Weatherman in the making! I love weather, but other things pique my interest as well. Other loves include Jesus Christ, People, Traveling, and Mississippi State Athletics!
One last post as last week and this week are really the end of the internship. Things are a little more relaxed the week of Christmas.
Last week was quite busy with our last assembly and explorers. Both of those have been such wonderful times to work with the kids and the teachers at the school. The opportunities they have given us are unheard of in American public schools. Last Friday we were invited to run the school's Christingle service. I have never done a Christingle, so this was a brand new experience for me.
A Christingle service is an Anglican/Episcopalian advent service where they light a candle that is stuck into an orange that has four sticks with sweets on them and a red ribbon around the middle. We spent the day with the different classes helping them make their own Christingle candles. At the end of the school day, the whole of the schools gathered and we got to share what each part of the Christingle means, and how that relates to Christ and his birth/death at Christmas.
After the assembly, we wanted to thank the faculty and staff for allowing us to working so closely with them and with their kids, so we brought in tea, coffee, and cakes for them to have while they had their weekly meeting. It was great to be able to give back and see the teachers when they aren't running around keeping track of the children they are responsible for during the school day.
On the city wall
This week, things were still quite busy, but I had already made plans and purchased a train ticket up to York for Monday, to see the town, and do a little Christmas shopping. I loved York. It still has a lot of its original city walls still up, and open to the public, it was neat to walk around the centre of the town and to have the view from up there.
View of the Minster from the wall.
I also explored the outside of the York Minster (they charge £10ish to go in), I saw the view from Clifford's Tower, which used to be part of the York castle, which is no longer standing. From there you can clearly see all of York, even parts which are outside of the city walls. It has a commanding view which makes sense why they built a castle there. In fact, the first castle was built by William the Conqueror way back in the eleventh century AD. He built it to protect Norman England from Vikings. It's crazy to me to think how much history that I have learned about back in America actually took place in these different places.
Panoramic look north from Clifford's Tower
Clifford's Tower looking northeast at the Minster
The York Minster
York is known for its shopping, and so with Christmas arriving quickly, I took the opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping. The centre of town is almost entirely shopping and tourist sights. The most famous of places to shop is what they call "The Shambles". The Shambles used to be the meat market area, but now it just a small street that is tight, crammed and the buildings are nearly leaning into one another. This street has lots of little shops and is still very old in its architecture. There is plenty of Elizabethan architecture in York, and I love it. There are two rivers that run through York, the River Foss, and the River Ouse. Both are absolutely beautiful to walk over and along, so I naturally took pictures.
The Shambles at night.
The Shambles during the day.
Well, besides my touring adventures on Monday, this week has been very busy. Tuesday and Wednesday we finished giving leaflets to everyone on the estate, and we also had our last Bible study and Tots and Toys of the year. It is strange to think that the next time both of those meet, I won't be there. Thursday evening we had a youth event at Andrew and Grace's, we had done this once before during this autumn's half term break, and since there was a positive response to it, we thought we would it again before Christmas. It is great to interact with the youth that we know, and actually be able to talk with them, when we aren't working with their younger siblings or when their parents are around. We all act differently when our parents are around, and so this time gives them an opportunity to open up more.
The River Foss
The River Ouse
Guess who's from York!
Today, we had a kids Christmas party at the community centre since the kids got off of school Friday for Christmas. We had a great time with over 50 kids from the estate, they all filled with energy and anticipation for Christmas, and we did get to share a bit of what Christmas really is all about. To them, it really is just about getting presents, and big ones at that. We know Christmas to be about God gave us the biggest gift we could ever ask for. He gave us His Son, who came to save the world, and each one of us from all the bad things we have done. Jesus came to earth at Christmas as a baby, he came in the midst of oppression, anger, filth, and poverty. He came so we may have life, and have it to the full. He came at Christmas so that no matter our rank in life, we may know God, and have a relationship with him. He really is the best present we could ever get, and all we have to do is accept him as a gift from God, and let the gift of Jesus change us to be more like Christ each day that we live.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my 3 months and two weeks (up to now) here in England. This autumn has been full of learning about another culture, about my own culture, about Christianity and how it permeates each and every culture differently, and understanding how to meet the people of the culture with the Gospel, and sharing it in a way that shows their need, and displays God's glory. Many people here and in America have asked me what I am doing when I return to America. While I would absolutely love to say that I will be working WXYZ-TV in Anytown, USA, this is not the case. The more I pray and seek God about why I haven't found a job the more I believe God isn't calling me to that, despite how very much I wish it were the case.
