{Hopping into Puddles}

I went through a Sigur Ros phase a few years ago, and now, once again, this Icelandic group is capturing my heart once more. If joy had a sound, this would be it. The top three things I love about this video besides the music...

1) The plethora of knit sweaters.
2) The little nugget shown at 1:30.
3) The unreal (yet actually real) surroundings.

If I had to choose any outdoor concert to be present at, this one would be on the top of the list. Warm hot chocolate and a cozy blanket would make this girl one happy camper!

{The Sound of Your Fleeting Heart}

In honor of The Paper Kites announcing this week that they are going to release another EP in September (eek!), I thought posting one of my favorite songs from them would only be appropriate. Cheers to the imagination, friends, and pillow fights with magical colorful feathers. They are also Australian, and of course I found out about them from one of my favorite blogs, Today's Letters, after I had been to Australia. Oh well, it just proves I can't get enough of the Aussies.

What have you been listening to lately?  

{An American in Australia}

It is hard to believe that at this time last year I was in Melbourne, Australia. I am so grateful to have spent 6 weeks on the other side of the world reaching college students for Christ. Now, a year later, it has been so therapeutic to remember all that God did there in my heart. To remember everything that I saw, and to remember the wonderful people that I crossed paths with. I was challenged there, I laughed so hard I wanted to cry there, I developed genuine relationships there, and I grew closer to the Lord there.  

Around me when I look, His handiwork I see; 

This world is like a picture book to teach His love to me.

Jane E. Lesson

Our adventure began with the sunrise in Fiji. 

Flying over the mountains of Fiji. 

Exploring Auckland, New Zealand. 

July means Fall/Winter in the Southern Hemisphere. 

These nuggets taught us what childlike faith is, and also provided the entertainment.

Blessed to meet this fun-loving Kiwi, I miss you Jess! 

Sunset in New Zealand. 

Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive-it's such an interesting world.

Lucy Mead Montgomery 

We celebrated the 4th of July in New Zealand! Sparklers & fireworks included. 

Our team at the V20 Conference in New Zealand with the Hershey's & Katherine Ross. 

Melbourne: Home of the world's strongest coffee! 

This view greeted us every morning. 

And of course, Tim Tam Slams were one of our favorite past times. 

Flinders' Street Station. 

There are no architecture rules in Melbourne. 

A blend of the old & the new. 

The winning team of the Melbourne Amazing Race scavenger hunt! 

Our winning prize. Bananas are a hot commodity in Melbourne. 

Our visits to the Queen Victoria Market were frequent. 

Yes, that is a cow in a tree. I told you, no rules. 

Casey and I on our Melbourne Uni adventure. 

This is a dorm building, or should I say castle. Harry Potter?? Yes. 

The streets of Melbourne Uni. The trees make my heart box happy. 

It wouldn't be a visit to Australia without seeing wildlife. 

Rowan thought it was a good idea to eat the seeds/dirt. 

Casey, Erin, and I enjoying the sunset. 

Hello Melbourne. 

Beach houses on Brighton Beach. 

My team :)

I loved forming close relationships with these women. 

Mr. Koala. 

Kangaroo littles. 

Girl's date to Brunetti's bakery and coffee shop. 

Doughnuts on the tram, don't mind if we do! 

They know how to do dessert in Oz.

Savor little glimpses of God's goodness and His majesty, thankful for the gift of them: winding pathways through the woods, a bright green canopy overhead, and dappled sunshine falling all around. 

Our journey on the Great Ocean Road. 

The Twelve Apostles rock formation on the coast. 

I'm convinced mermaids live here.

Thankful for the friendships I have with these women. 

A JMU ladies cupcake date in the city at Melbourne Central Station.

Jesus is making Himself known in Melbourne, the shadow of the Cross at Melbourne Central.

Erin & I at St. Kilda. Grateful for this one. 

Arthur, came to Christ during our trip. 

The cafe we walked to every Friday. We ate many breakfasts there and didn't mind that there was free wifi. 

The Uni where we did our ministry, love those students. 

Blessed beyond belief to snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef. I loved feeling like a Sea World employee for a day. 

50 cent ice cream cones from McDonald's a.k.a Macca's, standard. 

Last stop, Sydney.
Until next time Australia.

May your life become one of glad and unending praise to the Lord as you journey through this world, and in the world that is to come!
Theresa of Avila

Where is the place where you have experienced the most adventure?