snap crackle pop

Soo this title- let me give you the logic- I thought about how I have to write this so quickly- so then I thought- in a flash- then that sounded dumb- then I thought of snap- then it went to snap crackle pop. makes sense? maybs? This is the fastest blog update ever! I’m going to church in ten minutes! But I wanted to update… because my man JC has been on the move! Things have been happening here!!!!

Where to begin. Who knows. Ill just start typing.

Joy and restoration- two words that have really defined these past few weeks. A couple weekends ago we went to my friend Jessie’s farm in Somerset- dream. It was beautiful. but the best part- the Lord decided to work a miracle. He filled me with so much joy. And laughter. It was a breakthrough. The main things I learned- that if we enjoy something, God must enjoy it too. If he has created joy- he must have a pretty good sense of humor. It broke the lie that people cant see Christ in me when I am goofy- something I have been believing for a while. And to see that they can, has been so encouraging. I feel so affirmed in that. Also, that God enjoys our presence. That for the first time in a while, I actually felt like my presence was enjoyed- and I think it was deeply rooted in my walk with the Lord. Since tehn, I have been laughing so much!!! A lot of friends here have even said they have noticed transformation- and it truly is a miracle.

Classes- my brain is bustin with info!!! We are learning so much and it is such a privledge. We are continuing on spiritual disciplines, frequently asked questions, 1 corinthians, the rationality of the Christian faith, and have added classes on doctrine, science and religion, globalization and some others. It is a blessing. To be learning how rational Christianity is, and how it can be reasoned, and the confidence we can have in it- beyond our own personal experience has been great. constantly soaking in knowledge.

Friendships have continued to grow. Getting to know each person individually, undestanding what makes them tick has been great. I am so blessed by this group! And by all of the laughing we do!!!

I’ve started a Bible study- as my placement for the course- at the NOOC, where I live. We are going through a series called Uncover- a seeker Bible study that is popular with the Chrisitan Union (pretty much the UK’s InterVarsity) here. So far we have all believers coming, but I am praying for the group to expand and grow! But also so thankful for those that are here. God is teaching me that his Spirit is so powerful, so present, and that it is His convincing power that we rest on, and not something we have to conjure up or make ourselves.

I have started volunteering with the gatehouse- it is a organization that feeds the homeless on a daily basis! I have been going once a week. It has been such a pleasure, and place of joy and service. I really enjoy how transparent and uninhibited the homeless are, they show you all of themselves, and it is refreshing. You get to know what is really important to them, and what they believe- and to just be a friend to them while you can is a blessing. My favorite is a precious older man who comes and has the most gracious attitude and thinks he is a magician. Dreamboat.

To end with two verses that I have been praying through, and would love prayer for:

Ephesians 6:10 & 19

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.”

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel….”

BOOM.

Peace, love & starbucks tea 

Rach

Ps- would love to hear from you all to know what is going on in your lives! I love emails! And mail :)

catch up.

ahhh! i can't believe it's been so long since i posted- and there is so much to say. where do i even begin?? things have been amazing- challenging and deeply refreshing. it would probably take me a few hours to write everything that i have done and been learning. so, until i get into a rhythm of how to update, i thought i could write down 10 things about school and community.