The ruins of an old and powerful abbey during the reign of Henry VIII.
I love this picture.
I don't know what God has planned for me. There are lots of things I would love to do, places I'd be thrilled to live, and people I would overjoyed to work alongside, but patience is needed, as is trust and dependence on the One who knows all and has orchestrated everything under the sun and in the universe to be exactly where it is at each instance, and doing exactly what He has allowed it to do. So, I can say with Paul in Romans 8:26-30, that I may not even know what I'm doing, or to pray for, but He knows, and He cares. He is watching and bringing himself glory through every circumstance. Even if the mess of this world, in its wars, destruction and desecration of all God has created, His handiwork is still evident, and He is still there holding all things together. So praise Him when things are going great in your life, give thanks for the relative peace in your life. Seek His face for wisdom and answers when nothing makes sense, and your life is crumbling, praise Him in that moment for His steadfastness, His strength, compassion and grace.
This week has been a much calmer week here, the children are back at school, and so our regular routine of working in the schools, visiting and having Bible study is back. Little Charis started nursery today, and is loving it. So is Grace, as that gives her three hours of relative quiet in the house every weekday.
One last update on last week, at church Sunday we had a family service, where the kids stay in during the whole service. We advertised it at the holiday club, we had 63 people at church on Sunday! Praise God! Many were kids (naturally), but we got the parents also. We had parents of kids we have been praying for and watching for a while now. What a blessing to see God bring people to hear His Gospel.
Picture doesn't do it full justice.
Tuesday, we had a meeting with someone in Newark, so after the meeting, we explored Newark. For those who came with me in May, the team from PRCC went to Newark one day, and their leader bought a bunch of stuff at an antique shop. We went into that antique shop just to look around. I'm not sure I could have found enough small things to fill a extra suitcase, but then I don't have the eye for that kind of thing.
Miniature roulette table.
I wonder if James Bond practiced his gambling skills with one of these...
We walked around the remnants of Newark Castle. Built in the 12th century, it became a royal castle under Henry VIII, but during the English Civil War, the castle sided with the Royalists and King Charles. They lost in the Battle of Newark and Parliament promptly ordered the castle be demolished. The only thing left is the castle wall facing the river, because that was the hardest part to get to. Many of the good stones used to build the castle were looted by the townspeople for their own homes.
River view of Newark Castle.
From inside the castle.
For lunch, we ate a "chippy," this chippy came well recommended by a mailman on the street. He was right though, it was quite delicious. I had a double cheeseburger and chips. Sidenote: all mail in the UK is sent via RoyalMail, so the mailman is in the service of the Queen. This means that when you put your letter in the post, it immediately belongs to the Queen until it reaches your intended recipient.
Delicious. Bring it, Mickey D's.
"I'm lovin' it."
Newark has the closest Starbucks to Grantham, so naturally we stopped there also, and the closest Marks and Spencers. We picked up more Percy Pigs there.
The Salted Caramel Mocha. Pretty good!
Thursday was Halloween, and while some people here do go all out for the holiday, we really didn't do anything. It was nice, I am also with the Howson's, and their house is a good distance from the road, or anyone else, so it makes for a quiet Halloween.
Friday night was Harby Bonfire Night. They had a huge bonfire, and some fireworks. This is their celebration of Guy Fawkes Day. If you have ever seen "V For Vendetta," you know who Guy Fawkes is. He had a plot to blow up Parliament because he didn't like what they were doing. His plot was exposed and he was executed, but the people in England still celebrate him. "Remember, remember the fifth of November." Mostly, it is an excuse to burn stuff. Bonfire night is the only time where you can legally burn anything in a bonfire or any outdoor fire.
