As I walked around town during our last few weeks in England, I was overcome by an immense sense of gratitude. I felt so thankful to the Lord for giving us this time in Oxford, for leading us to this place, for providing a way for us to go with the prayers and support of our family and friends.
Our God is a good God! He loves to give us the desires of our hearts (because He is probably the one who placed them there to begin with when we are earnestly seeking Him). I felt truly blest by this time in England. Not that it was the easiest year of my life. In many ways, it was one of the toughest. However, God showed Himself to be incredibly faithful to us during our time here. Because of that experience, I feel like my faith has grown immeasurably and in ways I didn't know were possible.
As we enter into transition AGAIN, I am thankful for this time, for this season, for these relationships, for these memories that have come from our year in Oxford. It's sad to leave it, but I am thankful for the memories and the lessons learned here. And I look forward to seeing what God has next for us!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Top Ten ways you know you're in England...
Living here for the last eight months, we've learned a few things about British life and culture. Here are a few insights in case you jump out of a plane and aren't sure whether you're in England or not:
10) People drink tea in the afternoon.
9) People drive on the other side of the road (but don't ask them why they drive on the "wrong side" :).
8) Everything is older in England whether it's Stonehenge or the plumbing.
7) People are polite, reserved, and yet use sarcasm and wit often.
6) People don't like it when you talk about what a great holiday the Fourth of July is in America.
5) People drink tea in the evening.
4) Pubs are great community gathering places to meet friends and have meaningful conversations.
3) People like One Direction and Downton Abbey much more than the Prime Minister.
2) The umbrella is an essential part of your daily "wardrobe."
1) People drink tea in the morning too!
10) People drink tea in the afternoon.
9) People drive on the other side of the road (but don't ask them why they drive on the "wrong side" :).
8) Everything is older in England whether it's Stonehenge or the plumbing.
7) People are polite, reserved, and yet use sarcasm and wit often.
6) People don't like it when you talk about what a great holiday the Fourth of July is in America.
5) People drink tea in the evening.
4) Pubs are great community gathering places to meet friends and have meaningful conversations.
3) People like One Direction and Downton Abbey much more than the Prime Minister.
2) The umbrella is an essential part of your daily "wardrobe."
1) People drink tea in the morning too!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
This is Home
While back in the states for a few weeks in March, I realized that one main stress for me during our time in England has been trying to figure out where home is. We're in England for only 9 months, so it has been difficult to really feel settled here. We still own our home in Georgia, but are currently renting it out and don't know if we will ever live in it again. Plus, we are still in the discernment process of where God is calling us next. So all of these things leave me feeling a little lost at times and thinking, "Where is home anyway?"
Subconsciously, I was hopeful that our time in the states would feel like home and that we could just relax for a bit. However, unexpected circumstances did not allow for a lot of rest and relaxation. While lying awake one night, I realized I really wanted to feel at home somewhere. It was in the midst of my prayer to God (i.e., my pity party) about this, that I felt the Lord say, "I am your home. You need to find your home in me."
A week later, we celebrated Easter at our home church in Atlanta. Part of the sermon that day was about how God did not bring the Israelites out of Egypt just for their freedom. God was taking them home. Likewise, the redemption that Jesus completed through his death and resurrection was not just for our freedom from sin, but also the means through which we will dwell with God in our forever home! My ears quickly perked up as this theme of home was before me yet again. What a reminder that it is very much in the heart of God as well!
Now, I will say that I am still not totally sure what finding my home in God fully means. I'm pretty confident that it is one of those "already, not yet" realities of God's Kingdom. Through the Holy Spirit, we can already get a taste of our forever home with God, even if it isn't completely fulfilled yet. What I do know is that I feel a greater sense of peace in remembering that our true home is not a specific place in this world, but wherever God is.
Since returning to England, I have begun to experience it as "home" in ways I hadn't previously. As we finish up our final few months here, I am feeling sad that our time in England is almost over. It feels like it is only really getting started. Yet, I know that wherever the Lord takes us next will have a taste of home as well, if only we are willing to open ourselves and allow God to show us where He is present in that place as well.
My main task for this final term of school is to finish writing my thesis. Ironically, the topic that I chose back in the fall is about Jews living in Egypt (this time after the exile from their land) who are trying to reconcile what it means to be the people of God in a different environment. While these Jews are assimilating into a different culture, they are, at the same time, holding on to their identity as Jews. In the midst of this, they are also translating the Bible into Greek (the Septuagint) so that it is in their everyday language. This is the first translation of the scriptures! My research focuses on the Septuagint book of Isaiah and some of the driving questions are "Where is home for them? And how do they identify as the people of God in this different land?"
