A Week of Firsts

I am just finishing up my first week in Gosford. Everyone has been so friendly and kind, that I already feel like I am a part of the church. The goal of this week was to get over jet-lag and settle in, and I'm still working on both! I am staying with a family called the Grittens from the church. I will be staying with families and house sitting for about the first 3 months I am here, so I will be moving around quite a bit. This is has been a week of firsts for me.

1. First Australian Soccer Game: Dan and Mel Mowday took me to see the Central Coast Mariners last Saturday and they tied the Sydney team 0-0. It was still such a fun afternoon. I have been informed that that I will be going to lots of the games!

Dan Mowday, Me, and his wife Mel at the Central Coast Mariners game.

2. First time driving on the left side of the road! Even though I've been driving since I was 16, I have to really concentrate on it here. I have barely even listened to the radio while driving! gasp. Throw in round-abouts instead of traffic lights and you can imagine how different it feels. But, I am getting better everyday!

3. First Australian Car: I am so blessed to be able to buy a car from Dan and Mel Mowday to use while I am here. Her name is FeFe and she is fabulous Honda Civic. I epsecially love that she has 4 doors!
4. First trip to Big W: The Australian version of Wal-mart is Big W, and it is great! I have also already been to Target, so I feel right at home.

5. First Bible Study: Gosford Church has just started care groups or small groups. I have been invited to join two ladies groups. One meets on Fridays where we are studying 1 John and the other meets on Wednesday and we are doing a Beth Moore Study.

6. First Diet Coke: I had been here about 3 days before I had to go to the grocery store and get some diet coke. It doesn't taste exactly the same, but it does the job!

7. First Picnic: Last Sunday after worship, the Grittens (my current host family) invited me to have lunch with their family, which includes 3 awesome grandkids. We sat in a park looking over the bay, watching ducks, and having a great lunch of buns and bananas.

I am sure I will keep having firsts the longer I am here and I will keep you posted! I am so thankful to be here working with the Gosford Church of Christ. They are so warm and welcoming! I had so many cuddles (hugs), squeezes, kisses, and kind words spoken to me at church that I felt right at home.