SBS Wk 1/3 - 2nd Quarter

I got back from my break with my new hair to a very humbling reception. All of my classmates were so excited to see me and shocked by the absence of my dreadlocks. I felt very loved. These guys really are incredible people.
But what really blew me away was the faithfulness of God. Just in that first week back two of my friends school fees were paid off by anonymous donations. People were healed of illnesses, people were given direction and calling, computers were given away and the glory of God was touchable. It was a great week.
The money that came in was from within the school of poor missionaries. Crazy. The giving here is challenging. They look at all that they have as God's and they ask God what to do with it all. So sad that it seems so huge because it is just money but finances are something we all spend so much time worrying about. And here are examples of people who don't let it worry them. Awesome. I just want to be that way ... completely at peace, never being concerned with money.

SBS - Pennsilvania and New York City

I left my friends in Seattle and flew to my home away from home with my beautiful friend Emmy. Her family have always accepted me in as one of the family so it was particularly special to meet her new husband, and her two incredible new daughters and see her growing belly with her son kicking up a storm.
I had the most incredible 3 weeks. It took to days to unwind from the "study" mentality but once I was out I was completely out. I slept in everyday and just relaxed. I couldn't have asked for a better gift for Christmas. I still got alot of presents, with my American family buying me up a storm and Mum and Bindi at home, well I was completely blessed. What a great Christmas.
Then I went to NYC for NYE and hung out with my NY crew. It was such a great couple of days. I got to pray in the new year with my incredible kids, see some of the kids from the ministry that I haden't seen for a few years and even get to the MET.
This was one of the best holidays! So nice to just relax and be normal like the rest of the world.

SBS - Seattle and the Dead Sea Scrolls

Once we finally made it to Seattle we got ourselves to the Dead Sea Scrolls and it was worth every second fearing death the day before.
What was most impacting for me were the coins. I have been studying the bible but also the history around it's time. To see the items from that time was incredible.

Jesus really walked the earth, used they money that I saw and was REAL!! That was such a cool moment for me.
As always we had alot of fun together, Nico and Garrett messing around. It is funny how living in such close proximity creates friendship that may not have had a chance otherwise.
They gave Nico (Holland) and I (Australia) our first taste of American basketball. I loved the game but the cheerleaders were my favourite. They should have competition just for them! (ok I think they do but I just had to restate it)

SBS - THE ROAD TRIP

I had the incredible opportunity to take a road trip across 3 states and 3 mountains to see the Dead Sea Scrolls in Seattle.
Everything started out great and the laughs just progress until we hit the mountain pass and what was a little snow turned into the worse storm Washington had had in 50 years. We were slidding all over the road, driving by cars that had skidded off the road into ditches. Crazy.
In true Katie (any kind of ) trip style, we were fine, had a fun night at a hotel and paid double for hand pumped petrol as there was no electricity to run the pumps.
It was an awesome 2 days with hilarious people. I do love me a good road trip.

SBS - Christmas Party

After 13 weeks and 18 books (read 5 times, charted, summaries, researched and great revelation) which is approximately 780 hours of JUST STUDY. A full time job is would only be 494 hours. And this is the easy quarter! I celebrate the last week by getting a stomach bug with half my class ... fun toilet times.
These are my beloved friends, Mark and Ashley and Bryan. When I need a laugh or a hug they are the good for it!
My roommate, Lisa and I won the door decorating competition. We put the faces of people from the class on funny pics. It was funny to listen as people would walk past, stop and laugh loudly (even when it was late and they were suppose to be quiet). So it is true we are the funniest room!! Go us!
My dear friend Jonothan. You all know I need no help to be weird but he definitely brings it out more. These people are hilarious!