The U.K. once again

Current location: Oxford, U.K.
Current weather: Cloudy with rainy precipitation (typical)

Aww, to be in the U.K. once again. I arrived yesterday at London Heathrow just before noon, I had a lovely plane ride. On the long journey, 7 1/2 hours, I had a window seat and in the seat next to me was a lovely guy from the Netherlands. However the lady behind him wasn't so lovely and kept kicking his chair so he was moved to economy plus, which didn't bother me a bit as I had two seats all to myself!

I whisked through the airport and was able to catch the 1220 bus to Oxford. We arrived about 15 minutes early so I had to wait a bit for Aeriole. Upon getting restless I decided to walk around a bit and found a lovely open air market. As I walked around a building to the bus stop I heard a squeal and a rush of pink as Aeriole rushed over and gave me a hug. It was so nice to see her. When I got on the plane I was tired and decided I wasn't in the mood to go and see strangers, it was very comforting to know that Aeriole would be on the other side of my journey.

We walked about Oxford and then to Aeriole's house...it's all a bit hazy at this point, I was quite tired. We hung out at Aeriole's for a while, had some dinner, took a shower and headed off to her Emmaus group which is similar to home groups. I tried my hardest to stay awake, pinching myself, shifting positions, but it all seemed useless, sleep was determined to overtake me. Just when I was about to give up and lay my head on Aeriole's shoulder, they decided to pray and as they were asking for prayer requests I heard one of them mention my name and I was suddenly snapped into reality. They asked me what I needed prayer for, it took me a bit as I was a bit flustered with all of the grogginess when I finally said "Denmark, and I need a job, and I need to learn the language." Then Steven, one of Aeriole's housemates, said they should pray for me separately than the other requests. And so they did. They prayed as if I had heard my thoughts and worries over the last several weeks and months. It was amazing, the words they spoke were truly from God. Some of them even had prophetic pictures and words. In my gratefulness I felt a bit of guilt, I hadn't said a word most of the evening because I was so exhausted, and yet they still blessed me. And didn't just pray "nice prayers" but genuinely sought the heart of God. What a blessing!

So, today, Thursday. Aeriole and I started the day off racing the bus to the bus stop. We reached the first bus stop with no bus in sight so continued to the next one, until the bus finally caught up with us on the about the fourth stop. We arrived at chapel right one time. The bible college is participating in the Lenten season so it was all about giving something up or doing "good acts". It was actually quite impressive, we talked about what Lent is, and they gave ideas of what to give up or do. We worshiped and had communion.

The guy initiating communion said that as they came up to get the bread and wine to bring the paper that you had written your Lenten sacrifices on place it on the table then take communion. He said they didn't want any of the bread to be left because this is a time about receiving from God. Take large portions that is what this fasting season is about. It was a great analogy and none of the bread was left.

I would love to write more as it is now the end of the day, but I am just too tuckered out...so maybe more tomorrow. We had a great kickoff to the conference tonight, but I will have to tell you another day.