The Start of a Dissertation on my Australia experience...

An update and a half...

I will start by sharing my traveling adventures...

I am officially in the United States and I am now located in Beaver Falls, Pa. I arrived in Los Angeles after a semester in Australia and a week in New Zealand on June 20th. From Los Angeles I ventured to Seattle for a week long road trip. The road trip with Jenn Reill (my Resident Director, my boss for a year, and now a very dear close friend) which included over night visits to: Oregon, Utah, Nebraska, and Indiana. This week long road trip was a blessing - Jenn helped me to process so much from my studyabroad experience....new ideas/thoughts/perspectives/convictions all within the context of faith. I am hoping to forever share from my experience in Australia. My semester in Australia is another season of life that will be forever pouring into who I am today. I'm excited to share with you along the way.

I could not have asked for a richer experience in Australia. Sydney, Australia is a very easy city to fall in love with - so many free opportunities to see and do so much. There are free museums, free exhibits, short films in the Opera house, and live music on all the city sidewalks. Public transportation as the only means to get places can be cumbersome but it surely slowed down my fast-paced run from event to event lifestyle. It also makes for long conversations and sometimes even suprise friends, life-long friends.

My OZ mother - Gail was more than any study abroad student could hope for in a caregiver. My three roommates and I were spoiled - a role model and someone who truly loved and cared for us, wonderful food, a beautiful home, travel opportunities, and a place that I was excited to return to after every short trip our group took-home... it was home.
Michele, Laura, and Becca were my three amazing roommates -"The Anderson Girls", I miss that. We shared laughs, tears, late night gab sessions, shopping, walks (long - hour longwalks I might add to school), travels, sky-diving (just a side note :), growing experiences and so much more.

Wesley Institute of Drummoyne was a small campus with about four main buildings. Wesley Institute was one of the most lively campuses I have ever encountered. From early mornings until late nights you could hear instruments, dramas being practiced, people singing, and watch dancers prancing from one side of the campus to the other. From one grassy knoll you could scan the entire campus and hear so much of what takes place on campus. "The Gathering" on Wednesdays contained just about every instrument imaginable and was a beautiful picture of the diversity in the Kingdom of God.

I'm not musically talented and I can't dance so what did I do with my time? My classes were as follows (please ask as you feel so interested or check my Blog on my classes:): A View from Australia, Indigenious Cultures, Sociology Internship at Newtown Mission Church, Old Testament Covenants, and Faith and the Contemporary Artist. The last two were with a lecturer named Grenville Kent who is truly a genius and is so willing to engage in learning with each of us students. If you havent picked up yet - I am reminiscing as well as sharing my experience so feel free to push forward. :)

My Sociology Internship at Newtown Mission Church was one of my most meaningful experiences in Australia. Thursday evenings I spent at a "Drop In" meal where those from the community dropped in for a meal and good conversation. I was given the chance to meet people from so many walks of life. Again, this was a picture of God's Kingdom, His people coming together and being down to earth and real with one another. I experienced community here in a different way from any other experience I've had. Every status, gender, and racial line discounted...More than beautiful...

Our Australia Studies Center group of 27 students bonded most after a 13hr trip to the Outback. From this week on - the group became closer and closer with each week (or so I would say). It would be unrealistic to think I will keep in touch with every single person but each person challenged me. I am so excited to see where God's plan leads each passionate person after this life-changing semester.

Our two directors (Kimberly and Melanie) and our intern (Matt) were strong, well-rounded, and loving. These three individuals were passionate about the things they taught and were eager to have good conversation and help each of us to not just learn but apply this semester. In addition to developing a life-changing program these three become a part of your heart...

I became close with volunteers from Newtown Mission Church, my church House Group, and the Chinese Community Church. Mel and Selina were two women who I grew closest with through Newtown Mission Church. Selina and I spent my school break in Port Stephens with many laughs and late nights filled with games and fun. Selina has such a kind heart and did such a wonderful job of being my first OZ/Aussie friend :). Mel and I after connecting spent 2 or more days a week for two-three months venturing to friends' houses, house group, church, Newtown Mission, learning to drive a manual car, a church retreat and so so much more. Mel is an inspiration and leads a life of service and ministry. Lastly, I met a friend of Mel's - Jeremy through the Chinese Community Church. Jeremy is a hoot, a gentleman and a good friend all rolled into one! Each of these three are doing such a great job of keeping in contact and keeping me connected to Australia. :) Anyone reading knows words do no justice to what is within a person so know this is all I can do in words (for now) but these people have forever changed me and made my semester.

