The end of the beginning

The end of an adventure is always an odd thing. It has a way of creeping up on you, quietly at first, then all at once, the same whirlwind that swept you into this new world now returns, ready to whisk you back out just as quickly. As suddenly as you arrived in the land of Oz, you're reminded that all journeys must come to a close—whether you feel ready or not.

The last two months have flown by. Lectures have been challenging, but as I always tell my students, "Struggle is where learning happens"—and I’ve certainly found that to be true this term. I only have three classes—Old Testament, Doctrine, and Biblical Interpretation & Application—but each one is rich and deep in content. We've explored the authenticity of the Bible, especially how to understand and interpret the Old Testament. In Doctrine, we’ve covered foundational topics like the Trinity, creation, salvation, and justification, which we’ll dive into more deeply over the next two years. In Biblical Interpretation & Application, we’ve studied applied biblical ethics, discussing issues like environmentalism, rest, money, and IVF.

My brain has been working overtime, but I’ve genuinely enjoyed the discussions and the challenge of wrestling with many of my preconceived ideas. Through it all, I’ve been encouraged to turn more confidently to the Scriptures for guidance, understanding, and application.

After my last post, I went on holiday with the girls to the Blue Mountains. Looking back now, it feels like a lifetime ago that we were waking up in Hannah’s cozy family cottage, watching kangaroos grazing in the garden and listening to kookaburras laughing in the trees against the backdrop of the lush Blue Mountains. We had a wonderful time together—hiking through the mountains, swimming in waterfalls, and relaxing with good books. Truly memories to save for a lifetime!

I’ve said it before, but one of the greatest blessings this year has been the friendships with these incredible girls. Though I’ve only known them for ten months, it feels like they’ve been in my life forever. Their friendship has been such a gift, and leaving next week is going to be one of the hardest things because of them. Each of them, in their own way, has been a gift to me this year. Their honest conversations, shared convictions, wisdom, genuine love, and joy in simply being together have filled my heart and woven bonds of true, godly friendship between us. I am forever thankful to God for blessing me so richly in friendship with these lovely souls.

(Photo: Y2K Music Night at Chappo House - First Year Girls)

(Photo: Y2K night. Glitter, butterfly clips, bandanas, cargo pants and glow sticks! What a time! haha!)

As I write this, the countdown has started for the end of my year down under. Next Thursday, I’ll sit for my last exam in Doctrine, and the following day we’ll have our Final Friday celebration at college—a last chance to spend time with friends before I board a plane on Sunday. It feels surreal. I’m genuinely sad to leave, though I’m planning to return in February for my second year. Still, that all depends on funding and a visa, so there’s a bit of nervousness about what’s next. It’s another opportunity to trust God to provide for the path He’s laying out.

(Photo: All the first year ladies!)

(Photo: Newtown Primary Scripture Teachers)

Oddly enough, I think feeling this sadness is a good thing, especially since I’m hoping to return soon. Australia is beginning to feel like home. These days, home is wherever my bags are, but it’s also wherever I have people I love. So when I say “I miss home” or “I’m heading home,” it could mean a few places. Bermuda is home, Bristol is home, and now, in its own way, Sydney is becoming home too. And what a blessing that is, to find home and family in the body of Christ all over the planet!

So, what is next and what to pray for?

• Praise God for a wonderful year of studying His Word, for the spiritual growth, the strengthening of my faith, and the deepening of my love for Him.

• Praise God for stretching ministry opportunities like Primary School Scripture teaching. (Pray for the kiddos over the summer break, that those who aren't Christians would find a church/youth group and return to scripture club in February)

• Praise God for the friendships, the meaningful experiences, and the adventures that have shaped me and brought joy throughout this journey.

• Praise God for the provision of physical and financial needs this year

  • Praise God for visits from friends "from home" (shout out to Camille, Aunt Michelle & Uncle Anthony, Cat & Paolo, Phoebe, Lyndsey, Annabelle, and Tim!)

    

    (Photo: First Years of Chappo House)

    
    

• Pray for focus and clarity as I study for my final exam in Doctrine and for my Greek studies, as I work to cover a full year’s worth of material in preparation for the second-year entrance exam on February 3rd.

• Pray for my final Sunday at Vine this year, that it would be a meaningful time of worship and connection with friends.

• Pray for peace and grace in saying goodbye to some friends who will leave college and temporary farewells to others who I hope to see again in February.

• Pray for the necessary funding to continue my studies, that God would raise up supportive and generous gospel partners to join in this journey.

• Pray for smooth processing and approval of my visa to return next year.

• Pray for safe and smooth travels and a joyful and meaningful time with family and friends over the next 2 months:

  • November 24th to the US to visit my sister and brother-in-law.

  • December 2nd to Bermuda to spend Christmas with Mum, Dad, Nich, and Jonah.

  • January, that I would reconnect with dear friends at Broadmead and around the UK, before returning to Sydney.

Thank you for your continued prayers over this year. I miss you and look forward to catching up with as many of you as I can over the next 2 months! I pray you can share in my excitement for what lies ahead as this journey continues. After all, this is just the end of a new beginning, and what God has in store is sure to be not just good, but GREAT!

For His Glory and In Christ Alone,

Britt