Europe Survey 2013: Inverness Day 3

Today was our last full day in Scotland. After we ate some porridge we bought at Morrisons yesterday, we got on the bus and rode to a few neighborhoods that aren't within walking distance of our hotel. As the bus moved down the streets I watched as people interacted with their community. There were small convenience stores in the neighborhoods as well as parks and schools. Old women had rolling carts and were out shopping and visiting with each other. While its nice to be where all the commerce and life seems to be in the city, I really enjoy exploring the neighborhoods and watching life unfold there.

During the day we also traveled across the bridge to the village of North Kessock. It's just along the inland of the North Sea. From this area, you could sea the snow capped mountains behind the North Sea. It was a beautiful sight. It seemed like a very quiet little community with a tea room and a hotel. We found ourselves with time to kill so we went into the tea room for some high tea and dinner. We chatted briefly with the owner. While in North Kessock we also met some people from Wyoming. Surprisingly, these are the first Americans we've seen so far.

Transit wise, not having access to a car in the cities we've been to so far has been fun (for me at least). I've left my ballet flats in the hotel room and wandered around the city on foot and by bus when necessary. By rough estimation I think we've walked around 16 miles in Inverness alone. I wish I had brought by pedometer but I probably couldn't have afforded the tenth of a pound it would have added to my bag.

As today is winding down and we're preparing to move on to Copenhagen tomorrow, I am reflecting on the time we've had here and the experiences we've had. We have really loved our time in Inverness and enjoyed the people as well. If this is where God would have us, I would thoroughly love returning here in a few years. If God would have us somewhere else I would love to return here just to visit one day.

Europe Survey 2013: Inverness Day 2

This morning we wandered into the city centre to the supermarket, Morrisons. We picked up a few things to have in our room for breakfast and then had lunch in the cafe. This afternoon we explored the city and spent some time really taking in the culture and the atmosphere here.

As we made our way through the city we met and spoke with a few people including a woman at the bus station and several people in shops. Everyone here seems very approachable and friendly. Most of them were interested in striking up a conversation with us. We've also noticed that things are more laid back than in London. The mass transit is much more limited here but thankfully walking has been a pretty good option. One of the most interesting things is the fact that everything closes down so early. By 6pm, all of the major shops were closed down and the city centre was almost empty.

Personally, I am in love with the old architecture and the fact that you can hear the seagulls from any part of the city. It just seems like a quaint little place. Brennan and I were discussing this afternoon that its so humbling to think that one of these places we're visiting will be our new home one day. It's just such a blessing to be here and to get the chance to be surrounded by the culture and the people for a short time. Below are a few photos of this beautiful town!

Europe Survey 2013: London Day 2/Inverness Day 1

It's a wonderful night in Inverness, Scotland! We landed here around 9pm local time. Before our flight we had a great time at Tarl's church, New Cross Road Baptist Church. We met some really nice people and it was great to hear some of their stories. While we were talking to a guy named Martin, he told us he liked our American accents. Pretty funny since I wish I had a British one! After the service we got our bags from Tarl's house and he took us to the train. We have actually been loving the mass transit here. It takes a bit to figure it out but it's fast and much easier than fighting traffic and looking for a parking space. We took the train to the airport and caught our flight to Inverness. Once we landed we took a taxi to our hotel and along the way we chatted with our driver about life in Inverness. The drive from the airport was stunning with rolling hills of farms and sheep with the sun setting over the North Sea. We checked into our hotel and found our room. Naturally the first thing you do when you get to your room is flip on the light...but none of the lights worked. After a few minutes we realized we had to put our key card in the slot on the wall to power the lights (photo below). It's been an amazing and eventful past few days. Tomorrow we're looking forward to exploring the city and possibly meeting some people here. Check out some of our photos from today!

(Barely made the 10 kg weight limit)

(UK McDonald's or American McDonald's?)

Europe Survey 2013: London Day 1

We've officially arrived in London at 10am here! Our flights were fine and everything went smoothly. We got some tickets for the underground and headed downtown. We had the opportunity to just explore the city and check things out including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye! I (Libby) was also excited to see some less touristy old neighborhoods with some amazing architecture. We had lunch at a little cafe called Eat then jumped on a train for Orpington, the neightborhood Tarl and Adrienne Reeves live in. We had a great time visiting with them and talking about ministry and life in London. Tomorrow we're looking forward to going to their church and meeting their church family! Below are a few photos from today.

Thank You

Sitting here on a Saturday writing "Thank You" notes to all who have partnered with us to go to Europe.  I can't help but think about how God has blessed us and helped to make this trip a reality.  We are so thankful to everyone who is praying for us and supporting us financially.  There is no way we would have gotten this far without either of those!  As we get closer and closer to the trip, I am just overwhelmed by the support and the feedback that we are getting from many people.  It's so awesome to see God working in this and opening doors for us.  I can't wait to get to Europe and see what God has for us there.  If you want to follow us while we're there, we'll be posting on our Travel Blog about each city we visit.  Thank you again for your continued interest in our future ministry and your prayers as God prepares us for Europe.

-Libby

One Month!

One month from today Brennan and I will be on a plane to London! It's finally sinking in that this is actually happening.  I'm not sure if I should feel excited or nervous.  There's still so much to get done, and I hope there's enough time to accomplish it all.  Much of our planning is done and we have several couch surfers lined up.  Despite all the planning and organizing I need to remember the reason for this trip.  Romans 11:29 says

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

God has placed a call in Brennan and I to reach the people in western Europe for Christ.  He has also blessed us with the opportunity to take a trip there to see where He would have us.  I am so excited for this opportunity to meet people and learn about the culture in the places we're going.  

-Libby

49 Days...

     49 days.  Wow!  Forty-nine days until we leave to survey Europe to find what city God has in store for us.  Writing this makes my stomach fill with butterflies, but I am also filled with excitement and eagerness to see what God will do!  No matter what happens with our preparations, the trip itself, or the results of our trip, God is always good.  I may not see or understand everything when it happens, but in the long run I know God has His will and it is better than any plan I could have.

     An important part of Libby and I's life in our endevors is YOU.  As the body of Christ, we all work together to further the message of the Gospel.  We want you to be a part of this move to grow disciples of Christ in Europe.  This is a beginning of a life long journey to change the spiritual tide in Europe for Christ in partnership with other church planters in Europe.

     We are excited to have people begin to partner with us this early in our ministry lives.  It will be a source of encouragement and spiritual support that we will need throughout our ministry.  For those of you who have already been following us and praying for us, THANK YOU.  We have already recieved many notes of encouragement on Facebook and in person and it means so much to us.  If you are just learning what is happening in our lives we are thrilled to have you watching and praying.

     The process of rasing money is still ongoing!  If you feel compelled to give, there are multiple options.  Be sure to check our giving page for more information.  Libby is doing some promotions with her photography to raise money for our trip.  100% of the funds will go to our trip.  If you would like to take part in this opportunity visit our fundraising page (Des Moines & Southern Iowa).

     Thanks for following and praying!

     -Brennan