First Days
First Days
Nate and I had just finished an eight-mile loop hike using the footpaths from our doorstep. We walked through sheep fields, woods, and beside a beck (Northern English for creek, or crick if you’re a Yinzer) in wonder of all this natural beauty at our finger tips. It was the first day that all of our kids were in school (George missed the first two days due to a gnarly cold) and we were keen to have a deep exhale after the last couple of weeks of transition. The previous evening, we had purchased a family vehicle. It felt like we had overcome many of the big hurdles—house, school, car--- and we were feeling grand.
It was time to pick up the kids so Nate and I get in our newly acquired car--- and it won’t start. UGH. Nate tries a couple of times to no avail. Panicked, we quickly brainstorm who we can ask to get the kids. We are keenly aware that it is a very short list of people. I quickly call Buffy, the HR manager at CFL and our guide through this whole transition. She’s on it. Now the car—hoping it is the battery, we call the British equivalent of AAA. Unfortunately, we have to have had the policy for 48 hours before it can be used, and we had only been members for 24 hours. Back to Buffy to ask if she had jumper cables (or jumper leads here). She’s already called the maintenance manager at Caring for Life (CFL) to come take a look.
Within an hour, our kids were home (with ice lollies as a special treat from Buffy) and our car was jumped. Nate was able to get a new battery and we were still able to make it to dinner with some colleagues
Our first days have been filled with similar peaks and valleys as this story--- we have experienced some great delight in new experiences along with a deep ache of missing the familiar and loved. We are finding our stride in new relationships and roles, while still tripping over cultural differences. We are grateful for grace. Grace from the Father. Grace from one another. Grace from those who are coming alongside us--- the moms fielding my questions at pickup and drop off, the staff at CFL, the fellow Christians at Otley Parish, the friendly Aldi cashier.
First Days at School---Thank you for your prayers for our kids as they transitioned to school! It was remarkable to watch them bravely walk in to a new place and come out with smiles. We’ve been really grateful for their welcome and connection with other children as well as teachers. They still miss PUCS (Jack says it almost every morning) but we are grateful for their resilience. Nate and Henry are currently watching the Euros with some other dads and students at a local sports club. We are praying for meaningful connections with parents--- there have already been conversations about our call to serve in this context.
First Days at CFL --- Two Saturdays ago we gathered with the staff at Caring for Life for a day of fellowship and fun. It was special to get to be with so many people we had met last year and to share the farm with the kids. But the fun really started for Nate the following Monday when he started work. Only seven days in and it is already such a gift to see Nate’s retail experience coupled with his pastoral gifts. I started work yesterday! We appreciate your prayers as we adjust to the rhythms of this new life and work context.
First Days with the Parish--- We’ve enjoyed worshipping for three Sundays in England. We are beginning to meet people and observe the rhythms of this church’s life. This past weekend we joined 85 others, along with a couple dozen kids, for the Parish’s Weekend Away. It was great opportunity to have longer conversations with folks that we usually just get to say quick hellos to on Sunday mornings. Could you be praying for meaningful connections and the beginnings of community for our family? Sunday mornings can be hard as we miss worshipping with so many of you.
Thank you again for your deep encouragement, continued support, and faithful prayers. We are continually reminded that the Lord has led us here for purposes He knows and we appreciate your part in that leading.
Cheers,
Erika