October Newsletter - Amy in the UK

07-08 UK - Amy & Maren
Originally uploaded by YAGM

Generosity Encouraged!
Volume 1, Issue 2
October 2007

"They are weak, but He is Strong!"

Dear Family and Friends,
In 2 Corinthians, after pleading with God to take Satan's thorn from his flesh, Paul writes: "But the Lord said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest in me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, For when I am weak, then I am strong."
To be quite honest, this past month in England has been rather difficult. More times than not, I have questioned myself and God about why I am supposed to be here and what my purpose for being here this year actually is. The only think I truly know is that more than anything else, I desire to serve God.
During this past month, I believe I have lost sight of my desire to serve God. Instead of focusing on what God wants for me, I have thought about what I want, about the visions and expectations I have for myself.
I have come to realize that I cannot continue to think like this. Instead, I must turn to God and trust in His ways. I must constantly remember the plans I have made for myself are most likely radically different than the plans God has for me. For it is written in Jeremiah, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.' "
In the past month, I have come to fully understand how weak I truly am. Each day brings a battle of it's own, but it absolutely takes my breath away that when I am weak, God's grace can make me strong. I know I will continue to sturggle. I know I will face many hardships and difficulties throughout the year. With even more certainty, I know that with God by my side, I can make it through. I can use my weaknesses to relate to, help, and empathize with others.
More than anything, I know that God is stretching and molding me far more than I comprehend. So in the midst of the storms, I will boast in my weaknesses.
I hope you enjoy this newsletter and may God bless each of you!

ELCA/TFG/GOOD NEWS FAMILY CARE

PRAYER CONCERNS:
- 2 of the women at Charis House have recently moved out. If you could pray for their protection, safety, and strength as they begin this new chapter in their lives.
- Prayer for those in the midst for the fires of California.
- Prayers for the soldiers in Iraq.
- Prayer for peace on earth.

TFG Conference
At the beginning of the month, Christina and I traveled to Sheffield for our first TFG Conference. At the conference, there were about 20 other volunteers from countries such as Hungary, Spain, Uganda, Germany, and South Korea that are also serving in England. There were also 3 other volunteers from the ELCA so it was great to see some familiar faces.
This was a wonderful three days for me, offering me a breath of fresh air. We learned about and discussed cultural differences and similarities, budgeting and what it means to be a volunteer.
We also had some down time. During this time, Kristin, Maren and I walked up a cliff where we could see for miles around. We also visited the Chatsworth House, home to the Duke of Devonshire. It was absolutely amazing and I hope to go back for Christmas!

Everyday Life
Facing each day of work at Good News Family Care always offers a mystery. Most of the time, as I head to work, although I have a general idea, I really do now know what my tasks for the day will be. I firmly believe this is another way in which God is stretching me.
I am still mainly doing administration work. There hasn't been a lot of work to do this far. It does sound as if I will be getting more projects, especially with Christmas right around the corner.
I have started doing some community support work and I am absolutely loving this aspect of the job. One afternoon a week, I go out and help people Charis House supports in the community with things such as shopping and cleaning. I also get the lovely advantage of going to coffee with these wonderful women. I so cherish the relationships I have already formed while doing community support.
GNFC also has a farm where they raise hens. Beginning this week, I will go to the farm one morning a week, most likely to do cleaning and help with the hens and eggs. There are also horses at the farm so I am very excited to see animals that remind me of home. I shouldn't jump the gun because I have heard this isn't the greatest job, but it will definitely be nice to have some variety in my week and to be somewhere that so closely resembles Minnesota.
I am still enjoying my Friday nights with the women and children. It is on Friday nights and weekends that I can truly form and nurture these God-sent relationships.

Experiencing English Culture
- This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend a dedication of a baby of a couple that works at Good News Family Care. The dedication was similar to a baptism, although the baby, Bethany Ruth, was not baptized. There was a declaration of her parents god-parents to protect her and guide her in the Lord's ways. It was a festive celebration with many people, praise and worship, and of course, wonderful food!
- In the past month, we have had the privilege of experiencing English meals at the homes of those we work with and go to church with. These have been wonderful meals and times for conversation. We have had food such as Shepherd's pie, Yorkshire pudding and beef, chicken and curry, and wonderful vegetables, potatoes, and desserts. What is even better than the food, are the wonderful people serving the food and welcoming us into their homes.

Day Trips - Liverpool, Manchester, York...
In the past month, I have had the wonderful opportunity to take some amazing day trips.
At the beginning of the month, I traveled three and a half hours to meet Maren in York. In York, we visited the Castle Museum, the York Minster Cathedral, and various shops around town. We also walked around town and enjoyed time in one of the parks.
I also recently met Maren in Liverpool and we had a fantastic time at the Beatle's Museum. We also visited the Walker Art Gallery. We didn't have much time at the Gallery because we spent so much time at the Beatle's Museum.
This past weekend I went to Liverpool by myself because I was craving "city-life". I have also been to Manchester a couple of times to do some shopping and visit some more of the museums the city has to offer. It is amazing to see the variety England has to offer!