Hello All. I'm doing really well. I'm now the Assistant Band Director at Jacksonville High School. I'm loving it!! I like working with the kids and all of the stuff that comes along with it, but not dealing with all the crap that comes with it. I just go and teach and leave. It's great. I'm also the music intern at the First Baptist Church. I run sound on Sunday mornings, do Youth and Childrens choir, and I work with the Junior High and 11am worship band. I really like working at the church as well. God has answered my biggest prayer request and I couldn't be any happier about that. I'm emotionally stable for the first time in my life, and I think that I'm as happy as I've ever been. Life is good. More updates to come!!
Robert
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Sunday, July 02, 2006
My USA!!
create your own personalized map of the USA
These are all of the states I've visited. I need to get to the West Coast and up tp the North East. Go do a map for yourselves!!
Robert
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Wow, what a world of difference
Hello all! It's been quite a while, wouldn't you say? To be frank, my life is way different compared to the last time I posted.
I'm single now. Ginny and I were just in different places. I still love her and miss her terribly, and a part of me always will. I wish her nothing but the best. I hope that she finds whatever she's looking for one day.
I'm now an insurance agent. I work for a really great company called Liberty National. I've been there since early March. I really like it, but it's not for me. I think God has bigger things for me.
That leads me to this. I think I'm moving to the United Kingdom. Wales really made an impact on me. I didn't think it did at first, but the longer I've been home the more I feel out of place. I think it's what Stella was talking about in her blog a couple months ago. I just feel in my heart that I am supposed to be there. I've already applied to be an ISC missionary through the IMB and I'm really excited. Stella and I ran into each other at the Movie Gallery about 2 weeks ago. She told me that you didn't have to be a college graduate to be an ISC missionary. It just made sense to me. I knew then why I had felt so out of place the entire time I've been back. I'm really excited and scared at the same time. It's a 2 year commitment and it's not one to take lightly. It will happen if it's God's will though!!
Well I guess that's about all from here. I will be writing WAY more that I was before. Well I guess anything is more than I was before. Cheers!
Robert
I'm single now. Ginny and I were just in different places. I still love her and miss her terribly, and a part of me always will. I wish her nothing but the best. I hope that she finds whatever she's looking for one day.
I'm now an insurance agent. I work for a really great company called Liberty National. I've been there since early March. I really like it, but it's not for me. I think God has bigger things for me.
That leads me to this. I think I'm moving to the United Kingdom. Wales really made an impact on me. I didn't think it did at first, but the longer I've been home the more I feel out of place. I think it's what Stella was talking about in her blog a couple months ago. I just feel in my heart that I am supposed to be there. I've already applied to be an ISC missionary through the IMB and I'm really excited. Stella and I ran into each other at the Movie Gallery about 2 weeks ago. She told me that you didn't have to be a college graduate to be an ISC missionary. It just made sense to me. I knew then why I had felt so out of place the entire time I've been back. I'm really excited and scared at the same time. It's a 2 year commitment and it's not one to take lightly. It will happen if it's God's will though!!
Well I guess that's about all from here. I will be writing WAY more that I was before. Well I guess anything is more than I was before. Cheers!
Robert
Friday, November 25, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving?!?
Hello all. So I had a first yesterday. My first Thanksgiving with snow. It started snowing around 9 pm yesterday while Josh and I were walking home. It eventually stopped. Well after I got home I fell asleep on the couch. I woke up around 2 am and started up to my room. I looked out the window and it was snowing again. Now I've seen snow before. But I've never seen it snow so hard before. It was really beautiful to see it snow with the church across the street in the background. Most of it didn't stick, but about an inch and a half did. Thanksgiving with snow. Nice.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, it didn't really feel like Thanksgiving. We had class all day and then us Americans hung out. None of us realized that it was Thanksgiving until about 9:30. No dinner, no family, no Thanksgiving. I called Ginny and talked to her. She's at the beach. Thanks Gin. I'm stuck in the snow and you are rolling down sand dunes getting sand all over you. Way to be sympathetic. I also called the family. It was good to hear from them. I think they are what make the holidays for me. Ahh. Christmas is only a month away. So you hear that all my people? Only one more month for you to find my gift. Not you Ginny. You know what I want from you. (it's nothing bad) Early Merry Christmas everyone!! ( I have no idea why I wrote that.)
