Chinese with the Woods

 

Last night, Alan and Heather Woods (who are looking after us girls while we're here) took us out for a 4 course Chinese meal. It was wonderful! I disappointed Alan in the amount of food I ate (I told him I ate like a boy) and that was certainly a first!

The best part of the evening for me was hearing about Alan's amazing memory. He can quote books he read 18 years ago. I have been "known" for my seemingly random memory of very specific (useless) things. I struggle a lot with keeping a record of wrongs when I'm sinned against. I thought I had a companion in this struggle. Except I didn't.

When I asked Alan if he struggled with keeping a record of wrongs, he responded humbly with, "Oh I couldn't possibly. I am the worst sinner I know. Whatever someone else does to me, I know I am capable of far worse." As he began to talk, I realized that as much as I KNOW this truth, I KNOW these words, I've even spoken them before myself...but I do not live like I believe them. I don't live like I'm the worst sinner I know. Looking on the outside at someone I can think, "But for the grace of God, there go I." But when it is someone who has sinned against ME in a particular way, I think, "I would never do that!"

So, as I sat there, listening to this wise man instruct me on how to pursue humility, I was hit with the truth that my pride is a LOT worse than I think it is. I am a lot less aware of my sin than I think I am. Which then means that I'm a lot less aware of GRACE than I think I am.

I am planning on reading "Respectable Sins" in addition to reading the Gospel Primer. The good news of having Jesus' life declared as mine, is only good news if I know the BAD news of my merit of hell first. Eternal judgement in the lake of fire. That's what I've earned. It's where I'm running straight to. Yet, somehow, in the mystery of the Gospel, through Christ's death, ressurrection, and life, I receive eternal life with Him.

A dear friend gave me a little box of quotes and verses for me to take one out the 1st and 15th of every month that I'm here in Wales. I have the verse from two days ago taped up on the bathroom mirror to memorize as I brush my teeth. It's Ephesians 2:5, "We all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and mind, and were by nature, children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our tresspasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved."

I went to sleep last night sobered by the depth of my sin-- which I will never completely know.

Today we went to Mount Pleasant and got to know the year 1 kids. (Kindergarteners). In a fortnight (2 weeks) I'll be teaching groups of 5 how to braid with yarn. I'm really excited!

Then we went to lunch at Milbrook to meet the staff. I think I'll be teaching gymnastics first for that one. Then some hair. Some make up. And apparently face painting. They have a big Christmas production that the kids will be able to combine all of those things for-- choreography, stage makeup, hair, etc. Wahoo! Kat will be teaching music for that class as well. We've been put in a year 6 class with Paul. He seems like a great teacher!

Well, its bbq and honey chicken tonight (I'm officially our "meal planner" which is SO MUCH FUN) and then hopefully a skype chat with Ariel!!! Tomorrow is our day at Bettws! Thanks for reading!