So, this is our first big family event since moving to London, and it's all about ME! Tomorrow I turn 26...some would say that's almost 30. We're having a whole weekend of celebration:
Today I played soccer with some other guys from LCM. It was a blast - very muddy. i'll try to remember to post a picture of all of us at half-time (that's right, half-time during a pick-up game. We had a time keeper and everything. the brits know how to do their football).
then it was off for a shower at tom & ashley's house. tom & ashley are some americans working with LCM, we knew them before we came over, and they've been great friends to us since we've arrived. we went to dinner with them to celebrate my big day. we had dinner at "Ask" - an italian restaurant on the Thames. it was cheap (by london standards - still way more than I'd want to pay in the states) and very good food. our appetizer of grilled goat cheese inspired Somer to try it at home.
tomorrow we're going to church at Ley Street Chapel (where I work on Thursdays) and then taking the train to go to Ikea. We're going lamp shopping (something I wouldn't normally get excited about, but I'm really looking forward to it) and will probably grab a bite to eat at the restaurant at Ikea.
then it's home to do a video chat with my parents. hopefully we can find some good cheese and a cheap but drinkable bottle of wine in our travels tomorrow, because that will be the best way to finish off the weekend.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005
Interactive London Maps
My friend Jason who's a GIS guy just pointed me to some great maps and articles about London. These were all published last friday in the Guardian newspaper. Some pretty amazing stuff! Even if you aren't a census geek like me, at least read the articles. They'll give you a good picture of the city I now call home.
Update to "The Question"
So, I thought I'd give you an update on what my time of repentance to Julian looked like.
I talked to Julian on Wednesday. I confessed my self-absorption to him with regard to the talk at the younger Hub, and he was kind of blown away. For a long time, he didn’t even think I’d done anything wrong to him. It wasn’t until I started explaining what was going on in my heart (the real source of my sin in the first place) that he began to understand. It wasn’t so much that I disagreed with him about how the talks should go. It was more that I couldn’t get past the fact that I had been to seminary and this was not the way I was taught to do “apologetics”. I cared more about doing it the “right” way (or at least the way I think is right) than I did about Julian or the guys at the Hub. That attitude dishonors Jesus by forgetting that he is the one who put aside all his rights to die for us who were going about things all wrong. In the end, it was a great moment of encouragement for both Julian and myself. He extended forgiveness, and we both agreed that our friendship was getting off to a good start. My prayer is that the pattern of openness, confession and repentance continues - and not for the sake of "openness", but for Jesus' sake, that his Spirit of life and peace would reign in us. Love ya' Julian, and I look forward to our partnership in the gospel.
I talked to Julian on Wednesday. I confessed my self-absorption to him with regard to the talk at the younger Hub, and he was kind of blown away. For a long time, he didn’t even think I’d done anything wrong to him. It wasn’t until I started explaining what was going on in my heart (the real source of my sin in the first place) that he began to understand. It wasn’t so much that I disagreed with him about how the talks should go. It was more that I couldn’t get past the fact that I had been to seminary and this was not the way I was taught to do “apologetics”. I cared more about doing it the “right” way (or at least the way I think is right) than I did about Julian or the guys at the Hub. That attitude dishonors Jesus by forgetting that he is the one who put aside all his rights to die for us who were going about things all wrong. In the end, it was a great moment of encouragement for both Julian and myself. He extended forgiveness, and we both agreed that our friendship was getting off to a good start. My prayer is that the pattern of openness, confession and repentance continues - and not for the sake of "openness", but for Jesus' sake, that his Spirit of life and peace would reign in us. Love ya' Julian, and I look forward to our partnership in the gospel.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
The Question
Of late, the question I've been getting most is "So how are you finding your time so far?" I was asked it several times tonight at the Hub. I suppose it's the right question, if there is such a thing. What else would people who don't know me that well ask? It's probably what I'd ask someone who's only been in my country for a week and a half.