Well off to bed for me. My time here is rapidly winding down. I'll miss this place and the people that I met here, but I am SO ready to be home. Until I'm home, leave some love.
-Robert
Speaking of Thanksgiving, it didn't really feel like Thanksgiving. We had class all day and then us Americans hung out. None of us realized that it was Thanksgiving until about 9:30. No dinner, no family, no Thanksgiving. I called Ginny and talked to her. She's at the beach. Thanks Gin. I'm stuck in the snow and you are rolling down sand dunes getting sand all over you. Way to be sympathetic. I also called the family. It was good to hear from them. I think they are what make the holidays for me. Ahh. Christmas is only a month away. So you hear that all my people? Only one more month for you to find my gift. Not you Ginny. You know what I want from you. (it's nothing bad) Early Merry Christmas everyone!! ( I have no idea why I wrote that.)
Well off to bed for me. My time here is rapidly winding down. I'll miss this place and the people that I met here, but I am SO ready to be home. Until I'm home, leave some love.
-Robert
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
blah...
Hello all. Another day, another dollar. Or is it pound here in Wales? Either way another day has come and gone. I've found that Tuesdays are the longest days for me here. With my accountability group, men's club, and then computer club it's a full day. I'm really sapped of energy right now. When I get tired I get homesick. So right now I just want to be home curled up watching a movie or Viva la Bam with Ginny. Maybe chillin at Struts eating a ribeye sandwich. Maybe Ginny and I would be grilling out with Val and Tj. I just want to be home right now. Sigh. My work here isn't done, so I'll be here a little while longer. This shall pass once I get some well earned sleep.
Things are actually wrapping up nicely here. I preached Sunday at church. It went really well. I had a lot of the members come up to me and tell me what a great job I did. I talked about how we've made duty and tradition the essence of what real Christianity should be. I talked about how we are commanded to be joyful and serve God with gladness. I thought I did a decent job. I gave myself a B-. The coolest part about it was I got paid!! I didn't know about the money before I spoke, so it was a neat surprise. £25!!!!
Josh has got me addicted to Soulcaliber 3. We go to the Virgin Megastore and play it. It's nice to have an activity that takes no brainpower. I know that Kevin would say that's why I'm good at it. While he may be right, I have a lot of fun playing.
Well, I hope that all of you have a great Thanksgiving holiday. I think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Well, now that I think about it Christmas and Thanksgiving are tied. I just love the food and the time spent with my family. We are doing Thanksgiving at Rob and Jenny's on Sunday afternoon. Think of us as you stuff your face and watch the Falcons beat the Lions. Leave some love!!
-Robert
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Stonehenge: the story
Ok. Here is the story of our wacky and wonderful day.
We were supposed to meet at the train station at 9. This turned into 9:10 for me, 9:30 for Josh and 10:15 for Jeff. I wasn't happy with the way this day started. Well, we caught the 10:30 train to Bristol. We got there at 11:30 and walked outside the train station and said "what now?" Well we decided to go to Bath, a town about 15 or so miles away. It's famous for the only warm springs in all of Britain. The Romans built public baths there that are still in use today. We decided to go check it out. After a 30 minute bus ride that I fell asleep on ( I fell asleep on the train ride also), we arrived in Bath. It's one of the most lovely and charming places I've ever been. I think that it would be a great place to spend a honeymoon. But I digress. We walked around and looked at the town. Did I mention that it was amazingly cold today? I can't understate how cold it was today. For those of you that went to Philly, it was colder than the day we walked around the University of Penn. Anyways, we saw the abbey in Bath. It was amazingly beautiful. It was massive!! It was closed for a memorial service, but they opened the doors afterwards and we got some pictures from the doors. Then we went to see how much it would cost to see the Roman Baths. It would have cost us £9. We all decided that was too much to pay for that attraction. We went into a tourism office and saw tours to Stonehenge. For the price that they were offering we couldn't pass up the opportunity of a lifetime.
It took us about an hour to get to Stonehenge. Did I mention that it was cold today??? We had an hour to walk around and do whatever you like. I determined that it's almost impossible to spend more than about an hour and 15 or 20 minutes at Stonehenge. As cool as it was they are just rocks. They don't move, you do. They way that the tour went was this. They took you there and dropped you off. We had to pay to see Stonehenge. It's like a national park. You walk around Stonehenge in a circle and listen to an audio tour. It's really interesting and I can tell you a lot about Stonehenge now.
