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I'm home.
My time in England was amazing and life changing. I graduate in less than a week now, and who knows what is in store for me now. I am hoping to focus more on photography now, but I don't know what direction that will go.
Thank you for reading and following my journey over seas.

Ireland

 Just got back from Ireland last night. I had a great time, and did a lot in a very short amount of time. Easter Sunday I was in Dublin for the day, going on a tour bus around Dublin, it was also their independence day so we got to see the ceremony. Monday I went to see the cliffs of Moher, they were really beautiful. Tuesday I was back in Dublin again before flying back to England. I am so glad I got to do that trip. I have been wanting to go for years.

I come home next week which is a crazy thought. I have started looking for jobs, but no luck yet. I graduate in a few weeks which is exciting. I am not sure what I am doing after graduation. I really want to do some stuff with photography, but I'm not sure what yet.

Ireland Independence Day Ceremony 

The Cliffs of Moher

A nice cup of coffee

Today is April 15th, I leave for home in 3 weeks.
We had an unchained last weekend. It went really well. We did an Easter Mural with some students portraying the Easter story. We also did an easter egg hunt with a twist, egg hunt bingo. The kids loved it.
This was or last regular week. The next 2 weeks is Easter break. We have no The Point and no caffe nero for the next 2 weeks. What will I do with myself?? Emily is going to London on Sunday and I am meeting her there on Monday for the day in London. Then we will be in Ireland over Easter for 3 days.
 I am almost done with my last book required for my internship!! 60 pages left :-) Going to go read after I finish this.
I found some jobs online I am going to apply for, for when I get back to the states. That will be a huge blessing if I can get one.
The Royal wedding is coming up soon. No I will not be going to London for the Wedding but I might watch some on the TV. There is  commemorative stuff out every where.
I had my last house group last night. :-(  I will missing going on Wednesday nights. I do need to find a group when I get back, so if anyone is interested let me know!

It is beautiful out!

I cannot believe it is April 7th today. I leave for home 4 weeks from tomorrow.
The weeks are going by so fast. Right now we are planning another Unchained which is this Sunday. I am working with a few students on murals that depict the Easter Story which will be displayed at Unchained. There might also be a mural set up at Unchained for the students to draw on during the event. I am also putting together funny videos to be played while the band is playing.
The other intern and I have been doing a small group called The Starting Point with some girls that are involved with The Point. We have been teaching on the Book of Esther. We are almost done, just one week left. At the end after they know the story pretty well, know the history, we are going to watch the movie One Night With The King. The movie is not completely accurate but that is why we chose to work through the book in the bible first before showing it to them. We had about 4-5 students coming every week.
The Point is still going strong, we have about 25 students still coming every week. All the students are very different which is awesome. The students at The Point help with the planning and set up of Unchained.
I am working on a book right now called The Shaping of Things to Come. It is a lot like Liquid Church, however, I like this book better. It talks about having a missional church rather than an attractional church.
I got to go to Oxford last weekend, which was tons of fun. The other intern and I took the coach down to Oxford for the day. There were tons of people there since it was a Saturday, but we did get to see some good things. Like The Eagle and Child, a pub. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien used to meet up there and talk about their books, for over a 20+ year period. We ate in the same room they met in :-) We also got to go by Christ Church College. Pieces of the Harry Potter movies were filmed there, like the grand hall (where they ate) and the inner court where they learned to fly on brooms.

Living on the Devil's Doorstep

Living on the Devil’s Doorstep

By Floyd McClung 

Living on the Devil’s Doorstep was an absolutely amazing book. After finishing the book I wished I, as the reader, would have received more of the story. The issues dealt with in this book get even more challenging as the book goes on. This goes along with the McClung story, to which Floyd admits that if what happens first, second, third, etc., in their story they as a family would never have been able survive the places God called them too. 

This book is the story of the McClung family story. Floyd and his wife start their ministry in Kabul, Afghanistan, then move to the Red Light District of Amsterdam. God really challenged this couple, from people they met, where they lived, and having children while living in the Red Light District. 

The first thing that really touched me in this book was looking at just how much God will provide for the furthering of His Kingdom. The McClung family really learned to trust God financially through their time in Kabul and in Amsterdam. At one point they wanted to pay for a building that cost about 475,000 guilders. The McClung family/ministry had no money, they didn’t even know where the next meal was going to come from. But God wanted that building. Floyd some how met the owner of the local bank who was supportive of the local Christian community work and gave Floyd 400,000 guilders. How does that happen? God provides, you need to put your faith and fear in Him and not in earthly things. 