Half way through the night, I realized I don't really know how to answer the question. I'm in a new country, new culture, urban setting (more so than I'm accustomed to). Doing ministry with people who approach God, faith, evangelism, and the church in a very different way from me.
I'm struggling to keep my American-ness to a minimum, and knowing full well that I'll want to take things over and do them my way; so I try to avoid it and still take over anyway.
I've got to repent to Julian tomorrow - I kind of shot down one of his ideas for a talk he wanted to do at the hub. It wasn't a bad idea, just not the way I'd approach it. He wanted to go through proofs for the validity of the Bible. Not the way I'd approach it, but I don't know the kids there very well. My self-focus didn't allow me to see beyond the single issue of how we'd approach the talk to the larger issue of how to be a blessing and encouragement to my brother Julian.
Half way through the night, I realized I don't really know how to answer the question. I'm in a new country, new culture, urban setting (more so than I'm accustomed to). Doing ministry with people who approach God, faith, evangelism, and the church in a very different way from me.
I'm struggling to keep my American-ness to a minimum, and knowing full well that I'll want to take things over and do them my way; so I try to avoid it and still take over anyway.
I've got to repent to Julian tomorrow - I kind of shot down one of his ideas for a talk he wanted to do at the hub. It wasn't a bad idea, just not the way I'd approach it. He wanted to go through proofs for the validity of the Bible. Not the way I'd approach it, but I don't know the kids there very well. My self-focus didn't allow me to see beyond the single issue of how we'd approach the talk to the larger issue of how to be a blessing and encouragement to my brother Julian.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Church
Last night we had Julian and Laura from the Bethel center over. We had a great time with them. They brought a bottle of wine and an orchid (both of which I was very excited about). Went with them to church today. Fairly standard Baptist church, a bit more casual than I expected, though the pastor was wearing a tie. Didn't know most of the songs. Sermon was from Joshua 1, and we heard a lot about Joshua, not much about Jesus. However, they did have a very "community" feel to the gathering - like Sunday morning wasn't the only time these guys saw each other. And it was nice to worship with people we know. Kids were very welcome - even had a major role in the beginning "community events/announcements" part of the service. And they have a nursery school - 10 pounds per day per child. So we're considering sending the girls there two mornings per week. We'll see.
We're also thinking about getting a car. There's a service that provides cars cheaply for missionaries that have come home to the UK - we don't exactly qualify, but we're going to call to see if they can help us. We thought public transport would work, but it's pretty tough to ride buses with the girls (well, the riding's not hard, but getting to the buses is quite a walk for them, and the stroller is massive). We're just far enough outside the center of the city that even the Brits we run into are asking when we're going to get a car.
And finally, for those who care to know (that's you lads at the WHM Sending Center): I've been assigned the task of finding a suitable foosball table for our center! We've been given a grant to pay for it. Here's one I'm thinking about. Notice the option for a floodlit pitch!!
We're also thinking about getting a car. There's a service that provides cars cheaply for missionaries that have come home to the UK - we don't exactly qualify, but we're going to call to see if they can help us. We thought public transport would work, but it's pretty tough to ride buses with the girls (well, the riding's not hard, but getting to the buses is quite a walk for them, and the stroller is massive). We're just far enough outside the center of the city that even the Brits we run into are asking when we're going to get a car.
And finally, for those who care to know (that's you lads at the WHM Sending Center): I've been assigned the task of finding a suitable foosball table for our center! We've been given a grant to pay for it. Here's one I'm thinking about. Notice the option for a floodlit pitch!!
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Monday, January 17, 2005
We've Arrived
Arrived in London on Thursday morning. This is the first good internet connect I've had since then...but in two more days, broadband come to my home courtesy of NTL. How exciting!
Speaking of exciting, I've been given a Mosaic glimpse of the promised land, and it looks a lot like the Apple Store on Regent St in central London! We visited there on Saturday - about an hour by train from our house. Words fail me.
today we visited LCM headquarters, and this afternoon we're off with Julien to visit the center where we'll be spending much of our time. tonight, it's in search of chicken for dinner(the only meat store we've found so far is about a 30 minute walk). there is a halal meat market right around the corner, so maybe we'll be buying our meat from the muslims. i know, it sounds like we're living in the middle of nowhere...problem is, when you're new to the city, you can be right in the middle of it and feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.
