We're Gaining Momentum

Running a Discipleship Training School is a very FULL plate. Two weeks prior to the school starting, we began preparing for the students arrival. We made welcome baskets for each of them, we cleaned and prepped their rooms, and we also did leadership training. It felt like we finished just in the nick of time as students began arriving on January 17.

When we leave to pick-up the students from the airport, we take pictures that we have of each of the students, but we quickly learned that they weren’t necessary. The students were easy to pick out. The first give away is that they are carrying their “essentials” for the next 5 months; which usually consists of guitars and at least 2-3 pieces of luggage! The second give away is that they look a little confused and bewildered having just come through an international airport…some for the first time in their life! It brought back so many memories of my first impressions of England. The signs look funny, the English accent is cool, the steering wheel is on the other side of the car. And of course, when we pull up the drive, they almost always gasp when they see the manor that will be home for the next 5 months.

The students had a weekend to get settled and caught up on their sleep. We also do some practical introductions such as meal times, house guidelines, and tours of the house. Sean and I were not only busy preparing for the students, but we also had some personal guests visiting. Garett and Jenny Fay and her sister Katie Thomas came for a few days. It was so neat to see our two worlds collide: Vegas and England. We were able to get updates on their lives, on the church, and they came bearing gifts! We felt like it was Christmas all over again. We got coffee, gloves, a scarf, snacks, homemade toffee, and even SPAM! We felt so loved!

After the Fays left, it was the official first week of the school. And as part of that week, we as staff and all of the students share our life stories. It was very humbling to hear each of their stories. All of them had grown up in a Christian household, and most of them at some point had put God on the backburner. They were so vulnerable to share their personal struggles and fears. Some of them shared that it was by the grace of God that they even made it to the school, due to either financial troubles or personal struggles back home. But each also shared that they were excited to discover God in a deeper way during this next season. I believe that the deep honesty that was shared has already bonded most of these students together. And as their mentors for the next 5 months, we were humbled that these are the lives we get to invest in.


:: WHAT DOES A SCHOOL WEEK LOOK LIKE?
The basic structure of the school has the students attending lectures each morning and afternoon. The first week we discussed the topic of MISSIONS and our great friend Dan flew in from the states to share some insight. It was a challenging week as the students started a process of thinking through how they would make themselves available to share the story of Jesus in places where He is known or unknown. Sean and I had a great time catching up with our friend and it was hilarious to see him ask our English friends to imitate an American accent. It made him laugh every time. The following weeks have been RELATIONSHIPS, THE FATHER HEART OF GOD, and this week we are closing out ENGAGING THE CULTURE. To help the students process, they are asked to keep a journal that they turn in. The journal contains the things they were challenged with or the things they liked and didn’t like. We also have small groups to have open discussion about how the week has been going. We also meet once a week with each of the students in our small group and have a one-on-one. This creates a safe place for them to be specific and go deeper if they want to. It’s also a chance where we as mentors can challenge and encourage them. The week also contains “Community Care.” This is to help the students develop a heart of service and give back to the community that they are living in. For 2 hours a day, they help in the kitchen, with maintenance, with bathrooms, vacuuming, washing dishes, etc. Then twice a week we take our service to the local communities. We volunteer with youth groups, homeless ministries, at a refugee detention center, and we spend a lot of time praying for the local cities. The weekends are free. Except we were able to arrange a surprise visit to Bodiam Castle; not far from Holmsted. I love England! It is filled with such history!


:: WHERE ARE WE GOING FOR OUTREACH?
Many of you know that as part of the training, we take the students on a cross-cultural experience that allows them to serve in another country. Last year Sean and I had the opportunity to live and serve in Poland. It took us a while to settle on the locations for this school, but we finally know! We have a team going to Poland again, we have a team going to Israel, and Sean and I will be leading a team of 8 to Asia. Due to security reasons, all we can say is that it will be a “Five Star” experience.


:: CELEBRATIONS!
First of all, it has been wonderful to be a part of these young lives from all around the globe. We are privileged and we couldn’t do it without your support! In just over a month, we’ve begun to see freedom in their lives: freedom from their past mistakes and struggles. We’ve seen students begin to realize that they have the power to change the destructive patterns in their lives. And more importantly, they are beginning to understand that God loves them the same: yesterday, today and forever!

Another huge celebration is that our stuff arrived from America! It took almost three months, but it arrived safe and sound. I felt sorry for the delivery guys because we live three staircases up! I believe that when we should them they actually exclaimed “Blimey!” We gave them a tip and a cold Coke for the road! Even though we have all our stuff, it has taken awhile to unpack. Before we could unload our books and movies, we had to buy shelving. And to unpack our office stuff, we had to buy a desk. We are still looking for more shelving and a wardrobe, but all in good time. The biggest blessing has been having our own mattresses! I slept so well that first night we had them!

And some of you know, and some may not, but a huge celebration coming up is Sean’s birthday! This will be his second birthday in England. We’re not sure how we want to celebrate yet, but I’m sure it will involve good food! He turns 3? on Sunday, the 24th. Feel free to send him some love!


Sorry this update is a month late. It has been busy, but we have also been excited to share what we’ve been up to. We’d love to hear your stories as well, so please feel free to send us a personal update too! We love you all! Hope you enjoy the update.

Cheers!
Sarah and Sean