Daydreaming at Albert Dock.

Liverpool

The Bluecoat Contemporary Art Museum.

Liverpool

Chester, England

Chester Cathedral.
Originally a druid temple, then a Roman temple, then a Roman Christian church, then a Catholic Monastery, and eventually...an Anglican Cathedral. Over 2,000 years of history embedded in these walls. 

People. 

They've stretched my heart and heightened my gratitude. God has really used this experience from the very beginning to open my eyes to the blessings that individuals are. From all the faculty who signed forms and served as liaisons to every supporter and prayer warrior. I wouldn't be here without them. God wove an incredible tapestry of human connection and I just have to step back in awe of how gracefully he has used both believers and non-believers to advance his kingdom. Relying so much on the physical and spiritual support of others has been a humbling reminder that we aren't meant to hike this journey alone. We are meant for community in which every person contributes their God-given gifts. . 

When I boarded the plane, God wasn't done working through his children. Within a week, I met some of the most incredible, interesting, diverse, challenging, and fun people that I have ever had the privilege to know. The international students were here for 4 days before the UK students arrived. A group of about eight of us international students ranging from Israeli to German formed a tight-knit group. I'm not even sure how it evolved. Nonetheless, they've been a blessing. I've had so much fun and my ignorance is diminishing with every cross-cultural conversation. I feel more comfortable navigating and integrating into the British culture when I have other newbies by my side! I'm so grateful for all of these people. wonderful and unique. people. 

Refueling like a proper Brit with afternoon tea and good friends.

You're a bit of home, Brooke.
Liverpool, September 23

September 23
Liverpool

The Fairy Wing Repair Shop
Ormskirk, Lancashire

The Basics.

 

One suitcase and one backpack (overflowing and overweight...but still...) is all I carried into this country. One bed, one desk, a few small drawers, and a shared bathroom with 9 other residents is now my home away from home. 

Stuff. I have so much of it. In the states, my room is littered with it. Posters, decorations, lamps, clocks, pillows, clothes. Stuff. And we've all been lied to that this stuff fills the voids. And that if we fill our lives with stuff we'll have peace and satisfaction. And that it's not a savior that we need...but more stuff. Over the past year, I've been feeling burdened by technology and everything that distracts me from God and people and nature and being present. I've wondered what all this stuff is doing to my soul. My free spirit. What's it covering up and filling in? 

So I've enjoyed sleeping under my borrowed blanket and while sharing a bathroom with 9 people is nearly dreadful, I don't have to clean it. We have a housekeeper...and THAT is something to be thankful for. My prayer is that this shedding of excess will strengthen my reliance on the Lord and increase my gratitude for all of his provision. 

Conwy Castle in Conwy, Wales

Thursday. Second Day in Ormskirk, England. Went on a run with a new friend. Wandered through the village and somehow found our way here. Ormskirk's Church of England. Sometimes the best things happen by accident.  

Wandering and Pondering

Here we are. wandering and walking. collecting things that make our hearts sing and resisting the things that entangle our spirits. Longing for communion with our Savior even if we don't know it. Images from the Garden that our cells remember. Sojourners just passing through. Waiting and yearning for the final reunion with our Father God, Creator. 

So when you find yourself inspired. breathless. with goosebumps. or captivated unwillingly...stop. store. ponder. reflect. collect. ask God what He's doing and praise Him for these good things that remind you that there's so much more to come. glimpses into heaven. just glimpses. 

So here's a collection. collectibles from my journey. treasured things. not to become worthless treasured idols but people, places, and things that point to a good and gracious God who cares about the moments. 

A collection from abroad and within.