What do you think of... ?

If I were to say to you 'blue' what would you think of?

The colour, the sky or ocean, the feeling, or maybe a person...

If I were to say to you 'oil' what would you think of?

Cooking, fast-food, or maybe plants or fields where it comes from, or maybe natural products, or lanterns, or maybe drilling, or ships, or perhaps sick animals... 

If I were to say to you 'far' what would you think of?

The other side of town, or maybe the next city, the end of your country, surrounding countries, across the ocean, the opposite side of the world, the moon, or perhaps beyond the stars, or fantasy lands, or perhaps happiness, family, the end...

If I were to say to you 'new' what would you think of?

Clothes/tools/car/electronics, or maybe food/design/invention, or perhaps year, or opportunity, or friends/family, or life...

If I were to say to you 'god' what would you think of?

...

Interviews?

I've done it again - and gone two weeks without writing anything. My apologies.

Just recently I've had a couple of interviews for various things and it's got me thinking of all the different types of interviews I've been to. Inside, outside, formal, informal, with strangers, with people you know, one on one, panel, closed setting, open setting, at home, in work place, casual conversation, interrogation, via internet link, via phone, face to face, off the cuff, planned precisely, confirming, vague. Now, i'm not saying i've been to 21 interviews but rather that the combination of situations i've been in, in interviews, compiles this list - quite extensive really.

Despite this, there are some common things between all of them which are good to remember. Now any interview is going to leave you feeling nervous or tense to some degree - for me this is minimal most of the time just because of my personality, that's the kind of easy going gal I am - never afraid to just be myself. So that's the first two points.

1. Feeling a bit tense or nervous is normal (it comes with the territory) and not something to be afraid of

2. Be yourself - they are interested in you not some fake persona, so be the you that you will be

Interviews differ depending on what's being applied for, the type of position, and so while sometimes a formal approach is required, other times it simply would not fit and so casual is best - but this is something for you to work out - within this, the way you address yourself should always be polite.

3. Be polite and well mannered, avoid using any questionable language (even in jokes - at least until you know the people better)

Body language says a lot about somebody - it is the words that we don't speak that finishes the story. So generally, it's best to hold yourself well - not just lope in and slouch down but taking strides and being confident in the responses you're going to give. One of the best ways to do this is to be aware of your appearance and make sure you've done your research.

4. Wear clean, well kept (ie, without holes or stains) clothes - doesn't matter the position, even for a grease monkey this is a good way to start.

5. Know what you're applying for - know your theory if you're applying for a trade, etc. - and know the business you're applying for (this is often 'common' knowledge but don't be afraid to actually read up on it properly if you need to)

There generally comes a point at the end of the interview where they ask you if you have any questions - it's generally best to actually have a question, and preferably not about the wage. If you realy don't have any questions - be honest 'the questions i did have about... you have already answered during the process of this interview'. Show that you're not just going yeah, sounds great - but are thinking about and taking in what they are saying and talking about.

6. Have a response ready for question time.

As a christian, something else I always to before an Interview is pray (and during, and after...) - asking that God would help to guide both my responses and also the interviewers decisions to the best outcome, whether that be for or against me - and that no matter the outcome that He would help me to continue to follow Him first.

There was one more thing - oh yeah, it kind of comes under the polite point, keep eye contact, speak clearly, and most of all - have fun. It's not a dreary time but a possible new beginning, approach it as such and don't be afraid to smile and laugh if it calls for it.

If you would like to ask me about any of my previous interviews, go ahead!

God Bless

Light

I apologise for being away for so long. A lot has been happening which I am lookinng forward to sharing some of with you. The following blog post I 'posted' in December however apparently it never actually posted so now, here it is.

Well last time was the last of a six part series in Jude. I hope you all found it as helpful going through it as I did writing it. Quite encouraging and confronting at the same time.

