I wish!

I wish there were a little more time in a day... and a few more hours in the night.

I wish I had more than a week left - to see friends and family before my flight.

I wish plane tickets didn't cost money; I'd travel endlessly all over the place.

I wish that bags would pack themselves, so I wouldn't have to worry about my suitcase!

I wish the sun shone all the time and it were warmer where I choose to live.

I wish more people understood the need at 3 a.m. to be productive!

I wish I could pursue all the plans and ideas and dreams that swirl around in my head.

I wish I weren't sitting on the couch, and instead were in a nice, warm bed...

Goodnight!  (Technically morning by now...)

Freedom

Something about this country makes me think of freedom.  Perhaps it's being in the land of William Wallace, and thinking of Mel Gibson's cry of "FREEEEDOMMM!!" in the movie "Braveheart".  Maybe it's the sound of bagpipes and seeing men in kilts... or better yet, it could be the endless rolling hills and wild countryside.  Whatever it is, freedom hangs in the air.

Freedom to live, freedom to love.  Thank God for freedom!  As the presidential elections in the U.S. draw near, I am reminded of the freedom that was fought for in that country, and the many who have died for it.  I am thankful for the foundation they have laid, allowing me the great joy - and responsibility - of making daily choices that determine my circumstances in life.  I am grateful for the privilege to cast a vote this year, and am inspired to stand for the cause of true freedom.  The question is, what does it really mean to be "free"?

William Wallace Memorial

Scotland

On freedom...

Pitlochry

Life in Scotland: what can I say?!  It's absolutely beautiful here; reminds me a lot of Washington state.  I've been on a few walks and hikes, and I keep forgetting where I am.  There's a park with a waterfall nearby that looks just like Whatcom Falls, and a little inlet on the river that looks like a part of Larrabee State Park.  The most similar thing, though, is the RAIN.  Rain and cold, clouds and rain, all day, every day... And it's summer.  Oh well.  Like I said, it's beautiful, and in an odd way (minus the cold), refreshing.  There is a sense of renewal that hangs in the air.  The people who are hosting us are kind and caring, opening their homes to us, and welcoming us warmly.  The scenery is green and luscious; even as a team we have been resting and enjoying some extra free time...

Last week we visited Edinburgh and the world-famous Fringe Art Festival, where we also hiked up to the spot where one of the scenes from "Chariots of Fire" was shot.  It happened to be a gorgeous day and we had the chance for a few good photos in the sunshine...  

An Epic Tale

This is the story - an epic tale - of two football (AKA soccer) teams

in all-out war to claim their place in the Olympic quarter-finals...

(Actually, it's more like a story of how I went to the match, but

that's besides the point.)

One afternoon, not too long ago, I was sitting in the living room with

some friends, eating pizza, when one of them found available tickets

to watch Brazil play New Zealand in the Olympics. We all looked at

each other, and in the following 25 seconds, as Lee clicked through

the screens to confirm the availability of the tickets, we decided to

take the plunge. In unison we turned to Lee, exclaiming "I'm in!".

Five tickets were purchased, and the adventure began... Only AFTER we

bought tickets did I realize the game would be in Newcastle and I was

to be staying in London during that time. Oh well :)

Thankful that I found tickets to an Olympic event, and even more so

that I would have the (perhaps) once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to

watch Brazil play, AND it all happened to coincide with my one day

off... How could I refuse the chance to witness such an epic event -

history in the making?!

Tuesday night my team performed in Sidcup, in the greater London area.

After the show and mingling with the audience, I quickly changed and

literally RAN to the train station to make the 22h train back into

London. I had an 23.55h bus to catch, and it would take a 40 minute

train, 20 minute subway, and 10 minute walk to get me there, not to

mention transfers and waiting time.

After huffing and puffing and breaking quite a sweat (I hate running),

we arrived at the train station with 2 minutes to spare to catch the

incoming train. Safely aboard, I could relax that there was enough

time to make all the connections. At London Waterloo, we transferred

to the tube (subway), and rode two different lines, eventually

covering the distance to Victoria station. It's incredible how many

people were still traveling at 11pm... :) oh the city!

When we arrived at the coach station, I knew we were in the right

place: I found myself surrounded by the musical sound of Portuguese,

and bright yellow jerseys everywhere I looked. We weren't the only

ones to catch an overnight bus to Newcastle...