Money has been one thing I have been struggling with recently. Being that I am on my internship and running out of money very quickly. I am learning to budget and make decisions on what I really need. Also, not buying thing because of saving money for other expenses. I must say this is a very good lesson I am learning considering I am graduating in May and will have to really start paying bill and such. This book has really taught me to put all of those worries into prayer to God. 

Another thing that has really been placed on my heart is saying to God, “Where do you want me?” Straight forward, and listening, taking the answer and acting on it. To tell you the truth is scares the crap out of me to just say God okay no matter what, no matter where you want to send me, or what you want me to do I’ll do it. This is something I have been taught to do my whole life as a Christian. He wants us to just jump in the water and have faith that He will keep us a float, but I think I am still hanging onto the side of the pool kicking. So I’m in the water, but am I really IN the water? This book has just blown my mind. The McClung family agreed to do the things that God had called them to. This family was called to the oddest places, at one point the family lives on a boat with 100 other people. God used them to make the strangest places, a place of God. Another places was a building adjoining a Satanist temple. I can’t even imagine the scary places, and events this family experienced. But God stood by them and they had the chance to meet amazing people, some joined the ministry and started leading along side the McClung family. 

When I finished this book I felt like God wanted me to pass it on, I have not done it yet, but I will be praying about the right person to pass it one to. I got this book almost a year ago from an old SFG leader, I didn’t read it till jut now and I wish I had read it a year ago. 

The last thing I want to share is one of my favorite parts of this book. John, a man in the ministry with Floyd, was in a bar. “John sensed that the man over in the far corner was the person God wanted him to speak to. He hesitated, as the man seemed withdrawn and unwelcoming…[he decided that] he should simply go over, sit down, and tell the man that God loved him and wanted to forgive him. John reasoned to himself that the music was so loud the man probably wouldn’t be able to hear anyway. ‘If this really is what You want me to do, Lord, then You are going to have to do something about all this noise,’ he whispered. A few moments later the music stopped in mid-song. The disco equipment had broken down!…[John went over to the man and said that God loved and forgave him]. The man seemed genuinely astonished by John’s comments. ‘Do you know who I am?’ the man said. When John said he did not, the man went on to explain that he was the high priest of the Satanist temple…” 

UK Census

I will officially be in the UK Census this year! Woot! haha

Liquid Church

Liquid Church 

by Pete Ward

I didn’t really like this book, but I think that had to do with the author’s style of writing. Although it did seem like the author only focused on two peoples ideas toward this idea of Liquid church. 

The author, Pete Ward, first talked about what solid church was. One idea is that something that is solid cannot change form. If the church is that way, how do we expect to reach those people who are looking for something a bit different? Is church supposed to be one size fits all? Just because that is where “everyone” goes doesn’t mean it is the best place for you. People learn in different ways. One reason for going to church is to learn about Christ and God’s kingdom. Why would everyone go to the same church if they all learn a different way? Are they just going because they want to be seen going? That is another thing the author brought up. That if you are not seen at church speculation will arise. When I first read that I though no thats not true, maybe if you were gone for a few weeks. Then as I am writing this I realized that  when I go to my home church and my parents are not there for one week everyone asks me how are your parents is everything okay. My parents go to church every weekend, and are usually involved in something going on during the service. I suppose people are just so used to them being there they get worried when they are not. 

One major topic the author talked about in the second chapter was identity, where we find our identity. He talks about how where we find out identity has changed over the years, what we get out identity from. “People are reflexive because they continually review their sense of self in relation to the increasing number of choices available in society” (p23). It is no longer class and gender that define who you are. There are now millions of choices available to choose from. You no longer have only the fork in the road, but now its a high way will a million exits to choose from. Zygmunt Bauman, who the author refers to often in this book, notes that although there is a increase of choices there is still little guidance and directions for people. With the onset of liquid church Bauman believes that people will/are looking for a sense of community in these three places: peg, cloakroom or carnival. “Peg communities offer the chance for individuals to gather for a moment around a “nail” on which they can peg their individual fears. Cloakroom communities allow individuals to dress for an event, leave their coats at the door, and enjoy a temporary spectacle. A carnival is similarly a gathering of individuals around an event that offers a brief distraction from the demands and fears of a fluid, unsettled search for identity and meaning” (p24). It is like people are searching for some sort of illusion to get away from what is happening around them.

