And We're Back...

The time has come to end the blogging hiatus; so, today I will record my first blog in almost three months.  I have to admit that I probably won’t be apologizing for this longer than usual break.  Life decided that there were more important things to do and see.  So, now that I have some time as I am kicking back to watch the Ohio State v. Wisconsin Big Ten Championship game I can regale you with some of the wonderful things that have happened since Christmas. 

January flew by.  It was almost as if I was ringing in the New Year in Scotland, blinked, and it was February.  One thing to note from January is that the English have a very different idea of what “a lot” of snow is.  About half way through January I was told that a winter storm was coming.  Naturally, I became very excited because the most snow I had seen previously would have made Ohio weather scoff.  When I looked out my window I saw a respectable four inches; I was actually impressed.  And then the phone calls started coming in.  Everything seemed to be cancelled, and I mean everything. School, work, and practically all of the activities at the church.  I was incredibly confused, I thought the most I would have to alter my daily routine was deciding whether or not to cuff my jeans on the way to work.  As the week dragged on I began to notice why the English are so weary of the snow.  What happens to snow when you don’t shovel it and people walk all over it...ice, ice is what happens.  After about a week and a half to shuffling like an uncoordinated penguin to work everyday the snow and ice finally melted and the winter “storm” was over. 

At the beginning of February Lea Road was ecstatic, thrilled (and about a million other adjectives) to welcome and induct our new minister Reverend Susan Walker.  Our little church was filled with members of the Lea Road community, the surrounding URC synod, as well as visiting family and friends.  It was one of the longest days of work that I have had in a long time; however, I consider myself lucky to have been able to participate and support the congregation as they started a new chapter together as a church. 

Following a day of recovering from the induction festivities I began to make my next set of preparations...Packing for Paris!  After what had seemed like months of planning and waiting “The” Lisa Watson was about to make her way across the pond for a week of mother-daughter fun in Paris.  Our reunion in the train station could have been something from a movie...we made a scene (haha, get it?!)  There were tears and a lot of starring; I could have cared less.  There is something about a hug from one of your parents that can set your world at ease and after nearly six months I could have stayed in the hug for hours.  We tried to do as much as possible, or at least as much as our bodies would allow.  Mom came sick, I got sick (after having the immune system of a Super hero for the previous five months) but in true Wittenberg fashion, we “Tigered Up” and had a truly wonderful experience.  One of my favorite things we did was visit The Louvre, twice, and only made it through 1/12 of the whole museum.  We did get to see the good ol’ Mona Lisa, and to be honest, she is much smaller in person.  It was a wonderful week full of lots of love, laughter, smile, hugs, and a true reminder that I will never be too old for some Momma Watty lovin’.
Oh, I also never met a macaroon or a croissant that I didn’t like and probably never will!

With February being a short month it seemed like I blinked again and it was my birthday.  To be honest I had no real intention of making a big deal out of the day for a couple of reasons: one, twenty-three is not a significant birthday and two I really hadn’t had a chance to even think about it that much.  At work that morning I was surprised with two beautiful bunches of red tulips...a fantastic start to the day.  Add a bunch of cards, an afternoon out at lunch, and a bunch of people singing to me at dinner made for an unforgettable day.  I mean seriously, this girl is feeling incredibly loved...I honestly need to get a bigger mantel to display all of my cards.  On top of that, I received birthday wishes from all over the world.  From Malaysia to Madagascar, Mexico to back home in Ohio..it’s a pretty cool feeling knowing that people have taken a moment to think of you on your birthday. 

So, that’s all I have for you now...give me an hour and I will have a bit to tell you about the TFGs trip to Derbyshire for a residential week at Cliff College! Until then, I need to go make some popcorn and mentally prepare for the second half of this game and then the selection show afterwards! Here’s to a fantastic couple of weeks of March Madness and getting to April 8th so that my sleep schedule can go back to normal!

Life is Good...and as always, so is God!

Crazy Busy Christmas Season

Fun Fact: Christmas time in a church is crazy busy!

So after four very busy, but oh so fun weeks, I am back and ready to update you all on my life!  Strap in, put your antlers/Christmas stocking on and get ready for a very long blog entry.