Seven hours later, with a solid 40 minutes of sound sleep, we pulled

up to a lifeless Newcastle, supporting my theory that no one should be

awake at 6.30am... The streets looked like a ghost town, with not a

soul to be seen. I considered sleeping in an alley somewhere, but

unfortunately it was cold and wet, and I didn't think it would be

conducive to my wellbeing. We settled for Starbucks instead. What's

6 hours in a coffee shop anyways?! One crazy way to spend my day off,

but to take the train at a more convenient time was 5 times the

price... Overnight buses it is!

Four hours of Starbucks later, I had my nails painted green and

yellow, my eyeshadow matching, and decked out in Brazil colors. Go

big or go home :) I fully support my Latin American team! I even did

Clark's nails, as I told him he should take one for the team...

The game was a blast. Brazil dominated New Zealand 3-0 and we proudly supported their win. The crowd was friendly and upbeat, fully

sporting the Olympic spirit. With our big flag and enthusiastic

cheers we made friends quickly...

What a day! It's nice to slip away from the usual routine, find

myself in a new environment, and hang out with a different group of

people... I experienced the Olympics first-hand, and THAT is a special

event indeed.

Cheers mates! :)

High School

Yesterday I had an amazing experience: I felt like I was 16 again!  Now, I may be 24, quickly going on 25, but that was not how I thought of myself a day ago!
We performed at a high school in Wolverhampton, England... who would have thought :)  Anyhow, I want to go to that school; it was so nice!  It reminded me of where I used to go to school in Holland; so diverse, but much friendlier than what I remember it being like... I met a few girls from Amsterdam - from my old hood :)  They were overly excited when they found out that I speak Dutch - I'm glad it made such an impact!  Ha.
At any rate, it was a good day: so many smiling faces, the opportunity to mingle with students and staff, and perform our full show twice.  Why do I find myself wishing I was back in high school?  Only for a second, really.  Wouldn't it be nice to feel like your whole life was ahead of you, to not carry financial and social responsibilities, and to spend every day in an environment geared toward your growth and education?...
Yeah, who am I kidding?!  Maybe in hind-sight that's what high school is like, but I know the reality of it.  It sure doesn't feel like utopia when you're in it - and not that it is.  I wouldn't trade the experiences I've had since then for anything (well, maybe one or two, but that's a different story), and I enjoy the life of an adult... but still... I guess at the end of the day, it's not all that bad :)  If only more high schoolers could appreciate what's in front of them instead of trying to grow up faster... Just a random thought for the day :)

Show Time!!!

After months of preparation, the time has finally come! We've hit the road - show and all :) It is not only a privilege, but a great pleasure to be "on tour" with this group. A bunch of people who love Jesus, volunteering their time and talents to simply give a taste of the Arts, and a message to hope, to all people... 

Our first full performance was Wednesday, June 27th, and since then we've done several full shows, as well as some shorter performances at schools, and a talent show. We were going to hit the streets of Nuneaton (middle of nowhere, England), but the weather prevented us from doing so this weekend - rain, rain rain :( Maybe next time!

At one elementary school in the area, we performed a chunk of our show, and we taught 12 different workshops to all the different grade levels and classes - it was fun! The kids were so cute - learning Bible stories, verses, hula dancing, and Korean drums...

One of my group's hula classes :)

At another school we went to - or "college" as they call it here in England - we happened to be there on the same day they were visited by one of the Olympic Torch bearers! After performing for the school, we were asked to take a photo with Lucy Davies, who carried the Olympic Torch through a part of Leicester, England last week. The Olympics are just around the corner, and the whole nation is talking about it!

Our crew with Lucy Davies, and the Olympic Torch she carried!

It's exciting to be a part of this particular season - this dot on the timeline of history. Performing our show is a blast; although it was a challenge to get this far, and took hard work, it is really fun, now! It doesn't always run perfectly, or smoothly - like when I threw my Spanish fan in the middle of a performance last week :D - but somehow it always pulls together and despite our mistakes, the heart of God shines through strongly!

Time to dance!

Love,

Stephanie

JOY :D

I'm am so thankful for the sun!  The past week has been beautiful, and I have found myself enjoying the surroundings of the King's Lodge, basking in the sun, and working on my tan (AKA SunBURN!) :)  The warmth is healing to my body, and to my heart.  So to those who were worried about what in the world would become of me over the course of 4 months in miserable weather: thank God for making the sun shine down on me :)  I think I'll be okay!  Below is the King's Lodge... notice the BLUE sky!

Not only will I be OKAY, but life is GOOD.  I spent today, Saturday, enjoying the sun, and giving thanks for all the wonderful people in my life, and amazing experiences that I have had.  Reflecting back over the years of travel, of work, of family, friends, and fun.  Life is good.  Life is great.  I can't complain, but I am filled with JOY at the memories of each precious moment.  

