Running

I just had the most amazing run today. It had been way too long since my last run and I forgot how connected I feel to God when I run. So I was running along this road to my church and one of my favorite songs came on my ipod. Keri Noble sings, "If no one will listen if you decide to speak. If no one is left, standing after the bombs explode. If no one wants to look at you, for what you really are, I will be here still." How true is that though, no matter what happens, where you are, what you have gone through, God is always there. He has been here with me since I left, been ever so present in my life and those around me. I have been reading little devos every night and morning, and they all accentuate on finding His Peace. That has been a big part of my spiritual focus so far; finding God's peace and being still. It's amazing how peaceful God can make me...how my worries and fears can be taken away.

Also, I added a flickr account so you can look at more photos, I will try to keep updating them! Love you all.

Wonderful Wales!

Oh my goodness...I have just gotten back from a wonderful weekend in Wales! I went with my host family to Abersoch, which is right on the sea in Wales. It was their friends birthday weekend and he invited 25 people to this house he rented out and we just enjoyed relaxing, laughter and great company. I met so many lovely people there, many that I hope to see again! Saturday night was the birthday celebration in which we had a 50's cocktail party. It was so fun to get dressed up, eat dinner to 50's music and then relax, chat and dance to good ol' Grease music! I also took a dip in the sea!! Whoo!! It was fabulous.



Sunday we had a worship service in the lounge which was really powerful. At one point I just sat there silently and listened to the 24 others praising God. It didn't matter if I say God pronounced like G-ah-d and they say G-oh-d; for we were all worshipping the same God. It was beautiful.

Now I am back to Boothstown, getting ready for a full week of preparation and youth clubs!

My Host family!

Here are some pictures of the wonderful people who have opened their doors to me for the year! Their names are Helen, Ian and Daniel. Daniel is 2 and a joy to be around, as are Helen and Ian!

They are brilliant!

A walk around my new home

I went on a walk one afternoon and decided to capture some of my surroundings to share with those I love! As pretty and lovely as the area looks, the people are so much more. I cannot believe how welcoming they have been and their never-ending support for me here. It reminds me of my lovely friends and family at home. I miss and love you all.

Welcome to Boothstown, Manchester

Here we are walking down the road on the way to my home...notice the cars driving on the left! Still a little different for me! I forget sometimes...not a good thing to forget!

Here is my road! And my house number...haha.

More to come..I know there are not many here but it's a glimpse into my life! A wonderful, undeserving life that I am so grateful and thankful for. God is so good. :)

Welcoming Sunday!

I have just gotten back from a beautiful welcoming service at my church. It was so nice to meet these lovely people and be able to converse with them about the church, the year ahead and to simply learn a little about them. I now have names floating around in my head...I only hope I'll be able to place them with faces next time I see them! We had the service and the preacher gave an excellent and hopeful sermon on reviving the church and realizing that every person around Roe Green is loved by God. A guest performer sang a familiar song, "God of This City." This was actually kind of the theme song for my church at home; a theme about reaching people around the church and building up this city for God. It was a brilliant sermon, very evangelistic and hopefully we as a church can try to build up Roe Green as well.

Yesterday was a lovely day, I spent it with my host family; Helen, Ian and Daniel. We went to a neighboring town called Chester where there was a river, walls to climb, a picnic lunch, and many shops! I held myself to only one purchase; a raincoat!! Finally! It is going to be necessary considering Manchester is one of the rainiest places, and there has not been one day lacking in rainfall. That will be helpful in my life here. After we returned from Chester we relaxed a bit and then took off once again to a store, similar to Walmart, to buy groceries and tioletries. I needed some items like shampoo, gel...etc. Overall is was a great day and much bonding with my family here.

Tomorrow is my day off...which seems silly since I have only worked one day so far! But Tuesday we start in with work; cleaning, meetings, mailings, and much more. I think a big task is going to be learning the kids worship songs for the youth groups! I don't know any of them! And I might be the one leading them...which will be great once I learn them myself!

God is here; that is very evident and visually clear. I am thrilled to be here with Him and His people. This is going to be a great year, I can feel it!

Arrival

Hello all! I have made it to the UK! I am currently sitting in the lounge at my host families house, or my new house for the year I guess! They are brilliant people; extremely welcoming and friendly! They are also teaching me all sorts of new words and phrases to say so I fit in more in Boothstown. (Like brilliant-meaning awesome!). Their names are Helen and Ian and they have a 2 year old named Daniel. It is a wonderful place to be staying!

I have spent most of my time with my supervisor and her 3 children; we have toured around the area, had many meals together, went for a walk around the greens, took a day trip to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, and played some Wii. It has been a great time so far, they are also very welcoming to me!

I have tomorrow with my host Helen and Daniel, I am not sure as to what our day will entail but I do have some basic shopping to get done...so I am sure a little of that will occur. I am starting work a little on Friday with Sarah, my supervisor. She said we will go to church and find something to do there! Haha. Sounds wonderful! I am anxious to start working here...I am struggling a little with just "being" and not necessarily "doing" all the time. It is something I will continue working on! Sunday is my welcoming day at the church and I will speak a little about myself and then have a lunch after that. I am very excited for that!

More to come but just know that I am doing very well and I hope you all are as well. God bless,

ARD