After we got back to Bath we stopped in a pub and just chilled out. It was the first REAL pub that we have been to. All of the other ones we more like bars, but this one was like the pub that I always imagined. It had a fire and wooden floors and everything. We chilled there for over an hour. Then we went to eat.
Burger King was good and we chilled there for a while as well. The reason for all of the "chilling" was how freakin cold it was today. Then we got back on our bus and headed back to Bristol.
About 8 miles out of Bristol I thought that we were at out stop. So we got off and quickly realized that I was WAY wrong. The reason I thought that we were there were two shops that were right beside each other. They looked just like the two across from the train station. Well luckily we caught a bus to the train station and managed to get home.
The reason that I was so detailed about today was simple. 30 years from now when I tel my grandkids about this I want to have SOME memory of it.
I hope that everyone has a day like I did today. It was amazing and I can't tell you how much I needed today. I'll see you guys in 3 weeks!! Leave some love!!
-Robert
We were supposed to meet at the train station at 9. This turned into 9:10 for me, 9:30 for Josh and 10:15 for Jeff. I wasn't happy with the way this day started. Well, we caught the 10:30 train to Bristol. We got there at 11:30 and walked outside the train station and said "what now?" Well we decided to go to Bath, a town about 15 or so miles away. It's famous for the only warm springs in all of Britain. The Romans built public baths there that are still in use today. We decided to go check it out. After a 30 minute bus ride that I fell asleep on ( I fell asleep on the train ride also), we arrived in Bath. It's one of the most lovely and charming places I've ever been. I think that it would be a great place to spend a honeymoon. But I digress. We walked around and looked at the town. Did I mention that it was amazingly cold today? I can't understate how cold it was today. For those of you that went to Philly, it was colder than the day we walked around the University of Penn. Anyways, we saw the abbey in Bath. It was amazingly beautiful. It was massive!! It was closed for a memorial service, but they opened the doors afterwards and we got some pictures from the doors. Then we went to see how much it would cost to see the Roman Baths. It would have cost us £9. We all decided that was too much to pay for that attraction. We went into a tourism office and saw tours to Stonehenge. For the price that they were offering we couldn't pass up the opportunity of a lifetime.
It took us about an hour to get to Stonehenge. Did I mention that it was cold today??? We had an hour to walk around and do whatever you like. I determined that it's almost impossible to spend more than about an hour and 15 or 20 minutes at Stonehenge. As cool as it was they are just rocks. They don't move, you do. They way that the tour went was this. They took you there and dropped you off. We had to pay to see Stonehenge. It's like a national park. You walk around Stonehenge in a circle and listen to an audio tour. It's really interesting and I can tell you a lot about Stonehenge now.
After we got back to Bath we stopped in a pub and just chilled out. It was the first REAL pub that we have been to. All of the other ones we more like bars, but this one was like the pub that I always imagined. It had a fire and wooden floors and everything. We chilled there for over an hour. Then we went to eat.
Burger King was good and we chilled there for a while as well. The reason for all of the "chilling" was how freakin cold it was today. Then we got back on our bus and headed back to Bristol.
About 8 miles out of Bristol I thought that we were at out stop. So we got off and quickly realized that I was WAY wrong. The reason I thought that we were there were two shops that were right beside each other. They looked just like the two across from the train station. Well luckily we caught a bus to the train station and managed to get home.
The reason that I was so detailed about today was simple. 30 years from now when I tel my grandkids about this I want to have SOME memory of it.
I hope that everyone has a day like I did today. It was amazing and I can't tell you how much I needed today. I'll see you guys in 3 weeks!! Leave some love!!
-Robert
STONEHENGE!!!!!!!!
Hello all. Just had one of the best days of my life. LOng story short some of our plans changed and we ended up going to Stonehenge. It was great. I'm posting pics right now so check them out. I'll blog more about to day later, I'm beat. Leave some love!!
-Robert
-Robert
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Georgia on my mind....
Hello all. It has been a cool and boring weekend. Friday night Stella and I went to the Wales v. Fiji rugby match at the Millennium Stadium. Usually national rugby matches are sold out months in advance but for some reason this one wasn't. We got really good tickets for only £10!! There are about 20 pictures from our night together on my photobucket account. Check them out!! I think it's a real shame that the USA doesn't have a national sport. The passion and loyalty that the Welsh people have for their national rugby team is really neat. 73,000 people were at this match!! Don't get me wrong, I love cheering for UGA. But it seems like every week I root against one of my friends. Tech, Auburn, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, I have good friends that root for all of these teams. I'd be really nice if we could all root for one team. That's all with my sports philosophy.
