Friday, June 26, 2015

Spring: Savoring the Season

Many of my happiest moments this spring were spent this way:

And here's one of those friends! Living so close to Europe proper is a big blessing. So even when your good friend lives in Egypt for a year, you can meet in Amsterdam and connect. It was a much needed break and such a good time together!


Let's celebrate Lindsay's return to Southall...and try on a Sari!
 It's so good to be living with Lindsay again, and doing ministry together. Her exuberance for reaching the lost and ability to see the greater vision are core parts of who she is. And they help me stay focused on what's really important: living right where God has called me to be. Also, let's be honest, she looks fabulous in a Sari!



Also in this season: Danielle ran a 10K like a BOSS. Just want to shout out to her, my strong beautiful friend who reminds me that life is full of possibilities.



Entering Summer meant entering 'Goodbye' Season. I said goodbye to these fellow apprentices, as they wrapped up their term in London, and headed back to the states. This night was a bittersweet celebration: of all we've learned and struggled with together, and how thankful I am to have met them. God's goodness is in this season: that's all I know. Because as hard as it was to say goodbye to these friends, I know it's just the beginning of my own 'goodbye' to London. And that's just too hard to think about right now!



Then came time to say goodbye to another couple, from my Southall team. These two and their kids are moving to another field, to continue the work God has for them, by embracing a new culture, and a lot of unknowns. I have so much respect and awe for their love of Jesus. This picture is from our ladies' goodbye dinner for A. It was a sweet (and delicious) Indian goodbye! 


Same lovely group of people celebrating Birthdays this past Tuesday at Bible Study. Reminding me that even in a season brimming with 'goodbyes,' it's still very important to celebrate!!


Monday, January 26, 2015

Winter Snapshots

Winter has been FULL. 
I hope these pictures might begin to describe what I am just hugely thankful for.
 So much joy!

A group of us from the Church went into London to a Christmas market--food, games and fun in the city!

For my second Christmas in London, I bought my first fake Christmas tree! And my real friends came round to help me decorate it!

Thanksgiving with 80 people from my church community. 
Yes. Four turkeys were cooked and devoured.

My dear friend MONICA came for a visit! 
(us, eating some Thanksgiving leftovers)

For my Birthday, we went ice skating!

This was when I remembered how much I LOVE ice skating!!! 
Being raised in a cold climate has its perks.

Parent toddler christmas crafts!

So cute

Young adult Christmas party!

Oh no! She got the pink turban! 
Introducing the 'White Elephant' gift swap last year was a huge hit, so this year we did it again and the gift no one wanted was surprisingly left in the box of Christmas decorations! Lucky for us, and unluckily for my friend, R.

Youth club gingerbread house decorating! 
Think: Cake Boss, but like, more competition.

Yummy

Christmas Eve at Borough Market

Christmas eve at St. Pauls with my friend from University who came to visit for Christmas. She was a huge answer to prayer, as I was very unexcited about being alone for the Christmas season. 
Praise God!
Escaping the city with Danielle

ahhhh blue sky and ocean!!!


Happy New Year!!!

Frost--everywhere. It looks like snow, but it's just a huge tease.
 It's cold in London!!