Many great insights were passed on to the 50 YAGMs during our Orientation in Chicago at the end of August. Advice, discussions, counsel, and poignant theology made our week with presenters, alumni, and Global Mission personnel such a worthwhile week. A week for which now, a month into my experience, I’m so grateful. I’d like to share a story of how one such piece of insight has slapped me on the face as I experienced its relevance this week in England.
There are a variety of misconceptions about mission work. We discussed many of these notions at orientation as a way to dissect what it is we are (and aren’t) doing this year as Young Adults in Global Mission. One misconception may be that it is a missionary's job to take God with them to an area that doesn’t have God already.
Like- “Hello (different area of the world)!! America is here! Surprise!!! And look who I brought with me??…..Jesssuuuuus!!!” “Awe…..you…shouldn’t have…??”
Surely I was to pack a good pair of walking shoes…..some pictures…a durable coat…ranch dressing…..a bible……did I forget the big man upstairs??
Joking aside, the point of our discussion was to realize our aim is not to bring God with us; rather we are sent out to discover how God is already there and at work.
The congregation at St. Peter’s in London Colney did not need Marta the happy American missionary to bring Jesus. My experience attending worship this Sunday made that clearly evident.
Ya know that type of energy that keeps you anxiously excited while nervously inhabiting the pit of your stomach? That energy that creeps up before interviews, auditions, when getting lost, and when you know you’ve done something completely stupid and wrong that needs fixing…? I had that energy going to church on Sunday morning by myself. Am I dressed appropriately? Will they be able to peg me as an outsider? Would I be able to follow directions and actually find the church? Will my attempt at finding a happy Protestant counterpart to SPEC go awry?
Because this placement/community/country sometimes feels similar to home, those moments that remind me that I’m far from home sneak up and, well, produce that nervous “audition energy”.
Fortunately, I got to St. Peter’s early and had some time to survey my surroundings. There were happy over-involved church ladies in the back greeting me. (“Isn’t that speeecial??”) There were only a few others sitting in the 15-20 pews of the small congregation. There was an overly-welcoming and carefully designed and detailed bulletin. There were hymns I knew and loved. From there I can’t count how many times throughout that morning I thought to myself, “Awe….bless their hearts!!” (In true Sue Diehm fashion…thanks mom.) As 10am drew closer, in came the babies. Lots and lots of babies. I was a minority not because I was American but because I didn’t have a 0-3 yr. old on my hip. At about 9:55am, I looked down to my left and found a little toddler friend taking up occupancy next to me in the pew. She looked up at me with big beautiful blue eyes and I nearly teared up. Little sis proceeded to spit her pacifier onto the floor later picking it up to give to me. Before I could graciously grab it, her apologetic mother (who looked like Helen Hunt) came and whisked her away back to their pew a few rows back.
There service was lovingly and awesomely disheveled. Their female pastor doubles as an organist and the rest of the music is on a backing track controlled by a chap in the balcony. Babies crying and crawling and many other little incidents that made me giggle inside. The final anthem was Shine Jesus Shine; complete with a cheesy contemporary Christian backing track and a box of instruments for the children of the congregation to play. I had held back most of my tears throughout the service, but kids playing instruments is where I draw the line. I took it all in and happily cried as the 2 year old in front of me shook his upside down maraca with his chubby little fist.
As I witnessed a little baby named Ava being baptized; as I was invited to the Lord’s Supper for the first time since being here; as I was affectionately sought out after church by two women delighted to see a new SPEC face, it dawned on me. Beyond the ministry at SPEC, it was here at St. Peter’s that I discovered God already at work in the UK. Not because I’m equipped with more tools, wisdom, or faith than anyone I encounter this year. Not because of my own personal decisions or feelings in the pit of my stomach. Not because I brought God in a big ole package with a bow on top. But rather because he brought me here to discover, discern, learn, relate and love.
Another tidbit I will always remember from orientation strikes me as I reflect on St. Peter’s: “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you.” Thanks be to God for the love and grace I nervously stumbled upon at St. Peter’s on Sunday! I have been so enriched in so many ways this past month. I look forward to all the things God will continue to have in store for me during this Global Mission year and beyond.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The First of Many Retreats!
