Sunday, June 16
Yes, my friends, it is official that I will be home in only 16 days! This
means that as long as you have not lost more than 4 fingers or toes due to
frostbite or shark bite, you can use your digits for the countdown from today :) It seems like time has flown by, but I am so happy to be going home! I
have had an amazing experience, but am excited to see everyone and get back
into my home routine.
These past few weeks have been fantastic for so many reasons!
First, I had my official last class last Thursday! All of my projects and
papers and assignments were done! To celebrate, on Friday I went shopping and
got lots of cute, cool things!
Second, last Friday (Saturday for me) was my little sister’s first
formal. Before I left we went shopping
for her dress, so it was great to have been a part of that! Because I love her
so much (and can’t stand to be left out of anything) I woke up at 5am on
Saturday so that I could Skype her as she was getting ready and getting
pictures taken. She looked so gorgeous
and so grown up. I am so glad that I got
to be a part of her day (yay for modern technology)!
Third, although the weather has been getting colder (50’s and 60’s) the
sun has still been shining. Last Sunday
was an absolutely beautiful day, so I took advantage of it by going to a National
Park (Botany Bay) and Museum (La Perouse) in the afternoon. I learned a lot,
enjoyed the weather, and had a fun time wandering around and taking pictures.
Fourth, on Monday (the Queen’s celebrated birthday as a holiday) some of
the family and I went to Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay for “Vivid Sydney,” a
sort of light display and show that involves the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and
many of the businesses around the harbor.
It was really cool to see what people had created, and I took lots of
pictures.
Fifth, on Wednesday night I went to a fundraiser night of one of the
daughter’s boyfriends. He is a lifeguard
and is on a TV show called “Bondi Rescue.”
He and another lifeguard are raising money to fund a jet ski trip around
Australia to raise awareness for mental health issues. Anyway, the reason that it was so amazing is
because other people from the show were there, so I got to meet and talk with
them. Also there were several other
celebrities: the winner of the first season of Australia’s “The Apprentice,”
and a famous rapper. My favorite part of
the night was learning that the other lifeguard that is going on the trip had
been named Australian Bachelor of the Year!
So yes, I do know the Australian Bachelor of the Year, and I hung out
with him! He is super nice. I couldn’t have planned a better and more fun and
exciting night!
Sixth, on Friday I had my first final exam, and after much stress and
studying, I think I did well. I have 2 more
finals, one tomorrow morning (Monday) and one on Thursday morning. The two finals that I have this week are my more
challenging subjects, so I would really appreciate your prayers!
Seventh, I have been attending the same church for several weeks now, and
have been blessed in so many ways. The first was meeting up with one of the
girls that attends the church and also goes to UNSW for coffee and just to
talk. It is so nice to be in another country,
but find someone with the same beliefs and just talk about life! The last was that on Friday night I went to go
help out at their Youth Group. Everyone
was very nice. Also, it made me feel very at home to be playing ping pong and
dodgeball with the kids, just like Sunday nights at home! (My skills in both
sporting areas have not improved since I have been away).
Eighth, I decided that I did have time to squeeze in a trip to New
Zealand, so I have been researching and booking various flights, hotels, and
tours! I leave for Auckland this Friday, and will be getting back to Sydney on
the 26th. It should be a
really fun time! I am especially looking forward to exploring another country before I come home!
Lastly, (see I told you I had so many things to be thankful for over the
past few weeks) I had a really great day yesterday (Saturday). I started my
morning by Skypeing my parents, and it is always great to see and catch up with
them! I then went to the Paddington
Markets (different from Paddy’s Market where I have been previously). Paddington Markets is more “arts and crafts”
and has boutique like stalls. It was
wonderful, as I found several really nice things to bring back with me! I may
have to go back, just to get some last minute souvenirs. After I was done shopping I went to Max
Brenner, an amazing and dangerous place for a chocoholic like myself :) I sated
my chocolate craving with a dark chocolate hot chocolate. While I finished that I called Sarah, and we
talked for over an hour! It was so good
to talk to her, and I cannot wait to be back so that we can talk in person! I
am so very proud of her (and happy for her), as in the relatively short time that
I have been gone she has gotten a job, had her first formal, taken her 5 hour
course for her permit, finished her courses for 11th grade
(including her last ever Regents), and so many more things! Congratulations on
being a Senior :) I then had a cozy evening watching movies!
Overall, it was a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day!
Although my time here in Australia is rapidly coming to an end, there are
still several things that I want to do, or want to do again! Some of the things
are: the Sydney Tower Eye Revolving Restaurant, museums, the Coastal Walk and
Bondi Beach, Paddy’s Market, Newtown, and maybe Paddington Market again! I’m hopeful that I can fit in everything!
Thanks again to those of you that have sent me cards or letters!
Until Later,
Kaitlyn
