also called the End of an Old Chapter,
props to Jeremy Schindel
So, here I am at the start of a new chapter. This is the end of my first whole day at Pierrepont, and I spent most of yesterday asleep (as in I skipped meals asleep). So far the traveling was trying, but not in a stressful "held at customs" way. If I look at it from a difficulties arising standpoint is was great- but it being my first flight over the ocean and nine hours in a plane at night alone and then getting on a very small train with very big bags three times and then hoping the person picking you up is still there an hour after you're expected... it was stressful. The first thing I missed was all of you. It's one thing to say your independent and that you can do all sorts of things by yourself, but when it's time to say goodbye for the last time, when you get into the airplane all by yourself and start to fly... Or worse, get off the airplane and are alone for two hours and responsible to get yourself somewhere... that's when being independent becomes more then the number of candles on the Birthday cake. I didn't feel like I was ready for it, not at the moment it happened. I was scared to ask for help but I did, I was scared to make assumptions but I did, I was scared and some of me wanted to go home, but I couldn't, and now I'm here, I made it though day one, I got here and next time will be easier (I hope). I'm older now, I still miss you all. Amazing that it's not being afraid but giving into fear that is the problem.
Anyway, it's the end of the second day and I have already met brilliant people from all over the world, seen beautiful country side and participated in a beautiful worship service. Here the words on the screen are in both Mandarin and English, which is so beautiful for a place of fellowship, it is so easy to only think of the people around us as brothers and sisters, but to God we are all related and are all free to worship in our own languages, He is a God who created diversity, not one who encourages assimilation.
Another story out of my first day happened during my little adventure walk. As you were able to read in paragraph one I did not have a good time traveling and, at least to me
no fun+stepping out in faith=doubt. So as I'm wandering the grounds (an amazingly large 35 acres... Britain it will take time to get used to you) I go to the river walk and check out the prayer hut. The very second I get there a beautiful swan swims by, and just hangs out for a little while, right next to me. God says he is glad I am here and that I shouldn't be worried about my youth or discomfort. God is good in the way that he provides what we need when we think we don't need it but really do, and now that the internet is back up I can post this blog.
If you don't like it I blame jet lag, if you do then thank you. :)
p.s. to grammar Nazi's, future posts will most likely be edited.