Academia!
1. Our classes are intense. They are wonderful. I have never learned this much, or worked this hard. so much reading, highlighting- and learning how to take notes! Our weeks alter between packed and lighter class schedules, which can be refreshing.
2. We are in a preaching workshop! it's thrilling. we are learning how to speak, give sermons, and deliver well. we have to tape ourselves, watch, and then figure out what to work on
3. We are in a New Testament class on 1 Corinthains- with 2 papers down, I know so much more than I ever thought I would about the Corinthian society!
4. We are in a class on frequent apologetic questions, one of my favorites, because we are uncovering frequent objections and questions raised about Christianity, and how to dialogue about them
5. Other classes include the rationality of the CHristian Faith, Critical Thinking, Globalization, 1 Peter, Spiritual Disciplines
6. Coffee shops are my jam. Many papers have been written and research occured in coffee shops- especially Java & Co!
7. My mind is being stretched in new ways- we are learning how to look at things critically, and not just descriptively- its a new kind of writing for me.
8. we have been learning a lot about our worldview- how we see the world and how it affects how we engage with others, fascinating.
9. some of our assignments involve going into town and asking questions to strangers- its thrilling! last week we had to ask 1) what are you major objections to the Christian Faith and 2) What would it take for you to become a Christian. i spoke with a new friend, Jason, who has a brilliant mind. it was quite an intriguing and good conversation.
10. we have started at our placements for the course- mine is at the NOOC (where I live) and i will be starting a Bible study here this coming week. we are going through the uncover series through UCCF. please keep it in your prayers!!!!


Community!
1. It's been a continual learning process to be in this community. We truly are a diverse group- come from so many different cultural and family backgrounds, and all have different gifts to offer.
2. One of our favorites is Stephen. He worked in the Hong Kong government for 34 years before coming to OCCA. He is brilliant, intelligent, and loves Jesus. Last week we realized that whenever he talks we all stand in awe haha everyone goes silent and just listens. its funny.
3. The women have started praying on fridays! That has been a great way to all be together at the same time- and to be intentional! We have breakfast, share Scripture, and pray for each other. last week they all surrounded me as I was feeling sick and just struggling with anxiety and my health. They so dearly lifted me up and encouraged me!
4. It's definitely different to be with the same people all the time- so different from my usual tendencies to be friends with many different groups.
5. Claire and I have become really close- we have breakfast and pray every tuesday. she is also my coffee shop pal- we adventure all over together.Tamara- she is wonderful as well. she has such a different heart for the Lord than some of my other friends- and its so refreshing. we have bonded over a love for spanish, singing hymns and worship, and coffee- essentials. we also love corrie ten boom and quotes- works out when you have someone who loves to encourage in the same way you love to give encouragement! Carmen is so full of life and such an encouragement! Jesse and I are always laughing with one another and like to turn conversation into songs. Hatun is so thoughful, has a really dry sense of humor, and so unique. i'm always learning. alycia is bold and yet so compassionate. so inviting.
6. I have not laughed this much in a long time. I am always laughing- and this community is one that has brought out so much joy in me!
7. we started our huddles this week. we are going to meet in our huddles every week, talk about what we are learning, things that are challenging and going well, etc. its supposed to be a sort of accountability group but also a place for raw honesty and deep change. my leader is Jo- she is one of the wives of the tutors. she is so intelligent, and has such a heart for the Lord. we connect so well!
8. I have committed to St. Aldate's church. I really enjoy the worship and the teaching. this week i signed up to help with childrens church! i have missed being with kids so much!
9. i'm hoping to get involved with a ministry that serves dinner to the homeless once a week here!
10. our community just has fun together. we drink lots of coffee, talk all the time, play games, watch movies, cook together, study together. major bonding.


:) just a recap!
look for a post soon on what God has been teaching me and how to be praying!!!!

victorious living.

Victorious living. do we know it? do we believe in it? i cannot generalize for all, but for me personally, it seems harder than being able to state and know in my mind, that I am living in victory because of Christ's victory on the cross.

As I have been in Oxford, it has been a hodgepodge of ups and downs. highs and lows. but i think that is part of life- learning to be in process. i have found much joy in the community and settings i have been surrounded by, have been able to laugh, and thank God for hand picking a community of very different individuals.  i have spent some mornings and evenings with joy bubbling over, and some crying out to God, with moments of pain, and deep anxiety. My heart has struggled to be at rest, to be content, and to be in process. I have asked many questions to God, and cried out for His voice and His peace.

there have been many days where i have felt on the brinks of defeat, or defeated within my mind or soul. and it is at those times when we need to choose to claim victory. it can be easy to lean towards despair, hopelessness, or fear, but they have not proved to be worthwhile or helpful companions. they actually do not deliver what they promise. so i have prayed, God how are you going to meet me here? how are you going to transform my mind and my heart to trust in your goodness? help my unbelief!