I joined a House Group (a small group as we might call it) led by a couple - John and Bec. I also joined the Chinese Community Church. These two opportunities were filled with challenging teaching, in depth conversations and a very intentional welcoming family to be a part of. I would love to go through each person involved in the study but it would take heaps of your reading time I know. I looked forward to each Tuesday night study to be in the presence of so many people who were driven and seeking God's hand in their lives. John and Bec and Pastor Pete were so kind to me and made me feel right at home right away. This is so important to someone studying for just four months - making a place home right away.

Lastly, after Skydiving in Wollongong I met someone who was also waiting for a train ride home. Crazy right? More than crazy... Pradeep took the time to show me so much in Sydney. Pradeep probably knows more about me than I know about myself through three months time. Our conversations were priceless and endless at times. I learned heaps about living a life of love. I became more confident in who I am through Pradeep and will forever be thankful for that.

Isn't it weird how tears sometimes seem like a way to connect back to something? LOL... I better end my dissertation on Australia.

Ill close with two things that I've written to keep this semester alive first, (thanks to my House Group) a verse that resonates with my time in Australia and then second (thanks to a challenge from our directors) a quick summary of ways my thinking has changed or been challenged:

I have been reading through scripture to find a verse that resonates with my experience here in Australia. Acts 18 speaks on Paul's trials in sharing the Gospel with the Jews. Acts 18:9 tells of the Lord affirming and comforting Paul, "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." Acts 18:6 says Paul was even abused for the sake of the Gospel. I've experienced nothing to Paul's extent and nor do I anticipate that. I do know though that through conversations already people can have a real resistance to a passionate conversation that challenges. I have been convicted or challenged through my relationships, classes on culture/diversity/social justice/politics, through prayer journaling and much more. I want to live in light of all I have learned. I want to share so much of what I have learned. I know though that the mundane comforts in life will be tempting and that words from others can deflate one's "idealistic" hope. I hope though that I never stop pursuing people in conversations that bear fruit for the Kingdom. With that I have chosen Acts 18:9 as a verse to summarize my Australia experience. :)

And key points of learning...
I learned to think critically about my faith, how beautiful ethnic culture is and how much I desire to value it. Ive learned about a nation's failings through falling in love with another nation. I've learned about the impact our nation has on the world and how little we truly know and in response how little we are caring for others in our lack of knowledge. Sydney became home to me and will forever be in my heart. The experience opened my mind, set passions on fire, and changed me.

It goes without saying I could talk on my experience forever so feel free to ask anything about this time... And thank you, thank you for taking the time to read what I can put into words from my four and a half months away...

To close briefly... What's next? I will begin my Graduate Assistant position with Geneva College's Campus Ministry office. I will work with student leaders. This assistantship starts August 3rd. I will begin my classes for my Masters in Higher Education on August 25th. In the mean time, I will be moving into my very own apartment in Beaver Falls. I will be working two part-time jobs. Oh and I will be living up the last days of summer! :)
Thank you, thank you and thank you again for reading this... Please do ask about Australia. I have a small slide show and probably 300 additional pictures if you're interested. Oh and roughly 400 additional stories to share. :)

Now it's your turn, tell me about life for you!

With love always,
Lee-Anna

For the Ash Wednesday Service our Australian Studies Center attended an Anglican Church. The service was beatiful - bells and smells! I just did a quick search and it looks to me like there are Anglican churches in the US but this was my first Anglican visit. I would imagine part of the beauty was the magnificent building of St. James. None the less, the order of service and the intentionality of the words chosen in the bulletin were very impactful. I am organizing my endless copious class/church notes and thought I might share some of the beauty...

Forgive us for remaining silent and bound by fear
Give us the courage to speak and act with justice.

Forgive us for our arrogance in closing our eyes to other peoples and cultures.
Enable us to know your redeeming power.

Forgive us for disfiguring this land and despoiling its bounty.
Come, Holy Spirit, renew the whole creation.

Forgive us for despising the cultures of others and taking away their self-respect.
Give us grace to bind one another's wounds.