Why do people go to church? One reason Ward gives is historical. “Far from being a turn-off, for some people the weekly visit to church is attractive precisely because it offers a slice of living history” (p27). The church is valued because of the traditions the church has kept over the years. It is historical because it has stayed true to itself. “For those attending worship, keeping the heritage site going is much like any other historical preservation society” (p27). I’m not so sure it is like this in the states, but here in the England there are 600 year old churches. Granted I’ve never thought about people going to church for the historical side of it. I have never thought going to church was a historical experience. However, there are some friends back home that I believe only went to church because their parents thought that was what you did, their parents weren’t practicing Christians but would go because that is what you do, that is what their parents did. In that way it might be that they go to church because of tradition. 

I thought chapter six, Shaping the Liquid Church, was a great chapter to think about. Especially since just going though the Week of E, meeting tons of students and hearing their thoughts about religion. The author quotes G. K. Chesterton here, “The Problem is that when people stop believing in God, they start to believe in anything” (p51). I think one thing this book pushes is that everyone is searching for something, they want to believe in something, even when they stop believing in God. The author here talks about how people don’t like the “solid church” so they leave and search for something else, and this is where the “liquid church” comes into play. The “liquid church” takes from contemporary ideas about spirituality and reforms the church in a way that reaches the people. 

I think my favorite chapter in this book was chapter ten, the last chapter; And no not because it was the last. In this chapter the author made the most sense to me. He listed off six dreams, each describing what a “liquid church” would look like. Dream one is The Network. In this dream Ward talks about how people are connected in the church, through internet, gatherings, bible studies, book clubs. They are connected though different activities through out the churches, suitable for everyone. Dream two is community. This dream is really connected with communication. Being able to be connected with those in your community to be able to be there for them. One example is the use of cell phones, or mobiles. If something happens you can inform a lot of people in a very short amount of time. Dream three is communities of choice. In this dream there are multiple different communities in the church, as well as multiple different ways to worship. Allowing this choice in community might bring in very diverse people. Dream four, leadership from example. Instead of leaders just being ordained, leaders are people who have been examples in the community. Others have seen these people living out spiritual disciplines, and so they become leaders int he community. Also being spiritually experienced or trained. Dream five is events and imagination. Here you can only be held back by your imagination, go big or go home mentality. Your not just tied down to your church building, but go out into the community and effect the people where they are. Dream six is worship in a liquid church. Worship at a church can be any size shape or color. The author points out that worship doesn’t have to be tied down to the congregational dynamic, but that some churches, only focus on worship together as a congregation on holidays like Easter. 

What the author described in the last chapter I can see happening much more today. There are many different styles of churches in the states now. Some focusing on those who are already in the church community and other that focus on seekers, or unbelievers. Parts of this book also remind me of Organic Church, with the whole idea of being where the people are. However this book doesn’t focus on starting churches physically where the people are but having churches that are mentally, dynamically, and stylistic in a way that reaches them. 

Ending March

Time is flying by. I realized I have not blogged in a while.
The weather has been absolutely wonderful here, it really feels like spring. It has been in the low 60's here. The sun was shining and birds chirping. The Daffodils are all opening up, their yellow is everywhere.
Today the weather wasn't as good, bit cold and windy, but back to warm and sunny tomorrow. It actually hasn't really rained here since I came 2.5 months ago, it would rain for about 5 min. then stop. Some say they are calling it a drought. It looked like rain today, but none came.
A lot has been happening. The students did a fundraiser last weekend for Japan. They raised 500 pounds, which is about $800. They planned the whole thing, and did posters, baked things, had a tambola (raffle for Items), one student even made cranes to sell. [pictures to follow] Emily and I also started a small group with some students on the Book of Esther, we have 5 students coming.
Right now I am doing a mural with some students. The mural will be in 5 pieces (poster boards) Each student is doing one. When put together they will tell the Easter story. When finished these will be shown at the next Unchained, a youth event.
I am about 30 pages from finishing my next book. Living on the Devil's Doorstep. It is amazing and I am reading great things about God's work in Europe. Reflection coming soon.
The Point is going strong. It is a Q&A time to ask about Christianity at my mentors home. We have about 25 students coming regularly. Many of the students are unchurched. We have great conversations about suffering, relationships and service work.
I can hardly believe I come home in 6 weeks. I feel like that is no time at all. Especially after this next week will be the week we have the next Unchained [10th] and the month will basically be half way over.

