Tuesday 23 February 2010
Adventure Two: Belfast, Northern Ireland
This weekend began with a quote from my dear friend Stephanie saying, "You know, I have all these plans for my future. But I feel like God is going to shake things up." Little did we know!
This weekend was exactly what I needed - Beautiful Irish country side, time spent with great friends, and a weekend with my absolutely amazing friend Ashley! What's funny is how stressful and painful it was getting to that point. We left Swansea for Ireland on Friday afternoon; we set out with four girls and only two, Stephanie and I, made it to Ireland. Lindsey missed her flight earlier that morning by only fifteen minutes and Hope left her passport back in England. Both made it to the airport, but were turned away. No refund. Nothing. It was the worst feeling! Stephanie and I were heartbroken that our two friends couldn't enjoy this experience with us. Just when we thought everything was settled, we started to board the plane when Ryanair informs us that we were supposed to have our boarding passes stamped ..... so Steph and I "Home Alone" it through the airport, sprinting, make it back downstairs, have our passes stamped, run back through security .... and of course .... I beep going through security this time. Therefore, I am awkwardly patted down and scanned, while Steph watches in amusement and horror. We finally make it back to the gate just in time, board the plane, sleep for a short thirty minute flight, and finally land in Belfast safely! Later that night, after experiencing some insanely tight security at Ashley's student village, Stephanie would have to climb a tree to jump over a huge wall, lined with barbed wire, surrounding the village in order to make it to Ashley's room safe and sound. It was quite the adventure getting to Ireland! But we are so thankful that God watched over us, and brought us there safely! "Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to Him, "You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in You I trust." Psalm 91:1-2.
Despite all of this, we had such an amazing time! Belfast is loaded with history and old architecture. It was interesting to hear Ashley tell us of the separation between those that are Catholic and those that are Protestant. There are still neighborhoods throughout Belfast that are strictly Catholic or Protestant neighborhoods, and some are even surrounded by walls. We passed by one of these neighborhoods, and it had a huge mural on one of the buildings that read, "You are now entering Loyalist Sandy Row." So interesting. Stephanie and I went to the Giant's Causeway on Saturday which was beautiful. Huge rocks in the formation of hexagons towering over the ocean, unbelievable. We spent all of Saturday, once again, admiring the beauty of God's creation. I have done that several times since being overseas, and each time, God never ceases to amaze me.
After a long and delicious dinner in Ballymena at The Grouse spent chatting with a precious little seventy year old Irish man, we made it back to Belfast only to be reunited with Ashley over a jar of Nutella, bread, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, white chocolate bar, and milk ..... thank you Ashley for successfully making us gain 500 pounds in one night. Needless to say we spent the whole night, and even into the early hours of the morning, talking, laughing, "skype-ing" with friends back home, and enjoying each others company all while on an intense sugar high. It was the best moment of our lives.
Sunday was spent on a guided walking tour of Belfast, led by the one and only Ashley Shoemaker. We saw beautiful buildings, ate beautiful food, and met beautiful people. Did I mention I had a beautiful time in Belfast? We also wandered into The Welcome Center to pick up some souvenirs. And we might have bought some clothes, but that's really not important! It was so great to spend such an amazing weekend with one of my dearest friends Ashley; she is such an influence in my life, and I am so thankful for her friendship!
On the way back to Wales, Stephanie and I laughed over all the things we had encountered and endured this weekend. Then we realized how blessed we were! Despite running into so many problems, God gave us such a wonderful, fun weekend, while keeping us safe each and every time we hit a bump in the road. God had His loving and protecting arms around us each and every step of the way, and the weekend turned out to be one of the best! God showed me that not everything is going to go my way; I may have plans, but God does too. And His are perfect. I learned to find joy and laughter in the struggle, and hope in what is to come! There were many times that I asked God for guidance and safety, and He was there and graciously answered my prayer. I am so thankful for God's love and provision over me, and it brings me peace to know He will always be with me, and He will continue to guide my steps, even through the difficult times. He never fails to watch over me, to love me, and to guide me. "When they call to Me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them." Psalm 91:15
"In Christ alone, my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song. This Cornerstone, this Solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand."
Miss and love you all!