He has come through in many ways, and a main theme is ringing loud and clear: victory. i can claim victory because I am in Christ. that does not mean that the pain or suffering goes away, but it does mean that I have Jesus interceding for me, fighting for me, and with me every step of the way. With His grace i can choose hope, i can rest in peace, and I can receive a joy that does not perish, spoil, or fade.

A friend who has been such a blessing to me just lent me the book Amazing Love by Corrie Ten Boom. The Lord definitely had His hand in that, and just prompted her to give it to me. It has been a source of great refreshment, and from simple truths, helped me fix our eyes back on Christ. One of the quotes is this, "We are not only striving towards victory, but we are fighting from the stance of victory." Boom. Victory is ours. the battles will be waged, and we will fight, but the war has been won. our souls can rest assured of that.

In a devotional I read in the morning, called Joy and Strength, i found two more quotes about victory.

"Courage, it shall be well: we follow a conquering general; yea, who hath conquered already; and He that hath conquered for us shall ever conquer in us." Robert Leighton

"Hopefulness of victory is ours, if we only remember that we are fighting God's battles. And can He know defeat? He who is the God of the great world around us is the God of the little world within. It is He who is contending in thee; thou art but His soldier, guided by His wisdom, strengthened by His might, shielded by His love. Keep your will united to the love of God, and final defeat is impossible, for He is invincible!" - George Body

I could write on forever about the ways that those quotes encouraged me, but I hope the Holy Spirit uses them to encourage and strengthen your heart as well- in whatever area you feel you may be facing defeat. the enemy of our souls does not want us to remember victory, but fall into the easy muck of despair, keeping our eyes ever on our circumstances, and our abilities, instead of the strength and adequacy of our beautiful Savior. He is working in us, He is working through us, and He is invincible! As I am battling insecurity, anxiety, transition, etc it has been easy to stay focused on the moment, stay focused on the indadequacy, almost as if worry will fix the problem. It doesnt, and that can even be used to distract us from focusing our eyes and minds on the kingdom. Allow Christ to transform the foundation of your mind, your thoughts, and your battles to one of victory. 

God has also come through in community. through being transparent with some women in the group, i have been able to be lifted up in prayer, and from that, be so encouraged by the Word, which truly does sustain us. I have been very encouraged by Philippians 4:10- 13 and Matthew 11:28- 30. Victory is ours in plenty, and in want, and we can exchange our burdens for His rest and His strength. He keeps saying "I've got it, I've got you covered."

I am resting, praying, and thanking God that we do have a God who transforms us. that we can rest that He loves us too much to let us stay the same.  

take off

We'll we've started "classes." It's actually been a wonderful week of settling into the mission, goals, and culture of the community here at OCCA. We've gotten lots of community time. There are 28 of us in the program, 21 guys and 7 girls (can you say the opposite extreme of JMU ha). So far we've cooked together, walked to town together, gone to pubs together, and many things in between. We are each so different- and when I say that, I say it with 100% sincerity. There are so many different stories and personality traits here, so many ages, and different walks of life. And we have one thing in common: Jesus, and wanting to make His name greater. How unifying that can be!

It has been humbling and such a blessing to be surrounded by, what i consider, some of the greatest evangelists and apologists I have heard. to be training with and learning from individuals who i listened to on you- tube and read articles from is a beautiful gift. thank you God!!!

Our lectures thus far have introduced us to what we are getting into here at OCCA- and instead of being intensely overwhelming, it has actually been quite refreshing. Everything is centered on prayer. Everything is centered on the grace and love of Christ. During our first lecture, our senior tutor stated two main things 1) you dont deserve to be here and 2) you will not meet your expectations. He elaborated- that we don't deserve to be here, but God has called us here to give us a good gift. To take part in His grace. We don't have to earn the right to be here, we don't have to prove that we were good enough to get in, we are here because it is the plan God had since the beginning of time. refreshing, right? definitely lifts the pressure off. We are here, individually, and as a community, for such a time as this. I keep thinking of that line from Esther 4:12- we can trust that God has weaved together this course and this community, this group, for right now.

