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I'm currently house hunting. This process began with a six page form, which with a friend from the Eden project, we filled out and submitted to the housing association. Last week we had a really positive meeting with one of the housing officers responsible for the area, and things were looking fantastic - chances were we would have a house really soon and he was extremely positive. Today we have hit difficulties as he has just let us know that the house I was supposed to be viewing today is probably going to fall through.

Why do our souls long to find a place called home? What is it about security that we love so much? I'm intrigued by Jesus teaching on it. For this you need to read it in the context of the passage; you'll then realise what I'm talking about - maybe there is part of me that wants security and safety, rather than the different lifestyle God has called us to once we have accepted Jesus.

Out of Eden...

I write this to you as my first blog out of Eden, in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
An update so far:

The night I moved, my parents' car got broken into. Thankfully only two items were taken and no one was hurt, but if you see a pair of conga drums sitting in an Oldham back street, do give me a ring!

I'm staying with hosts until I get my own place. I am currently in the process of filling out a housing application, so I would value your prayers that the process would be as quick as possible, or I face the prospect of moving several times, which is obviously not desirable.

Some reflections:

God is good and I adore him. He allows us to enter his presence and be with him and experience just a glimpse of his glory, yet this glimpse makes us in awe of him... how great must he really be?!

There is a real sense of community here - earlier I was introduced to a lady and went into her house for a cup of tea - I ended up staying for a couple of hours and being invited round to watch a football game at their house next saturday! And they're not even Christians!

This might sound random and not in keeping witht the rest of my blog, but I watched a Richard Dawkins documentary the other day (an activity that never ceases to raise my blood pressure). My conclusion is that scientists like Dawkins will never understand artists like God. But yes, a lot of homeopathic medicine is wierd and does not work!

This blog is not nearly as punchy or good as the last one, but I'm tired, it's late and I'm recovering from a visit to ASDA today (three good reasons why my brain can be excused from working as it normally does!)

Exit Strategy

I've been thinking a lot recently about leaving things behind. This is due to the fact that in a couple of weeks, I will be moving from the idyllic English countryside to the urban sprawl of a housing estate in Oldham. I'm going to join one of the 10 Eden projects in Greater Manchester, working amongst local communities and with young people to bring about God things in their lives.

This does however mean that I am leaving my current situation, my securities and my home, not to mention many good friends. The act of leaving brings about strange thoughts, feelings and ideas for the leaver. At the moment there is a wierd sense of suspension, as if in limbo, waiting for the next part of life to begin. It is as if, having been cut off from the past and like a canonball, I am waiting eagerly to be fired at high speed into the next adventure, the next voyage of discovery, full of resistance and obstacles but doubtless also enjoyment and vibrancy.

Over the last few weeks, I have been struck by the words "Exit Strategy" - as whenever we leave something, we want to leave well, with a carefully executed strategy which enables us not to linger around for too long, nor to leave too quickly - a leaving that strikes the perfect balance of excitement and disappointment - longing and grieving. I wonder whether you have ever thought about your exit strategy? Myself? I think I know how creation feels...