Love On A Bus

Half term-- one of the most beautiful things when you're tired, and one of the scariest things when you've recently moved to a new country and don't know anyone. All weekly programs get canceled and you have to figure out how to fill your time yourself. A few weeks ago, I was so scared of half term. I sent an email out, asking people to pray, and the Lord answered those prayers in the sweetest, simplest, best ways possible.

Everyday during half term, my Father loved on me in really special ways, and for those of you who were praying for me, I want you do know that they were heard and answered. 

On Monday I went to Windsor Castle with some coworkers. It was a fun day, getting out of the city, doing something different, and getting a chance to spend time with fun people and eat great food. Oh, and learn some history. 

Tuesday I took the bus to get some shopping done. On the way home I was sitting on the top level of the bus and I heard someone coming up the stairs. It was a man I know from my new church here. He came and sat by me and we got to talk for the rest of the ride back home. As I was walking home from the bus stop, I was SO happy. I realized it was because for the first time since arriving, I ran into someone I know. For the first time, I began to feel like I might be able to belong here. This new place began to feel just a little bit like home. 

Wednesday was just a whole lot of love. I went to my favorite cafe here for gluten free pancakes and as I was ordering, the lady at the counter told me I had a lovely accent. If that's not an encouraging way to start your day, I don't know what is. One the bus ride home, I was sitting behind a mom and her young daughter. The girl was eating candy and looking all around. She kept looking back at me, and started making faces at me. So naturally I had to make faces back at her. After about 5 min of back and forth face contorting, she jumped out of her seat, and came to sit with me. We got to talk for 10 min or so, and as we talked, she reminded me of one of my favorite kids back home. I got out my phone to show her pictures of my American friends who are her age, which she loved. I asked her if she had heard of America, and she said she hadn't. I told her that is where I'm from, but it is very far away. You have to be on an airplane for 7 hours to get there. She had one question for me. "Why is America so far away?" I wish I knew. I wish it wasn't. 

Conversation with her was easy, simple, and good for the soul. Sometimes you feel the love of Jesus when a 5 year old choses you to be her new friend on the bus. 

Thursday we took our youth group kids bowling. I've never bowled that bad in my life. But for the first time since getting here, I felt like I could make conversation with our teenagers. I had so much fun just hanging out with them and getting to know them outside of church. 

Friday I celebrated 1 month of living in London! Hard to believe that I've been here that long. Yes, a small accomplishment, but one none the less.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! 

I feel like a bunless hamburger

Today I was wandering around the streets of London and happened upon one of the 12 locations of Five Guys throughout the city. I walked in, got a bunless hamburger, cajun fries, and a drink.

I was feeling really homesick and missing my old life, my friends, my family, driving, being able to get All In coffee and Chick-fil-A. This small little bit of American life was such a gift on a cold and rainy London day.

As I started eating my food, I began to realize I feel like my bunless hamburger. The insides are all the same, but I look really different from those around me. They have buns, but I come in an aluminum box.