1) This will be a very gereral post, covering a wide range of events and topics based upon my visit last weekend.
2) A branch of the first, since there are so many diverse topics, this post will be somewhat long.
I will try to divide them as I progress through events and stories I feel that I need to share, and ones you would simply like to hear/read.
Trains (Part 1):
It was a great first long-distance train ride for me. I have now gotten to experience the great railway system of Britain. I left the station of Merthyr Tydfil on Friday to arrive in Brighton&Hove later that evening.
I really enjoyed the view as the Welsh, and later English, countryside passed by as I leaned my head against the window taking in all the scenery as it passed by.
Most of the track along the way followed a quickly paced river with various waterfalls, babbling brooks, and flowing streams coming from the source.
It was raining, and even though my train would streamline past certain spots, it was a peaceful and relaxing ride. I listened to music and read a book along the way. Halfway through reading this book, the gentle swaying of the train began to make me drowsy, and some well meaning passengers woke me from my slumber to make sure I didn't need to get off at the stop they had found imperitive for their future travels of the day.
I thanked them for their consideration, and again tried to drift off into a dream which needed a continuation.
Again I was woken from a new passenger to accompany me on the seat to my right. After considering if I should be polite and speak, or go back to my dream... I decided I should a least extend a bit of conversation. "I'm glad I decided against walking this morning." I told the man next to me. He was about thirty years old, and he apparently found this rather dry humorous American comment quite funny. We discussed the general intents of our various travel, and I came to find out he is an architect going to visit family in the east part of England.
The great thing about this whole conversation, was that I was able to share with him about the missions trip to Wales and tell him all about our purpose while there. I was thankful for this opportunity to share about the mission, and about Jesus. Even though I don't believe he was saved, I was able to at least be a witness for Christ.
Only a couple hours into my trip, and I had made a "friend" already. But no, God wasn't done. I had the chance to share my testimony with 2 other people on this trip.
Then, chaos broke.
I tried to push the button to open the doors at my stop in Cosham, England. The door basically said no, and I was forced to miss my stop and get off at the next one.
I then had to take a train going the opposite direction back to Cosham. This train, didn't even try to slow down as I saw my stop whizz past on both the sides of the train.
I was shocked, and then had to sit on the train for at least 30 minutes going who knows where.
I then took the next train hoping to at least not be incredibly late. But I tried to trust God, and know that He had me delayed for a reason. I finally arrived at my destination only 2 minutes later than originally intended. Again, why worry?
The cities of Brighton and Hove:
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| The statue representing the dividing line between the city of Brighton and Hove |
He took me to where I'd be staying for the weekend (which was actually inside the church).
And I just kind of settled in, rested from my trip, and went down to the English channel; which was only a few minutes away.
It almost felt surreal being able to look directly across the water (the channel) and know that I'm looking out toward France.
Sometimes it seems I'm not really on the other side of the Atlantic... until those kind of moments.
Another time team friend, Nic, was my tour guide for the day on Saturday.
Brighton is a very busy and happening city. There's plenty of things to see and do.
I got to go on a ferris wheel, explored the famous piers of Brighton, visited the Brighton museum, saw some of the beautiful churches and cathedrals of the city, traversed "the lanes" of Brighton (large shopping area), went to Starbucks, saw the Royal Pavillion (taj mahal lookalike), and probably many other things which I can't remember at the moment. The views of the beach are quite awesome too. I've posted many more pics on Facebook if you would like to see some of the sights in Brighton.
Brighton is not with out its problems though... and without detailing all the flaws found in the city, we need to remember that everyone needs a Savior. And Brighton&Hove is no different. People who do not have Christ in the center of their lives will find it very easy to place themselves in the center. Then everything they do will be catering toward the flesh and the mentality of "me first". I'm told that this is where most of the problems sprout from in Brighton.
Holland road baptist church:
Built in 1887, Holland road is the hub for quite a few ministries in Brighton... Not to mention a partner in the Missions trip to Wales (only a couple of weeks away now!)
For more info about the church, go to:
http://www.hrbc.org.uk/
The services on Sunday were great! The morning was about "Rescuing your family" and the evening focused on the power of prayer.
Between those services, I went to Phillip Deuk's house and enjoyed a delicious meal which, due to my slow eating habits, took awhile to complete.
I was also unvoluntarily volunteered to sing in a few rounds of karaoke. (not my cup of tea, but I did appreciate the fact there were some Disney songs)
The next morning, I met up with some of the local church leaders and shared a devotional about idolotry.
It's important that nothing comes higher than God. And that anything which takes the higher precidence is an idol in our life. Afterward, I got to have lunch with a couple of the church leaders and we discussed the missions trip, my trip, and further plans.
Trains part 2:
My trip came to an end. And after I stopped to get myself a sub from Subway, I gathered my belongings and began my journey through the pouring rain to the train station.
It was not the most pleasant of walks. And as I waded through the deep puddles and drenching downpour, I quickly became aware of a hole in my shoe allowing water in.
When I arrived at Hove station, I found that my train had been cancelled due to flooding on the tracks.
So I got on the next available train... To make a long story shorter, several changes and hours more than I expected, I arrived in Cardiff. And by this time it was 12:00AM so I had missed my connecting train to take me back to Merthyr. Thankfully, the train company paid for a taxi to take me back home. And all came to a nice ending.
On the train trip, I got to see one of the famous chalk drawings of Britain... unfortunately I couldn't get a good picture. But here is what I saw:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Westburywhitehorse.JPG
Anyway, there are just a few highlights of my trip... I now must continue sending e-mails for the mission and prepare to leave for the youth weekend away, I leave tonight to help out until Sunday afternoon.
Hopefully it won't be quite so long till my next post!
-David
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