Saturday, January 23, 2010

a new home

12 days into 2010 began a new journey for us... we hopped on a plane (1 day after our 3rd anniversary) and stepped into a new world (and new home). we left everything that was comfortable, safe and KNOWN, and moved in with about 40 or so other people. we didn't know anyone except each other.

and yet we have never felt so at home. so welcomed. so safe. isn't it amazing how god can do things like that? we choose to say YES - even though everything seems strange and crazy and doesn't really make sense - and he comes and meets us in that exact place and says, DON'T WORRY, I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU. BETTER CARE OF YOU THAN YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF YOU. we're so silly sometimes. thinking we can care for ourselves better than he can.

we have been at holmsted manor in cuckfield (pronounced cook-field), west sussex, england for 10 days and yet it feels like we've been here for months. relationships have been formed, memories have been made, and god has done some great things. we are so honored and thankful to be a part of this amazing adventure. sometimes i really can't grasp the fact that god CHOSE us and WANTS to use little ol' us. what a loving and redeeming god we serve.

here are james and i in the front of our new home... it's quite a breath-taking place. very easy to find jesus here. this particular morning (all these photos), it started snowing and stuck for the entire day.... it was beautiful. the top photo is the long driveway leading up to our home and the second photo is the rolling hills surrounding our property. thank you jesus for your beautiful creation.

we feel like we've jumped in with both feet and are fully embracing all this season holds for us. by god's grace we have transitioned so smoothly. thank you to our dear friends and family for loving us and praying for us so faithfully. we are fully aware that without your faithfulness we wouldn't be here. we pray you are blessed just as we are through this process.

we love you and miss you ~ james & rachel noel

"for this reason i kneel before the father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. i pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. and i pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of god. now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in christ jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! amen." ephesians 3

8 comments:

Jamie said...

is it strange that I have missed you more knowing you are now in a other counrty than when you were just 2.5 hours away? BUT now that I see you are having a sweet time with your husband the people there and that the Lord is blessing you guys so much, I am so happy for you Rach!! even if you weren't so happy I would still be happy knowing that is where the Lord has led you and James. God is so FAITHFUL! I am so encouraged by you sweet, sweet friend! i will continue to be praying for you both. oh and that house or manor is amazing!

Sudan Calls said...

Wow what a beautiful place! So happy for you guys and love you! Looking forward to the next update and more pics :)

Sudan Calls said...

I don't know why that says Sudan calls, but that was me Lori :)

Rose said...

Oh, I love what God is doing with you 2! : ) Thanks for the updates...know you are LOVED, prayed for and kept by God alone!

Rose said...

Hey, you packed your Christmas village, but now you are LIVING in a life-sized real WINTER WONDERLAND!! Don't cha just LOVE the way God does stuff? Ha, ha!

Unknown said...

Hi James and Rach, we loved the pics you sent. We just scratched our heads wondering how you sent the pics and had it snowing when we can't even figure out our new DROIDS! LOL Yes God has you on a mission for Him and one you will never forget! We are still so very proud & happy for you! God Bless You and All of Your New Friends! Love Mom and Dad Trig

Sam & Chey said...

Rach, are you toes FREEZING from the walking cast & the SNOW?!
I don't envy you that...

I completely agree with Jamie...I miss you so much more knowing that you're on the other side of the globe! It blesses me tremendously, however, to see you & James heed the Lord's plan for your life so willingly. I love you guys, and can't wait to see how the Lord's plans for you unfold!

Love you guys!!
(not inappropriately)
-Chey

jewellers Dublin said...

Love the images, so festive. From engagement rings