sneakpeak [july 30]

Hiya!

First of all - happy birthday to my wonderful older brother! I am so very thankful for him and everything he has done for me!!! I love him to pieces (:

Anyway - I don't have the time or energy to blog right now. So I am simply giving y'all a few pictures of our tour of London today. It was such a wonderful experience, and I am so glad we were able to spend the last day wandering around London and enjoying its history and culture. Now here are the pictures - and it's bed time!!!

"The chief end of man is to glorify God and[by] enjoying him forever."

 changing of the guard (the part we saw)

Lunch at the Spaghetti House!

Westminster Abbey! (:

Big Ben

The London Eye 3D map 

Buckingham Palace

We found cheap seats for Wicked!!!

bye-bye Wales [july 26-29]

Hiya everyone!

So, it's been such a long weekend! I don't even know where to begin.

Friday was a very emotional day. Holiday club went wonderfully and afterward I was presented with gifts from Gateway Church and a couple from the church. It was absolutely beautiful, and I nearly cried. Especially when Kath was giving the presents and giving me a verse to keep with me. The one she chose was our theme verse for the week: Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." It was absolutely wonderful, and I am going to miss them all so much!!!

Then we had our last youth event that afternoon which was very, very fun. Just a little bit sad. It was wonderful to go bowling with all the girls. Daddy, you would be proud - I bowled over 150 since I got 3 strikes!!!! I'm never that good :P Afterward I packed up until Abi came over. She brought me a framed picture of us from the last post. Then we had a HUGE pity party/cry party with ice cream. Incredibly sad. Rose came in and joined us.

We had the friday night coffee house at Rhydyfelin and then fireworks afterward which were brill. Continue to pray for Abi and for Rosie. Abi and I talked a lot on friday, and I'm hoping I can begin to disciple Rosie even when I'm back in America. It'll be very, very good.

Saturday I joined with the American team from Greenville, ARP. We went on a "hike" through the Brecon Beacons. It was really walking through this sheep-poo covered green field but that's okay. The lookout over all the fields of Wales was stunning. And I got a nice nap on the grass when I got back (: That night we went and ate at the Upperboat Inn which was delicious. It's a very strange buffet where you get a fixed amount of meat but can go up for fixin's as much as you want. Very strange, but it worked out great. I could only eat one plate, so I gave most of my meat to Bobby because he ate all his the first round. So funny.

Sunday morning Bobby got to exhort at Rhydyfelin!!! He did SO WELL. I was amazed at his gift and how God use him to speak on Psalm 73 to the church in Wales. God has really blesse him, and I am so thankful for his word to me. He spoke on how we are to (1) trust in God by turning to him even when we think God is failing us (2) treasure him for we have nothing else but him! He is our prize! and (3) to tell others about the marvelous gift of salvation he has for us because that is the greatest work in all of history! It was so good. I am still blessed by it now. That afternoon we had a potluck style lunch with black current pie (delicious)! and then went to Ponty park with the Team.

Then we were rushed over to Caerphilly to join the Caerphilly churches in their worship service at the Big Cheese. It's a large festival that lasts all weekend (where we watched fireworks on friday). The church does a "little sunday service" (as described by the announcerman at the festival) in the open air. They sang some hymns and gave a little 5 minute devotion. It was wonderful to see some of the passerbys come, take a look, and either stay or walk off with a contemplating look. I also got to worship one last time with a good majority of the Gateway church who I will miss incredibly. It has been such a good summer, and I have been thoroughly blessed by them.

This morning Dottie picked us up. We stopped at a pup to eat and talk over things before she dropped us off at Cardiff to take the bus to London. Then it has been extremely hectic and crazy trying to get on all these different trains to get to our hotel. However, after an hour and a half of running through the stations, we are now comfortably settled into our rooms and about to sleep for the night. God even gave us a rainbow to celebrate our arrival. Tomorrow will be so much fun, and I can't wait to see what London has waiting for us.

Bye-bye Wales (crossing the Bridge).

Instead of a Gideon Bible - there's the Davinci Code!

Please pray for us that while we will have fun tomorrow that we will rest well to before our trip home on Wednesday. Pray for safe travels, that we won't lose anything, and that the rain will go away!!! It's raining pretty hard right now, but I'd love to see clear blue skies tomorrow as we walk around London and visit all these wonderful places!

Thank you for your love and support. I will try to update tomorrow one last time before we get home. Thank you for reading this, and it is my prayer that these posts have been edifying to your faith and given you a glimpse of what God is doing here in Wales. He is doing a mighty work through the power of His savior, and I am hoping that he is doing a mighty work in you also. God loves you. God bless you.

Ta-ta!

go and tell what God has done [july 25]

Hiya everyone!

