Patience Carries a lot of "Wait"

4 young women. 3 young men. 4 bedrooms. 7 perspectives. 1 house.

I am going into my sixth week here in OZ and every day brings about a new adventure, more laughs, more 'I miss yous,' more planning, more nights out.... and more time together with the housemates. If there is one thing I have learned from my time here and living in a house with 6 other mates, just as excited as I am to take this experience for all that it's worth, is that *patience is a virtue*

Bring seven, diverse 20-year-old strangers together, (well okay, I did know Steve and Steph beforehand), put them in a beautiful terrace house in Sydney, add sun, fun, and Aussie accents...take away supervision, and you have yourself a second season of MTV's 'Real World: Sydney."

I have been fortunate enough to have gotten the best roommate my first year at Denison. Eileen and I have lived together since our first year on the hill when we shared the smallest room in Shorney Hall, throwing any notion of 'personal space' out of the window. We just "clicked" and it works; and I've never appreciated her so much until I realized how complicated it could be to live with so many people. (Love you Eileenyyyyyy!)

The house is a completely different experience for me. With 2 floors, 3 bathrooms, a living room and full kitchen- there is never a dull moment in the house. Whether its the chefs of the house reenacting another episode of "My Kitchen Rules" and cooking up a 3-course meal downstairs, or the crew jammin' to the "Power Hour" playlist before heading out, the in-and-out of visitors, the youtube clips followed by minutes of constant laughter, and recently, the sounds of broken glass coming from the shattered bottles our neighbor seems to like to throw on our patio- you know you have entered "the spot." And in the midst of this high-energy, adrenaline-driven household, I have learned to practice patience. Whoever said patience is not active is mistaken; on the contrary, it IS active; it is concentrated strength :)

We all have our moments (Yes, even YOU), and most of the time we don't know where they come from. I will be the first to admit that I tend to be moody from time-to-time (Okay mami, after all these years, I can see what you're talking about!) I have learned this about myself and realize how this may affect the people around me. During these moments, when I feel a swing, I am learning the importance of examining my feelings. Not only has this helped me be a "better" person to live with, but taking a pulse check and being patient has taught me how to live with others and accept their "moments." It was an epiphany!


But, it is easier said than done. Being patient is not being indifferent or cowardly! To me, it is when you are able to simply witness your feelings and those around you instead of reacting to them instinctively. This way you allow yourself to understand and empathize, giving you (and me) the capacity to be our happiest with what we have been faced with.

"Patience in the present, faith in the future, and joy in the doing" --Source Unknown

On another note in the life of Shavely, emotions were high this past week!


This past Thursday the interns were fortunate enough to be a part of a special night where we volunteered our time to help set-up, work and clean-up at the "OperArtUnity" Event. "OperArtUnity" was an exclusive fundraising event to support Opportunity International Australia's micro-financing programs to help end the poverty cycle.

Hosted at 'ArtEst Art School' (Stephanie's internship site), the night combined the powerful voices of opera singers, a silent auction, a unique art exhibition and fine wines and delicious gourmet food! The saris decorated the walls of the studio and the dimmed lights and candelabras set the mood for the evening event. I was busy serving food (and eating in the kitchen), while some of the interns poured bottle after bottle of red and white wines. The event was a great success, raising over $15,000 dollars and transforming 250 lives.


On Saturday morning, Steve, Steph and I woke up bright and early for the infamous "Spit Bridge to Manly Beach" walk. This walk, or rather hike, is a 10km (about 6 miles) bushwalk track leading you through the most amazing views of the Middle Harbour. What a surprise! The walk took about 4 hours and it was well worth it! This was definitely a "Life is Good" moment. As they say about Manly Beach, "7 miles from Sydney, thousand miles from care" . You have no worries as you gaze out into the picturesque views that Sydney has to offer. On our way home (no we did not walk back!), we rode Sydney's famous Manly Ferry back to the city. Perfect way to close the perfect day.

Australia has taught me to Breathe In and Be Patient; that's the best we can do.

I will leave you with this quote I jotted down today while visiting the Sydney Jewish Museum: "How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world" -- Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl




Love.Peace. &(Patience)
Shavely