When the train doesn't come...

Today was my day off! Originally a few of the interns had planned on going to Oxford for the day, but the plans fell through last minute. I was intent on doing something! Most I my days off so far have been spent sleeping in and watching Netflix (something I can easily do at home). So I texted another volunteer from he organization Time for God. I am friends with her on facebook, and she will be one of the two girls I am traveling to Prague and Vienna with next month. I hadn't actually met her yet so I figured today was as good as any, and so we planned to meet in London. On the train over I sat behind some men from Ireland. I had no choice but to overhear their conversation which eventually turned to a dumb American woman who worked in this guys office who didn't know what the Netherlands were, or that Amsterdam wasn't a country. This sparked a conversation about many stupid Americans... Some who thought that Iceland wasn't real, others who didn't know where Ireland is. Oh and don't forget, ALL Americans are obsessed with the royal family! It was really funny to hear all the stereotypes of America coming out the mouths of people who had absolutely no idea an American was in fact sitting behind them.

 Once I met up with Bren, the other intern, we walked around London for a bit, saw Big Ben and London Bridge. We decided to head down to Baker Street and went through the Sherlock Holmes museum, and we also walked passed where the queen lives. As it turned out, Bren was heading to a party later in the evening that a few of the other Tie for God volunteers were throwing. She invited me to tag along since I too am a volunteer and I hadn't had the chance to meet anyone else yet. We got to their flat, which they shared between four girl volunteers, and soon there was about 20 people all from different countries, and different organizations in this tiny flat. We danced and played some games, and ate lots of sweets! It was so much fun meeting and hanging out with people me age! I haven't had the chance to go out and meet new people much since I've been here, besides the small group I work with at sublime.

Bren and I planned our trips home wisely. Not waiting until the last train just in case we miss it, and leaving the party early in order to make it in time. We took the underground for a while before Bren got off on her stop, and I continued on my own. At this point it was probably about 11:30pm. I got to my stop and went over to the national rail station to catch my train home. It said it was delayed due to someone being hit by a train at another station earlier in the day. So the group of us waited, and waited, with our train update on the screen continuing to say delayed. That is until the train totally disappeared off the screen entirely. One of the men standing waiting pushed the button for information. The operator told us the train would be there at 12:02am. Ok fine, so we waited some more. After 12:02 came and went, still no train came. We called again, and they gave us a new time to wait for, which of course, wasn't correct. After a third call, and about an hour in total waiting for this train that disappeared, the new operator said that the train didn't show up in her information... She said maybe we missed it... Because the 8 of us standing and waiting together could have possibly missed it... With the realization that the train wasn't coming, we all left the platform.

At this point in the night the tube stations were closed, and we were in a really dodgy part of London. As I walked to the nearby bus stop with one of the other people who had been waiting for the cancelled train, I could hear a fight taking place in an alley I passed through. A night club was next to the bus stop and there were crowds of drunk people yelling and bustling about. I studied the bus stop to try to find the night bus that would take me home, and nothing. I was in the wrong part of the city for my bus. I asked the young man who had walked over near me from the train station, and he had no idea either. We began discussing possible routes that could be beneficial for the two of us, and I told him I needed to get to Trafalgar Square. He said that might be a good place for him to find something as well. We studied the bus stop for a good bus to get there, and again, nothing. So I asked if we were both going to the same place, if we could split a cab. He was up for the idea, and I REALLY didn't want to be walking around this area alone and lost looking for a cab! So I was glad he was willing to be my travel buddy!

We introduced ourselves. His name was Richard, and he too had just moved to London about two months ago to study. After walking a short distance we passed an open cab. Thank the Lord Richard was with me because I couldn't have afforded the journey to Trafalgar Square alone. I didn't have much cash on me! After discussing our dilemma with our cabby, Richard came to the realization not even night buses would take him all the way home. But still he came with me in search of my night bus. And he kept me company all the way up until my bus picked me up. I know Richard was a stranger, but he was so considerate! It would have been so dangerous for me to walk alone in those areas. I decided to trust a stranger to better my chances of not getting in any bad situations and it worked!

I was so stressed and scared, not having a way to get home, and being alone in such a huge place! It was good to have a kind person give up his time to help me, with nothing to get in return! For all the moms reading this worried about stranger danger (and for my mom) I know Richard could have been a creep as well, but he wasn't, and I was safer with this one stranger than I would have been on my own! And I was still very cautious. Once I was on the bus taking me to Bromley I was able to relax a little bit, and no longer feel like I was on the verge of stress-tears while also trying to look confident and not lost. It was over an hour to get into Bromley on the bus, and then I had to switch buses in Bromley to get to the right stop. By the time I got home it was almost 3am. But I am just thankful I made it home -- and safely!  Richard on the other hand settled for finding a 24 hour McDonald's to hang out in until the morning train could take him home!

