/Sometimes I think the reason we don’t like certain people is because we feel insecure around them. We like to chalk it up to political or philosophical differences, maybe, but the truth is, if we are honest, we are drawn to those who validate us and affirm us, and we resist those who don’t./
++ To Own a Dragon – Donald Miller
when i was back at work while i was home for a couple months, they had us do something that has had a profound impact on my life. Starbucks had us write a mission, or purpose statement, or whatever you want to call it. A couple sentences about what we hoped to accomplish at work or what inspired us to work. I had been wanting to write something of that sort for awhile. But what happened was that while writing a ‘mission statement’ for work, i unintentionally wrote one for my life. i knew i loved my work, but writing the statement made me realize some of the many reasons why i loved it. because it’s part of my life. part of me. part of what i love to do in life, no matter where i am. making people’s day better, giving them a place of comfort to go, giving them something bright in their day. I have my starbucks mission words hanging on my wall, reminding me of why i love working with people.
You’re sitting there — and he bends forward and softly presses his lips upon your forehead. He keeps them there for a minute and turns slowly and walks away without a backward glance. Yet he is full of assurance and confidence that you are now his. His lips on your forehead was a surprise to you at first, but now it acts as a kind of seal — You belong to him and you will wait for him until the worlds end. And the other two men you were so confused about don’t matter anymore.. you have been claimed. And it feels wonderful.
((sealed for the day of redemption))
Life has been full. There were sad goodbyes as students left for winter break. Then a sense of relief and freedom that mostly everyone was gone and no more pressing assignments. More beautiful snow. Gained a new family as I joined the staff for the holidays. Working as staff was hard and long, though very rewarding. Guests came and went, real English folk with loving hearts and cheery accents. Was up at six one morning to climb the big hill to watch the sun [not] rise. Nearly had frostbite before we decided to try it again in the Spring. I’ve been impressed ever more increasingly of late that position isn’t what matters or makes you fulfilled. That people are people wherever you go, each with their own set of hurts and needs. That it still is work to get along peaceably with others. That living out your faith is just as hard here as it is anywhere else. I think I’ve had the best holiday I could have wished for as I’ve been away from home for the first time. Went caroling all around the small town of Over Kellet for a couple hours. The only thing that kept me from freezing solid was the prospect of mulled wine and minced pies waiting for us at the end. Had a lovely staff party, with a white elephant gift exchange, games, and tons of food. Yummy food seems to play a part wherever I go. New Years was more of a highlight for me, probably because we don’t usually do very much to celebrate it at home. We had a lovely staff dinner, complete with confetti, noise makers and hats on the tables. After our dinner, all the staff served the guests their dinner. That seriously was a blast and a half. Afterward we had a staff [dance] party, a New Years message and hugs and shouts to ring in the New Year. Apparently the guys have a tradition of running the loop in nothing but their boxers. Needless to say… that was hilarious. And the best part of all was dancing a ceilidh until about two thirty in the morning, with cold drinks afterward. Yesterday was room change-over day… in which I am now all nicely moved in to a room that commands a lovely view of the courtyard where I can watch everyone. School starts back up on Monday, and I must say that I’m going to miss being on staff and having wild adventures late at night, eating whatever we want in the staff lounge, taking my coffee with me everywhere and just generally having more freedom along with the responsibility. But here’s to learning more, building relationships and drawing closer to Jesus in the new year ahead.
Cheers!
Some more pictures for you to enjoy. We’ve had lots of adventures with snow, the power being out for 12 hours, baking Christmas cookies and roasting marshmallows. 
All the students leave for Christmas break in just five days!I think Christmas break for me will rather be like an adventure within an adventure.
Well. This whole “update/maintain/actually post on a blog while you’re in England” thing isn’t going so well. Let me just say that I love it here. I have a great and new appreciation for my family. While I miss them very much, [and also my partners at work], I have such a peace about being here. I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be right now. I could never write about everything I’ve experienced here, or all the things that are just so… odd. I’ll just leave you with some pictures. They aren’t great, and anyone who knows me, knows that they won’t be edited. But that’s okay. Just be happy that I actually put some up. :)
I’ll try to get more up sometime. It’s awfully hard with the internet. Also, I just realized these are the only pictures I took of the main house. [aka, castle] I’ll definitely take more. Better ones. Hopefully when it’s nice out and not rainy.
Cheerio!
oooh. it’s been such a Jonah day. actually, it’s been a Jonah week. a really really busy week with Jonah interspersed throughout. all the stress of getting ready to leave, and thinking what i need, and what i have to do and what i’m going to do while i’m there and everything i’m leaving behind has about had me at my limit. but i really don’t want to be an ogre right before i go. that’s no fun. and now, just fantastically i’ve got a head cold. hooray. and even though i’m really burnt out from working, i know i’ll really miss my job. i’ll miss my super-tastic partners in crime, and even the really odd customers. but really my partners. i didn’t realize how much they make me laugh, nor how well they know me. we really are like a big family. this i a thank you to dave and diane especially, who i love very much, who have taught me everything, put up with my weird-ness, made me laugh without fail and saved food for me. they are self-sacrificing and have a passion for what they do. so thank you dave and diane… oh and starbucks, for making me not so shy (well, a little), more sure of myself when dealing with weirdies (usually, if i’m not laughing too hard), and more conscious of other people and their needs. i will miss you!
