The work begins...

1 Corinthians 3:13
Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

Well everyone, I’ve finally made it through the first week, despite travel complications and an intense first few days of orientation I have survived, mostly. I’m staying with a family who is involved in Colchester Baptist Church; they are really amazing and have been so welcoming to me! Colchester Baptist is where EMI’s office is in downtown Colchester, I’ve posted a picture above. I have a beautiful room all to myself where a window lets in light during the morning and there are almost ALWAYS birds chirping! Its too perfect. I wake up each morning and walk to the bus stop just at the edge of the neighborhood where I take the number 2 downtown. Once there I walk through the pedestrian only streets which are so lively and teaming with people. Small shops everywhere, fresh fruit, pastry shops, pubs (of course) and old churches. It really is so... English, and lovely. People in America should really take lessons from the English on walking and biking places (a short walk is almost 2 miles :o).

We’ve been getting to know each other as a team this past week and after sharing dinner a few nights ago we shared testimonies, a highlight of the trip so far. It was amazing to see how God has brought each of us together to EMI. I know that this summer will be a time to learn, to listen to God’s calling on my life and to learn from what he has to teach me. Please pray for me!

On to a more unfortunate matter; I’ve fallen pretty ill since Saturday after lunch, I’ve stayed up in my room sleeping most of the time without much energy to eat for a few days. I must have caught a nasty bug of some sorts with all that crazy travel (for those of you who didn't read my previous post after flying out of O’hare we had to turn back for a medical emergency before we arrived in Charlotte where we were stranded for three days due to the Volcano in order to finally fly to philly to Paris then round to London). So yesterday was my first day of work since I couldn’t go in for the first couple.

The English really REALLY love there tea… it seems cliché but it is absolutely true. It’s not uncommon to walk through a door and almost directly be handed a cup of tea, I had roughly 5 cups on one of my first days here! I had the opportunity to serve in a ministry called Open Door which “sells” tea and coffee for 10 p (about 15 cents). You all should have seen me trying to make change with all of the confusing coins that the UK uses, it's ridiculous! They all have the same old lady on them! How am I to tell the difference? Anyway, it’s an amazing ministry where people often homeless or impaired in some way can come and sit almost all day if they like and drink tea. I loved talking to the people and being able to serve them alongside the others I was working with. My mission this summer is more than just to build a school in Liberia but to bless and encourage others around me in such a way that brings glory to God wherever I go. Open door operates 3 days a week providing food and tea and coffee at prices that homeless people can afford! What a great idea! This is what church should look like.

That’s all for now, sorry about the inconsistency of my writing things have been a whirlwind but I finally am starting to feel at home here in Colchester! I hope to go to London this Saturday and have a look round’. Right then, cheerio.
-J

My lovely room in Colchester