Forgive us for not listening to the grief of all who are oppressed in this land.
Draw us together as one people.

Forgive us for our prejudice and indifference towards those whose ways differ from our ways.
Strengthen us to live with respect and compassion for one another.

Father, we pray for all your holy catholic Church;
that we may all be one in Christ.

Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
that your name be glorified by everyone.

We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
that they may be faithful ministers of your word and sacraments.

We pray for all who govern and exercise authority in the nations of the world;
that there may be peace and justice among all.

Have compassion on those who suffer, or are in sickness, grief or trouble;
that they may be delivered from their distress.

We give you thanks for all who have died in Christ, especially those anniversaries we commemorate around this time,
may they rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.

Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart from us:
hear us, Lord, for your mercy is great.

By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord:
bring us with your saints to the glory of his resurrection.

Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Savior, hide
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on thee;
Leave, ah, leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
All my help on thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of thy wing.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
More than all three I find:
Raise the fallen, cheer the faith,
Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is thy name,
I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound,
Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
Freely let me take of thee,
Spring thou up within my heart,
Rise to all eternity.
- Charles Wesley

Be encouraged/Be inspired.

Ethical Shopping!!

Hello all-
I was given some really great websites that would help in shopping ethically for clothes. It's a hard one to conquer but here are some sites to start. :) Please pass them along!

http://www.behindthelabel.org/
http://www.nlcnet.org/
http://www.sweatfree.org/shoppingguide

Here is a lovely picture of some wonderful ladies in my life:

Laura (roommate), myself, Chrissy(close friend visiting from the US), Lydia (a friend within our program), Michele(roommate), and Becca (roommate).

We were given free tickets to a symphony from our host mom. It was a very dressy evening! I thought I'd share a picture of some of the fun I am having. I need to post plenty more I realize but it's quite a task to get pictures uploaded. I've been "tagged" in a lot pictures on Facebook if you want to see a glimpse of some of the adventures.

I saw and was able to snuggle (not quite) with a kangaroo (finally!) and a koala today!

Send cards because I miss you all so and I can add them to my dresser! It is a great reminder of love from home.

For now! Tata!

Send letters to:
Lee-Anna Upperman
ASC Wesley Institute
P.O. Box 584
Drummoyne, NSW 1470

Link for Pics

I have tons and tons more pictures to share. However, it takes some time to upload pics. Here is a link to pictures of our school and home. This is a good starting point I thought! :) Enjoy!




http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020438&id=151100035&l=b92f7b9fe3.

More of what I am learning... Politics - ANZUS Treaty

Hello all-
So this Blog will be a little different in the fact that it is going to be a mini history lesson. We were asked to Blog about something we have learned through politics, arts, and or culture. I just did a pretty intense project on the ANZUS treaty. I wanted to share a little of what I learned but more than anything I wanted to stress some lessons I learned through this research. I'll speak on behalf of my K-12 education only (but I would fathom other education systems across the country are the same), we miss out of the rest of the world. We do not really study the relationship with have with other countries, the effects of our decisions in D.C., and other countries' strengths. We learn great deals about the land of the free and the land of opportunity. Through researching, I've realized what a difference it makes to read foreign policy through authors of both countries. I could go into a long rant about this but as I said in the other Blog, I'll be general but I am very willing and highly interested in having conversation about things I am learning.
The treaty came about after the cooperation of the United States, Australia and New Zealand during World War II. Japan attacked Australia. It was the United States (not Great Britain) who stood to protect Australia. Australia was very gracious and extended their loyalty to the US. The result was the security alliance between Australia (A), New Zealand (NZ) and the United States (US).
Side Notes to the treaty:
*During the 1980's New Zealand pulled out from the treaty due to disagreements with the US over nuclear power.
*Australia and the United States have a trade relation that Australia depends greatly upon. The US imports (to name a few) beef, sugar, and dairy products. 1/4 of Australia's agricultural exports are to the US. If the US chooses to find goods within the states or even in other countries - Australia is stuck with the oversupply and the economic fall. A quote from one source states, "...the central role of the U.S. Dollar in International finance gives the U.S. government enormous influence and capacity to disrupt world markets." THE US DOLLAR CAN DISRUPT WORLD MARKETS. I understand with the global economic crisis our dollar is suffering as well. None the less, it is important for us to understand our trade relationships and it's effects on other countries.
*The decisions the US makes within their relationships towards other nations affect Australia's safety. The close relationship Australia has with the US has in turn affected Australia's relationship with the Soviet Union (due to the formation of NATO) and Australia's relationship with the Middle East (due to Australia's aid in 9/11).
*The United States benefits from Australia's surveillance for the area between the Eastern Indian Ocean to the South-West Pacific. Australia is expected to maintain technology and the mechanical standards the United States requests for this surveillance. This is costly. In return, the US gives Australia intelligence and technology information. However, with the size of America, the number of foreign relationships American has and the level of security/secrecy our nation holds - Australia has to take the amount of information they are given without questions. Interesting.
The side notes mentioned and the soap box speech I gave at the beginning of this Blog are some of what I experienced/learned through this project. In addition to this project a trip to Canberra (Australia's capital) would make foreign policy come alive. As one ambassador from the Indonesian Embassy stated, "Foreign Policy stands to show the life values of a country." I've lived in the United States my entire life and I have found I am pretty clueless and naive to the life values of our country. I would guess there are people like myself within every country (not just the US). I am now inspired more than ever to understand my country's (and others) life values - not through what I read in books from authors of my own country, not from the news that can be biased in every way/shape/form, and not from word of mouth. Instead I can learn these things through the actions and decisions a country makes - through our relationships (past/present/future) with other countries.
*Oh and disclaimer: I realize the world of Foreign Policy/Relations/Politics is like a jungle. I have no idea just how much is out there. However, I believe having a desire to know something no matter how incomprehensible it may seem is ALWAYS worthwhile in the end. So get out there and tackle the world!



