As of today, we have been in the U.K. for 1 week. Every little thing we experience is mind blowing. We have constantly been saying, “Wow”. Every smell. Every building. Every accent. Every drizzle. Every spital. Every time we go for a drive or see something new it is so different from what we normally experience that we are just in awe. Even though we have only been here for one week we have done so many things and seen so many things that it feels like we have been here for months. The countryside is absolutely amazing. It feels like you are standing inside a painting. Two days ago we stood on the top of a hill and looked across a valley that felt like it stretched for hundreds of miles, though it actually stretched less then twenty. From that vantage point we could see a rippling of the countryside before us. We could see 5 hills that seemed to roll into each other with the precision of BoB Ross’ masterful paint brush. I felt like I could have stayed there for hours just trying to take in all of the beauty. As we drive on the roads I have trouble keeping my mind in present day. Because of the stone walls and overgrown fields that happily press in on the streets, I find myself mentally seeing the cars dissolve only to be replaced by the horse and buggies that would have been on these same streets for hundreds of years. There are places on the road where two small cars cannot fit side-by-side.
Before we came to England, several friends that have lived here told us to be prepared for everything to be different. I never would have believed how far stretching that would be. They say that if you can figure out the accent an Englishman has then you can know exactly where they are from. This may be true but I spend most of my time just trying to catch up to what they are saying. Up until now, I can’t even figure out if they are speaking english let along trying to guess what area of the country. It is so bad that on Sunday there was a guy who introduced himself and I thought, “Wow, that is a unique accent. I don’t think I have heard that before.” As he continued to speak, it turned out that he was from Nebraska. Ha ha. No wonder I hadn’t heard the accent. He was the first American I had met in the UK.
Before we came to Huddersfield, we were told we would be going to our own home right away. It sounded fantastic to be able to step off the plane and walk right in to our own space. But as the details began to work themselves out, I am so glad that it did not turn out that way. Instead of going to our own private home we have been living with a host family. Let me tell you, our host family, which I would already call my friends, have been phenomenal. They are amazingly kind, helpful, generous and, above all, loving. They are the embodiment of what Christ asked of all Christians, that we love one another. By having us spend the first week away from home with awesome people, that we have already grown to love, our time has been filled with great conversation and activities that has helped to minimize the feelings of loneliness. We will forever be indebted to them for their willingness to open their home and family to us. Please join us as we are praying for blessings to come upon them and health for their children.
Every part of being here has confirmed that we are in the epicenter of the perfect will of God. He has a plan for us to be here. What is fun is that we don’t know what it is but we are excited to see it unfold as we “Follow The Cloud”. We serve a great God who leads us directly where we should go as long as we are bold enough to listen and courageous enough to act on His word. Be brave and follow God. You will go places you never thought you would and your life will never be the same.