March 13th

The month is almost half way gone!
This past week was really busy with the Week of E people here. It was great having them here, but it will be nice to get back to a normal schedule. I have lots of reading to get done. My host doesn't have wireless, so I wont be on the computer as much which is a good thing. Hopefully, I will get more reading done.
Time change in America happened today, so there is only a 5 hour difference for the week. Time changes here next weekend. I has been nice and bright here at 6:30 in the morning, but it will be nice for it to be lighter out later. Especially since I live farther away from everything now.
The other intern and I will be starting a 5 week talk on the book of Esther this week which I am excited about, looking at how God used a woman to save a whole people group. We are also leading The Point this week.
I have been working my way though the book of Matthew, and been focusing on Psalm 62 over the past weeks. I just read the part of Matthew 6 that talks about not worrying, something I always need a good reminding of.

moved

So I moved into a new host's home. I have stayed with her before so its great getting to stay with her again. I don't have internet access like i did before though so I will not be blogging as much as I was.
The Lincoln team is here now. I feel like I am on week of E again. It is great to see them all though. It is my half way point now. I have 2 months from today left here in England. Which is exciting and sad. Time is going by really fast now. I don't know where this past week has gone. But  guess I need to make the best out of the time I have left.

March

I cannot believe it is already March. The week of E team gets here on Saturday, but I think they arrive in the country on Friday. I am so excited for them to get here, it will be nice to have some people who are familiar here for a little bit.
I had a cold this weekend, and it is finally starting to go away. My host was sick along with my mentors daughter, I am really glad I didn't get it as bad as they did. I am trying to keep up with taking my vitamin C vitamins (thats redundant). I have also been sleeping a lot this weekend because of it. My foot is also doing a ton better, I am no longer using crutches.
Here are some photos of Derbyshire, where I went last week.

Captivating

Captivating 

By: John & Stasi Eldredge

I loved this book. When I started reading it I immediately started to feel like the authors were talking to me. One of my favorite things about this book is that some of the chapters are written by John. Knowing that a man can understand women in that way means so much. 

One of the things the authors start off with is describe why God created Eve. Although reading this might give any woman a big head, in the chapter What Eve Alone Can Tell, the authors describe the creation of Eve. “She is the crescendo, the final, astonishing work of God. Woman. In one last flourish creation comes to a finish not with Adam, but with Eve. She is the Master’s finishing touch.” But that’s not the end. God Not only created Eve last, but she is the one who brings life. John and Staci go on to talk about how women are a threat to Satan, because women bring life into the world. This might make women feel powerful, but it also means women might be attacked at a higher rate because of this. This chapter also talks about relationships and loneliness.  “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Adam was alone before Eve, then God created relationship’s between man when He created Eve. I thought the following thought was interesting, “Most women define themselves in terms of their relationships, and the quality they deem those relationships to have. I am a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend. Or, I am alone. I’m not seeing anyone right now, or my children aren’t calling, or my friends seem distant. This is not a weakness in women--it is a glory. A glory that reflects the heart of God.” It is interesting to think of how relationship driven women are. I think we/some define themselves by who they are friends with, or in what relationships (not just dating) they are in. I try to understand how this relates to who God is. I think of how God tends to define Himself as our father, not always as our God, I think god shows a little bit of separation. But father, a father is someone who is a part of you, someone who was involved in your creation, and birth. 

There were three chapters that were more difficult for me to work through, they were, Wounded, A Special Hatred, and Healing the Wound. They weren’t difficult because of what has happened to me in the past, but because of how many people do deal with this type of thing every day. Abusive relationships, rape, divorce. Things that shatter a women, not just physically, but emotionally down to her core. Women take on everything emotionally, it is how we analyze things. I know I struggle with disappointment. That others will be disappointed in me because of one tiny mistake. I mentally and emotionally beat myself up for doing something that no one else even noticed or really cared about enough to comment on it. I am a people pleaser, a retriever, but I don’t think that is where it started. I really didn’t have friends till about 5 grade, I was fairly independent. I remember being in Girl scouts and not being friends with any of the girls in my group. I then moved and became the popular girl for a few months since I was new, and have some how lost my independence since. About every 3 or 4 years of my life I get a new groups of friends, I don’t think thats any different than most people. But I do find myself needing to be attached to some group. I don’t feel that way with guys, thank God, I have been single most of my life. What I mean to be getting at in this paragraph is that I know that there are people out there that are going through horrible traumatic events, of which I cannot fully relate. But I think my “wound” that needs healing is my sense of independence. Even being on my internship I am finding it hard to force myself to go out and do things on my own. It is getting easier because I know my way around, but I feel like I need someone else to go with me. 

