A RETURN

After a wonderful crossing to Norway, our expectations were high for our return. Oh dear!

In total contrast to the trip there, our return journey in many ways appears to be a collection of things that could go wrong - but in all of it God was still good, and was still putting together pieces of a puzzle to make a finished product that could be appreciated.

We hadn't booked our cabin earlier for various reasons, and had no reason to feel we needed to, but when we arrived there were no cabins and only two sleeping chairs available. Not a great start! I was content to build a 'cave' on the floor so that wasn't a horrendous problem as we could take the next day easily (we thought) and the lack of sleep shouldn't prove a problem.

What we hadn't counted on was a storm that rolled the boat around, several drunken people wandering around and a man with some kind of breathing issue that could rival the loudest and most disturbing sounding of animals! In the morning when we compared notes about our night, we'd all been worried about his survival and counting the gaps between snorts, chokes and gasps!

Not only was it not the greatest in terms of comfort, sleep and peace, but the storm caused other issues so our ride actually turned into about 14 hours on the rolling waves! Even I was feeling nauseous although being blown around outside for a bit helped clear my head for sure! When we were actually able to dock (by the way if a boat has to turn off the stabilisers to be able to roll into the harbour, it really DOES roll!) there were tugs - in the words of the captain - 'trying' to hold us still enough to disembark and an hour after being told to stand by the door, we were taken off through the car decks onto buses because they couldn't hook up to people bridge.

There were divine appointments though from a sailor Erick and Lisa had met weeks before on a train to a gentleman Erick chatted to on the bus we accidentally ended up on. We saved some money and time and were able to fit in a Lidl trip with bargain priced croissant before returning to the YWAM base. Holy Spirit strengthened us as we ministered that evening too unexpectedly as part of the planning for the YWAM family camps happening that summer.

From there we spent time over the next few days in prayer and worship and fellowshiping with/encouraging those on the base before I came back to the UK and Erick and Lisa went on to Sweden. It made my heart happy to get a couple of hours with the beautiful Lise in Copenhagen too on the way back - a reminder that in God we truly do have family everywhere!

On one level I would have loved to move back there for the next few months as I 'wait' for my DTS to begin. As I flew home I was asking God to make it clear what these months were to look like; do I go to Norway? Move to Manchester to be in the HoP?

His answer was clear as I landed.

Stay in Wrexham with my parents. Invest in things that grow my character. Invest in things that grown my gifts. Say 'yes' to things that connect me with people. Allow myself to build friendships. Listen to him and rest knowing that his direction is the best, his love never fails, and following him is never going to cause regret.

So I'm back. I'm here. Thankful for what we did, saw and experienced and looking to what is still to come.

My Cave on the Fjord Line Stavangerfjord. Warm, I could lie down......what more could I need?!

The tug 'trying' to hold us steady, and us leaving through the car deck. Travel adventures!

How I spent my Monday.....worship, intercession and the sweet, sweet presence of God.

Getting ready for the Monday night community meal....for which I obviously baked. Mmmmmm

Hanging out in Copenhagen. Thankful for some time to reunite, reminisce and look forward.

Last selfie before parting ways - love that my phone has no front-facing camera so it's always a bit of guess work as to what comes out. RETRO SELFIE!

Flying over the Pennines on our descent into Manchester. Window seats are the best on short flights!