Harpenden

We took the circus on the road two weeks ago and pitched our tent in Harpenden, England. Let me tell you, in terms of YWAM bases, it was upgrading from the Bates Motel to The Ritz. There was space, there was grass, there were tables and chairs, oh my. And I got to pop into London to refresh my soul in one of my favorite places on the planet. It was as if returning to Narnia, a bit of a dream, though our purpose there was no fluffy affair.

For a week we sat before Carl Stauffer, as he lead us through a bit of training and discussion on reconciliation. An animated fellow, Carl worked in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and mediates civil conflicts throughout Africa. Peace building, trauma healing, restorative justice, Mr. Stauffer walked us through the practical and gritty work that lies in the reconciliation field. The big R word happens in little ways, in a long process that is founded in recognizing everyone’s humanity and value, that everyone has a story and motives and forces that drives action. The Lord needs people to walk alongside others in this process, to sit in puddles of despair with them, to create a safe space to dialogue in, to rise together past anger.

He spoke at the frequency of my heart. I left this graphic week tired and wondering could this be for me…

Translations

Trousers = Pants
Pants = Underwear
Jumper = Sweater
Biscuits = cookies
Tea = dinner
Supper = after dinner snack
Toilet/loo/Jack = bathroom
Hole in the wall = ATM/cash machine
Pudding = dessert
Builder's Bum = Plumber's CrackCulchie = Country folk
Bog = Toilet
Birds = Girls
Blokes/Lads = Boys
Wick =Bad
Cuppa = Cup of tea
Janey Mac = something shocking
Gutties = boots
Trainers/runners = sneakers
Phone box = phone booth
Plasters = band aids
A&E = ER
Settee = couch/sofa
Chips = French fries
Chippy = fast food joints
Screw = Police officer
Lorry = truck
Left on the shelf = older single woman
Trolley = shopping cart
Camp = effeminate
Jotters = notebooks
Brolly = umbrella
Ginger = red head
Jog On= Scew You
Taking a Piss= Making fun

There's nothing like a little pants mix up to light up a crowd.