these days.

It has truly been such a mix over the last few weeks. I guess it wouldn't be life without the good and the bad. But in it all I still know without a doubt I am living the dream and that through it all I am here. And it is where I am meant to be. With the Christmas festivities nearly over, there is so much that has happened. Where to begin?
There is so much festive spirit over here. I am unsure whether it's the weather, the large majority of terraced housing that all seem to be donned with copious amount of christmas lights, or whether it is the amount of festive activities I have been involved in, but Christmas has been here for weeks. It started with the gingerbread house making extravaganza. The blue prints were drawn by Alfie Prankard (age 6) and then the building began. I am unsure whether more sweets ended up on the house or in his belly. But believe me, it was truly epic.

Then there has been the Christmas parties for all 3 of our drop ins. For our 3rd Ave drop in we ended up having a full on sit down Christmas meal, which involved turkey being spat everywhere, party poppers being set off in other kids eyes, and during the part where we try to tell them about Jesus, the complete opposite of silence. Mayhem but absolute quality.
The Christmas party at our Skinner street drop in was amazing. After the games and the festive food, we had planned and pre-warned them, that we would be doing a little Jesus talk. Just before it was about to happen at least five more kids mooched in, and although there were a large amount of inappropriate comments and banter throughout the chat (which I have become immune to) I am so sure that the majority of those kids heard that Jesus loved them. TRULY AMAZING. Then there was our last football session for the year. And the ones that weren't there, were at the old folks home singing them Christmas Carols. SO amazing. Seriously, the relationships we are building with these kids, and the way Jesus is slowly but surely working in them is incredible. It gets me so excited to know that, if they aren't getting positive words or love from anywhere else, that they are getting it from us and in turn seeing Jesus. Some of the changes in the kids are so noticeable. And there is so much more to come. Bring on next year. The beauty of Gillingham, is that although we have closed our drop-ins for Christmas, the kids are still around and we are still able to see them and chat to them. So good.

However, homesickness is something I would love to live without. I know it as a mixed up, messy feeling that on the odd occasion, threatens to overwhelm every area of my life in Gillingham.  God has been so good through this though. And even in my moments of doubt and uncertainty, the only place I have felt peace and calm is in our 133 drop in centre. I like to think this is God's way of telling me this is where I am meant to be. And it's been a huge learning thing. God has shown me that sometimes the best way to get rid of your own issues, is to focus on serving others, because through this you begin to see the bigger picture. And realise that being here is a blessing. THIS IS MY HOME FOR NOW. And I am truly blessed to be here. TRULY. The people, the kids, my friends and my church are all amazing. Each day here is truly a privilege.

Then there were my three days of Christmas. Being the token foreigner, I was so lucky to be shared around the church over the festive season. Christmas eve was with the Prankards, the family I lived with when I was here for my gap year. This family is truly AMAZING and have adopted me as their own. Blessed. Two year old Matilda and older brother Alfie greeted me at the door with huge cuddles and excitement. Then there was the usual winding them up with piggy backs, tickle fights and the like, Christmas lunch, copious amounts of tea and the unwrapping of presents. Followed by large amounts of carol singing and mulled apple juice at the Mauritz family. Then onto the Christmas eve service at church. This was TRULY beautiful. Imagine an old church with high ceilings and stained glass windows, with all the lights off and only lit with candles that each person in the congregation held whilst the echoes of carols filled the room. Possibly one of the most beautiful services ever. And then what English Christmas eve could be complete without a visit to the local pub? Yes, I like to think I have slotted in quite nicely.
The Barge is a favourite pub of ours in Gillingham.  Tim, the pub owner, is definitely a favourite of mine also. On this particular night he was wearing a hawaiian shirt and shorts and still sporting his white beard. He has this amazing way in which he knows everyone who comes into The Barge and greets them all, asking how they are and making jokes with each one. His son is still in school, but finds himself at home amongst the pub goers, and has become a regular in our card games on some evenings. He owns snakes and reptiles and keeps them in cages, and regularly tells of his want to collect even more. This Christmas eve, I managed to handle the snake, just casually, and have a bearded dragon clasp onto my denim jacket for a good 5 minutes. Only in Gillingham. Also, I debuted my pool skills, which just so happen to be as good as my football ones. oh dear.
Christmas day was spent with the lovely Guards and the Coopers. A day full of festivities, dancing and present opening. I am so lucky that I have people over here that love me. Then boxing day with my dear friend Ellie and her family. More food, presents and good times.
My oh my. Longest Christmas I have had in my life. It just keeps going.

Yesterday was the first day in ages I have actually stopped. And just let myself be. A woodland walk was the order of the day, with a packed picnic and some great company we set off to explore 46 acres of pleasant countryside (so it said on the sign). This was AMAZING,  and full of splashing in puddles in my gumboots, running down mudhills, spotting squirrels, drinking flasks of tea and just generally enjoying the fresh air. I think this needs to be a more regular occurence. I definitely miss countryside.

Tomorrow I head off to stay in a log cabin in Wales to see the new year in. The pictures show beautiful log cabins covered in snow in the midst of woods, but the forecast is mainly for rain. I am so looking forward to exploring and just being away. No matter what the weather. When will I ever stay in a log cabin again?! amazing. I love how these things just come to me. SO GOOD.

I love new years. the excitement, the hope, the anticipation and the unknown of what could and will happen in the 365 days to follow. I will definitely be writing a list of things that need to be done and accomplished in the new year. A whole fresh year spread before me.
See you in 2012 amigos.