One Week In - Already!!

Sunset as I took off from North Carolina.

So, I just finished up at a super awesome ladies' night at the local bible college where I've been taking a class.  I can see friendships starting to form, and feel as if God is providing the community we've been praying so fervently for.  It makes it hard to believe that this time last week, I was preparing to say the hardest goodbyes for this new chapter.  I can't believe it's already been a whole week.  It seems both much longer, and much shorter than that.

The first few days were spent trying to semi-adjust to this new culture.  Despite what people think, it's quite different than America.  The base language might be the same, but that's about where most similarities end.  The sarcasm here is another level! I was already a pretty gullible person back home, so let's multiply that by about 100% for this culture.  I am having to seriously think if this person is being serious, or if they're joking - and I'm only half sure most of the time...haha  Praise the Lord for my roommate being my translator :P

First glimpse of my new home in England. 

I was able to attend a church that was recommended to me by a friend.  I've been listening to their sermons online since March or so of this year.  It was so great to be able to actually participate in worship there.  I genuinely felt at home after just my first visit.  People were incredibly friendly, and I felt a new sense of freedom during worship.  I don't want to rush into it, so I'm still praying for the Lord to lead me in the right direction as far as a church community goes.  When I first became a Christian, I didn't try any other churches out - I just knew Hope was where God wanted me.  I have a similar feeling now, but we shall see :)

I also started a class on Luke and Acts at the local Bible College.  It's been amazing.... I love getting to study and learn more about God's Word.  It's just so incredibly good!!! No matter how many times you've read a passage, or studied the context, something new always reveals itself.  It gives me chills just thinking about how active and alive His word is - Praise God!  It's also been challenging some common assumptions I've had, and making me push deeper into His word.  Instead of asking others first for a final decision, I'm forced to research, study, and pray to God Himself.  It's another huge learning opportunity for me in my walk, and I'm excited to see how He uses it.

Now for the part all of y'all are interested in.... PICTURES!!  I haven't been a great photographer yet, but I promise to start taking more.

Street view near the 'cottage' where I live

Spiral staircase MIGHT be my favorite
part of my new 'cottage.

View from one of my first walks in Bawtry

I like to get lost on random roads...