I realize I have not blogged much about my actual job and SPEC, and for good reason. Get out your pencils and notebooks, here’s a quick lesson!
The past three weeks have been filled with “formation”- basically training, community building and preparation for the SPEC year. I now know I am a part of the SPEC Centre team, comprised of 8 volunteers who will be working with young people aged 13-25. The Loft Team is SPEC’s Children’s Ministry project working with 7-14 yr olds. The third SPEC team is located in the east side of London and are appropriately named SPECeast. Of the three SPEC YAGMs, I am with SPEC, Kris is up here with me working with The Loft and Becca is in London with SPECeast. It is nice to have the support and companionship of fellow YAGMs while each contributing to and experiencing a different area of SPEC.
To conclude this SPEC education portion of my blog…. SPEC is affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Westminster, which includes most of London and the northern country I’m in, Hertfordshire (pronounced Hart-ford-sure). SPEC has two meanings: It first comes from the Latin words “Speculum Vitae” which mean “mirror of life.” It is also an acronym for Spiritual, Personal/Peer, Educational Community. Growing up amidst American Lutheran ministry my entire life, it has been wildly interesting and enlightening to be a part of British Catholic ministry now! I will save some Protestant/Catholic thoughts for another time- but it is worth saying now that it’s been amazing to be welcomed with such loving ecumenical arms here at SPEC—and our differences in practice, theology, worship, etc. has already proven to only add to the riches and experience of this Global Mission year.
On to less logistical info! I had begun to really start feeling the itch to start working! In my mind, time to stop talking and start doing! Fortuately, this past Wednesday/Thursday was our first SPEC retreat—a retreat for about 90 Year 12s (American equivalent= HS Juniors) from a Catholic school in London. Starting in Year 12, the students are beginning “sixth form”, the final (optional) two years of secondary school. It is during these two years they hone in on like 3-4 subjects. From here, they go on to university.
It was a excellent and successful two days of team builders, educational sessions, worship, food and fun. The differences in the educational system are there, but these young people were the sixteen we all know and love. Confused, peer-pressured, defiant, horny, insecure, sports-obsessed, timid, moody, hilarious...need I continue?
In all honesty, while I know I have gifts and experience working teens, I know I carry some personal mess and apprehension into this full year of working with 14-18 yr olds. I believe it is natural to have such concerns because lets face it, teens are tough; not unlike how BEING a teen was tough. A challenge with Camp Luther teens was always the age difference. I was 19/20/21 and trying to lead campers who were only a few years younger than me. After experiencing this week with a small group of 15 young people, I’m beginning to understand two things I have working for me. Being on the brink of 23 allows me to be more removed yet empathetic for all that teenage messiness and joys. Strangely enough, being a foreigner is also going to be a great angle to experience. Not being from here allows me to remove myself from all my former-Marta achievements/experiences/culture so that resting too much on my “American laurels” is not an option. Beyond some of the young people digging talking to me about American pop culture/sports), it was nice to feel like it was really a non-issue to them. Through all of this, this past week affirmed just how much I will be able to contribute and receive from this ministry.
Memorable exchange from my week:
Me: Who are some of your favorite bands?
Music-loving Lad: …on the top of my list is Metallica.
Me: Alright!! Totally—I saw them in concert!
Lad: (eyes widen like saucers) Wow! I’m jealous!
(later in the conversation…)
Lad: I love Def Leppard…..don’t tell me you’ve seen them too!
Me: (Laughter) Yes.
2 of the approx. 7 bands I’ve seen live made this kid think I’m rock royalty! Haha. Good thing—cause I doubt he’d be as impressed with 98 Degrees…..
Shining my light,
Marta
SPEC Staff from our first retreat:
The past three weeks have been filled with “formation”- basically training, community building and preparation for the SPEC year. I now know I am a part of the SPEC Centre team, comprised of 8 volunteers who will be working with young people aged 13-25. The Loft Team is SPEC’s Children’s Ministry project working with 7-14 yr olds. The third SPEC team is located in the east side of London and are appropriately named SPECeast. Of the three SPEC YAGMs, I am with SPEC, Kris is up here with me working with The Loft and Becca is in London with SPECeast. It is nice to have the support and companionship of fellow YAGMs while each contributing to and experiencing a different area of SPEC.
