Just a blink in time...

Wow! It has already been a week since I've had time to sit down and fill you in on life in Liverpool. The weeks are just flying by and I can't even come to grips with what has happened this past week. It's been a little rough to stay motivated and encouraged this week, but the Lord is still good and remains faithful.

Monday: met up with Jude and did some initiative evangelism. Only talked to one group of girls, but we were able to join in for lunch with some other Christian students. Man, these guys are so much fun! I have a blast with them, even when they take the mick out of me. I sure am going to miss them. I've started recruiting for them to come visit on a holiday though. I put Steve in charge, and they're looking at next summer.

Tuesday: Team Action Group at JMU. Brad and I were denied more than I know what to do with. Talk about rejection! We finally found a good ole' scouse bloke, Phil. We chatted for quite a bit and found that he knew about knowing God. It was a good interesting talk, but I think we went in circles a bit. I'm hoping him and Brad can meet up again and hash out some things. I think it's just one of those things about moving from the head to the heart.

Wednesday: Got some spring break stuff worked out with Toth. Then I met up with Melissa an American exchange student. We got a little side tracked with Frenchy and Chams, but it was a good time. We're starting follow up this week. Shoot - I just realized I said I could meet her Wednesday, but now I'm headed to Manchester. I hate when that happens.

Thursday: Team prayer in the morning, rest of the day was pretty open. My appointments canceled on me and action group wasn't happening. A rough week of feeling like my time was used wisely. Prayer was great and then I met with Ashley. Headed to campus later to meet up with a girl applying for summer project. Not sure what to say on her reference - I don't know her from Susy Christian. Later, I met up with Ali. Man, she's such a dear friend! I can't get enough of her and my heart just aches for her to grow madly in love with the Lord. She's been a highlight of my year, week, and even day. She better come see me next year!

Friday: Team meeting and Ryan's "fake" birthday. We headed out to dinner and bowling. It was the nicest bowling alley I have ever been to! Lot's of fun, complete with dinosaur party favors and even some fun dancing to Madonna and Bon Jovi. Good times!

Saturday: Woke up early enough to plan with Ryan at 10. Grabbed some Subway (thanks Brit and Si) and headed to the CU evangelism training. Think it was pretty good. Talked to 12 peeps about being bold and clear with the Gospel. Lots to take in, but think we made a dent. We're hoping to meet up more and expand Action Groups all over the NorthWest. Pretty exciting stuff. Once again, hung out with the cool kids and even sat with the "grown ups" for dinner. Makes me feel old sometimes. Man, we're really blessed by the ministry and partnerships here.

Sunday: church, grocery, lunch, nap, training, email, nap, dinner, CSI, email, blog.

Woa, crazy packed full week. Not too exciting around here, but there's the outline of my week. Don't stop reading though....I've got the good stuff to come. It's fun! Enjoy!

On a personal note, I'm learning more and more about who Jesus is and who I want to be. I'm learning I can never fully grasp how long, how high, how wide, and how deep the love God has for me is. I'm learning the more I drink of His word, the more I thirst for it. The more I know Him, the more I love Him and long for Him. The just, I'm longing more each day.

On another note, I have less than 4 weeks left before I get to see the best guy I know! Yea, that's right kids, buckle up! Four weeks ago we headed off to Spain for midyear STINT conference. It was a great time - lots of laughs, some sun, a bit of an adventure, and multiple stories to share. SHOUT OUT to the kids in Salerno! :) Anyhow, now, I'm planning on meeting up to join those crazy kats for spring break. ok ok ok ok......so really I would meet up with all of them anyway, but I'm really drawn to the rock star one. Yea, that's right - someone caught my attention. I'm not really sure what happened, but I can't think of anyone that I can be more of myself around. We have such a blast together and his heart burns with more passion than anyone I've ever met. I think I have actually tasted the compassion and grace offered by God through him. Words just can't describe how I feel about him. Let's just say..........I'm more myself around him than anyone else. I'm more drawn to the Lord because of him. I'm happier when I'm around him. I think I'm just floating on cloud 9. Meanwhile, I like him - ALOT!

