Sydney, Australia is now a reality to me. I have seen it, tasted it, touched it, listened to it, traveled it, experienced it, and it will be a long time until I have thoroughly explored it. And let me tell you something, it was love at first sight.
I still get goosebumps when I think about the fact that I am standing in a country that is at the complete opposite corner from America on a map, and there are times when I have to pinch myself in order to remember that this is truly happening and it's not merely a dream! But boy oh boy does it feel like a dream. Everything is beautiful here. The ocean is the most perfect color blue, and even though it is by a huge city, it smells wonderfully and is incredibly clean. The city itself is full of charm, blending the romance of old english architecture with the innovation and creativity of modern design. The people are quirky, laid-back, and always willing to lend a hand or strike up a conversation. The city is breathtaking, yet reserved all at once. I am in love!
As far as my program (ASC) goes, I have a feeling it will be one of the best experiences I will ever have. I have absolutely no regrets about coming here, for it is strikingly obvious that for this time in my life, I am meant to be here. There will certainly be a fair share of difficulties along the way, but it is the challenges that are bound to come that will turn out to be the most beneficial.
In fact, ASC prides itself in providing a challenging semester for students who desire to get out of their comfort zone and learn a new latitude. They have emphasized the importance of viewing this trip as a pilgrimage, as opposed to a vacation or simply an exchange. The journey is about discovering Australia at its deepest level, in order to appreciate the culture and develop a better understanding of the country's values and beliefs and the reasons behind them. Although this could be viewed as "my" best semester, ASC chooses to make it "our" best semester, because it is not about the fun things I get to see or the adventures I get to partake in. Instead it is about the process that our group will go through as we discover a new worldview and work to challenge our own values and beliefs in order to truly understand what we stand for, and why we stand for it. It is a "kenotic" experience, for it is a journey in which we pour ourselves out for the sake of being filled by what God wants to fill us with. It is only when we take off our blinders that "self" will be removed and the world will be clearly seen.
Does that sound good or what?
I still get goosebumps when I think about the fact that I am standing in a country that is at the complete opposite corner from America on a map, and there are times when I have to pinch myself in order to remember that this is truly happening and it's not merely a dream! But boy oh boy does it feel like a dream. Everything is beautiful here. The ocean is the most perfect color blue, and even though it is by a huge city, it smells wonderfully and is incredibly clean. The city itself is full of charm, blending the romance of old english architecture with the innovation and creativity of modern design. The people are quirky, laid-back, and always willing to lend a hand or strike up a conversation. The city is breathtaking, yet reserved all at once. I am in love!
As far as my program (ASC) goes, I have a feeling it will be one of the best experiences I will ever have. I have absolutely no regrets about coming here, for it is strikingly obvious that for this time in my life, I am meant to be here. There will certainly be a fair share of difficulties along the way, but it is the challenges that are bound to come that will turn out to be the most beneficial.
In fact, ASC prides itself in providing a challenging semester for students who desire to get out of their comfort zone and learn a new latitude. They have emphasized the importance of viewing this trip as a pilgrimage, as opposed to a vacation or simply an exchange. The journey is about discovering Australia at its deepest level, in order to appreciate the culture and develop a better understanding of the country's values and beliefs and the reasons behind them. Although this could be viewed as "my" best semester, ASC chooses to make it "our" best semester, because it is not about the fun things I get to see or the adventures I get to partake in. Instead it is about the process that our group will go through as we discover a new worldview and work to challenge our own values and beliefs in order to truly understand what we stand for, and why we stand for it. It is a "kenotic" experience, for it is a journey in which we pour ourselves out for the sake of being filled by what God wants to fill us with. It is only when we take off our blinders that "self" will be removed and the world will be clearly seen.
Does that sound good or what?
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