To conclude this SPEC education portion of my blog…. SPEC is affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Westminster, which includes most of London and the northern country I’m in, Hertfordshire (pronounced Hart-ford-sure). SPEC has two meanings: It first comes from the Latin words “Speculum Vitae” which mean “mirror of life.” It is also an acronym for Spiritual, Personal/Peer, Educational Community. Growing up amidst American Lutheran ministry my entire life, it has been wildly interesting and enlightening to be a part of British Catholic ministry now! I will save some Protestant/Catholic thoughts for another time- but it is worth saying now that it’s been amazing to be welcomed with such loving ecumenical arms here at SPEC—and our differences in practice, theology, worship, etc. has already proven to only add to the riches and experience of this Global Mission year.
On to less logistical info! I had begun to really start feeling the itch to start working! In my mind, time to stop talking and start doing! Fortuately, this past Wednesday/Thursday was our first SPEC retreat—a retreat for about 90 Year 12s (American equivalent= HS Juniors) from a Catholic school in London. Starting in Year 12, the students are beginning “sixth form”, the final (optional) two years of secondary school. It is during these two years they hone in on like 3-4 subjects. From here, they go on to university.
It was a excellent and successful two days of team builders, educational sessions, worship, food and fun. The differences in the educational system are there, but these young people were the sixteen we all know and love. Confused, peer-pressured, defiant, horny, insecure, sports-obsessed, timid, moody, hilarious...need I continue?
In all honesty, while I know I have gifts and experience working teens, I know I carry some personal mess and apprehension into this full year of working with 14-18 yr olds. I believe it is natural to have such concerns because lets face it, teens are tough; not unlike how BEING a teen was tough. A challenge with Camp Luther teens was always the age difference. I was 19/20/21 and trying to lead campers who were only a few years younger than me. After experiencing this week with a small group of 15 young people, I’m beginning to understand two things I have working for me. Being on the brink of 23 allows me to be more removed yet empathetic for all that teenage messiness and joys. Strangely enough, being a foreigner is also going to be a great angle to experience. Not being from here allows me to remove myself from all my former-Marta achievements/experiences/culture so that resting too much on my “American laurels” is not an option. Beyond some of the young people digging talking to me about American pop culture/sports), it was nice to feel like it was really a non-issue to them. Through all of this, this past week affirmed just how much I will be able to contribute and receive from this ministry.
Memorable exchange from my week:
Me: Who are some of your favorite bands?
Music-loving Lad: …on the top of my list is Metallica.
Me: Alright!! Totally—I saw them in concert!
Lad: (eyes widen like saucers) Wow! I’m jealous!
(later in the conversation…)
Lad: I love Def Leppard…..don’t tell me you’ve seen them too!
Me: (Laughter) Yes.
2 of the approx. 7 bands I’ve seen live made this kid think I’m rock royalty! Haha. Good thing—cause I doubt he’d be as impressed with 98 Degrees…..
Shining my light,
Marta
SPEC Staff from our first retreat:
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Heaps Of _______
It seems fairly common for Americans to return from abroad and share lists of things the foreign country had and didn't have as a way to interest their fellow Americans about the different world they experienced. Luckily for you, that time is now and that list is here.
Q: "Hey Marta! What are some things they have in England that we don't have in the US?"
A: "Thank you for asking, friend. In England they have heaps of ________" (Notice my use of "heaps". Look at me using lingo! Haha.)
Fill in the blank:
a) UMBROS. Seriously, I've landed in the land of Umbros...everywhere. And it doesn't stop at the wind-pant esque shorts of early 90s America. Pants, hoodies, hats, even shoes. I suddenly feel the urge to shove some shinguards in my tube socks and go be of little importance on a soccer field.
b) TEA. Its not a English stereotype, kids. Lots and lots of tea. Coffee is a lesser option too during tea breaks. I drink mine straight up! (No milk or sugar...)
