Community

     And I'm actually NOT talking about the TV show. Surprise! Over the last few weeks I've realized how much the church here and the town as a whole lacks community. There's no "hey come on over for dinner," or "let's go out for coffee," or "wanna go see Twilight at the cinema?" Ok, I would have definitely turned down that last offer anyway. Most people seem content with shallow relationships so they never have to let their guard down and really get to know someone.
     But of course, I'm not used to this. I'm used to the Christian bubble of UMHB, home of hospitality and Jesus-ness. So after feeling depressed and lonely without knowing why, it suddenly dawned on me: There isn't anyone I know here who is my age. And I haven't really spent any time with any of the adults in the church, outside of church. My week consisted of preparing for youth groups, going to youth groups, hanging out with kids, and getting sleep to do it all again the next day. So I was lonely. And even before it really clicked that I was lonely, God brought some amazing people into my life. 

Amsterdam, Holland

     Half-term was wonderful. It was a much-needed break from the regular routine and I got to spend some time in Amsterdam with a friend who's also in the area doing a gap year from Texas/UMHB. It was a wonderful experience, but definitely not a city I'd ever want to visit again. Asthmatics don't do well in places where street-smoking marijuana is legal. 
     On the last Sunday of half term, I had the opportunity to spend the day in Eston, where I was located during my mission trip here 2 years ago. What a blessing! I was reunited with my English mum and dad who hosted me in 2010, and I got to see so many friends who are very passionate about reaching their city. At church we sang songs that I actually know, we prayed as a congregation for our city, the government, the world, and individual's prayer requests and praises. What a blessing to visit a very ALIVE church! I also got a few mobile numbers and people telling me to call them when I'm available to go out for coffee or a meal. I never wanted to leave. But as I returned to Nunthorpe I felt replenished, like God had given me that day to fill me up so that I could pour out everything again over the next few weeks. Like the song "Desert Song" says: "I know I'm filled to be emptied again, the seed I received I will sow!" I feel so blessed to know I have a resource of fuel when I need it. 
     God also gave me a girls craft day. Two women from the church invited me to join them for a sewing day. I made a purse/bag from scratch; so proud! It was wonderful to get away for a few hours and just build relationships these ladies. I felt like such a grown up! 

     And another blessing in Community: Saturday we had teenagers over at the house from 9am to 9pm. While I was unbelievably exhausted by the end, it was soooo much fun to just have a chill day with the kids outside of church youth groups. I laughed more that day than I think I have since I arrived! We played the Wii, Pictionary, board games (even though I usually hate board games, I had so much fun), and we watched a documentary film called 58: about global extreme poverty. We've begun to talk more and more about social justice in our groups and are seeing great responses from the kids! I also made them puppy chow with American peanut butter and they absolutely loved it! The chocolate/peanut butter combination doesn't really exist here, as peanut butter doesn't contain sugar like ours does in the USA. It was brilliant just to laugh and have fun with the kids; I feel so much closer to the group now.

Playing games at our house for the 9-9 group on Saturday

     So now I feel renewed and replenished. I'm ready to pour out again, knowing that God is on my side. He's protecting me from burn-out, ready to help when I call on Him. Last Wednesday, at a ministry meeting with the elders and leaders in the church, I admitted that I don't feel like there's any  sense of community or family-ness in our church. We shouldn't feel like we have to live this life on our own. As a faith family, we should be involved in each other's lives - giving and living with the poor, interceding for the sick, and sharing in the struggles and triumphs of all. 

The road by St. Mary's Church

The family of God should be so attractive that others want in. So God's been convicting me that I can be a part of building community in this church, even though I'm young and American. At the meeting I also suggested the idea of starting a weekly prayer group. There aren't any weekly Bible studies or prayer groups at the moment, so I feel like God is calling me to change that. An older lady at the meeting loved the idea; she's been trying to start a prayer group for years. So I'm excited to see what God wants to do in this group, and what He will do when we pray!