Hiya once again!
So, like I said yesterday, today I went to Claire's bible study group. It's a group of friends who come to Claire's for breakfast every Monday. Some just come to breakfast then skedaddle and others stick around for a video and discussion. These are her friends who don't go to church, so it's a wonderful form of evangelism and bringing in new families into the church. She met them through her children as all of the moms live in her estate (neighborhood) and all the children go to the same school.
Out of the four moms who showed up only two stayed for the video. It's the Alpha Program, a set of videos which goes through the basics of Christianity. This morning it answered the question of "Is Jesus Real?" It's a neat little program and very spot on so far. I got to watch some of it last night. However one of the mom's brought her 3 year old named Riley, so instead of going in with the women I got to know little Riley so that his mom could spend the whole half hour watching the video and discussing instead of having to worry over Riley.
So, it was simply wonderful to get to know Riley. He is the cutest kid! We had great fun this morning playing with legos! It took him nearly 20 minutes to warm up to me, but I built him a car and a garage, so that seemed to do the trick. He is the cutest little kid with such a joyful heart. I'm hoping to get to know him little bit more as I think he and his mom, Helen, will be coming back next week for the second alpha video. I could hardly understand a word the little darling said, but it was really, truly, wonderful.
After that my Sabbath began, so I was left alone in the house. But it was too nice of a day so I decided to go find the castle.
Surprisingly enough, I found it.
And I made it home.
The castle was beautiful. I only got to walk around the mote since you had to pay to go inside (which I didn't fancy doing alone), but it was simply gorgeous. It was such a lush day, and it was so nice to just walk around and take some pictures of the sights. I also got to read my bible and do a bit of journaling on the castle wall, which was simply fab. It was wonderful to it beside the castle which according to the signs used to be called the "People's Fort." It reminded me of how God is our refuge and strength, our stronghold, our fortress. He is here to comfort us in great need, and he shelter's us under the shadow of his wing. It's a beautiful symbolism, but unlike Caerphilly castle, God's walls are everlasting. It reminds me of Psalm 121, one of my favorites: I lift up my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over Israel will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither sleep nor slumber. A beautiful account of God's love for us.
I would ask you to pray that I not take such love for granted while I'm here. It's easy to get lost in the small, every day parts of this internship. But I am here for a great and wonderful cause: to share the love of God with those in Wales. And through it all, God is here with me. He is not only guiding and strengthening me, but protecting me from the forces of evil that are surely at work here (I have no doubt. I was walking down the street and someone honked gave me the finger. Who does that to someone they don't know? Such darkness. Such hatred. This place needs a Savior. Pray for that young man too!).
As I was walking home a car pulled off onto the curb in front of me. Thinking they were going to ask me for directions, I was trying to come up with a polite way to say that I had no earthly clue where I was. However, when I looked through the window there was Helen with Riley in the back! It was such a pleasant surprise! Figuring it a good way to bond(We were boding, guys!!), I accepted the lift back up to Claire's house. We chatted for just a bit and Riley remembered me which was nice.
The rest of the day was spent at home with the children. I got to video chat with Michelle, Mom, Dad, and some of the kids which was brilliant. I really enjoyed the time talking with them, and I think the kids here did too! They were all crowded around the computer screen just listening to all that we were talking about. I also got to spend a little time on the wedding website, which I hope to get up and running next Monday at the latest.
Essentially, it was a wonderful rest, and I'm looking forward to the work I start tomorrow! Please pray for my nervousness. I'm getting a little anxious about all which I am being asked to do. It isn't too much yet, but I am excited and anxious about what is to come. God has a lot of things for me to do here, and I know he won't give me that which I cannot handle.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I appreciate each and every one of you.
Ta!
So, like I said yesterday, today I went to Claire's bible study group. It's a group of friends who come to Claire's for breakfast every Monday. Some just come to breakfast then skedaddle and others stick around for a video and discussion. These are her friends who don't go to church, so it's a wonderful form of evangelism and bringing in new families into the church. She met them through her children as all of the moms live in her estate (neighborhood) and all the children go to the same school.