It was a scary adventure. Not one I want to do again!

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).

Unexpected

Saint Patrick's Day in London! Boy oh boy was it crowded! My friend and I (another intern) decided to go to Trafalgar Square to see the Saint Patrick's Day festival. We missed the parade because of church, but there was still plenty of excitement to go around! We saw many Irish nicknacks far to over priced, lots of Irish food made into fast food, and a LOT of Irish beer.

 Me being the California born and raised type, was wearing four layers, a scarf, thermal pants, boots, and gloves. While others were strutting around in booty shorts and tights! Crazy! The weather was just as to be expected -- cold and rainy. I don't regret my four layers at all! Even if I looked a bit ridiculous!

After going around the booths and exploring the festivities (and after sampling all the foods multiple times) we took a walk around the  nearby art museum. It was my first time going to a museum in London. The best part, it was free! Most museums in London are free! Which is just amazing to me!

Being the wimps we are, after a few hours on our feet we decided to call it a day. I was determined to get sushi! Someone recommended a place to us a few days before so we thought we'd give it a try. I am missing my favorites from from. ESPECIALLY sushi and Mexican! I was quite disappointed to discover that all the sushi in this shop was pre made and packaged up. The avocado was browning and the salmon was thin enough to see through it! This was not how my dad (the ultimate sushi master know it all) taught me how to eat raw fish!! Plus, it was cold outside and something warm sounded better anyways...

We decided to head back to bromley to get dinner there. We weren't starving yet, and it would be cheaper to get something outside of the city. We stopped in a pub near our train station at home and enjoyed a two for £7 meal deal that was delicious, fresh, and warm! God had planted a high expectation for sushi in me, because at some point during our meal the conversation turned to theology. The next thing I know we are discussing the creation story, the roots of sin, the story of Satan, what evil really is and how it came to be considering our creator is perfect, and many other topics that were incredibly detailed and important! My friend had some odd ideas that were rooted in a quote from Einstein, instead of the Bible. After hours of sitting in this pub discussing scripture and our thoughts, she began to understand what I was explaining. I am so blessed to have been filled with such wisdom from my leaders back home! To many of her questions I was reminded of different sermons and series that I have already been taught. It was so great to be able to sit down, and share our beliefs and opinions in a way that was encouraging to one another and uplifting!

Here are 3 of the 5 pages of notes we took!

I thought that a year abroad on mission would be a constant spiritual high of craziness, miracles, excitement, and reaching nonbelievers. To my surprise, it hasn't been. It has been a lot of office work, dishes, and helping with preexisting groups that serve the community. I realized a few weeks ago this mission work isn't going to be what I expected it to be. Tonight, I realized that I may be here to share and build up current believers, just as much as I am trying to build relationships with nonbelievers. I don't know everything God is planning to do this year in England, but whatever it is, I am excited for it!

Please be praying that I am able to build up those I am getting close within the Christian community here. There are many people in many different places in their walk with Christ, and I want to do everything I can to steer those around me closer to Him! Also be praying that I can continue to grow in closeness with the Lord, and that I don't burn out or get lazy!

God bless!

Public Transport, Day 1

Today was an adventure. The day I've been concerned about since I got here... Traveling alone and confused throughout the city for the first time. Well, I was only ACTUALLY alone for the first bus ride... Then I met another intern also traveling up to northern London. Yet for the past three days I've been obsessing over this journey (not out loud of course) and the stops I would be using.

I was out the door surprisingly on time -- just proof that I was nervous about missing my train! I had my entire journey written out on both my wrist for safe keeping, and a piece of paper for practicality. Plus, an alternative route just in case. Prepared and pretending to be confident, I was walking to the bus stop. Only about a 10 minute walk from my host home. I made it there about 5 minutes earlier than my bus was scheduled. There I was standing in the cold London air in silence with a group of strangers who never seem to make eye contact... The minutes passed and soon it was 9:01. Uh oh. No bus had pulled around the corner. Pretending to be relaxed I sat clicking around on my phone -- pointless because I have no internet currently. The minutes ticked on. I could tell the crowd around the bus stop was starting to grow more irritable than usual. 9:05, no bus. 9:10, still no bus. Had my online trip planner failed me?? Did I miscalculate something? Maybe miss a warning of a bus strike? (which are quite common.)

