Downtown.

Yesterday, Saturday I ventured downtown all by myself. which is for me, going out of my "box" as independent as I think I am, I usually always like to have someone else with me whenever I go out but yesterday I proved to myself that I could explore all on my own. I had a wonderful day just to me to see all the new sights of Melbourne. There is a city circle trolly that is free so I hopped on board and rode down to Federation Square. I found myself walking past all these little cafes, boutiques and bars. By alleys filled with beautiful graffiti which makes me think about the people who created the artwork and why they painted what they did. I went to the Ian Potter Center NG Australia which is an art museum that represents Australian artists. As I walked past the beautiful paintings I started talking to a man and he informed me that the reason why the earliest artwork was so dark as in color was because the Europeans who came over were still painting with an european eye. They had a different twilight then the Australia. So when I continued to move forward I saw the painting become lighter in color and also in attitude. I was so captivated by the beautiful colors. They had an exhibit from the aboriginals which I found so fascinating. They used earth colors of deep reds, browns, yellows and pure white. All the pictures are filled with millions of dots. The way they portrayed the land where they lived, the beginning of life and the end of life. I came across a wall full of shields that were used to show the different tribes and ranks. Things haven't changed, today people show their status with the things they own, houses or cars they have and the amount of money they make. In the end, they are all material things and don't go to heaven when you die.
I walked all over downtown taking in the beautiful sights, the incredible intricate churches, (went into the St. Paul Cathedral and it was so beautiful all of the artwork, I couldn't imagine the churches in Europe that are even more beautiful. I hope to see those in person as well : ) I had a glass of wine and tasty salad at an Italian restaurant on the river while I read my book. I enjoyed the time alone. I was so blown away at how much Melbourne reminds me of New York city with all the little nooks and hole in the walls full of restaurants. Here they have China town, little italy and discount stores. I walked past many people of different cultures, Asian, European, American, African, Indian basically people from all over the world. It is amazing that I saw more foreigners rather then "Australians" Everyone wants a chance to have the best life for them and their family and I guess they will go wherever they can provide that happiness.

Its a rainy sunday and I can't wait to go check out this church tonight. I am so excited to praise God for what he has done for me and where he has put me!

I start "work" on tuesday and can't wait to get into a routine. I know I will be going on plenty of walks with the girls.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week
<3
E

Convent.

Convent: a community of persons devoted to religious life under a superior.


The other day we went to the Abbotsford Convent. The grounds are beautiful full of color. It was abbandoned and now is a sanctuary for artists. There are several cafes on the grounds. We went to one where you "pay as you feel" it was delicious food as all their food is vegan. The mix of people who went through the line went from hipster to homeless. Such a mix of cultures as it is really a melting pot here, not just in the US. After we went just down the street to the Collingswood Children's Farm where we saw donkeys, ponies, peacocks, piglets & goats. Alicia & Annabel LOVED seeing all the animals and petting them. I saw Gods beauty as we walked along the grounds and I see why this is a place of inspiration for the local artists. 

St. Abbots Convent

Beautiful Grounds. 

Alicia got new rollerblades for her birthday back in August so we went down to the Melbourne Museum where they have a wonderful park, path and place to rollerblade. She zoomed by me loving every moment. The architecture of the museum was beautiful and the grounds were perfectly kept. Next to it was a big building similar to a convention center. The end of April is the flower and garden show which I am excited to go with Carol. The people watching is so good here since there is such a wide variety of people who live/visit Melbourne. Even tho the weather was at a perfect temperature I got a wonderful farmers tan : ) 

I met up with another Au Pair one night for drinks down on Brunswick St. It reminds me of Grand ave in Minnesota. Lots of bars, restaurants and shopping. She is from Germany and has been here for 3 months. It was so great talking to her and hearing her experience. I have to say that I could not be more blessed to have the family I am with. I know that God put me with this family for a reason. 

Yesterday we went to the Royal Botanical Gardens which made me giddy inside. First we stopped at the Shrine of Remembrance across the street. We toured inside and walked around the grounds. Azure day is similar to veterans day as it commemorates all the Australians who served in the wars. When you stood at the top of the stairs you could see the skyline of downtown. I forget that every place has their own way to celebrate the service men and women of their country. Makes me so thankful that I am able to travel here and other places because of those who are brave to fight for freedom. 

Alicia and I raced up these stairs. She won!

