Peace Out!

Yes, so tomorrow, bright and early (though technically, it will still be quite dark), my outreach team heads off for the beautiful country of Thailand! As I will be without a laptop for the next few months, I will be unable to update my blog. However, we will have a Team Blog which we hope to update at least once a week while away. Here's the blog and please keep us in your prayers!

Thailand and Belfast Team 

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Next?

So, God has this thing that He does where He constantly messes with my plans. Such as, having finally figured out what's next after this DTS and then being blown away by yet another opportunity just three days before I leave the country. Yeah, thanks for that one. 

I have no idea where God is leading me in my life, and I've realized that I really can't plan out my life either. Kind of sucks when your Meyers-Briggs defines you as, "...well-organized, and will work hard at maintaining structure and resolving ambiguity. They have a tendency to be fussy, especially with their home environments." Not saying my personality is the only thing that defines me, but it does ring true in many areas.

If anyone reading this gets the chance, could you shoot a prayer my way? There are a million and one things I want to do, and very few resources to do them all. Currently, my support base is minimal, namely, my family. If missions is something I want to pursue long-term, then I really need a wider support base, which I hope to grow and maintain when I go home sometime next year, however long a stint that may be. Also pray that God will give me really clear guidance, like writing-on-the-wall type guidance! Thank you so very much one and all! Peace Out!

Untitled (I welcome any suggestions!)

If every Thought were an Action

and every Action a Sound,

would we awake to Laughter

or to Weeping all around?

If every Tear could be heard

when it hit the cold floor,

would we notice the Hurting

or Ignore as before?

If every Lie we ever told

was written over our Skin

Could we hide the Markings

or would the Ink seep in?

Would our Blood turn black

from the Deception we’ve sown?

Would we Lie to ourselves

to mask the Pain we’ve known?

If I claimed to be "godly"

Holy and True,

would I still cross the street

to avoid people like you?

 

 

Goodbye and Sa-Wat-Dee Kah!

The time is quickly approaching, and as I now have my visa, I can officially say, "I am off to Thailand next week"! 
So, yes, perhaps I am announcing this a tad abruptly, however, as I only received my visa as of yesterday afternoon, I felt it best to wait until everything was set in stone. It now is! I will be leaving for Bangkok on Monday, with a two hour layover in Mumbai, arriving in the morning (meaning I have to spend the entire day recovering from jet lag...fun). After a few days of orientation to Thailand, we will be headed to our leaders familys' ministry up North, where they run a home for girls and young women, providing them with education and a safe place where they learn to work together and live in community. After a few weeks, my first ever hot Christmas and birthday (Twenty Y'all!), we will be headed back South and working with different ministries in one of two cities, with a focus on children and women in prostitution with possibly slum ministries as well. 
I am incredibly excited to be heading out this upcoming week. In all honesty, I don't really know what to expect from this time, as I have never been to Thailand. But I do know that God has big things planned! 
The team is very excited, however stressed they may be in terms of packing and cleaning beforehand, with a Christmas party planned every night from now until we leave. Exciting, but very tiring!

This may be my last post for awhile (unless I find time this weekend to shoot off another quicky). With that in mind, a few areas that could really use prayer:
- that the team will have all their finances by the time we leave (we are still short quite a bit of money)
- for safe travels via plane, car, etc and that no one will get travel sickness/jetlag
- that God will be giving us clear insight into which ministries, churches, and charities to get involved with when we're there
- for a fun Christmas and birthday (and with that, no homesickness for any of the team)
- and just for a really great, amazing time in this beautiful country!

Thanks so much to everyone who has been praying and donating money to me, my team, and the rest of the DTS as well. God Bless you all and have a Very, Merry Christmas! 

