Perhaps...

As I arrive in Manchester I see a little girl, couldn't be more than 3, in a tiny pink peacoat sitting on her grandmother's lap. Her British grandmother, as were most everyone other than me, asked if she would like a cup of juice. She replied in maybe the cutest accent I have EVER heard... "perhaps grandmum i could just have orange juice." Next I spent 3 hours riding through the beautiful English countryside until I reached my destination where the family was waiting for my arrival. We drove home, on the left side of the road, and I was able to gather together all of my belongings and together all 13 of us (a Welsh family dined with us also) sat and enjoyed a delicious meal. Next it was off to the High Street of Yarm, built in the 13th century, all brick and stone. We stopped for some tea at a local cafe followed by a walk riverside looking at enormous swans in the front of beautiful green rolling hills with huge trees and beautiful brick houses and a castle-looking church. What? I can't believe I am living in a city that fits the description I just drew. Next we went to Stokesley for an evening church service in a town hall. I met Sir John Rowling, a living angel I'm sure. Mike powerfully preached and a British friend led worship. Hearing the strong British accents so loud and boldly proclaiming the Lord's name was an enoucragement in itself. We stayed after for a bit to catch up with the locals. One man in particular touched my heart. He was a traveler, which is a modern day gypsy. Travelers have been viewed in a bad light because they often steal as their only form of making money and have many He has only lived on the move, does not know how to read, has never been to school. He has 4 kids and a wife and they heard of and learned the Gospel (only heard because they cannot read) and within the last year their lives have been transformed. The man who is named Priddy Boy, pronounced as Pretty boy, was telling us how he feels as white as snow and washed clean of all his sin. He was talking of Jehovah's witnesses and saying their wolves in sheep's clothing. He was saying direct quotes from the Bible and he has NEVER read it for himself. What an encouragement to us that have the knowledge and all the skills but are not actively pursuing God as much as a man that has come to know Him through other people's teaching, reading, and singing. I'm thrilled to know that I'll be spending eternity with many of these incredible British people I'm meeting! I feel so blessed to be here.