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The difference between living and visiting.

As I was walking through the city today I was thinking about how it’s so different to live here from when I was visiting last year. I thought it would be a challenge to not get tempted to go out for coffee every day, yet I realise that I so enjoy going out for coffee, but it’s not part of my daily routine, and it doesn’t have to be. When I do meet friends for coffee it’s that much more special and appreciated.

This week has been like a rollercoaster. I’ve had ups and downs. But God’s grace is sufficient, always enough for everything I go through. I am feeling the weight of responsibility for Shine. I know that God has put me as leader, and I know that He has equipped me. But I am being stretched and challenged, and pushed into depending on Him. I can’t do it on my own, and I’m not meant to. I’m meant to use my giftings and who He’s made me, but I’m meant to depend not on myself, but on Him. Depend on His wisdom which is perfect, and His strength that never fails, and on His communication skills which are always clear. That said, though, it’s still not always easy.

Thursday was also an interesting day where the district that I live in (centre of Amsterdam) was full of police. Manchester United was playing Ajax and hundreds, if not thousands, of Brits had come to the city and police and also army were on high alert for violence and disturbances. I must admit as I walked to the gym in the evening I was wondering if it really was a good idea as I was unsure of what the atmosphere would be like after the game. Surprisingly enough it seemed calmer than normal. The police did a good job and I believe our fervent prayers for God to protect the city during the afternoon were also answered.

Well, it’s now evening. It’s been such a good day! Went to the gym (BodyCombat class which I love!), baked cinnamon rolls and so enjoyed a taste of “home”, and this afternoon my flooring was delivered. Laminat from IKEA. A friend of mine is going to help put it down and during the week the furniture should come also. I have no words to thank this amazing couple who are providing everything I need for my room. It’s quite overwhelming, in a good way I guess. I just bless them and bless them and bless them! When I arrived my prayer was that I would be installed and settled in my flat before Shine started, and it looks like that is going to happen. Watch this space for the continuation of this story of provision!

Tomorrow morning I get up early to head out to the country side to speak at a youth camp run by a friend of mine. A tad nervous, always find it a stretch to speak in front of many people, but feel well prepared, and am trusting in God. It’ll be nice to get out of the city and nice to see my friend again (whom I haven’t seen yet this year). And of course, a privilege to be allowed to speak into the youth of this nation I now live in.

That’s it for now. As always I blog mostly for myself, but hope those of you who read this enjoy these random glimpses into the life of a missionary on a journey.

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