My favorite chapter in this book is Warrior Princesses. This one has really stuck with me. I remind myself of this chapter everyday, I try to wake up and remind myself to be a warrior princess. Then of course I think through all of the things I want to fight for. Fight for my relationship with God, time spent with Him. Also my relationship with my boyfriend. For a while I was struggling with my devotions with God, and I noticed how the lack of time with God was affecting the rest of my every day life.  As I got better with my devotions and time with God the depression and worrying started going away. I have come to realize that my relationship with God is not the only thing I fight for when I fight for my time with God. It affects my whole life. 

This book has been very eye opening for me, discovering who I am as a women. It is a book I wish I had read years ago, and plan on reading again some time in the future. I would recommend this book for all women. The way the authors talk to you in the book it is like they are dear friends who would never judge you but want to understand who you are, and understand the way God is working in your lives. 

Half Term

This week was Half Term for the students here. Its kinda like fall break, or spring break for us in the states. The students get a whole week off school.
Emily and I planned events for the students this week. We Picked up litter along the canal, some went to a movie in the city, today we had games and did some baking. Tomorrow we will be playing football (soccer) and having a picnic in the park. It has been a great week so far. And I am sure all of the students have loved having a week off of classes.

On Tuesday my host took me out of town for the day. They took me to Derbyshire, which is in the Peak District. Tons of beautiful hills, although it was a very misty (foggy) day. Photos will come soon. We also went down in a cave where they mine Blue John. A Semi-Precious stone that can only be found in that area of Derbyshire, it was called Castleton. There are only 2 mines there that mine Blue John and they believe that the stone will run out in about 10 years. It is a blue and yellow stone sometimes looking purple.   We also climbed up a rather large hill to see some castle ruins, hence the town being called Castleton. It was very beautiful.

Although Tuesday was such a great day I probably shouldn't have gone in the cave and climbed up that hill. I seemed to have injured my foot last Saturday and it is just getting worse. I have stared using crutches today which really seems to be helping. I am hoping my foot heals soon because I do so much walking here. I am pretty sure it is just an inflamed tendon on the bottom of my foot. It is rather painful when I walk, so without the crutches I walk with a very noticeable limp. As you can guess I will not be playing soccer in the park tomorrow with the students.

Unchained

Had a great night at Unchained tonight. It is an event where youth from different youth groups can come and worship and hang out together. There are games, some bands, food. Our theme was called "Whats love got to do with it" like the song. We decided to make a video where we asked the students Whats love got to do with it? Some answered with, "With what?" Others gave their description of love. It went really well but we took the answers, about 5-10 worth of footage and made it a 2 min video in about 45 min. It wasn't the best but the kids laughed when they saw it which made it all worth it.
We also had a sketch to the song Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis. That went really well, I think all of the students really pulled it together well.

I'm sorry I can't post any photos for privacy reasons. But we used a school's gym and decorated it with black fabric and put up posters with quotes from 1 Corinthians on them. we also had a heart wall where you could write down something you loved about someone. More students did it then I expected :-)

Next week is half term. I think its kinda like how we have fall break, except theirs is a whole week. Emily and I have some events planned for the students if they are looking for something to do this next week. On monday we are doing a service project, where will will be doing litter picking. In about 2 weeks the students from Lincoln will be here which is really exciting. But it will also be my half way point which is crazy.

Lincoln

I got to go to Lincoln, England on Sunday. It was so beautiful even though it was raining. While I was there I got to see the cathedral and the castle. Lincoln is built on a hill so it is very windy there. I also got a great workout walking back up the hill the town is built on. Here are a few photo.

Below: this is a picture of the Lincoln Imp. It is lit up in the picture. This creature is said to have arrived to Lincoln on the wind, when it landed in the cathedral it turned to stone. It is so windy in Lincoln because the wind is waiting for the Imp to leave.

 

Below: The castle is built on two large mounds. This is one. Some people who were executed here are  buried on top of this mound. 

Can you guess what movies the Lincoln Cathedral was used in?

Great Saturday

Today I got to spend just about the whole day out. It was wonderful, and a beautiful day.
My host took me to Wollaton Hall. There is a lake with lots of ducks and walking trails, then in the home there is a museum.

In the afternoon I got to go to a notts county football game for the Magpies it was so much fun. They are not that good, but it was a really great experience. I sat right behind the goal. Almost got hit at least once. :-) I went with the other intern. I loved listening to all of the fans. I had a fun time.

