#DwindlingDays

I keep doing this… I keep going far too long in my blogging venture that by the time I settle into my couch to start writing, I spend the first half an hour staring endlessly at the blinking cursor.

So my dear friends and family, please pardon the random assortment of sentences that are about to be strewn upon this page.

Oh, heads-up, I watched “Becoming Jane” the other day and I’ve been in a poetic state since. So if I sound old-fashioned, it’s simply me trying to be like Jane Austen herself.

I’m swept up in a busy Spring with work, new classes, serving at church events and attempting to make the most of my time here!
After a cold winter (who would’ve thought in Australia!) the sun is back! The flowers are in bloom, the birds are out, (and the bugs. EWW) and the scent in the air is similar to what it was when I first arrived.

2^nd semester classes (New Testament, Christian Doctrine, Personal Evangelism, Spirit-filled Living, and Songwriting) are absolutely blowing my mind!

For one of my assessments in songwriting I was paired with a guy named Damon. The goal was to write a praise or worship song, record it, make a chord chart, blah blah blah and send it in. Then out of the 13 groups in our class our trainers chose 3 songs that would be work-shopped and used for our final performance. Mine and Damon’s was one of the three that were chosen! So now our class has been split into groups and we are doing some rewriting and then we will share it for our final performance. Exciting, and a little scary, but it’s an honor!
For my next songwriting assessment I was given an artist that I have to imitate their style. Guess who I got? (I’m wincing as I write this…) Lady Gaga. Me, of all people, is required to write a Lady Gaga song. I don’t even know where to begin! My guess is I will *attempt* to lay a sick beat and layer meaningless lyrics (repeated tirelessly) over the top. We’ll see how that goes... My thoughts for how to get inspiration? I could ‘just dance,’ play poker, or get in a ‘bad romance?’ Nah, that won’t do… I’ll just ask ‘Alejandro’ for help. Teasing, I’m only teasing. For those over 25- those are song references. Don’t worry; I haven’t fallen off the deep end. :) 

Anyways… Life is good. Life is so good.
God is continually working in my heart, and I’m learning so much. Just when I think I’ve got it figured out (it must be a teenage thing) He gently reminds me that I’m not all that and a bag of potato chips. Oh pardon me, here in Australia, they are called crisps… my bad. :)

As my time here dwindles, I’m in a constant state of reflection. Sometimes I forget who the girl was who got on that plane 9 months ago. I’ve changed so drastically, and yet, I’m still me. A very hard concept to comprehend.
I think I will realize how different I am when I return home. How much of the Aussie slang will I retain? What will I miss the most? (Colorful money is on the list!) Will I ever see these friends again? Will anyone in America truly understand everything I experienced? So many questions that will remain unanswered until I’m able to walk through it.
Yet, despite all of those things, I am also enraptured at the thought of coming home. On December 2^nd, Blake, Joslyn and I will fly to LAX together. We will depart from this yearlong Australian adventure and return to American soil. The months of depending on skype for communication will be over, as I will be reunited with those that I love. It will be a bittersweet departure to say the least.

And that’s my cue to stop writing about it, for it makes me melancholy just thinking about it!

ANYWAYS- Thank you dear ones for all of your love and support. I could not have done this without you. Thank you for making it so difficult to be away. “I’m so blessed to have something that makes it so hard to say goodbye.” But then, we never said goodbye… we said, ‘see you later.’ And that ‘see you later’ will shortly be fulfilled.

All my love,
      The silly girl singing, “it’s the final countdown…”      

P.S. I don't think it's necessarily protocol to put postscript in a blog post, but whatever. 

Anyways, once again, miss you! 

P.S.S.  Brother Jon, I'm glad you're okay. You literally and figuratively 'took one for the team.' And hey, the football moms are probably making you heaps of cookies. I was about ready to jump on a plane two months early to get to you. 

6 MONTHS!

Six Months

To express in a few short sentences the impact of these past six months is impossible. To describe the change that has occurred would short-change it if I tried. To address each person that has become and remain a part of my life would take days. So in only a few words, I will try to recap these past few months….

Since moving from Salem, Oregon on January 9^th, 2011 to Sydney, Australia, my life has changed. At times it seems like the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced, but at the end of the day I know it’s all worth it. My family, friends, church, Walmart and even Taco Bell remain in Salem and although Australia is not host to any of those things, I transition… my family and friends become people from all over the world- Germany, Korea, Canada, India, England, Belgium, Africa, Mexico, etc. My grocery store becomes Coles, Hershey’s is traded for Cadbury, and the lack of insulation in the walls makes me recall the autumn days in Oregon.

Along the way I’ve had many lonely days, many times when I worried about finances, many early mornings, many awkward moments, and many times where I was ready to board the plane home, but in each of these times it’s deepened my capacity to trust that this is all on purpose!

