Yesterday I drove out of Basingstoke for the first time. That may sound dumb, but it was actually borderline terrifying. Worth it, though. We drove up to Reading, about 40 minutes away, to have lunch with a friend from my work. We went to what they call a “carvery”. It kind of looks like a buffet, where they will slice you fresh meat (turkey, roast, pork, or ham). You then get to dish up your own vegetables, which is all you can eat. The food is fantastic, as was the company. After lunch, we went to a park there in town where the girls could play with my friend’s daughter, who is the same age as Molly. We had a great time getting to know some great people.

We then went back to our church in Basingstoke for “Messy Church”, a kind of craft time for the kids, followed by a short kid-friendly service, then a meal.

Today, I GOT TO PREACH! It wasn’t for a great reason, as I was filling in for our pastor whose mother-in-law is ill, but I have to admit that I loved every minute of it. Before we left the states, I thought that I was ready for a break from ministry. I was feeling burnt out and tired. I even questioned whether that’s what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. The last few months have taught me that it is. Ministry is still where I belong, what I was made for. I can’t wait to preach again.