So, here is the proof about last week's mention about the Coca-Cola machine that greeted me with "Hallo" every time I walked past of asked it to dispense a diet beverage. For you boys, you know who you are, I thought of you and laughed every time I read it. Noone else seemed to be as amused, but when are others as amused as I am? Truly. I know you guys know the proper inflection to say this greeting in. Made me think of home, and I loved it! (By the way, I took this pic with my new snazzy new mobile (pronounced with a long "i") I just got. All those that have made fun of me for my archaic cell phones in the past would be amazed by how hi-tech I am now. : )
So, I ventured into the city yesterday to meet up with a mom who has kids who go to ASL. We had a delightful late morning chat with a coffee. We sat on the high street and spoke about life in that particular area of central London where I will be living. (Each area has what is called a "high street" where all the shops and cafes are, sort of like 6th street in Fayetteville...no, more like Dickson St. Very quaint and perfect for meeting up with people.) I got loads of info about how to get more connected with others in the neighbourhood, and I look forward to moving into that area. Still praying for a flat closeby. I have a few leads, but none have panned out for sure yet. Though St. John's Wood, the area I will be living in, is technically in central London, it has not the feel of Oxford Circus, Piccadilly, or Covent Garden does, for those of you who have made a visit here. It is quite peaceful with tree-lined streets. From what I have heard, Jude Law lives nearby, so you never know when he might be bumped into at the local Starbucks. I will keep you informed, no worries! : )
My trip to the city yesterday left my feet in agony! Note to self...regardless of the amount of walking that you think you will do, do not wear heels! Walking is always a major player no matter where you are going for no matter what length of time! I have blisters galore all over my feet from trekking about London. I had to "pop into a shop" to buy some ballet-like flats to soothe. I also had to make a stop at Boots (similar to Walgreens) to buy "plasters" (a.k.a. Band-Aids) to cover my wounds to make it home. I mean...serious pain. But, hey, in the words of my pal, J.D., I'll bounce. : )
Liz, Paul, and I sort of wandered around the city on Tuesday afternoon. It was quite fun. Liz loves to absorb and share lots of random trivia, show me where the cheap places to shop are, and points out great cookie shops. Paul is Captain History, so he tells us factoids about how old buildings are, how to find our way around the city, and knows where the cool museum exhibits are. What a nice balance they are for one another. Guess this is why they are a couple. Liz, just in case you are in the dark, is a fellow staff girl who works at an international school in Hillingdon closeby. I will post some pictures from our time soon. Sorry that my pictures seem to be on average one post behind. Sometimes this site doesn't like to cooperate, and sometimes, I don't have the camera/plug with me to coordinate the download. (Yes, I just thought of "Boomerang" when I wrote that word..."coordinate". Oh how hideous that mushroom suit was! And oh, how beautiful at the same time!)
Today marks my two week anniversary of having been in England. Frankly, it seems like 2 months in some ways. I feel as though I could write a page in my journal about every hour because all is new and many "firsts" are happening.
Things I love... water bottles with cool squeeze tops; sitting on the left-hand side of the car as a passenger; saying "I'll ring you later"; that my staff team all put on their hog noses I brought them as soon as I handed them to them...then began to cough from the fumes emitted from the rubber and paint (truly, ever worn one of those? will make you high!); walking on cobblestone roads; recognising and confidently using pounds and pence; calling carry out or to go food "take away"; the mystery of walking through the city, riding the train, or riding the escalator in the underground and wondering what accents people speak with and thinking they don't know what mine sounds like either; going to a YL staff training in Munich and having a fellow staff member sneakily change my ringer to his voice that said "Pick up the phone! Do it!" and not knowing he had done it until my phone scared the living daylights out of me when it rang the first time after returning back to England...
Things I miss... you all; Pepperridge Farm Goldfish; driving my car (though not as much as I would have thought); you all.
As you can see, much more that I love than I miss. God is good! He is so taking care of me! Thanks, friends. More soon...
kb
Oh, I've almost forgotten...
Word/phrase of the week: "lorry" (truck), as in... Lorry Restriction on this road. Zsa told me a story about a car that she happened upon that was smashed between two "lorries". She could not imagine how the people got out. Perhaps through the sunroof. Thanks be to God for Zsa, who in normal conversation teaches me several new words a day!

Hallo! I returned from Munich last night...thus the greeting. I must say that I feel a bit less intimidated about living in England after spending two days in Bavaria where I could understand only a handful of words spoken or read. Truly. Words that made sense..."penne"(pasta), "pizza margherita" (cheese pizza), and "tomaten" (tomato). I am not exaggerating. I would open a menu to order something to eat, and...nada. I knew not a thing. The time there was nice. I went to participate in a training time to learn more about working with a committee, managing volunteer leaders, and also to spend some good time with others from around Europe who have the same job as I do. I went with three of the other staff women from here in London.

Ok, I know that all have been waiting for more detail from this side of the pond. I have promised and promised. I will do my best. You may have to read this in multiple sittings. : )
Life is fairly loaded with new information and circumstance these days.

