We're in this together

Hey folks, we decided it was time to merge blogs since we've merged so many other areas of life through marriage! We'd love to keep updating with thoughts and adventure from this journey we're on, so check this web from now on: www.jennieandmark.blogspot.com 
Both of us are now working full time in the UK - what a blessing! Mark is working with Boaz Trust as Services Manager. They are a small charity working with destitute asylum seekers here in Manchester. I'll let him share more about that work and how he's finding the job! 
I am working now with Redeeming Our Communities. My job title is Executive PA though we're are still sorting through what all my job may entail. I love what ROC is about - inspiring and empowering Christians and citizens to come together with schools, the police, fire depts, and health services to network resources, seeking to battle together against the issues harming their community. For most communities this is bored youth, resulting in anti-social behaviour, as well as unemployment, breakdown of families, and substance abuse. 

We are both humbled to find ourselves working in organisations we can truly put our heart behind, and be part of God's work here in Manchester. What a blessing!

Learning day-to-day

I went for a walk/jog today in my neighborhood. On my way around the park, I started noticed these spiky green balls all over the ground…and then I saw it:

A little piece of home to greet me :)

I’m amazed at how much I’m learning here every day about life and culture in the UK. You would think it was fairly similar to life in the states, wouldn’t you? A few small pieces of wisdom I’m acquired lately…

1. Today I found a little red post box pillar around the corner on my way to the park. I think these are much cuter than our big blue boxes in the states.
2. All the Brits keep telling me the weather has turned ‘autumny’ which confuses me. The windy, drizzly, chilly weather we’re having seems quite similar to the weather I experienced in June here… Now if they claimed the crunching of dead leaves under my feet were the sign, I’d have to agree.
3. I get to use words now like ‘blimey’ and ‘crackin’ which is just plain fun.
4. I’ve never lived in a multi-cultural place. Though I’ve lived in Africa, usually there’s only one or two races other than mine that I’ve come across regularly. Here I’m surrounded by faces, clothing, and languages that are completely new. It is rare that I walk down the street or sit on the bus and hear the same language twice or hear English for that matter. And I love it!

Now back to my day of laundry, unknotting a skein of yarn, and waiting for my husband to come home from work! I’m already wishing that buckeye was made of peanut butter and chocolate…but it’s a blessing from heaven that its not! ;)

A new look, a continued journey

I'm officially settled with Mark in Manchester now. Such a long way from my last post in mid-May! We finished up our time in Africa, traveled to the UK & visited friends and family, then onto the US for more visiting and to plan our wedding!

On August 1st, we vowed our lives to each other witnessed by a small group of family and friends in Genesee, Colorado. It was a fabulous day of celebration! We had so much fun and enjoyed sharing Joy and Love with our community. Following the wedding we spent a week in the Rockies, then drove away from Colorado with my car packed to the brim, saying farewell (at least for now) to my home-base for the past 8 years. We enjoyed a road trip through South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, & Chicago where we enjoyed quality time with new and old friends and Mark about wore out the camera with his constant snapping!

After a week of time with my family in Ohio, we flew off to Manchester - our home! Now I'm job searching while Mark starts his first day at the Boaz Trust today. I thought updating here was good and necessary, especially after such a long hiatus. 

I look forward to updating more on here. Though not at exotic as Africa, there is still much to be shared here, I hope you'll still follow along on our journey! The adventure continues, and as we journey with God it is definitely never going to be boring!