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MRounsley

Band Blog

Harbour With a “U”

I made it. This evening finds me nestled into a couch, the smell of my uncle making spaghetti wafting through an apartment overlooking the Sydney Harbour. A half a mile away from me across shimmering waters is the famous Harbour Bridge. It’s heavy metal structure soars above toy size boats while the Opera House peeks out from underneath of it. The whole city is lit up and I am one of the lucky few who are watching it twinkle with excitement and vibrancy unmatched by any other place.

From the moment I stepped off of the plane here I have been completely and utterly excited. Almost everything I say is finished off with an exclamation point. Mundane facts like, “Toilets are that way” or, “Oversized baggage is located near carousel thirteen” are met with a “Perfect!”, “Excellent!”, or “Wonderful!” on my part. I don’t normally say stuff like that, but this city is having me make exceptions for it, namely in the way of food. Malaysian food? Sure. Kalamari? Of course. Vegemite? On the to do list. I experienced driving on the other side of the road (they do that here) and familiarized myself with Australian phrases. I often find myself muttering some awkward sentence under my breath in an effort to sound more native. While checking the price on towels today I ended up mumbling something along the lines of “sevuhhnteen dullahs”. Luckily, most people seem to like me better as an American. I’m exotic here…sort of.

I have been led by my fearless Aunt Jo and like wise adventure minded Uncle Kevin through the city for the past few days. The first was a blur of shops, trips on the water taxi, bridges, harbours, tunnels, and skyward glances. Houses here hug the coastline, stacked on top of rocky cliffs cut out by small roads. Most of the trees are tropical looking and there are sunrooms and balconies dedicated to Australia’s more famous summer season. Across the harbour there are stunning skyscrapers rising to meet an overcast sky. This city surprises you at every corner, massive enough to be considered metropolitan and yet cozy enough in a great deal of places to be as inviting as your best friend.

Winding roads and motorways lead me to Hillsong College today. I held my breath as I walked in the doors, greeted by a sweet and hospitable student and led to a foyer filled with even more people like myself. Hands were shaken, names exchanged, housemates met, and rental payments made. I seem to fail miserably at the “guess where I’m from!” game. To my credit, I had never met an Indonesian until today. I must also point out that he had never met a Marylander. So there!

Waves of gratitude are sweeping over me second by second. Why I am blessed enough to find myself in this incredible place I have yet to find out. Ah, friends. I wish you were right here with me to witness the miracle of finding yourself in the most incredible place you’re ever been. Until that time comes, G’Day!

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Comments

  • awesome aunt says:
    July 21, 2010 at 8:45 PM

    You do, indeed, paint with words. Your pictures are beautiful. I am glad that you are having a great time. I sing glory, hallelujah at the way the Lord is working in your life! I look forward to reading more of how He is working in your life AND how He is using you in the lives of others.
    Be well. Know that you are loved!

  • rachael the awesome says:
    July 13, 2010 at 5:37 PM

    o mere! im so excited to hear that your having fun!!!! i love how enthusiastic Australia is! You write like a poet and i miss you like a fat kids loves cake but i know God is only opening up more amazing doors that you must step through!

  • Kat says:
    July 13, 2010 at 2:39 PM

    Salisbury is, after all, near the ocean. Doesn’t that automatically make you exotic? Sort of?

    Love you, Mere! And as always…I’m totally pumped for you! Praying everyday.

    Much love!!

  • Kerry Todd says:
    July 13, 2010 at 1:01 PM

    Wow! You should really work for a magazine or something. Your words make me think I am there with you. And from your description, I so wish I was. Anyway, the end of your blog almost made me cry. I understand that question “Why am I blessed enough to be in this place”. I have asked myself that question over an over again when I have gone on missions trips. Just know that a lot of people are praying for you Meredith and I cannot wait to see what God has in store and how he is going to use you and what you have learned there. Have fun and keep updating your blog. Love ya.