Reading all day

(I didn't take this picture, but I wanted to give an idea of where we were at. I'll post more pics when I get back)

Today, I listened to Jeff Purswell's message on waiting.. twice. It was wonderful. A needed reminder in a quiet season. Went through plenty of cups of coffee and two breakfasts as I listened. Our Christian lives are full of times of waiting. But this waiting should be an expectant waiting. God has good things in store. I have no clue what those good things are. I wish I did. I wish I knew what my next year would look like. What 10 years will look like. And I grow weary in waiting. I start asking God why he hasn't delivered. But oh. "Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength." As we wait, he strengthens us. Listen to the message.

Quiet time in the garden. Yummy lunch. Reading, napping, and deep conversations with Britt on the lawn of a castle. Yes. A castle. Dinner with the Greasleys. Climbing a mountain. Going to a pub. Eating two huge bowls of icecream. Listening to Britt and Anna play instruments. This was my day.

Trip with Britt

Lazy Sunday afternoon. Naps all around. Full bellies. This little post will be to update you readers (probably just mom) about what Britt and I have been up to. I'll just give a few snap shots into what we've been doing in order to avoid a super long, boring post.

First off. Both England and the US are out. So football drama is overrrrr. Yes.

Second off. Brittany Kauflin is very godly.

Thirdy off. Rangers in parks don't like when your portable grills burn the grass black.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Oxford and London and travel to Shaftsbury. Already briefly discussed in the last post. Slightly insane. I saw my sin during this trip. Being in environments that never stop moving causes me to get anxious and irritable. I am still thinking about how to deal with these times. The Bible says that we can plan our way, but God determines our steps. And it tells us not to be anxious about anything. So when I get into these types of situations where I feel anything but comfortable, I need to remind myself that everything that is happening is under the control of the almighty Father. He sees me in the crowd and watches and cares for me. However, next time I go, I will plan better. As I sit here now, I also realize God might call me to this kind of city. If he does, I want to be ready to go... Even if it means sleepless nights in tiny bedrooms, loud sirens, little money, and no plans.

Thursday and Friday: The quaint Shaftsbury. We strolled around the beautiful town in Dorset. I cannot possibly explain how much I wanted to be in Pride and Prejudice during these two days. I would have LOVED to have had a full length dress and bonnet on while walking in the endless fields. And then to happen upon my Mr. Darcy at sunrise in a field. But alas, I settled with walking in a sundress with a wonderful group of people. The slow lifestyle was perfect for two days, but might grow old after a while. God has made us to be workers. Rest is wonderful, but ultimately, we are here to work as laborers for the Gospel. Let's go to heaven tired and there we will rest.

Friday night to Tuesday: Anna Greasely time. Anna has been the best little hostest. We have been to the breathtaking seaside with the teens and watched the sunset from a cliff. We have toured the streets of Bath. Bath was unexplainable. You MUST go there to experience its wonders. I would live there in a second. Well, not a second. Then BBQ with portable grills at a park with friends in Cardiff. Today was church and another BBQ. The rest of the time here will be spent just hanging out, I suppose. Bliss.

This week has been extremely busy. I have had a couple of little health issues that have made it uncomfortable. And I haven't had much time to read the Bible. Feeling less passionate this week about the Lord, but praying that God would meet me as I read His Word. Pictures are to come, but not until I arrive back in Merthyr.

I miss Merthyr. But I really miss home. Not sure why I miss home so much. But I do. However, I know God has me here for a reason. "For such a time as this" He has put me here and I will keep busy doing what I believe to be His work. Prayers are appreciated.

A minute to report from the country

We have arrived in the country of England. In a small town called Shaftsbury. I never want to go into London again. The only part of it I enjoyed was Hyde Park and being with Britt. But there was grace for even the low points.

-Found Britt in a massive train station
-Found our house that we stayed in
-Made instant Starbucks coffee
-Ran around Oxford, but found nothing except the pub CS Lewis and Tolkien wrote in
-Spent hours trying to figure out the public transportation system
-Drank coffee at an outside coffee shop
-Sat on a bench in Hyde Park
-Saw John Bunyan's burial ground
-Brit's wallet got stolen
-Arrived at the wrong train station
-Almost lost our bags on the train
-TIRED of city life

We arrived in the quaint town of Shaftsbury and were greeted by friendly faces. Went on a walk in rolling hills and grabbed a marvelous dinner and coffee. Markets and walks are in store for the next couple days. Praise the Lord. More details later!

