It's been a week

I'm not one for idleness (well, usually) and so far that hasn't been a problem.  Not long after I got to my flat, the Smith family came to visit. You will often hear about the Smiths because it is a wonderful blessing that we are about an hour away from each other.  After leaving Latvia 9 years ago, we never expected to live near each other,  Abigail Evie is my goddaughter and now we get to enjoy being close. Their visit was followed by dinner with the Heatwoles.  Sunday I went with new IHQ friends to Penge corps and dinner.  Then, admittedly I crashed!  I was at the office first thing Monday morning for my first of many, many meetings in my future. And I haven't really stopped since, although there have been several naps as I try to adjust to the time difference and daily commute.  My things arrived Tuesday and another unexpected blessing was that my friend Cathy was in London for business and spent time helping to get my house ready.  Yesterday was a shopping adventure with Zoe and Abi.  Friends with cars are precious!  And today I went to Bromley corps.  Wonderful worship, just what I needed.

I don't intend this blog to be just a daily account of my life in London, but rather a reflection of what I'm learning, how I'm feeling and mostly how I see God at work.  Those who know me well may be surprised that I haven't had an emotional break down in public! This has been a fairly easy adjustment so far.  I'm learning about my role at international headquarters. I've been warmly welcomed and definitely kept busy.  I've figured out some things at home, like the washer/dryer combo machine and the convection/microwave oven, the many different trash bins (compost, household trash, recycle - 3 bins).  I've travelled on the bus and train on my own (true confession - I've done that many times before).

And, because I don't yet have tv or Internet, I read a book, listened to lots of podcasts and got some things unpacked and put in their place.

This morning we sang this simple and beautiful song.  And this is what I know for today and the future.

Faithful God, faithful God,

all sufficient One, I worship You.

Shalom, my peace, my strong deliverer,

I lift you up, faithful God.