The month of December has brought some very cold weather and what I have deemed to be “fake” snow.  This is the phenomenon of very white frost in the morning.  On numerous occasions I have awoken to white grass; my excitement is quickly dulled when upon walking outside I find slippery sidewalks sans snow.  I will admit to singing “White Christmas” very loudly in  the hopes that my vocals would coax the weather I am dearly missing.

On the first of the month I was lucky enough to travel north to Manchester to meet up with a couple of other YAGMs and explore the German Christmas Markets.  The day brought lots of laughs, great stories, and the joy of spending time with some wonderful people.  I will continue to say it, I am very blessed to be a part of the YAGM program and have had the opportunity to know and serve with these amazing people. 

Enjoying the German Markets with Claire, Rachel and Caitlyn. 

At the beginning of the month I got to do one of my favorite things...decorate Christmas trees!  And this year it was not just one, two, three...but FIVE trees! The church sanctuary is home to an eight foot beauty decked in red and gold.  We did have a small curfuffle when it came to the lights...we didn’t have any that worked.  So, in order to determine just how many lights we would need, I went to ask a very wise source...Google.  According to Google, you are to have 100 lights for every foot of tree.  As I pondered this, I realized I would not be able to justify buying 800 lights for the tree.  I settled for 600, of which 400 were placed on the tree. 

After putting up the four trees in the church there was still a boxed tree left in storage.  Oddly enough it was the perfect size for my room.  I was a sight to be seen toting my Christmas tree up the road to the house from the church.  Two hours of “some assembly required” late, my tree was up and ready to be decorated.  The theme you ask?...The Ornament Grave Yard. That's right folks, all of the ornaments hanging were deemed unfit for service to hang on the Lea Road Sanctuary Tree found refuge on my tree. Our motto: No Ornament Left Behind!!!!!  I love real Christmas trees; but, I will admit, this is probably one of my favorite trees I have decorated.  It is amazingly beautiful in all of its “Charlie Brown Christmas tree” pitifulness. 

My "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree!

Then finally a much anticipated day had arrived.  December 10th to be exact.  The day of the Mumford and Sons concert.  Again, I ventured north again to Hazel Grove, a small city just south of Manchester to meet up with Caitlyn, a fellow YAGM and Mumford fanatic.  As excited as I was about the concert, I enjoyed the earlier parts of the day getting to see where Caitlyn is serving and what she does on a daily basis.  We went to Caitlyn’s home to have a bite to eat and get ready.  I was suddenly overwhelmed by her host families generosity.  It was amazing to me that even having never met me, they would graciously open their home to me.  After eating a delicious dinner, we happily made our way to Manchester and saw one of the best concerts I have ever been to.  If you have not listened to/heard of Mumford and Sons, I suggest that after you finish this delightful entry, you go and have a listen.  They have a fantastic sound, and are one of those bands that look like they are having so much fun while performing.  It was an amazing night...one I will not soon forget!

Caitlyn and me, eagerly anticipating an awesome Mumford and Sons concert!

The rest of the month brought about all necessary preparations for Christmas...decorating the church, listening to the Christmas stories (both classic and biblical), decorating/baking cookies, building the nativity, and lots of Christmas carols. 

Ok, so now I need to do a bit of bragging...I have the BEST home congregation at First Lutheran Church in Springfield! Becky Christian, our pastor’s wife, organized a wonderful treat for me! She had practically everyone from the congregation write me a Christmas card and she divided them up so that I would receive them throughout the month.  If love was measured in Christmas cards, I feel like one of the most loved people in the world.  It was a joy to come home from work everyday to one, two sometimes four cards waiting for me! I cannot thank all of those enough who participated because it absolutely made my Christmas season!

So this is where I will leave you...The next post will include Christmas Day and New Years festivities!!!!! I hope everyone has had a very wonderful and blessed Christmas!

And it couldn't be more evident that Life is Great and so is God!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."    John 3:16

A Very Lea Road Thanksgiving

     I love Thanksgiving. It is my second favorite holiday, coming in a very close second to Christmas.  I love the idea of dedicating an entire day on the blessings of your life. Plus, the non-stop football, basketball, and baking just add to the "fantasticness" of the day.
     So, when the members of Lea Road found out how much I adore this particular holiday, they were quick to inform me that it was a tradition (of one year) for the American volunteer to host a Thanksgiving dinner! In blind enthusiasm I immediately accepted the challenge.  What I did not realize at that time was it was a dinner for 30-40 people.  Now, I know my way around the kitchen, and have been known to dabble in the "fixins" of Thanksgiving; however, I have never undertaken cooking an ENTIRE Thanksgiving by myself.  Add in the fact that the number ended up being about 35, and well it made for an interesting couple of days!

