7 down, 7 to go

Salutations. It's been a really boring week. Troy is out of town, and some of our normal things have been postponed until next week. It has kinda had the feel of the first week that I was here. That means I haven't had the best week, but it hasn't been the worst week since I've been here.

I hoped that this time wouldn't come, but it has. I'm starting to feel really lonely and detached from things at home. I know, I'm 5,000 miles away from home. I'm supposed to be detached from events and people that I love. I just feel like the people that I care about have continued on without me. (I know that the world doesn't revolve around me. I know everyone's lives didn't come to a screeching halt when my plane took off.) I feel like I'm on an island and no one cares to see how I am. I know, many of you ask Ginny how I am on a regular basis. But that doesn't always translate to me. She can't always remember who said what and when. So from now on if you want to ask how I am here's how you do it. rklitton@gmail.com I'd really love to hear from you guys on a more regular basis.

This week is the halfway point. 7 down and 7 to go. I think I've made up my mind that I'm coming home in December. This will make Ginny, TJ and my parents very happy. Unless God gives my burning bush I'll be home for Valentines Day!

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(This will be a short summary of my "lost post" of the other day)

This being the halfway point, let's summarize what I've learned:

I have a TON of growing up to do. I have so many character flaws it's not even funny. I've learned so much about myself in just 7 weeks. I really feel like I'm a better person and Christian. The difference is now I see that I have a LONG way to go to be where I should be. Will I ever get there? Check back in 50 years or so.

Long distance relationships = HARD WORK. It's so hard having a relationship over the phone. It takes so much work for it to even come close to being fulfilling. In person, your body language says so much about what you are saying. There are times that one of us will be joking around with the other and someone ends up getting their feeling hurt. It's just hard to communicate feelings over the phone. But just like in life you have to learn and adapt. Ginny and I have really gotten better at this phone thing. She has really been there for me even though she HATES the phone. Thanks babe. You really are the best. Boy I can't wait until I can look into your eyes....

Even though they speak English, the Welsh people speak a whole different language. There are alot of things that are taboo here that aren't in the States and visa versa. It took Stella and I over a month to figure out what they were and change our behavior (or behaviour in the UK.) I wasn't prepared at all for the culture shock that was waiting on us. I'll know for next time I travel abroad. (hopefully in July ;)

That the simpler life is, the better it is. I'm learning to do less things better. This can be applied to pretty much any facet of your life. Have fewer good friends and be more intimate with them. Spend a little less time with your "partner" but make it more quality time. Stop trying to win the whole world for Jesus and focus on your sphere of influence. My life will be WAY different when I get back. But not that many of you will see a change. It will be something internal that I have to apply to my life back home.

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I'm glad I was open enough to come here. I really am different and I like who I am becoming. I jsu really miss you guys right now. Haloween is the first "holiday" that I've missed and Thanksgiving isn't that far behind. Say a little prayer for Stella and I. She won't tell you, but the separation is taking its toll on her too. If nothing else this trip has really made us appreciate all of you back home. Thanks to all of you who I call friends. You really make life special.

To all of my youth and staff at Jacksonville FBC: I miss you guys more and more each day. I can't wait to get back and start seeing you guys again. Derrick, you know what I think of you. It's not all bad. Apart from being a cotton headed ninny muggins, you are the best mentor and friend I could ever ask for. Kevin, your emails and comments cheer me up the most. I think it's because of the grammar and spelling, or the lack there of. Thanks man, I really appreciate them.

I think I'm going to start ending each post with an uplifting note to one of my friends. I'll have to make a list and post more, but it will be worth it. Next time: Brandi Grey. Until then, leave some love.

-Robert

AHHHH

I just spent on hour on a really great blog. It just vanished. I hate technology sometimes. I'll post later.

-Robert

The 15 the of October?!?!?

Salutations. What a weird and fun night. Instead of going to the pub, we all went to Jeff's church to shoot pool and hang out. Stella and I didn't get there until 8:30 ish. It kinda turned out to be a waste of time since only 5 of us were there. Well we came home and caught the last bus back to Grangetown. It let us off about 5 minutes away from where we usually get off, so we had to walk. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Stella and I got the chance to talk and just vent over the past week. We started walking back at around 11:30 and I didn't get home until 2am!! We talked about some really deep and meaningful stuff and I am so glad we did. The reason for the title is very funny. While we were talking all of these fireworks started to go off. They were loud and bright and they kinda scared the both of us. We were wondering if Wales had some kind of independence day we didn't know about. We were like, "October 15th. Who knew?" That story might not be funny, but it will be soon. While they were shooting them off they had a misfire. We just saw a blue flash of light and heard a big boom sound and the fireworks stopped. We laughed our heads off. It was great!!

I haven't been to the doctor, but Monday that should be sorted out. Don't worry, I feel WAY better than I did a couple of days ago. I get these ear infections all the time, so I'm used to them. Whenever the temperature changes from hot to cold rapidly I get them. I'm ok, but thanks for all of the concern.

Last but not least I need some prayer. I can't really go in to what it's all about here, but just pray for one of my relationships that I have here in Wales. It's pretty important to me and it's not doing so well right now. I just need some prayer from you guys. Thanks!! ;-)

Off to get ready for bed and get some well deserved sleep. Leave some love!!!!

-Robert

PS- More pics to come this week!!

