Norwich, oh my goodness, I’m in love with this city and the people that live there. I had so much fun this past week playing around on the outskirts and within the city.
My first few days were spent in Burgh Next Aylsham. I would wake up late, drink loads of tea and learn how to cook authentic Italian food from sweet Maria. One day I had lessons on wind surfing in the back yard and one day I took a nice long run through the English countryside. I attended my first Church of England service and I tried clotted cream.
Maria’s house
I took two days to walk a beautiful path of wild flowers for 45 minutes to get to Aylsham to take a bus to Norwich. I visited the beautiful cathedral and the castle. I bought tea and chips (French fries) from the outdoor market and saw the library dedicated to the US Air Force during World War II.
The path to Aylsham
Norwich Cathedral
On Thursday, I had lunch with JJ –the director of the Burn in Norwich. (Go to burn24-7.com to see what the burn is all about.) JJ told me a little more about the burn and what was happening in Norwich and was an absolute delight. That man has a passion for Jesus that is contagious!! I was invited to a burn the next night and JJ set up accommodations for me.
Friday I left sweet Maria and her two sons, Chris and Simon. It was really sad because they had become family. I’d spent most of my time in England with the family and now I was leaving. I wasn’t sure how the rest of my time would go without them, but the Lord is good and He showed up.
I moved in with Zac and Hannah and their housemate Rachel. They were so kind and gracious and offered me so much love. I went to the Burn and was blessed with the opportunity to dance around with the Lord for a while and watch as a community came together to bless the city they love. Over the next few days, I would become a part of a small community that is on fire for Jesus and passionate about seeing people healed and coming to know Jesus. They truly challenged my faith and my boldness.
Saturday I was able to help with an event called Celebrate Norwich. The churches of Norwich came together to evangelize, pray for people, and put on a concert by a Christian rapper (siiicckkk…except I couldn’t understand his British accent when he rapped.)
I went around talking to people on the street and evangelized a little. Again, I learned a little more about boldness and simply following the Lord’s voice when He says “go talk to that person.”
That evening we had a family style dinner and watched Frozen!!!!! Heehee, not even my idea, but I provided the resources. I can’t help that it’s so good!! Then they took me to a pub to watch England play in the World Cup! So fun, but sooo late!!!
Sunday we went to church, had lunch and listened to Zac and Hannah lead worship to close out the Celebration.
I honestly can’t express how blessed I was to meet this group of people. I’m so excited for the impact they are going to make in Norwich and the world! They have something to teach me and I hopefully convinced them to come over to the States and share what they are doing.
I booked a bus to leave Monday and while at lunch with JJ mentioned that I wasn’t sure if I would get off at Cambridge or Birmingham. So he sent an email to a friend in Cambridge, but by the time I heard from this guy’s sister, Hannah, I’d already made it to Birmingham. Hannah gave me the number of her friend Mini and the Lord provided me a place to stay. Literally, I was already in Birmingham and in a hostel when the Lord made this all come through. So I checked out of the hostel, took a taxi to Mini’s and was greeted by an American missionary!! That meant I was able to watch the US win in futbol with another American. What an added blessing.
God is good and I’ll spend a few days here in Birmingham before heading onto….
Haha, oh Jesus, I love this adventure called life!!
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To give an update on finances, I still need $1500 by June 25th to get back to my squad for their month 8 debrief. Please be praying for this and if you are able, click on the “support me” link at the top of the page to give.