I am currently living in Surrey, about a 40 minute train ride from central London. I am staying with one of the other staff girls, Kerry, in her flat...about a mile from the office/Brooke and Tate's house (my supervisors/fellow staff). We are joking currently that I am about 2/3 of a person here in the UK. I have set up a local bank account and acquired a "mobile". I will consider myself 3/3 once I have a home of my own, I think. But, hey 2/3 of the way to fully existing in about a week is amazing from what they tell me over here.
I am in search of my home, a.k.a. my flat, currently. I am looking for a flatshare somewhere near The American School in London (ASL) where I will be working. I have some prospects, so pray for that when you think of me. : )
I have embarked into the city a couple of times which has been possible with no issue and quite a bit of ease. I am thankful. I was not as intimidated as I thought I might have been last Sunday when I went in to meet a girl for church at All Souls. It was quite a delightful day, attending church and then going to eat at a place called Nando's, attractive for its food and for the free refill option on soda which is quite sparse in the UK. I had lunch with a girl who is Dutch-Australian, two Chinese-Brit girls, and a Scotsman. So cool! I was amazed at the diversity and the ease of conversation and relatability.
My new pal, Zsa is a delight! She is teaching me English lingo and phrases just by hanging out with her. She asks me things constantly about America and is eager to clarify all things English.
We got lost the other day driving to visit Liz's Wyldlife club. We even had a navigational GPS system, but it turns out that if the wrong address is plugged in, this device has trouble working properly. : ) We got stuck in traffic, and she exclaimed, "Oh, this is dire!!". I laughed the entire 2 hours we drove around. She is overwhelmed by the loudness of American kids..."I wasn't prepared for the volume", she remarked. Yes, we are loud, us Americans.
Strange. I feel as though I have been here a month rather than a 9 days. I feel like I could spend every moment recording a new thought due to the newness of each experience.
I went to the movies the other day with Brooke and Kerry here nearby (in Staines). The seats had absolutely no recline...the antithesis of the American movie theatre seat, not a bit of recline. Interesting. No wonder the Brits are known for having good posture, even in the movies, they sit up straight! : ) We saw "Little Miss Sunshine". Funny, I must say.
I have a dehumidifier in my room at Kerry's house...it is that damp in that corner of the house...so interesting. The weather here has been lovely! Today it is a Simpson cloud day, with a nice breeze and 70 degree temperatures.
Ok, I will post again at least by next Thursday, my normal posting day. Hopefully, my routine will begin soon.
Ok, word/phrase of the week... "I couldn't be bothered..." Such as, "I couldn't be bothered to go to the store to pick up groceries." Basically it means, I didn't want to do something, but it sounds so much more proper and polite, less like a lazy statement that we would think it would be.
Feel free to email with questions and or whatever. My email checking is a bit sparatic due to no internet connection at Kerry's, so I ask for your patience til the routine kicks in. :)
Love you and miss you all. Check the email for the contact info for me...mobile number.
kb

England equals good. So, I have been here for 4 days. I am supposed to be here. I can tell you that for a fact. I feel it. I know it. My mind is, as you would imagine, still swirling and a bit jetlagged. I love my Young Life team. I just got an amazing deal at Boots, the local Walgreen's-ish store on a hair straightener (on clearance, then when it was rung up, half off of that clearance price!!). I have two new English friends called Zsa Zsa and Barney. Starbucks is a staple. All is looking good. I am flat (apartment) searching and hope to find something in the city to call home within the next couple weeks. I leave for Munich for some training on Wednesday to return on Friday. I know I keep promising you all who have emailed and posted messages and comments that I will give further details soon. I am going to continue to ask for an extension on that promise. I need to get my mind a bit clearer before I can compose thoroughly. Trust this, as previously mentioned... I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be. With the next post, I will have some pics of Munich and hopefully a bit of clarity to tell you stories about getting lost with Zsa and Barney, embarking into London successfully and confidently on my own, and digging English lingo. Thanks for your prayers, and look for a more depth at the beginning of next week.
kb

Hi. I leave a week from today. Whoa. All has been going well in preparing for this momentous move. At times I feel completely on top of all the to-dos, and the next moment I feel completely overwhelmed. I don't do well going 90 miles an hour. I need a measured pace. Thankfully, the Lord knows (and made) this trait within me, so he often reminds me to"just sit with Him awhile". Now the list of necessaries has shortened mostly to the daunting task of packing.
I spent a great weekend in Fayetteville over Labor Day. I was blessed to spend precious, meaningful time with dear friends that I realised should be characterized as family members to capture their importance to me and my heart. Fayetteville has been my home for the past six years since graduation from college. One friend I have made in the past handful of months continues to be amazed by how many people I am know in NW Arkansas. "Do you know everyone up here?", she asks over and over. A smile creeps across my face. I do not know everyone, of course, but I am thankful for that repeated question becuase it does help me to continue to appreciate the vast number of friends (and family) I can count in NWA, a.k.a. "home".
Goodbyes are tough. Each person I spent time with over the course of the weekend dealt with our farewells in different ways. I loved it. I love the dynamic nature of people and relationships. I sat and chatted away answering questions with some friends, hugged and was on my way. With others, we just sat and did what we normally do, sort of avoiding the topic on everyone's mind, my leaving. Jokes were made to lessen any bit of emotion that might surface and produce awkwardness. The beauty of it all lies in the uniqueness and life of each friendship dynamic. If those who normally joke and are silent suddenly sat intently asking questions and being overwhelmed with emotion, it would have been sort of strange. If those who normally chat it up had avoided information...odd and disheartening.
Expectations. All of these observations leads me to thinking about expectations...and the Lord. Predicting people, life, interaction is selling you and those involved short. Allow people and relationships to be dynamic. Beauty lives here! Expecting someone or something to always look or play out a certain way can at times paralyse individuality and limit depth. The Lord desires that we love people as we love ourselves. I like to be free to evolve, grow, change as life and the Lord moves me. I guess, in all this rambling, my thought is to remind myself to let life happen as it happens, to let the Lord lead and to learn to be flexible in our expectations, predictions, and notions of the way things may look.

