England trip - a success!

I attempted to update this blog while I was in England, but I had trouble logging in.
Since I returned, I have been fighting jet lag and trying to catch up on everything at home and at work that I missed while away.

Now, I finally have a minute to sit and write about my wonderful trip:

I left for Manchester, England on Friday, September 21. I flew alone, but it wasn't too bad. The plane bounced at the end of the runway, but all went well. My flight was slightly late, and by the time I got through customs, I finally saw the worried look on my friend Amy's face. She was just starting to think I wasn't going to make it! It was very early Saturday morning by then. We sat in a coffee shop and talked a little about our journeys - then we caught the train. The train was severely delayed (due to vandalism on the track) so we got an unexpected opportunity for a nearly two-hour nap! Then we took a cab to our conference center.

The Hayes Conference Center was nice enough. All of the people we met in and around Manchester were very friendly. I was the only one who could understand the locals (but I think everyone else caught on by the end of the week). I kind of enjoyed playing English interpreter!

Sunday, Amy and I took a cab out to Chatsworth and visited the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (I believe). Fans of the most recent Pride and Prejudice movie will know this as the filming location. I, myself, haven't seen the film ... yet.

Our conference started on Monday evening. It was a miraculous week. Some of the attendees haven't had the priviledge to sing in English is years - so it was a beautiful joy to see on their faces as we worshipped the Lord each day. God not only did a mighty work among the attendees, but He did a mighty work in me. He really confirmed that He has a plan and purpose for me, and I don't know what it is, but it's going to be exciting. There is a reason that I have been through so much, and God is planning to use it for His glory.

There were many tears shed during the week: Some of joy, some of sadness. Some of relief and some of uncertainty. But I think all of us felt renewed (although exhausted) at the end of the week.

We made wonderful friends with the ladies from Living Vessels ministries, who put on their Esther Experience. You can check them out at www.livingvessels.org. They are awesome.