I'll post more once the internet arrives, but wanted to give at least a brief update now.
Speaking of exciting, I've been given a Mosaic glimpse of the promised land, and it looks a lot like the Apple Store on Regent St in central London! We visited there on Saturday - about an hour by train from our house. Words fail me.
today we visited LCM headquarters, and this afternoon we're off with Julien to visit the center where we'll be spending much of our time. tonight, it's in search of chicken for dinner(the only meat store we've found so far is about a 30 minute walk). there is a halal meat market right around the corner, so maybe we'll be buying our meat from the muslims. i know, it sounds like we're living in the middle of nowhere...problem is, when you're new to the city, you can be right in the middle of it and feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.
I'll post more once the internet arrives, but wanted to give at least a brief update now.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
We leave tomorrow
went to the world harvest mission prayer meeting today. they prayed for us. it was nice. my brother andrew drove all the way up from Baltimore to say good-bye. he missed moving day on saturday (the lucky dog), though he was sick that day and therefore probably not all that lucky. thanks for coming up, Andrew! It was great to see you.
tomorrow we leave. heading to the airport at 4:30, and boarding the plane at 9! have no idea what Thursday will be like, but we'll keep you informed. this may be the final post for a few days. we've got to figure out an internet connection at our new place. it'll be ADSL, so no problem there, but I don't know how long it'll take to get set up. It'll give me time to work on a piece that I've been letting stew in my head for a while. I'm thinking about life/ministry in terms of wisdom...something along the lines of following Jesus in the way of wisdom (just to whet your appetite).
tomorrow we leave. heading to the airport at 4:30, and boarding the plane at 9! have no idea what Thursday will be like, but we'll keep you informed. this may be the final post for a few days. we've got to figure out an internet connection at our new place. it'll be ADSL, so no problem there, but I don't know how long it'll take to get set up. It'll give me time to work on a piece that I've been letting stew in my head for a while. I'm thinking about life/ministry in terms of wisdom...something along the lines of following Jesus in the way of wisdom (just to whet your appetite).
Monday, January 10, 2005
2 days to go
the excitement has died down, and we're now in waiting mode. we slept in to recover from the party last night. the phone's been ringing a lot - friends, family, even the VP of Westminster Seminary, calling for last-minute items. tomorrow my brother's coming up to say good-bye. he's the last family we'll see before we leave.
3
our going away party was Sunday night. had over 50 people come. I say that not to say we're popular (don't know if 50 people is a lot or a little in your mind, anyway), but simply to say that we were blessed by 50 people who came to say good-bye. it was hard to see all of them (somer and I are only 2 people), but we had lots of fun. our college/career friends stayed until 11 or so.
i'm finding that good-byes aren't that sad...and I'm a little surprised by that. maybe it's 'cuz we've got all this exciting stuff to look forward to. i wonder if we'll be hit by sadness after we've been in London for a while.
i'm finding that good-byes aren't that sad...and I'm a little surprised by that. maybe it's 'cuz we've got all this exciting stuff to look forward to. i wonder if we'll be hit by sadness after we've been in London for a while.
4
on saturday it poured in the morning. we loaded all our stuff in the truck by 11. got to Lebanon and had everything out of the truck by 4. I was beat. we treated ourselves and our helpers/family to dinner at Maggiano's. if only London had a Maggiano's. it was a little sad to go upstairs to our part of the house and find it empty that night. we're sleeping on the pull-out sofa in the family room for the next few nights.