Leave Your Mark

I had the amazing opportunity a week ago to join in with a community project here in Harpenden. A Youth Council went around to different schools and asked the kids what made Harpenden, well, Harpenden! The Council then proceeded to design a mural for a tunneled-walking path which would showcase the pictures/words that the kids had used to describe their town. The artists were all volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and frozen fingers to painting the mural every week. 
I stumbled across one of their painting sessions a couple weeks back and got roped into painting for a few, frigid hours. Despite the cold evening air, I asked if I could come back again the following week to continue painting and bring a few friends along as well. So, the following week, I returned with four DTS students in tow and we began painting again. It was so much fun to spend time with the volunteers there who are hilarious and just fun to be around, and also paint something that will be in town for, possibly, years to come. 
We came back the following week as well, to finish up a few details and outlining. At the end of our time, I stood back to look at the finished project. It looks beautiful! It's bright, true to the kids designs and to the town, and just a real testimony to the hard work put in to it. 
Now, had you asked me a month ago if I was an artist, I would have scoffed and laughed at you. Am I an amazing artist? No, but I realized while painting how much I enjoy it. I also was aware of the significance of painting a Harpenden mural despite the fact that I am not from the town. It really reminded me that this is a town of foreigners and locals, young and old, people from different backgrounds. Yet, we can all come together and make something beautiful. Cheesy, I know, but it made me smile!
So, here is the Facebook page of the lady, Melissa, who co-ordinated all the volunteers and painting. She's such a lovely woman and I hope to keep up contact with her!
HoneyBee Arts & Facepainting

Painting the Tunnel

My lovely painting ladies (Courtney and Tia) and me

The hands I painted!

The Real Thanksgiving?

In all honesty, I'm quite tired trying to convince my American brothers and sisters that Canadian Thanksgiving IS a real holiday and celebration. I'm not too fussed about the date I celebrate Thanksgiving. I'm just thankful I get to celebrate at all! 
So, yes, I have already celebrated Thanksgiving last month, but I am in no way complaining about another delicious meal and more dessert than my poor stomach can handle! But I suppose that is not the real reason behind Thanksgiving. It's about being thankful (hello there, Captain Obvious!) So, I thought, what better blog to write than one dedicated entirely to Thankfulness! 

I am Thankful for:
- the shoes currently on my feet which kept my feet incredibly dry whilst in Glasgow (thanks to Jaime and her practical yet incredibly stylish footwear).
- bonfires that leave me reeking of smoke and fingers glued together with marshmallow remnants.
- the Blessing Boutique here on base, where ALL of my clothes come from.
- the sound of my dear friend Caleb practicing music in the lounge ("practice" is a relative term as he is one of the best musicians I know).
- the wonderful sound that begins every Skype call.
- friends who I can goof off with with no fear of judgement or rejection, who don't mind awkward silences or the odd butt-slap every now and again.
- my outreach team, including the amazing staff, the most adorable children ever, and a team of hardcore, God-loving, talented people.
- time to write this blog update (it's been awhile; I'm sorry).
- the provision God has shown me from providing a hiking backpack last year to someone buying me a coffee yesterday. He has never left me in need of anything; how flippin' awesome is that?!
- taste buds that allow me to enjoy wonderful food and beverages.
- the opportunity to come to the United Kingdom and not just visit but live here and fall more and more in love with this nation
- the amazing people who have spoken into my life over the past couple of years, encouraging me to grow in my relationship with God and become the woman He's created me to be.

And last, but in NO way least, my wonderful family whom I love immensely! They have supported me my entire life and loved me, even through my miserable angsty teen years. My mom, who is hilarious and caring and has always pushed me out of myself and instilled in me what it means to be a woman of God. My dad, who, despite the awful Dad Jokes (sorry to out you), is an amazing guy who has always followed God's calling even when it cost great amounts. My sister, Jasmine, who is incredibly talented, loyal, sweet, honest, and about to embark on her own YWAM adventure come January. I love you all so much and could never ask for a better family...simply because I don't know if there is one!
- 

Tartans, Bagpipes, Kilts... OH MY!

