Whew! 2 months out of Africa into Nottingham. It has been wonderful to see so many of you and reconnect back into various UK-based homes. The inevitable question when in a new (and yet kinda old) place is always ‘where are you from?’ and I'm not sure. ‘Well, I grew up in Peterborough, spent a year in Florida, 3½ years in Nottingham, 5 years in Essex, 1½ years in Uganda and now Nottingham again.’
And now I have hit 29 (last Wednesday), I have to say that I am grateful to God for every single one of my years. I can honestly say that I have only ever done what I wanted, because my loving God has changed my desires to fit His own. It’s a great way to live!
Happy New Year (Better late than never)
And so… since the last Norton News, it is right for me to wish you a Happy New Year, and to declare that I am delighted the snow has stopped. Last year, friends told me what a complete pain the snow was and I chuckled from sun-drenched Uganda. Now, it IS a pain but thankfully fairly short-lived for 2012. But, snow does make our little garden in Nottingham look very pretty!
Several of you kind folks have asked for news from Nottingham, and so please settle down with a nice cup of tea to read about life since Uganda. The home-coming in December was wonderful – arriving to mum and dad at Heathrow, and a quick Costa coffee with Elspeth’s parents in the airport welcomed me back into the UK very well. The full weight of saying ‘goodbye’ to so many neighbours and friends is only just beginning to sink in now, but I am fully convinced in my heart and spirit that I am where I’m meant to be. Still, my heart pangs.
Sawyers Church allowed me 2 opportunities in January to address friends through a Wednesday night meeting, and then during a Sunday morning service. It was very satisfying to be given time to share not only silly stories, but also some of the heavier moments I faced in Africa, largely due to poverty and life’s fragility. Brilliant seeing friends, and a sudden sadness at closing the Brentwood chapter alongside the Uganda chapter.
Also in January, I visited Nottingham for one week to check that it felt right to move back there – needless to say, I did! On 26th January, I officially moved in with Lizzie in her 2 bedroom house about 15 minutes bus ride from the city centre. Lizzie is a Fundraiser for a charity, a tremendous singer, a member at Trent Vineyard church and an all-round fun housie!
The job hunt continues… After initially signing up with several job agencies, I stumbled across Office Angels who actually treated me like a valuable person and have been ringing every few days with potential jobs! Thank the Lord for Office Angels. I have an interview on Monday (27th Feb) that I’m kind of keen on… I’ll let you know! I’m looking for realistic work i.e. administration, but would love to join a company that moves and trains its staff. You know, the same kind of job EVERYONE else is looking for. However, I’m very content and quite enjoying the perks of life on benefits!
Alongside job-hunting, I’ve had plenty of time to try out some of the ministries that Grace Church is tapping into socially in Nottingham. I’ve spent 2 evenings with the Rally Project which feeds homeless and vulnerably housed people in the Radford area. I’ve also been an observer with Street Pastors helping people get home safely after a night out. I’m waiting for applications to be processed for these 2 charities, and a 3rd called The Jericho Road Project which works with prostitutes, but these things take time! One thing I’m very sure of is that while still in Uganda, God gave me a deep desire to serve Nottingham through social action. I want to know and love people with needs and problems, and show them our foot-washing Saviour. And I want to share the good life God has given me with those who don’t know or acknowledge Him… yet.
Last week was particularly fun – Emma Stone visited. We walked for hours in Nottingham’s various parks, mulled over details for her wedding in 6 weeks time, paced the city centre and met with God at Grace Church. Oh, and we ate egg-free cakes and a LOT of fruit. In preparation for her nuptials, I am on a strict diet to lose a few pounds. NOT helped by rediscovering the Malt Cross (see picture right). However, 10lbs down and the dress fits J. Now I need to NOT eat it all back on…
Remembering, remembering
Meandering down Memory Lane, a few names (some genuine, some attributed) linger in my mind.
Richard – the ex-street-boy now at school, working hard, grateful for his life and health and education. ‘Poster Man’ – selling papers and cheap pictures with his wordless grin, warm handshake and soft eyes. ‘Dignity’ – the straight-backed crippled woman begging in the same spot every day with such a look of strength I never dared pity her.
Ali – the smiling Muslim with deformed legs sitting on Kampala Road; chatty, intelligent and smiling. ‘Barclays Bank Man’ – the most emaciated and damaged body I’ve ever seen, but a Man U woolly hat covering a grinning face; crossing himself whenever somebody gave him money.
And now, there will be new people to become familiar with and to love. Not forgetting those in Uganda, but adding to them brothers and sisters from Nottingham.
PLEASE come to Nottingham! There is so much good happening, and so much more to do – I would be delighted to show you around, bring you to Grace Church and introduce you to old and new friends. It’s quite a bit closer than Kampala…
Lots of love, best wishes and thanks. If you have been giving me money via Oasis, thank you SO much, and please stop your Standing Orders! May God be more precious to us this year than ever before.
