Some Tea and Blogging...

Sorry for the long space in between blogs there. Things have been rather hectic for me. I ended up moving into my flat for the rest of the time here last Monday and getting settled in to my role with Hot Chocolate this week. Also, I had a healing occur... namely, my lappy was brought back from the edge of death. He seemed to catch a wee bit of a virus that was making it impossible to do any work. But, he's been cleaned as now back to full working order. And I was off today, so I decided that I should use this time to do a few things (or lack there of). I was able to relax, though, and just enjoy my day. And I even managed to cook myself some dinner tonight. I was proud of myself, at least. And now, this evening, I thought I should take care of some of the things on my to-do list. Thus, I got a nice cup of tea and am now ready to do a new blog post, just as I promised.

Things here have been going great. As I said, I've moved into a new flat. This is the one I will be staying in for the remainder of my time here in Scotland. It's a pretty nice flat. Spacious, I've got my own room, and it's really close to the Steeple, so I don't have a long walk to get to work each day. And my new flatmate, Ian, seems like a pretty great guy. He's easy going and seems like an easy guy to get along with. So that's encouraging.

Since I didn't really report anything about Exodus, I feel I should give a brief account of that. Exodus went really really well. I got to talk to a lot of young people during those 3 weeks and I've started building some relationships with different people and it's especially good that I'm continuing on for the next few months. I'll get to see these relationships grow over that time, which is an awesome thought. There were a lot of younger and newer peeps coming in, especially over Exodus. So, it's been fun to get to know them. They kinda just assume I've been there awhile, since I'm on the team. So, that's always fun. I'm not the guy coming in on their turf. We are both coming in on equal ground. But I have had some pretty good talks with different individuals, learning about their backgrounds and their current life situation. And just some random stuff. I've had a lot of pool games happening (as in billiards, not swimming pool...) and I even had a guy take the time to try and teach me to properly play football (soccer). After 12 years of playing, I still have a lot to learn, apparently...

Also, over Exodus, I made some pretty good friends out of the flatmates I had. I will admit, I was pretty sad to see us go our separate ways. But, it's all good. One of them is volunteering once a week with H.C. Another is coming back in September and working through December. And I actually get to see the final guy at the end of the month. Which brings up another subject. I get to go to a big Christian festival at the end of the month for about 4 days. I'm heading about 7 hours south and camping out at a racing track and spending the days going to different speaking sessions, music gigs, and a whole bunch of things. It is sounding pretty spectacular. And it sounds like all four of the flatmates from Exodus will be there... hopefully. So it will be reunite-fest 99! I'm pretty stoked for it, at least. And that's what counts, right?

As for here in Dundee, this week was good in that I've gained a wee bit of an idea of what I will be doing over the next 5 months. Of course, I will be working the open sessions each week. An open session is basically like it sounds. We open up the Steeple and the young people can stop by and get some tea/ coffee, use the music room, chat, or just relax. These are on Tuesday and Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon. We have also just taken on a new group of student volunteers, which consists of some of the young people who are taking on a bit more responsibility and helping with the sessions. The plan right now is that I will be involved with some smaller group stuff with some of these guys and some one-on-one sessions with them. That at least is the basic idea of what I will be doing. And of course, whatever else needs done I will be doing.

One of the main things I have learning right now is just how faithful God is when He says He will take care of and provide for you. As many of you know, this whole trip has been one step of faith after another, and the result has been things falling into place so nicely. And this week has continued to be just like that. One such example is with my homesickness. I haven't really had much of it since I've been here. At least I haven't had a complete breakdown where I completely miss home. But there are times where I can feel the pangs of missing home. This week really has been when those pangs have started up. And I think that's just because of a combination of factors. One, the flatmates that I had become rather close to over Exodus were all leaving to go home. That basic foundation of relationship and friendship was changed on me. And I realized this week, during some looking at the dates, that people are beginning to head back to HU now. But this year, I won't be there for all the fun activities and moving in and what not. So that caused a moment of sadness. But every time this moment of sadness wants to creep in, God steps up and encourages me in ways I don't even expect. It's either having someone who, out of the blue, asks me to lunch or is willing to hang out for the night or talks of getting together in the future to hang out. Every time that happens, God just steps in and subtly reminds me that yes, this is where I'm to be at this point of time and that He is taking care of me. And that is comforting. Another story along these same lines... I spent some time looking at my budgeting for my time here, just to see where I'm at. I will admit, I left home with less than I was hoping to have, so I was a little worried about what I would find. After doing some math work and taking into account the rent I will be paying, I was amazed to find that I almost have enough, even with being below my original estimates. And it was just amazing to look at that and see how God has and continues to provide. In the most amazing and unexpected ways, He seems to bring in just enough to get me through. So, again, I just praise Him for how faithful He has remained. And it encourages me for the future. I honestly have to admit that right now my future is a pretty blank slate. I don't have too much of an idea where I'll end up and what I'll be doing, be it a year in advance or even a week in advance. Shoot, most of my days start off with me not fully sure what the day will bring. But that's the wonder I'm finding in living and working here. It has truly taught me to rely on Him and to just trust that He will continue to place me directly where He wants me. It for sure can be a whirlwind of a ride. It's kinda like being in a heavy snow shower... you can't see but a few feet in front of you. But I just keep walking along the path laid out before me, trusting that He will continue to guide each of my steps. I just have to stretch out my leg, one step at a time.

Anywho, I suppose that's enough from me for now. I hope that catches you up with what's going on here in my life. It's been a great past month (man, a month already...) and I'm excited to see what the next few months will bring.

Some things to pray for:
-living with Ian, that we continue to get along and that we don't get on each others nerves after a month or something
-continued development of relationships here, both with the young people and with others in just a social sense
-along with that, that any homesickness and loneliness is just pushed aside
-the work at the Steeple, that lives continue to be impacted
-finances for me, God has been providing wondrously and that He continues to bring in the money for where and when I need it

Much love from Scotland, all!

Cheers