College Pastors

Today was a nice relaxed day. I was able to sleep in, or in London lingo: have a lay-in. I was then picked up by one of the local pastors and taken to Bromley College. College here is equivalent to 11th and 12th grade of high school, but you have the choice to go, and you can choose something to specialize in (e.g. Electrical work). I could b wrong, but I least that's how I think it works!

At this college we went strait to a portion of the school designated for people with special needs and learning disabilities. It was lunchtime, and we were there mainly to just hang out with them, play board games, and talk. One girl had us help her get a hold of one of the bus garages to try to locate her missing Oyster card (travel card). Another guy came and played four in a row with me a few times. Despite my competitiveness when it comes to games, I went very easy on him. The local pastor had told me before that us letting them way gives them a chance to win something, where otherwise they might now get the opportunity. Plus, it can help boost their confidence.

After about an hour or so it was time to go. It was a very quick and mellow outreach. They have a group of people who do this a few times a week every week, and they have been doing it for two years now. The local pastor was telling me that it has taken a lot of time, but now that these kids know them and trust them, a few have started to open up and talk about their own faith. And other times, the college pastors have had the opportunity to work their faith into conversations. But it is not a very evasive ministry at all. We didn't preach, or read them the bible, we just hung out. It's a new type of style of serving for me, but it has been interesting seeing how even just befriending people in the community will over time lead them to Christ.

After we left the college, I had the rest of the day free. Being Saint Patrick's Day, you would imagine that there would be some events or celebrations, but there wasn't. I didn't see one shamrock beaded necklace or green hat anywhere. It's funny that England, being so close to Ireland, doesn't give one bother about today. Whereas America, on the other side of the world, goes crazy about it!

Instead of Irish food and green beer, I joined my host family to a birthday celebration for their cousin. We enjoyed a few games and delicious food! For every family birthday they get together the day of to celebrate with the whole family. It's really lovely how close they all to each other, which makes it possible for this to happen! This is my third family gathering I have attended with them in less than 2 months! The grandmother of my host family always gives me a "mothers kiss" when we say goodbye "because my own mother isn't here." The entire family has been so great to include me so much and try to make me feel at home (even if we don't kiss each other when we say goodbye in America).