Melbourne Diocese Winter Convention!

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Now while many of my US friends spent the fourth of July having an outdoor barbecue, watching the fireworks, and reflecting on what an amazing nation they live in, I spent the weekend with 80 university and graduate students at Anglesea Recreation Camp. Though not a patriotic trip of sorts, I had a wonderful time at my first Coptic University Convention in Australia!

For those not familiar with the convention scene, Coptic conventions aim to bring together Coptic youth of the same age group and spend days in spiritual enrichment activities. These can be lectures from priests/bishops/leaders, divine liturgies, and lots of free time activities (sports/games/etc.). It's kind of like a mini-summer camp, but it comes during the winter and summer months. It's also a great way to network with other Coptic people, especially if you live in areas where the Coptic population is not as large.

Melbourne, as you have seen from my previous posts, has a much larger Coptic community than Greenville. I've really enjoyed my time here getting to know many more of the youth and connecting with priests and spiritual leaders in the diocese.

We spent the weekend of the 4th-6th at Anglesea Recreation Camp which was about an hour away from Melbourne city, along the Great Ocean Road. I had such a great time with everyone and I even took some pictures to share with you all (surprise surprise!). It was quite the weekend, as I developed the reputation as "the-American-girl-with-the-really-cool-accent." :)

I'm definitely looking forward to another occasion where I'll be able to see everyone again!

Hope you are all doing well!

Cindy :P

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