But also along the way, I’ve met amazing people, served in an amazing church, giggled late into the night, created friendships and memories, grown and learned things that will last a lifetime!

I wouldn’t trade it for the world…

And in great excitement and expectancy, I look forward to the months to come. I know that as I continue to settle, I will continue to bloom. And even when I don’t feel like I have a place, I know I belong.

So where is home? Home will be wherever I am in whatever the season.

To everyone who has been with me since the beginning, during, and continuing with me on this journey—THANK YOU. In those two simple words I hope you know how grateful I am and forever will be for you.

Most importantly, thank you Jesus. Thank you for taking a nineteen-year-old girl across the world and opening her eyes. Thank you for the miracles along the way… financial provision, peace, grace, comfort and so much more. I couldn’t and never want to live a day without you.

So undoubtingly I can say, this is the best year of my life.

The girl across the globe,
Lindsey

P.S. Not that I’m counting the days or anything (147), but… I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me!

P.S.S. It took me three days to write this because I couldn’t decide what to share! 6 months is a lot of life to reflect on... :)

Now Is Not The Time To Listen To Sad Country Songs

Now Is Not The Time To Listen To Sad Country Songs

Can you believe it's June already?! Time is rushing by! If I'm not careful I could blink and this whole year will be gone. Phew, can't let that happen.

What else is new?! Umm, well pretty much everything.
It's new to me too. I’ve heard it said, “If you’re open to change, you’re gonna be changed…” And boy-oh-boy can I attest to that! 

Here are some of the newest updates/random facts:

* I got a job! Thank you for your fervent prayers. I'm working at a Subway a thirty-minute bus ride from my house. I really enjoy it once there, but the timing of buses is quite the hassle. Sometimes I leave 2 hours early just to get there. But that's okay. I'm so grateful!

*I've covered my walls in random memorabilia which has helped make this house feel like home. Oh and side note- I killed a huge spider the other day. Like, I’m talking HUGE. I’m pretty proud!

*There is a cat that has adopted our house. Being the girls and animal lovers we are, we feed it. I guess he’s been named by the neighbors “Pedro.” I don’t know why. If only we could bring it inside…

*The 25^th Hillsong Conference is coming up so we have some long/exciting weeks ahead. I don’t know where I’m allocated yet, but it will be an incredible time! 20,000+ people worshipping Jesus!

*The questions are still looming and circulating… “What’s your plan for next year?!” Don’t worry, I’m not making a big announcement yet. Because quite frankly, I have no idea. I’m in the process of researching and praying about different options, but at this point, it’s too soon to decide.

*To the graduating class of 2011, congratulations you guys! You have the world at your feet... explore it! It was a little melancholy because graduation fell on the same day that marks the 5-month anniversary of me being here. I missed you especially Natalie and Jor, wish I could’ve been there.

* I’ve realized I love the sound of laundry in the dryer. It’s almost done and ready to be folded and put on your shelves, crisp and clean and ready to be worn. I don’t know… it’s the simple things, ya know?

Sometimes the adventure doesn’t seem very exciting, but then really it’s just my perspective that’s skewed. 
Sometimes I crave the “norm” I so want to escape from.
Sometimes I can't explain to my heart what's going on in my head. Or visa versa.
Sometimes I miss you all so bad it hurts.
But most of the time, I smile knowing I have a God that loves me, family that supports me, friends that care for me, and a bright future ahead of me. Life is good. No matter where you are at.
 

Sincerely,
         The girl who is delighted that in 7 months I will be in your arms again. 

P.S. I’m thinking and praying for you all the time! 

Random Ramblings on a Rainy Day

Well friends and family, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?! I do apologize. In my free time I often find myself discovering pictures of old-fashion tea parties and libraries or researching silly things such as personality types, cockroaches ability to withstand nuclear radiation or the definitions of words. You may think I’m kidding, but I am completely serious! I’m such a nerd. haha

Anyways…these past few weeks have been exquisite.  The leaves have begun to change colors and fall from the trees, and the air is often very pleasant. Good Friday was spent with my housemates indulging in amazing food. It was nice to feel like a family a little bit. Easter was amazing, although I was terribly sad to think of all that I was missing back home. In Australia, they don’t dye eggs or buy new dresses. Weird, huh? This week we’ve been on holiday. (That’s what they call vacations!) For the most part I’ve hung out around the house; resting, coloring and writing. There have been a few parties here and there, but because of the rain, most of the time we stay huddled inside. I’m anxious to get back into the swing of things!

Yesterday I received a package from Natalie. It was the biggest surprise! I’m currently wrapped up in my new butterfly blankie... I love it! Thanks friend! I’m so thankful for technology too. Although skype often disconnects, it’s wonderful to see and hear a person for a while! ;)

Whenever I write, I feel as though there is so much going on that I wouldn’t even know how to describe. I wish you all could walk the streets I do.