Apologies that I haven't posted anything for a little while. It seems that as much as we try to not let it, sometimes life does just get on top of us. At the moment I am on a Christian Conference in Canberra, our nations capital. The theme for the week has been In Christ and has been very challenging, encouraging, instructional, and everything else you can probably think of along those lines too.

I hope to post again soon, both to tell you more about all the things I have been learning here and to continue with the series I was planning on beginning next - Shine. Originally I was just going to do one blog on this until I realised that there is no way I am going to fit everything there is to say about light into one blog - without it becoming an essay of sorts.

What have you been learning about recently?

God Bless

Back Again

So, my lovely peoples. I am back from my time up north a lot sooner than expected. Saying this though, depending on how things pan out I may head back out that way with a guarantee of a job anytime. The trip back was interesting.. met some nice people but although the bus is cheaper, sleeping sitting up four nights straight might not be the best thing.

Had a great last day at work as was working with another girl who is going to be taking over and was able to have 'one on one' time with the kids all day. Left the station for the first time since being there when I left to actually leave.. so different seeing the country from a car window instead of a plane. Everything is soo green.

I can no longer say I have never been in Melbourne. Having time between buses spent Saturday wandering around the streets, thankfully it wasn't as dreadful as I anticipated. This I say being much more of a country girl at present then a city person. Having only been back less than two days I have already managed to catch up with all the family.. first time we've all been in one place in probably five years. It was short, but great!

I'm still not sure just what God has in store but I am thankful that I am here and not in the city amongst the hustle and bustle. Just do not know that I could keep up with that at the moment. While I could never imagine living back with my parents I also do not think this will be a problem as there is plenty for me to do here and nowhere else much to go anyway. That's small country towns for you.

God Bless.

Changes

This is just going to be a short one as I do not have much time.

It seems like so long since I wrote my last blog but I guess that's because so many things have changed, instead of it just being routine like I was talking about last time. So, I guess there's one big change which I'll get out of the way first. True to form, I am moving again. So.. if you have contact details for me here.. they will no longer get me as of.. probably tomorrow.

Another change last week was that I got to be cook for a few days as the younger boys went into town for a few days to participate in a swimming carnival with the local school. While it was fun and a nice change, I don't think I would like to have to do it all the time.

And the third change which I can think of is that we had the first muster of the season yesterday. It was good to be able to get out for a bit and fun watching the boys go at it. Plus, we got to join in bringing up the back in the ute.

One thing which all of this really reminds me of is just how much God is in control and actively shaping our lives. It's good for us to plan ahead but we shouldn't be against that changing if that's what ends up happening. I am so thankful that my life is in His hands, and not my own!

God Bless.

Routine

It's hard to believe that another week has passed already. Don't really have much to say.. everyday is the same. Drag myself out of bed, shower, grab breaky, do school prep, find and chase the kids for school, and again after smoko, and again after lunch, review the day, give some feedback, do some more prep, break, dinner, sleep, and then start all over again.

Have been writing a few letter which is a good reprieve and finding plenty of little things to do. Am finding that I really need to try to be a bit more organised with school than what I am though, we'll see how that goes considering my reputation with organisation isn't, ahh, the best.

Sunset was gorgeous tonight. And then dusk, it looked so peaceful. You could see the end of sunset on one side of the sky and the full moon rising bright orange on the other. It was kinda cool.

Still haven't been off the property since I've been here. It's kinda weird but also I haven't really noticed all that much, maybe because I don't know anyone around here yet or what there is to do. Really looking forward to home tutor workshops a few weeks from now. Not only for the workshop side of thing, which will be really helpful, but also for the opportunity to really meet some other people.

Am missing christian fellowship but still getting on alright. Makes me think about what it would have been like out here for the first settlers, and that just makes me extremely grateful for all that I have, all that God has blessed me with.

Same thing goes, if you want to hear about anything in particular just comment. And if you want a letter, email me your address to me or send me one with the reply on the back.