Friday, January 07, 2005
5
we are packed! we fit most of what we think we want in London in our 8 suitcases. the rest goes to Matt & Beth's tomorrow. it's supposed to rain.
in the process of packing, we ended up giving away lots of stuff. probably half our clothes, one of our cars, a crib, and probably some other stuff i can't even remember 'cuz it wasn't all that important to me in the first place. but i've kinda got this weird feeling about the whole thing. almost like i want a pat on the back for giving that much stuff away; or maybe i just want to see that other people are being blessed by our giving. like all the stuff we gave to the thrift store...i don't know first-hand of anyone who's life has been significantly impacted by that store. i know lots of people have been deeply impacted, but I don't know them personally. or maybe i just feel like we gave all this stuff away, and it doesn't really feel like much of a sacrifice.
i've got a few thoughts from the bible floating around. first, Jesus often encouraged his followers to hold their possession loosely, and to give liberally to the poor. second, he promised that those who cling to him and walk in his ways will bear much fruit. those promises seem to have some bearing here. also, in the book of Matthew especially, Jesus talks about his kingdom being made up of "little ones". maybe giving isn't supposed to be a big deal. maybe that's the point.
anyway, that's what's bouncing around in my head at the moment, trying to grapple with those feelings and hold them up to the light of Jesus and what life in his Kingdom should be.
in the process of packing, we ended up giving away lots of stuff. probably half our clothes, one of our cars, a crib, and probably some other stuff i can't even remember 'cuz it wasn't all that important to me in the first place. but i've kinda got this weird feeling about the whole thing. almost like i want a pat on the back for giving that much stuff away; or maybe i just want to see that other people are being blessed by our giving. like all the stuff we gave to the thrift store...i don't know first-hand of anyone who's life has been significantly impacted by that store. i know lots of people have been deeply impacted, but I don't know them personally. or maybe i just feel like we gave all this stuff away, and it doesn't really feel like much of a sacrifice.
i've got a few thoughts from the bible floating around. first, Jesus often encouraged his followers to hold their possession loosely, and to give liberally to the poor. second, he promised that those who cling to him and walk in his ways will bear much fruit. those promises seem to have some bearing here. also, in the book of Matthew especially, Jesus talks about his kingdom being made up of "little ones". maybe giving isn't supposed to be a big deal. maybe that's the point.
anyway, that's what's bouncing around in my head at the moment, trying to grapple with those feelings and hold them up to the light of Jesus and what life in his Kingdom should be.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Days to go: 6
i'm going nuts! I'm seriously an extrovert, and spending lots of time without significant human interaction sucks the life out of me. i spent most of the day alone - packing, wrapping up last-minute details on the computer. i did spend a few minutes out - but it was at a lawyer's office signing wills and powers of attorney - not the kind of thing to soothe my desire for connection. maybe i'll see if i can convince my wife to just let me talk at her while she packs.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Family news
We found out yesterday that Somer's great-aunt died after a lengthy fight with a debilitating illness. i didn't really know her all that well, but i do know that she died in Christ. and God has promised that the dead in Christ will rise again, so we have that hope for Marian. It's a strong reminder of how much life is going on all around us, even while we're super-consumed with ourselves and the preparations we need to make for London. We aren't able to make it to the funeral on Friday because of needing to get ready to leave, and it reminds us that there will probably be many more important family milestones that we will miss while in London.
The Spirit and the Bride say
Come!
and let him who hears say
Come!
Whoever is thirsty, let him
Come!
and whoever wishes, let him
Take!
the free gift of the water of LIFE
Drink deeply, Aunt Marian!
The Spirit and the Bride say
Come!
and let him who hears say
Come!
Whoever is thirsty, let him
Come!
and whoever wishes, let him
Take!
the free gift of the water of LIFE
Drink deeply, Aunt Marian!