c) RABBITS. Rabbits on the SPEC grounds are large and in charge. So so so so so many. Its ridiculous. And they're huge. Like they should be in an episode of the Twilight Zone. They aren't afraid of humans either. *Shiver*
d) COINS There are 8 coins I have counted so far. 1 pence (penny), 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, 1 pound, 2 pound. I rarely feel the desire to tell an entire nation they are wrong-- but 8 coins is what I like to consider OVERKILL! Its confusing and somewhat necessary. Once you add a 1 and 2 dollar equivalent into the mix, no one gives a rat's patoot about the small guys...and all they do is make foreigners like myself feel like like a little kid searching through my change purse to make correct change at checkouts. I pay in cash just so I don't look out of place in stores! (Confession: I sometimes also mask my American accent...shhh!) I'm about to "stick it to the system" and have 2 change purses--- 1 for 50ps, 1 pound, and 2 pounders and one of all the other fluff.
e) CLOTHES LINES I haven't hung up my clothes to dry since...ummmm...Sudie? Did we ever use a clothes line? Enter my year in England. They are everywhere and commonly used. (in addition to dryers) You should see the variety of clothes pins in the store! I can see the clothes line from my room window...in case my clothes start misbehaving out there.
f) MY TWO LONG LOST LOVES! There has been a hole in my foodie-heart ever since my Australian semester abroad. Sweet Chilli Sauce and Penguins (aka Tim Tams) have re-entered my life. Thank you England. I've already done a "Penguin Slam" so Now all I need to do is to drench potato wedges in Sweet Chilli sauce and sour cream and I'm pratically Down Under again!
g) WAYS TO PRONOUCE MARTA In the States, you have a choice between Marda and Marta. (You should choose the latter.) Here, my name is experiencing the land of opportunity! A chance to really explore and try new things via accents! Mah-ta, Marter, Ma-ah, Martuh. For those of you who know that annoying Ting Tings diddy, it is my new theme song- hahahaha. "They call me Mah-ta, they call me Marter, They call me Ma-ah..thats not my name!!"
Mah-ta has had a long day of painting rooms. It is now time to face the mutant rabbit population outside and head back to Chantry Lodge where my bed awaits.
jo ejszakat! (Thats goodnight from my Hungarian co-worker Agi who is sitting next to me!)
-Marta
Q: "Hey Marta! What are some things they have in England that we don't have in the US?"
A: "Thank you for asking, friend. In England they have heaps of ________" (Notice my use of "heaps". Look at me using lingo! Haha.)
Fill in the blank:
a) UMBROS. Seriously, I've landed in the land of Umbros...everywhere. And it doesn't stop at the wind-pant esque shorts of early 90s America. Pants, hoodies, hats, even shoes. I suddenly feel the urge to shove some shinguards in my tube socks and go be of little importance on a soccer field.
b) TEA. Its not a English stereotype, kids. Lots and lots of tea. Coffee is a lesser option too during tea breaks. I drink mine straight up! (No milk or sugar...)
c) RABBITS. Rabbits on the SPEC grounds are large and in charge. So so so so so many. Its ridiculous. And they're huge. Like they should be in an episode of the Twilight Zone. They aren't afraid of humans either. *Shiver*
d) COINS There are 8 coins I have counted so far. 1 pence (penny), 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, 1 pound, 2 pound. I rarely feel the desire to tell an entire nation they are wrong-- but 8 coins is what I like to consider OVERKILL! Its confusing and somewhat necessary. Once you add a 1 and 2 dollar equivalent into the mix, no one gives a rat's patoot about the small guys...and all they do is make foreigners like myself feel like like a little kid searching through my change purse to make correct change at checkouts. I pay in cash just so I don't look out of place in stores! (Confession: I sometimes also mask my American accent...shhh!) I'm about to "stick it to the system" and have 2 change purses--- 1 for 50ps, 1 pound, and 2 pounders and one of all the other fluff.
e) CLOTHES LINES I haven't hung up my clothes to dry since...ummmm...Sudie? Did we ever use a clothes line? Enter my year in England. They are everywhere and commonly used. (in addition to dryers) You should see the variety of clothes pins in the store! I can see the clothes line from my room window...in case my clothes start misbehaving out there.
f) MY TWO LONG LOST LOVES! There has been a hole in my foodie-heart ever since my Australian semester abroad. Sweet Chilli Sauce and Penguins (aka Tim Tams) have re-entered my life. Thank you England. I've already done a "Penguin Slam" so Now all I need to do is to drench potato wedges in Sweet Chilli sauce and sour cream and I'm pratically Down Under again!
g) WAYS TO PRONOUCE MARTA In the States, you have a choice between Marda and Marta. (You should choose the latter.) Here, my name is experiencing the land of opportunity! A chance to really explore and try new things via accents! Mah-ta, Marter, Ma-ah, Martuh. For those of you who know that annoying Ting Tings diddy, it is my new theme song- hahahaha. "They call me Mah-ta, they call me Marter, They call me Ma-ah..thats not my name!!"