Out of the four moms who showed up only two stayed for the video. It's the Alpha Program, a set of videos which goes through the basics of Christianity. This morning it answered the question of "Is Jesus Real?" It's a neat little program and very spot on so far. I got to watch some of it last night. However one of the mom's brought her 3 year old named Riley, so instead of going in with the women I got to know little Riley so that his mom could spend the whole half hour watching the video and discussing instead of having to worry over Riley.
So, it was simply wonderful to get to know Riley. He is the cutest kid! We had great fun this morning playing with legos! It took him nearly 20 minutes to warm up to me, but I built him a car and a garage, so that seemed to do the trick. He is the cutest little kid with such a joyful heart. I'm hoping to get to know him little bit more as I think he and his mom, Helen, will be coming back next week for the second alpha video. I could hardly understand a word the little darling said, but it was really, truly, wonderful.
After that my Sabbath began, so I was left alone in the house. But it was too nice of a day so I decided to go find the castle.
Surprisingly enough, I found it.
And I made it home.
The castle was beautiful. I only got to walk around the mote since you had to pay to go inside (which I didn't fancy doing alone), but it was simply gorgeous. It was such a lush day, and it was so nice to just walk around and take some pictures of the sights. I also got to read my bible and do a bit of journaling on the castle wall, which was simply fab. It was wonderful to it beside the castle which according to the signs used to be called the "People's Fort." It reminded me of how God is our refuge and strength, our stronghold, our fortress. He is here to comfort us in great need, and he shelter's us under the shadow of his wing. It's a beautiful symbolism, but unlike Caerphilly castle, God's walls are everlasting. It reminds me of Psalm 121, one of my favorites: I lift up my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over Israel will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither sleep nor slumber. A beautiful account of God's love for us.
I would ask you to pray that I not take such love for granted while I'm here. It's easy to get lost in the small, every day parts of this internship. But I am here for a great and wonderful cause: to share the love of God with those in Wales. And through it all, God is here with me. He is not only guiding and strengthening me, but protecting me from the forces of evil that are surely at work here (I have no doubt. I was walking down the street and someone honked gave me the finger. Who does that to someone they don't know? Such darkness. Such hatred. This place needs a Savior. Pray for that young man too!).
As I was walking home a car pulled off onto the curb in front of me. Thinking they were going to ask me for directions, I was trying to come up with a polite way to say that I had no earthly clue where I was. However, when I looked through the window there was Helen with Riley in the back! It was such a pleasant surprise! Figuring it a good way to bond(We were boding, guys!!), I accepted the lift back up to Claire's house. We chatted for just a bit and Riley remembered me which was nice.
The rest of the day was spent at home with the children. I got to video chat with Michelle, Mom, Dad, and some of the kids which was brilliant. I really enjoyed the time talking with them, and I think the kids here did too! They were all crowded around the computer screen just listening to all that we were talking about. I also got to spend a little time on the wedding website, which I hope to get up and running next Monday at the latest.
Essentially, it was a wonderful rest, and I'm looking forward to the work I start tomorrow! Please pray for my nervousness. I'm getting a little anxious about all which I am being asked to do. It isn't too much yet, but I am excited and anxious about what is to come. God has a lot of things for me to do here, and I know he won't give me that which I cannot handle.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I appreciate each and every one of you.
Ta!
Yay, Becca! This is great news. I hope you are able to establish meaningful and restorative relationships with who GOD would bring your way. How is the food there?
ReplyDeleteThe food, at least what I'm eating, is very similar to the states except the UK has crazy food laws, so it's not nearly as bad for you. You would like it ;D All the eggs are brown. I even found a feather stuck on one of my eggshells the other day. Ha.
ReplyDeleteBut thank you for your prayers. It's been wonderful, and I am so sad to be leaving so soon. I'm just starting to build meaningful relationships with a few people here, and now I have to go soon. Thankfully that's what technology is for!