So, let's start from the beginning...

The Menu: turkey (duh!), honey glazed ham, country herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, peas, green beans, and gravy.  With dessert including pumpkin pies and buckeyes. 

   I was lucky enough that Steph, one of the elders, offered to take me to the grocery. So off we went in search of all of the necessary ingredients.  Our first kerfuffle came way of trying to find a turkey.  Fresh turkeys this time of year are very rare because apparently, they are still alive and getting fat for Christmas.  We eventually found a turkey crown.  For those of you not hip to the turkey lingo, a crown is a boneless, legless, wingless hunk of turkey breast.  When I first laid eyes on "Herbert" (Steph named him), I was appalled... What kind of bird doesn't have arms or legs? I didn't want to cook a fake turkey! But alas, it came to pass that "Herbert" made a fine bird and turned out to be very delicious.
     The second issue came about whist trying to find the ingredients for the corn casserole.  In order to make this delicious side dish, one requires "Jiffy" corn bread mix.  Well, the English don't really have corn bread.  They do, however, have Qoran (pronounced just like corn), a tofu type meat substitute. So after asking a manager in Waitrose where I could find the corn bread mix, he marched to a package of Qoran fritters (aka breaded hunks of tofu).  In the end, I had to Google a new recipe.
    After unloading all of the groceries, I began to take on the task of the six pumpkins pies that needed to be baked.  I got into an argument with the even which I ended up losing with a very burnt right arm to show for it. But, have not fear, for I lost that battle, but I won the war.  So, two days, about 20 hours of cooking later and with the help of some really special people, a beautiful meal was served.  
     First, of course, the grace was said and I was able to tell the story of the Legend of the Five Kernels:

     It was very cold for the Pilgrims that first winter.  Food was in short supply.  Some days, they had only five kernels of corn.  When spring came, the Pilgrims planted the remaining corn.  The sun and rain helped the seed to grow and much food was harvested in the fall.  Every Thanksgiving thereafter, the Pilgrims placed five kernels of corn beside each plate to remind them of their blessings:

The first kernel reminded them of the autumn beauty.

The second reminded them of their love for each other.

The third reminded them of their family's love.

The fourth reminded them of their friends...especially their Indian brothers.

The fifth kernel reminded them of their freedom.

     I love this idea because it is five simple things that have such a big impact on everyone's lives. 

   So, throughout the week, a number of people had asked me how I was dealing with being away from home for the holidays.  And, in all honesty I thought it was going to be incredibly difficult.   Enter in the wonders of Skype.  Skype is definitely one of the things I am especially thankful for this year!  I brought my computer into the kitchen with me and was able to Skype with my mom on a number of occasions.  This was particularly helpful when, on a number of occasions, I had to hold the computer over the stove and say, "Is this what this is supposed to look like?" She was incredibly patient with me and at times it was like we were in the same kitchen, preparing the same meal.  I find it to be incredibly tragic that in the absence of something is when you find you appreciate it the most. 
    After preparing such a large meal, I must make a promise to my mother...I promise to always be in the kitchen helping you with Thanksgiving (and for that matter Christmas) dinner from this year forward! Anyone that takes on these kinds of dinners deserve all sorts of awards...I had help...so the compliments on the pies and turkey were enough for me!

To conclude this festive post, it seems appropriate to tell you all some of the things I am most thankful for.

So here it goes...The Top 10 (kind of like Sportscenters Top 10 plays) things Sarah Watson is most thankful for: (in no particular order)

1) The people in my community willing to take part in foreign traditions
2) Running...and an efficient way to explore a new city
3) Skype
4) My growing relationship with God
5) Fresh fruit
6)Wonderful friends who have the ability to make me laugh on difficult days
7) My YAGM, YAGM UK, and TFG families
8) Lea Road Community Church and all of the wonderful people who have made me feel welcome in my new home
9) FirstRow.eu...so I can keep up with THE Ohio State Buckeyes and the Duke Blue Devils
and finally...
10) An incredibly supportive family (i.e. parents who know exactly what you need when you need it, and a brother whose sarcastic comments can make your sides hurt from laughter.)

