Happy New Year!

I woke up New Years Eve day with the knowledge that later that evening, I would be transformed into a glitter-covered ballerina and be transported across town in a big white van along with a flower child, a pirate, Cruella Deville, Rosie the Riveter, Little Red Riding Hood, and several other characters. Contrary to your suspicions, we were not being taken to a mental care facility. In fact, the big white van's destination was the church where our New Year's celebration took place. This is the common practice of Brits everywhere. On New Years Eve, and several other occasions, they have costume parties (they call it 'Fancy Dress').

The evening went off smashingly. There's just something, again, about the newness of life in people who know they've been saved from something and TO something more wonderful than we can imagine. I don't think I can communicate the relief and the joy on their faces when they say things like, "If Jesus hadn't saved me..." It's that look, that knowledge that overwhelms me every time a new girl is brought into our house. I just think, "you have no idea what's coming...but it's going to be so incredibly beautiful, if only you allow the One who is love to love you."

On a different note, I am two weeks from departure. I cannot believe how impossibly fast this four months has passed. As I've prepared to head back Stateside, I have been seeking the Lord as to the next step. Ah, new year, new step, new chapter. I am heading back down to Texas to build into Ecclesia Austin, a beautiful gathering of people who love Jesus, love His Word, and love people. I am also so excited to see my sweet family again. It has been a long time.

Over these four months, I have come to realize why this is considered the hardest Global Internship site offered by Bethany College of Missions. It is, indeed, such a subtle culture shock, coming to England. This is doubled and tripled because not only have we come to a new country, but to a new organization within a new country, as well as to a new people group who have alot to work through. Along with this, we live and work alongside those to whom we have been sent. Unlike most internship sites, we do not have a separate place to live. But this is not a complaint. Every new discovery, every challenge, every hardship has truly been as nothing compared to the wonderful things I have seen the Lord do. He has been more than faithful. Our every need has been supplied. He has used you and others to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. HE has miraculously provided, beginning with finances and my passport, and has continued from there. Having seen and been a part of physical healings, the prophetic, and a stirring of the Holy Spirit among us that I have never seen before. I know this is only the beginning. And I look forward to the wonder that my Lord will unfold before me.

Love to all,
Katelyn

P.S. I know I wax eloquent frequently. But there's really no other way that I can communicate the excitement and the passion in my heart. Thank you for reading!!!