Day 71: The Downhill Journey Begins (The Victory Post)

23 September 2014

Another Wallaby Sighting!

Today is finally “Hump Day,” the countdown officially reads 71 days since I came to Australia and 69 days until I come home. Now, that might not mean so much to you, but for me it's definitely a reason to celebrate! It means the uphill climb has finally finished and the downhill journey can commence. 

Touch with my Australian 
Church Family

I refuse to say that everything's been terrible for the past month. There’s been some good times, like random movie nights with my new friends, bible studies, church, and of course tutoring. One of my favorites was a weekend camping trip to Bluewater with my Australian church family. I got to help out with the kids' programs and learned how to play Touch. You’re probably better off asking Google what Touch is because I’m still not really sure myself. All I know is they used a football to play the match and it was a lot of fun! 

Kim came up for a Visit!

I’m also not going to lie and say that everything's been peachy keen either. In fact, the past few weeks have been some of the most grueling of my entire existence. I never knew learning a new way of studying could be so hard. Even the simple things like writing a paper have come with new rules and spelling guidelines. But I made it. Surprisingly, my favorite subject this semester has been Physics, and so far all my grades have been decent. It’s just a testimony to God’s grace and mercy throughout this entire journey. You see, if it had been up to me, I would have been home weeks ago. Somehow I’m still here and I can finally see the sun peeking out behind the clouds. The past few weeks have shown me that some things in life aren’t always fun, but they are always worth it in the end. I’m so glad I didn't give up when I reached my breaking point. 

Girls' Night Out

Now there’s so much to look forward to! My friend Kessia and I are spending four days of Lecture Recess in Sydney where we’ll go on a whirlwind trip sightseeing. There’s so much to do! The Sydney Harbour, Hillsong Church, The Sydney Opera House, the Zoo, the list goes on and on! Plus, this week marks only 22 more days of Uni and I am ready. Of course, each day brings me closer to my family and as the weeks go on, that sounds more and more inviting. 

Still Amazed at Australia's Beauty

I find myself humming, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and I can’t wait to finally be back in the States. I think the Wizard of Oz described it best — “No matter how dreary and gray our homes are, we people of flesh and blood would rather live there than in any other country, be it ever so beautiful. There is no place like home.” Not that my home is dreary and gray, actually it’s quite colorful, but I do agree with Baum that there is no place like home. No matter where I go, a huge chunk of my heart will always belong there. 

When I think back to my first days in Australia, I almost have to laugh. No, it hasn’t been a picnic, but it’s been an amazing ride. If this is what the first 71 days of my trip held, I can’t wait to see what wonders await the last 69.