This is now the beginning of my second week without Kathy. It’s going well, I think. Haven’t heard any complaints yet! My problem at the moment is finding enough to do. This won’t be a problem for too long though, because it is my job to create the Daily Prayer Guide that goes out to all the missionaries and everyone that prays for them. I start that next week.
Last Saturday I went to City Centre with Jaci and discovered a side of Belfast I didn’t know existed! I realized I hadn’t left East Belfast since I’d arrived. I am currently making plans to figure out the bus system, so I can explore more of the city. Jaci and I did some shopping. I bought a pretty scarf and some things that I needed. God definitely provided for me that day. I was just thinking that I needed some sweatpants but didn’t want to spend much money on them, when I looked up and saw a pair my size for only £6. I grabbed them, and when I got to the till I discovered they were on sale for £1. I couldn’t believe it! It honestly made my day.The next day I decided to attend a church called Christian Fellowship Church (found out later it’s Robin Mark’s church). My neighbour offered to take me, which was very sweet of her. But it wasn’t my cup of tea. It was a very large church with four services and a lot of people, and it was very modern. I suppose I was looking for a church that reminded me more of home. The people were very nice, however, and I met a couple girls that are interning there. I’m hoping to go out for coffee with them sometime in the next week or so. So, it was a good experience, although it was not the church for me.
This past Tuesday, I finally got to Skype with my parents. It was so good to talk to them, and see their faces. There was so much to say! We talked for a couple hours. I’m hoping to make a regular habit of it.It was raining a bit one morning last week, so I took my umbrella. However, it was so windy I couldn’t use it. I decided to brave a little rain and save my umbrella. On the walk home that evening, I passed a total of three broken umbrellas just lying on the ground! I think I made a good choice.
Friday I began my volunteer work at Castlereagh Baptist Church in the Youth Group. I will also be working at a Good News Club at the same church. This is part of my schooling, but is also a good way to meet people and get involved while I’m here. I had a lot of fun, and did meet some people. I ended up playing Ligretto (a version of Dutch Blitz) with the girls. It was a good time of bonding and getting to know the teens and other leaders. I’m really looking forward to getting involved in these ministries.Yesterday (Sunday) I chose to try a new church just up the road from Christian Fellowship Church. This one is called Strandtown Baptist, and is a bit smaller and a bit more my style. I really enjoyed the worship and the preaching. Afterwards I met some people my age, and stood talking to them for 20 minutes. I’m planning on going back, and really looking forward to getting to know the people there better. It feels really good to have decided on a church to call my own. I feel like I’m much more at home. I’ve got my work, my house, my ministries, and now my church. I hope to make some good friends there as well.
Today, Thanksgiving in Canada, is just another work day for me. I got up this morning to a heavy rain, and managed to arrive at work with my umbrella intact and my feet soaking wet. I ended up calling Jaci to bring me my slippers. I think it would be a good idea to keep some here. I predict many a wet morning here in Belfast. Now may be a good time to invest in some rubber boots.My schedule is definitely filling up, and I’m settling into a routine. I am a bit behind on my schoolwork, but hope to get a lot done and catch up quickly. I would appreciate prayer in this area. I need focus and an excitement about what I’m studying. Thank you for thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers.
I just want to leave you with this most important verse:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
God made you, and His works are wonderful. Don’t forget that.