The ANZUS treaty as documented is the following:The ANZUS TreatyThis is the full text of the Security Treaty Between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRSCANBERRA

Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America [ANZUS]
(San Francisco, 1 September 1951)
Entry into force generally: 29 April 1952
AUSTRALIAN TREATY SERIES1952 No. 2

Australian Government Publishing ServiceCanberra

(c) Commonwealth of Australia 1997

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITY TREATY BETWEEN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THE PARTIES TO THIS TREATY,
REAFFIRMING their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all Governments, and desiring to strengthen the fabric of peace in the Pacific Area,
NOTING that the United States already has arrangements pursuant to which its armed forces are stationed in the Philippines, and has armed forces and administrative responsibilities in the Ryukyus, and upon the coming into force of the Japanese Peace Treaty may also station armed forces in and about Japan to assist in the preservation of peace and security in the Japan Area,
RECOGNIZING that Australia and New Zealand as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations have military obligations outside as well as within the Pacific Area,
DESIRING to declare publicly and formally their sense of unity, so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that any of them stand alone in the Pacific Area, and
DESIRING further to coordinate their efforts for collective defense for the preservation of peace and security pending the development of a more comprehensive system of regional security in the Pacific Area,
THEREFORE DECLARE AND AGREE as follows:

Article I
The Parties undertake, as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, to settle any international disputes in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

Article II
In order more effectively to achieve the objective of this Treaty the Parties separately and jointly by means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack.

Article III
The Parties will consult together whenever in the opinion of any of them the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened in the Pacific.

Article IV
Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on any of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional processes.
Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall be immediately reported to the Security Council of the United Nations. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security.

Article V
For the purpose of Article IV, an armed attack on any of the Parties is deemed to include an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of any of the Parties, or on the island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific or on its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.

Article VI
This Treaty does not affect and shall not be interpreted as affecting in any way the rights and obligations of the Parties under the Charter of the United Nations or the responsibility of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Article VII
The Parties hereby establish a Council, consisting of their Foreign Ministers or their Deputies, to consider matters concerning the implementation of this Treaty. The Council should be so organized as to be able to meet at any time.

Article VIII
Pending the development of a more comprehensive system of regional security in the Pacific Area and the development by the United Nations of more effective means to maintain international peace and security, the Council, established by Article VII, is authorized to maintain a consultative relationship with States, Regional Organizations, Associations of States or other authorities in the Pacific Area in a position to further the purposes of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of that Area.

Article IX
This Treaty shall be ratified by the Parties in accordance with their respective constitutional processes. The instruments of ratification shall be deposited as soon as possible with the Government of Australia, which will notify each of the other signatories of such deposit. The Treaty shall enter into force as soon as the ratifications of the signatories have been deposited.[1]

Article X
This Treaty shall remain in force indefinitely. Any Party may cease to be a member of the Council established by Article VII one year after notice has been given to the Government of Australia, which will inform the Governments of the other Parties of the deposit of such notice.