He surprised me this weekend by allowing me to spend sweet time with friends that blew my mind in depth, encouragement, connection, and love. The interactions looked different, but each moment spent was captured in my mind and heart as a moment well spent. From chats over tacos, to coffee on a patio, to a rocking chair on a porch with slow jams, to a football game with synchronized swimming done on turf, to weeping with laughter over old YL skits, to a visit with a 47-day-old blessing, to a four-year-old who laughs with me like he is my age and enjoys "two flavas" with dinner, to reuniting with old friends who recommend learning to be a "Guitar Hero", to time on Custer with my brothers watching Ali, to a ride and a sweet prayer with a best friend... I could tell you stories for days. Thanks to you all, and I have no doubt you are in my corner cheering me on as loud as you do our beloved HOGS! : )
I fly out on Wednesday, the night of the 13th from Dallas. Will be in touch!
kb

Oh, and the sermon on Sunday focused on these words and following (Ecc. 3.1-15) which touched me. Allowing ourselves time for each is important. I am thankful that the Lord affirms us in each of these moments of life.

Ecclesiastes 3.1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."

Well, hello! Yep, this flag is positioned stategically for an important reason...

I move to London in three weeks!

I know! I know! I know! I found out today, and needless to say, I am gathering my composure from receiving such exciting news. I will have much more to come in the very near future without doubt as my brain will now not be able to rest for some time. But, I could not let the day pass with a quick note to document such a TREMENDOUS day!

So, here you have it...the visa. Woo hoo! I kept trying to add it to that last post, but for some reason, the blogger dashboard was not pleased with this request. I am getting closer to being able to jet across that big pond. That trip has become a bit more tense in the past days for those embarking, yeah? I am pleased to say that all my fellow London staff have been traveling tran-atlantic like lately and have arrived home to the UK.
Life is in what seems to be something of a holding pattern in days recent. On the verge of being ready to move to London, but...not quite yet. I anticipate I have only a matter of weeks left here in the States. I am pleased that I will be able to attend my pal, Sally's nuptials in a couple weeks, and I amy also pop in at my 10 year high school reunion. What? I know, 10 years. Has anyone seen "Grosse Pointe Blank"? John Cusack stellar...a bit of a movie reunion for he and his "Say Anything..." cast friends. I highly recommend both of these films to this reading audience. Now, for those knowledgeable, I am certain my reunion will hold none of the morbidity that GPB contains, but I have been thinking about this strange interchange that goes on with John, Minnie Driver, and Jeremy Piven as old friends reunited as I think of my soon-to-be time with old friends. Lives lived, families started, careers embarked upon...wow.
It truly does feel like ten years have passed for me since I lived in Springdale with long hair and a life that consisted of homework, bowling, crushing on boys who were oblivious, and riding around in Felicia's sweet Nissan Pulsar with, get this, T-tops, like a convertible, well, almost! I thought that was the coolest car. I drove Feli crazy asking her to take them off all the time, which were actually quite a hassle to deal with most days. Oh, funny!
But, I digress...school started in most places in Arkansas today. I love the beginning of the school year! School supplies! (refer to "You've Got Mail" for great quote.) My mom would not take me to get them when I was a kid until right before the first day because I got so excited about opening them! I am not certain when school begins at ASL (my soon-to-be home of YL London-The American School of London), but I believe in September. I hope to be a Londontown local soon after the beginning of their fall year.
I don't guess I really have that much of any profound nature to relay at present. I am thankful for your prayers that I know are still being prayed on my behalf. I realise the invaluable value in your intercession, I assure you, in these days on the verge.

To your right, you will see the British Consulate in Los Angeles, California where I was issued a 2 year visa for residence in the U.K. this past Thursday. (You also can see my mom in the bottom lefthand corner with the sunglasses on.) The building looks a bit grand and intimidating? I thought so upon entering, but I was greeted by complete kindness from each person I interacted with in the half hour or so that I was inside.
Mom and I arrived about 9:30 a.m.(Pacific) for my 10:00 a.m. appointment. We were directed to the elevator where a man cleared us to go to the 12th floor, home of the Brits who approve this important document of which I was in pursuit. After going through the metal detector, which thankfully did not pick up the butterflies in my stomach, though I hardly think any device was needed to observe this feeling (a set of eyes would have worked for anyone in my vacinity), we took a seat and waited to be called forward. The interview could not have gone smoother. I was prepared with a file-a-fax full of documentation verifying my qualifications as a missionary, my proof of income... I needed none of these items. The wonderfully British-sounding woman who called me to her window asked me a few simple questions, asked for my letters (a letter from Tate and Brooke, my supervisors in London, that officially invites me to join their team, and a letter from Young Life here to verify my employment), and typed information into her computer. My mind was blown! "Take this ticket and wait for my colleague to call your number so you can pay her. Then, come back between two and three, and pick up your visa." I have spent more time at paying my water bill or getting my driver's license renewed! Wow! You see a bit more why I thanked you over and over. So blessed!
Mom and I caught the bus down Wilshire Blvd to the Santa Monica pier and to the 3rd Street Promenade where we shopped a bit and ate some great pizza while we killed time between interview and pick-up of visa.
The next morning we awoke early to grab Starbucks and take a brief tour of some movie star homes and pop onto Rodeo Drive. I have a million pictures of houses that I cannot now identify who lives in them. But, trust me, someone famous lives in each one. I wouldn't lie to you! Yes, we went into the "Reg Bev Wil" for a brief moment. Some of you will get that reference. : )

