A Schedule??

Today I began to really hurt for some of the high schools in Cardiff. Yesterday at staff meeting they were asking us to pray for the schools because some of them are supposed to close for certain reasons. From what I understood this has been going on for about 2 years, and so far they have stayed open, but it is still a concern. If the schools were to close it would not be good because rival schools would be merging, the school would be further for the students to get to without a decent bus route. I really just want to ask you to pray for the school and for the teachers and staff and for the students as well. Pray that God would should us a way to help these schools and that he would begin to turn the schools around so that they wouldn’t want or need to close them.
This afternoon we were invited to Friendship, which is for those over 50. They sing songs and just spend some time together worshiping. We were invited and given 30 minutes total as a group to talk. It was a fun time getting to sing with these individuals and getting to meet some of them and I think that they really enjoyed meeting us as well. It was lovely. We also got the opportunity to sit around and chat with them while we drank tea and ate a snack.
Some of you may be wondering what exactly I am doing here in Wales. This week we have begun to get into the sort of things that we will be doing for the rest of the semester, it seems like it is going so fast! I am working with the children in the church and a lot of children’s groups. On Monday I am involved in a group called Sprogz, which is where mums or grandmum or any other caregiver bring their children, up to 5 years old, to the church and let them play around while the caregivers chat and spend time together. There is also a snack time and a bible story. It is a neat ministry, but some of the women are skeptical, so pray for those barriers to come down. On Tuesday have teaching in the morning where I sit in a classroom like setting and learn about working with children and bringing Christ into that. Then during lunch I go into the schools along with a few other people and we have a lunch club, which I believe is similar to FCA or something for the younger children, and of course not just for believers. Wednesday is full of craziness with children. I have Wrigglerz, which is a club for younger children up to year 1, I believe. Right after that I have G-Pod, which is another club but for kids year 2-5, I think. Both are just a crazy, chaotic time where kids can come and play, sing songs, and learn about Jesus. After that I am going to be going to a bible study, which they call house groups. I am excited about this because it is through the church, so it is an opportunity to meet new people and hopefully feel more connected with the church, and have some interaction with people my own age. Thursday is our teaching day, where we will be going through the bible this semester, I’m sure there will be much more on this when the teaching begins. Then on Thursday nights I will be involved with Generate (GnR8) which is a teaching of the basic principles of the bible. My Friday will begin with service at The Gate and then in the evening I will be involved with Kidz Klub, and I have no idea what this consists of. I am excited to work with so many kids and to see how God is going to work through these ministries.
On another note, I just signed up for another half marathon…I think I’m slowing trying to mutilate my body and knees. Pam and I are going to attempt to run the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 18…we have run a couple of times already, but we are really beginning to train now....we are meeting at 8:45 in the morning for our first intense workout, well maybe just for a morning run to build up our stamina. This should be quite an experience and hey why not?!? You don’t have to opportunity to run half marathons in Wales all the time, right? I suppose that means I need to cut back on the sweets again...the absolute worst part! The good news though is that my family here is healthy, so I’m already off to a better start that I was last time I ran a half, oh yeah and I’m actually training this time. This is going to be a breeze, well if it’s not raining and feel like 0 degrees. And also in all fairness Marilyn just warned me that she isn’t treating me for injuries after the race.

And these are just a couple of views of the sunset last night that I thought were pretty.