I have a flat tire. Ginny went to drive my car yesterday and found I have a flat. Great. I haven't worked in 3 months and I have to pay for a new tire. Fun. But it will be ok because I'll be back in the States.
Well only 3 more Sundays here in Wales. This time has really flown by, but at the same time it's been such a long period. I'm in a very reflective mood right now. I can't really go into all of it right now, but maybe later.
Off to eat lunch. I really miss you guys and can't wait to see you all again. Thanks to all of you who email and comment regularly. Leave some love!!
Robert
I have a flat tire. Ginny went to drive my car yesterday and found I have a flat. Great. I haven't worked in 3 months and I have to pay for a new tire. Fun. But it will be ok because I'll be back in the States.
Well only 3 more Sundays here in Wales. This time has really flown by, but at the same time it's been such a long period. I'm in a very reflective mood right now. I can't really go into all of it right now, but maybe later.
Off to eat lunch. I really miss you guys and can't wait to see you all again. Thanks to all of you who email and comment regularly. Leave some love!!
Robert
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
30 days and counting
Salutations. I guess this is the part of the trip where I should be saying things like, "Man, where did the time go?" or "Man, I'm really going to miss this place when I leave." Sorry to disappoint, but that's not what I'm feeling.
To be really honest I can't wait to come home. I really want to use so much of what I've learned in the BCM and at Jacksonville 1st Baptist. I don't think that I will miss Wales as much as I will miss the people that are here. I can't wait to have a "normal" relationship with Ginny. One that doesn't involve the phone or the internet as our sole means of communicating. It will actually take some getting used to for both of us, but I can't wait. I can't wait to have some food that I really enjoy. It's not that Welsh food is bad. It's just very monotonous. The same stuff over and over again. Blah. I need variety. Cracker Barrel, here I come on December 9th.
I think that a HUGE reason that God brought me to Wales is to refine my character. It's something that has been happening for the last 6 months or so. This is the part of the refinement that couldn't take place unless I was away from everyone and everything that I've ever known. If you've never been on summer/semester missions you can't understand what I'm talking about. It's just neat to look back at how I've changed and where I still need to change. I think the thing that I've learned over the past 6 months is this. Either your moving forward or you are moving backwards. I've heard it like this. Life is like a bike. Either you move forwards or backwards. When you stop you fall over. That's what the spring was for me. I got all happy and content and fell over. Things in my life started to suffer and I'm still suffering the consequences for it. It's ok though. I'm a better person now. I know that you can never stop growing. Forwards or backwards. I choose forwards.
This is a post that has nothing to do with the things that I do while I'm here in Wales. It's just a brief summary of the last 6 months or so. I'm really excited about the last month that I have here. I know that it will be very productive for me personally and for the youth ministry here as well. I love you all and can't wait to see you again. Leave some love!!
Robert
To be really honest I can't wait to come home. I really want to use so much of what I've learned in the BCM and at Jacksonville 1st Baptist. I don't think that I will miss Wales as much as I will miss the people that are here. I can't wait to have a "normal" relationship with Ginny. One that doesn't involve the phone or the internet as our sole means of communicating. It will actually take some getting used to for both of us, but I can't wait. I can't wait to have some food that I really enjoy. It's not that Welsh food is bad. It's just very monotonous. The same stuff over and over again. Blah. I need variety. Cracker Barrel, here I come on December 9th.
I think that a HUGE reason that God brought me to Wales is to refine my character. It's something that has been happening for the last 6 months or so. This is the part of the refinement that couldn't take place unless I was away from everyone and everything that I've ever known. If you've never been on summer/semester missions you can't understand what I'm talking about. It's just neat to look back at how I've changed and where I still need to change. I think the thing that I've learned over the past 6 months is this. Either your moving forward or you are moving backwards. I've heard it like this. Life is like a bike. Either you move forwards or backwards. When you stop you fall over. That's what the spring was for me. I got all happy and content and fell over. Things in my life started to suffer and I'm still suffering the consequences for it. It's ok though. I'm a better person now. I know that you can never stop growing. Forwards or backwards. I choose forwards.