Days to go: 7
went and transferred the title of my 15 yr-old ford escort. we're giving it to some friends from new life church. then picked up more boxes from the liquor store (we filled all the boxes I got last night). all our books are packed, as is most of the kitchen stuff. Somer is putting the few kitchen items we're taking to London in a trunk right now. I have about 25 books I wanted to try to take with us, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut that number in half at least. this afternoon, I gave a friend from World Harvest a test-drive of our Honda...he's thinking about borrowing it for a year so that we will have access to it again when we return to the states next January. Tonight we're having dinner with a couple who has just returned to the states from London. then it's home for more packing.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Days to go: 8
we had a beautiful time yesterday with some very close friends. probably one of the best good-byes I've said. saw the house/storage shed where we're leaving most of our stuff. it's bigger and in better shape than I imagined, and it's free! blessings to you, Beth & Matt!
woke up this morning and helped get the kids off to preschool. Somer dropped off 8 bags of clothes we don't need anymore at the thrift store, while I opened mail from the past week, rented a truck for moving our stuff into storage on Saturday, and responded to a few e-mails from potential financial supporters. this afternoon, Somer's buying trunks (4 of them) to add to the 2 we bought yesterday. by the time we're done, the walmarts in the northern philadelphia suburbs will be out of them - not that they'd know, because the trunks we're buying don't show up on the store's inventory...the clerks have to make up a price for them, and key them in manually. part of the struggle of being the biggest, i guess.
when she gets back, I'm off to the liquor store for boxes. tonight we're packing our bookshelves.
woke up this morning and helped get the kids off to preschool. Somer dropped off 8 bags of clothes we don't need anymore at the thrift store, while I opened mail from the past week, rented a truck for moving our stuff into storage on Saturday, and responded to a few e-mails from potential financial supporters. this afternoon, Somer's buying trunks (4 of them) to add to the 2 we bought yesterday. by the time we're done, the walmarts in the northern philadelphia suburbs will be out of them - not that they'd know, because the trunks we're buying don't show up on the store's inventory...the clerks have to make up a price for them, and key them in manually. part of the struggle of being the biggest, i guess.
when she gets back, I'm off to the liquor store for boxes. tonight we're packing our bookshelves.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Update on "Language" and "Targeting"
my friend jeremy in india added a few insights/cautions by e-mail, and I think they warrant an updated post.
on targeting, he writes: "I think there can be a difference between 'targeting' (another missy war metaphor that can surely be done away with) and focused ministry. After all the gospel is contextual and what is the problem with saying...that you are there to (re)approach Jesus centered community for those who have lost touch with traditional religion". I like it. Among other things, it makes Jesus the center of why I'm there.
on the language metaphor for christianity, he cautions that we don't want to push the metaphor too far. people can become fluent in languages - they master them. walking with Jesus in the way of wisdom we never master.
on targeting, he writes: "I think there can be a difference between 'targeting' (another missy war metaphor that can surely be done away with) and focused ministry. After all the gospel is contextual and what is the problem with saying...that you are there to (re)approach Jesus centered community for those who have lost touch with traditional religion". I like it. Among other things, it makes Jesus the center of why I'm there.
on the language metaphor for christianity, he cautions that we don't want to push the metaphor too far. people can become fluent in languages - they master them. walking with Jesus in the way of wisdom we never master.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy New Year
There, I've said it - Happy New Year! I'm not all that keen on celebrating the new year holiday. I'm not against it, I just always feel a bit like a detached observer during the countdown to midnight. I feel like there's this promise held out that the new year will feel different, and then the clock passes 12:00...and nothing.
But, I suppose there's something good about taking stock of what's happened in the past year, and where we're heading in the next.
From where I stand now, 2005 is covered in a thick fog. Visibility: 12 days ahead. I know that for the next 12 days, we have to pack all our stuff and store it at a friend's house, say good-bye to family and friends, and then get on a plane for London. After that, everything's shrouded in mist. I'm really not sure what to expect, or even what life will look like starting on the 13th.
So here we go, walking with Jesus into the mist.
But, I suppose there's something good about taking stock of what's happened in the past year, and where we're heading in the next.
From where I stand now, 2005 is covered in a thick fog. Visibility: 12 days ahead. I know that for the next 12 days, we have to pack all our stuff and store it at a friend's house, say good-bye to family and friends, and then get on a plane for London. After that, everything's shrouded in mist. I'm really not sure what to expect, or even what life will look like starting on the 13th.
So here we go, walking with Jesus into the mist.
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