know me by His scars.

Well, it’s been awhile. Again. Even longer than last time.

I’d normally say sorry, but I’ve been working on not saying sorry for ALL the things any more. Harder than it sounds when you’re coming from a background like mine.

That said, thank you for your patience.

I realized I never circled back to my original post about England, so at least half the story is untold. My perspective has shifted in the last nine months, and my storytelling skills may be a bit rusty; but this is still a story that deserves to be told. Yet another testimony of His faithfulness in my life and in many other’s.

For reference, since it’s been so long (read it here if you missed), we ended off in Cornwall, where from there we drove. And drove and drove, for over five hours, clear across the country to East Sussex.

The first four hours were smooth. Then interrupted by a vomit. In a carseat. On the highway. Which ended with a small detour, lots of crying, even more praying, some weird looks from workers (ironically) at a carwash, and one t-shirt (that still vaguely smells, even now).

But we made it. Got back on the road. Finally arrived in the lovely English countryside, at Ashburnham Place.

If you’ve never been to the English countryside, and even more specifically to an old English manor, let me assure you it’s absolutely lovely. Every way you look lush, green land. At this particular one, explorers (seriously) in the early 1900’s brought hundreds of specimens of seeds, which they planted, which grew into more species of trees than you could ever think.

We arrived and set up camp. (Did I mention that? We stayed in a tent. For a week. Just me and my spectacular daughter.) So far, so good. Smooth. God was gracious and none of our necessities were left at home. By the time camp was ready, it was later than expected (definitely not due to an unexpected detour), so instead of doing a worship and prayer walk around the property, we got dinner.

If there’s one thing my outgoing and chatty toddler is good at, it’s making friends, and this meal was no exception. We found three – a mom and her two boys, Cindy, Daniel, and David.

The next day was Sunday, and we drove to a neighboring town to attend church and do laundry. It was amazing to see the unity of the body, even across the world – to be able to step into another church and feel right at home.

The next day, the rhythm of the retreat/camp got underway. After the first main session, I got into conversation with a woman sitting behind me, Abigail (name changed for privacy), who had just left a very strict…cult (for lack of a word that will better convey the idea of her new freedom better). We spoke for a while, ending at the conclusion that she was saved, hadn’t been baptized yet, and wanted to be baptized.

Easy fix – there’s a lake on the property! There was further discussion, specifically around the concern of needing pastoral guidance to baptize, clarified as not necessary after a brief walk in the book of Acts (chapter 8). But she wanted a sign.

The reality is – sometimes we just have to step out in faith. If it’s something we feel like we need to do, we know it’s not sin, and we’re not sure? We give it a try. Confident that we know the Shepherd’s voice and that He won’t lead us astray.

My new friend Cindy joined our discussion, bringing additional perspective – she and her husband had been kicked out of their former denomination for (can you guess??) baptizing without pastoral permission. If any further signs were needed, this was it

So, with Cindy joining, the three of us walked down and baptized Abigail! Praise God for His infinite wisdom and knowledge that brought the three of us together, which led me to witness Abigail’s bold obedience to Christ!

The rest of the week was full of rest, worship, study, and an overwhelming outpouring of the goodness of God. We took many long walks around the property, getting to enjoy the architecture and the vegetation.

By the end of the week, the weather took a turn for the worse, including a pretty crazy overnight storm, but we stayed nice and dry in our tent. We also ended up both going home with tans!

I’m trying to condense and wrap things up, so this post doesn’t take forever to read, but I have a hard time encompassing the enormity of Holy Spirit moving throughout this week. The encouragement, the fellowship, the words spoken, the love and unity among believers – it’s another Ebenezer set in my life, a reminder of God’s faithfulness to me.

At the end of the week, we drove to the opposite site of London, and spent a few more days exploring before flying home. One of the days we spent in the heart of London – Westminster – where we attended church, walked by the palace, and generally explored.

The next, we drove up to Cambridge to meet with a sweet friend and her children. We got to explore the Cambridge Botanic Gardens and encourage one another. And we got even more of a tan!

But nothing lasts forever, and our trip did come to an end. We flew back home to Colorado, and continue day by day, waiting for the next step that’s placed in front of us – knowing God will always make it clear where He wants us next.

Maybe one day it will be England again!

After all, the best is still yet to come! Keep pressing into Jesus!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Emily