Life or something like it....

Toto, We definitely aren't in Kansas anymore....

Well, as you all probably expected, I finally arrived safe and sound in Wales. ( This is the Welsch Falg above..) I was up for the first 48 hours straight and the jet lag was rough. But I think that I am finally adjusting to the five hour time difference. The other five interns are wonderful and God blessed our time together at our training at Bethelwoods.
Four of the interns are staying on Pontypridd (which is actually pronounced pont-y-preeth) working each at different churches. Here I am with my dear friend, Renee, who is also my team partner for the summer. She just graduated from Erskine with a degree in Chemistry and is heading to grad school in the fall.
After our 8 hour plane ride, which by the way, was very cool because each person had their own TV in the seat in front of them and I got to watch movies for the whole trip...very nice!! We arrived in London and borded a bus to take us to Cardiff, Wales. We finally got to Cardiff about 4 pm (England time) and then had to take a van another 30 mintues to get to Pontypridd. Needless to say, we were all VERY tired of sitting!!! We met one of the main missionary family, the Howards, and they were kind enough to take us in and feed us before we had to go and help lead youth group. So, you could say that we hit the ground and started running, but I am not regretting a minute of it.
The family that I am living with is absolutely WONDERFUL!! They are so dear and been so helplful to help me adjust to this new culture. Their daughter was so sweet to give up her room for the 2 months and I have been very humbled by their generosity.


After Youth Group, the kids took me and the other interns to experience our first "Fish and Chips." Renee, who was in Wales last spring, had already sampled them once before, but I do have to say that the Welsh know how to make some GOOD French Fries. We had to document this event as well...So, here we are at this little Welsh shop, eating the best greasest fries ever!!!

After finishing the delicious fries, we were standing around outside and I noticed a police man walking down the street. Now, he looked very different from the police in the U.S. We had been told that we had to very careful about taking pics of people and needed to ask first. So, I asked one of the other adults from the Youth Group and he thought that it was so funny that I was fascinated with the policeman and his outfit. So, they let me take a picture with him...so here we are with our police officer friend...nice hat,huh??

The scenery here in Wales is beautiful as well. I cannot get over the rolling hills and farms...pretty amazing. I am reminded of God's creation everywhere I go. Here is just a glimpse of what I get to see every morning when I look at my window....and around town. Well, I promise to write more as soon I get time. Please be praying for our group that we would be united and be bold in our witness for Christ. Pray for the schools that we will be sharing in that the Word of God would be impressed upon their hearts. Pray for the hearts of the children and youth that we are working with, that Christ would open their eyes and their hearts to his love and forgiveness. Thank you for your prayers and support and I can feel your prayers. I miss and love you all!

posted by *Rach* @ 11:30 AM