Well as per usual time is flying - into the fourth week and the jet lag still seems like yesterday. I also feel that I have been sorely neglecting to keep you all updated, so for that I apologise!
Settling into the not so comfortable routine of community living it's all coming back how many home comforts I took for granted. Like my own room, not sharing 3 showers with 18 other women and being able to choose what I eat and when. It brings back to me the challenge of ship living awaiting me in a few weeks. But for now I am pushing all that aside as I focus on what is really important and why I am really here. Despite the intensity of our days I am learning so much. Possibly more about myself and my life than I ever have before. Maybe this is because of the specific theological teaching and application. Maybe it is because I am where God wants me to be and he is preparing me for this next phase of my life.
The women's dorm
The International Lounge where we have our lectures. The flags on the ceiling represent the countries where there are Mercy Ships offices or that are connected with Mercy Ships.
Our team is starting to bond well. I am so grateful to be able to get to know some people who will hopefully become good friends...it also greatly increases the odds of someone to sit with at meal times on the ship!
The Gateway Team and staff
Speaking of meal times, the thing that has been the greatest culture shock for me (and has been the greatest struggle) is the food. A LOT of food. On the ship we serve ourselves so a fair amount of portion control can happen. However here we get served two hot meals a day (both with meat involved) and snacks at both morning and afternoon break. Now for those of you that know me, I have never been one to pass up food but this has been a struggle even for me! My eating habits have got noticeably more picky as the weeks have gone on, punctuated by the odd trip to the houses of Gateway staff for more food and eating out which involves tackling enormous portions of mostly junk food. I am constantly amazed by not only the portion sizes but the huge variety of sweets (and salty combined), cakes, cookies and all things sugar. I think my American friends are starting to get slightly worn out with my constant 'We definitely don't have this in England' comments. It's strange that going to Africa culture shock is inevitable but prepared for however getting used to America has been much more of a challenge than I imagined!
Two firsts:
1) Ice cream at Dairy Queen (yes I am holding it above my head!)
2) Eating brisket (beef) Texan style at the house of one of the Gateway staff (along with 50 others!)
So two weeks today we will be on a plane heading to Sierra Leone (via Chicago and London). I know by then I will have barely begun to process through all that God has been speaking to me over this time. But I also know that doesn't matter because he is with me every step of the way. Thank you all so much for your support both with finances and prayer. I feel totally blessed and loved!
Please pray for:
- Me to continue to hear from/press in to God at this time
- For good relationships to form with the group
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