We flew out later that afternoon and had a rather scary ride. I sat in the middle seat on row 19 attempting to read my latest Jane Austen novel, Emma, which takes much concentration. (Jane can get a bit lengthy in her descriptions, background info, and nuances...must be why I enjoy her writing so much, huh?) The beverages had just been delivered and all were settling in for a pleasant flight, when...drop! Yes, the plane dropped. The flight attendant standing at the end of my row fell to the floor with no opportunity to brace her fall. Another attendant who was closer to the rear of the plane, near my mom's seat, was thrown to and fro against the wall and sustained minor injury. Everyone who had a drink on his/her tray flew all over the person sitting next to them. ("Emma" and I got a bit wet from the passenger sitting on my right.) Apparently, a thunderstorm appeared out of nowhere and the pilot could not avoid it as he had hoped. Have you ever seen any of those made-for-TV movies about plane crashes and such? Though I try not to watch such frightening drama, I must say I have seen bits and pieces of one or two. I felt as if for a few moments, I was in a movie. Flight attendants and passengers alike screamed in the rows behind me. My stomach was tied in knots as I tried hard to transport myself back into old England and Mr. Knightley's obvious growing adoration for Miss Woodhouse, while praying the promise that the Lord alone makes me dwell in safety(Ps. 4.8). It honestly took me about an hour "to sit back, relax, and try to enjoy the rest of the flight" as previously directed by the flight crew. After the flight, I heard mom was completely drenched during the jostle with her freshly-poured coffee and also got to overhear the freaking out of all of the flight attendants throughout the remainder of the flight. (Sigh!)
We came out unscathed, full of thanks, and happy to be back on the ground. Our trip was a success and a blessing!
Perhaps in the next installment I will tell you a bit about our driver, Rulf, who was half Peruvian, half Columbian. He is married to a Japanese woman, and speaks three languages. What an educated, trivia-filled gentleman who helped calm my nerves on the way to the consulate by making me concentrate on understanding his thick accent as he told us facts about endangered condors in the California.

1 Corinthians 12...

4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.

The promise from my last post was that I would address my realisation of my need for people in my world. I would like to gladly fulfill my word.
Throughout my life post-college, I have repeatedly come face-to-face with my need to allow friends to help me live a healthy existence. Yes, this lesson is undoubtedly learned by everyone one way or another, sometimes with ease, sometimes with resistance.
I must say that many times I resist this need to involve others. I have a tendency to think through issues/problems, decide on a plan for resolution, and take that action step. I know this behaviour can exclude people from my life, keep relationships at surface level, increase my stress level, and hinder health.
One large lesson from this process of the Lord readying me to move to London for which I am thankful? I must have friends surrounding me, praying for me, helping me, in order for the Lord's ministry, His call on my life, to be healthy, balanced, rooted in truth, and effective. The Lord knows us with such intimacy. I am convinced that He knows the need for practical example in my life to help me see his lessons. The stories he plays out in my life help me remember what I can/should do, and what I cannot/should not do. I am beyond thankful for this continued lesson!
Friends, I am very close to being able to make this move across that pond to Londontown. The Lord honors his promises, hears your prayers, and leads at just the right pace.
So, thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank you again for being my friends, my teammates, my prayer warriors, my brothers and sisters. I am convinced of my need for each and every one of you in order to effectively do the Lord's work!

"Hold a true friend with both your hands." * Nigerian Proverb

"There are no such things as strangers, only friends we haven't met yet."

-- Anonymous

Friends are my favourite. I know that this truth is what causes me to have such devotion to the fifteenth chapter in the book of John in that wonderful ancient manuscript full of faith, hope, and love.
One of my pals, Michelle, told me last weekend that she loved hearing me talk about my friends and the way they bless me so deeply. She said she was amazed by all the sweet, deep, and memory-filled relationships I am privileged to have in my life. I have known this fact, but it was so great to hear her perspective and see her smiles mixed with tears as she truly felt the love and appreciation I have for my friends. I must say here that Michelle is one of the most caring people I have encountered. I saw this lived out as her tears came in conjunction with my own. What a heart she has been given!
I had a great week of spending time with several of these dear people in my life. I went back to Fayetteville for a few days to have some meetings over quite a few meals. How could it get any better? Friends, food, and fellowship. Love it!
I chatted with current friends and met a few new ones. Each one blessed me in their excitement for my upcoming move to do ministry. Oh how I need all of you desperately to go do what I am about to go do. (Look for the next blog to address just this topic. Thanks, Ryan.) Thanks to you all that took the time to chat with me, share meals with me, and care about me!

My friends Matt and Ginny had their precious baby boy, Eliot Hartman, on Thursday! You can check out their website for more info on them...such a beautiful story of God's peace in the midst of difficulty, confusion, and unanswerable questions. The Lord is the giver of peace and hope. I have never in my life seen such an instance of the fleshing out of this verse: "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Cor 10.13) Their story of the life of Eliot is not one of temptation, but one of the Lord's faithfulness to not give them more to deal with than they can handle. His faithfulness is present obviously in His gifts of peace, joy, hope, and thankfulness for their firstborn little boy. Their burden has been taken on by Him to enable them to "bear" life in the midst of uncertainty. I am thankful to be able to call The Mooney three my dear friends! www.mattandginny.blogspot.com

My trip back up to the ville to see Baby Eliot provided me a sweet opportunity to reunite with some friends from college. I was afforded the gift of hearing "the rest of the story", if you will, from one of these friends I traveled with about quite a story that I was on the periphery of in my last year or so of collegiate life.
The Lord provides such unexpected blessings sometimes! I love His surprises. It is as if He knows how much I enjoy being surprised. Go figure. : )
Touched. Inspired. Filled with respect. Humbled. Grateful. Honored. Thankful.

People are beautiful...such dynamic beings who fall, have victory, make mistakes, rise above those mistakes, provide insight, teach through their stories, set examples, know their limits, forget their limits, live in pride, get reminded to be humble, get lost, are found, do things that are not the greatest, apologize, show love ... (the list goes on and on)
I believe so much of my affection for hearing others' stories of redemption lies in my own undeniable need for redemption. I believe it is no coincidence that Jesus used the model of "story" to share His good news.
Effective. Touching. Inspiring. Practical. Intentional. Relatability.