Mah-ta has had a long day of painting rooms. It is now time to face the mutant rabbit population outside and head back to Chantry Lodge where my bed awaits.
jo ejszakat! (Thats goodnight from my Hungarian co-worker Agi who is sitting next to me!)
-Marta
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Deep Thoughts With Marta Diehm
And now its time for Deep Thoughts With Marta Diehm...
I lost my control yesterday. My laptop was relaxing comfortably on my desk when my deordorant stick fell from the overhead shelf and landed on the keyboard, therefore popping off the bottom left-hand corner CTRL key.
After a vailant yet unsuccessful effort from my friend Anthony to pop it back on, I am without a control key.
I've lost my control. Interesting indeed.
Ever since my wildly eventful and interesing YAGM Discernment weekend that led me to the UK, there has been many-a small reminders of God's presence and his work and plan throughout this year. I know this year will continue throwing me all kinds of surprises, challenges, joys, and lessons that remind me that its ok to just be. Its ok not to have a plan. Its ok to let go...and that God is certainly good!
I was later told that there is a 2nd CTRL key to the right of the spacebar. Good to know its there, I suppose. But I'm gonna try to live without it.
If you enjoyed this installment of "Deep Thoughts With Marta Handy" stay tuned for other upcoming planned programming here on the MBN (Marta Blog Network):
-Things Overhead During….
-Top Ten Lists
-Getting To Know Marta’s Co-Workers: SPEC Volunteer Profiles
-Where in the World is YAGM 2009-2010
-UK Q&A
-Get Out Your Carpet Squares: Storytime!
-ELCA Global Mission Chatter
Any other ideas for programming? Let me (the program director) know! :)
-M
I lost my control yesterday. My laptop was relaxing comfortably on my desk when my deordorant stick fell from the overhead shelf and landed on the keyboard, therefore popping off the bottom left-hand corner CTRL key.
After a vailant yet unsuccessful effort from my friend Anthony to pop it back on, I am without a control key.
I've lost my control. Interesting indeed.
Ever since my wildly eventful and interesing YAGM Discernment weekend that led me to the UK, there has been many-a small reminders of God's presence and his work and plan throughout this year. I know this year will continue throwing me all kinds of surprises, challenges, joys, and lessons that remind me that its ok to just be. Its ok not to have a plan. Its ok to let go...and that God is certainly good!
I was later told that there is a 2nd CTRL key to the right of the spacebar. Good to know its there, I suppose. But I'm gonna try to live without it.
If you enjoyed this installment of "Deep Thoughts With Marta Handy" stay tuned for other upcoming planned programming here on the MBN (Marta Blog Network):
-Things Overhead During….
-Top Ten Lists
-Getting To Know Marta’s Co-Workers: SPEC Volunteer Profiles
-Where in the World is YAGM 2009-2010
-UK Q&A
-Get Out Your Carpet Squares: Storytime!
-ELCA Global Mission Chatter
Any other ideas for programming? Let me (the program director) know! :)
-M
Connecting, Bonding, and My American Behind Climbing Up Mountains and Trees: A Welsh Adventure
This past week we spent Sunday-Thursday in Snowdonia National Park in Wales for a staff retreat. It was a marvelous week of orientating, group-building, games and over SPEC fun. And I almost forgot—add some serious mountain hiking and high ropes course to that list! (More on those 2 adventures in a minute.) This coming week we start actual job/retreat training, so stay tuned on updates about my actual job description and such!
Wales was a great opportunity to really start to feel connected to this SPEC community. I shall now give you the breakdown of our crew to give you an idea of the community by which I’m so lovingly being embraced!