A couple of weeks ago I had a class about joy and healing (from trauma).  Probably one of the best weeks of teaching that I have ever had in my life... The principle was simple and clear, and essential to life, applicable to any and all situations: we were created for connection, for relationship.  The human brain experiences JOY when someone is glad to be with us.  The key to recovering from addiction, from trauma, or from the stresses of life is JOY, which is released in the brain when I engage in positive relationship with another.  We can experience true healing when there is a joyful connection with another person.  I believe in a personal relationship with Jesus, that is the foundation of connecting to God and experiencing joy, because He is glad to be with me.  His love is constant, and unconditional.  How easy it is to get caught up in a lot of activity, in much to do, and lost in many thoughts; but when I stop to connect with Him, ask Him questions, and feel that joy, suddenly I can cope with all kinds of other situations.  That's what I did in the sun today: I connected with Jesus.  I spent time with Him.  Now I feel refreshed, I feel invigorated with new energy, and heaps of JOY.  God is GREAT.  Life is good.  Thank You Jesus!

(So that I don't forget... it's all about joy!)

It is SO COLD!

A week ago yesterday I arrived at the King's Lodge in England.  I have to say that so far, it has been everything I expected it to be: cold and miserable!  It's cloudy, it rains intermittently, and it's FREEZING - even inside the building!  The weather aside, it's nice to be in the middle of nowhere, but ONLY because it's helping me to get stuff done (notice how I'm updating my blog for the first time in quite a while)... That's because there's nothing else to do around here!  The base is located in the country, about a 45 minute walk from the nearest town, Nuneaton.  Although in any other country that might be a nice walk, the cloudy skies and brisk temperatures keep me from wandering out beyond the absolutely necessary.

My neighbors (as seen here on the right) are COWS.  Down the road we have some SHEEP... my favorite... NOT!  I'm just not really a country girl, and the whole farm-animal thing... not so much.  But hey, for some people, this feels like home.  Personally, though, I miss the CITY!

What I did for "fun" this weekend: walk to town. Nuneaton at least shows signs of life... there are PEOPLE (versus cows and sheep), and a few places to sit and have a good cup of coffee (necessary in this weather!).  It's a good change from lectures, dancing, and sleeping... All my other time has been spent desperately trying to catch up on 2 months worth of emails and messaging... Getting there!

Did I mention how the British drive on the WRONG side of the road?!  Just wanted to point that out :)  Not only do I have to walk 45 minutes in miserable weather to get to town, but I almost died in the process because cars are coming from all the wrong directions..!  They weren't very keen on hitchhikers either... not quite sure why not :)


Anyhow, those are my first thoughts from this wet little country... It's nice and green - quite the contrast from Amsterdam.  It's peaceful, and quiet, and I have been going to bed earlier this past week then I think I ever have before!  I suppose that's good.  But still, the lack of sunshine is hard to bear... especially knowing that Amsterdam, and even Bellingham, are having much nicer weather... of all the places I could be right now... Aaaah.  HOWEVER, I am in a new place, meeting lots of people, and that's always an adventure, of course!

Now that I'm stuck here for the time being, I'll try to update my blog more often... What I'll find to write about, I'm not quite sure, but there is bound to be something exciting going on :)  If you're reading this and the sun is shining wherever you are, count your blessings!  Chances are, it's not shining here!  :D

In dire need of SUNSHINE, yet thankful to be alive,

Steph :)

It has begun!

Amsterdam, April 2012

Some of my fellow staff...

Discipleship Training School:

  

Welcoming Night for the students 

Doing a little dance...

Finally, it has begun.  The Performing Arts DTS, Amsterdam 2012, is now in session.
Much more to come!  Stay tuned :)

A New Beginning

So, other than waking up at 3 a.m. (which no one should ever have to do), the first flight of my transatlantic trip was relatively uneventful... I slept from Seattle to San Francisco, even after a triple-shot Starbucks! Unfortunately, that's where the smooth travel came to an abrupt end. Right around the time I was supposed to begin boarding my next plane to Chicago, the airline announced that they had discovered a hydraulic fuel leak and our take-off would be delayed. Of course I wanted them to fix it, but I was really hoping not to miss my already tight connection to Amsterdam. I only had about an hour to make my connecting flight in Chicago, and we were running 40 minutes late – still with no word on boarding. The airline prepared a different plane for us eventually, and by my calculations, we would be landing in Chicago right as my next plane was scheduled to take off – hardly enough time to make the connection!