Today has been pretty awesome. It first started out with Holiday Club, which I always love. The kids were really crazy today in my group (some of the boys just kept causing trouble), but it was good nonetheless. We got to share some of the gospel today with them, which was good.

Then after Club I went to Abi's house, and she taught me how to make welsh cakes!!! It was simply so amazing. Absolutely loved it. We just chit chatted, had a semi water/flour fight with her little brother, and made delicious welsh cakes. So good.

They were delicious, if I do say so myself. (:

We then went on a bike ride with some of the families in Gateway. It was pretty fun. I biked with Abi and Bethan pretty much the whole time. AND SUCCESS! I made it up the last two hills! We didn't go nearly as far (probably about 12 miles rather than the 27 we went to Cardiff Bay and back). It was really good. Very enjoyable.

I would ask you to pray for Abi. I love her dearly, and I have so enjoyed becoming her friend over these two months. It's been absolutely lush. I asked her what she believed, and she said she didn't know, nor did she know why she didn't know. I didn't quite know what questions to ask after that. But please pray for her. As I said, I love her dearly, and I want her to fall in love with my God. She was singing the "Our God is a great, big God" song tonight, so maybe the Lord is working in her. I hope so. How wonderful it would be to see her fall in love with the Savior! I would probably cry from happiness. I am going to miss her a lot. She is constantly asking me to move back permanently, and if there weren't other factors, I would do it in a heartbeat just to love on her every day I could.

Then after the bike ride we ate food at the pub, listened to a band play, played cards, and played with little Barnaby, who I love. I was a monster, so he just chased me around and put me in jail the whole time. So much fun. Then afterward Rosie, Nonny, Abi and I watched the Hunger Games. The boys were absolutely so obnoxious the whole entire movie but they eventually left us be after a time. But it was still great fun.

And now it's bed time. Tomorrow is my last youth group event. I was asked to give a little good bye speech, and I don't really know what to say. I'm at a loss of what I should share. Yet, in this moment, I am reminded of the man from the tombs. After he is healed, he runs after Jesus and begs to go with him. But Jesus says no and, instead, Jesus tells him to tell what God has done for him. Perhaps tomorrow I should tell them my story. So pray for me in this. Pray that I will allow the Spirit to guide me and that he will give me the words to say. I want them to love their Savior. I want them to learn what life is really about. Pray for me. Pray for them.

I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for your prayers.

Ta.

saving souls [july 24]

Hiya!

So yesterday was another round of Holiday Club. My talk on King Neb went really well. The kids loved my costume, and they seemed to be able to answer the questions about the story which was brill. I'm still trying to get a picture of my costume, but I'll hopefully be able to update this later with such a picture.

After that we had a hiking trip with the youth group. It took about 2 hours, and it was really good fun. I got to dispel the youth's fixation on YOLO (how it doesn't work because we actually live twice according to the bible!) and got to talk with Georgia and Nicole for the whole hike! It was so fun, and I very enjoyed it!

I went out to Rhydyfelin for their youth coffee house which was wonderful. My Bobby did such a beautiful job in his talk, and it led into really wonderful discussion about how we have a problem we can't deal with: a problem that we can't uphold God's standards. His standards are perfection, and we are far from perfection. BUT that the news doesn't end there! We have someone who died for us, namely, Jesus! There was one boy named Sebastian who basically said to Garrison that if I can't meet God's standards and Jesus offers a way, I want it. Pray for him that he might be drawn into salvation!

Oh! A small aside. A girl in my youth group named Isabelle gave Bobby and I a gift as a thank you for the summer. It was a little Welsh slate thing that says "Happiness is having Welsh Friends" and a little snow globe that says "I love Wales." We got to open it last night, and I was simply thrilled! We both were. It was just so exciting, and it is so fun. The snow globe has a magnet on the back, so Bobby said it's our first fridge magnet. So fun that we get to decorate our house with welshy things!!! I love all these girls that are here. Pray that I might love them well even in my last week.

Then today began with more Holiday Club. Dottie and Shelia came today, and I was so excited to see them! It was good to talk with them and enjoy them. Club went well. Please continue praying that we will touch these children's lives and get their families more involved in the church.

Then tonight we went rock climbing with the youth group! Abi came, which was wonderful, so her and I got to spend quite a bit of time together and with Nicole, who I am really beginning to enjoy. We had some good conversation about the Lord providing. This guy named DJ again spoke on that as he shared his testimony of how God has lead him in the past few years of his life and that God has been showing him that He is trustworthy and he helps us throughout our lives. Pray for our your that they will "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Tomorrow I'll be going to Abi's house to bake welsh cakes and chit chat until the bike ride. Pray that that will be good conversation! I am very excited.