The fireworks!
This thing was pretty big.
The ticket.
Today I had the pleasure of going to my first football match. Football here means soccer to everyone in America. I went to the Nottingham Forest v. Blackpool match. Lois is a big supporter of Nottingham Forest. We had solid seats, and it was a very good match, and fairly clean through much of the game. It was a draw, 0-0, at the 90th minute. The referee added 4 minutes to the game because of stoppages. Blackpool then scored in those four minutes. Blackpool won 1-0. While we were all disappointed that Forest didn't win, it was a hard fought match, and the Forest goalie was named Man of the Match. The topic of football reminds me of two things on my bucket list for being in England. One, was to go to a football match, check. The second is to find a premier league to support. Forest is in the championship league, so I can cheer for them, but it doesn't fill my bucket list. The reason why I say premier league is because in America, no one really even knows of the other leagues beneath the premier league.
I missed writing a post last weekend due to being in Scotland for half of it. I was also preparing for this week!
Last week, we had lots going on, with two assemblies, a toddlers group and our after school club. In addition to all of that, Andrew and I went up to Scotland to pick up and move our newest team member, Belinda! She is from Scotland, and has a lovely Scottish accents. Since we were up there, we stayed in Edinburgh at the Bible college where Daniel, Grace, Andrew, Grace, and Belinda have all attended. It was nice to see the college and explore a little bit of Edinburgh.
On our way up to Scotland, we drove through Newcastle, where there is a structure called "The Angel of the North," really there isn't much to it, just metal, shaped kinda like a woman with wings. Nothing spectacular at all.
Modern. Art.
We made our way from Newcastle through the countryside of Northumbria into Scotland. This part of the country is where they filmed the movie, "Braveheart." It was quite beautiful countryside, and until we got into Scotland, it was fairly clear and you could see much of the country (side note: Yorkshire is beautiful country, that is where Downton Abbey is supposedly set.). As we crossed into Scotland, I snapped a couple of photos.
Looking into Scotland
The return trip I got a shot of the stone marker between the two.
The amount of fog was crazy on the war back, this was only about 30 yards away.
Those flags are the English and Scottish flags.
The driving parts of the trip were exciting because I got to see more of Scotland. As we drove up to Aberdeen, north of Edinburgh to get Belinda, I was able to see Perth, Dundee, and the North Sea. It is a windswept, and in parts, bare country. But it is so pretty, and where there were trees, they were mostly evergreen, except for the random patch that had changed colors, so you knew those were deciduous trees even from a distance.
Since we were in Edinburgh, Andrew was able to meet up with a man he had worked with in church while studying at the Bible college. I have a great respect for this man's wisdom and even though he didn't know me, he was able to help me look introspectively at myself, my faith, as well as American Christianity. We also were able to spend time with a vice principal of the Bible college and his wife. They also were an encouragement to me and asked probing questions which I sincerely appreciate.
While in Edinburgh, I got to see the Edinburgh Castle, John Knox's statue, tomb, and house. In case you were wondering, he founded the Church of Scotland, which is a presbyterian version of the church of England. Knox's statue and tomb were in St. Giles Cathedral, a Church of Scotland structure that looks similar to many other European cathedrals, but using Scottish stone, and some parts have a blue ceiling (the color of the Scottish flag).
I also saw the Scottish Parliament, Scott's Memorial (Sir Walter Scott) and went down the main shopping strip of Edinburgh, Princess Street.
Edinburgh Castle.