Hoops and Hoops and Hoops

Salutations. I've had to jump through hoops and hoops to get to the doctor. I haven't gone yet because of insurance. It's a long story but things are going to get solved.

On a different note, here are my random thoughts. I'm not keen on being the guinea pig for this CONNECT thing. I know that someone has to do it, but it's just hard being the one to do it. There are a lot of things that would be easier for us had we not been the pioneers.

That's all for now. I'll update later.

-Robert

AHHHH!!

Hello all.

I HATE EAR INFECTIONS!!!

There, with that being said I feel better.

If you want to talk to me on the phone for free do the following. 1) Go buy a computer headphones with a microphone on it. 2) Go to www.Skype.com and download their free internet phone program 3) Create an account name. Mine is Robertoantony (don't ask, you don't want to know) The quality of the phone call is BETTER than cell phone conversation. It's free and SO easy to use. It's gonna save me a ton of money in talking with Ginny. I'd love some of you to get on board with it.

I feel like poo. I actually feel like the "c" word, but that word is naughty here. I have 1 possibly 2 ear infections. I won't go in to all of the details, but it's making my throat sore and stealing my appetite. I have to go to the doctor, but I can't do that until tomorrow afternoon. The pic is me with a beard. Why? Why not. Leave some love.

-Robert

All kinds of foods....

Hello all. This has been an interesting week so far. I've had Indian, Persian, and Chinese food. The Persian food was unlike anything else I've ever tasted. It was SO strong. But not the strong you'd think. It was chicken stew flavored with pomegranate and walnut oil. They let this stew simmer for like 6 hours before they serve it. It's called "sweet meat". It's good and it's sweet. It is however REALLY stinkin strong. I'll have to go back to this place. The owner was really nice and the atmosphere was great. I like eating all of these different kinds of foods. I don't necessarily like all of the foods, but I like the opportunity to eat them.

I'm sitting here "watching" the Braves game on ESPN.com. We need to actually WIN a playoff series soon. I hate that feeling of watching them lose in the first round every year. I won't actually watch them this year, but you know what I mean. On a different note, HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS!!! I "hate" Tennessee. All that orange. Actually, I don't like any team that has orange in it. Tennessee, Auburn and Florida all seem very obnoxious

to me. It seems to me that Georgia and Alabama could very likely play for the SEC title in Atlanta this year. I'm not saying this to be mean, but pray to God you don't see us this year Alabama. We are stocked and deep and going to be tough to beat this year. It will be fun to "watch" though.

As you can tell, things are much better here. I'm settled in and am actually making some progress with the boys. School is actually interesting and Josh and I are really bonding. Things are going well here.

Ginny and I are doing really well. I'm really excited with the direction we are going in. She's been absolutely wonderful through all of this. Love ya Ginny!!

Watching more Braves. It looks like we are about to give the game away. sigh. Leave some love.

Oh those pixels...

Hello all. My title was a reference to something that Josh said at our meeting on Monday. It's been an uneventful week so far. A little miscommunication with the host parents caused some drama, but it's all good now.

I had real Indian food yesterday. It was ok. The combination of sweet and hot was a little odd. Josh said that the place we went wasn't that great, so I haven't given up on Indian just yet. I went and saw "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" today. It's my second favorite musical behind Phantom. Let's just say that I was underwhelmed. The cast wasn't impressive and the sound system was sketchy at best. But a mediocre musical is better than none at all.

Things are settling back down. I feel that I've made some breakthroughs with the kids lately. Just pray for their hearts and minds to be open.

The Braves start their playoff run today and Georgia plays tennessee this weekend. I really miss being able to watch sports this time of year. I'm just sayin.

Keep on sending the emails and comments. They are really appreciated. Leave the love!!

-Robert

No, it's October!!

Hello all. So it's now October. October is my favorite month of the year. Playoff baseball, college football, and marching band come to mind. If you've known me for more than 10 minutes you know that these are some of my favorite things. Also, the weather is perfect in the Southeast. 70 degrees with a slight breeze. Ahhh. I'm convinced that heaven will be much like this. The leaves turning colors and the smell of the crisp autumn air. These are all things that I'll miss this fall. It's cold here and it's starting to mist or rain every day now. The weather man says that this week might just be the last "good one" of the year. I'm writing this not because I'm depressed, but because I want you to go outside and spend some quality time outdoors before it gets cold. This is the time of year to go on a picnic with that special someone. If you don't have that special someone, go outside and read your bible under a big shade tree. Do it just once for me.

I'm doing much better now. Note: Things aren't getting any better.) Some things have happened since my last blog that are just as bad as what prompted me to panic. It's just that now I have the right perspective on things. I'm here for a reason and nothing short of God will stop me from completing my task.

My task must be something pretty special for me to come under such a fierce attack. I've been strengthened by my support group here. I've also been uplifted by people from home. You'll never know how much I needed you and how much you've helped me. To all my friends and family that have been thinking and praying for me: thank you. I'm better now and I'm more focused and together in my emotions. Gin, you are the best. You are a constant source of encouragement and support. I now know what you went through this summer and it helps me to understand you and your actions better. I love you and can't wait to be able to love you better. You were right to say that it's going to be great to put the things we are learning in to practice. I can't wait!!

Well, I have to go home and call my lovely girlfriend and go to sleep. To all you Alabama fans out there: ROLL TIDE ROLL!! I love it when anyone beats Florida. Leave some love!

-Robert