Lazy Day?

Short post.


Church was amazing. Our joy is found in the HOPE we have in Christ. We should be "joyful ALWAYS" because Christ has redeemed us and heaven awaits us at the end of this life. This deep rooted joy is not circumstantial, but based on what has already been done on the cross and what is yet to happen in heaven. It's because of Jesus.

Oriental Garden for a filling of unlimited Chinese food. One of my personal favorites. Dave and Al were so kind to let me come along on this Father's Day excursion. I don't deserve their kindness to me.

Then a lazy day in the garden out back. I got through most of my book (The Heavenly Man). This book is a must read for Christians. This man put his hope in God (which I have been learning a lot about) and risked EVERYTHING for the sake of the Gospel. I have cried several times as his persecution was described in detail. God has put us here to tell his Gospel, no matter the cost. Played with kids. Talked with grandparents. Walked in the woods. Listened to a message. Are lazy days like this worthless? I think not. They are opportunities to learn and reflect on who God is. But for some reason, they do cause me to miss home more.

Bible Study

Yesterday was quite packed with lots of little happenings. I went to Amy's (a 24 year old that is married with one kid and is coming to DC for 9 months) in the morning for coffee. She is the sweetest. I see myself becoming friends with her even though we are in completely different seasons of life. I can't believe she is only 2.5 years older than me, but has a husband and child!

Then I went to Paul and Lisa's. Caleb was gone for the day, so the three of us, Nathan, and the baby went to town. This was Lisa's first time out and about since the birth. We had a yummy lunch (I had a jacket potato with chicken and mushrooms and butter) and coffee and walked around the small town. Chatting with them makes me feel at home. They are both so down to earth and funnyyy. And they have a love for their Savior that is evident upon talking with them. Can't wait to spend more time with them.
TTHEEN. Bible study! I was so excited to do this Bible study with 5 teenage girls. We studied the passage in James about being hearers and doers of the Word. Talked about why and how to read the Bible. It is God's word and is living and active. They opened up tons and I can't wait to spend the rest of the summer talking with them. The older girls haven't really had anyone to talk to, so this is perfect timing. God's timing always is. Went to teens with them after. Ate a lot of unhealthy food and watched football (soccer). Glad England tied.
Today I went shopping with Cerianne and Carys (girl in church). We went to Cardiff. I got loads from this shop called primart. While walking around, my heart was especially burdened. I looked around and most of the people were dressed to impress. They had the perfect tan, hair, shoes, jewelry, pants, shirt, dress, body, etc... I immediately started to feel inferior. I know that if I were to be put in a line-up with most of those girls, I would be quickly passed over and labeled "plain". This bothered me. A lot. Once I got home, I recalled a message I listened to on my run this morning. John Piper talked about the hope that we have in heaven. And how it's fine if I don't have anything but one pair of pants and one shirt here on earth. Because heaven is coming. And all this on earth will pass.
The second burden I had was for the poor I saw on the streets. Geez. I just wanted to go talk with them and give them food. I lack courage... I lack faith... I lack "know-how". Need to pray for wisdom and talk to people that are good at this.

Had the classic fish and chips tonight. I'm gonna get fat from all these chips (fries). I've had them nearly every day the last few days! They are a staple here.

Lydia

This morning was mums n' tots. I can't believe it's already been more than a week! I already feel much more comfortable with people!

Then I had the privilege of going to visit Lydia. She is a precious woman that is a bit older than I am. She was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and has undergone treatments. However, there are many complications that have followed the treatments. Since she isn't able to work or move around much right now, she can tend to be confined to the house. It was absolutely wonderful to visit her and have an awesome conversation with her. She is trusting God through one of the most difficult circumstances she will ever face. What a joy to be in her presence. I asked her what she did in all her time at home. She makes cards a lot. So I asked if we could do that together. I made a Father's Day card (which will arrive to you late dad...sorry! Forgot about the mail travel time to US). It was wonderful.

I then went to spend some time with Garreth and Angela Lloyd. Ate a yummy meal and talked over tea about his time in the US and my time here. We then loaded up their mini bus (it was a real mini bus to fit their 7 children and many visitors) and went on a car ride through some of the countryside. I am always amazed at the beauty that surrounds me. We talked about what God is doing throughout the areas adjacent to Merthyr and where harvesters are still needed to do missionary work among these rough areas. It's going to take lots of prayers, brainstorming, and ACTION.