As I arrived in Chicago, I ran to the next gate, and luckily, they were holding the plane so I made it – just barely! I was the very last person to get on. Although everyone was giving me the angry look for being the person who caused a delay, I managed to get two adjacent seats to myself and slept most of the way to Amsterdam.

After long hours of travel, we began the descent to an overcast (of course) Holland. WHAT was I thinking?! There would be no blast of tropical heat upon arrival. I am still wondering how it is that I ended up back in Holland, but here I am. Amsterdam – the city I was born in – so beautiful, yet the weather really puts a damper on it... literally.

Upon landing, I was somewhat excited as I was traveling for the first time with a Dutch passport. To my dismay, I didn't even get a stamp! The guy took a quick look – I hardly think he verified my identity – and then he sent me on my way with a mere “dankjewel” [Dutch: thank you]. I guess I should be happy that it was such a quick and easy entry...

On the other side of baggage claim, my friend Marie met me to help lug my bags on the train to Central Station and then half-way across the city to my new home at De Poort (YWAM building). A walk that usually takes about 15 minutes took us at least 30 as we had to stop repeatedly, switch the weight, and readjust the wheels on my luggage to keep them from breaking on the uneven bricks along the way... I've decided that it's one thing to take a trip (pack light), but another entirely to move half-way around the world (you take more stuff)!

My arrival happened to coincide with an evening “Love Feast” (a nice dinner). There were about 150 people in attendance. Some of the nations represented: Norway, Mexico, Venezuela, South Africa, Nigeria, Germany, Romania, USA, Holland, Italy, Canada, Pakistan, India, Brazil, Eritrea... and who knows about the other 135 people who were there! :)

Anyhow – as for me – I crashed after dinner; it was quite the trip. I am glad to have made it back to Amsterdam, but I am still unsure what to make of it... It's exhilirating, yet, terrifying. I'm here to stay, and that somehow is surreal to me. We'll see what the next couple of months bring!

As I write this, I am on the train to Berlin (currently passing through Apeldoorn). I am going to visit a dear friend of mine for a few days. I would post this blog right away, but no wifi in the train, so I will have to wait until I get off in Germany... :) If you're reading this, it means I made it to Berlin safely.

I'll keep you posted!

Love,

Steph

The Greatest Person in my Life

I'm currently surrounded by my family and wonderful friends - the relationships I have in life make me feel so rich! I can think of countless people who have deeply influenced me over the years... And as I sit and reflect on the people who mean the most to me, there is a person who stands out above any other, and I just want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the greatest friend and closest companion I've ever had!

There is a person who has taught me more than anyone else, and is responsible for the hope that I have, the faith I profess, and the smile on my face. I don't talk about this person nearly enough, but He means the world to me! His Name is Jesus. He is the Son of God, and Son of Man; the Creator who took on flesh so I could see the Invisible. He's the Man who teaches me how to live, how to love, how to be at peace knowing that He is above it all, how not to worry, not to stress, and trust Him each step of the way. He's the God who teaches me to love beyond myself, give more than I think I can, and see what others choose to ignore. He changed the world, the course of human history, and He left His mark on me!

He has always been there, through thick and thin, no matter the distance, country, or location. When no on else saw me, when no one else knew what was going on... He has never pointed a finger, nor demanded anything of me, but so faithfully and warmly invites me to taste and live the love He gives...
He has never turned His back or given up, though I have on Him. He has never wronged me, though I have Him. Always, He has my best interests at heart, and always, I can count on Him!

The love and the wisdom that mark Jesus' life inspire me. Some may think He's just a teacher, or maybe that He isn't real, but His touch is undeniable, and it's genuine. It's fantastic news to all who choose to hear! A love that lays down everything? A love that gives sacrificially, selflessly, without limit and without measure? Love that is faithful and true, patient and kind. Fierce love, jealous love, relentlessly pursuing me – how could I turn away?!

Jesus is the greatest Person in my life. I'm stunned out of my mind whenever I think of how much He has loved me, and loves me still... I want to love like that. I want to be like Him. And that's the Gospel: that we can have a relationship with the Person who changes the world, one life at a time, by receiving His love and being transformed to His likeness. We can't, but He did, and He'll do it in us every day if we choose to let Him... We spend time with Him, get to know Him, and the world will see Jesus, when we love like He loves.

So this is dedicated to the Man that I can't live without, the Person who has changed and formed the way I think, the way I feel, and the choices that I make. He means the world to me, and I will gladly give the world to follow Him, because His love has changed my life, rocked me to the core, and His invitation to know Him is extended to me every day... If only everyone had a friend like that!

I love You, Jesus!