A woman walked up to the bus stop quickly, you could tell she knew what she was doing. She informed the crowd of us waiting that the bus drivers were trying to switch from the night shift to the morning drivers, and the drivers hadn't arrived. Great... She continued on walking, not waiting for the bus to arrive. Panic. I am set to meet my fellow intern just in time for our train! About another 5 minutes passed, and with a silent sigh of relief the bus rounded the corner. Phew. Now I will make it! Maybe not on time but I'm on my way! The bus quickly took us to the train station. I had 5 minutes to spare!

I met the other intern and together we boarded our train. Two stops ahead another intern joined us and off we were. It was a peaceful journey in. We had our own seats, and switching from the rail to the underground and back to trains went simply. Bless London for making clear signs! We even had some time for reading on our last train. We made it on time and walked up to the Sublime office.

A young man walked in a few minutes after us. He had come to talk with us about prayer walking, and prayer and intercession. We did a few worship songs and prayed, then we began our discussion. It was so interesting to hear what this guy had to say. He (and just about every other Christian I've met in London) is much more on the charismatic side than I am used to. We talked about the power of prayer, God speaking into us, us listening to that and not doubting it is God, and hooks for how to hear from God more. I am definitely out of my comfort zone here, but I know God is growing and stretching me with all of this new experiences and new teaching and worship styles.

After, the group went off to prayer walk around an area we will be serving, and I went off to meet my mentor. She was very kind. It is kind of funny to be assigned a mentor, who really is just a stranger connected to me through church. I'm not always the quickest to pour out my thoughts and feelings with people, but I am open to building a relationship with this woman, who after today I know she knows her stuff! She had some great things to say, and some great pieces of advice for any Christian to abide by. Which is great because I spent most of the afternoon just nodding in agreement without having much to add in.

On the way home I was absolutely amazed at how PACKED the trains and the underground were! It was myself, and another intern traveling together back to southern London. Our first train was a breeze, we got on at one of the first stations so we both got seats right away. But as we got off the train and walked through the station in Central London, I quickly realized what 5 o'clock looks like to Londoners! They don't call it rush hour for nothing! We found our way down to the underground station we needed. As we turned the corner onto the platform, we were greeted by a four foot wide WALL of people from the edge of the yellow line and back. I was shocked! As the tube pulled up, the other intern and I laughed and shook our heads. The tube was already full! A few people got off, and three times that amount squeezed themselves on before the doors shut just inches behind them. We had to wait THREE TUBES before we were able to be one of the lucky few to squeeze in while hoping not to be squeezed by the shutting door! Each tube that pulled up was as full as the last, and we had to inch our way closer to the golden yellow line of hope --only those whose toes were touching it could manage to get on!

Once on, I was lucky enough to share my personal bubble with about 5 strangers while awkwardly bending my arm uncomfortably to hold a bar for stability. The last thing I wanted was to fall as the tube stopped into one of the strangers sharing my bubble! Each stop people pushed their way past to get off, and a new bunch shoved their way in. When the time came to get off I was thrilled! Past the part of my journey needing to share my space. Wrong. As we approached the train taking us the final way of our journey, I was delighted that it was just as full... Except with less handles and bars to hold onto to prevent falling during the quick stops! We crowded in the door way and stood, huddled together unwillingly and waited for the 15 minute journey to the first stop in Bromley to come. After that, it started to clear out a bit. Eventually I got a seat just before arriving to my final destination.

During this journey I realized what a crowd really was. I thought of the cliché image of "going against the crown". I could see here how easy it would be to literally be washed away in the crowd. If I was trying to go the opposite way as these people, I would never make it! It was hard enough moving 6 inches, never the less walking the opposite direction! Thank the Lord that was not the case.

I made it home just in time for dinner. God is so good! The first time traveling alone for two hours across London was behind me! I made it through with minimal stress, and no fatal mistakes. Now I get to look forward to this journey every Monday! Despite the crowds and confusion, it really is not a bad journey. It gives me a chance to hear strangers, talk with new people, and see London in its packed to the brim glory!

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Unpacked

I will keep this update short. I am very sleepy after a few very eventful days.

Today was my last day of sublime training. Thank the Lord training has finished! Don't get me wrong, I've loved training. It's been a great time building relationships and learning new things and new perspectives. But after 10 days of training, two planes, a hotel, a hostile, and a temporary host family, I am a bit worn-out.