Scotland is a beautiful country, and we often think of it as the home of presbyterianism (which, formally, yes it is). There is a darker side to Edinburgh, and to much of Scotland. Recall high school English class when you read Shakespeare (or SparkNotes as may be the case for some), if you read the tragedy, MacBeth, you would recognize that it is set in Scotland. Shakespeare wrote shortly after Martin Luther, but before John Knox was even born. He describes Scotland in a dark manner, including three sisters who are witches(eye of a newt, double trouble, boiling brew etc.). The Scottish were known as mysterious folk, where witchcraft was accepted and not uncommon. Sadly, the same is true today. Europe's largest celebration of wicca and paganism, Beltane, is held in April in Edinburgh. As many as 30 different locations in old Edinburgh currently still are being used for sorcery of some type.
On a lighter note, Scotland also has wonderful food, I bought haggis in the grocery store while there, and had some Wednesday. I finished my food, it wasn't terrible although I haven't determined if I would want it on a regular basis just yet. Also, Scotland has its own soda, Irn Bru. Irn Bru is/was more popular in Scotland than Coca-Cola, only one other soda has been able to manage within a country, and that is Inca Cola in Peru. Irn Bru is orange colored, but to me, it tastes like bubblegum.
That's the stuff.
All in all, Scotland was a great trip, and I'm so glad that we now have Belinda down with the team on the estate. She is here permanently, and is now living on the estate.
This week has been very, very busy as the children are out for half term, and so we ran a holiday club, similar to what I helped with when I came in May with the team from Mississippi State's BSU. We started the week with about 36 children, but by Friday, we had grown to 51 children at the community centre for our club. It was a blessing to see so many children coming. I was very impressed with how well behaved they actually were while listening to the stories, learning the memory verse, and eating lunch. We fed them a proper meal this time as we knew many would not have a proper meal all week long otherwise. The school here generously bought the supplies we needed for the lunch, the relationship between Earlesfield Community Church and the nearby school is very positive, which is a pleasant change from the relationship between most public schools and churches in America.
We also tried a Bible study with some older kids (middle school aged) on Thursday evening. I was pleased by how it went, as we were unsure how they would respond to the planned activities and Bible study.
I have now been here 6 weeks, I still have about 9 weeks left to go. As I approach the halfway point of my time here, I've found myself now accustomed to being "the American" in a British world. I think come the New Year when I return to America, it will definitely be a reverse culture shock. I am really enjoying my time here, and yet at the same time I look forward to when I return home. God has provided, and I know in my heart that He will continue to provide for me, even in the uncertainty I face when I return to America. The hard thing is getting my mind to understand that fact.
I hope this update finds everyone well, and satisfied in Christ. Peace and blessings to you from Christ.
So, this week, at request from my dear, dear ginger friend, Caitlin (who doesn't have Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. "THE HORROR!"), I shall be posting pictures of my travels hither and yon (nice antiquated phrase, huh?). This week, I have had the pleasure of exploring two cities. Now, neither of these cities is London, sorry y'all. London will come later this autumn.
Monday: I hit up Nottingham. Now many of us know Nottingham from this...
Am I right? Classic Disney.
Back to my and exploring. I discovered Nottingham Castle, and there is a statue of Robin Hood there (how convenient), so I took my wee bit of photography skills and put them to use.
This is the normal touristy shot of ole Robin. He is well prepared for wherever the Sheriff might appear.
On the right we see where Robin expects the Sheriff to be coming from. The opening there in the wall is underneath the main gate into the castle.
Below, it appears that Robin thinks YOU are the Sheriff of Nottingham. Watch out!
Okay, enough cheesy commentary and tourist photos of a statue.
Nottingham Castle despite the name, really isn't a castle. I know, disappointing. It used to be a castle, then it was destroyed, a Duke was given the castle, he removed the rubble, and built a nice... mansion. Several years later the Duke did not support a bill that the townspeople liked, so they burned his mansion. Can you imagine if people in America did that to the White House now!? (wait, isn't that the premise of White House Down?) Anyway, so the inside is just a museum, with a very modern interior. :(
This is a panorama from an outlook of the castle. I still haven't entirely got the whole iPhone panorama thing down yet. Things are a little smooshed.
This is the main entrance into the castle itself. It reminds me of French palaces, like Versailles and the Louvre, except on a MUCH smaller scale.