Wednesday 17 February 2010
Adventure One: Amsterdam
After a long twelve hour bus ride, and two hour ferry boat ride, I, along with about 30 other American students, arrived in Amsterdam around 11:00 a.m. last Friday morning! Much to my surprise, the city was extremely pretty. Canals, lined with boats, run through the city, while the buildings that line the streets look old and very "Dutch-esqe." Unfortunately, the citizens of Amsterdam have failed in keeping some of the canals very clean, but for the most part, I thought the city was beautiful.
We spent the first day doing a lot of walking, but it was so nice to see the city by foot and be able to pop into some of the local stores and such. We began the second day with a tour of the Anne Frank House/museum ..... which was humbling to say the least. I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank in middle school, but to actually see it, walk it, and experience it, was incredible. To put your self in her position, to stand in the confined rooms with no windows, to remain quiet throughout the small house, and imagine spending days and days in that environment really makes you grateful for the life God has blessed you with. At the end of the tour, there is a picture of Anne's father, Otto, standing in one of the rooms; it was taken on his first trip back to the House since he and his family had been discovered and taken. Otto lost his entire family; he was the only survivor, and his face in this picture says it all. You can see pain and heart-break all in this one man's face as he looks over the last place he held his loved ones. You were also able to watch a video of Otto reminiscing about Anne and her diary. He describes how Anne never talked about her feelings around others, and how he learned more about her thoughts from reading her diary years later than he did in those years he spent with her in person. He ends by saying that even in having a close relationship, "sometimes you never truly know your own children." It broke my heart; you could see the regret he felt in never really knowing his daughter's thoughts and feelings about life. All I wanted in that moment was to tell my loved ones, especially my parents, how much I loved them, and how blessed and truly grateful I am to have them in my life. We are all blessed with the time and ability to show our loved ones how much we care for them, are thankful for them, and love them. Time and ability are two things that some people don't have anymore. Being away from the loved ones in my life has made that fact even clearer, so since I have the time and ability .... I will say it now: I love you all and am so thankful for the role each and everyone of you have in my life. Ephesians 1:15, "I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."
We spent the rest of the day exploring a local market filled with jewelry, hand-knit gloves, scarves, and hats, jams, candles, breads, meats, vegetables, and pastries. It was so great. We were able to experience what the locals experience, except for all our cameras, maps, travel backpacks, and water bottles!
Also in my weekend in Amsterdam, I toured the Royal Palace, tasted some delicious food and chocolate ( we stopped at a legit Chocolate Factory in Belgium ), saw some art work, and had a fun time with friends! I know everyone is wondering, and yes .... Amsterdam is a different world. Most everything is legal, including drugs and prostitution. I knew that beforehand, but it was still a shock. For the most part, the locals I talked to were very nice. However at several stores, the clerk would ask "Are you just visiting Amsterdam?" And immediately after we replied yes, many of their responses were questions such as "Ohhhh. Going to smoke lots of weed eh??" I honestly can't count how many times I was asked that. It just makes you sad for them .... I am glad I have better things to experience and focus on. It is moments like this that make me yearn for more churches to do missions in Europe. Europe is not like places such as South America who might have never heard The Word of God; unfortunately, Europe has heard it, but they are so extremely ignorant to it. Hebrews 2:2-3, "For if the message spoken by the angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" I saw many beautiful churches scattered throughout Amsterdam, but as far as how well they are at bringing people in and spreading the Gospel, I'm not sure; I have no doubt that a city like Amsterdam would be a very difficult place to do that. There are so many people in Europe that need someone to share the Word with them, whether they have heard it already or not. So, we shouldn't stop - Keep telling them. "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15-16
I learned so much from my weekend in Amsterdam, and I am so glad I got experience it! It was a great start to my adventures abroad, and I look forward to the many adventures I will experience in the coming weeks, and the things God will teach me through them!