Then tonight Rosie and I had another very long and amazing conversation about the Bible, her role in the youth program (I'm hoping she'll sort of take charge of the girls when I leave), and in what ways she needs to be learning. We then started the book of James and spent nearly an hour and a half on the first 15 verses. It was so funny to me because the first question she asked me was "why is this relevant?", "this" being the Bible and then she and I spent all that time and wasn't even able to finish a chapter. It was so good, and she has taught me so much. I'm hoping to be able to set up a time for the two of us (and maybe some others) might be able to skype when I go home so we can keep doing a bible study. There just isn't enough time in the day. Pray for her, that she would keep asking questions, and grow in her faith. That Jesus would become the Lord of her life and that she would love him completely.

I also received a prayer request from Bobby. Please pray for a boy named Cade. He has shown interest in Christ as his savior. Pray diligently that the Lord might move in him, draw him in, and send the Holy Spirit to convict him of his sin and guide him to life.

Pray for me. Today it really hit me that I'm only here for another week. It hasn't been long enough. The friendships I've built with my girls are just beginning to bear fruit, and now I must leave. Part of me is truly saddened, as if I haven't worked hard enough this summer to build those relationships quicker. I know this guilt is ridiculous, so pray that I might be confident in God's plan. He is sovereign and has played these relationships out for a particular reason. I cannot rush his timing. Pray that I will be content and working hard to love these girls while I'm still here. They keep pleading with me to move here permanently. How I am going to miss them. I hope to see them again, either in this life or the next.

Thank you for your love and support. Today I am blown away with God's mercy and his love for me. Pray that I might get good sleep and rest well. This morning I slept through my alarm I was so tired. But God is good, and he is doing such a good work here in Wales!!! I appreciate each and every one of you.

Ta-ta!

rain rain go away [july 22]

Hiya!

The first day of VBS/Holiday Club went smashingly. Part of me forgot how much I completely love VBS. It's one of the highlights of my summer, and that's no different here in Wales. I am the leader of the middle (6-8) aged group, and they are all so wonderful! They are all so eager to learn and happy to help. It is so fun being with them and getting to know who they are. Today was the story of Daniel and the forbidden food which seemed to go over well. Please be praying for us as the week continues, that we will be able to share the love of Jesus with them and see their lives changed. Pray also that these families will be touched and led to become more involved with the church so that they, too, may come to know who Christ is.

After Holiday Club we headed over to Rhydyfelin to join their sports afternoon. I hung out with the younger ladies and played a few games including 4-square and Red Rover. It was a great time, and I really enjoyed being there with the girls and the American Team in Rhydyfelin. Thankflly I' loving the Caerphilly work so much that I don't quite miss being part of that Team as I spoke to y'all about yesterday.

Then I came home to prepare my bible lesson for the morning. I'm dressing up like King Nebuchadnezzar and giving the talk on his dream about the giant statue. It should go well, but please pray for me that the Holy Spirit might be guiding me and filling me, telling me what these children need to hear.

Also! After nearly 3 weeks of blistering heat in Wales, tomorrow it is forecasted to rain. Please, please, please pray that it holds off in the morning. There are so many holiday clubs here who are praying for clear skies, so pray with us. It would be dreadful to fit nearly 60 kids in the sports hall which is hardly the size of a basketball court. So, please be in prayer for us and for the weather.

Tonight is short. Pray for my stamina. Pray also for the stamina of the Team. I know they have a lot to do this week!!! Thank you for your love and your support. I appreciate each and every one of you.

Ta-ta!

seeking good rest [july 20-21]

Hiya everyone!

So yesterday was simply mad. Started off at half-nine at Pete and Kath's filling up water balloons. Stayed there (only with a short break for lunch) until nearly 7 for It's a Knockout. I think about 100 people showed up to play all these crazy games and have such a great, fun time with the group. I was on a team with the older girls, which was simply lush. I had Abi, Martha, Rosie, Nonny, and Hannah on my team with Raf and another mom named Christi (who was super fun). It was so lush just playing with the girls the whole time. I'm going to nab some pictures off facebook and put them up later. Right now, just take my word on it. Even though we came in 3rd place, we had such a blast.

That night Nonny, Rosie, and I went over to Maria's house to see her new puppies! Her Border collie had puppies a few weeks ago, so we went to go hold and play with these adorable little puppies. They're eyes were just beginning to open, so it was just so cute! I absolutely loved it.

Then we hung around the house and had a good time until bed which I went to early because I was so exhausted.

This morning began with Rhydyfelin. I got to see the Team from Greenville ARP and even got to eat lunch with Garison at Brian and Elizabeth's. For some reason being with Garrison really made me miss my brother, John. Thankfully I get to see him soon, but it really did make me miss him.

Afterward was a group meeting with the Team about their holiday club in Rhydyfelin. Part of me really was gutted that I wouldn't be working much with them this week. Their laughs, their joy, it makes me desire to be a part of their group. However, they are needed in Rhydyfelin, and I am needed in Gateway. God has such an amazing week in store for both of us. Please pray hard for both churches, that God will be guiding us through this entire week!