After our final bit of training for working with youth and bible study combo, and sharing our testimonies, I was off to south London. A leader at sublime graciously offered to drive us. It would have been very difficult to take the train with all those suitcases! But driving from one end to the other at 5 o'clock is not a quick trip! After about an hour and a half, we finally made it to my host church! There we were greeted by my host dad/church leader and the woman who is coordinating the intern schedules and directly above me.

Soon (after some tea and biscuits --aka cookies) we headed to my host home. I was met at the door by my host mother and their two daughters (both teenagers) and one of the daughter's friend. They quickly grabbed my luggage for me and took it up to my room for me. I offered to take it myself, but they kindly said no to me. It is so odd being the one who is receiving the service! I feel bad not helping, but it was just a part of being new in someone's home I guess...

After dinner I was given a tour of the house. I could feel myself getting a little overwhelmed. As we toured the bathroom I was washed over with relief! A real shower! All week I had been using a bath shower combo that didn't have a curtain to keep water from splashing out -- extremely difficult to use! We finished the tour in my new room, and I was left alone to settle in. Again, I began to feel the emotional overwhelming sensation. I was unpacking my belongings in a strangers house. I am going to be here the rest of the year. I was told to make myself at home, and the family is so kind and seem very easy going. Yet, I felt like a mouse in this new place.

I am thankful that I was placed with a family with girls semi near my age. I would have been so uncomfortable alone with just a couple (as most interns are). I am sure after some time the mousy feeling of being a guest will fade. But for now in this strange pink room lying in this bed that's not my own, I am a bit homesick.

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Chaos

Training with Sublime had been great. We've been busy but our schedule hasn't been busting at the seams which is nice! We have had time to slow down and talk and relax a bit. I have spent a total of four nights with a lovely couple as my temporary host family. They have been so kind to me and the other intern staying here. We have had dinner here a few times and it has been home made traditional English food, yum!

Yesterday after our training, some of the sublime leaders took the 6 of us interns down a beautiful walk past a "river" to one of the shopping streets in northern London. There we were meant to open a bank account for me, and top up our SIM cards to have prepaid minutes with our new UK number... Neither of which happened... We first stopped by a bank to open an account. Well, that didn't happen. We hardly walked in the door by the time a woman started explaining the process that was needed to open an account... An appointment, a letter by a business, mail with my name on it from a specific place to prove my residency... The list went on! I had most everything needed, but I was missing the bill with my name... After a ten minute explanation, an appointment being made for two weeks time, and a list of requirements, off we went to deal with my phone. I thought that my SIM card wasn't accepted by the phone I have, and when we went to the phone shop I realized I had left the phone and the SIM back at HQ... So the guy wasn't able to help me much. He told me it was probably locked onto a contract, and that I should just sign up for a year contract and buy a new phone. Uhmmm, a bit out of my price range! Plus I would need a bank account for the payments, which clearly hadn't happened yet. But on the bright side, after explaining my bank situation, he told us of a bank that was less tedious for people like me. His wife was from the States and had had the same issue. So off to another bank we went! After walking up and then down the street looking for this bank, we finally found it! And... It was closed... Sigh... So off to coffee we went to meet the rest of the team! These details will just have to wait for another day. 

Today was just as confusing but in a whole new way! Sublime leaders arranged for a city wide photo scavenger hunt! We picked names at random and sped off across the city to get pictures at various locations and pictures using many types of transportation; each worth one point. Being new to both the city and public transportation, I was not of much use. Plus, I had no phone to look up addresses or maps... But it was still great fun!  We got very creative with our different types of transport! Everything from walking, taxi cabs, and the underground, to railways, bicycles, and scooters. We even took a picture on a broomstick (as if it would fly!). At the end of our time, we met at Kahaila, a local Christian-ran coffee shop. To our surprise we won! Our prize: dignity.

We returned home (a thirty minute train ride, and a short walk) and had dinner, only to be off again to attend a prayer and worship night being put on by the church of a sublime leader. It was incredible! Our two guy interns led worship. Nothing fancy, yet powerful. Even the fact that two young men whose first languages are not English led English worship! It was a great few songs, and then some people got up to share their testimony or something that God was doing in their life. Next we broke off into groups and prayed for each other, and then prayed all together for the upcoming event that this small newly-planted church was putting on. Then we sang another few songs. During this time I was in awe of how incredible our God is! He was so clearly a part of the lives of the people in the room with me. There was less than 30 people, most of which had gray hair or hardly any hair at all. Yet here we were... Multiple generations, people from over 5 countries, all having different experiences and stories, and here we were praising Jesus. It was incredible. Each of us completely different, connected by our savior. He came down for each and every one of us. Wow.