We spent the first day doing a lot of walking, but it was so nice to see the city by foot and be able to pop into some of the local stores and such. We began the second day with a tour of the Anne Frank House/museum ..... which was humbling to say the least. I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank in middle school, but to actually see it, walk it, and experience it, was incredible. To put your self in her position, to stand in the confined rooms with no windows, to remain quiet throughout the small house, and imagine spending days and days in that environment really makes you grateful for the life God has blessed you with. At the end of the tour, there is a picture of Anne's father, Otto, standing in one of the rooms; it was taken on his first trip back to the House since he and his family had been discovered and taken. Otto lost his entire family; he was the only survivor, and his face in this picture says it all. You can see pain and heart-break all in this one man's face as he looks over the last place he held his loved ones. You were also able to watch a video of Otto reminiscing about Anne and her diary. He describes how Anne never talked about her feelings around others, and how he learned more about her thoughts from reading her diary years later than he did in those years he spent with her in person. He ends by saying that even in having a close relationship, "sometimes you never truly know your own children." It broke my heart; you could see the regret he felt in never really knowing his daughter's thoughts and feelings about life. All I wanted in that moment was to tell my loved ones, especially my parents, how much I loved them, and how blessed and truly grateful I am to have them in my life. We are all blessed with the time and ability to show our loved ones how much we care for them, are thankful for them, and love them. Time and ability are two things that some people don't have anymore. Being away from the loved ones in my life has made that fact even clearer, so since I have the time and ability .... I will say it now: I love you all and am so thankful for the role each and everyone of you have in my life. Ephesians 1:15, "I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."
We spent the rest of the day exploring a local market filled with jewelry, hand-knit gloves, scarves, and hats, jams, candles, breads, meats, vegetables, and pastries. It was so great. We were able to experience what the locals experience, except for all our cameras, maps, travel backpacks, and water bottles!
Also in my weekend in Amsterdam, I toured the Royal Palace, tasted some delicious food and chocolate ( we stopped at a legit Chocolate Factory in Belgium ), saw some art work, and had a fun time with friends! I know everyone is wondering, and yes .... Amsterdam is a different world. Most everything is legal, including drugs and prostitution. I knew that beforehand, but it was still a shock. For the most part, the locals I talked to were very nice. However at several stores, the clerk would ask "Are you just visiting Amsterdam?" And immediately after we replied yes, many of their responses were questions such as "Ohhhh. Going to smoke lots of weed eh??" I honestly can't count how many times I was asked that. It just makes you sad for them .... I am glad I have better things to experience and focus on. It is moments like this that make me yearn for more churches to do missions in Europe. Europe is not like places such as South America who might have never heard The Word of God; unfortunately, Europe has heard it, but they are so extremely ignorant to it. Hebrews 2:2-3, "For if the message spoken by the angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" I saw many beautiful churches scattered throughout Amsterdam, but as far as how well they are at bringing people in and spreading the Gospel, I'm not sure; I have no doubt that a city like Amsterdam would be a very difficult place to do that. There are so many people in Europe that need someone to share the Word with them, whether they have heard it already or not. So, we shouldn't stop - Keep telling them. "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15-16
I learned so much from my weekend in Amsterdam, and I am so glad I got experience it! It was a great start to my adventures abroad, and I look forward to the many adventures I will experience in the coming weeks, and the things God will teach me through them!
Wednesday 10 February 2010
American Birthday Celebration
Psalm 118:24, "For this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
Sunday happened to be one of my favorite days in Swansea so far ... why? Well, one, it was my 21st Birthday! (I cannot even begin to tell you how wise and basically genius I feel now being 21 .... Kidding!) And second, it was a night filled with American foods, American friends, and American football! It was perfection. I began my birthday in the best possible way and in one of my favorite places ... Church. I attended Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in downtown Swansea; it is beautiful! Off white colored church with large columns in the front, red doors, and an old sanctuary to worship in; what could be better?? Experiencing a church in another country definitely gave me such an appreciation and love for my churches, pastors, and activities back at home. Don't get me wrong, Mt. Pleasant was wonderful, but the preaching just isn't the same. However, after learning under such exceptional and inspirational pastors such as Dr. Rogers, Brother Steve, and Pastor Holly (Pastor at Sevier Heights in Knoxville), I feel like there can't be any better! But we did sing "Just As I Am" which made me feel like I was still at home, sitting in the balcony of Bellevue with my parents beside me, the Arnolds behind me, and Brother Steve preaching in front of me. What is unique - Because the churches are much smaller than in the states they are able to host events like having breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee/tea, or dinner as a church which is so great. I have been able to be a part of one of these events, and they are just so fun!