I'm thinking this is not mere coincidence, but just a reminder that this current world is not our forever home. We are all looking for that final realization when God's Kingdom comes in full and changes our whole reality. For the time when we are fully in His presence and experiencing Him in totality. Man, I look forward to that day!
In the mean time, while we are still waiting, here's a taste from Revelation 21:
5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.”
Hallelujah!
Subconsciously, I was hopeful that our time in the states would feel like home and that we could just relax for a bit. However, unexpected circumstances did not allow for a lot of rest and relaxation. While lying awake one night, I realized I really wanted to feel at home somewhere. It was in the midst of my prayer to God (i.e., my pity party) about this, that I felt the Lord say, "I am your home. You need to find your home in me."
A week later, we celebrated Easter at our home church in Atlanta. Part of the sermon that day was about how God did not bring the Israelites out of Egypt just for their freedom. God was taking them home. Likewise, the redemption that Jesus completed through his death and resurrection was not just for our freedom from sin, but also the means through which we will dwell with God in our forever home! My ears quickly perked up as this theme of home was before me yet again. What a reminder that it is very much in the heart of God as well!
Now, I will say that I am still not totally sure what finding my home in God fully means. I'm pretty confident that it is one of those "already, not yet" realities of God's Kingdom. Through the Holy Spirit, we can already get a taste of our forever home with God, even if it isn't completely fulfilled yet. What I do know is that I feel a greater sense of peace in remembering that our true home is not a specific place in this world, but wherever God is.
Since returning to England, I have begun to experience it as "home" in ways I hadn't previously. As we finish up our final few months here, I am feeling sad that our time in England is almost over. It feels like it is only really getting started. Yet, I know that wherever the Lord takes us next will have a taste of home as well, if only we are willing to open ourselves and allow God to show us where He is present in that place as well.
My main task for this final term of school is to finish writing my thesis. Ironically, the topic that I chose back in the fall is about Jews living in Egypt (this time after the exile from their land) who are trying to reconcile what it means to be the people of God in a different environment. While these Jews are assimilating into a different culture, they are, at the same time, holding on to their identity as Jews. In the midst of this, they are also translating the Bible into Greek (the Septuagint) so that it is in their everyday language. This is the first translation of the scriptures! My research focuses on the Septuagint book of Isaiah and some of the driving questions are "Where is home for them? And how do they identify as the people of God in this different land?"
I'm thinking this is not mere coincidence, but just a reminder that this current world is not our forever home. We are all looking for that final realization when God's Kingdom comes in full and changes our whole reality. For the time when we are fully in His presence and experiencing Him in totality. Man, I look forward to that day!
In the mean time, while we are still waiting, here's a taste from Revelation 21:
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
Hallelujah!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Unknown
So the day that we have been anticipating for the last 6 months comes tomorrow. Johnny and Emily get on a plane in Atlanta tonight and land in London tomorrow morning, and we don't know if they will be able to re-enter the country.
Due to new UK immigration laws, Johnny and Emily were not able to obtain visas with me because my program is less than 12-months in length. They were able to enter the country initially as visitors, but only for 6 months. During that time, we have investigated other options and alternatives to see if there was another way for them to stay. During orientation our first week here, the immigration representative from the University suggested that Johnny and Emily leave after 6-months for a few weeks and then come back and basically hope for grace from the border control agent at the airport. Some other possibilities arose, but nothing really panned out. So here we are back to the original "plan."
I returned to the UK earlier this week and am now awaiting their return. And I have been stressed out all day! I keep going over the possibilities in my head and telling myself that either way, we will be fine. Best case scenario: They get back in, and we finish out the next 3 months here in Oxford! Worst case scenario: Return to the States earlier than expected.
This is not a life or death situation, and I trust that the Lord will take care of us either way. So why am I so stressed? Because it's UNKNOWN.
Basically, I am learning from this that I hate not knowing what is going to happen. Really, I already knew this, but I am learning it in greater detail. I like predictable outcomes. I like knowing what to expect and preparing for it. I like anticipating what will happen next and doing a "cost-benefit analysis" (Econ major, baby)!
When I don't know, I can't plan. I can't evaluate. And it drives me crazy! Frank Decker at The Mission Society says that your weaknesses don't disappear when you get on a plane and go to another culture. Instead they get magnified. Amen to that! This is one of mine.
