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Posted by Johan under
impressions Sydney center, neverending crowds of WYD SYD 08 people, Sushi, the Pope and China Town - a few of the things that we experienced today! Finally we had a nice day without any “must dos” and time to look around in the city. It was total carnival atmosphere in the city, as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims were there. Even the pope himself had decided to show up.
We felt like trying something new for dinner - and ended up at a Japanese restaurant. Always wanted to try Sushi, and this was the day. It was nice. Haven’t ever eaten it before. It was interesting and a nice experience at least half way through. But I also think I’ve had enough Sushi for the coming 3 years 
Beneathe you’ll find som pictures from the day, and in the gallery section much more images from Sydney.
Posted by Johan under
experiences 
Finally som photos up. The conference was nice. More than you could expect 
Take part of the intense atmosphere at the galleries page
Posted by Johan under
impressions Sydney Airport: Not that huge.
Well, we only saw Terminal 1, but it wasn’t that big really.
Attitude: Polite, helpful & relaxed
Even when people bump into you just a little bit, they apologize.
Weather: freezing COLD!
I don’t feel stupid for taking my winter jacket with me. In contrary. It’s like Finish fall, like october. +4 in the morning, somewhat warmer in the afternoon.
Sydney: Huge, interesting, international.
I’m looking very much forward to exploring this city. Seems like the place where all nations are represented.
Hospitality: Great!
Our friend Adam (who we met a year ago at an outreach in Helsinki) picked us up at the Airport and has accomodated us (until we find a house of our own) where he and two other guys live. We’re greatful for that!
Favourite expression: Good, good!
Hillsong Conference: Indeed great!
We happened to arrive in Sydney 10th of July, so we could join the Hillsong Conference for two days.
Leeland: Awesome!
Wow - this christian band is incredably good. Go check them out!
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Posted by Johan under
thoughts I enjoy travelling bye train a lot. It’s one of those times when you actually can’t run around or be engaged in a lot of things or hassle with this and that. When you just sit in your seat, and have time to let your thoughts wander. And suddainly you find your self connected to your inner self. Where a thought doesn’t come in as disturbing, or stressing, because the next two or five or ten ours you still can’t do anything much about what ever comes to you mind except for… continue your travel. That is what slow time is about. When life isn’t about minutes, not even hours. But more about just existing.
A friend of mine who works with leadership issues on top level at Ericsson said that he finds it very easy to see if a person also spends Slow Time regularely, or not. People spending Slow Time has another depth of view on things, and usually has been able to deal with personal issues in a completely different way compared to others.
The western society doesn’t seem to know much about Slow Time, or ‘just existing’. Even less so the culture in big cities. Still i find it clear that Slow Time is a necessity, for everyone’s well being and to connect deeper with God. Running around and getting a lot of things done, is nice and… get’s a lot of things done. But to grow inwards, and to have a sharp mind requires Slow Time.
In that sense the last 26 hours on the airplane have been indeed great. Just a moment ago I read from the book of Ecclesiastes chapter nine and ten listening to Chris Botti’s album ‘Italia’, and having the most content feeling in a long time.
Now it’s about three and a halv hours left of the flight. I’m really excited to arrive in Sydney, and looking forward to spend hopefully a whole lot of Slow Time through the coming years here.
Posted by Johan under
daily Many thoughts has gone through my head the last days. Leaving family and friends and Finland to live at least a year possibly three on the other side of the globe does indeed give perspective - already before it actually happens. Cruising the last time through the finish archipelago, the last drive through Helsinki, making the last phone calls to friends (on Finish ground), and eating the last lunch with family makes you valuate things that have been part of you everyday life before. And I must say, every bit of my life I’ve felt of GREAT value. Leaving life in Finland is like leaving the best life I could imagine, but still doing so, knowing that God wants to give more, show more and do more.
Posted by Johan under
daily Wow - can’t believe it. Me and my wife we’re flying to Sydney on Tuesday. Now it’s time to go through the packing for a final check. Most things have went well with all preparations the last months, and it’s crazy that the day D is just around the corner.
What is this about?
Yes - we’ll be moving to Sydney, Australia, for one to three years. At least one. We’ll be studying at Hillsong International Leadership College . We’re very excited about it - everything about it. To move to Australia, to get in contact with Hillsong Church, to meet a lot of new people - and not least, to get trained through the college and hopefully also grow closer to God on this journey.
So - this blog will picture this journey of ours, and welcome you to take part of our experiences and thoughts.