Tomorrow is another busy day! Not finding much time to read. Had this idea that I would spend hours upon hours in empty fields reading books. God had other plans to spend time with people...which I love love love! However, I do want to allot some time to extensive reading of "Heavenly Man" next week.

xx(this is how everyone here finishes texts or messages. it means "kiss).

Fellowship of the Saints

Went to Paul and Lisa Edward's house today. She just had a baby and now has three children under the age of 3. I honestly don't know how she does it. I don't ever suppose I will be able to do what she does without loads of help. While two wild boys run around, she has a baby to feed and care for. And she is healing from the birth. My respect grew for mothers of newborns by leaps and bounds today.

Went to a church family's for tea (another name for dinner) and ate a huge amount of glorious food.

Allyson and Dave had home group tonight. We gathered in their living room, but only three members of the group showed up. Most of the other members were missing due to extremely strenuous health circumstances. They started sharing about all the different illnesses that the members had. And then Dave decided to lead in a time of prayer. In the midst of this time, Allyson felt the Lord lead her to see if she could go to the home of one of the members. After praying, we packed up and went to their house. This family absolutely amazed me. They have two children. Their little boy has cerebral palsy. The husband found out a year ago that he has MS. His body is rapidly growing weaker. Their group just began praying for them. I cannot explain the amazing experience this was for me. These people brought into the family of Christ were caring for each other with such sincerity. Tears fell from my eyes as I saw members speaking in tongues and cracking their Bibles open, providing hugs to comfort, words of encouragement, and offers of availability to serve. This is God's church at work. This is caring for the burdens of others. This is what we are called to. To serve and walk with the saints (1 Cor 12).

Sleepy Reflections

I'm quite tired from the busy day. I awoke at 6:30 to head to work with Allyson. She works at a school in Cearleon. This is an historic town where Romans ruins remain. I spent the entire day walking around the small town looking at the Roman baths, the museum, old cathedrals, and the amphitheater. However, my first stop was in a coffee shop. I sat for an hour and half having a quiet time and talking to the owner of the shop. He offered me a complimentary Welsh cake to compliment my coffee. Quite delicious. I ended the day walking into a trinket shop. After talking to the ladies working in the shop for five minutes, they closed the shop and took a tea break, inviting me to come along. We sat for hour and half speaking about many topics.

What hit me on this trip was the passing of time. The Romans were so successful in their time. They seemed to have it all. But all that is left of their empire are ruins. Able to reflect on what in this life is lasting. Nothing. Everything will fade away. Ecclesiastes speaks of all this as chasing after the wind. How dumb to chase after wind. We pass away, but the kingdom of God will never pass away. So I will put my confidence in eternity and seek to bring many along with me.

Came home and went to the home of a teenage girl here. Loved hearing about what she is thinking about. Doing a Bible study (Lord willing) this Friday with 5 girls around her age.

Lastly, went to a home group. We had a 5 course meal and sat around the table for hours. I was the youngest and only single person in the room. But I laughed so hard at a 60 year old Welsh man. He didn't stop talking and never took breaks in his sentences. When I could understand his thick, valley accent, I laughed heartily. These men and women are a true family, bound together by Christ. So different, yet so much in common because of this bond. And they warmly welcome me to join any kind of gathering. Learning to love the saints more and more.

All Quiet on the Merthyr Front

Today was the first day I had nothing planned to do. I awoke early to find Al's parents here. Chatted with them over several cups of coffee and toast. I then washed my clothes (which turned out to be slightly disastrous), ironed some clothes (people here iron everything except underwear), went on a short run, and had a quiet time. The run through the woods is feels safer than in Gaithersburg, and I'm banking on the judgment that it's safe. I ran into two sweet ladies and stopped in my sweaty grossness to speak with them for a few minutes. The Welsh are so kind.

I decided to walk into town to find somewhere to sit and read. I started walking to the library, but got a bit lost. When I asked a woman for directions, she told me to walk with her and she would show me. So I did and had a lovely chat about the town. Sitting down to read at the old library, a man of about 55, with a Chemistry book in hand, sat down next to me. He started talking and didn't stop for quite some time. Finally, he packed up to leave, without having read one word of his book. Sweet man. With very blue eyes. You see more people with green and blue eyes here. I love it.