A breakdown of volunteers (by country!):
England: Hannah, Chris, Ciara, Ange
Germany: Irina, Lisa, Bjorn
Hungary: Sophie, Aggie, B.B
Slovakia: Mataj
Zimbabwe: Anthony
New Zealand: Beckah, Michael
South Korea: Song
Czech Republic: Maggie
U.S (UK YAGMs!): Marta, Kris, Becca
Program Leaders: Luke, Louise, Simon
Directors: Sandra and Dave Satchell, Sabina
Spec Dog: Guinness (my new BFF)
I’m no stranger to community building and that getting-to-know-you period (at Luther, Capital etc.) I think the most gratifying part about this go-round is seeing community development in such a cross-cultural population. Sure, it might take longer (I’d say a little less than half of us have English as a second language.) Learning experiences and self-reflection opportunities are in vast amounts. The amount of sensitivity and compassion I'm already feeling towards this mix of people and what they have to contribute to the SPEC ministry is astounding…and a really, really great feeling.
This wouldn’t be a Marta blog post without a wrap-up of events and highlights in bullet-point list format…Ready. Set. Go!
-I’m so glad I packed Bananagrams! (similar to speed scrabble) We had some pretty intense game play a couple of different nights in our retreat lodge! I’m happy to report that my summer-long Scrabble addiction with Sudie has served me well—I’m quite the competitor!
-I woke up the first morning to a bacon and eggs breakfast and was feeling extra spunky and energetic…so I put on my Camp Luther cap and taught everyone Bacon and Eggs. Although it is traditional English breakfast to serve them with baked beans....SO-- Everyone sing along!! Bacon and Eggs (And Beans!) Bacon and Eggs (And Beans!) Some like theirs fried upside down……
-No surprise that all you needed to connect with boys on a cross-cultural scale was sports! I had a lovely conversation with Dave and Sandra’s son Danny about all things sports and a even more surprising conversation with Bjorn from Germany about none other than the NBA and Dirk Nowitzki (Go Mavericks! Haha)
-Unfortunately it is taking FOREVER to upload the video, but we saw a ton of random sheep and goats on the Welsh countryside- prompting a group of us to sing a rousing rendition of "The Lonely Goatherd." Awesome.
-Mataj from Slovakia loves playing acoustic covers on his guitar including but not limited to: More than Words by Extreme, Wonderwall by Oasis, and Nothing Else Matters by Metallica!! (the last to which I practically teared up…)
-Anthony from Zimbabwe had an awesomely poignant conversation one night about life, families, God etc. Truly amazing to connect and relate to people from entirely different backgrounds.
-I LOVE starting to see humor come out in my international friends! I cracked up when Sophie from Hungary made a witty observation about the crappy weather in Snowdonia: “…more like Raindonia!”
And finally----
Let it be known----Marta S. Diehm hiked a total of 3 long trails—all in the pouring, messy rain! And on top of that: Marta S. Diehm completed a no-nonsense high ropes course. I’m talking like 30 elements…way high up…demanding great stamina and bravery. Of course the instructors say that anyone (size, shape, age, ability) can complete it and that its more mental than physical. Sure my mind was tested--- but I am no stranger to the truth about my lack of athleticism and upper body strength. There’s a reason I was never a recipient of the Physical Fitness Award throughout elementary school and junior high. Well Bill Clinton, you can keep your stinkin’ certificate and ribbon. Cause 22-yr-old Marta Diehm could be found atop a Welsh treetop hauling her ass through trees, obstacles, fears, frustrations, tears and triumphs! I had a lovely father figure (SPEC Director Dave) in front showing me the way and giving advice. I had a great sister figure in Kris providing support behind me. I also had Londoner Luke behind her; playing the role of comic relief. Thanks to him, the South Park quotes started to flow and “Amer-i-ca *#&# Yeah!” was sung when I conquered obstacles—Brillant!!
At one point when I found myself ziplining into an awaiting cargo net, I bursted into tears of relief—I sure have come a long way from the cargo net lowered from the stage area of the R.C Waters gym! Wahoo!! I can’t wait to share some pictures from that day when they surface!
Coming up soon—a brief rundown of my first trip into London and more!
Leave some comments, lads and lassies!!
Shining my light,
Marta
Wales was a great opportunity to really start to feel connected to this SPEC community. I shall now give you the breakdown of our crew to give you an idea of the community by which I’m so lovingly being embraced!