The next lecture we talked about expectations, specifically attitude and attendance. We discussed different characteristics and elements of attitude: humility, transparency, charity, loyalty, and worship. We broke up and talked in groups and talked about which we think would be the hardest for us, and prayed over it. it was amazing- literally getting together, confessing a part of weakness, and getting to lift it up to the God of the universe. we can't do this without Him- and this course understands that, knows that, and wants us to lean into Him and His strength. It isn't showing up for the first day, being intimidated, and saying toughen up and good luck. it's honesty, transparency, and being able to make all of this centered on the love and strength of Jesus.

it's been wonderful. I am praying for the sense of community to continue growing, for each of us to be part of a communal body, and for each of us to be challenged, stretched, and deeply loved. we all recently got our placements for the year- which is a 5hr/ week volunteer placement in the community focusing on apologetics and evangelism. we are all spread out. I was placed at the NOOC (where I live)  to do one on one conversation and evangelism with a book of the Bible. right up my alley. you can be praying for my time there, and for whoever I am placed with!!

I'll be keeping you updated.. and will probs write more later! :)

cheers!

well.. I'm here!!!!!! cant even believe it. it's real!!! 

here is some updates!!! i promise i will get more structured/ linear once i get some sleep in me and once i am adjusted! 

1. oxford is beautiful. i mean were talking beautiful. there are old buildings everything and almost everything around me is old style english. its amazing. i have never seen such beautiful buildings! and they are all spread about. 

2. my room is cozy.. aka suuuper tight. trying to make it my own. good thing i brought pictures! i got some card stock and markers today and i'm hoping to put verses on the walls...

3. i have met 2 of my hallmates. i cant pronouce any of their names. they are from asia/ the middle east. they only talked for like 30 secs! definitely different from freshman in college who want to talk to everybody all the time. i think this will be a lot of time to myself when i am here... but who knows hopefully i will meet some new friends soon. tonight i met daniel! from spain- and when i said i was from maryland he thought i said ireland.. so he thinks im irish. woops. he wants to talk theology soon. woo!

4. the place i am living is so rustic. all the furniture looks like the stuff you see in beach houses in bethany/ obx that people obviously dont care what is tehre.. is out of date? thats the only comparison i could think of... ha. the bathroom and shower are in two different rooms. i have a sink in my room.  oxford is really crammed for space.. everything is tight. 

5. they dont use rolls of toilet paper. its tissues that are in a box that you pull out. weird.

6. my boots that i bought wore through in one day.. womp. 

7. its good to be with my dad. he really wants to help and wants to make sure i have everything i need! we've discovered poundland (the equivalent of the dollar store- heck yes!!!) the bank and the phone company have been a whirlwind.. we've had to go back and forth so many times and we never have exactly what we need

8. to get places we have to walk. its about a 2 mile walk from where i live to the "city centre" picture the avenue times 100. its like a mall but outside. cars can drive on some roads and not others. the roads are cobbletsone. its really cool. they are so trendy here!!! no one wears work out clothes during the day.. i'm the odd man out!! ha. and lets just say i will be getting my legs in some serious shape! the closest grocery store is probably a mile... and shops for other supplies are further. but all the roads are intertwined and the schools for oxford and different colleges are all dispersed throughout the walk/ city centre. its breathtaking. also buses are the real deal here! lots and lots of bikers! looks like im turning into lance armstrong in these next 9 months...  

9. they love beer here. its funny. 

10. everyone says cheers all the time. when you are leaving a store, or after you pay for your food, or when you finish a conversation, they always say cheers. they say "jolly good" and "bloody good" they also use brilliant as a synonym for wonderful. its so funny! 