Picked little Nathan from school and had a series of skypes with people from home. I do miss people, but not to the point where I feel faint. Because Jesus is here. Jesus is with me. Always. And when I do feel lonely here, with no people my age and a light schedule, I remember I am not alone. And I won't be alone. Ever. Because Jesus suffered and was alone on the cross, I will never be alone. God, my Father, is always near.

Thai dinner with the fam, movie with Cerianne, and reading tonight.

The Lord is Near

This might be a longer post. God has showed me a lot today.

Church this morning was outstanding. I was warmly greeted by tea and coffee and friendly faces. We sang for 45 minutes in worship and asked the Holy Spirit to meet us in worship and through the message. Garreth Lloyd spoke today on a passage in Ephesians. Here is what I took away.
-God calls us to love Him and love people. Simple. Love him love people.
-Faith ACTS. So many times, we feel called to certain things, but we churn and think over it so much that we move on in time. FAITH ACTS. We have faith in Christ. All of our eggs are in one basket. We are COMPLETELY trusting in Christ and the promises he has made to us throughout his Word. We are loved, adopted, redeemed, and then called to GO forth. Are we acting? Or are we just talking and thinking about acting? This is particularly convicting to me as I have been thinking about reaching out to the poor and outcasts for the past few months. How am I taking steps of faith... steps that show that I am CONFIDENT that Christ and his work are the best news that needs to be heard...to share this good news? I'm going to go sit at a coffee shop tomorrow. And pray for God to move in hearts as I sit there and hopefully have conversations. And if NOTHING happens, I will know that I have taken a step of faith, and that God is pleased.

We then had a treasure hunt over the mountains. Completely marvelous.

Then a prayer meeting. 16 of us gathered to meet the Holy Spirit. All ages of people gathered to call on His name. Coming to this meeting, I was burdened with a few things in my life. But God quickly reminded me to look to Him through this verse:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12

There are a few things that God is "throwing off" FOR me. So that I can genuinely stand before him and sing, "I'll stand. With arms high and heart abandoned." Let us throw off all that entangles so that we can RUN. Following this meeting, I went on a walk in the woods, and sang and prayed. Found much comfort in the Lord. When I look to Christ, there is comfort and refreshment. When I look around me, I grow discouraged.

First trip to Cardiff

This morning, I woke up at the late hour of 9:45. Bugger. I keep trying to keep up early, and I keep sleeping in! I decided to take the kiddos with me to the park. The walk there was quite long, full of falls and cries, and fears of dogs. When heading back, we had to climb a mountain. I felt so bad for the children, so I just held them both up the treacherous hill.

Upon arriving home, I was asked to accompany a sweet family to Cardiff Bay. I quickly got ready and set out for the 45 minute drive. The town reminded me of Baltimore in many ways. I enjoyed tagging along and talking with all the teen girls. The people in this church are so welcoming. I want to be like them when I get home. I want to welcome people into my life regardless of the discomfort. Didn't Christ lay down his life to welcome us in?

We got home in time for me to have a quiet time before dinner. I've just started reading through Jeremiah. The second chapter talks about how we have traded the living water for broken cisterns (traded God for things of this world that we think will satisfy). How stupid. I really think God has brought me here to pull me away from some broken cisterns that I have been drinking out of. Best friends and family will break. Boyfriends will break. Money will break. Grades will break. Plans will break. And yet I go to all of these things for watering and refreshment. A person who is not saved thinks these things will bring comfort, and they might bring temporary comfort. But the only living water that is everyflowing is from God.

Had a cute little couple over for dinner tonight and a friend of theirs that just got saved. They are getting married at 19. They are two years younger than me. That was a little strange. But they are very cute and very in love.

