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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