One week in...

So, we have started second semester for 2011, which is also our last semester! The load seems lighter at the moment, which is very nice. And the classes seem more practical in nature as well. So it does kind of feel like we are wrapping up. They are preparing us to get out there, and start implementing some things we have been learning. So it’s a nice way to start the end :)

But, another great way to start was to share oliebollen with our college community at our International Dinner :)

We made it!!

It was a long 2 weeks of rather intense study and the exams were pretty horrible! But it was great to think through all that we have learnt this semester and hopefully now we will remember it!

We are now very ready for our 3 weeks of holidays!! :)

Swollen

Everything here in Sydney is a little bit swollen at the moment, even more than usual!

• The drains are swelling over with water (Its raining lots)


• The airport is swollen cause no one can leave (The ash cloud)


• The SMBC library is swollen with studious people (Its study week)


• Our brains are swollen from overloads of information


• Our bellies are swollen due to consuming massive amounts of cheese


• Marty has a swollen foot from playing footy


• Jess has a swollen hand from handwriting study notes for 2 days straight!

Hopefully it wont all burst before exams :)

Ants

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
(Prov 6:6-8)

25 Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
(Prov 30:25)

I am finding it very hard to appreciate the ant that Proverbs describes after having them all through our cupboards, shower, floor, & kitchen, resulting in so far having to throw out:

• Half a jar of Nuttela


• Half a packet of chips, and crackers


• Countless packets of nuts, & dried fruit


• Many bags of rubbish, not quite at their prime


• A drink bottle, &...


• A pair of shoes – yes that’s right, they made a nest in my shoes!!

Suffering

I heard a guy with Cerebral Palsy gave a talk the other day on what it is like being part of a church and having Cerebral Palsy. Many of the things he said really hit me. But one in particular...

He commented that often in churches we don't allow people to suffer. When we see suffering that can't be resolved we try and bury it. We don't give expression to it, because we don't know how to deal with it. He pointed out that this doesn't make much sense considering that the Bible is very clear that suffering is going to be part of every Christian's life.

Just thought that was very thought provoking!

Preaching Conference

We spent last week soaked in good teaching, good fellowship, and good food.

The Biennial SMBC Preaching Conference was on, with speakers from college as well as overseas. Yet, this was not the only highlight of the week… we also got to catch up with friends from Tassie, and enjoy a lot of good food with them.

On Monday we went from setting the foundations of biblical preaching, and an introduction to the Psalms to one of the most highly populated Muslim areas of Sydney to enjoy a Lebanese meat feast.

On Tuesday we went from learning how to preach the Psalm and then went to the depths of China town to experience food from a small western tribe of China, which once again consisted of large amounts of meat.

On Wednesday we went from learning how to persevere in preaching and more from the Psalms, to the delights of Asian dumplings – small morsels of goodness that hopefully I will one day be able to enjoy!

On Thursday we went from learning more about how to preach the Psalms, with even a Poets view of the Psalms, to… well by then I was too tired to go out… so Marty went & enjoyed the delights of Indian in Newtown. This, along with all that had been learnt throughout the week stayed with him to the next day :)

Holiday...

After mission we slowly made our way back home. We first went to Tamworth, then headed to the coast, for a very relaxing few days of fishing, reading, and catching up with a friend from Tassie. Below is a photo of us at Port Stephens.

We then wined and dined in the Hunter Valley :)

But now we are back into study, and gearing up for the end of term!!