11. I LOVE THE ACCENTS. 

12. i'm overwhelmed. there is so much change going on in such a short amount of time and i dont even know what to do! im trying to take everything in...  i think i miss being comfortable somewhere.. the comfort of being with the fam and being home. but knowing that God is the God of comfort!!! 

13. my stomach has been ok, hurting at times. but i have been eating some bread!!!!! YEAH! i tried eating some lettuce...my stomach told me to stop going crazy.

14. i only slept an hour last night- hoping my body adjusts soon. you can pray for that :) 

15. you can be praying for my health, adjusting, and just keeping my eyes on the Lord. sometimes it is so easy to put our eyes back on our circumstances. on things that i need to do, and the pressure of performance. resting in Him! and trusting that He does equip us for every good work!! Romans 15:13 has been my jam. 

well thats 15 new things you didnt know!! ;) 

here's my address for all you writers... 

Rachel Wallick

Room 33

North Oxford Overseas Centre

117 Banbury Road

OX2 6JX

UK

:) cheers! 

the undercurrent.

ok so.. it's crunch time!! one week to go! it's WILD. my visa came in today... PTL. everything is ready!

so although there seems to be so much to write about, and so many things to fill in, there are just some moments and lessons i want to share. many things have happened...i have seen more doctors, i found out i am now really allergic to nuts (peanut butter may or may not be my favorite food.. don't worry about it) i have a visa, i have seen friends, i've babysat, went on a shopping spree, i have spent time with my family, i've gotten to paint, do crafts, and read read read.

through the undercurrent of it all.. i've been learning a lot. and it's about the personality of Jesus. it's about His love and not how I love Him. about His personality, and not some of the stereotypes or misunderstandings i've had. and it's come in quite a few ways.

it started with a letter. from a dear friend sharing some of the things she has been learning this summer.  she wrote about how she had been learning a new perspective of God's love. that we can be a reflection of God's love to others. that by knowing how much we are loved by God, we can see that our love comes from Him. fast forward a few days- i'm in starbucks with my aunt. it was a great time to just be honest and share our hearts and talk deep. talk about fears. talk about relationships. talk about Jesus. talk about how we can learn from each other. fast forward a few more days (stick with me here i'm almost done) and i' talking with a friend about God's love, and how I am learning more about it. how it is so hard for me to grasp it's unconditionality, His heart for us. that i'm starting to learn as i can be open and honest with others, and still be loved. but that it's also hard for me because i feel that if I don't "do" (meaning pray a lot, be in the Word, ie disciplines) that God won't know that i love Him. i didnt link that together until that conversation.

then, she framed it in such a way that i am still amazed. she asked me how long it had been since i had a coffee date with my aunt. i said probably a few weeks...and then she asked me, did you doubt that anne wanted to have coffee with you? did you doubt your relationship going into it because it had been a few weeks? or did you doubt that anne knew that she meant a lot to you or that you loved her even though it had been a few weeks? i answered no very quickly with a laugh. and then she said... well if that is how it can be with a family member, a human, who is only able to show a fragment of love that God has for you, how much more do you think He has that capability? if God has given us the ability to love each other that way, and that much, isn't that also one of His qualities?  i was speechless. i never considered connecting those things to God, but they are from Him! and He loves perfectly. it doesnt matter if it's been a while, God knows us, knows our hearts, and loves us. i've been trying to soak that in for the past few... it's pretty freeing to come to understand more and more about God's love.

the third way it's come is through the book Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge. please read it!!!!! it is all about Jesus, and His personality. it shows you His heart. he also does a great job of calling religion for what it is, spotting out misunderstandings, and letting us get to know the true personality and character of Jesus. it's been such a great book and is actually allowing me to see that Jesus was awesome!! He does have a sense of humor, he is intentional, he really does know how to love, and was so human. He can totally relate to us. we just have to be able to see it. and trust it. i really really recommend it. it's been one of the most transforming books i've read, and a favorite for sure. and you don't have to know a ton about God, the Bible, or Jesus to read it. are you just curious? do you want to learn more about His personality? i am benefitting from it more than i expected. it's been great.

the last thought i will leave you with, is another thought from a friend. she reminded me that when Jesus died, He died with no guarantees. He did not die because He knew He would be loved in return, He died because He loved. He did it anyway. His love is really that big.