A Weekend I never thought would get here

So, this week has flown by! It's Friday now and 5 weeks until I head out for spring break. Yea, that leads me to 11-13 for the year before I return home. A WHOLE year in England! I thought I was never going to come home or see the light at the end of the tunnel. I see it thought, and it's scary. I miss everyone terribly (and even cried twice yeterday from wanting to see some people.) It's hard though, I love it here. I love my team. I love the ministry. I love the UK staff. I love my church. I love my friends. I love what the Lord has shown me. And I love being a part of what He is doing here. I've met some of the best people and I can't believe there is a day I'll have to say goodbye to them. Man, just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.

I had some difficulties the beginning of this week just sorting through some motivations and attitudes of my hearts. It was extremely hard to be motivated in "working", but I suked it up and the Lord blessed it. I kept going this week and even hit some more speed bumps. It's ok though. I met with Jenny and her friend was with her. I was reminded of my calling as a Christian, not a missionary. It was so refreshing and enjoyable to have a normal conversation and talk about what the Lord has been doing in my life. The best part, that's what every conversation should look like. The problem, I separate my work from my normal life. It's all one and belongs to the Lord. It's not really so much about what I'm doing as who I am serving. It's something I tend to forget, but something I long to be more true in my life.

REWIND
Yesterday, was probably one of the most emotional days for me and also the best day for me on STINT. I was ripped to the core of some lies I have in my belief system and also humbled to bring them before some of the dearest people in my life. After spending half of my day in tears, I had some of the best time with Jesus I have ever had. It was so cleansing to rid myself of the crap in my life and be absorbed by the love of Christ. I have tasted a small glimpse of His unconditional love and long for a deep satisfaction that reaches the inner blood of my bones...

Awesome!

Wow, how faithful is the Lord! It's so cool to see the work of His hands and the sovereignity of His perfect plan. It still amazes me everytime. Each and everytime I stop to think about who God is, I am fascinated by how long and how deep and how high and how wide the love of Christ is! Simply amazing!
So, today my discipleship appointment canceled on me. Not the greatest thing, and can be frustrating, but just wasn't the encouragement I needed to start off the day. However, the Lord prevailed! Honestly, I've just had a REALLY hard time of wanting to be productive and not be lazy. Something I think I struggle with during this time of the year quite often. So, I knew I had to persevere and I sucked it up and went with Brittney and Ed to John Moore's to join their action group. I went out sharing with Joe, a new Christian. It was cool to see how far the Lord has taken him in such a short amount of time. He asks some really good questions to make other people think and is driven by God's love and glory. Really exciting to see in a young believer's heart. Afterwards, we joined Fadzai, another Christian student, who was meeting with a guy she met a few weeks ago. He's grown up in the Islamic religion and is open to talking and sharing about the differences. We talked for about an hour and were really able to dig in deep to his beliefs and share the truth we know with him. It was so encouraging to walk away and know he wants to talk more.
We headed off to prayer and again I stopped to realize the faithfulness of God and all He has done this year. I'm still growing a lot in my prayer life, and I guess I'll never get enough. Something I really value and realize that I will never fully grasp, but will strive more towards each day. That's the cool thing about the Christian life.
So, then a few of us headed off to Richmond Tavern. It's a nice lil' British pub really close to our house. Fireplaces and leather couches make it feel a little like home. A huge team favorite! Anyhow, we went to meet up with some other Christian students involved in Fusion, a student Christian oraganization here. They're looking to plan an outreach in the next few weeks and asked us to join them. It's so incredible to see what can really happen when the Body of Christ works together instead of dividing itself! I think the Church here, is just an image of what God intended it to be. I pray that I can continue to live a life that represents the fullness of of Christ and His people - one of unity and love.

Overwhelming Excitement

So let me tell you about my day. I woke up, took a shower, and had plenty of time to spend with the Lord. I prepared my teaching on Changes that Heal and then listened to a sermon from a church back home (man I miss the Texan accents.) As I was wrapping things up, I realized I had a package waiting for me. Oh yea, you've gotta love mail, especially packages. It was one I was expecting though, requests from home. Inside: 2 formal dresses (1 I requested, the other my dad got mised up from color blindness), deodarant: Secret Platinum (it's too expensive here if you can actually track it down), and my favoritist tootpaste ever! It really does leave your mouth tingly when you stop brushing. What an incredible morning!

