peace out

So this will be my last update before we leave for outreach! In just over a week we start our 35 hour journey to Indonesia. Between now and then is heaps of team meetings, drama practice, buying stuff for travelling (being a girl is so annoying- so many products needed!). I've started to actually get really excited for outreach and all that's going to occur during the 2 months that we are there. I still don't have much more clarification of what we'll be doing there but stay tuned whilst I'm out there! I'll try to update y'all as much as i can whenever i get internet =]

DTS lectures have been amazing. I've learned so much that it feels like I actually can't remember anything because there's just been so much information and transformation. Overload!! It's great. Last week we had Troy Sherman teach us about missions and evangelism which also included every other subject that we've covered on DTS. It was definitely the most challenging week that we had- I loved it so much because Troy was so down to earth and he really encouraged education, loving people where ever you are and being obedient in the every day things.
              I was really challenged during this week to be active and practical- this has actually been a common theme throughout DTS. I had a lot of head knowledge but now I am learning that I can actually apply that knowledge in to actions, which makes it change in to heart knowledge. Loving people is more than thinking that you love them- it needs to be shown! It needs to be shown through serving and encouragement and affirmation. I also learned during this week to not get overwhelmed with the future- ONE DAY AT A TIME. It's so cliche but it's so true! Choose love every day and things will change. A difference will happen. A principle that I'm going to have to remind myself of every day on outreach.

This week is outreach prep- we have learned puppets, dramas, dances, how to share personal stories etc. This week has also included a lot of free time which has been nice to buy things for outreach and pack. yay.

I've made some of the best friends ever here. What makes it even better is that my best friend ever is coming here TOMORROW (Maddie) AND SHE GETS TO MEET ALL MY FRIENDS HEREEEEEE.

DTS is the best thing ever. Sorry for this really brief and random update! God is absolutely transforming my life and it'd be impossible to write down everything of what he is doing in my heart. I'm so excited for the future and whatever is going to happen..... however today is what is really important. I need to focus on today. Love and obedience.

Hugs and kisses <3

28 things from a Brit living in America

So after living in the USA for nearly 3 months, I've noticed things about the American life that are different and crack me upppp.

This list is merely for entertainment purposes; please don’t take offence, as that is not at all what I mean. It’s merely observations of life here.

The British life in America

1.     Americans are the most patriotic people on the planet…. The USA flag is EVERYWHERE. I’m surprised that on the 4^th of July there wasn't fireworks shaped in stars and stripes. 

 

2.     There is a drive through everything. Don’t have time to walk 3 meters from your car to an ATM? There’s a drive through for that!

3.     Cappuccino and bacon maple flavoured crisps are a thing

4.     Instant coffee isn’t a thing… I guess that’s good since Americans do know how to do coffee right (kudos)

5.     Lipton tea is a thing but shouldn’t be

6.     The majority of cars here are SUV’s or pickup trucks and I love itttt. Or old school 5 seater cars

7.     The mountains are really beautiful (locational)

8.     The skies are really big

9.     Mexican food here is like Indian food in the UK.

10. I’m classed as an entertainment feature whenever I speak in an American accent. I often get asked to say something in an American accent to Americans. Which is fine, it’s just funny.

11. I’ve found that everything here is noticeably cheaper than the UK (viva the pound)

12. All the guys carries knives and it cracks me uppppp

13. There is a Starbucks on every corner

14. Bread could be classed as a dessert solely based on sugar content

15. Cheese here is so bright orange I could wear it underneath a UV light and glow

16. It’s socially acceptable to wear sports clothes to any occasion. It’s great

17. It’s borderline impossible for others to do an English accent without speaking about 5 octaves higher

18. Dry humor is rarely appreciated

19. Strangers actually make eye contact and initiate conversation in public places 

20. Chick-fil-a is (understandably) glorified

21. Tax should really be included in the price because the dollar menu is really deceiving

22. Apparently having an English accent gives me divine wisdom and knowledge as I’m told I sound really smart. I’ll accept that. 

23. In the majority of packaged products there’s 50% high fructose corn syrup and 50% hydrogenated fat

24. Refills here are free and that should actually happen in the UK too

25. Fried chicken, waffles and syrup is a thing and this should also happen in the UK too

26. It doesn’t matter that I live hours away from London, people still refer to me as from London. Because England only has one city in it obviously.

27. People are just really nice. The majority of people. So many smiles, I don’t know how to react.

28. Marmite…. There really is no way to explain why yeast extract on toast is so wonderful. You really do either love it or hate it. <3

All of this being said, America is so wonderful, beautiful and I love all of y'alls accents and cultural habits and different things. It cracks me up and makes me think bigger. I've made some lush friends and family here. There is no place I'd rather be.