Article XI
This Treaty in the English language shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of Australia. Duly certified copies thereof will be transmitted by that Government to the Governments of each of the other signatories.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned Plenipotentiaries have signed this Treaty.

DONE at the city of San Francisco this first day of September, 1951.

Classes... What I am Learning...

Goodmorning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening - GDay!

Second Blog in a month - you can say it, I am just smashing at this Bloggin deal. Lies - I know.

First, thanks for takin a read!

Australia still remains beautiful and grand but I'll share more of what I am learning and more detailed description of life here in Sydney.

Let us start with classes. Our required class on Australia is a lot of reading and critical thinking. The questions asked in response to our reading and the class discussions is where I am learning most. Just to mention one class session in particular, we were priviledged to have a member from Parliament teach our class. He did a really great job explaining the history and government of Australia. It was really interesting to the learn some of the differences between America and Australia's founding stories and the structure of each government. It would be quite a task but it would be most interesting to learn the story of every country. To hear from natives how their country's government system works, and it's strengths and weaknesses is such an enlightening experience. We can read about government in other countries but it is so much more understandable while being present. It's encouraging to be in another country where things (I'm using a very broad word intentionally) are different but things work just as well or better. I am reminded also though, government and it's ways are fallen everywhere. The ways of American politics are often put down (understandably so in some cases) but other systems fall short as well. I hope this does not stir harsh thoughts or come off as I am making blanket ignorant statements or something horrible. I'd love to go deeper but I think one on one discussions are better for that. I wrote this meaning to bring about fruitful discussion and/or intrigue.

Onward to another class. I have a class titled "Urban Ministry". This class counts as a Sociology internship in the US. I will spend sixty five hours in a church called Newtown Mission Church (http://www.newtownmission.org.au/). Take a peek! I work with the Compassion Pastor, Pastor Brian - which is definetly the best title I have ever heard a church give a position. You will probably hear a significant amount about this experience! I will journal and set goals each week in order to complete this class.

I have two other classes - both with Grenvil Kent. He shares so many stories, loves his family, and has a wealth of knowledge I only dream of having. Grenvil spills over with information, is so willing to learn from his students and is passionate about what he teaches and it shows in how he teaches and how he spends his time pursuing the subjects outside of class. The two classes are titled Faith and the Christian Artist and Old Testament Covenants. Faith and the Christian Artist leads us through being an Artist, appreciating art, and seeing the vital role of arts and culture as a Christian. Truly though, that sentence does not give justice to the class. Each week we have art of some sort to appreciate and take in and then engage in intense discussion. In some of the past classes we have gone through Queen's entire album, talked through Paris Hilton's most recent book, and our last class we discussed the life of Porn Star Jenna Jameson. We talk about the meanings behind lyrics, their lives, what redemption looks like in the lives of the artists, and where Christ seemed apparent to us but why not them? It's refreshing to rip the divide between "secular" and "sacred". It might be one of my passions, no it is.

I truly love all of my classes, my teachers, what I am learning, the discussions and much more. I must admit though, Old Testament Covenants is a class that has my heart! I am learning so much. I am reading, outlining, and writing a review on a book titled, "The God of Covenant: Biblical, Theological, and Contemporary Perspectives" by Jamie Grant and Alistair Wilson. Through the Ocean City Beach project I was encouraged to read the Bible as a Metanarrative - Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consumation. We discussed reading the Bible through a Covenental perspective. I am not real sure that it clicked that summer. I was mostly enveloped in learning about the Redemption of the Heavens AND the Earth. This class examines Covenants in the OT and how the theme of Covenant is running through the entire Bible. The Covenant with the Israelites is not a distant, foriegn covenant that does not relate to us and or the NT. The Covenant with the Israelites and the responsibility of the Israelites is so much more closely tied than I have known. Knowing these couple details transforms the OT for me. I could go into much greater detail with the help of my notes because I am not as wonderful at regurgitating information as I'd like. I do truly understand the class though and feel a whole new passion. This class has helped me to love the OT and reading it more than I ever have.

