Home away from Home

I'm back from my adventures!

Well, sort of. I'm still in Wales- which is always an adventure.

I had a wonderfully refreshing time away- words cannot describe the sweet time I had with the LORD- especially in Italy. He did an amazing work in my heart. Lies I believe about Him uncovered, truth revealed; grief over my wrong perspective of the Father-- joy that He's not as I often think. Tears all over the place. The Walti family and Alyssa Romanacce (from Orlando) served me incredibly every second I was there. Ministering to me, serving me cappuccino's, fellowship, encouragement, hours of prayer. Acquaintences becoming dear and precious friends.

But the MOST encouraging part of my trips, were the opportunities the LORD gave me to share the Gospel with those I ran into...and that I wasn't dreading them...thats what was MOST exciting! Such a huge change God has done in my heart in the last 8 months. Each time I used to get on a plane, I'd hope no one would sit next to me, so I wouldn't have to fight through the conversation wondering if I should share the Gospel...and then the condemnation that would so often follow.

Two conversations stick out in particular- one with a girl in Jenn and my hostel in London. She was sitting on the floor when we came in. We'd hardly put our things down before she asked me specifically what I was doing in Wales. I replied as I often do, "We're going into local schools doing assemblies and telling kids about how Jesus has changed our lives." She kept saying, "Wow. Wow. God sent you here to me." We talked about the Gospel for a good 45 minutes to an hour before praying for her. She asked how to become a Christian. I'm not sure if she got saved...but God was definitely at work.

The other was on my flight home Saturday night with a couple who was interested to know how I "got into that sort of stuff" as they pointed to my Bible. Amazing opportunity. Turns out, they live close to me-- so you can bet they'll be getting some Christchurch info in the mail soon.

Thanks for your prayers for saftey and refreshment- God answered them beyond what I could've imagined!

Shopping in liquid sunshine

I was able to meet up with six year 7 girls from Bettws today to go shopping. (I know they look bored- but we had fun...I promise!)

We met at Mcdonalds (Mackey-D's...not Mickey-D's) and they asked me some questions about VJ and why Jesus had to die, etc. Some really good questions. They seemed really affected by a movie clip from The Passion that Dave Taylor showed the other week- saying they hated it, but that it "made them believe more."

Please pray for Valmai, Alana, Yasmein, Jade, Cassie, and Sophie in the middle. Like the rest of us, they need Jesus.

Little bit of everything

Last week was assemblies, assemblies, some more assemblies, and then another one! I had so much fun! Every time we get to the "Gospel" part when we're talking to these kids...I just can't believe it. I can't believe we get to do this. I can't believe this is legal! I can't believe I'm here.

We had VJ on Friday night (outreach to high schoolers) and the numbers were low (which was GREAT because the pastors are all in the States for a conference) and it proved to be, from my perspective, one of the most profitable nights conversation wise that I've had at VJ.

One girl I'd never met before, came up to me gushing to talk after the message. Together we talked about how nothing we do makes us a Christian, but its about our relationship with Jesus Christ. And I've been enjoying the last several days as the Holy Spirit reminds me of that Truth over and over again. (Her name was Ruth. Please pray for her if you think of it.)

At VJ I was able to swap phone numbers with a handful of Bettws year 7 girls and we plan to go shopping on Thursday afternoon in town. I am SO excited. These are the girls who've been in my hair class or graffiti class, and other than VJ, this will be the first time I've been able to hang out with them in "real life." I'm hoping to ask them what they think about the assemblies we've been doing and what they "reckon" about Jesus. (Please pray for me-- and them!)

This week is busy. BUT.

This Friday at half twelve...my dear and precious friend, Jenn Romanski (affectionately known as "JRo") arrives in Newport!!! We plan to hang around for the weekend, then head off to Dublin on Sunday night, and set out for London on Tuesday. It's amazing how inexpensive traveling is once you're over the pond.

Words cannot describe the joyful anticipation of the sweet fellowship that I KNOW will take place in the next week. Jenn is a "kindred spirit" and even though our friendship is seemingly random, it is definitely ordained by God, and she is one of the dearest friends I know.

(And I'm really looking forward to a little piece of America.)

After she leaves on Thursday, I head over to Udine, Italy to spend time with the Walti's. I'm so excited.

This week

This week has been an unusual one. Tuesday I started having some sort of cold/sore throat thing, and it began affecting my voice. Yesterday I felt like I screamed the narration of our 2 Easter assemblies, and today I crackled and squeaked the gospel to Katy when we met for coffee- I was practically whispering by the end. She is not yet saved but says she's "leaning" towards Christianity. She's been coming to VJ and VJxtra since January. Please pray that the LORD would open her eyes to the amazing and wonderful news of Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross! I get such a high every time I recount with another what actually took place when Jesus paid for our sins...its absolutely incredible.

I'm finding so much hope and peace in the Truth that the power to change hearts is not in me...but in the Gospel and the Word of God.

Easter Assembly (taken from a book):



At the end, Elso explained the sketch (skit) and preached the Gospel.

Tonight we had LIFE and even though the girls weren't very talkative during our discussion time, I had some really good conversations afterwards. God is at work! Glory to His Name!

Card Making Day

Yesterday the year 7 and 8 LIFE girls came over to make some cards! For their mums (today is "Mothering Sunday") or friends who encourage them like Paul was encouraged by the Philippians. (We're studying that book of the Bible together.)


And Carys did some hair wraps

We become our mothers, don't we? Oh, I hope so.

Girls after my own heart. We sat around talking for a very short while before all laying down and attempting to abosorb color into our ever-so-pale skin.

And tacos for dinner!

Most of the girls had never seen hard tacos before- so funny!

Oh, these girls are SUCH a joy to me! Usually people joke with me when they hear I've spent all day with them, "Oh you must be exhausted!" "Make sure you get some rest!" "Oh my goodness, ALL DAY?" But in complete honesty, I have more energy after I've spent time with these girls. It is an utter joy to see the LORD at work in them- no matter where they are in their walk with Him. Some of them haven't begun yet, others are incredibly far along for their age...yet, to see His grace actively pursuing their hearts, opening their eyes, making connections between Scripture and real-life...its incredible. I feel so honored to be a spectator of the Almighty's work in each of these girls. And its after days like yesterday that the cost of being here can't even be felt. It is outweighed by joy.

::sigh:: God is so kind.

Happy Mum's Day!

Happy Mum's day to the best mum in the world- no matter what country you're in!

I love you.

Saturday in Cardiff!

Yesterday, in a fun and unexpected way, Rachel, Rowanne (Ru), and I decided to take the train into Cardiff!

We had fun accessorizing.



And eating sweets.

We went to the cinema to see a film...

And ended the day at Starbucks! (Thanks, Mom!)

What a wonderfully fun day getting to know these girls better and just have a good laugh. It is so encouraging to see God at work in their lives, and the way they pursue humility and glorifying Him at such a young age. They inspire me.

In God's kindness which never ceases to AMAZE me, on the way home, we had an opportunity to share the Gospel with a man named Kevin. He was drunk, so I'm not sure how much he actually understood, but the Gospel was preached nonetheless! We were able to give him a Bible (God's Word does the work!) which he promised to read-- please pray the LORD would save his soul!

He asked us afterwards what song he could sing for us, and I asked for the Welsh National Anthem. But, that video is not as funny as this one-- if you even think this is funny! Kevin's the one walking around in the black jacket.




Yes, the guy at the end almost mooned us...thankfully we had warning in enough time to not be SCARRED!