Would you fancy a cup of tea?

Almost done with my first week of work at the church! I am so blessed with such a wonderful staff...all quirky and energetic. Sounds a bit like me. In the past couple of days I've been adjusting quite well to English culture. Definitely culture shock at first, but I'm slowly getting used to the British ways. I have to be more careful riding my bike...especially since they drive on the opposite side and the roads are so narrow! I almost died a couple of times...good thing for a helmet! :)

Today, I went to a school assembly at Woodford Prep School and we were able to talk about God (even though the school was not Christian). So different than the US! Praise God we were able to sing songs with the kids and teach them about Jesus. After, I met with a pastor in the local area and talked about plans for the Olympics. So many exciting ideas...Food of the Nations, Sports Outreach, and kids events for church outreach. I can't wait for it all to come together...pray for wisdom as we try to reach the community. May God be glorified through it all!

Jacqui, Tom and I were also able to talk with the youth in the town. Many of the teenage boys and girls are involved with drugs and abortions at 13 years old. Even though Woodford is a wealthy area, the teens are bored because it's a small town and there isn't much to do. They need a youth center where they could go and meet friends...be praying for the youth in London. Pray that they would have an open heart as we talk to them and invite them to youth group events. It breaks my heart as they feel like they don't have a future.

On a side note, my host family has NEVER had homemade chocolate chip cookies!! I feel like it's an American staple. So I made them tonight and felt like I was back at home. :) Yum.

Your love never fails...

"Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
constant in the trial and the change

One thing remains...

Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me"

Jesus Culture was amazing yesterday! :) It was so encouraging worshiping with my brothers and sisters in Christ in the UK...we filled up the hall with 3,500 people. Praise Jesus He's doing an awesome work...it makes me even more excited to work with Jacqui (Youth Pastor), All Saints Woodford Wells and 2012 Olympics.

Keep praying for hearts to be softened and openness to hear the gospel in London, Woodford Green and beyond.

My new home.

G'day everyone. I am finally settled and unpacked in the UK. And did I mention...jet lag! Thank you Jesus for safe travels...took a plane to Iceland (very interesting learning icelandic and never knew they had hot springs!) It reminded me of Hawaii from the plane...a little island isolated in the ocean. At 6:45 am, took a plane to London Heathrow and met up with Jacqui (youth leader at All Saints Woodford Wells) who I'll be working with. What a lovely lady...I'm very excited to work with her as we'll be preparing for the Olympics. We ate at a French cafe and journeyed to Woodford Green, my new home.

Woodford Green...what a cute little village. It reminds me of a place in an English book or Pride and Prejudice. So quaint. The town is a 5 minute walk from my house and the church is only 10 min away. I love how everyone walks here...who needs a car? Hopefully I'll be able to ride my bicycle too. The weather is quite fickle here...one hour it's sunny, then the next overcast and gray. Reminds me of Seattle.

I just got home from eating dinner with Pastor (Vicar as they call it) Paul and family. Then met up with the staff of the church. I'm excited for the relationships to be built here...perhaps I was supposed to be British all along! :) I'm slowly learning the British slang words as well...they say "Brilliant!" and "That's alright" quite a bit. Well, it's time to catch up on sleep...good night.

Bon Voyage!

The day is finally here!!! I'm sitting at the Sea-Tac airport waiting to board my flight to Iceland, then London. Thanks to Grandma for making a delicious sushi bento! :) Thank you Lord for watching over me. And thank you to my Community Group for laying hands and praying on me...I'm so thankful I met all of you this summer.

It's funny looking back in February thinking I'd never be able to raise enough money or convincing my dad I'll be in a safe place and can take care of myself. I'm sure God was smiling down on me and He knew all along I'm supposed to be a missionary in London. I was debating whether or not to take classes for dental hygiene school, but thankfully my brother convinced me to just apply. When else in my life can I take a year off and share the gospel with unbelievers in a new place? I look forward to see what He has in store in this upcoming year.

Perhaps I'll even come back with a British accent :)

Blessed.

Thank you family and friends for going away dinners and lovely conversations. I will miss sitting at the dinner table...sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying each others company. I still can't believe the countdown is slowly ending and I'll be leaving in 48 hours!?!?! Honestly, it hasn't hit me yet. Perhaps when my suitcases and bags are packed, I'll feel ready.

I'm so glad I was able to go to Lighthouse Christian Church today...thank you Pastor Wayne for praying for me. Thank you family for your prayers. I am going to miss each of you in Seattle...you will always be in my heart (even if we're across the pond!) I'm praying for safe travels from Seattle to Iceland to Heathrow...Lord, thank you for making this adventure possible and let me glorify you in all I do.

Packing time.

It's time to pack...for a whole year! How do you do that with only two suitcases? Raincoat, rain boots, umbrella...check.

9 more days...see you soon London! :)