Today

Things have been going good. Had Trenside youth group last night, it went well. Today I'm meeting up with someone I met at church for Coffee, and then Caffe Nero time with some students. I was supposed to go see a movie this morning with the other intern however it seems that the theater we were going to doesn't show all of its movies everyday(different sent of movies each day, or mwf its this movies and tths  are other movies), so we're going to go next week.
Movies are more expensive here, I've been to one movie so far. It cost 8 pounds which is about $13.
A bit homesick today. Cannot wait till the Lincoln team gets her and I can see some familiar faces.
Monday is Valentines day. Which stinks since my valentine is back in Lincoln. Hopefully I'll get to talk to him that day.
This week went by really fast. I feel like today should be Wednesday or Thursday, not Friday.
I left for England exactly 1 month ago from Today. Arrived a month ago tomorrow. I'm glad that when I fly home it will still be the same day. I leave at like 3pm and arrive at about 6pm the same day, the flight is about 8 hours but thanks to time change it like 3.

Thanks for reading this if you do.
A

Caffe Nero

Twice a week I go here. Caffe Nero. We meet up with kids after they get out of school. One of the local churches pays for the kids to enjoy 1 drink. Then for about 2 hours we sit and hang out with the students till they have to head home. This is one of my favorite things during the week. I get a chance to meet a lot different students.

Organic Church

Organic Church 

By Neil Cole

One of my favorite things Neil Cole did in this book was start off with quotes in the beginning of every chapter. These quotes got me thinking about the topic before I had even really began the chapter. There are two quotes I really enjoyed, they are:

“Risk more than other think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.” 

-- Cadet maxim, West Point Military Academy

“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt?”

-- Frederick Buechner

I think this book was about stepping outside of the four walls we see as the church. The church is not a building, I don’t know how many time we have to be reminded of this. In this book Cole tells story after story about people who started churches out of their homes, cafes or in parking lots at three in the morning. These places are where the people are. God doesn’t just stay in a building waiting for someone to come it. He is out there among the people that He loves. This reminds me of a chapter in the book where Cole talks about how we are light. What good is a lamp in a bright room? No good at all. It must be put in a dark room to be of use. That is how we are as Christ followers. We cannot shine sitting in church buildings with filled with light, we can only truly shine when we go into the darkness. Cole told stories about different churches started in a multitude of different places. One man started a church in his house because, being an ex con, no one was welcoming to him in their churches. This man started a church in his home and then had to move into a larger home near by to have enough room. The woman’s house they moved into was the mother of ex gang member. Cole continues on with many other stories of Atheists, Satanists, drug addicts, Muslims, all coming to Christ, then turning around and bringing their friend to Christ. I think these stories are so powerful. They make me question where my light is shining, or if it is anywhere. 

One of my favorite chapter Cole did was on the parable of a sower sows some seeds. There is something about this parable after reading this chapter that has stuck with me. The idea of leaving the bad soil. Cole describes all four soils. First being the soil where the seed doesn’t even begin to grow. Second the seed starts to grow but isn’t able to really grow roots and dig deep so the seed dies. The Third seed is planed among thorns, like the second the seed begin to grow but is cut off by the thorns and choked, or as Cole stated the seed is distracted by earthly things and dies off (or their faith does). The last soil is the good soil, the seed is able to grow deep and grows strong. Cole goes on to talk about accepting the fact that only one out of four seeds planted will actually grow. Then connects that to the fact that some people just wont grow in their relationship with Christ, and sometimes you need to focus on only the seeds that are growing deep, seed that are planted in the good soil and will bear fruit. This is something that is hard to take, especially thinking about how many people wont being living eternally with God. How can you just abandon someone who wont bear fruit, so that you can focus on those who will? I know that it has to be done, but I feel like I would be giving up on someone.  

One thing I love about this book is how absolutely accepting Cole pushes everyone to be of people who have yet to have Christ in their lives. It’s like the story he told about going house to house asking to pray for someone. The first house wasn’t interested, however, you ask them if they know anyone who needs prayer. They tell you to go four houses down. You go down four houses and there is a man who answers the door who is drunk, his wife is leaving him and his son is yelling profanities at him. You ask the man if you can pray for him and he turns his life around, and ends up starting a church in his home. Now if you had described that type of person, would you have ever guess that he would have eventually started a church in his own home? God uses the strangest people to do His work. We are shown that over and over in the bible, why is it so hard to believe that He would do that today? 

Cole focused really hard on allowing new Christians to be evangelists. Don’t treat them like they are babies and protect them from evil, but allow them to go out and defend their faith. One cafe Cole would attend regularly was filled with atheists, Satanists and vampires. Many times Cole talks about how one was converted then within weeks converted a friend, who converted a friend. This is powerful stuff. The love God has for His people can change a person in a blink of an eye. I think this is something many Christians see as a myth or legend (if I may describe it in that way) but it is happening everyday. Out in the darkest places of where you live, God is there transforming the lives of people who used to party with drugs and are now partying because another friend found Christ. 