Last week, as part of the DTS curriculum, we bussed up to Glasgow, Scotland for a week of evangelism teaching and local outreach in the community. Sounds a lot more glamorous than it is; there is nothing fun about not showering for a week and sleeping in a hall full of females all desperate and queuing for the loo in the morning. However, despite the occasional elbow to the face as twenty girls crowd, trying to apply mascara, it was a great week. 

If any of you have ever watched the film Braveheart, you’ll understand that the Scots love a good fight, love a cause worth fighting for. During one of our prayer sessions for the city of Glasgow, we began to call the men and women of Scotland to arms, so to speak. It’s interesting how you can see the enemy’s grip on people’s lives once you know what they were really made for, who they really are. As a people who were made to fight, made to go forth in action and passion, it’s hugely impactful to see how many gaming/music/entertainment stores there are in the city centre. It just seems obvious that if the Scots are called to be warriors, that the enemy would try to stifle that calling by boxing them into their own lives and a fantasy world. Interesting, and incredibly deep…not just a coincidence, I think. 

Sadly, my days were quite full, to the extent that I was unable to experience true Scottish culture, something that I hope to do in the future, though. Perhaps next time I venture on up, I’ll actually partake in part of my heritage (Go McKinnan Clan!). I look forward to it, truly. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! What’s more, I loved being able to pray and declare who and what Scotland is: a land of the free, a land of the brave, a people who fight for justice and who love mercy, a strong nation!

Overdue. My apologies.

Yeah, it's been awhile since my last post. I must beg your forgiveness, dear Readers, for, though my schedule has been rather hectic and my bedroom has been in a constant state of fluctuation between immaculate and looking like a band of rouges came along through, YOU should not have been neglected! And for that, I am truly very sorry.

Speaking of rouges, yes, my room was indeed ransacked earlier this week. However, this was partially my fault, as it was an act of retaliation. It all began when a couple of girls on base (two of my closest friends, I might add) attacked my room, strategically placing 250 plastic spoons throughout our room.

"You've been spooned."

Naturally, my roommate, Jenny, and I felt the need for revenge. Three days ago, we stole an outfit of theirs, filled it with leaves, printed out photos of their faces, and sat our makeshift scarecrows on a bench outside their flat. We left a simple warning behind which read, "LEAF US ALONE!". Not only was it a rather cleaver prank (if I do say so myself), but it attracted a lot of attention. Many a car stopped and laughed and admired our crafty work. It was a lot of fun, and we were able to help the trainees doing work duties dispose of their leaves! Everyone won! Though, we knew retaliation was well under way as the day went on and the pictures on Facebook gained more and more Likes...

The lovely ladies (Kaitlin and Jaime)

At the end of lectures one day, as we headed towards the dining hall, I was aware of the snickers and stares I received. Eventually, someone told me that revenge had come.As I walked into my building, I saw that there had been duct tape strewn across the doorway to my bedroom, causing me to duck underneath in order to see the real damage behind the door. Only pictures can fully explain what happened in Building Nine to Jenny and Jade:

Lounge chair atop our mangled bed frames...

"We're watching You!" in our windows...

Mattresses (along with pj's and bedding) in the Lounge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well played, ladies. 

I love it here, almost as much as I love the people who make my life amazing! Thank you to all you wonderful people who either helped us in our evil schemes or were the masterminds behind them! I love you all!

...

There's no real point nor message behind this blog. Simply felt like writing...

So, I'm learning how to play guitar. "Play" is a relative term, however; I know four chords and am physically capable of strumming the guitar. This past week, the base put on a 24/7 prayer rota, my prayer shift being 11pm-12am everyday. Surprisingly, it was during those times I felt the most refreshed and rejuvenated. I would begin every hour by reading Psalm 29 and then proceed to play and sing songs...loudly, off beat, and occasionally off-key. How Great Thou Art has become one of my favorites, especially when played fast and furiously!

 Yeah, life is swell.

You know it's Right when it hurts.

