Farewell, Cardiff

Singing "Wonderwall" by Oasis at the tops of our lungs with a bunch of strangers at midnight was not exactly what we were thinking would happen as we ventured out onto the streets to do worship at night. For most of the night, people quickened their pace passing by us with a confused but genuine smile on their faces, but we knew we would run into some interesting characters going out as late as we did. We don't know anything about that group of people, and we will probably never see them again. Yet, a weird and glorious moment was shared with them, and it was great. 

This week has been very different in terms of ministry and activities. We leafleted for a church cafe in a little village called Pontpernnau. We meticulously dated and sorted hundreds of cans of food at the Cardiff Food Bank. We also were trusted enough to paint a couple of rooms at the church we are staying at to bless them for accommodating us. 

The night we worshiped on the streets, we also handed out lollipops that conveniently led to some pretty cool conversations about Jesus.

Some things we've learned as a team after Week Two:

1. exercise sometimes hurts and can potentially limit one's ability to walk
2. God sees all our crud and still cares about us
3. being outside makes us happy
4. delegating and sharing responsibilities is vital
5. balloons keep us entertained

Tomorrow we all hop on planes, trains (and tubes), and automobiles to arrive in Torremolinas (outside of Malaga, Spain) around midnight. Prayers for safe travels and acceptance into a non-English speaking country would be super appreciated. Thanks friends and family!

Rholio mewn Cardiff

HAPPY EASTER! Jesus is risen indeed!

       It's been just over a week down here in Cardiff, but we have been rolling. Cathays Methodist Church (very near to the center of town) graciously offered us all accommodation for our whole stay, and we have made ourselves at home.

       It takes more food than you could imagine to feed 13 ravenous young people, so groceries were our first fun challenge.  Then, we had time to explore and do some team building and prayer walking. 

      After a couple of days of figuring out life and Cardiff and our team roles, we joined up with a couple of local churches to do a week-long ministry called Making More of Easter. We have all done questionnaires and sketch boards and a photo exhibition as well as some "praying and doing it" ministry that led to many challenging conversations, worshiping on the streets, shining shoes, handing out daffodils, and even 2 girls committing their lives to Christ. WHOOP!

      When this many people with different backgrounds and personalities are thrown together in situations like this, its inevitable that conflict arises, but we are continuously practicing conflict resolution and overcoming miscommunication. It's a risk we have to take when we try to love people extravagantly. Each day we becoming more unified with each other in Christ. It just takes some time figuring out who is the foot and who is the ear. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)

Some things we've learned as a team after Week One:  

1. God distributes his workers to the right places, but at the same time there is still a lack of workers
2. circumstances cannot stop God's blessings
3. we like cheese and onion flavoured crisps
4. Good Friday is just as important as Easter Day
5. we can't put Jesus in a box

We still have a week left of the Welsh part of our adventure, then off to Spain. Thanks for prayers and love- keep it coming!

Meet Our Family!

Hi friends!

Welcome to Sojourners of Grace! We are a multicultural family of weirdos thrown together with the purpose of travelling around and loving people.  Here, we will be posting our weekly experiences and sharing stories via blog. But first, get to know all of us:

DAVE!

Hey, my name is Dave. I'm 23. I really enjoy having adventures and doing creative things such as art and music. I love travelling and experiencing different cultures. My life is surrendered to God, and I want the Holy Spirit to use me in amazing ways. I get a lot of energy from being around people.

                                                                

                                     ELIZABETH!

Hello, I’m Elizabeth. I have lived in the same house in Port Orchard my entire childhood. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything, but for some reason, that's always been part of my identity. I was fairly quiet (and remain fairly quiet and calm to this day) as a child, and spent a lot of time roaming around our pond, reading books and dreaming about adventure. And I did find adventure! For the past three years, I've been living and working in Wrexham, Wales. I lead and mentor young people as they learn about God and the world and do urban missions in Europe. While an adventure, it's also a challenge, learning how to lead, how to live humbly in a close community, and how to care more about people from day to day.

STEPHANIE!

My name is Stephanie, I am 20 years old, I am from Sacramento, CA. My favorite color is purple. I love going to the beach and hanging with friends. I play the flute. I like Doctor Who and meeting people.

                                   BECKY!

Hey! I'm Becky from Lancaster, PA. I'm 22, and really enjoying hanging out with my friends. I have a variety of interest in my life, ranging from wine to cars. I also enjoy reading; my favorite authors include Maeve Binchy and Lori Wick. I have discovered a love of schedules and planning, and have become the official note-taker and scheduler for our team!

                      

            JAY!

Hey I’m Jay, I’m 20 years old. I’m a super conversational person and love making new friendships. I’m a bit of a hyperactive child with a heart that loves to give to and serve those I meet. My favourite quote is what many Christians say when God shows up - “I love God”

BRAD!

I am Brad, from England. I am 24 years old. I enjoy playing football (soccer) and am currently learning British Sign Language. I love the Middle Eastern people; their hospitality and their generosity are like no others that I have met. My favourite drink is an avocado smoothie, which you can get from North Africa. They are the absolute best! (not actually Brad Pitt, as pictured)

                        RACHEL!

Hey! I'm Rachel and I'm one of the Brits in the team. I grew up in Birmingham, and have spent the past 4 years in Wales, both at university in Cardiff and here in Wrexham. I love being outdoors, so any chance we have to go on a walk I will. When it's raining I love to curl up and read.  I'm looking forward to experiencing new cultures and making new friends, but most of all seeing all that God will do in our time away. My favourite ice cream flavour is mint chocolate chip. :)

                                     BINNY!

Hey, I am Joel Sharon, but I love to be called Binny which is my nick name! I am from an incredible place called Hyderabad, South India. I love deep conversations with people about the Father's love, I'm crazy about cricket, I like to have fun and find joy in everything. I love to encourage people and help each other in everything! Communication and love make a deeper friendship!

         MOLLY!

Hiya, I’m Molly. I'm 18 going on 6. Some of my favorite things include circus peanuts, socks with sandals, mountains, and documentaries about whales. I really love hiking and hammock naps. I don’t really love vegetables or peanut butter. I am learning to be more about Jesus. One of my favorite quotes is from the book Loves Does; it says “love is never stationary,” and that is pretty much why I’m here.

SIMON!

Hi, my name is Simon; I'm 21 years old, and I'm from just outside Reading. I love meeting people, hearing their stories, and sharing life with them. What I find so life-giving is being able to encourage, teach, and challenge people, spurring them onto great things. I also really enjoy exploring different ways to be creative, whether this be through music, story-telling, or food.

        KELLY!

Hey my name is Kelly and I am 25 years old from Yorkshire, England. I was born and grew up in Bradford and now live in a seaside town called Scarborough with my family.  I was a full time support worker for adults with learning disabilities before moving to Wales. I am a very adventurous person and love roads trips,  camping and music festivals with my friends:)

ROBYN!

Hello my name is Robyn and I am from the land that has moose, maple syrup and hockey! I enjoy traveling, football, swing dancing & eating ice cream. I love laughter, even when it is at me at times. But most importantly I LOVE God!

LAUREN!

Hi, my name is Lauren, I am a recent high school graduate, and I'm 18 years old. I am from Alberta, Canada. I have two brothers and a sister, and I love animals, mostly cats. I love to read and write and doing nothing is one of my favourites. Being in Wales has really opened my eyes to how big God is and I can't wait to see what he does on our outreach!

We might all talk in different accents, but we speak with the same heart to love and to serve. Today was our first day together and in Cardiff. More to come; stay tuned!