Day 3
We woke up bright and early and had our morning tea. I was excited about the day because today is Palm Sunday! Krista's flat adjoins a baptist church here in London. The church pastor and members have been such a blessing not only to Krista, but to Jeff and I also. It gives me great comfort knowing this church family is taking care of my daughter. I had heard and read so much online about this church and I was excited to meet everyone and worship with them. The morning service was wonderful! The church is an older church and I'm guessing very much like the church where the legendary British baptist pastor Charles Spurgeon preached. Today, the Pastor began a new series on evangelism and the timing could not be more perfect. It was truly inspirational and I was encouraged to be more bold in my own walk of faith. When I see where Krista works each day and the work she does with the Muslim people...I feel inspired to be more bold. All the people I met today at the church were so hospitable . There were so many different cultures and nationalities represented. A beautiful glimpse into what heaven is going to look like! Again, God's timing was perfect because one Sunday of the month the church has a potluck lunch after service. And today was the day ! Oh how I love a church potluck! Food and fellowship at a church brings me much joy!! Granted , the British could learn a little from their Southern Christian sisters....the potluck was lacking in fried chicken and green bean casseroles and not a deviled egg in sight....but other than that.....the food was delicious and the company even better!! It was truly one of my favorite things from this trip so far.
After lunch we rode the bus to the recreation center where Krista's works for a tour. Believe me when I tell you that you will not waste one single prayer when you pray for her safety each day. She has been too nice describing the neighborhood. I'm sure even now she would say I'm overreacting. Maybe, it is just because I am a mother....but I was concerned. Anyway, the center was clean and neat as it could be....definitely an oasis in this Arab dessert. The center is surrounded by estate council housing...what we would call government housing projects in America. Most of the residents are refugees from Morocco. The neighborhood also includes other nationalities as well. But it is clear the Lord is using this center in a mighty way to reach this neighborhood. The minute I stepped through the doors there was a peace that is hard to describe.
After the tour we walked to the Portobello Market in Notting Hill. On Sundays they have a huge street market with vendors offering everything you can imagine. It was fun and I did make a few purchases. One day in Krista 's travels she had noticed an English pub called The Elgin Pub and Music House. We were feeling adventurous and decided to check it out. After walking for awhile, we did find it and went in and had an afternoon snack. It was a really neat place. I tried to purchase one of the cool t-shirts the waiters had on with the Elgin name....but no luck...I didn't understand it all but something about "you crazy American! No you can't have my shirt!" Oh well.... It was fun and a place I intend to take Jeff to when we come to London again. I'm hoping he will have better luck on getting me a t-shirt!
It has been an awesome day!