Relation: an aspect or quality (as resemblance) that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind. (Webster, of course) Makes sense to me. Relationship: the state of being in "relation".

I adore being educated by others. I long to listen and be sensitive to not miss chances to hear. May the windows continue to open, so I may continue to have a peek into "real" life lived out by my friends (current and future).

Just a quick note to explain the obvious update to the aesthetics of the blog. The ability to comment, email me, and set up other personalizations was hindered by that last template, so I have opted for this new one. Please feel free to comment, and if you should want to email, you can click on my profile, select that option, and it will direct you automatically to my address. So much mo better!
Look for a new update at the beginning of next week speaking of my move to Little Rock, a venture back up north to Fayetteville for meetings, and my upcoming trip to Los Angeles to obtain my UK residence visa.
Thanks, friends!

The last move ...the last one that is until I move to Jolly Ole, as I have taken to calling England lately. My residence lies in Little Rock with my fam. currently.
Over the past month, the wave of the World Cup has washed over me, as I have been heartily rooting on "stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp stomp-stomp-stomp-stomp, ENGLAND!" in their attempt to win it all. Unfortunately, they have not made it as far as we all had hoped. I can see myself getting very involved in football, as they call it. Thinking about becoming an avid soccer watcher, where most of the time the only applicable cheer seems to be "KICK IT!", I have had my doubts about how much I would join the rest of the world in loving this game. However, the energy and excitement of this grand tournament has awakened a genuine interest and enjoyment that I am quite excited about, knowing I will not have to feign interest or learn statistics and players' names just to not sound ridiculous in conversation once living in the U.K. Much to my dismay (and the entire country) England lost to Portugal in penalties. Heartwrenching, it was. Well, we will just have to win it next year when I live there. Yes.

Also, I have come upon the conclusion that one of my new looking-forward-to's (Yes, I just made that up...if I had my own vocabulary dictionary, that one would be in it, my pal, Aaron.) about moving to England is simply the vast amount of knowledge to be learned. What a gift to move to a new culture and immerse oneself in new smells, sounds, tastes, conversation, music... you name it. Some might differ in opinion, but knowledge-gathering is one of the reasons why I have come to enjoy watching Craig Ferguson on The Late Late Show. He completely cracks me up,(I mean, please, what isn't funnier in a Scottish accent. Let's just be honest.) and he teaches me all sorts of facts about Britain. Trust me. It might be worth staying up a bit later just to watch his monologue one night. He can get a tad racy at times, but overall he is just plain funny.

My goal for changing my address to Londontown is AUGUST! If you think of it, please pray that this timeframe becomes a reality. I believe it to be possible, as I have reached 60% in my fundraising.

My friend and fellow lover of England (and King Kong), Joel, tuned me into a church in London that is truly blessing my soul. Podcasts are delightful, I must say.
A great word from this past week's message was simply stated (quoted from the movie, Junebug):
"God loves us just as we are. But he loves us enough to not let us stay that way."

How poignant a statement! God is big. God is intimate. God has perfect timing.
Recently, I have had an interesting experience with the Lord's timing. I don't know about you, but most often I want difficult, awkward, uncomfortable things to go away quickly. The Lord often desires to teach me through what seems to me to be quite a lengthy process. Well, this past month the Lord has decided to work a bit quicker than previous experience would have predicted. He knows exactly how to love on me, what length of process in healing/reflection is necessary, and how to remind me what is His job and what is mine. What a wonderful God! He desires so much for us to give every inch of ourselves to him...every part of our heart, plan, hope, love...our life. He is showing me that He is faithful to fulfill what He has promised. I pray that tomorrow I will have the resolve and desire to give him more than I have today.

A nomad... yes, time for another look at our pal Webster. The word nomad is defined as "an individual who roams about aimlessly". I'd say that pretty much sums up my world this past weekend. I am amazed at how I am beginning to realize that "home" is the place where you make it, where your heart resides. When I was growing up, I was super attached to my house, my neighborhood, my normal rhythm of life. I lived in the same house from age three to eighteen. When my family moved out of said house, I wanted no part in packing up my childhood and seeing my favourite place in boxes.
College and the world of Young Life have taught me that I take home with me wherever I go, that no building truly creates comfort. We fill those places with life, laughter, coziness, and connection. I am thankful for this realization so that I am not as devastated when I leave a house, apartment, or room; however, I must confess "[roaming] about aimlessly" is not my preference. I realize the necessity of this lifestyle at the moment, but I do look forward to my move to London when I can nest again in my new space. My friend, Brian, likes to use that word, "nesting", to sort of poke fun at girls in general because we seem to have that innate need. Boys nest, too; they just will not call it that. : )
I have just been watching Bonnie Hunt on Letterman. Friends, she is hilarious...such quick wit and comedic timing.

Today, I read an article that referenced The Princess Bride, quoting Wesley as saying, "Life is pain. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling you something". Sounds pretty depressing, doesn't it? Well, life is depressing at times. Exactly the point. The author of this article makes a great statement: "This isn't as depressing as it seems. It's just perspective. A realistic perspective on the hardship of humanity."
Perspective is one of my life words. I call it a life word, I think, due to my immeasurable need for an outside look into me and because I continue to be so thankful for it when this view comes into my world, from the Lord and quite frequently from my friends. My friend, Mark, once called it having thermometers in our lives, those who can see a side we cannot see of ourselves and help us gauge our temperature, our health. What a great analogy, I have always thought.
Life evokes emotion, feeling, and decision-making. Owning up to and identifying emotion is always a bit of a challenge to me. My default is to put on a good face, take care of myself, and swallow any frustrations or uneasiness. Though I cannot pinpoint the source of these behaviours of mine, I have no question they exist. Understanding that life truly lived involves awkwardness, emotions, mistakes, communication, apologies, rebuilding, change... frees me to feel normal, human, and okay with not being perfect. I like smoothness and comfort.
"Trust me", the Lord says. "But I think I can take care of it. I can sort through it and figure out how to make all of this healthy and smooth", I reply, matter-of-factly. "I can do it, and I will if you will just allow me", says He.
May I encourage you that this last statement is completely true. He never said anything about it being easy or lacking pain. He did promise to be faithful and to never leave us. Pain is a part of life. We should expect that fact. Thankfully, we get to choose who we rely on and in whom we place our trust for our ultimate comfort, our true Home.