The past few days have been, in a word, painful.

It began normal enough, attending the base-wide sessions and lectures this week as part of the DTS. During one session, the Leadership Team spoke about the importance of maintaining relationships with other YWAM bases and locations our base has previously visited or had connections with. As I looked at the list (a mixture of UK, European, African, Asian, and South American locations), I was ecstatic to see that two locations that I have had a heart for (down to the exact city) were up on the list! I furiously scribbled them down on my groups' Top Ten List we'd been asked to pray about. As we joined another group in discussion about what our bases Top Ten locations should be, I felt, with absolute certainty, that I was to tell the group to cross BOTH of my ideal locations off. I was in such a state of shock and disappointment that I physically could not open my mouth to tell the group. The more I prayed and fought God, the more intense the feeling became. "God, you KNOW I have a passion for both these countries! You know that I've been praying about these places; why would you ask me to give them up?"
As a painful groan escaped my lips, I said as loudly as I could force my vocal chords, "Cross both ________ and _________ off the list." When another member of the team confirmed that she'd felt the same, I felt an incredible sense of dread overwhelm me. 
If God put a desire, passion, dream in my heart, isn't it right that I pursue them? Would a loving God make me give up something like that?
It took an entire morning of weeping and prayer from multiple people for me to realize that I'd been holding on so tightly to these locations that I had begun to believe that I couldn't have a heart for anywhere else. These were MY countries; everywhere else was secondary. Jaime, a fellow staff and dear friend, prayed for me and had a picture for me:

You're sitting at a table with God,

telling Him about everything you love and all

your desires and dreams. God is looking

down at a book and this hurts you.

You ask Him why He's not paying attention

to you, why He's not listening.

He holds up the book and you realize

He's been writing down all your dreams and desires.

He knows your passions and has them recorded;

He has not forgotten and will not forget.

He can and will still use these passions for His glory,

whether that be now or much later. 

Needless to say, I began to ball my eyes out again. I'd become so used to seeing God as someone who purposely makes me uncomfortable and pulls me away from my desires and wants, that I'd forgot that God is a Comforter, He never forgets, and He always has our best interest at heart. It's still difficult, giving something up that you desperately long for. But I know that only after letting go can you receive the fullness of God's blessings and goodness. Painful, hurting, but healing and ready to move on. 

 

No Two Things...

The September quarter has begun here in Harpenden, meaning the beginning of a new DTS, a new season, new faces, and so on. Let me start off by saying that as much as my brain tries to draw comparisons between this past season and the one that I'm am currently entering, there is NO comparison, nor should there be, really.

The current DTS has 31 students, 25 of which are girls (a drastic shift from the last school here, out of the 20 students, 7 were female). This school is not only different when comparing demographics, but has an entirely different feel to it. Within the first 3 days of lectures, we, collectively as a DTS, were balling our eyes out and having immense revelation about the character of God.  

Soraya and I (yep, friends)

Basically, I love this school. Beautiful people. Beautiful faces. Good times ahead.

What happens when I listen to DC Talk...

I don't know what's come over me. Well, no, that's a lie; I know exactly what's come over me, but it still continues to shock me every time I experience it. 
This may come across as a silly, rather insignificant post, but something has come to my attention that I thought would never happen; I hate the mall.
Yes, dear Reader, you read correctly; I honestly have a deep resentment of the mall. I noticed this yesterday, while shopping in downtown Newcastle (I'm here for a week-off). Whilst casually strolling through Elton Square, I saw numerous stores, both designer and affordable, lining the seemingly never-ending halls. I entered a few stores, most of whose items were far beyond my price range, and reveled in the glamour of it all. And then it hit me, the ridiculousness of it all. Here I was, standing in a shrine, ultimately, which glorified human wealth, power, greed, and vanity...and I was enjoying myself! 
Now, I understand how melodramatic that sounds, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was reminded of a documentary I watched a few years back where the narrator had mentioned that only a short while ago, people gathered at the Church to celebrate and embrace community. Now, we gather at the mall, a symbol of our own vanity and desire to assimilate ourselves to an unattainable ideal of beauty and status. I remember being astonished when I'd watched that film, and the the same sense of astonished disgust filled me again yesterday. 
Last Friday, while making breakfast with one of the women I'll be staffing with, Taryn, we listened to DC Talk, singing along to the songs that brought back our childhood (Thank you Dad). One of the songs, "What Have We Become", has a lyric in it which says, "What have we become? A self-indulgent people, what have we become? Tell me where are the righteous ones, what have we become? In a world degenerating, what have we become?". I remember it was the first time I'd actually paid attention to the lyrics and felt them resonate with me like never before.
 Like I said, maybe this post is random and is simply me processing my own thoughts online. But I think it's at least something to consider...maybe even learn from.