God Bless

Laying the Foundation

Not much has happened in the last week. The boys went piggin’ again but I opted to stay back this time, had a great weekend primarily catching up on sleep. Nice, relaxing time. The girls I met in town when I first came here, from Ireland, came out to go piggin’ with the boys. They leave real soon and wanted to do it before they left. It was good to see them again. The boys have all gone into town again this weekend but I’ve stayed back again. It’s nice having some quiet time without them around as well as needing to do some paperwork, and organise school and uni stuff back here.

The two boys are still a battle most days getting them to do school but once they get going they’re fine. It’s so different being at home while doing school than going somewhere else. They go yabbying a lot during their breaks. That’s one thing I keep thinking, it’s not every kid that has a creek for their playground. Am still finding teaching them exhausting but it’s getting better all the time as I’m understanding more and more the way things work and what’s expected.

Haven’t had too much rain this last week I don’t think, it’s hard to remember though because after a while the days all start running into each other and you forget when things happen. There was one downfall where the rain came in more horizontal and managed to put a nice size puddle in my bedroom as well as the other one.

The frogs I think have learned to keep out of the toilet most of the time or they get flushed, which is a good thing. The bad thing with that is that I am having to chase them out of the shower more now. Some may have heard my complaining about the mosquito’s at Barmera after Christmas as they just swamped the area every night and I got covered with bites and had a reaction to it. I’m now very thankful to that as it means I don’t complain about the mosquitos out here as they are nowhere near as bad as that week. Joining the wildlife indoors which resides with us is now also some lovely butterfly’s. Nice change from the other creatures.

Got a few more letters this week which was nice. Which reminds me, if you would like one either send me one with your address on the back or email me your address as I didn’t bring any with me.

Time seems to be passing faster now which is good and I’m sure in no time at all it will be Easter. One thing I’m noticing is how different it is going from there to here in how many different things I would do with Christian brothers and sisters. I am extremely thankful that I am not the only Christian out here and that we have the freedom to study God’s word on our own but at the same time some real fellowship with other Christians would be great! Thankyou to all who helped me with gathering Christian resources to bring out. I don’t know what I would be doing without them. Currently developing a daily routine which is good. Days always turn out better when started with time with God and his word.

And same thing as before, if there's anything in particular you'd like to hear about or see a picture of just leave a comment and I'll try to include it in the next blog.

God Bless

Getting There!

Tuesday:



Finished Packing. Now you know how I pack.. well, I had way too much for flying over so had to try to cut down what I had to even less.. managed to downsize by 6kg but that was as far as it was going.. the rest of the excess weight I would just have to pay for. Left Coonalpyn for Adelaide.


Wednesday:


Woke up 4:30am to get to airport and catch plane to Brisbane. Arrived in Brisbane, looking forward to my day around 8am local time. It was a good day except for my bags.. two of them broke to some extent. The first split along the top which I managed to gaffa tape up.. until it split on the other side, finally fixed that up good enough with a couple of luggage straps from a cheap shop. The other bag the wheel broke.. now this was my heavy bag which I then had to carry with me everywhere around Brisbane. Watched Tangled, was good. Caught public transport to my friends place. Not a huge fan of public transport in a place I don’t know.. managed to get the right bus but missed my stop. Had an extra hour of waiting in order to catch the same bus back to the right stop and then the right bus to my friends place. Got there, caught up, chatted, was all good.