Side note: the garden was very quiet and pleasant.
Nottingham had several churches throughout the city centre. The largest and by far the most photogenic is St. Mary's Church. It is Church of England (as are almost all in England). Here is a lovely picture I took as I was walking alongside of it. I couldn't get inside the church because I was there on a Monday, and Monday is the only day it is closed.
I really, really like this picture.
I also saw the canal, the Victoria Clock Tower (sadly, not all that impressive), and a couple other churches in Nottingham.
Canal
St. Barnabas' Church, Roman Catholic.
Tuesday through Friday were working on the estate. This week I've basically settled into the routine fully. Which is good, but it also means I must be on my guard to laziness, oversleeping, Satan's attacks and inattentive to what God is doing and showing me. We had a company of people at Bible study on Tuesday, and loads of moms at the Tots and Toys.
Working on my British pop teen angst look.
British thug right here.
Get on my level, One Direction.
Saturday, Grace M. had a conference in Derby (pronounced "Darby") and offered to drop me off near the city centre (and shopping mall) for the day. So I joined her for another touring adventure. This time I had the fortitude to look up what there is to see in Derby. I found their museum was free(!!) as well as the cathedral. First stop was the museum. It was quite small and so before walking in I was a little disappointed, and unsure as to what I would see. It turned out to be very nice. They house a fairly large collection of Joseph Wright artwork. He was a renown 18th century portrait artist who hailed from Derbyshire (that's, 'Darby-sure' for you Americans) which is the county in which Derby is. The museum gave lots of history information about Derby, specifically its military history. Derby was the southernmost point "Bonnie Prince Charlie" made it in his quest to unseat the Hanoverian dynasty from the English throne, and return his father (James, a Stuart) to it.
Handsome man right there.
"Bonnie" means good looking in Scottish tradition.
Derby has a colored military history, loyally serving the crown from Canada to South Africa, to India, to Hong Kong, the Crimean War, and of course both world wars. It is very interesting to see these wars from the British perspective.
Small historical fact:
Battle of Yorktown, VA 1781. The British surrender to the Americans and the French.
Odd.
Derby was also known for its porcelain, and their collection is quite nice. Some of it quite beautiful. The porcelain was all behind glass, and so I couldn't get a good photo.
After the museum, I went over to Cathedral. I was happy that this one was open, and the caretaker was extra friendly, I think she was glad to see a under 40 person interested in the cathedral. It was very nice cathedral, very formal, but that is to be expected from the Church of England. I wanted to climb up the tower, so I asked the woman about it, and she explained that normally they do them, but today they weren't because they had the Derby Mountain Rescue Team repelling down from the top as a publicity thing for the rescue team. I'm not sure if its sacrilegious to repel off a cathedral, but it was odd to me. It was also odd because there are no mountains in all of Derbyshire. In fact the highest point is 2,088 feet above sea level, this point is a flat mound, its not even a peak. The lowest point is 100 feet above sea level. So I guess the cathedral is about the sharpest incline they have to practice on.
The tower on Derby's Cathedral.
I spent a good amount of my time in the Westfield Shopping Centre. This place was posh, and huge. The main part of the mall is two floors, with a third floor for a couple restaurants, and a fourth level for the cinema. Some of the stores within the mall had 3 levels themselves. They had basically every posh shop that is found in Britain, and had three different outdoors stores. Naturally, I went into the outdoors stores, as well as looked for the food court. They had a very nice food court, plus about 10 different cafes and coffee shops scattered throughout the mall. There was a market, a grocery store, and about four shops like the dollar tree. They had everything, even 5 barber shops (called hairdressers here, very posh).
Keeping it classy here in Britain.
All in all, it has been a good week of weather once again. This is a rare treat for them, normally it is about 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler, and rainy. It has only rained once this week, with highs in the mid-upper 60s.
I know this week's post isn't really that much on the ministry necessarily, but I hope it gives you a little glimpse of some of the culture in Britain!
