this is my first post on my new blog

i've been threatening to create this for a couple months now, and i've finally done it. i hope you guys enjoy some of the things i can share with you through this. my life in Perth is very different to what i've been used to the last couple years as a college student. i wish i can say i've made the adjustment successfully, but sadly, i've still got a a lot to learn. working with Westchurch has been incredible, i've got a wonderful support system here and an awesome church family. the youth are eager to grow in their faith and we're always looking for new ways to do that. currently we are looking at joining with another church in the area, the Perth church of christ, and we had a combined service with that church yesterday. it was really encouraging to see the numbers increase at the service and more and more of the members are getting excited about the change ahead. since i've been here, they've recruited me to sing on the praise team in the mornings, to help with the songs, since some members aren't as familiar with them. that's been very new to me, i don't claim to have a good voice, but i am eager to help where help is needed and i don't mind making a fool of myself for God. so, singing on the team yesterday was a little stressful, but i think it was recieved well. after church me and couple of the young people went and ate lunch in a part of town called Northbridge and then we went and watched a game of cricket. some of our guys were playing at an oval near by. i don't understand cricket and was easily distracted by the idea of a swimming pool, which we eventually left the field to go and find. it's summer here in perth at the moment, so it can get really warm! our friend sue simmons from church has a pool and graciously invited us over for a swim. it was nice; me and my two friends amy and ilona jumped straight in without any hesitation. and last night, several of the youth got together to celebrate our friend Kim's birthday. we ate at a restaurant called Fasta Pasta and shared a great time of fellowship. some of the photos are from the past weeks: me and Amy at Josh and Hayley's celebration of marriage, me and the crew enjoying Australia Day festivities, and the girls group that me and Cath James have started up for Thursday nights.