Thursday:


Woke up 4:30am to catch public transport to airport for 9am flight. Noticed bruising starting to come through from pulling my muscles carrying bag around yesterday. Got there with no further hassles as I had Wednesday. Plane had a total of 36 passenger seats for an idea of size. We were flying at a slightly lower altitude than normal and turbulence wasn’t bad at all. It was good having the opportunity to see the lay of the land where I would be living for the remainder of this year. I got off at Windorah, which was stop 4 or 5, just past 1pm. Here I was met by their niece who then took me back to Windorah. Spent the afternoon hanging around the pub (her parents run it) and chatting with her and two irish girls who are working there at the moment. Went for a swim in the creek for a bit too. Finally met the people I’m working for that evening around 7 or 8 when they came in for dinner, and to pick me up. That night there was an awesome storm that blew in. Thunder and lightning all the way around lasting for hours. Short lived heavy rain and small hurricane strength winds. Went storm chasing with them for a little while too. I’ll tell you what, it was a great welcome for me to the place. Anyway, due to the circumstances ended up staying in town for the night at the motel. Oh yeah, the boys are gorgeous.


Friday:


So, after a slow start, finally headed out to Keeroongooloo. It took about 1 ½ hours, 2 cars, and wet pants. Can’t drive across the creek at one point still so had to leave the car and walk across about 500m of creek (up to my hips in some places) and then jump in another car left on the other side. Got a quick tour.. our place, your hut, kitchen, school room.. there’s other building around as well but I don’t know what they all are yet. Oh yeah, I have my own place, my hut as they call it.. got a verandah, bedroom, spare room, bathroom, and ‘lounge’ room. It’s not much but considering I had no idea what I was getting I think it’s great!

My 'Hut'

So, what else.. There 5 fella’s here at the moment working, at least one more coming that I know of, and the cook.. a 70 year old lady whom I hear is lovely. The heat is stifling but I don’t mind that too much, and there’s air-conditioning.. thank goodness! I caught a mouse as it jumped out of an air conditioner when I first got here.. it bit me but then I got revenge.. not that revenge is a good thing. I found a frog in the toilet bowl.. after I’d used it.. I was extremely grateful it didn’t jump. Mentioning frogs, there’s plenty of them here, along with mice, lizards, and spiders.. but mainly it’s the frogs which are visible and annoying.

Excitement plus, hey! God Bless.

Real Fairytale

I found myself in a predicament today where my car ran out of fuel and broke down at an intersection in the suburbs. After thinking for a little bit I decided  not to call the RAA as it would be faster just to get some more fuel myself. So I ran across the road and asked someone for help but they were unable and pointed me up the road. On my way up an officer stopped me to find out what was happening and then called for the police to help with the build up of traffic before dropping me off a little further up the road to find some help. Quite kind of him. I asked a second, third, and fourth person for help however none were able. Finally I came to a workshop and explained my predicament yet again and an older man there said that he would take the time off to give me a hand.

In the brief time I had getting to know this character I was encouraged so much. What has happened to such hospitality and generosity? How many would be willing to drop what they are doing to help out another in this day and age where time means everything?

A larrikin who lightens the mood and makes you laugh. A godly man who's had his lot in life. A family man who speaks warmly and lovingly of his mother and mother-in-law. An individual with his own character and a different hat for each day of the week.. Monday, Tuesday, ..., Sunday, and Someday - in case he is not sure which day it is. A man who asks for nothing in return and offers to do more than that which is asked. In his own words he is the knight or prince in shining armour come to sweep the damsel in distress up onto his galloping horse.

I told him that it was my adventure for the day but I didn't mean the whole thing, I meant meeting him. It was a humble reminder of what it means to live out our lives for God. How such a small action on our behalf can make such a huge difference to another. While I was only with him for 15-20 minutes I will probably never forget the kindly gentleman who helped me out this morning, although he says he is no gentleman.. 'I'm too old to be a gentleman' ..I would beg to differ.

This I pray. That young people today would continue to turn to and learn from the older generation. That we may be able to live our lives for him in faithful service and proclamation. That we may always remember the small things do matter. That we may take the time out and give a helping hand when it's needed and take thanks and criticism humbly when it's given. That we may not be afraid to be ourselves or be above asking for help when we need it. That others may see God shining through us even from a brief encounter. And ultimately that Jesus is our prince in shining armour, always there to pick us up.