After a wonderful morning spent with fellow believers worshiping Our Great God, I headed back to the house only to be kept in my room all afternoon by my housemates as they cleaned and decorated for my birthday! Around 6 o'clock, I was finally allowed downstairs to find the kitchen decorated with birthday banners and balloons. Brittney and Ryan spent all afternoon cooking and the result was delicious! They made grilled BBQ chicken, hot dogs, nachos, cheese dip, brownies, and a High School Musical cake (apparently the "only" cake mix they could find ... I don't believe them) for my birthday dinner. I felt right at home; they made my day so special!
After a fun dinner with friends and housemates, we headed to Woody's, a hangout area in The Student Village, where it was packed with students watching the Super Bowl. The best moment of the night - About 40 American students, surrounded by many many British students, with their hand over their heart, singing The National Anthem with Carrie Underwood as loud as we could. It was Amazing. This was also followed by all the American students chanting USA! USA! USA! Oh yes, I do have video of this. The day would have been even better had my man Peyton received a win that night, but I guess I can't have everything on my birthday ....
The next day, Stephanie and Lindsey came over with an absolutely amazing chocolate cake they had made for my birthday. We also cooked some delicious (in my humble opinion) stir fry with chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice, and we had a great time talking, laughing, and planning adventures together. I could not have asked God for two better friends to put in my life during this exciting time. They are not only kind, caring, and fun girls, but they are also a great spiritual encouragement to me as well. We chatted in my room until about four in the morning, just enjoying being together and sharing stories with one another. So so fun. Job 8:21, "He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Indeed, He does.
God has blessed me with such great friends here, and for that I am truly grateful. He placed friends in my life who took the time to make sure my birthday in Wales was fabulous. And it was!
Sunday happened to be one of my favorite days in Swansea so far ... why? Well, one, it was my 21st Birthday! (I cannot even begin to tell you how wise and basically genius I feel now being 21 .... Kidding!) And second, it was a night filled with American foods, American friends, and American football! It was perfection. I began my birthday in the best possible way and in one of my favorite places ... Church. I attended Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in downtown Swansea; it is beautiful! Off white colored church with large columns in the front, red doors, and an old sanctuary to worship in; what could be better?? Experiencing a church in another country definitely gave me such an appreciation and love for my churches, pastors, and activities back at home. Don't get me wrong, Mt. Pleasant was wonderful, but the preaching just isn't the same. However, after learning under such exceptional and inspirational pastors such as Dr. Rogers, Brother Steve, and Pastor Holly (Pastor at Sevier Heights in Knoxville), I feel like there can't be any better! But we did sing "Just As I Am" which made me feel like I was still at home, sitting in the balcony of Bellevue with my parents beside me, the Arnolds behind me, and Brother Steve preaching in front of me. What is unique - Because the churches are much smaller than in the states they are able to host events like having breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee/tea, or dinner as a church which is so great. I have been able to be a part of one of these events, and they are just so fun!
After a wonderful morning spent with fellow believers worshiping Our Great God, I headed back to the house only to be kept in my room all afternoon by my housemates as they cleaned and decorated for my birthday! Around 6 o'clock, I was finally allowed downstairs to find the kitchen decorated with birthday banners and balloons. Brittney and Ryan spent all afternoon cooking and the result was delicious! They made grilled BBQ chicken, hot dogs, nachos, cheese dip, brownies, and a High School Musical cake (apparently the "only" cake mix they could find ... I don't believe them) for my birthday dinner. I felt right at home; they made my day so special!
After a fun dinner with friends and housemates, we headed to Woody's, a hangout area in The Student Village, where it was packed with students watching the Super Bowl. The best moment of the night - About 40 American students, surrounded by many many British students, with their hand over their heart, singing The National Anthem with Carrie Underwood as loud as we could. It was Amazing. This was also followed by all the American students chanting USA! USA! USA! Oh yes, I do have video of this. The day would have been even better had my man Peyton received a win that night, but I guess I can't have everything on my birthday ....
The next day, Stephanie and Lindsey came over with an absolutely amazing chocolate cake they had made for my birthday. We also cooked some delicious (in my humble opinion) stir fry with chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice, and we had a great time talking, laughing, and planning adventures together. I could not have asked God for two better friends to put in my life during this exciting time. They are not only kind, caring, and fun girls, but they are also a great spiritual encouragement to me as well. We chatted in my room until about four in the morning, just enjoying being together and sharing stories with one another. So so fun. Job 8:21, "He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Indeed, He does.