Congratulations Fayetteville Lady Dawgs on winning the 5A State Fast Pitch Softball Championship this past Saturday!!
As some of you know, I have been an assistant coach with these girls for the past 3 years. I could not be prouder of them for all their hard work this year to get all the way to holding up this trophy! We have won the conference 3 consecutive years now, had 2 semi-final appearances the past two years, and now a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Last week the team and I spent a lovely 6 night, 7 day vacation at The Cranbury Inn& Suites in the lovely destination of Jacksonville, Arkansas. Our stay was lengthy due to multiple rain delays. What an experience...one of those where memories are forever made. One of my favorite things...memories.
I am so grateful for my time invested in this team of unique, hilarious, and spirited girls who have enriched my life immensely. Coach Shirey, our head coach, has taught me lessons in leadership, discipline, and expecting excellence. The impact he has made on me cannot be measured. I am thankful. Girls who call me "Brinktizzle", who knock on my hotel room constantly wanting to play Samaurai, who incessantly try to mess me up as I count heads over and over in the bus... I will miss it all. What a great ending to my time coaching! Go Dawgs!

The beauty of technology. One can spend above an hour attempting cleverness and literary sharpness for readers to enjoy, scratch their heads, and praise the author for her insight, and then the computer can choose to disconnect and erase all contents of said scribe's composition. Ironic, I think it, as some of my topic from my first compilation of words dealt with my pride issue. : ) Yes. Perfect.



The prayer laid upon my heart since my journey to Londontown has begun has been that the Lord would provide open doors to assure me that this path is indeed His. A thought occurred to me today as I was surfing the net for pictures of cool old doors in London. I googled "open doors in London". I found a few, but I found more that look like this weathered one here. Is it locked? Is it unlocked? We, as the audience looking at this two dimensional entryway know not the answer to these questions. We would have to be physically present to touch the handle and turn it to reveal this mystery.
New perspective on my prayer about doors...The Lord is not a puppeteer. He will lead me, but what is my life quote? "Faith is in our feet." I must step up to the doors, open them, and walk through for Him to show me his continuing, active, tailor- made living plan. He has continued to answer my prayer of doors. At times I let my pride, self-sufficient nature, and stubborness become giants standing in front of those doors. I am transported back to the question..."What am I convinced of?" "What, or rather Who, is my center?" Always easy for me to get those commandments one and two out of order. How beautiful, intimate, and intentional the Lord is with me, to give me a couple instructions for life that I so desperately desire with my personality of wanting to have directions to follow. I love reading directions on anything...shampoo, recipes, rules to games. I know, I know. Love me or leave me...just a dorky insight into me. Thanks be to God for Sarah Harmeyer, my ambassador of pointing me to the order of one and two!

John Piper writes, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him". My trek takes my mind to this significant quote often. Funny, it does not say that we should be satisfied, gratified to the full (Webster), in Him, my friends, my family, my finances, my home... Nope, "in Him"...first. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6.33) Hmmm...so if I keep number one in its place, number two will be taken care of? Right. Thanks again for the reminder. Seems like Piper has some wisdom here.
Lord, may my full gratification come from your Well.

"And the weight of glory, if you held it in your hand, it would pass right through you, so now's your chance..." --Caedmon's Call
(Amazing album!)

Just a recommendation for a great read, in my opinion. Our community group has been working our way through the pages of this book. I find myself underlining like crazy.

Do you have friends that make you more clever? Friends that you feel smarter and funnier around? Have you found music that holds unpredictable, profound lyrics that challenges your prior notion of how a song is normally composed? I hope you do. I do. A handful of persons in my life make my wit sharper, my smile broader, and my heart richer. My friend, Lauren (pictured above with her boy Patrick) sharpens my humor because she challenges me to retort in a similar way as she has just spoken, with smart, sometimes random, word choices. A handful of musicians fill my heart with joy and make me sing at the top of my lungs. I love it!
Do you have people who you feel like are "your people"? You feel a level of ease, depth, unspoken understanding, care, and kindredness of mind. I hope you do. If you don't, find them. I believe everyone has at least a couple of kindreds to immerse themselves in. I have been struck lately by the definition of friendship. Not all look the same, nor should they appear identical...tis impossible and improbable. At times that notion is difficult for me. My longing for connection with people often can supercede my knowledge that "my people" my not number in large quantities, and that is ok. Expectations are huge, as well as, parameters. Once I know the framework and expectations of a friendship, my heart and head live in such freedom. Most times my heart runs way ahead of my brain, and the reins have to be pulled back to assess how to balance connection rather than going to extremes.
So, my word is this, I guess...treasure "your people". Treasure those that you don't consider "your people". After all #2 tells us to love our neighbor. We should treasure everyone. But do so for who they are, not for who you think they ought to be or who you would want them to be. The key is to remember how I want to be treasured...just how I am with all my junk, unconditionally. The word treasure, as my pal Webster sees it, means to hold or keep as precious. Who doesn't want to be treasured? Noone, I dare say. Expect that though all friendships will not look alike, they all enrich our lives. No man is an island, as Merton says. Thanks for being my friends, my favored companions who I think precious.
Music feeds my soul. What a poweful medium that can uplift, challenge, help us turn off our brains, inspire... The other day, I was driving to work listening to my ipod on shuffle, my favourite feature these days. I love to listen to David Gray. I love to listen to Jason Mraz. I love to listen to several other artists, of course, but I was struck by these two specifically that morning. You know how sometimes you listen to music because everyone else does or because you want to sound like you are cool because this artist is the one that everyone is talking about? I do this, yes, I am admitting that, I fall to peer pressure and always want to be in the loop of "coolness". However, I happened upon both of these gifted gents on my own, and I love them both...musically, of course. (I know them not.) People sometimes laugh at me about my intense liking of both artists. (I think this laughter comes mostly from them only knowing their radio-played songs, which as per usual most times does not reflect true depth from an artist, only what the masses will tap their toe to and sing over and over.) Tis ok. I am secure in appreciating their talent. Richness, poetry, originality, depth.
A bit of a random monologue, but my point is embrace music you love, treasure friends, and be passionate. Life is so rich and full of passionate pursuits. I believe we all have something we hold passion for and our hearts know joy when we find it.

