New Country, New Home, New Layout.

Ok, so it's been a few months since I last posted and all the change I anticipated has happened. I'm now living and working in the US, serving a church much, much bigger than any I served in the UK. It has been a challenge adjusting to the new way of life and work etc, but so far, so good. Some things though, remain constant.

God is still God, and Lego is still a huge part of who I am! I had a lesson in trust moving over, it was the first time I ever allowed someone else to transport my collection en masse. Sure enough though, it all arrived and work has begun on the new layout. There have been a few minor changes since I first sketched the plans out, but that's life, that's Lego.

It's big, over 4.5 metres (15 feet in old money), and will certainly keep me busy over the next few months! I've also had time to build a purpose made table for it all, so no more juggling of space!

Since getting here I've had plenty of time to ponder and reflect, and am very grateful indeed for the support of friends and colleagues here as I've made the transition.

I spent a bit of time last night with my feet up after everyone had gone home from the house-warming and could only sit amazed at the journey God has brought me on these last few years. Yes, it has been rough, things have happened I would never have expected, but I am where I am, and God has regularly whispered "trust me" through it all. That has been easier to do at some times than at others, but I can only say I'm glad I found the faith to do that from somewhere. What's next, other than, build, build, build, I'm not sure, but after the last few years, I'm much more ready to trust the still small voice of calm saying, "trust me, I know what I'm doing".

I'm eternally grateful that He has opened doors and brought me to a place so different to where I was a few years ago, a place where in all sorts of senses, I live life in all it's fullness. Whatever may come, I trust you Lord.

A time to tear down...

One of the things about my Lego layouts is that they never stay the same for very long, typically 18 months to 2 years. It's the building up I get most out of rather than the playing with. Inevitably that means taking apart as well to rebuild.

And having spent 8 weeks building my current layout earlier this year, it's about to be taken to pieces ready to move on, and move on in more ways than one. Earlier this year I was told that the funding for my current post was likely to run out, and then in September I was told formally I would be made redundant at the end of the year. The job search was on. Sparing you the details, after a couple of virtual interviews, I spent a weekend at Williamsburg United Methodist Church in the USA being interviewed in person and by the end of the trip had signed a contract to become their Director of Youth Ministries. Assuming the visa comes through I start in March or April next.

All of this means change. For me, for my family in Ireland, friends, for the young people I've had the joy of knowing and serving here, for the Lego. (I do have a new layout plan emerging already though!).

I've always liked to think I could follow Jesus' challenge to leave everything behind and follow him. To go wherever he wants me to serve him. And yes, I've chosen to accept this post, and others over the years rather than being told "You're going there". But with those choices go consequences. The Lego is coming with me, but will have to be entrusted to a shipping company for up to 3 months. Every time I prayed about this job God answered simply "trust me". I did, but with difficulty at times, because I can be impatient. I want to make this move, to follow Jesus wherever he leads me. I guess I'll have to trust the shipping company too..

And so the packing starts. More tubs have been bought and the layout is gradually being taken to pieces and the individual bricks being sorted. Over the coming months there will be more packing, numerous farewells and lots of change. A time to tear down and pack up yes, but that also means a time to build and create new friendships and a new layout are just around the corner.