God has blessed me with such great friends here, and for that I am truly grateful. He placed friends in my life who took the time to make sure my birthday in Wales was fabulous. And it was!
Sunday 7 February 2010
A Day at the Gower
I woke up yesterday morning with the sun shining through my windows ... a view I had not seen in quite a few days. It tends to be quite rainy in the United Kingdom ... who would have though?! It was at this point I knew I had to get out of the house and explore. Therefore, Lindsey, Stephanie, (both students from UT and amazing people) and I headed to the Gower Peninsula! It took roughly an hour and half to get there, but it was an hour and a half of Welsh country side. It was beautiful; recall all the country side you have ever seen in Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma .... it exists; I drove through it yesterday. The bus even had to stop several times to allow horses to cross the street ..... there were horses, cows, and sheep just roaming about. When we finally arrived at Rhossili Bay, we stepped out of the bus and stood there in awe. It is one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen.
Rhossili Bay is made up of huge cliffs and mountains rising over the ocean. Before I began taking thousands of pictures, I walked ahead of the others, and walked out to the edge of one of the cliffs. I stood there, with the wind blowing, gazing into the sun, with mountains and ocean about me, and just listened to the sound of seagulls and waves crashing. It was that sound you love to hear every day in Destin ... but without all the noise of people. Cheesy, I know, but so worth it! As I stood there I wondered how any one could look at this and dare to think .... "Oh, this just popped up one day." Insane. Only "The God of Wonders" could create something as beautiful as what I saw yesterday. Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Never before have I really felt the power of this verse until now. Even "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of His hands" (Pslam 19:1); we have no excuse either.
I have several moments in my life that have had great impacts on me. One, being a moment between my papaw and I right before he passed away. Another, being listening to TAPS play as I looked out over Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery at Normandy. Or the moment spent with great friends, lying under the stars, and watching the amazing Eiffel Tower light show at midnight in Paris. However, standing on a cliff, looking out over the ocean, watching the sun rise, and spending a quiet moment with God may have to be at the top of my list. Absolutely Incredible. "O LORD, Our LORD, How majestic is your name in all of the earth!"(Psalm 8:1) After that, I met back up with the girls, and we continued to take way too many pictures, but they are beautiful memories! We also got to watch the sun rise, chat, and laugh together in one of the most beautiful places.
We ended the day with a HUGE dinner at a local restaurant, plus some Welsh chocolate cake and hot chocolate! Yesterday was a day I will never forget; God showed me so many great things. Psalm 8:3-4, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" I cannot wait to see what God will teach and show me in the next few months and all the adventures I have ahead of me!
Much love from Wales!
Rhossili Bay is made up of huge cliffs and mountains rising over the ocean. Before I began taking thousands of pictures, I walked ahead of the others, and walked out to the edge of one of the cliffs. I stood there, with the wind blowing, gazing into the sun, with mountains and ocean about me, and just listened to the sound of seagulls and waves crashing. It was that sound you love to hear every day in Destin ... but without all the noise of people. Cheesy, I know, but so worth it! As I stood there I wondered how any one could look at this and dare to think .... "Oh, this just popped up one day." Insane. Only "The God of Wonders" could create something as beautiful as what I saw yesterday. Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Never before have I really felt the power of this verse until now. Even "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of His hands" (Pslam 19:1); we have no excuse either.
I have several moments in my life that have had great impacts on me. One, being a moment between my papaw and I right before he passed away. Another, being listening to TAPS play as I looked out over Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery at Normandy. Or the moment spent with great friends, lying under the stars, and watching the amazing Eiffel Tower light show at midnight in Paris. However, standing on a cliff, looking out over the ocean, watching the sun rise, and spending a quiet moment with God may have to be at the top of my list. Absolutely Incredible. "O LORD, Our LORD, How majestic is your name in all of the earth!"(Psalm 8:1) After that, I met back up with the girls, and we continued to take way too many pictures, but they are beautiful memories! We also got to watch the sun rise, chat, and laugh together in one of the most beautiful places.
We ended the day with a HUGE dinner at a local restaurant, plus some Welsh chocolate cake and hot chocolate! Yesterday was a day I will never forget; God showed me so many great things. Psalm 8:3-4, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" I cannot wait to see what God will teach and show me in the next few months and all the adventures I have ahead of me!
Much love from Wales!
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