I think I will close this Blog for a number of reasons. I really want to give credit to my classes. This experience is enriching because of the opportunity to study in another country, to study without also having to work a job, and in particular to study the subjects mentioned above. I will write again so soon, maybe even later. I also wanted to get some words out to those of you reading my Blog faithfully. I would love to hear responses, questions, and well just from you in general.

So much more to come. I am so blessed by this opportunity. I hope reading this is enlightening, encouraging, and enriching - because I hope that's what I am to you! :)
Much love.

My First Note in the Land Down Unda!

This note is going to be more like a list due to the limited amount of time I have on the internet right now.

I have arrived safely, it is very warm and humid. I of course could careless about the humidity though, I am basking in the sunshine! I'm already sportin tanks and sandals in hopes of having an Australian bronze shade by the end of the semester. I am not close in location to the fires taking place here - thankfully.

I absolutely love my homestay. I am staying with three lovely ladies - Becca, Laura, and Michele. We have two rooms in a beautiful condo-like home in Phillips Landing - Concord, Australia. Our "mum"'s name is Gail Anderson. She is a Clinical Nurse for Teen girls struggling with eating disorders. We leave in a complex that offers a sauna, a gym, two pools, tennis courts, and lastly a beautiful walk next to the bay! We take a key, unlock the gate and before our eyes - a bay, fishing boats, people fishing, sunshine, and a trail to run. We also have a beautiful patio that wraps around the outside of our living room and kitchen. We have two rooms - I share a room with Miss Becca. We have wireless internet but my internet is not connecting so I may not actually end up having the access that I initially thought I would. I'll post pictures just as soon as I have wireless access at home or at some place for an extended amount of time.

I have seen several spiders - none of which I encountered close enough to know whether they are venomous or not. I took a picture Matty! It will be your postcard!

However, I have a cellphone that is free for anyone and everyone to call (you'll need to buy a phone card) but here is my Australian number 0448642593. So buy a phone card, don't forget the code you need in order to dial outside of the US. :) The call would be free for me and it won't take minutes from my phone so please do call, call next week-ish I need to "charge my phone up" with minutes or a phone plan! You can also leave voicemails on my regular number!

Classes start on Monday. The three days until Monday are Orientation Days. We are going through all the fun Do's and Dont's, Medical Insurance, General Information and Tours of the city and campus.

Funny things that have happened thus far:
Each of my suitcases were 75lbs before I attempted to depart for Denver, CO. I had to eliminate 25lbs from each suitcase. My mother stood alongside while I shoveled in clothes, shoes, and a couple bottles of shampoo and conditioner.

Due to the voltage in Australia and the way you operate plugs I blew two blow dryers up this morning. You must turn the power on and off before using the acutal plug. Unfortunately, one blow dryer was a roommates. I have replaced it now though. What a morning!

I also had quite a show at the Check In point in LA. While applying for my Student VISA I checked off my ethnicity as "Somian". So I stood in line for around 45 minutes while the Australian Embassy over-rode my mistake. I'm here now and my VISA now states my correct ethnicity.

I have so many other feelings, emotions, events, things I'd like to tell you but time is running out and I know I wanted to get this much to all of you back home.

Thanks Melissa Gutherie for sending mail so that I would receive it upon arrival! When receiving my Orientation Bag I already had mail! :) Please write often, Facebook, buy a phone card if you really want to show some love! (Jk - I love you all either way).

I miss comfort and knowing where to find answers to locate things or to do things. However, that is all part of the fun.

Thy end for now.

PS This is not spell checked, it's a draft so don't judge!

Here goes!

My very first Blog entry.

I'm often complimented on how well I keep in touch - yet I've never delved into a Blog! Haha, ready or not here I am Blog world.

Geneva asks that as we study abroad we keep a web journal to share with others who are contemplating studying abroad. This would be one reason for starting a Blog.

The second reason is to keep in touch and also provide details about all that is happening in the land down under!

I took texting and the internet off of my BlackBerry yesterday. Withdraw syptoms? Oh yes. My phone plan will be strictly calling until June 20th. I figured it would be best to begin to limit my modes of communication little by little. Hopefully this will be beneficial because there are many others changes ahead. All of this to say: Skype, email, voicemails, AIM here and there, and good ol Facebook are it for this lady in a little less than a month.


It's a quick post. More heartfelt ones ahead!

Thank you for reading!