A breakdown of volunteers (by country!):
England: Hannah, Chris, Ciara, Ange
Germany: Irina, Lisa, Bjorn
Hungary: Sophie, Aggie, B.B
Slovakia: Mataj
Zimbabwe: Anthony
New Zealand: Beckah, Michael
South Korea: Song
Czech Republic: Maggie
U.S (UK YAGMs!): Marta, Kris, Becca
Program Leaders: Luke, Louise, Simon
Directors: Sandra and Dave Satchell, Sabina
Spec Dog: Guinness (my new BFF)
I’m no stranger to community building and that getting-to-know-you period (at Luther, Capital etc.) I think the most gratifying part about this go-round is seeing community development in such a cross-cultural population. Sure, it might take longer (I’d say a little less than half of us have English as a second language.) Learning experiences and self-reflection opportunities are in vast amounts. The amount of sensitivity and compassion I'm already feeling towards this mix of people and what they have to contribute to the SPEC ministry is astounding…and a really, really great feeling.
This wouldn’t be a Marta blog post without a wrap-up of events and highlights in bullet-point list format…Ready. Set. Go!
-I’m so glad I packed Bananagrams! (similar to speed scrabble) We had some pretty intense game play a couple of different nights in our retreat lodge! I’m happy to report that my summer-long Scrabble addiction with Sudie has served me well—I’m quite the competitor!
-I woke up the first morning to a bacon and eggs breakfast and was feeling extra spunky and energetic…so I put on my Camp Luther cap and taught everyone Bacon and Eggs. Although it is traditional English breakfast to serve them with baked beans....SO-- Everyone sing along!! Bacon and Eggs (And Beans!) Bacon and Eggs (And Beans!) Some like theirs fried upside down……
-No surprise that all you needed to connect with boys on a cross-cultural scale was sports! I had a lovely conversation with Dave and Sandra’s son Danny about all things sports and a even more surprising conversation with Bjorn from Germany about none other than the NBA and Dirk Nowitzki (Go Mavericks! Haha)
-Unfortunately it is taking FOREVER to upload the video, but we saw a ton of random sheep and goats on the Welsh countryside- prompting a group of us to sing a rousing rendition of "The Lonely Goatherd." Awesome.
-Mataj from Slovakia loves playing acoustic covers on his guitar including but not limited to: More than Words by Extreme, Wonderwall by Oasis, and Nothing Else Matters by Metallica!! (the last to which I practically teared up…)
-Anthony from Zimbabwe had an awesomely poignant conversation one night about life, families, God etc. Truly amazing to connect and relate to people from entirely different backgrounds.
-I LOVE starting to see humor come out in my international friends! I cracked up when Sophie from Hungary made a witty observation about the crappy weather in Snowdonia: “…more like Raindonia!”
And finally----
Let it be known----Marta S. Diehm hiked a total of 3 long trails—all in the pouring, messy rain! And on top of that: Marta S. Diehm completed a no-nonsense high ropes course. I’m talking like 30 elements…way high up…demanding great stamina and bravery. Of course the instructors say that anyone (size, shape, age, ability) can complete it and that its more mental than physical. Sure my mind was tested--- but I am no stranger to the truth about my lack of athleticism and upper body strength. There’s a reason I was never a recipient of the Physical Fitness Award throughout elementary school and junior high. Well Bill Clinton, you can keep your stinkin’ certificate and ribbon. Cause 22-yr-old Marta Diehm could be found atop a Welsh treetop hauling her ass through trees, obstacles, fears, frustrations, tears and triumphs! I had a lovely father figure (SPEC Director Dave) in front showing me the way and giving advice. I had a great sister figure in Kris providing support behind me. I also had Londoner Luke behind her; playing the role of comic relief. Thanks to him, the South Park quotes started to flow and “Amer-i-ca *#&# Yeah!” was sung when I conquered obstacles—Brillant!!
At one point when I found myself ziplining into an awaiting cargo net, I bursted into tears of relief—I sure have come a long way from the cargo net lowered from the stage area of the R.C Waters gym! Wahoo!! I can’t wait to share some pictures from that day when they surface!
Coming up soon—a brief rundown of my first trip into London and more!
Leave some comments, lads and lassies!!
Shining my light,
Marta
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