Remember, Remember

It's the fifth of November. A day to remember.

One year ago at this time I was in England. At Capernwray last year the fifth of November was a day devoted to prayer. I didn't turn on my computer. I didn't listen to my iPod. I didn't even knit. I had nothing to do but "Be still and know that [He is] God" (Psalm 46:10).

To remember not Guy Fawkes Day but a Day of Prayer, below is an excerpt from my journal.

Thursday afternoon
5 November 2009

I've hardly said anything today. Most of my words have been directed toward God in song and prayer. It's strange to be around so many people, but really not be talking with them. Instead, I'm conversing with the One who is with me at all times.

Today I was stunned once again that God Himself, the Holy Spirit would take up residence inside of me. How awe-inspiring and strange and wondrous. Apart from His grace I am unworthy. He, however, chose to make me His temple and dwelling place. May I be continually amazed by this fact and may it change the way I live my life.

Capern-versary

One year ago today I embarked upon a grand adventure.

Searching for my seat, lyrics ran through my head: "I'm leaving on a jet plane; don't know when I'll be back again." The words were literal. Untold hours later, I had flown across a continent and an ocean. I was in England.

I spent the next nine months studying at Capernwray Hall Bible School, learning, building friendships, growing, traveling, and having adventures. How can I express in words all that occurred during those nine months?

Today, another group of students will have arrived at the castle, jet-lagged but excited. What a year they have ahead.

"Remember the wondrous works that He has done..." -Psalm 105:5.

Concerning Horses

"Do you give the horse his might?

Do you clothes his neck with a mane?
Do you make him leap like the locust?
His majestic snorting is terrifying.
He paws in the valley and exults in his strength..."
- Job 39:19-21

"His delight is not in the strength of the horse...
but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love."
-Psalm 147:10-11

Let It Snow

Most of the students left to travel or have gone home for Christmas. Here at the castle, it is only those who will stay over winter break to work as staff for the holiday conferences. Last week, as all the students packed and cleaned for the break, we were delighted by a flurry of snow. That flurry was just the sneak preview. This morning we awoke to the real thing coming down. It continued all morning leaving us with this:


I feel like I live in Narnia.

To the Ruins

[directions in the form of prepositional phrases.]

Out the gate,
Up the road,
Over the fence,
Onto the footpath,
Between the branches,
Through the mud,
Across the field,
Toward the horses,
Beside the hedge,
Past the dirt mounds,
Along the trail,
Around the bend,
Into the yard,
Near the shed,
Until the stream,
Beyond the bridge,
[turn at the bathtub,]
By the sheep,
Atop the hill,
Amid the trees,
To the ruins.

[of what, we are not certain.]

Thankful for a Saturday of sunshine and good company.

Queue Up

Sometimes, the cows stand in a row.

Sometimes, the sheep do too.

Happy Thanksgiving Back

Thanksgiving is a different sort of celebration this year. I am in a foreign land that doesn’t observe the American holiday. I am apart from my family. Many of the traditions will not take place today. Lectures took place as normal. In many ways, it feels just like another day.
This divergence from my usual festivity is difficult, but it is also good. The change and lack of traditions makes me think more about the reason to celebrate. I have so many reasons to be thankful.
Especially this reason:

Capernwray Panthers

I never thought I could like a sport more than Ultimate Frisbee, but Cricket may be that sport.

Bat and Ball

I am officially on one of two school teams, the Capernwray Panthers. We lost the match last night to the top team in our league, but did win our first game.

The Wicket.

Where I Need To Be

There is a Gary Allan song entitled something along the lines of “Right Where I Need To Be.” Today, that is exactly where I am.

If ever I doubt God’s plan for my year at Capernwray, I have simply to recall “the wondrous works that He has done” (Psalm 105:5).

It was about a year and a half ago that I really decided I wanted to attend Bible School at Capernwray Hall. The idea had wandered on the outskirts of my mind for some time before then, but I’d never seriously considered it could happen.

Ten months ago I applied, asking God that if He wanted me to attend, He would allow me to be accepted. In January, I received the response.

All through the next months, I was uncertain if I would actually be able to go. It simply did not look possible. I considered whether I should wait a year. I spent many nights wrestling with what would be the best decision. Continually, I had to refocus my attention.

Even two weeks before my flight was scheduled to leave, I did not know if it would be possible. The 26^th of September, I knew would be an important day. Either I would be in England, or I would be wishing I was.

In the end, God arranged every detail. And here I am.

Honestly, I don’t think there is any place in the world that I would rather be. There is such joy in knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

A Lot Of...

My English teacher told me not to use the phrase 'a lot.' But I am going to anyway. A lot.


Here in England, there is a lot of grey sky. We have a lot of rain. We also have a lot of sunshine. Sometimes we have a lot of rainbows. Compared to many, I don't have a lot of roommates. Above are two-thirds of them. They are from Canada. There are a lot of Canadians here. There are also a lot of people from the US.

There is a lot of green here. There are a lot of hills. There are a lot of stone walls. There are a lot of sheep. And a lot of cows. But mostly a lot of sheep.

I like this place a lot.

And I'll Dedicate This One To...

...the Lady Greenleaf.

You are welcome to come visit me in this very green place (and write a novel under a tree).

Let's visit English castles and wear Texan boots.

I Live...

Here.

Well, technically I live under here.

Adventure

I am off on one! I now live with 180 students from around the world. In a castle. On a hill. In England. With lots of sheep.

Expect pictures soon.