The last year or so of my life has been characterized by not knowing what is coming next. We're following Christ one step at a time, and it's scary. It's made me realize that I don't trust God as much as I want to believe I do. I really struggle to believe that He is working things out according to His plan and His timing. Okay, maybe I do believe this, but I get frustrated that it is not according to MY plan and MY timing. I'm good at planning! So why can't I have this one?!
Faith is hard. Believing is hard. Letting go is REALLY hard (at least for me)! But I want to believe it is for the best. I want to believe it is for my good and, more importantly, for His glory.
And so I wait and try to take my hands off of this deal. I never was in control to begin with. But I do enjoy the illusion of being in control. Imagine the freedom I could have if I could just let go and trust! Oh, may it be so, Lord!
Due to new UK immigration laws, Johnny and Emily were not able to obtain visas with me because my program is less than 12-months in length. They were able to enter the country initially as visitors, but only for 6 months. During that time, we have investigated other options and alternatives to see if there was another way for them to stay. During orientation our first week here, the immigration representative from the University suggested that Johnny and Emily leave after 6-months for a few weeks and then come back and basically hope for grace from the border control agent at the airport. Some other possibilities arose, but nothing really panned out. So here we are back to the original "plan."
I returned to the UK earlier this week and am now awaiting their return. And I have been stressed out all day! I keep going over the possibilities in my head and telling myself that either way, we will be fine. Best case scenario: They get back in, and we finish out the next 3 months here in Oxford! Worst case scenario: Return to the States earlier than expected.
This is not a life or death situation, and I trust that the Lord will take care of us either way. So why am I so stressed? Because it's UNKNOWN.
Basically, I am learning from this that I hate not knowing what is going to happen. Really, I already knew this, but I am learning it in greater detail. I like predictable outcomes. I like knowing what to expect and preparing for it. I like anticipating what will happen next and doing a "cost-benefit analysis" (Econ major, baby)!
When I don't know, I can't plan. I can't evaluate. And it drives me crazy! Frank Decker at The Mission Society says that your weaknesses don't disappear when you get on a plane and go to another culture. Instead they get magnified. Amen to that! This is one of mine.
The last year or so of my life has been characterized by not knowing what is coming next. We're following Christ one step at a time, and it's scary. It's made me realize that I don't trust God as much as I want to believe I do. I really struggle to believe that He is working things out according to His plan and His timing. Okay, maybe I do believe this, but I get frustrated that it is not according to MY plan and MY timing. I'm good at planning! So why can't I have this one?!
Faith is hard. Believing is hard. Letting go is REALLY hard (at least for me)! But I want to believe it is for the best. I want to believe it is for my good and, more importantly, for His glory.
And so I wait and try to take my hands off of this deal. I never was in control to begin with. But I do enjoy the illusion of being in control. Imagine the freedom I could have if I could just let go and trust! Oh, may it be so, Lord!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Kids say the darndest things...
Emily keeps us smiling and laughing every day. We know three-year olds have a tendency to do that and say unexpected things at unexpected times. Here are some of the things she's said recently that caught us off guard:
Story #1: We're sitting at dinner one night and Emily is eating some bread with the meal. Out of nowhere she declares, "I'm a bread-etarian." She is just like Amy in that she loves to eat bread, but it was too funny to hear her describe herself this way!
Story #2: Emily and Johnny return to our apartment one afternoon after her school, and we can smell in the hallway that one of our international neighbors is cooking as the potent aroma has filled the hallway. Emily turns to me and asks, "Daddy, what is that awful smell?"
Story #3: The three of us are getting on a bus after an afternoon in Oxford to return back to our home and our bus stop at a street named Squitchey Lane. As we step up to show our bus pass to the bus driver, Emily says with great enthusiasm, "Squitchey Lane, please!"
Story #1: We're sitting at dinner one night and Emily is eating some bread with the meal. Out of nowhere she declares, "I'm a bread-etarian." She is just like Amy in that she loves to eat bread, but it was too funny to hear her describe herself this way!
Story #2: Emily and Johnny return to our apartment one afternoon after her school, and we can smell in the hallway that one of our international neighbors is cooking as the potent aroma has filled the hallway. Emily turns to me and asks, "Daddy, what is that awful smell?"
Story #3: The three of us are getting on a bus after an afternoon in Oxford to return back to our home and our bus stop at a street named Squitchey Lane. As we step up to show our bus pass to the bus driver, Emily says with great enthusiasm, "Squitchey Lane, please!"
A Fun Family February!
In February, Johnny's mom - affectionately know as "NaiNai" (Chinese for grandmother) - and Johnny's brother Jason came for a visit. NaiNai was here for three weeks and Uncle Jason came for a week, overlapping with NaiNai.
