Today, I am thankful and amazed by where I am at this moment of my life. Earlier this afternoon, I was riding on the top deck of a red double-decker bus observing the scenery that was passing by. Through the whirl of unfamiliarity, streams of color, and bustling of foreign life, I became flooded with gratitude and awe. Who would have thought that a country-boy from the boonies of Montana would be venturing into his 5th overseas missions experience by the age of 25? Well, I did; but, that’s about it. Haha.

We have been blessed with so many contacts, already, since having set foot on English soil only 10 days ago. A small portion of the people we have encountered were from our pre-trip planning stages; however, a good portion of our European contacts have come  as a result of “random-happenstance” on the streets of London. For that, I am taken aback. 

We have been honored to interact with the Pastor(s) and “elders” of “London Family Centre” of Camden Town, London. Pastor Gospel’s heart for his community has brought him to a place where he is willing to think FAR outside of the traditional “Church-box” in order that a lasting impact can be made on his surrounding community. Now, when I say “outside of the traditional ‘Church-box’”, I mean FAR.....keep going.....you’re still thinking a mile or so too close to “the box”.....a little further.....there. You made it! Now, what does Christ’s love look like from this distance? Honestly, reflect on it. Put that in your “Bangers & Mash” and eat it.

We have also been honored to randomly meet many great people along the streets, in the cafes, in the parks, and in the pubs of London and it’s surrounding communities. What a breathtaking mixture of people, cultures, beliefs, lifestyles, mindsets, ethnicities, colors, intentions, habits, dreams, and hopes. Events are most certainly falling into place; by One whose hands are the only ones capable.
 
As many of you know, my team and I are only here because of your prayers and support. Honestly, there could have been no other way for us to be living and loving in this country if it was not for you. Please know, we are forever grateful and are constantly reminded on a daily basis of how much your faith in us and in this mission has made this opportunity possible. 

We are living on a very tight budget; which, is very good for all of us! However, even though all of us have been blessed with the ability to get here...we would love to be blessed with the opportunity to stay here for our whole intended duration of 6 months. With that, we still covet your prayers and support. We are being blessed with ideas, dreams, and visions as to how God wants to move in this booming metropolis and we realize that, in order to have that happen, we need your continued love and support. With your prayers, love, and support: Let the journey continue.

Well, it has been awhile since the last time I wrote. For those of you who know me, you know that my memory is not the greatest. Therefore, I will do my best to recount the activities of the last 3 days. Heh. 


Let’s see, highlight:

Taxis, airplanes, a ship, a rented car, busses, trains, the Tube, and walking...lots of walking....and, WE MADE IT! We are officially living here in West Finchley, London. THANK YOU ALL for your prayers, for your financial support, and for your willingness to  share in this mission experience with us! We definitely still need your prayers and support; however, we are excited to see what God is going to do while we are here and are expecting great things. 

Here are a few highlights from our travels to London:

Ryan Graham and myself drove from Tulsa to Dallas and attended the wedding of two of our teammates: Jonathan Collins and Vanessa Johnston. From there, Chuck Fowler, Ryan, and myself flew from Dallas to Houston to Miami. Stayed in Miami for the night and loaded onto the “Jewel of the Seas” ship the following day.

Our time on the ship was certainly surreal. It was definitely a mini multi-cultural hub for people from across the world. The origins, the accents, and the destinations of the people were very interesting and diverse. We met many great people, built relationships with people that are sure to last, had the opportunity to set foot on 3 separate cities we had never been to, and had our own perspectives of “outreach and missions” broadened due to the unfamiliarity of the whole situation. 

We were assigned the same Dinner Table (#449) every night with the same table-mates. I grew to absolutely love every single person at that table. It really is amazing how God continues to work even when we least expect him to. Our Table had, evidently, grown to have the reputation for the fun, spontaneous, and great people table. Haha. Through the stories of my table mates, many more people (that I myself have not even met), know of the friendly and contagiously hysterical gay couple with the large/green Alien man, the three thick accents of the New Yorkers and the three young men. The quiet one who seems to not talk at all. The one with the crazy bleach stain on his head that can be spotted from across the ship. And, the one with the rat braid that always has a camera in his hand. 

Overall, it was certainly a great learning experience.

Having finally pulled into port, we took the train to Liverpool where we met up with Jon and Nessa who lead us back to our "home" in West Finchley. Let the journeys continue.