Complete.

Our staff team

 And thus ends a wonderful, challenging, exciting era in my life. I've wrote about what a great time these past few months have been, so I won't bore you with more adjectives and sappy analogies. However, I did want to show you a few pictures of the people who have been in my life. Granted, these are only a few pictures (yes, I did choose the ones where I thought I looked best), but they are memories and amazing people all the same.

Sharen and I

It's funny; I thought I would miss everyone a lot more than I currently do. I'd expected streams of mascara running down my face and mucus pouring out every orifice of my puffy, miserable-looking face. However, thankfully, this was not the case. I do miss them, obviously, but not in a sad way. I suppose this is partially due the fact that many of the students are traveling and are in and out of the base. But, I think it's also because I don't view this as "goodbye" for many of them. In fact, I expect to see many of them coming back to staff more DTS's in the near future. And, if not that, I expect many road trips and reunions over the upcoming years. I've made many friendships that I intend to last quite a long time, and I believe they shall. Good times ahead!

Staff on the Oval

 

Key Lime Cheesecake Day (or A Lazy, Hazy Weekend)

Summer has FINALLY arrived here in England. And by that, I simple mean that we've had four days of consecutive heat and sun! So, what does one do when the sunshine is out and every England native is desperately tearing apart their wardrobe trying to find suitable attire (let's face it, none of us saw this one coming)? While most people are outdoors soaking up some rays, I've opted to remain indoors this morning and bake. Surprising because I never used to bake back home (my sister's the talented one in that regard). However, I've discovered that I really, genuinely enjoy baking nowadays. There are the obvious reasons why I love baking; the fun of tying on my apron and frolicking in the kitchen, whisk in hand, singing "My Sharona" at the top of my lungs whilst sampling my dish every ten seconds. But I've also realized there's more to baking that I enjoy. I love the finished product, not just for taste, but because it reminds me that all things come to a finish, a delicious closure, if you will. And now that the Impact UK DTS is nearing it's own closure (three more days!), it seems only fitting that I remind myself that finishing is often sweet...

It's been a long eight months and, though I can't honestly admit to enjoying every bit of it, I wouldn't change a thing about it. I grew deeper in my relationship with God, I learned that I am more than my past, present, and future. I met amazing people, people who have changed my life in, hopefully, similar ways to how I've changed theirs. I've seen God move in ways I've never witnessed before, and been able to be apart of them, too. God's reminded me of my dreams and the things I desire, not selfishly, but the things He's placed in my heart and desires for me as well. Overall, it's been a good year.

Granted, it's always slightly disheartening when I'm finished baking. I'm left to clean up and put the kitchen back in order again. But it was fun while it lasted and I know that I'll be back the next day with some new recipe and some new mishaps and deliciousness. 

Which is why I'm also excited for this next September DTS. Much fewer staff, many more students with a higher female/male ratio, and a whole new experience (or recipe!). I'll admit that I feel this new school will be tough, quite challenging. But I suppose it's like taking on a creme brule recipe after having just mastered oatmeal cookies; this is a new challenge that will be possibly more complicated, but just as delicious, and maybe even more so now that I know what I'm doing! 