So then we had a 2+ hour meeting. For most people, this is the killer of 'em all. Actually, it's energizing to me and I was pumped to see things falling into place. Talk about details and closure...the day was getting even better. I even made a special announcement and watched some pretty hysterical reactions. Oh yes, the prank turned on me and now I'm getting punked!

I caught up on some emails and found out there's some new engagements being announced. Yes, I feel like I'm one of the few left, but man do I get excited to hear all those awesome stories. I think half my Bible study from last year is either married or engaged now. Wow...I miss those girls!

Women's time was ok, but I do love my roomies. Nothing too exciting from My. Cloud, but I always love chatting with the girls. Good times!

Afterwards, Toth ran to the store and picked up some crepes. IT"S PANCAKE DAY! Yes, that's right children, PANCAKE DAY! We made some crepes with nutella and bananas for dinner. Man, it really was turning into a great day.

I'm still trying to figure out spring break plans, but I'm pretty sure I'll be meeting up with the team in Salerno. To make this day complete, I just found roundtrip airfare from LPool to Rome for 50 GBP (including taxes)! Where else can you travel for that cheap? Plus, it would mean leaving a day early, but that still has to be worked out with Brad and Ashley. Unbelievable!

So, to sum things up, today was amazing! Lot's of cool things and little blessings all from the Lord. Man, I love how He works and really does care about the small details of our life!

Back.....again!

Well, we have safely arrived back from Birmingham and had a great time with students and the UK staff. We ended up taking 14 students and quite a few were last minute. Once I made it over the chaos of organizing rides for everyone, we were well on our way and even picked up a "transformer" for Bradley Beene to drive. A little bit of an adventure, but we introduced the Brit's to some down south country music and had a blast making sure we were on the right side of the road....as in left, not right.

The wekend had some fab teaching and traning from everything to evangelism to Spirit-filled Life. Saturday we went out door-to-door and talked to people about Jesus. A girl made a decision later that night to make Jesus Lord of her life! I went with a guy called Pete from Birmingham and had an incredible conversation with 3 female students. They were coming from all sorts of backgrounds, but were very responsive to talking and even learning from one another. It was so exciting to see their hearts and minds change before my very eyes! It's things like this that remind me of why I am here. The Gospel is powerful and it changes people!

I'm definately past my limit of traveling quota! It was so hard to be away for another conference, but the Lord was gracious and faithful. God used a lot of people to shake a lot of people up this weekend. It made me step back once again and look at what I am holding on to. What am I trying to control and keep for myself? Somehow, I always need to hear about surrendering my life to the Lord. Somehow, I wonder if I will ever see what that looks like in my life. Something I value and desire, but am learning more each day that I have a long raod ahead of me to see it played out.

After we made it home, we made a run through McDonalds and took 2 Brits with us. Pretty entertaining to say the least. First, Brad couldn't find the drive thru....it was on the lefthand side of the building. We pulled directly up to the window to order (they don't use the speakers here) before the Brits began yelling at us to back up so they could see a menu. We really didn't realize people still used the menu at McDonalds, but I guess the people that don't have one on every corner might need to try something new. Americans...we're stuck in our old ways! Once they decided they were ready, we pulled forward and began to order. "No Mustard!" After saying this, you really never know what is going to happen. After more questions of "Do you still want ketchup?", "Just no mustard?" The Brits took charge again and hollered, "It's ok...they're just Amercians!" I love those kids! While me and Brad are sick, every time we laugh we go into a coughing frenzy and sometimes I begin to wonder if I'll be able to catch a normal breath of air again. Typically, laughter is contagious and we're usually both fighting for some fresh air before long. A sad day when you have to go to McDonald's to find so much humor.

