Living Life Loudly: Part One - Leicester

It has been far too long since I last wrote here. Granted, I've been without internet for the past two weeks. So much has happened in the past two weeks that my thoughts are still slightly jumbled, but I will try my best to relate all that has happened in the clearest and most efficient of ways.


Week One:
We begin in the town of Leicester, a city of diverse peoples and cultures. Bronwyn and I left in the late afternoon on Monday, the 9th. The coach ride was smooth and, though I sat quietly the whole trip, inside my stomach was flip-flopping at the idea that this was the first outreach I have ever led. Arriving at the bus station, we were greeted by Paul and Vicky, the couple that pioneered YWAM Leicester. We were to stay at their house for the week and join in with their daily lives.
On our first day, we were taken to a drop-in centre a few blocks away called "Open Hands". There, they have clothing, furniture, toys, and other odds and ends that people in the area and in the city can come and pick up for their homes and families. Bronwyn and I served tea, coffee, and toast to the ladies that came in (Tuesdays are ladies only). Many of the women are not British, but are from many walks of life. I met women from the Middle East, Turkey, Ukraine, you name it! Later that evening, the drop-in was opened to the general public for a hot meal. Everyone that came in was incredibly polite, adding "Cheers!" to the end of everything they said. I had many a conversation with the men and women that came in, most of who commented on my "odd accent".
We also worked with a cooking course that Vicky puts on for the non-English speakers in the area. It's a time where the women can come in and teach us a little bit about their culture by showing us new recipes. One lady from Turkey taught us how to make apple cookies, which are, essentially, apple/walnut/cinnamon-stuffed croissants. Needless to say, Bronwyn and I frequented her shop quite often during our stay!
As well as that, we aided Vicky and several others in teaching an English-Second-Language Course. Many women in the neighborhood come together twice a week and learn and practice their English in a safe and secure environment. 
The YWAM base consists of six staff, Paul and Vicky included, and all but Paul are Brazilian. This particular base in more outreach focused, so no schools are run at this base. The staff are all actively involve in the community. It was amazing to see everything that God has done in their lives and the lives of those around them.
After a week of delicious food, amazing people, and lots of laughs, Bronwyn and I boarded a coach bound for Coventry...