I hope that you all had an amazing Thanksgiving full of laughter, lots of delicious food, and even a little prayer.  May God bless the food before us, the one beside us, and the love between us!

God is GREAT! And today especially, so is Life!!!

Painting, Products, and Progress

Last week found me in the midst of half-term, a school holiday that freed up a lot of my schedule.  One of the church elders, Anne, and I took advantage of the down time at Lea Road to do a little bit of redecorating.  We decided to tackle the almost overwhelming task of painting, cleaning, and reorganizing the office in the church; a task which hadn't been undertaken in sixteen years. 

After a length debate we decided on the warm color of Egyptian Sand...I know, this is earth shattering stuff here people!  It took us four days to paint and probably three more to put everything back in its appropriate place.  To be honest it turned out to be a simple task that was both entertaining and therapeutic. 

Now, there is something that people don't tell you about this whole serving business; it is a small YAGM disclaimer and a fine print that no one reads: you may not see immediate return on your work.  To put in a great amount of effort into your work and not see the products of your labor can be rather frustrating.  So, it was refreshing to start a job, work through it, and see the final product just a few days later.

This is where it gets a bit philosophical...

As difficult as this work can be, the best part of this calling is that it is never complete.  Serving is a business of people and as such there is not final product because people are always progressing, learning, and growing. 

While the office project was energizing I am going to stick with people.

G.I.G and so is Life!

A Reunion in the Country

A week ago I found myself in the Wolverhampton train station bound for Derbyshire, a village area in the English country side.  I was few short hours from I being reunited with the other UK YAGM volunteers and needless to say I was excited! So I am sitting there and I look up at the departures board where I see that my first train had been cancelled; but, the next train was to leave a half an hour later...so I wasn't worried.  That is until the next train was delay, ten, fifteen....thirty nine minutes, that is when I started to panic a little.  Now, I wasn't worried that I wasn't going to get there, but, that they were going to start having fun without me! Eventually, and about two hours behind schedule, I made it to Cliff College and was back together with some of the best people I know!

The first couple of days were dedicated to the Time for God orientation conference.  It was a time spent in reflection of our first weeks here, the amazing people who have welcomed us into their lives, and some of the hardships and difficulties we have encountered. We reconnected. It was a time where our goofy and incredible loud sides resurfaced and a lot of laughter ensued! For the first time in almost two months I received a proper hug (the very observant words of one Amanda Brateng).

That is not to say that I don't get hugs on a normal basis; but, they are not the face squished, I am gonna break your back because I am squeezing you so hard kind of hugs. Let's just say, there was a lot of hugging last week!

After our TFG pow-wow, we were enrolled in a course at the college called Christian Life and Mission. It was a five day course that included teachings on Luke's gospel and looking at our role in God's mission.  It was different to approach the idea of mission in such a literal way. I struggled through the week and the conservative theology that was presented; however, the week was a blessing that it strongly affirmed my beliefs.  I am also incredibly thankful for the new friends that I made from a number of different organizations similar to TFG. 

We had an amazing week. As much as I was looking forward to returning to Wolverhampton, my routine, and my own bed, it was a very somber goodbye.  It's funny to think that before coming to the UK I had spent a total of 11 days with the other YAGMs. I suppose that is all it takes; that, and some extreme emotional situations! As we spent our last morning together I was struck by how lucky I was to have these wonderful people in my life. I hope that all of you reading this will some day get the chance to meet some of them, for they truly are incredible and loving people! 

For,  

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." -Winnie the Pooh

As always...God is good, and so is life!

Break Out!

I have been in Wolverhampton for five weeks.  The excitement and unfamiliarity of a new place has waned leaving just a hint of homesickness.  This, of course, was only magnified by the fact that my Facebook homepage has been blowing up with pictures and updates of the ever so fantastic Wittenberg Homecoming festivities.  Have no fear...this is by no means a pity post, I promise!

Tonight I am incredibly grateful to be in Wolverhampton and that I was able to attend a church service lead by the Vitalise leaders.  It was a service that brought together a number of churches from all over the city.  It brought together young and old, the passionate believers and tentative newcomers.  Usually one of the best parts of the Vitalise service is the music; however, tonight the fantastic melodies were upstaged by an even better sermon.  