Questions.

There are people walking about, wandering aimlessly through the heavy excitement and anticipation. All appear unaware of the large paint smear that hangs in the air above their heads. Not a beautiful, abstract smear that one can admire, but a grotesque, undefinable smear that taints the blue sky above. It takes me a moment to realize this is more than just an artists' error; it's an error of my own making. Where there once was a definite, if not slightly blurry, picture of God in everyone's mind, there is now a heavily disfigured, confused blur. With every voice that screams "God Hates", "God Loves", "God is Mormon", "God is Islamic", "God is Vegan", "There is no God", "God Forgives", the smear grows and grows in size. And I sit back and wonder, "Am I making this picture any clearer or simply adding to the noise?"

This was my experience when I was in Stratford this past Friday. You often hear people speak of "spiritual heaviness", but it's an entirely different matter to experience it firsthand. With so many leaflets, tracts, and pamphlets being thrust into peoples hands as they walk on by, how can anyone know what's true? Even more worrisome than that, how can anyone know who God is?

We know that God can do all things and that, through Christ, all things are possible, but I have to sit back and wonder sometimes, "Are we actually working WITH God, or are we working for ourselves"? When we go out to evangelize, whatever that looks like, are we listening to the Holy Spirit and being guided by Him, or are we following a formula created by man which has left the Church in its' current state? These are the questions I find myself asking myself when I go out now. As a human, there's only so much I can do in my own strength. The human soul is the heaviest thing to move and so it's only through Holy Spirit that lives can be restored and redeemed. 

The strength of man is fleeting, 

and earthly glory rusts with time.

But the strength of the Lord endures all things 

and His glory lasts throughout the ages. 

3...2...1...and they're off!

This is it; the moment we've all been waiting for. The Olympic Games have finally arrived here in London! Today's opening ceremony is rumored to be a most spectacular event, one which I am thrilled to be present for. I leave with a team of 15 this afternoon to begin our outreach within the city of London for a period of ten days. We will be working with a church, which is relatively closely located to the Olympic Village. We will be running a cafe dedicated to serving the public in the area, many of whom live in poverty in this particular burough. We will also be helping out in a local senior citizen's home and prayer walking as well. This is a particularly rough area of London, an area where the excitement and joy of the Games has seemingly past over or been forgotten here. The story of the church we'll be working in is one of redemption in of itself. 

As I pack my bags, once again, and type up my last blog before I head on out, I cannot contain my excitement. I am so thrilled to see and be apart of what God is doing in this city, in this country, in this nation. How cool is it that the world is quite literally flocking to my doorstep as I type, huh? I can't get over it! GAHHH!!!

Pencil in your Plans.

As you may well know, God has a way of changing plans swiftly and suddenly. Take for example my plans as of recently. For those of you who don't know yet (which would be most of you), I have agreed to staff the upcoming September DTS here in England. This sudden change in plans initially came as a shock to myself, but, after days of consideration, realized that it really is for the best. I am one of three single staff members (Caleb, Jenny, and myself) and then there are four married couples, three of whom have children. Very different from the 13 single staff on this school! Also, this school is going to be even bigger than the current school I'm staffing. 

I don't have many details about what this school is going to entail, but I'm very excited to be challenged in ways that I wasn't during this school. What that all includes, I'm not too sure (but I'm stoked!)

Let the Games Begin!

With the impending Olympic Games here in England, insanity on the base here has hit an all time high. Not that this is a negative; in fact, it's a welcome change from the normal lull of daily life. Since returning to the base, we have been given rooms in the dormitory, which is a relief considering that all other visitors are currently in tents. We may still be on outreach, but at least we no longer need to "rough it".

For the past weeks, there has been a program running here called Circuit Riders. Their vision statement is "Save the Lost, Revive the Saved, and Train them All!". They preach a very heavy message of revival across Europe and America. It was amazing, being able to attend all the lectures and take part in local evangelism. 