I'm praying that for readers, and friends, and just people in my life. that we can have our eyes open to how big God's love really is. we don't need to and can't fit it in a box. and He wants to show us His love and continue to open our hearts and eyes so that in the undercurrents of life, He can keep showing up and keep loving us, and keep transforming us.

pocket of sunshine

when i looked at my blog today it was hard to believe it's been over a month that i wrote last!

well... to give an England update- i have a place to live, I have my plane ticket, all my paperwork is in... we're counting down the days!!! it's wild. God has been a sure provider in getting me ready for this trip and equipping me not only spiritually, but mentally as well.. to learn, to fight battles, and to trust. i say all that almost in reflection mode.. as it's been tough. but within the past two weeks He has graced me with a peace that I could not be more grateful for... and has never felt more genuine. so thankful. 

so lets just say this summer has been tough. in almost all areas. especially my health. it's been one where standards i may have set and a "great walk with the Lord" have been challenged, and restructured. i think i'm learning more about grace than i knew. 

i've been really asking for a little glimpse of how He is going to use these battles... 

so monday I'm in the grocery store (ya know casually doing grocery shopping for the fam.. playing mom) weighing my cucumbers.. when this older gentleman walks by me and burps. ok i cant hold it in when someone burps in the most random public place.. so i laugh. he walks by again and says sorry. and i said haha i appreciate someone who is bold enough to burp. and then he explains to me that it is from this medicine he is taking... and so it begins. we are having all the same health problems. from stomach issues to a long list.. we talk about it. (which when i think about it i'm like okay weird that i'm bearing my soul and problems to a 55 year old stranger..) anyways, he starts asking me about what i am doing next year- so i explain. with no idea what apologetics is.. i start unpacking it more. and He asks how the whole "Jesus thing" is important to me and will help with social work. so i get to explain my heart about that a little bit more. and that I am excited to learn more about other views and the truth of Christianity to help me love others well. then he says he was talking to someone and they suggested going to God with everything (his health, drug use, etc) and he said "I know there isn't a God, i just do. trust me."

and to that... i said. well i believe differently. i know there is a God, and He has changed my life. he asks how.. so I give him an abbreviated testimony. then he says that the church is for nuts anyway so it's good that i'm there (insult or compliment.. not sure ha) he goes on to explain his distorted view of the church, and i just simply said its a group of imperfect people all pursuing a relationship with a perfect God who loves us more than we know. 

change the subject... random talk again. and as we finally introduce ourselves, i tell him i will be praying for him. and he says, dont bother... i would rather you pray for someone that God actually wanted to hear about.. someone that He would want to help. and i asked him why he thought that. He said that he made fun of God for so many years, and is at a point where if God is really real.. would He please show up. that he is sorry. woaaaaahhhh baby. it's interesting how a firm belief that there is no God could be a mask of a greater pain.. and of greater questions. of not feeling worthy or loved. 

so gospel time. got to share with him briefly why we can talk to God whenever, and how he wants to hear our prayers. he loves us and wants to have a relationship with him. about Jesus and what He did. and about how He cares for this man. He was quiet.. and said he would have to take my word for it. 

He ended with "well i'm glad i burped out loud." 

wow. what a convo starting from a burp. God is soooo good and so gracious! He can weave things and plan conversations in the middle of the produce department!!! He is wild. 

then.. just for icing on the cake. i have been praying for a backpack to travel europe with because i cant afford it. today i was walking back from the elementary school with a neighbor i have just started getting to know. was telling her about the adventures. and she goes, well my son backpacked through rome last year would you like to borrow his backpack??? 

boooom. 

what a pocket of sunshine. what a way to show me He is listening, He cares, and He never stops loving us or using us amidst our trials.