Cant wait to explore downtown

We then ventured over to the gardens. The "bush" which they call all the trees were tall and full grown. They had a children's garden area where Alicia and Annabel played in a little stream where all the other kids were splashing around. It was so crazy to see no young moms or dads there as I said before that most people here wait to have children in their 30's. As we walked through the paths there were beautiful flowers and colors. The green grass and trees met the light blue sky. We had a picnic by a "lake" where Alicia and I spotted turtles and lake eels (i would never swim in a place with eels) Carol and I have been having the most wonderful conversations and she told me that after we skyped for the first time they knew that I was the perfect fit and canceled all other interviews. That made me feel so comforted in knowing that this was meant to be. She has taught me so much already about their culture and the city. I have a feeling that I am going to bring the girls down to the Gardens often and even by myself. A perfect spot to spend time with God and reflect on what he has put in my life. As we walked back to the car we treated ourself to some sorbet. yummm.

We drove downtown seeing all the "malls" similar to Nicollet mall. There are so many places I want to go and see. So many different cuisines and shops that look so unique. Every street was packed with people either tourists or locals. We arrived at the Victorian Farmers Market which I was very excited to walk around. We unfortunately were an hour late and just catching some vendors who were closing up. The market is divided up into different sections. They have fruit and veggies which are very cheap compared to the grocery store prices. A meat and cheese section which we bought some delicious dips but will have to go back. The vendors had a huge variety of cheeses from all around the world and meats that I have never heard of. Then there were the typical "tourist souvenirs" that I walked past as Carol teased me about getting my I <3 Melbourne T-shirt, boomerang and kangaroo skin to bring home. I can not wait to come back down and walk around to see all the different produce and people. There are many Greek, Italian and Lebanese immigrants who have places at the market. It is so interesting to me to see where people come from and I can't wait to meet some people and ask them why they chose Melbourne. Their are so many different communities of people. I would love to experience a little part of each.

I have been eating very well as Carol is the most amazing cook. I have so much to learn from her. I tried Lamb for the first time on a very Greek salad. It was delicious. The wine here is amazing as it has so much more flavor and taste or should I say the local wine is. 

Behind our house there is a wonderful trail called the Koonung Trail. I took a walk last night and was filled with happiness as I realized how thankful I am and how much I am going to learn here. There is a beautiful stream that runs along the path. One way I could take the path all the way downtown but that will not be happening. I am so excited to be able to have a route to run along. 

Australian Lingo:

Pram = stroller

The Bottle Shop = Liquor store

Que = cash register

corriander = cilantro

cilantro = parsley

carpark = parking lot

petrol = gas

I love learning the different terms as I slowly see myself adding these new words into my vocabulary. 

Convent: a community of persons devoted to religious life under a superior.

I am craving a community here that shares my values and beliefs. I know in time God will bring me a community I just have to keep trusting him and praying that he will. I see more and more that having a community to share your life with helps define and mold who I am and my relationship with God. I am going to a Church this sunday and am praying that I can find somewhat of a community of people who are open to a relationship with me, to show me around & make me feel welcome for the next 6 months. 

I have been praying that God will show me my purpose while I am here. Show me where he wants to put me to show other people the joy and contentment I find in him. I am only hoping it will be within my floral passion. I am in no rush as this next 6 months is devoted to where he has put me. These 2 beautiful girls and 2 wonderful parents are one of my communities here in Melbourne.  

Hope everyone has had a wonderful week.

May God put a light in your life so you can share that with others.

Love,

E

I'm finally tan!

Hello finally from australia! I feel like I have already been here for. Long time. Let's see my flight went superb for being my first international flight. Got caught up on Harry potter and slept. Oh and didn't get carded for a glass of free wine. Helped me fall asleep : ) flying into new Zealand was incredible so lush and green. When I finally landed into Melbourne I couldn't. Believe the hundreds of people from all over the world going thru customs. Thank goodness my bags both arrived one behind the other. I have been getting used to the temp in celsius. I am getting really good and multiplying by 2 and adding 32. So basically the 30's and 40's is the 90's and 100 degrees. So let's just say its summer! For new years eve we had a lovely barbeque and I must say its so nice sitting outside on the porch listening to all the new sounds. We went down to docklands which is a really long pier with lots of bars restaurants apartments and really big yachts. They had a kids show with Dora the explorer and at 930 the fireworks went off. I must say that they were the best fireworks I have seen in a long time. It was so fun to see all the people gather together to celebrate a new year and new beginnings. I slept like a rock that night. My head hit the pillow and I was out. Tody we went to a beach about 45 minutes west. It was a beautiful drive as I think it kinda reminds me of the California coast. There are no waves since its a bay and it was so nice to relax and play in the water. There were several boats coming in and out of the docks many pulling tubes behind. It would not have been a day at the beach if I didn't get sunburned. Mom and Ada you would be proud that my shoulders face or legs did not get sunburned but yet my feet and little parts of my back are fried. But hey I haven't been in the sun for a while and I must say it felt amazing. So far I have had a wonderful time getting to know mark carol and the girls. They are such and amazing family and I could not have asked God for anyone better. We have had great conversations about almost everything. I haven't felt this comfortable with people who I really have never met. Annabel is already attached to me and doesn't cry or show that she doesn't want me to hold her. Thank you God for making that easy since I'll be spending most of my time with her. Alicia is full of energy and loves to play. We have already made jewelry and cooked. Tomorrow she is gunna bike we I run and she is showing me the duck pond that is just down the path behind their house. Carol and I have lots in common. We both do not like to drink our calories and we bothe have a huge sweet tooth. She is an amazing cook and I can't wait to learn her recipes and show her mine. Mark is a wonderful dad and has many amazing stories about all the places he has been when he was in the British army. Ironically one of his favorite places was park city Utah! I already feel part of the family and they have done so much for me to make me feel at home.