To be honest, I was incredibly humbled and, yet, ashamed that it took a group of over 150 American's to show me how wonderful the town I live in is. I've been living here for over 8 months now, and have ZERO friends outside the base. How shocked I was to walk around town and realize that I haven't seen everything and there are so many lovely people here that I've never bothered to get to know. After one particular afternoon of complaining to Kellie, a dear friend and fellow staff, about not being active in the community, we stumbled upon a church cafe, run by volunteers and open to the public. After only moments, I was informed that they were looking for volunteers. Though I hadn't even prayed about getting involved (merely complained and moaned to Kellie), God had answered in a most practical way! I have a vision to work in a cafe, so how perfect would it be to get involved here in town?

Needless to say, my opinion about community and getting involved is shifting and changing, making me more aware of the importance of it and, also, exciting! Can't wait to see what else is in store!

Homeward Bound

My lovely outreach "family" in Portland

 Pulling into the train station yesterday afternoon, knowing that within twenty minutes I'd be back on campus with the rest of the DTS, also returning from outreach, I was struck with an intense "bittersweet" feeling. Outreach, part one, is over. Granted, once I was unpacked and dressed in my favorite fuzzy, blue housecoat, I was happy, thrilled even, to see everyone again after nearly two months of being apart. However, these past couple months have been such an amazing experience, that, I admit, I was saddened at the prospect of returning "home". Coventry was amazing! Never have I felt more at home than with the people hosting us all. Weymouth and Portland are possibly the most stunning places I've been to in a very long time, with cliffside-views of the Atlantic Ocean. Both places were beautiful and filled with the most incredible people, young and old.

The Emily's and myself (Stacy behind camera)

The ten of us on this outreach team went from the awkward first steps of outreach to being a full-fledged family towards the end, including pillow fights late at night and constantly "taking the mick out of one another". As with any family. we had our moments of stress and frustrations, but we worked through it all and walked away from this time having grown in our relationships with one another and with God. 
I was deeply challenged throughout outreach to step beyond myself and make myself "uncomfortable" for Christ. One day in particular, I felt like God was saying to me, "Is one person not worth you humbling yourself and looking ridiculous?". Needless to say, I had to take some serious time to mull that one over. But outreach was amazing, and the people we met and grew to love were worth every moment of it! God loves the UK, and so do I!
But I'm glad to be back in my own bed again...

Yes, I AM still alive, and livin' the dream!

Too long have I been away from the delectable taste of my dear Chai, so I make my glorious, if not impromto, return for a short while! So much has happened in the past month or so, that I truly cannot recap all of it in this short segment. I will relay more to you as time goes on, but, in the meantime, I am quite well and lovin' life!

We, as a team, have done everything from putting on a youth conference for 400 young people to teacing Religious Studies courses in schools to litter picking. It's been incredibly busy and, at times, stressful, but every moment thus far has been worth it!

God has been teaching me humility in a whole new way. I've been so used to constantly serving others, which is, essentially, what we are doing here. However, I've always had a hard time when others try to serve me. In one of the locations we were in, the church and school we worked with catered to our every whim. I was so taken aback by the hospitality that was shown to all of us day in and day out. Everywhere else we've been, we have been equally blessed by the people around us. It's been an amazing oppourtunity to be able to serve alongside such wonderful, servant-hearted, godly men and women wherever we've been! My prayers are with each and every one of them!

Currently in Weymouth and Portland enjoying a well-deserved day of rest after a non-stop scheduale for the past month. The sea is freezing, but, my, how I've missed the sound of water!

And on that note, it's time to curl up with a good book and enjoy a nice cuppa tea! Cheerio and TTFN!

*Here's a little shout out to my sister, Jasmine, who graduates from Gr. 12 today, not only with A-Honours, but with a scholarship as well. So incredibly proud of you, Jazzy! Hugs and Kisses to the best sister in the world!*