Sowing New Seeds
My first week in England was spent in the lovely home of Andrew and Penney Billington. One evening, as we were enjoying our pudding (English term for dessert), Andrew asked me "Out of all the things you brought with you from home, what is the one thing your are most proud of having with you?" I went to my room, grabbed the little maroon bag from my purse and took out a real acorn and a silver acorn.
I explained to them that my first day at Susquehanna University all first year students were handed acorns in hopes that the seeds they plant would grow, flourish and become stronger over the fours years.
The silver acorn, I said, was given to all graduates during commencement with a note stating that the acorn was the ancient Nordic Symbol of life and that carrying the acorn ensures long life.
Two weeks after staying with Andrew and Penney, I saw them at church and Andrew handed me a tiny black bag. Inside was an acorn with this note: "With our hope that your time in England will be truly happy and memorable."
As I begin my year in England, I realize that I am planting seeds in a new and unknown land. While there are times I don't know exactly what I'm doing, I realize that the seeds I am sowing will be blessed with God's love and grace. Just as the acorn grows into a strong oak tree, I too will grow stronger over the course of this year. For me, it is the acorn that symbolizes where I've been, how I've changed and how I'll grow in my life.
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What is Act 4?
Act 4 is a Christian charity, working with over 5,000 children in Potters Bar and the surrounding area through primary school assemblies, educational programs, youth clubs, praise events and holiday clubs. This is accomplished through drama, puppets, songs, games, and whatever else is needed to pass the Christian message on to the children.
While I have only been working two weeks, I have spent a lot of time rehearsing for the assemblies, learning more about the organization, working on communications and public relations for the charity, revamping a Tuesday youth club and working at a Friday night youth club.
Assemblies are the primary program of the organization. Each assembly consists of 60-300 children. The assembly also has a theme throughout the term that is shared at each school. Throughout the year I will do roughly 150 assemblies.
While the website is currently being designed and updated, I invite you to take a look at it to find out more! www.act4.org.uk
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Meet Viola Niederhoffer from Veszprem, Hungary!
Why are you volunteering with Act 4? My parents told me about this program so I applied. Then I attended a conference where I talked to people with Time for God and I found out that I was going to volunteer in the UK. Time for God placed me with Act 4 where I am working with Sam and Kristin.
What do you hope to achieve over this year? I don't have many goals right now but I just want to do the best that I can do and try everything. I guess I want to grow up more and become more responsible.
How do you see God working in your daily life here? I think God is with me during the whole day and when I got here it was a little bit strange that we prayed before assemblies. But now I think it is great that we pray before the assemblies because it shows that we are a team and we want to give a message from the Lord to the children.
What has been the best thing about living in England thus far? Attending the last night of the Proms and going to Cuffley Primary School every week to see my favorite children.
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Remember... Always Be Yourself!
This term's assembly is Be Yourself! It is important to be yourself and sometimes we forget how important it is. God created each one of us differently and it is important that we use the skills He gave us to the best of our abilities.
During this assembly, the children hear from Alf (an Act 4 puppet) about his summer holiday. Alf tried a lot of new things but found out that he was best at being himself.
The children also see a skit called the Invention Convention where Factavia (a human fact machine) helps Sam find out the greatest invention of all time. Sam discovers that cows and water are important inventions but the best invention is hidden in the mirror. What's in the mirror? YOU! You are the greatest invention of all!
Then we play a game where Viola and I talk about being ourselves and two children try to answer Sam's difficult questions about us.
Finally, we sing a song called "Our God Is A Great Big God." This is my favorite part because I love seeing 200 kids singing this song and following my hand motions.
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My Sense of England
I saw Big Ben for the first time and fell in love with him. After seeing him in pictures and in movies I was so excited to see Ben in real life!
I heard the music at the last evening of the BBC Proms in the Park. The Proms is a huge summer music festival that happens all over the UK. In London there are two main venues for the Proms: Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park. I attended the Proms in Hyde Park my first day in London. What a great introduction to the city!
I smelled beautiful roses in September from Trisha Salmon's garden.
I tasted my first Shepherd's Pie. And to all of you that said food in England is awful, I actually like it!
I touched the glass on the London Eye as I looked out on the city of London!
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Divided By A Common Language
Winston Churchill once said "England and America are two countries divided by a common language." Here are some new words that I am discovering.
Tuck shop: candy store for children
Knackered: tired
Lorry: truck
Pudding: dessert
Jumper: sweater
Boot: Trunk
Bonnet: Hood
The word tea has two different meanings: it could mean tea that you drink or it is sometimes referred to as meal times throughout the day. When someone invites you to tea, make sure you ask if it's at 4 o'clock or at supper time!
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About Acting 4 England
Acting 4 England will allow you to join me as I discover a new culture, meet new people, grow in my faith with God and learn more about myself in this world.
I greatly appreciate your support and prayers during this year. Please do keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. I miss all of you so much and I hope you enjoy my newsletter during this year. Lots of love and prayers!
Cheerio!
Kristin
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