So here we are back in LPool. The SuperBowl was on last night. I didn't watch it. It was too late, no one I cared about was playing, and we don't even get the American adverts. Didn't see the point, so stayed up to work on emails and such. Had a lie in this morning and finally managed to crawl out of bed around 1pm. Haven't made it to the grocery store yet, so I think I'll follow the American way and hit up Subway for a few hours. Plus, I can spend some time alone with the Lord and I'm hoping to dig into Hebrews 4 and even uncover a big chunk of Mere Chrisitianity. I'm thankful the Lord can meet us anywhere and provides free refills at a few choice places.

So, here's to me signing off and another day back in LPool. 6 weeks to spring break and roughly 12 until I return to the States. A scary thought and a fear of returning to what was once normal, but now is a loss to me.....

on the road again...

Man, it seems like I just got back from an extursion and now it's time to pack up again. This time, I'm not really packing. I threw the necessities in a back pack and I ate fried rice for breakfast. I'm too sick of this packing, unpacking, repacking, jazz. So, after an ever so eventful evening of minibus reservations, finding a driver, convincing more students to join us, and realizing I couldn't drive because I don't have a new driver's license from when mine was stolen in Paris I actually found my pillow at about 3am. Right now, all I want is a coke.

Brad, Ed, and I are all headed off to the airport to pick up the rentals and then I've got to make sure I take the stuff you're supposed to these conferences. ie. Bible, journal, oh shoot.....I need a towel. I hope its warm enough to wear flip flops. It probably won't be, but I'll do it anyway. Reminds me of Nerja, Spain and even the scorching heat in Houston.

Well, I'm off again. Just went to send out some last minute goodbyes and let you know I won't be around to respond. Sorry kids, I'm actually working. HA! For real yo, you guys be praying for this conference in Birmingham. Pray for safe travel, challenging teaching, and even lives to be changed as we go door-to-door tomorrow talking about who Christ is. Oh yea, and on a special note, pray for my team. We're all fighting this cold thing and getting a bit worn down from traveling. We're hoping to leave refreshed and motivated to get back on campus.

Cheers!

My Senses

I was on my way to campus today, and realizing all the uniqueness that is found within these cluttered streets of Liverpool. I don't think I can quite capture the whole idea of everything I encounter here, but I will do my best at giving you an overall picture.

Taste
Hmmm.....the taste of curry, or balti. It can get a bit spicy, but you never quite know until you try it. The texture, similar to chili, but mixed with rice, noodles, bread, or even chips. Definately worth a try and something I have grown to enjoy and crave. My fav: chicken tikka masala.
Chips. Yes chips....the good ole' "Chippy." Chips are more of like steak fries, and greasy at its finest. You can find a "Chippy" on pretty much every corner and usually can taste a little bit of everything deep fried.....including a MARS bar. I haven't tried that one yet, and actually haven't even made the journey for the traditional fish and chips. It's just a matter of time.

Touch
This morning I put on some khaki pants that haven't been washed in quite awhile. It was unusually comfortable. I was realizing how accustomed I have came to accept the crispiness of jeans, shirts, socks, and my entire wardrobe after drying over the radiator. Oh yes, and fluffy towels fresh out of the dryer - I have forgotten what that feels like.
You walk outside and even see a blue sky. You begin making your way to campus, and suddenly realize that it feels like someone, with a lot of saliva, is spitting on you. The rain, spit, mist, who knows what it really is. You just realize you're wet and you give up the idea of staying dry.
Once you arrive on campus, or maybe once you get home, you sit Indian style, or legs crossed only to confront an enormous wet puddle. It's then you acknowledge your "Toth pants" and the water soaking your trousers up to your knees.
And if the rain hitting your face and moist clothing isn't enough, you pause to cross the street or find yourself waiting for the bus. Carefully making sure there are no cars coming (from EITHER direction - since you don't quite understand what they come from the right) you are growing anxious for the hole in traffic. About that time, you realize someone just took a water hose and drenched you! Oh yes, when the movies show buses, trucks, cars, and every other kind of transport spraying water 20 feet in every direction, they're not lying! It's happened....more than once.