We had a wonderful time with them and are so thankful they came to visit us. Amy and I know that Emily was the real draw as Jason even admitted before he came that he was excited to come see "Emily, Emily, and whoever was around Emily!"
We explored Oxford together, took some day trips to surrounding towns and villages, and introduced them to some of our friends here. Emily loved all the extra attention and loved sharing her room with NaiNai and playing games with both of them.
Here's a few pictures of the great fun Emily had with both of them:
We had a wonderful time with them and are so thankful they came to visit us. Amy and I know that Emily was the real draw as Jason even admitted before he came that he was excited to come see "Emily, Emily, and whoever was around Emily!"
We explored Oxford together, took some day trips to surrounding towns and villages, and introduced them to some of our friends here. Emily loved all the extra attention and loved sharing her room with NaiNai and playing games with both of them.
Here's a few pictures of the great fun Emily had with both of them:
NaiNai came and brought a Valentine's puppy!
Walking around Summertown.
"ShuShu" (chinese for Uncle) Jason came and we put puzzles together!
We spent a fun day in London.
Reading at bookstores with NaiNai!
Emily walking with ShuShu in the snow one morning to school!
Playing at the Wolvercote playground with NaiNai...
...and ShuShu!
Big smiles on the swings...
...role reversal fun!
Making pancakes with NaiNai (this was Emily's main request of NaiNai before she came)...
...and eating them with sprinkles!
We love you ShuShu and NaiNai!
More about Alpha
So last fall I volunteered to help out behind the scenes at the Alpha course at our local church here in Oxford, and these last six weeks in 2013 I've been a group leader for a second Alpha course.
In case you don't know much about the Alpha course, you can click here - http://www.alpha.org/ - and learn more. It was developed to create a safe, non-threatening space for people to come and explore life's big questions about faith. God has used this course in powerful ways to meet people across the globe who are looking for answers and beginning to search for more in life through Jesus.
This course has been a joy to serve as group leader and I am thankful for the new friends I have made. We have had some honest and challenging conversations about Jesus, the Bible, the church, evil, and the cross and resurrection. Several came with doubts and skepticism (and some still have questions), but several are now beginning to believe. It is exciting to see the Lord moving in their lives!
Because the school term is almost over, this version of Alpha was shortened to only six weeks. We finished on Tuesday night, but I don't see it as the end, but rather as a new beginning for these new friends. Even though we might not meet weekly to discuss spiritual matters at the church like we have been, several are committed to getting together regularly and building these new friendships.
Here's a few stealth photos I took (I didn't want to arouse suspicion) during our Alpha Saturday a few weeks ago:
In case you don't know much about the Alpha course, you can click here - http://www.alpha.org/ - and learn more. It was developed to create a safe, non-threatening space for people to come and explore life's big questions about faith. God has used this course in powerful ways to meet people across the globe who are looking for answers and beginning to search for more in life through Jesus.
This course has been a joy to serve as group leader and I am thankful for the new friends I have made. We have had some honest and challenging conversations about Jesus, the Bible, the church, evil, and the cross and resurrection. Several came with doubts and skepticism (and some still have questions), but several are now beginning to believe. It is exciting to see the Lord moving in their lives!
Because the school term is almost over, this version of Alpha was shortened to only six weeks. We finished on Tuesday night, but I don't see it as the end, but rather as a new beginning for these new friends. Even though we might not meet weekly to discuss spiritual matters at the church like we have been, several are committed to getting together regularly and building these new friendships.
Here's a few stealth photos I took (I didn't want to arouse suspicion) during our Alpha Saturday a few weeks ago:
Listening to teaching about the Holy Spirit.
Spending some time in worship.
The Lord touched several of my friends' lives during the prayer and ministry times.
Our post-lunch walk around one of the parks in Oxford.
Having worked in a Christian environment the last 12 years, I had realized how difficult it was to build relationships with non-believers. Participating in Alpha, however, has given me the opportunity to meet more folks who are searching. It has not always been easy in conversations because I wanted each person to feel heard and understood in their viewpoints, even if I didn't always agree with them. It has been a lesson in trusting the Holy Spirit to work in their lives and not trying to give all the answers myself.
I trust and belive that Jesus will meet each of these friends where they are in His timing, and it has been exciting to walk with them on this part of their journey. We'll see what happens next!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Snow!
In mid-January it snowed about four or five inches over the course of a week. The temperatures stayed below freezing (usually in the twenties) throughout the week, so the snow stayed on the ground. Things do slow down and even get closed here like they do in Georgia as they are not equipped for snow and ice.