Now hopefully some of the YAGMs, current and alum, will read this next part and understand...The pastor who was preaching tonight, Simon, came incredibly close to rivaling the ever so eloquent Heidi Torgerson-Martinez.  Two points of interest...first, I am a sucker for a good sermon.  I am talking about the ones that leave you feeling like you have just witnessed a miracle kinds of sermons.  The sermons that fill you with rainbows, butterflies, a little bit of glitter, and make you want to tie on your cape and go save the world.  Second, Heidi has brought me to tears during each of her sermons that I have heard over the last few months.  For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of hearing Heidi preach, let me put it in terms that might be a little easier to understand.  This woman is the Larry Bird/Michael Jordan/Magic Johnson (yeah, I am going with the classics) of preaching.  Not only does she amazing during her "performance;" but, she leaves you wondering how on earth she just did what she did.  So, for someone to even come close to this level of "preachosity," well, that's just impressive.  Laymen's terms: he was LeBron James (aka, really good preacher, great potential, but no tears).  

I am hoping that I now have you all wondering what on earth this sermon was about. 

Simply put, he said, "Break out."

The sermon was all about the fact that the Kingdom of God is meant to overflow, that it can't be stopped, and can't be contained by human limits.   Simon used the example of buckets and watering cans.  Everything that we do in the name of Jesus fills us up, similar to water.  A bucket contains and holds the water in and doesn't allow it to flow freely.  Conversely, a watering can can be filled but has an outlet to allow the water to be released from the container.  We are meant to be like watering cans and share everything that we have learned and received from Jesus with others.  Sometimes this can be very difficult and unpopular.  It has been said that being in God's will is the safest place on earth; but, tonight we disagreed...not the safest, but the best.  No matter how difficult sharing God's word may be it puts us in a pretty good place.  

We need to break out, out of the earthly constraints that limit us to share, to experience, to be.  It was an inspiring evening, one that left me rejuvenated to go, tie on my cape (which is red, by the way) and share all of the great things that God has to offer.  Tonight I was reassured of what I am doing. Tonight I was encouraged by the words I heard.   

As always, God is Good...and be thankful, for so is life!

Passover Remembered

This is a poem the YAGMs received at orientation in Chicago.  Comforting words in times of confusion...

Passover Remembered.... 
by Alla Bozarth-Campbell

Pack nothing.
Bring only your determination to serve
and your willingness to be free.

Don't wait for the bread to rise.
Take nourishment for the journey, but eat standing.
Be ready to move at a moment's notice.

Do not hesitate to leave your old ways behind-
fear, silence, submission.
Only surrender to the need of the time-
love justice and walk humbly with your God.

Do not take time to explain to the neighbours.
Tell only a few trusted friends and family members.
Then begin quickly, before you have had time
to sink back into old slavery.

Set out in the dark.
I will send fire to warm and encourage you.
I will be with you in the fire, and I will be with you in the cloud.

You will learn to eat new food
and find refuge in new places.
I will give you dreams in the desert
to guide you safely to that place you have not yet seen.
The stories you tell one another around the fires in the dark
will make you strong and wise.

Outsiders will attack you, and some follow you
and at times you will get weary and turn on each other
from fear, fatigue, and blind forgetfulness.

You have been preparing for this
for hundreds of years.

I am sending you into the wilderness to make a new way
and to learn my ways more deeply.

Some of you will be so changed by weathers and wanderings
that even your closest friends will have to learn your features
as though for the first time.

Some of you will not change at all.

Some will be abandoned by your dearest loves
and misunderstood by those who have known you since birth
who feel abandoned by you.

Some will find new friendships in unlikely faces,
and old true friends as faithful and true
as the pillar of God's flame.

Sing songs as you go,
and hold close together.
You may at times grow confused
and lose your way.

Continue to call each other by the names I've given you
to help remember who you are.
Touch each other,
and keep telling the stories.

Make maps as you go,
remembering the way back from before you were born.
So you will be only the first of many waves
of deliverance on the desert seas.
It is the first of many beginnings-
your Paschaltide.

Remain true to the mystery.
Pass on the whole story.
Do not go back.
I am with you now and I am waiting for you.