Seaside

Today was finally a bit warmer. The weather here, I am finding, is quite chillier than expected. I regret to say that I wish I had brought fewer summer dresses and more clothes fit for 50 and 60 degree weather. Next Saturday, I plan to go shopping and acquire some warmer clothes with Cerianne.
Went to the supermarket with Allyson this morning. Everything is sold in smaller containers here. There is a lot more instant coffee (which I love) and a lot less peanut butter (which I hate). For the record, Marmite is absolutely disgusting.
I then spent the afternoon with Paul and Lisa Edwards and their three children (they just had a baby). I absolutely love them. Lisa is American. Paul is Welsh. Their love story makes me so happy. Being around Lisa gives me a home comfort when I feel out of place. She loves to talk and is very laid back even as her children scream all around. And Paul is probably the most caring husband I have ever seen. He CONSTANTLY serves as his wife recovers from having the baby. Talked to him today about how the things God has been working in my heart to care for the poor is exactly what their church has recently been challenged on. Perfect timing to be here.

Went on a run in the park. Was out of breath the whole time. The hills are lovely to look upon, but a bother to run up.

Lastly, the teens all went to the seaside for a BBQ. Loved getting to know all of the teens and begin building relationships with them. I froze my butt off the whole time, yet everyone kept telling me how warm they thought it was.
I'm left wondering what I will do with the next two months. I'D LOVE FOR VISITORS TO COME. But I might resort to taking some day trips alone, which is completely wonderful and refreshing. I'm thinking Oxford. That's all I've thought of so far. Will need to make a list.

Settling in.

Today I helped with mothers and toddlers. Many unbelieving women bring their children here. It was an awesome chance to reach out to a practical need in the hopes of meeting their greatest need. The highlight of my day was spending time with Cerianne. She is a 17 year old girl that has been adopted by Allyson and Dave Hand (whom I'm staying with). We went on a two hour walk in the woods and around a castle and lake. Then had a girls night. She tried to brighten up my makeupless face and unkept hair. She tried making my fringes (bangs) to look like hers. The video shows that this failed and we covered it with a flower.

Please pray for the youth here. Tony Graham explained to me about the state of Christianity here. Only one percent of people in Wales are true believers. It is the youth that God is going to use. I know it. So girls like Cerianne will be the ones I want to really speak with this summer. A 23 year old guy here, Dave, is working his butt off to reach out to the teens.. especially the boys. I hope to get more involved with the girls that are a couple years youn

ger. Maybe that is the reason there aren't many singles here. So I can talk to these teens.

"For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather ALL nations and tongues. And they shall come and see my glory...From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me." (Is 66) All nations will be gathered. And I am praying that happens here. In Merthyr. Like Samuel, I want to beg the Lord to send me. Send me to the lost and broken. I would go on, but I don't want to write a book. I will leave you with pictures from our makeover date.

Travel Across Ocean + 1st Day

I am utterly exhausted and told myself I would not stay up doing this blog. But alas, I have little self control and don't want to forget details. This blog will not be a book, but an account for me (and those who care to know) about this trip. I have clearly been called to Wales for the summer, and I know that God has a plan. This blog will hopefully unveil it by the end.

Travel:
-Woke up on Tuesday morning in the states at 6am. I traveled for approximately 8 hours in the air, but spent a total of 10 hours waiting in airports during layovers. I am just going to bed after two days of only sleeping three hours. And if you know me, you will know that I cry a lot and get groggy when tired. Hence the reason I should be asleep now.
-I felt very alone in the airports as people speaking numerous languages passed around me. This loneliness pushed me to do three things. I people watched ALOT. There are some unusual people that have been in the image of God out there. I read and prayed and journaled. I literally wrote ten pages in my journal today. Reading through the Bible and the "Heavenly Man". Listening to CJ. I talked to people beside me. Most probably considered me too forward, but I loved finding out where people were from and listening to their stories. One woman held onto my arm and would not let go for a good chunk of time.

Arriving
-Got here. And was met by the Grahams. They are wonderful. They brought me food (which I scarfed because I hadn't wanted to buy food in the airports), a book, and a card. We chatted all the way to the pub where we ate delicious food and drank a little beer. Visited the church. They are renovated a beautiful old catherdral in the heart of the town. It blows my mind.
-Came to the house I'm staying. The Hands are a wonderful family. I cannot wait to post more about them.
-Went to a pub with some married ladies in the church. However, as I ate and drank, I grew more tired by the second. I literally was falling asleep as I listened to them.
-Came home and cried a bit. God is working, but I am fighting selfish desires to please myself and make myself comfortable. Please pray I continue to look for ways to keep my eyes on others. And oh. Please pray for a revival in this town. That is what I'm praying for.

Anyhow. More to come on specific thoughts and ponderings, but wanted to provide an overview.
Love to you
Lauren