It's a beautiful thing to see the creativity of a team when items that are typical in one country are unusual if not impossible to find. This past week, I've been looking forward to the team Thanksgiving dinner even as I've been settling into the routine of Sheffield. We celebrated Saturday night with turkey, homemade cornbread stuffing (no Stove Top here), mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade green bean casserole (no Durkee's French Fried Onions either), apple pie, pumpkin pie (cans brought from the States), homemade rolls, homemade chocolate rum brownies with buttons (Cadbury chocolate not found in America), and Schloer (a fizzy fruit juice drink that I wish we sold in the States). There was a serious game of Boggle and much thanksgiving for the Lord in our lives :).
It was an amazing testament to the goodness and provision of God. In a way it made me even more excited to enjoy the wedding feast of the Lamb when Jesus returns. I think it fitting to thank the Lord for all of you who have set out on this journey with me. THANK YOU!! And my heart is thankful for all that He has done even in the week that I've been here.
Re:fresh
ACC Sheffield hosted the fourth annual church retreat entitled Re:fresh. We had a great time worshipping the Lord, fellowshipping over very English meals, playing interesting games, and loads of other things. You should see the sheer flexibility of some of the members of our congregation! I got to help out with the children on Saturday morning, and they are
learning about being God's workmanship. They even presented two dances to the congregation about being the hands and feet of Jesus!
Saturday night the presence of the Lord fell! We had people receive physical and emotional healing, freedom from depression and spiritual breakthrough, and we ministered from 7:30 til 11. Yay Holy Spirit!
My Week
I have been able this past week to set up a bank account, purchase a mobile phone, get a charger for my laptop that is UK friendly, and find a place to stay. Hallelujah! I will be living with two British girls who are believers. Praise the Lord! Looks like I will be moving in by mid-December.
Lifegroup for the Young Professionals is on Tuesday night, and it was a blessing to have a group of like-minded believers in my season of life! Then on Wednesday, I was able to help finish painting the new church offices in preparation for the staff meeting on Thursday. Friday looks to be my sabbath, and I made some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Interestingly enough, they don't really make a lot of cookies here.
The sum of my week recalls to mind I Chronicles 16:8-36, which begins, " Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." May you and yours me blessed with hearts full of thanksgiving this season!
British Vocabulary lesson
Jug = Pitcher
Jumper = Sweater Jacket
Trainers = Tennis Shoes
Trousers = Pants
Toilet/Loo = Bathroom
