all things new... (2)

I had forgotten how hard it is to start over in a new place.

There are so many things that you have to relearn...

How to set up utilities (much easier than in the UK mind you).
Where to shop for what and where to get the deals (very important in the midst of rocketing inflation).
How to keep your house cool (much harder than in the UK).
Where to get your shots for school (much more expensive than in the UK).
How to deal with the 100 people who want to help you in the MAC store (don't get me started).
New sights, new smells, new tastes (mmm... Mexican food) and new experiences.

New, new, new, new new. The list goes on.

BUT, I would say one of the hardest things has been the new sounds.

We have lived in the city for the past 5 years and have gotten used to all the sounds of "urbanity" - but it is nothing like Golden Hill! We live on a pretty major intersection that has pretty steady traffic with a hospital, fire department and police station just around each corner... so there is a pretty steady sound of cars, sirens and horns. But, all of this is trumped by the sound of the jets that fly over our house all day long (San Diego's airport is right beside the downtown... thus we are in the landing path). There is sound here almost continually and it has been tough to get used to.

It's weird the things that stand out to you... I suppose it will sound like the ocean eventually... right?!

all things new...

Revelation 21:4-6

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new."... And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.

So... we have finally landed! After what has been a marathon furlough (almost 10 weeks) we have finally begun the process of settling in. The top pic is of our temporary rental home until we find something more permanent (keep praying for our house search). The second pic is of our street... only a short hop to the center of San Diego! (we've already met most of our next-door-neighbors)

You know those times when you are really in need of some hope... when things feel so far beyond your control... so far out of control... Britany the kids and I are in that place right now. Tired. Overwhelmed by change. Missing our friends in Glasgow like crazy. Missing our church. Missing our neighborhood. Missing "normal". We need some reminding of Who it is that IS in control. It can seem almost cliche in these times to draw on some picture of heaven that feels so far removed and so far beyond where we are...

YET

Right now we are mourning. Right now we are crying. Right now we are feeling pain. And the best way I can describe my heart is as thirsty... I need living water that doesn't cost anything (California is VERY expensive). It's ironic because right now everything IS new and all we can think about is what was... we need to be made new on the inside... re"new"ed I guess.

SO

For any of you who have kept up with us this summer and are still reading this BLOG we could sure use your prayers.

Lord, move in my heart (move in our hearts) make us new inside so that we can be the lights you have called us to. Quench our thirst Lord with Your living water. Revive our focus and our purpose... help us to fix our eyes on You in the midst of our circumstances.

Amen.

holding the ropes...

After hearing an account of the spiritual needs of India, the secretary of the meeting remarked: "There is a gold mine in India, but it seems almost as deep as the center of the earth. Who will venture to explore it?" "I will venture to go down," said (William) Carey, "but remember that you must hold the ropes."

I have to confess that I wasn't intending to write in my BLOG during our transition from Glasgow to San Diego BUT I have woke up thinking about this so many times I think I need to get it "out of my head" and on to "paper".

I have amazing supporters.

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G... amazing!

Family, friends, acquaintance's... churches and companies. They are all such gift's to Britany, the kids and I. I am not sure if anyone who is not a missionary understands exactly how incredible it is to place yourself and your family in the hands of God and His people... and then to see them show up! Thank you Lord. Thank you friends. You have held the rope with courage and faith... with compassion and love. May our Father in heaven bless you for your faithfulness and extend your blessings around the globe.

For the sake of our King.

Support a friend AND a church!

Sooo... just before we left Scotland I had the pleasure (and honor) to be involved in the production of a FANTASTIC EP by Andy Ashworth. I would consider it a personal favor if any of you who read this BLOG would click HERE and purchase a copy (or 2) of his EP. Andy is the worship pastor at RE:hope AND a great friend. By buying these great tunes you will not only support him and his music BUT you will also support RE:hope and it's work that it is doing in the West End of Glasgow... not a bad deal!

BTW - I am the hi pitched fella you hear singing in the background...

Goodbye our friends...

How do you say goodbye to 5 years of ministry, friendship, love and life?

Words fail me.

As we pulled away from the curb of our house at 70 Lauderdale Gardens in Glasgow for the last time AND said goodbye to some of our closest friends and family the lump in my throat and stomach felt like led weights. I found myself thinking... maybe it isn't too late... maybe this is all wrong... maybe we can undo everything... but then a still (but firm) small (but large) voice in my heart and mind said, "no... follow Me." What else can we do. As God leads SO we follow.

If a picture is worth a thousand words maybe these pictures (all taken within a couple weeks of our move) will say it better than I can write...




































We love you all and will miss you... a part of our heart is now with you.

Grace and peace our Scottish friends.

Lead on Lord.