work hard, play harder

Thursday was my first day of WORK! Shortly after arriving, I was led through a maze of desks and offices to meet my new co-workers. The office had a lively, cheerful, international flavor about it. One guy was from South Africa, another from Canada, another from China, and so on. Finally, my tour guide ushered me into the break room and proudly introduced me to a grand coffee machine that makes 12 different kinds of coffee. It appears to be a workplace bonding tool.
Besides touring the office and filling out tax forms(etc.), I learned a lot more about my project and what I will be doing during my time here. In preparation for the launch of a new product, my job is to plan and execute a market research project to determine the pricing and position of the new product. I will be working closely with the product manager and the some of the marketing experts in the office. The freedom and flexibility to tailor and design it the project is a little daunting. I've never done marketing research and the last thing I want to do is let down a company that flew me to the other side of the world to work here. However, with great challenges comes great opportunity. Also, my host family have been very welcoming and kind to me.

Saturday, I went to a church called "c3". Ironically, the preacher was a visiting American. He was a funny old man. The church was warm and welcoming- several people introduced themselves to me and one person even gave me her contact info in case I need anything.

After church, I went to a get-together that my host family's extended family was hosting a few blocks away. We had a delicious dinner and I got my first taste of Australian wine.The company wasn't too bad either..

We laughed and joked around the kitchen table about everything from Morgan Freemen to Tasmania. Before I left, the mom of the family gave me a few classic Aussie books to read. I can't wait to dive into them.

Sunday, I was planning on doing a race that my new friend Elliot told me about. Kind of last minute, I bailed and decided to do a long, easy ride instead. I dont know, I just had a gut feeling that it wasn't going to be a good race and I'm glad I didn't cause I was a little stiff that day. I ended up doing a 4.5 hour ride through a national forest nearby. The views were so beautiful that I felt as if I was obliged to stop every 2 minutes to snap another picture.

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
~Psalm 38:35

Job 38:2-7
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?