today: thirty march oh six...
How cool is London? I found this picture on a website on St. Patrick's Day. They dye the water in the fountain at Trafalgar Square green. I just thought that was rather fun and worth a post. : )

Last Sunday I was introduced to all three services at my church as a missionary that is being sent out to London. What a blessing that time was for me! I got to see many friends at my booth I was assigned to out in the foyer, as well as getting to meet some new folks who have interest in what I am going to be doing when I move. I even had a guy, who I believe was a high schooler or maybe a college kid, come by to tell me about a great band that he loves that is based in London. This interchange with the afore mentioned nameless fellow makes me smile as I remember it. What a picture to me of why I love kids. He was hanging around waiting to chat for a little while as I was occupied with others. I saw him leave, and then when the crowd thinned, he reappeared.
"What's up?", he asked enthusiastically.
"It's been so long since I've seen you!" he continued.
"I know...seriously!", I said, playing along with him.
"Like at least five minutes", he quipped.
I loved it! He went on to tell me about this band that he loves, as well as mentioning a girl he knows who is in London who needs Jesus. The Lord continues to amaze me in his attention to detail. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father..." (James 1.17) I see this as a truth. The Lord can and does use anything to affirm, encourage, and inspire. Chatting with this mystery kid affirmed yet again why I love working with young people!
I am spending today indoors working on organizing my world as much as possible, doing follow up with potential donors and assessing where I am in my goal to move. From the looks of things, I am at about the halfway mark of having my money committed. The goal I have set currently for being ready to leave sits at the end of May. I know I had mentioned possibly moving in with some friends to cut down on costs in this lean time, but it appears that I will be staying put until the middle of May thanks to a sweet friend who is helping with some expenses.

Trust..."assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something", Webster says. Ok, yes. I agree with the definition. A bit harder to put into practice, yeah? Yet another essential entity that must take root in one's heart in addition to one's head. Trust...a daily decision I continue to discover, just as love is.
All is on track as far as I can see. I continue to keep my headlamp on.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you." (John 15.4)

I have returned home to Fayetteville from my two week stay in Little Rock with the family. My niece, Isabel (Izzy) arrived on schedule on 28 Feb bright and early. Izzy's older sister of almost two years is completely in love with this new addition to the Chad Brinkley household. (See pics below...Izzy and me, Chad and Ella.)
SNL, Jamba Juice sketch...funny. Random, but important. I do Young Life, remember? Random funny is the key to my heart.
I feel good about my trip to Ouachita, my college alma mater, where I got to see some of my favorite people. As I drove around Arkadelphia, reminiscing about my four and a half years there, thankfulness overwhelmed. The experience of a small college campus is priceless. Almost every square inch of the OBU campus, not to mention a bit of the Henderson State campus across the street (where I spent my junior year) holds a memory about which I could tell a (very detailed) story. I told my parents one afternoon after returning from Arkadoo that I have turned into them...spending my time driving around town looking at all the places I resided. I did not take pictures, as they have, but I confess I did think about it. I am sentimental and proud of it! A small college (about 1700 total on campus) holds such charm. Family...it sounds cliche', but it is true.
The next couple of weeks bring a distinct call for faith. In the mean time between jobs, my prayer for immediate provision moves to the top of the list.
My dear friends, the Addingtons, have opened their home to me for the next few months as I finish raising my money to move. I plan to move in at the end of the month which excites me mucho!
As the days get crossed off the calendar, my heart feels more and more displaced and ready to be in Londontown. The Lord continues to do intentional work on my person to prepare me...showing me areas that need to be healthier, revealing my need for more dependence on Him first, and challenging me to trust without limits.
Comfortable? No. Predictable? No. Beneficial? Yes.

My definition of "love" is being expanded and deepened to go beyond previous notion. The first commandment calls me to "Love the Lord with all [my] heart, with all [my] soul, with all [my] strength, and with all [my] mind" (Mark 12.30). The word "all" can be defined as meaning "completely taken up with, given to, or absorbed by". Webster gives us one meaning of the word "love" as "an unselfish love and benevolent concern for the good of another". I love the dictionary. I love understanding meaning. As a Christian, I equate God with love. If I were to diagram the sentence, "God is love", it would be rather elementary. As much as I adore the predictable structure of the English language, His character is beyond predictablity and structure.
For this deeper discovery, I am beyond thankful.
Soon...
kb