I realized that everyone in the world had one thing in common. We all want an adventure out of life. To experience a life changing moment. Wether it's alone, with a loved one or with you're family and friends we all want to obtain a wonderful memory and experience. I know this is my adventure. I know God has put me exactly where he wants me to change me and others who he brings into my life. I read the Book kisses from Katie which everyone needs to read. She talks so much about how she always has to rely on God to get her thru each day. As lonely as I'll be somedays and miss my comfortable life back home I have to keep reminding me and relying on God that he is always with me and has a direction for my life. There is a reason I am where I am at this time and moment in my life. I know my relationship is going to grow so much in these next 6 months and I will have to rely on him even more then I ever have for guidance. I want to experience his creation and his beauties.

Some fun tidbits I have learned:
Diapers are called napies
Women do not get married young. Carol told me that in her kinder group for Alicia she was the youngest there and she was 32 years old. It's so interesting to me that people wait so long to get married and have children. I could never imagine having young kids near to my 40'. I feel like in America there is such a rush to get married and start a family hence why there is such a high divorce rate.
People have holiday houses along the beach. And when I say holiday house I mean little one room shack right on the sand. Apparently they can go for 20,000$$ which I couldn't imagine who would pay that. Most are passed down from family to family.
Brand name Shampoo and conditioner is 15$ for a regular size but the organic is wayyyy cheaper.

I am loving every minute of this new life. Yet I still have to fully unpack. Mom you were right I did pack wayyy to much. And it's a good thing I left my blow dryer because they have different outlets here! I can't wait to go and explore more and meet new friends. Mark and carol are going to take me to a winery which I can't wait for and which I love that I won't be carded!
As for now I hope everyone had a wonderful new years and hope that 2012 is full of laughter and experiences with lasting memories. may God fill your hearts with love and compassion.

E

Ps. I'll post pictures as soon as I get an adapter for my computer. I'm currently on carols iPad. Let me just say the trees are green, wage ocean is crystal blue and there hasn't been a cloud in the sky.

Goodbyes & Hellos

Well. I am spending my last night in the US tonight. weird feeling. never thought I would be moving half way across the world. I am so excited but every time I think how far I really will be I get a pinch of nervousness. The past few days I have been in San Diego seeing long lost family & building stronger relationships. I have loved the warm sunshine on my skin and the smell of the ocean. Can't wait to live so close to the ocean for the first time in my life!
I want to thank my whole family for supporting me because I know this would be that much harder if they were not behind me 100%. This has not been easy as I have strengthened so many relationships the past 5 months but I know that they will only get stronger with the distance. Mom, I love you and can't wait to see you when you come to Australia. Keep your head up I don't want you to shed a single tear!!
Well I guess the next time I will post will be me in Australia!!
See you all down under in 2012
Happy New Years
<3
E

Smile

in 2 weeks I am going to go on the biggest adventure I will have ever taken. I could have not done this without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is guiding me in this book of life and he is leading me to another continent. 

"Show me your ways o Lord, Guide me in your Truth & teach me." Psalm 25:4-5

L-town

Hey hey.
So after the crazy but fun Thanksgiving with my family I am making my last trip to Lincoln to see my bestest friends of all Lauren, Megan & Katie. Even tho we live so far away I dont know what I would do without them. They are amazing & are a huge part of who I am now. Plans for the weekend.... Laugh, Cook && Drink some wine : )
I leave in 24 days. I CANT BELIEVE IT! Australia better get ready for me. My family is getting excited too as my "mum" is getting a grocery list together of things I eat! They are so amazing and cant wait to start a relationship with them!!
Welp gotta get on the road!
<3
Em