Another music camp under my belt...

I'm back in Melbourne now after spending the week in Philip Island for the Victorian Creative Arts Camp (VCAC).

The first day or so that I was there was a bit hard, and to say I felt nervous and out of place was an understatement. I realized that being in a very crowded room filled with people that I didn't know, but who all knew each other, is one of the most lonely experiences of my life. I definitely struggled a bit with feeling homesick, and not sure exactly what I was doing there...but I got a lot of support from my good mate Matt, as well as my new fellow foreigner friend Callum, who pushed me through the first couple of days.

But in the end, I had an amazing time, and met a lot of incredible people (like you Bec!). It was different to any Canadian music camp that I've been to in that it was so much more laid back and relaxed. There was no auditions for anything, and everyone (about 120 of us) were in one massed vocal group that performed the final night at the concert. I was in drama and dance, and had an amazing time in both. I found I was able to come out of my shell in the drama sessions, and wasn't afraid of embarrassing myself in front of a group of strangers. Dance was definitely my favourite, and Claire had put together an absolutly incredible routine that looked amazing when we performed it the night of the concert.

The last night we were at the camp there was a bit of a praise and worship night. It was very different to the type that we had at Territorial, but it was still neat to see how God was working in so many lives. When sitting with Callum that night we were reflecting how it looks when youth are being moved by God back home for me in Canada, and back home for him in Scotland. And it was interesting to notice that no matter where in the world you are, and although there are always slight variations....God still moves. God is international and he speaks to us no matter where we are. It's definitely a comforting thought for me, especially when I'm feeling homesick, to know that no matter where I go, who I meet, and what I do...God is constant and unchanging.

I met a lot of incredible people this past week, and it continued to blow my mind how genuinely friendly everyone was! I had youth of all ages continually asking me if I was doing alright and if I was enjoying myself. I had a few people who were absolutly obsessed with my "accent" (which still blows me away because I don't think I have an accent at all!) and I don't think I've ever said "out and about" so many times in one week in my life.

I enjoyed getting an opportunity to lead the girls devotions one night, as well as leading a prayer meeting one morning. Definitely made me feel useful in some way, and again kind of putting me out of my comfort zone when I'm in a situation where nearly everyone is a complete stranger to me.

So I know a few more people now...and some people who I'll definitely be keeping in touch with while I'm here and most likely meeting up with to hang out with and get to know some more (as well as I found someone who will take me surfing! heyooh!).

Oh...side note...I also tried Vegimite for my first time this week. It was kindof vile, and tasted like dirty cheese...but I did manage to eat the whole piece of toast!

I've posted the few pictures that I did take during the week up on my msn space...and when we get out picture cds from the week at camp, I'll definitely post those up...so stay tuned!

But now it's time for church.

Blessings!