Soon I will have to make some pretty big decisions, and in the mean time I’m waiting patiently (well, I’m trying!) for God to reveal to me what He wants me to do. I’m young, free, and have the world in front of me. Often times I like to plan (in intense detail) the rest of my life, but often planning too much of something takes the adventure out of it. Right?! Right. (That’s me convincing myself…)

May 9 ^th will be 4 months since I’ve seen your wonderful faces. Time has gone sooo quickly. And… I’m pretty sure that if I love you this much from a distance, I’ll love you even more when I’m with you!
All that to say, I love and miss you. I appreciate you and feel completely blessed to have friends and family like you.

There’s my random ramblings…

Peace out. 

In The Waiting Room

Hello friends and family! It's with great joy that I write to you this evening. I'm sitting on my bed peering out the window at the vast sky bright with stars. It's nights like tonight that I love being in Australia. The clouds fill the sky in the day, and at night they disappear to reveal an endless array of beauty. 

So much of my heart changes each and every day, but it's good change... It's like working out... it's painful, but totally worth it in the end! On that note, my friend Joslyn and I went jogging today and then did some ab workouts and when I was failing to do the exercise correctly she said, "it's to strengthen your core!" To that I replied, "I don't have a core to strengthen! But I'll get there." In the midst of a silly moment it hit me... I may not necessarily have a strengthened core physically, but God is defining and strengthening the core of who I am in Him. I like to take weird experiences and see them as metaphors to what God's doing. I hope you don't mind! :)

Last week I discovered my favorite place in Australia so far! About a half mile from my house there is a pathway through some fields. From the top of the hill you can see all surrounding areas. At dusk the sun paints the sky with such breathtaking colors, and the lining of the clouds shine with the intense light. Even in the rain it's a beautiful place. It's the place where I have complete freedom... I dance through the fields, lay on the grass or make my way through the trees. I can say or sing whatever I want with no cares in the world. My precious little hill. Adorned with an old barn in the distance, the view of a water tower to the right, houses straight ahead, and business buildings in all directions it's a little oasis in the familiarity of the the 3 mile radius I'm in. 

One of the things I ponder the most when I'm in my 'secret garden' is the word "wait." It's a simple term; known by most, but only truly fulfilled by few. 

Last week while processing many different seasons and reasons for things, I was reading 1 Corinthians 13 and saw verse 4 in a whole new light. "Love is patient..." Patient is the very first adjective when used to describe what love is. The definition of patient is: able to wait without becoming annoyed or anxious; slow to lose one's temper with irritating people or situations; the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset

The keyword I saw in this definition was "wait," which means: to stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens; remain in readiness for some purpose. 

Umm, hello! Isn't that wonderful?! So maybe you're waiting for a new job, waiting for a spouse, waiting for direction for the future, waiting for a baby,etc. Whatever it is... don't lose heart! 

A few weeks ago one of the Pastors, Joel A'Bell, read this poem at the end of his message... I know the tendency when a poem or verse is posted is to scan over it, but I really think that if you read this with an open heart, it will speak to you just as much as it's spoken to me. 

"WAIT"

Written By: Unknown

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried:

Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied;

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,

And the Master so gently said, "child, you must wait". 

"Wait? You say, wait!" my indignant reply. 

"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!

Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?

By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your word. 

My future and all to which I relate

hangs in the balance, & you tell me to WAIT?

I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,

Or even a 'no' to which I can resign. 

And Lord, you promised that if we believe

we need but to ask, and we shall receive. 

So Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:

I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate

As my Master replied once again, "you must wait". 

So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut

and grumbled to God, "so, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,

And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. 

I could shake the Heavens, and darken the sun.

I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

All you seek I could give, and pleased you would be.

You would have what you want - but you would not know me!

You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint;

You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;

You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;

You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;

You'd not know the joy of resting in me

When darkness and silence were all you could see.

You'd never experience that fullness of love

As the peace of my Spirit descends like a dove;

You'd know that I give and I save (for a start),

But you'd not know the depth of the beat of my heart.

The glow of my comfort late into the night,

The faith that I give when you walk without sight,

The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked

Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.

You'd never know, should pain quickly flee,

What it means that "My grace is sufficient for thee."

Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,

But, oh, the loss, if I lost what I'm doing in you!

So, be silent my child, and in time you will see

That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.

And though often may My answers seem terribly late,

My most precious answer of all is still, "WAIT."

Wasn't that absolutely wonderful? I feel like whoever wrote this has been reading my mail! I pray that it blessed you as well. 

Well my dear family and friends, it's almost been 3 months which means only 8 remain until I see you again. I'll be waiting for that! Much love. Many thanks. And a multitude of prayers coming your way. 

