In at the deep end

I have no idea what is going on here

So progress is finally being made in the US of A, but I'm both busy and engaged in a fair few cultural differences. Hence 'football' - I've watched two games, and have very little idea what is going on. I think I know the absolute basics, but the minute people start talking about what is going on then I'm afraid I'm completely lost. I'm repaying this cultural favour however by trying to explain the laws of cricket to the Americans, and finding absolute bemusement meeting me in return. 

However I know have a social security number, which seems to be the magical key to opening up many previously closed doors. I now have been able to open a bank account, (which enables me to be paid), book a driving test (and some more driving lessons), and join the library. The library is a particular treat - a Greenwich resident left them $25 million in their will, and now the library is one of the best in the USA. Firstly its huge, and also its generously equipped with just about every book I could want (at the moment I'm reading a bit of Aristotle and I've got the new Hawkings book reserved). It's a great place to go and do some work - if I fancy a change of scenery its a great place to go and work.

The Real Food Bible studies are going OK - we could do with some more people at them however, so the next few weeks I'm planning to meet as many people as possible for coffee or dinner. I've also done the first men's study in Acts (and also a good bit of Luke). The key surprise for me is that the central character in Acts is Jesus - hence Luke's introduction "In [my previous book] I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach" - the implication is that Acts is all about what Jesus is continuing to do and teach. I've also led the last two services and lead again tomorrow - the fact that I hadn't figured out exactly what happened in the service didn't seem to stop Tom deciding I was 'ready'.

So progress and frustration in equal measure at the moment - much like the rest of Christian ministry I suppose.

Prayer:

- progress at Real Food in particular 

- that ongoing work on Ephesians would go well

Dave