London is such a busy, fast-paced place. Walking the streets filled with noises, advertisements, and chaos, even as a Christian on mission I find it difficult to focus on God. Yet each and every person I pass, the millions of people walking around this chaotic city, God loves each of them intimately and personally. Please pray with me that God transforms this post-Christian city. That He will use my time here to affect the individual lives of His children. That He will open their eyes to this overwhelming agape love He has for each and every one of them.

God bless,

Marissa. 

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Training, Training, and More Training!

What an incredible week of growth! Shortly after landing in Denver, Colorado I was met at the baggage claim by two people from Greater Europe Mission. I was the first intern to arrive. Throughout the next few hours interns began arriving. We were each greeted with a bag of a few essentials for training: notebook, water, lotion (for the dry Denver weather) and of course gum and mints and such. By the late afternoon we began training. Notebooks and bibles spread before us, we dove in. It was a constant downpour of information, knowledge, and preparation for what is ahead.

Everything said was absolutely captivating. God was using those from GEM and their experience to prepare us interns. We spent 3 days learning about GEM, each other, and even ourselves. Thursday came far to quickly. The team of interns quickly bonded with each other, and though we were excited to leave for Europe, it was sad knowing we wouldn't be together anymore. Each of us were on our way to different locations of serving.

On the plane I sat with my new friend Kaci (not Kacy). I quickly realized we were outnumbered by those with British accents. Everyone who spoke seemed to make us more and more excited. None of it felt real, as if this was a dream and I would wake up back in California. Unfortunately, that was the closest to dreaming I would get on that plane. It was about an 8 hour plane ride. We left Denver just after 5pm and landed at 9:30am. After I was finished bouncing in my street, I kept myself busy watching movies and trying to sleep (which means listening to music).

When we landed we were picked up by a bus which drove us to the entrance of the airport. We were quickly on our way to talk with border patrol about our planes in the UK and then off to get our bags. Kaci and I went nearly strait to the bathroom to brush our teeth and freshen up. Gabe and Jesse (two interns who were also traveling with us) went to the coffee shop in the airport where we were meeting those picking us up. Soon enough they arrived and we were off to our hotel for the next few days of our journey. My first time on the tube was exhilarating! Everything looked SO European and the thought that this is my home for the next year was unimaginable. I spent the entire way looking out the window or studying the posted tube map. (I am trying very hard not prevent getting lost!) 

Another three days of training flew by. We learned a few English terms such as nippy, and cheers, we practiced holding our forks on the left flipped over, and one night we got a tour of a few of the big tourist hotspots such as Big Ben and the London Eye. Learning how to use money again was an odd experience. It's not something I have had to think about in so many years!

On Thursday, I met with a few people from Sublime. It was so nice meeting people in 3D and not through a video call! I had to leave the last of the GEM interns, but I was greeted by an intern who will be serving with me this year in Bromley. After some tea and scones, I was off to bed at my temporary host home.

Today, I met the other five interns who are currently serving at sublime. Four from Germany and one from Brazil. We had a few ice breaker games (two truths and a lie, I briefly convinced them I drove a Prius!!) and then continued with some training and information about what this year will hold for us. This group was a little bit slower to warm up to each other than the GEM interns I had been with last week. It was took some time but at the end of our long day we were able to laugh instead of sit in silence... Everyone seems nice and it has been so interesting learning the ways of a new country with others. I was informed this afternoon that I was doing the dishes wrong... And it has been an interesting time getting used to saying toilet instead of bathroom...

All in all it has been an incredible start. I am ready to be past training and on to meet my permanent host family! God has continued revealing to me different things I need to work on in my own life. I have always gone to churches that are extremely similar in theology and styles of worship. This year I will be experiencing a range of Christian churches that vary in many styles. I know it will be difficult for me to get past my own stubbornness -that does not glorify Christ- and into the mentality that I am there to serve and support the local churches as I have been called to do. A saying I have heard about 200 hundred times this past week is "it's not wrong, it's just different". I am excited to see how God stretches me past my comfort and grows me more into He has created me to be.

Please continue keeping me in your prayers. Many challenges are ahead and I need my Lord and Savior guiding me every moment of it!

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