The Girl In The Waiting Room,

Lindsey Noelle

Colour Your World

This week is Colour conference in which 10,000 women gather in the heart of Sydney and experience an incredible weekend of worship, world-renowned teaching (Craig Groeshel, Jeanne Mayo, Lisa Bevere, Bobbie Houston,Chris Cain) and wonderful girl time. "Everyday girls living for Jesus!"

I'm serving this week in the Communications department- Colour Memories. Translation... I sell merch! I love the team I'm on. Especially Paula, a pastoral student that has been incredibly kind to me. The only bummer about selling all of the beautiful things is that I want to buy it all! Cute totes, tea cups, stickers, baby clothes,etc. Ahh man. The little 'boy grow' (onesie) says "Someday I'm going to marry a world changer like my mum" Isn't that SO cute? I want it. For the future that is. haha And yes, you read that correctly... they say mum here! Adorable :)

Speaking of... I wish so badly that my mom and sisters were here. My dream is that we can all come together someday. Like maybe next year when Beth Moore is one of the speakers! Mom did you catch that?! I went crazy when I heard that!

Oh and also, tonight in worship I was literally in the very back row, and during worship I couldn't identify who one of the vocalists was. So after the set was over, Bobbie goes over to this girl and says, "oh darling Kari Jobe, thanks for joining us!" Hello?! Wow. She's my favorite. I'm taken back and so thankful for all of the amazing opportunities I get to take part in.

I'm incredibly blessed and so thankful. God is providing in so many amazing ways! Thank you friends and family for all of your prayer and support. I wish I knew how to express my thanks.

I long to write more, but I'm exhausted. (At church at 6:30am to take the bus, home at 11 or 12am)
Don't worry, there will be more to come!

Hugs and kisses.
- Linds

50 First Days

Well folks, it's been 50 days since I last saw your beautiful faces. Fifty days... can you believe it?

Where has the time gone? Well, broken down you can look at it this way- It's either 1,200 hours, 72,00 minutes, or 4,320,000 seconds…I like to looks at the hours, because the seconds seem too vast. 

The first 50 days have been trying in every way possible. I've grown somewhat accustomed to the culture. The "no worries" motto that is so quick off the tongue of Aussies has been quite bothersome at times. I like to know details. I like to know the plan… “I can go with the flow if I know which flow to go…” But everyone is super friendly and unassuming, so that's refreshing!

I’ve made wonderful friends. I’m a part of a wonderful tutorial and connect group. It’s almost like a family! (They even call me "momma.") I look around the room and see world changers. That’s an amazing feeling.

I’ve grown up in so many ways… If it needs to be done, I have to do it. No beating around the bush, no waiting for someone else to try it out... just me. It’s helped me become increasingly decisive. Example: Yesterday I walked almost 6 miles job searching. It was my third time going. All together I’ve gone to 23 places. Almost everywhere closes at 5pm which does not allow much availability during the week. I’m believing that Jesus knows exactly what I need. Please pray.

The two things that come to mind as some of the most difficult things I’ve had to face are the lack of physical contact and mom’s cooking! Mother, if you’re reading this, I want to thank you for all of the amazing meals you put on the table after you had a long day. You’re amazing. I look forward to coming home and cooking with you. I’ll peel the potatoes!

As for the physical contact part, don’t be freaked out… I’ll be fine. I guess when you come from an environment where you feel so safe and loved to one where you come home and no one’s there to greet you or ask about your day, it changes things.  It’s hard not hugging, cuddling, or simply sitting with family and friends. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not all alone all the time, and I do hug people, but it’s not the same…

I miss the way the kiddos at church would attack me with hugs and kisses. I miss the way I could sit there and pet Sadie. I love that I could sit on the couch snuggled up with a book and hot chocolate. Gone are the days of my walls being covered with art. Gone are the days of playing piano at any hour I desired. Gone are the days of being at my favorite park in 10 minutes. Gone are the days of the Dollar Store. Gone are the days of feeling the fresh Oregon air against my face. Gone, gone, gone, but not forever.

Already God is molding me and shaping me in ways that could only happen with me being 13,617. 35 miles from home.  So for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

I wish I could somehow capture and share the sunset I see each morning. I wish all of you could travel here to experience the church, the school, well, I guess EVERYTHING! I fear that I’ll come home with too many memories and not enough words to describe them. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it…

So anyways, please know that I long for the day when I can be with you face to face, but I am so excited and feel incredibly blessed that I have the opportunity to be here. Thank you for all of your prayer and support. It sure makes it easier knowing that people haven’t forgotten me.

Love from Down Under. 

-Lindsey Luu, Butterfly, Lindzer-Binzer, Pipes, or whatever you prefer to call me. :)