Amy actually realized this the hard way on the Friday the snow started as the buses stopped running that afternoon. Johnny called to send a taxi to her, but the taxi driver declined the request! So, Amy walked home two miles in the snow! Here's what it all looked like:
Amy actually realized this the hard way on the Friday the snow started as the buses stopped running that afternoon. Johnny called to send a taxi to her, but the taxi driver declined the request! So, Amy walked home two miles in the snow! Here's what it all looked like:
Our postbox with the snow...
Looking out our living room window to the ground below...
Emily and Amy having fun, but it was cold!
Johnny's attempt at a snow angel...no comments please :)
Emily had a blast!
We all made a snowman!
Emily's favorite thing was to make and throw snowballs. Watch out!
The sign for our street...
Looking down Banbury Road toward Summertown and Oxford...
One of the homes along Banbury Road...
Finally we made what we called 'Downton Fort' while it was snowy and cold outside! (Yes, we watch the PBS series Downton Abbey. Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey is only an hour away!)
Life around Summertown
We live two miles north of the Oxford city centre in a community called Summertown. It is actually a nice area with a number of little shops and restaurants. We know pictures are worth a thousand words, so rather than try to describe it all, just see these pictures below:
Here's our main bus stop at Squitchey Lane (we love the name!) above and below going each direction.
We usually walk the 7-8 minutes to get to Summertown, but take the bus if we're going into the Oxford city centre.
Here's a shot of some of the shops and stores on one side of the main road (Banbury Road) going through Summertown. There's two grocery stores, a few bank branches, two coffee shops - Starbucks and Costa, several second-hand stores, and then a number of other local businesses.
This is Barefoot Books above, which is a great bookstore for kids in Summertown. They have lots of activities and storytime for the little ones. We go with Emily and read books there regularly.
Here's Amy and Emily in front of Taylor's which has great soups and sandwiches.
We love their soups and curry!
Here's a look inside Taylor's. Emily likes to get a ham sandwich and some juice!
There's a Boots pharmacy where we can get our toiletries and any medicines we might need.
Oxfam is one of several second-hand stores in Summertown where we have found some discounted items to help furnish our home i.e. mugs and cups for tea!
Here's our favorite restaurant - Mamma Mia's - an Italian place off the main road in Summertown. It is always nice and warm inside and the food is delicious!
Sainsbury's is our main grocery store in Summertown. It carries the basics so you can stop in each day if you want to get what you need for that evening and the next day.
Here's the view from the entrance down the refrigerated aisle.
And then here's the view across the back of the store. It has most of the basics, but it might not have many options of any particular item. for instance, I think it carries only two kinds of salad dressing and two kinds of peanut butter. (Larger grocery stores in the city do carry more.)
We usually stop in here and limit what we get to what we can carry as we walk home - one or two bags most often.
More of our British Christmas experience
Here's a few more from December of the Christmas season...
Singing Christmas carols with our small group...
the animals hanging out for Christmas feasts at the covered market...
including all the turkeys hanging high above.
The three of us on the couch one cold evening. (Emily obviously wasn't in the mood for a picture!)
But here she is in her Christmas dress and sunglasses!
Our Christmas in Oxford
We had a nice Christmas last month even though we certainly missed being with our families. We spent time with friends from church here and with some neighbors from Ghana.
So many of you sent Christmas cards or little gifts and we are so thankful that you remembered us in this way. We also were able to video Skype with our families and open presents with them watching!
So many of you sent Christmas cards or little gifts and we are so thankful that you remembered us in this way. We also were able to video Skype with our families and open presents with them watching!
When Emily opened her Christmas Eve present from Papa and Grammy she said, "Oh, it's baby Jesus!" We later called her 'Baby Girl Jesus.' :)
Christmas morning with her new dollhouse from Grandy, Ellie and Will! There's obviously some large colorful frogs in the neighborhood.
Emily listening to Papa read to her from the nativity book they sent.
Emily excited about the new tea set that she can paint!
Emily got new safety scissors and we spent the day carefully cutting open each present. We're sure she'll rip into presents in the future, but it was nice to open gifts at a more relaxed pace.
The two of us figuring out the cool Nightlight Ladybug that NaiNai sent works. It lights up in different colors and projects the moon and stars all over Emily's room at night.
Emily got some new books, clothes, and this puzzle of animals in the jungle. She loves doing puzzles.
Here's our girl deep in concentration (note the tongue) painting her teapot blue!
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