Sight
Rubbish! Yes rubbish. You find a lot of litter lying around on the streets, buses, pretty much everywhere you go. People literally throw their trash wherever its convenient for them. I don't quite understand it, but it's true and it can't go without noticing. Who would have thought I would have been missing Mt. Rumpke!
The fashion here......well let's just say it's interesting. You never quite know what you're going to get. I guess that's ok when anything goes. Yes anything. Let's see.......I'll try to fill you in with some of the latest. FUR - boots, vests, sweaters, and anything else you can get it on. Mullets - I'm not even spending more time talking about this one. My personal favorite, the 80's! Pretty much everywhere you go you get a little reminder of childhood. I actually have liked it so much, I have been caught (on multiple occasions) with off the shoulder shirts and a side pony tail. Embrace it!

Smell
I can't really think of a good smell from here. Not to say there anren't any, but I just can't think of any right now. There are two smells I have grown to identify, but I don't think I will miss them when I leave.
1) dog poop. You don't really notice the smell until you walk in your house, get in someone elses car, or maybe even stop in to someone's house. It's then you realize the wretch infesting everything behind you! Yes, the dogs leave their junk all over the sidewalks and if you take your eyes off the path for 1 second, you're more than likely doomed.
2) the bus. Well, I guess it's not really the bus, but more what's on the bus. You can catch wiffs of it every now and then elsewhere, but being confide in a smaller unventilated place, you get a pretty big dose. Yes, the aroma of marijuana. Be careful, the scallies try everything to make sure they get the strongest savor, but it might be at your expense.

Hear
Let's just say SCOUSE! It's a common language the LPool natives use, and you just can't quite understand them. The funny thing is, its ENGLISH! Can't really do it justice by describing it, but try to think of an Irish, yet Welsh (elf language), pirate conversation. EXACTLY!

Back on Campus

So after the long delay and contemplating of how to keep people the most upto date with my life, I find myself here creating a blog. An opportunity for people to see inside my head and hear my thoughts. Fortunately, I will try to sift through my head to save you from the scary thoughts of my mind. I will not be that guy who gives you the innermost details of my confusing heart. I will try to keep you updated on my days and what the Lord is teaching me. Not only for you, but for me to look back and remember the work the Lord has done. To Him be the glory....

We've been traveling quite a bit the last couple months. First we had Christmas vacation and went to check out the slopes of France/Switzerland. Then we headed off to Paris (where my wallet got stolen) and returned back to the LPool just in time for the New Year. We had some planning and evaluating to take care of as a team, before headed off to Birmingham to join the rest of the UK staff. After a week of training and evangelism, we returned back as students were trickling in and getting settled back to their classes. Soon, we were back on a plane headed for Malaga, Spain.

We joined 150-200 other STINTers on the beach of Nerja and praised the Lord for all that he had done this year. It was an amazing time of training, worship, and friendships. I didn't get too much sun, infact none that is recognizeable, but I did enjoy actually seeing the sun and seeing it exist past 4:30pm. I loved hearing the stories of how God is moving all over Western Europe and the Middle East! The Salerno team followed us back to Liverpool for a day and we loved hanging out and having a wonderful time with them. Squillo for you kids!

Now we're back, settled in and tracking back on campus. It's been pretty hard to get motivated to be back in the old routine. I love being here. I love what I do. I think just traveling and not really "working" has had its wear on me though. I was ready to buckle up anyhow and take the ride. Then I woke up not being able to swallow on Monday. As if I needed another excuse! Slowly recooperating, but still not up to par. Lots of snot is running all over my head. I had some vitamin C today, but Frenchy said I could only take 1 of the 800 mg. I think my last meal was in the airport on on Saturday. I had some chips, jacket potato, and all that jazz.....but not a full meal in awhile. In case you don't know, I don't have too much extra fat to spare. I'm beginning to wonder how long before I waste away. I've tried to eat, just isn't working so well. Small bits, anything really to fits in my stomach.

I guess that's all for now. I'm working on uploading the latest of my pictures. I'm sure it will give you some good ideas of what we do with all of our time. Check back for the latest.....