Pray also for the Jerusalem church, the one which Dottie is in charge of. An American team was supposed to go to that church; however, they didn't get visas before they came over, and the UK Border Agency sent them home. It's very sad for everyone, so please pray for that church. I can't even imagine the turmoil of not having that support come through. Ah.

Then tonight we had this huge pizza party here at Claire's. There were SO MANY people! It felt like Christmas in my house! I got to talk to all sorts of people and help out with the food. I love being a helper. So it was just a wonderful time of socializing and resting before the week begins! Tonight ended with a 4 hour chat with Rosie (and the others wandered in from time to time) about God, beliefs, the Bible, and all sorts of stuff. She is so keen to learn and to know more. I wish I had more time with her to talk about all this stuff. I feel like there is no woman close enough to her age to properly disciple her in these matters. Pray that God might supply her with a need for the Word and a woman for her to talk to. She is a wonderful young lady, and it is my hope that she will grow and be as strong woman of God.

Pray for me that I will rest well. So many more things are importaner than sleep and food, so as it rounds 2 am, please pray that God will grant me supernatural sleep and that I will rest so well and be ready for tomorrow's long day of Holiday Club. I think I will be joining the Team for their afternoon sport's day, so I definitely need good rest. Pray also that I would make myself less and lift up God, focus on him, and not distort the gospel. And that I would also allow the Holy Spirit to work in me and through me this week, that I might snatch some out of the fire and save them.

Thank you for your prayers and support. Don't expect much out of me as for blogging n' such. It'll be a long week. (Also, Bobby is sleeping in the school, so he probably won't be posting much either.) I appreciate you all. God Bless.

Ta-ta!

hoping for those I love [july 18]

Hiya!!!

My day didn't really begin until about 1 with the thursday prayer meeting. It was a wonderful time of focusing on what God is doing over the next few days and asking that he would strengthen us to "Be imiators of God, as dearly beloved children, and live a life of love, just as christ loved us and gave himself up for us as an atoning sacrifice and fragrant offering to God." Pray also for us in this, that we might be those imitators and a good witness to those whom we will be in contact with over the next week.

Pray also, while I'm thinking about it, for the teams who are coming over to help with holiday club. I think they are on planes right now or something like that. I'm not sure when they board; however, pray for safety in their travels and that they will rest well. There is so much to do here, and they need God strength in them!

After the prayer meeting I was dropped off about 1/4 of the way to Rhydyfelin. Bobby met me at about the halfway point, and we walked together up to his house. We talked and chatted about life and important things, and it was just really, really good.

After tea we headed to the Tyler's for my last ever youth club night. I don't think it's quite hit me how final that is. I'm not sure how my talk went, to be honest. The kids were so distracted it seemed like. At times they were really into it with wide-eyes, but when it came to the part of how we get rid of our sin it all just seemed to blow up. One girl said that we get rid of it by doing a good thing, and I was going to try and explain how that didn't work when they all started talking and laughing and just out of control. I brought up Hebrews 9:22 and asked them to talk through it with me, and they seemed to get the point: even one little boy shouted out, hey! that's why Jesus died! So, maybe their eyes were being opened. I'm not sure. Please pray that they'll be thinking about it and come to full realization of what those truths mean. They need to be certain of where they belong, either to the kingdom of darkness or to the kingdom of light. Pray diligently for them. My heart breaks at the possibility that one of those beautiful kids won't come to love their Father as they were created to and belong to his family. I hope love will win in their lives.

After the club we headed back to Kelvin and Claire's, to which Bobby and I talked a bit about Mormonism (Since Bobby will be joining us when the two men return to talk to us tomorrow!) and about atheism. We watched a video about Richard Dawkins which was just filled with hate and anger. I feel sorry for that man, in all honesty, and especially those he's teaching to hate. I mourn over the world that my children will grow up into if that sort of hatred is what drives people.

We then watched a video called "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." It was absolutely fascinating, even for me who really knows little to nothing about science. It's a documentary about the Evolution vs Intelligent Design debate in America (or lack thereof). I suggest you go watch it. It's about an hour and a half, but it's quite good. I sent it to Luke, the atheistic year 10, just to get his perspective since he is an atheistic and would see that in a completely different light than I. Pray that this will be a good means of conversation and questioning. He really is quite knowledgeable, but there are definitely things that he's simply taking on faith (although he's absolutely against faith as he describes it as "believing something that has no proof") and that he needs to begin to question. Here is the link if you'd like to take a look.

Pray that I'll get a good night's rest. It is very, very warm in this house and  want to get a good night's rest for the morning. Thank you all for your love and support.

Ta-ta!