What I absolutely love about the quotes I shared about are that they focus on looking beyond yourself, going a step further. The first quote talks about taking the leap, risking it all, and allowing God to use you to the fullest. The second talks about allowing yourself to realize how much of an impact one action can have on something else. I can’t even imagine the ways God could use a person if they allowed themselves to think outside the box of norm and take leaps others might think you are crazy for taking. Reach the people no one else will go to, love the people no one else will love. The smallest thing can change a person’s entire life, and bring them closer to knowing Christ and telling others as well. 

I have really enjoyed this book. I went through it a lot faster than I thought I would. However, I think this was the best book for me to have read to kick off my internship because now I cannot wait to pick up the next book. While reading this book I was really able to learn about myself and dream of the way I might be able to use what I have learned in places I will be. What this book has taught be isn’t something that can only be used in certain places in the world, but everywhere. Its about being where the people are and loving them for who they are. Not taking them out of their own community and changing them. God loves every one and will use them in ways that only they can be used because of the experiences they have had and the connections they have.

February 4th

This week has gone by so fast. Seems like it was just Tuesday. Today was a good day. Finished some things which include a scarf that should have been done before I left the states and I finished both videos I was making for my mentors children.
Went to Caffe Nero today to meet up with some kids as usual, then after I had some tea (dinner), and at 7 I went to play some football (soccer) with some kids from the area. My right hip and ankles do not like me right now.
One thing I realized today is that as of next Wednesday (9th) I will have been here for a month (well 4 week, since I did arrive on the 12th of January). However, time is starting to pick up. I'm still in a little bit of a touristy stage, however, I have yet to go out and take some pictures. That might have to be what happens tomorrow for a bit.
Cooked for my host family last night. That was a fun...experience. I just made tortellini for the main meal, but for dessert (pudding) I made Lemon Drizzle Cake. Well the recipe was an British recipe so I had to change some of the measurements. But that wasn't as much the problem as it was that we had too much mixture, but we decided to put it all in the tin anyways. As you can probably figure out the mixture overflowed in the tin as it cooked. Soon, we had to cut off the top (which was delicious and wonderfully cooked I might add) so that the rest of it would cook. The whole cake looks fine now, we turned the cake over so no one will know we cut off the top. We ended up having the top that we cut off for dessert that night, we will have to rest tomorrow night.

Things I have noticed:
-in many places the toilets are upstairs, some have lifts, but not all places do. Not very handicap accessible.
-always okay to bring the dog, just tie it up outside while you do your shopping. Or take the dog with you on the bus. I road the bus into the city the other day and a woman had her husky on the bus.
-black tights or black leggings are like staple item for a woman's closet here, same with a good pare of boots. (I have successfully obtained 2 of those items, leggings I bought in the states and I just got boots a few days ago)
I got the boots for just under 20 quid. [aka 20 pounds or about $30]



More this not thats
someone will give me a lift not have someone give me a ride (ride in a car)
lift not elevator
Cheers = Thank you
Toilets not restroom or bathroom (you rest in a restroom, and bathe in a bathroom)
mate = friend
tea = dinner
pudding = dessert, breaded dessert, or simply a pudding

Dinner

Had Toad in a Hole for Dinner tonight, I thought just the name is worth sharing :-) It's basically pancake batter and sausages

February 1st

It rained this morning, but now it is beautiful out.
3 months and a week left. Is it bad I am counting down?
I am missing home today. Needing a hug from someone more familiar.
I am really getting comfortable here now though. However, I wish I new more people that I could go hang out with or visit. Don't have much to do during the days right now outside of getting reading done and the videos I'm doing. Most of the ministries I am involved in are all in the evening. By the way the video cannot be posted online for security reason (students privacy) so they will not be posted on my blog.
I am looking forward to helping out with more ministry planning. Right now we are planning an event called Unchained where youth groups from the area can come and worship together. The Point has been great lately we had 24 students last night.
Saw Black Swan with some of the girls here (all 15), the movie is rated 15 here (have to be 15 to see it). I think in the states its rated R. I definitely agree that you need to be 18 to see that movie. A part of me wanted to walk out, but I couldn't leave the girls there. It was a very uncomfortable movie for me.
Sorry I haven't put up any photos, I really havent had a chance, and I have to be careful because of privacy reasons. I am hoping to go out soon and take some photos. Granted, many of the photos I will have 3 copies of due to the other trips I have made here in the past. I am hoping to take some photos of things I haven't gotten to see in the past.

