I’m on my two week holiday now. It hasn’t really seemed like a holiday (so far!) since I’ve been running around like a chicken (with its head cut off- well, maybe not that aimlessly.) Most of this holiday I’ve been dancing- I’m choreographing a solo routine for myself to the song “Everything to Me” by Avalon for the Bruce Murray Singer’s (my choir) big annual choir concert this Saturday. Individuals in the choir are doing their own little acts, and I felt led to take on this endeavor. It’s taken a bit to learn how to become a choreographer- finding the right song and choosing appropriate movement- but I finally have it! It’s a blessing to be moved to share such an expression of love to Him.
Also I’ve been working hard with four other girls and five guys on a hip-hop/funk routine to open up Christian Life Centre’s annual Women’s Conference in just one week. So far, 2,400 women are attending! Yeee haw!! The routine is awesome and quite a fun challenge for me. I like making connections with more people in the church. One night we girls got together and watched Cold Mountain over some treats. It’s always interesting for me to see how Kiwi’s perceive American history- or even what they know about it (can be surprising depending on how little or lot!)… and it always makes me even more interested in my own American culture.

I’ve been continually enjoying my studies. They sure can be tough, but I don’t mind working hard at it. I had to write one of my hardest papers ever in politics about why Immanuel Kant thinks that if ‘people acted on principles they thought others should act on, they would be free.’ Whew! Took me hours of research… but I loved it! Last weekend my philosophy class took a field trip to a historic military site on the North Shore of Auckland where there is some conspiracy about the relevance of recent military activity- we’ll probably be discussing arguments around it for the remainder of the semester. Maths (about 95% of you wouldn’t understand if I tried to explain it to you) is challenging but smooth. I am making good friends with both students & lecturers in these classes.

Work has been amazing. I’ve been loving it AND have been getting really complimentary feedback every night- one couple said I was a ‘natural.’ Praise God. It’s just my prayer (I do pray before every presentation) that the public gets a valuable, enjoyable show. I delight in striving to be of service in this role. To better serve, I continually push myself for knowledge and comfortability- I study up on topics I’m shaky on- looking back over class notes and internet sites.
I met with my boss one morning to ask what her job (public show manager) consisted of and how she enjoys it- and I tell you, working for a planetarium sounds like my cup of tea. Time to start researching job opportunities in this realm! Seeing as how I’m graduating in June 2005, I’m getting excited about what’s coming next- since freshmen year, God’s assured me its something good, though He won’t tell me what (*L* isn’t that the usual). I’m thankful that, after talking with my parents, I have their (emotional) support no matter which direction I go. They said they are ‘not worried.’ Another ‘Praise God.’ It’s a comfort to be able to explore opportunities without worldly pressure on any end- well, except for survival, I suppose. ;o)

Lastly, as far as church goes, I’ve been attending CLCA with a couple of friends from the Rotorua roadtrip in the mornings, and Greenlane Christian Centre at night with my friend from choir, Alison, and her husband Toni at night (I usually go to their house for some dinner beforehand). Last Sunday night, The Lads sang at GCC- they’re the band that sings “My best friend’s the creator of the universe…” played on AirOne Radio all the time back in the States! I had no idea they were Kiwi! I was blown away by how good they were- VERY well rehearsed. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed attending a small group with GCC- it reminds me a lot of Veritas (my Bible Study group in Santa Cruz) as far as the great fellowship goes. Hallelujah!