This evening I sit composing at my desk looking up at my life scripture verse hanging on my wall..."Remain in me, and I will remain in you." (John 15.4) The Lord is intimate and detail focused. I have come to realise, recognise, and relish this character trait of the Creator. I am also clinging to this intentionality that He has shown me throughout my walk with Him and even more so in the months as of late.
I officially finish my tenure teaching preschoolers how to exercise at the end of this week. My boss has hired a fellow to take my place teaching my some 150 kiddos every week. I know he will be great, and I feel good about leaving them in his care. I will miss that reckless love that those sweet friends lavished upon me beyond the shadow of a doubt. I am fairly convinced that among those little ones is the closest I will be to experiencing fame. What a beautiful picture of how we are supposed to love the Lord, without pretense, condition, or self-consciousness. I pray I never forget the blessing this job of squashing balls with my abdominals doing push-ups or giving myself a hug, saying "You're the best kid ever!" to do sit-ups has been to my soul. (See pic of my little pals.)
And, on my feet of faith tred...
Strange. Unpredictable. Scary. Exciting. Real.
All these words come to mind as the next page in this journey across the pond turns. The balance between faith and practicality. To those of you who have known a window into my life post-college, you will recognise this life question of mine that again comes to the forefront of my life these days. I need to work to live, and I also need to continue my pace of meeting with people, making phone calls, and sending letters to keep moving toward my goal of raising my funding and moving to London. Details that seem to float this way and that on the waves of the sea of uncertainty that I know the Lord can walk across...steady the boat and smooth the path that I have little or no control over. Is the Lord not amazing in his vastness, his Word that is so active, alive, and applicable without fail? For someone such as myself who loves and aspires to write...who else could write truisms so original and lasting? Noone.
I will spend next week in Little Rock and Arkadelphia meeting with friends, staying with the parentals. I will get to go to Ouachita to see some great pals from college life that I have missed and hopefully will become my Londontown teammates. I will also get to see my new niece, Isabel Lorin. She is expected to enter our world on February 28th in Hot Springs. (Lorin is my middle name, so Chad and Heather have named her partially after me. I am blessed beyond words! Precious.)
Transitions are beginning...looking at moving in with some friends soon, doing temp work to pay the bills, moving home at some point before I make my big move...it is going to really start to feel more real in the very near future.
Trust. Remain. Walk.

The weather outside yesterday made my friend Becky and I think of England. Though it is January, we have had very little true winter-like weather here in NW Arkansas as of late. Becky spent a year in northern England at a bible college, so she shares my love and helps me with tips...English tips... She called me yesterday and invited my over for a Jane Austen evening to watch classics like Emma and Sense and Sensibility. I love her for thinking of such a theme for such a day. : ) I don't know that I mentioned it, but I have recently become a bit obsessed with Austen novels and movies. I cannot help but think it appropriate at this juncture of my life. I read Pride and Prejudice just prior to the release of the latest version to the big screen. I also made sure to watch the BBC/A&E version before trekking off to the local theater. I must say I ardently adore it. Indeed, I do.
I am back in the routine of life in Arkansas after my visit to gorgeous Colorado. I am three weeks away from being done with my preschool position and then will transition to temp work, odd jobs, and various other asundry vocations until I leave for England. You can pray that all that uncertainty falls in line to enable me to pay all that needs to be taken care of between now and my move. When will I move, you ask? Well, it looks like perhaps sometime between mid-April and early May. My hope resides in this goal.
David Gray music is good for my soul. Honestly, if you have never taken time to listen, take it. (Take it, care for it...!) Soothing, harmonious, poetic.
I feel more and more affirmed that London is soon to be my home. I am excited about the doors that are open, the staff that are already loving on me like crazy, and a new chapter in my story. May the Lord lead and illuminate the way.

The view out my window for the last week has been that of Pike's Peak here in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Not a bad view while learning more about my upcoming cross cultural experience. I sit in the Clarion lobby listening to the wind gust through the trees outside my window. God is majestic. Every time I catch a view of the Rocky Mountains, the word that comes to mind is "majesty". I am in awe of His splendor.
Cross Cultural Orientation has been a wonderful time of insight, challenge, and great fun. Young Life trainings never fail to bless me. I feel encouraged, surrounded by people who are in love with the Lord, and affirmed that I am on the right track.
I have gotten to room with Liz Watkins, who is on staff in London presently. We have become fast friends and are excited to be in the same area very soon. I now have about 20 new friends who will be in all parts of the world...Tanzania, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Africa, Norway, Peru, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Sweden. I love it! God is big, friends...beyond our comprehension.
When I get the privilege of coming to a YL training I always feel like I am with "my people". It is such a sweet connection that the Lord allows us all to have, and we know that He is the glue that binds our hearts. I am convinced the Lord believes friends to be of high importance. After all, in John 15 he calls us his friends. (Sidenote: John 15 is my favorite chapter of the Bible.) I feel at home here, in this community. I am convinced that the Lord knows me so intimately that he understands deeply my need to feel centered as I prepare to embark on such a foreign, challenging journey. Shocking as it may be for those of you who know me well, I find myself stumped as I try to adequately articulate my point at the moment. (I seem to never be in short supply of explanation. :) ) It feels right...doing ministry, going to London, challenging my borders and fears. I am thankful.
He has also used this week to remind me that His timing is always perfect. I am part of the minority of people involved this week that have been out of college for a while. Most here will be interns in the areas in the country in which they will reside. Internships internationally look quite different than those stateside. The job is large of an int'l intern, their job descriptions looking more like that of an area director in some senses. I was not ready for that sort of an internship 5 years ago when I came on YL stateside staff. I am certain of that fact. I am blown away by the maturity and strength of my friends in their early 20's moving toward this big adventure!
As I reread this entry I feel like it's a bit dry and full of facts. I must say that I am processing quite a bit at the moment and being the "internal processer" that I am, I am realising that I am going to need a bit more time to organise my thoughts. I'll be in touch with more London related revelations.
Soon..
kb