I will try to get some up soon.

Prayers: Financially (currency exchange), homesickness, meeting new people, self discipline, and that I can really open up to allow God to use me to the fullest while I am here.

Good Morning and Good Evening

Hello all that might be reading this even if its just one person...hello
Its been about 2 and a half weeks that I have been here now. Days are starting to go by much faster now. Soon it will be 3 weeks then a month that will have gone by.

My birthday was last week. It was a very packed day. It started off with prayer at St. Giles, an 800 year old church. Then breakfast at Copper, a cafe on the avenue. Then off to the city with Emily, where we shopped and had wonderful Indian food at TamaTanga. Had dinner with the hosts, then off to ice skating with students from Trentside. Then a night of trivia at a pub, and a very cold drive home (-3c) in a convertible with the top down. Good Day!

I have been walking a lot, most places, which is great. I also live across from the park so I can go when ever I want. I walk to Davids house which is a good 20 min, on a cold day that sure wakes you up. I can walk into the city but I haven't yet, it takes about 45 min.

I have met tons of kids so far, all very unique and different. I don't even know then well yet, but I'm excited for the next few months. FYI* I am not allowed to put photos up online of students so don't expect any.

I have so many wonderful meals at my host, they definitely feed me well. It about the first week they had me try minced pie, Christmas cake, and Christmas pudding. I have also had bangers and mash, fish and chips, parsnips, brussel sprouts, cottage pie, custard and more that I can't remember at the moment.

This not that:
Crisps not chips
chips not fries
trousers not pants
sweets not candy
Half past ten not ten-thirty

fun words:
Brilliant (good, great) example: "that cake was brilliant"
Proper (correct way) example: "I like the proper clock better than the digital"

A must have!

Jacket Potato! Yum! 

okay okay I know I can get this in the states but there is something about going up to a street vendor (Jacket Potato Man - official name :-) asking for a Chili Con Carne and walking away with a baked potato with Chili and Cheese. It is absolutely amazing and the best baked potato I have ever had. Just 2.80 (pounds) money not weight:-). I had it for lunch yesterday and I could not resist getting another one today. Might need to stop my self from getting one tomorrow :-)

 

Had an absolutely wonderful walk on the avenue today. Is nice to walk down the sidewalk and not talk to every one, makes me feel like no one knows I'm American :-) But I did get to do some small shopping today and of course pick up my potato. I'm feeling much better today, bit more comfortable. And of course its always nice to walk in the park.

It is a beautiful day hardly a cloud in the sky...yes I am still in England:-)
I am excited for the next few months, I am going to learn and experience a lot while I am here.
Oh and my Birthday is on Thursday :-) I'm so excited to say I spent my Birthday in England. Not quite sure what to do to celebrate yet. I'm thinking some Indian food, thats alway delicious and go into the city.
Well I'm going to finish my Jacket Potato now!
Cheers!:-)

Interesting tid bit

Here in England, at least in the homes I have visited, they use a 'bowl' (looks like a plastic bin) in their sinks. I asked my hosts about this, I'm curious since I have seen them in every home. They gave me multiple answers, for they didn't completely know themselves. Their mum did it so they do it.
Reasons:
1. Keeps pans from making noise in the sink
2. Use less water
3. If you drop anything it helps keep it from breaking on the hard sink counter
4. Don't have to lean as far down to wash the dishes
5. Wont scratch the sink

I think all of these make sense. However, after talking about it for a bit, my hosts decided that they think that the fact that you use less water is the correct reason for the use of the 'bowl' in the sink.

Thank you for your time :-)

Tuesday, January 12th

Made it to Nottingham. The flight was nice and smooth, although it was rather foggy when we landed. It doesn't feel real yet. Feel like I should be heading home in a week. I'm really tired, didnt sleep well on the plane. Maybe 3 hours.

Happy New Years

January 2nd.
Its a new year and I leave for England a week from Tuesday. I haven't started packing yet, I guess I should start soon. I was able to work a little bit over break, but I should probably not for the rest of the week so that I can get packed and be with my family the last few days.
I don't have all of my books together yet. I still have to pick up 2 different books. One has to be a bibliography on a missionary and the other is a devotional book.
Just picked up my voltage converter today, finally found one at Radio Shack. I didn't even think to look there. I am pretty much done with everything except packing which feels really good. Granted I'll still probably feel rushed the day I leave.

I am very scared and excited at the same time. 4 months is not that long, it is just the length of a semester at school which I have done many times. But it is a long time away from home. The only way I will survive is with God at my side.