 45 minutes or so, which left me feeling pretty gross, but I did not burn!

It's game time.

Well, it's the end of another hectic week, and we're on a much needed long weekend off.

We had three more days of training this week, which is always a challenge to sit and listen for hours on end about things that aren't necessarily too interesting, and at the same time try and remember as much as possible that will be needed for this upcoming year.

Commonwealth games start in just four days. Everything going on at Melbourne at the moment is literally revolving around these games. Flags and banners are up all over the city advertising it, every shop and restaurant has some sort of Commonwealth games merchandising, and everyone is trying to brace themselves for the horrid traffic flow that is going to be greeting us in driving around the city, and on the public transport.

At 614 we're also preparing. It's not really certain how the people that we know and work with every day at the Lifecentre (drop in centre) are going to react to the games. We've already noticed an increased tension amoung people the past couple of days at the knowledge that soon their city is going to be flooded with strangers. For 7 days during the games the hours at the Lifecentre is being changed from 10-1, to 10-8...which means our schedules also change during the games to take turns on shifts to make sure all the hours are covered. We aren't entirely sure if we'll see a decrease in people dropping in, due to the rumours going around that police will be kicking the homeless out of the city during the games...or that we'll see a huge increase because so many will just be looking for a place to hide away and take some space from all the activity that will be going on. Either way, it'll be an interesting experience.

Canadians are certainly making a name for themselves during the preparations for the games. It's been all over the media how the Canadians have complained that there is no air conditioning in their living accommodations, and that Melbourne is too hot for them to stay here without it. So apparently they are looking at buying heaps of fans to bring with them, just so they can survive this intense heat. I know they're coming straight from a bitter cold winter out there in the great white north...but common guys! Making it sound as if us poor Eskimos out there in the west never experience any heat!

For anyone who watched the video tour I put up of my house, I took another one so that you can actually see my room. Click here to view it!

But, I guess that's about it for now. I'm still alive and well and things are very good overal. I'm going to go and relax and enjoy the long weekend (and the hot weather..It's gone back up to 35!).

Blessings!

Brilliant like a fox!

I've come to the end of week three, and spending some time relaxing enjoying my day off.

This week was the busiest so far, but also the most enjoyable. We had a Ball Monday night at 614 that was run by loads of volunteers and heaps of donations. It was a free event, held for anyone in the community who wanted to come. We had hair stylist and make up artists come in to make over anyone who wanted it. We also had tons of suits and dresses and shoes for people to come in and try on and wear to the Ball. A few of us Order members decided we weren't going to get dressed up but just help out...but once we got started looking at all the dresses...we couldn't resist getting all dolled up. It proved to be an absolutely amazing night, and was a real chance for people from the community and from our drop in centre to look and feel beautiful and just dance the night away. We had a well known football player come and host a "dance off" and a fantastic house band play as we ate our dinner. I've put up about 40 pictures from the night on my msn space so definitely check those out. It was an awesome chance to just bond with my Order team members, as well as to just have a lot of fun with clients that we work with every day.

We also had safe syringe disposal training this past week, and an overview on mental health. The syringe training got a bit interesting when one of my team members fainted due to a combination of lack of sleep and getting put off by all the talk of needles and blood...but she recovered quickly and after a good rest that night had a full recovery.

Things are starting to come together for the kids team that I am apart of. I was asked if I could be one of three to help teach Junior soldiers at 614, as I'm the only Senior soldier on the Order, so I'm looking forward to that. Soon we'll have some breakfast clubs and homework clubs up and running with some of the communities that 614 began to get involved with last year. We had a very successful meeting with a primary school about getting involved with the kids there, and we're starting to get very exciting at the doors that God is opening for us this year.

I'm starting to feel a great deal more focused and on track...and a lot more like myself. I've begun to really click with several members on my team, and I'm laughing and enjoying myself a lot more. I still have moments where I feel completely lost or that I'm struggling with everything going on around me...but God is good and is pulling me through. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me, it is so extremely appreciated. And thank you to those of you who continue to be there for me when I'm struggling and always willing to give an encouraging word...it means so much.

Oh..I also uploaded a short video tour I took of the house I'm living it. I look quite gross in the bits I'm in...so ignore that...but click here if you'd like to have a look.

That's about it for now I think.

Blessings!