Joy...

Hiya!! (that's how people greet each other here)

Life has been a bit slow the past couple of weeks. I'm still waiting on my CRB. That's my national police check so I can go into the schools and do work. Eventually I hope to be in 2 Secondary schools and two junior schools. (that's high schools and elementary schools for you wonderful Americans). I'll be doing Christian Unions (FCA type clubs) and hopefully teaching some assemblies. I'll be doing character development or sexual health classes. That's the goal: get into the schools and build relationships with the kids and faculty.

Enough work talk. The good ole social life is going well. I really like the group of people that I hang out with. They are honestly a God send.

I'm starting to settle in more and more each week. The biggest need I have now is for a place to live. I live with a divorcee'. She gave me a curfew, got onto me for not cleaning my room (even though it honestly was clean), and yesterday called my pastor because she hadn't seen me at all on Saturday. She's trying to mother me, and while it's sweet, it's very annoying and unnecessary. My pastor told me to look for a new place today, so hopefully I'll find something soon.

Other than that life goes on. I found a ticket home for $550 today. That's about $200 dollars less than the going rate. I'd love to come home for Christmas, but I may not have the money. We'll see.

I miss you Americans and hope to see you soon. If not, I'll see you during the summer!!

Robert

Headache...

I have a headache. I'll repost all my facebook notes later tonight. See ya!!

-Robert

PS- SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT!!

1 down...35 to go...

Hi! So it's been a month since I arrived here in the UK. Here is what I know so far...

Pentecostals and Baptists are very different. Both have their good and bad points. It's still taking some getting used to. About the time I leave I'm sure I'll adapt.
Gatwick Airport is nice. But not for 4 hours.
The food over here is just as I remember it. Repetitive. Meat, greens, potatos. Add gravy.
The weather here seems to be "nicer" than Wales. By this time in '05 it had been raining for 2 straight weeks.
I love rugby. Next to college football it has to be the most intense sport. Fans of rugby are just like college football fans: loud and passionate!
I'm really blessed with tons of friends here. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better group of people to do life with.
I miss people. Alot.
I miss college football, Taco Bell, Waffle House, Wal-Mart, Key Lime pie, and all my "kids" at FBC J'ville.
I can't believe I'm getting my Masters degree. Wow...
I think I like the city of Cardiff better. Sorry Brum!
Buses here are rarely on time. That helps.
I have to learn to drive an 18 passenger mini-bus. Be afraid. Be very afraid...
I'm excited about the next 35 months.
That is all.

Robert

Krispy Kreme

Wow!! What a week. I'll just give you a brief run down of my week, it's been an eventful one!

Monday- Went out on visitation with the pastor and his wife. Things were going well until I felt a really sharp pain in my right ear. Then I felt like water was coming out of it. Well it wasn't water, it was blood. I went to the doctor (a different one than the first time) When I told him what the other doctor had told him and what he had perscribed for me, he was astonished to say the least. Apparently, the ear drops did nothing for my ear, other than really irritate them. The blood was from a small tear in my eardrum. I got some anti-biotics and things are much better now.

Tuesday- Got my cell phone and bank account set up. Good things to have. Money and communication.

Wednesday- Off day. Spent some time with some friends at their youth group. Good day.

Thursday- Had my Cluster. Cluster is where I meet with other people in my organization that are near me. It was really nice. Then we went into the Center of the city to walk around. I had Krispy Kreme. It was a good day.

Friday- Another church service and went to the pub.Saturday- Another day off. Watched rugby most of the day. Wales lost, but played well. Then we had a youth rally at a church that is 617 years old. It was fun.Today- Church and lunch at a youth families house.I'm getting a little homesick. But I'm really finding my niche' here.

Life is good!!
Robert

Settled in...

DISCLAIMER: This will be a note that jumps all over the place.

Hi everybody!! It's been a hectic week and a half here in England. I arrived on Saturday, Sept 1st in London. The only problem was that no one arrived to pick me up. Turns out a couple of miscommunications were the cause. But after a lengthy stay at Gatwick airport (4 1/2 hours) and a 4 hour bus ride, and I arrived in Birmingham. Another long story short, when I arrived I didn't have a place to stay. I ended up staying in my pastor's study for the weekend.

Monday rolls around and I head off to conference/school. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the week. I met the most amazing people in the world!! It's really amazing how God gives you just what you need just when you need it. Not only were the people great, but I really heard God in a way that I never have before. It was an experience that I hope will stay with me for a long time.

So my pastor picks me up Friday. Not only do I have a place to stay, but it's really close to all of my new friends! The only problem is she has a cat. But I have a doctor's appointment Friday, so I'll get medicine. Also, I got registered with the doctors AND got a doctor to see me in the same day about my ear. They were both infected, but are doing much better now. Plus, I found out today that I'll be getting 20 pounds more a week than I thought! ($40) I'm setting my bank account and cell phone account up tomorrow. I'll let you know about both of those ASAP.Please pray for me. I have alot of newness to sort through. I also have a lot of responsibility in the church. I couldn't have asked for a better church (even if they are Pentecostal j/k) It's just alot of stuff to settle in to. I'll be getting the blog set up some time this week. I miss you all and will call ASAP!!

Robert

Settling in...

Hey all. Just wanted to let you know that I'm doing just fine in England. Today was the first day at church and it went well. They are a Pentecostal church, so it took a bit to get used to it. But they are a wonderful group of people and I'm really excited about working with them. As soon as I have regular internet access I'll start the blogging. I already have stories to tell. I also have an ear infection already. Woot. I love and miss you all.

Till next time,
Robert
PS-pass this info along to whomever you deem necessary.
PSS-GO DAWGS!!

Leaving on a jet plane.....

So I just got off of the phone with my potential church in England. They are in Birmingham (the H is silent all my Alabama friends). I'm really excited!!For all of you that don't know, I'll be leaving the last week of August for 3 years. I'm joining an organization that trains, equips and gives ministry experience. It looks like I'll be in Birmingham, England. Please pray for me as I prepeare to leave. I'll need your support emotionally and finacially. (Hopefully more of the first than the latter) Just like last time I left I'll have a blog. As soon as I find a catchy name for it I'll let you know. Here's a link to the organization I'll be with in the UK. www.icy.org.ukThanks all!!Robert