This is a post that has nothing to do with the things that I do while I'm here in Wales. It's just a brief summary of the last 6 months or so. I'm really excited about the last month that I have here. I know that it will be very productive for me personally and for the youth ministry here as well. I love you all and can't wait to see you again. Leave some love!!
Robert
Friday, November 04, 2005
To my Bran Bran...
Salutations. I've talked it over with Rob, and Stella and I are coming home on December 9th. All we have to do now is talk to Gary and change our tickets. This is a huge relief and honestly feels like the right thing to do. It will allow us to go the wedding and also we get to go to Smyrna. I can't wait!!
I really feel good now. Ginny and I are happy. Things are going well in every aspect of our ministry here. Life is good and so is God.
This is the time in my posts that I'm going to dedicate to one of my friends. Today I dedicate this post to my Bran Bran:
Brandi,
You really make me smile. Even writing this thinking about you I'm smiling. You just have this aura about you that just makes people happy. You have a great sense of humor, and you can always make me laugh. You are just one of those people in this world that I love to spend time with, and to try and put words to it would only cheapen it.
You are one of the most caring and nurturing people I know. I guess the quality I admire most about you is your loyalty. I know that if I ever need anything from you, you'll be there for me. I just honestly love you and appreciate you. You make me feel loved. I can't tell you how many times I've needed you to cheer me up while I've been gone. But I know that you've prayed for me the whole time I've been gone. That cheered me up!!
Brandi, I am honored that you consider me a friend. Please know that I love you and miss you. 35 days till DUCK hair is back!!
DUCK Hair
Leave some love!
-Robert
PS- Don't I have the cutest girlfriend ever????
ARRRRGGGHH!!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
New Plans (maybe)
Salutations. This has been an interesting week. I know, it's only Tuesday but I feel like this week has been going for a month. (that sentence wasn't supposed to make sense.) I have some good news for all of you in the Roberto fan club. I'm coming home on Dec. 9th instead of Dec. 17th. Val and TJ's wedding is the 10th and I just don't feel right about missing it just so I can go to one more class. This is still tentative, but I think it's going to happen. I've already talked to Troy about it and he was very understanding. [Just a side note- Troy is the best supervisor/mentor I could have ever hoped for. We have MANY things in common and he is honestly one of the most genuine people I've ever met. He is really helping me better my character and become the man I want to be. We've been through many of the same trials and have the same outlook on most things. I wouldn't still be here in Wales if it weren't for him.]
I also want to go to Smyrna REALLY badly. This prospect has really interested Stella, so help me convince her to leave early as well. If everything works out all of these things will happen. I can't wait to get home to all of my friends and family. I had no idea the amount of emotional strain that being on the mission field puts on you.
This leads me to my next point. I know that Stella and I have said that we need your prayers. We've needed them the whole trip and we thank you for them. They are the only things that have kept us sane during this trip. Well that time has come again. Troy and I are starting some really intensive counseling sessions this week. They will continue for the 39 days that I have left here. I don't really want to go in to details about it on my journal. I just really need prayer and support from all of you guys right now. There are things in my life that need to change. I'm tired of dealing with these issues and now is the time for change. It's going to be grueling and tough, but worth every bit of the hard work and stress. Thanks in advance!
As Stella said in her blog things are going really well with our youth. Thank God for the change in their attitudes. Last Sunday really made all of the trials and stress worth it. Continue to pray for our efforts with these Youth. Here are their names. Delasi, Makafui, Louis, Aaron, Timbali (sp?). These are our regulars on Sunday nights for our bible study.
Sorry that some of this post wasn't more cheerful. This place can really sap you of your joy sometimes. It's starting to do that to me, but I've started to put a stop to it. I miss all of you and can't wait to see you again. Leave some love!!
-Robert
I also want to go to Smyrna REALLY badly. This prospect has really interested Stella, so help me convince her to leave early as well. If everything works out all of these things will happen. I can't wait to get home to all of my friends and family. I had no idea the amount of emotional strain that being on the mission field puts on you.
This leads me to my next point. I know that Stella and I have said that we need your prayers. We've needed them the whole trip and we thank you for them. They are the only things that have kept us sane during this trip. Well that time has come again. Troy and I are starting some really intensive counseling sessions this week. They will continue for the 39 days that I have left here. I don't really want to go in to details about it on my journal. I just really need prayer and support from all of you guys right now. There are things in my life that need to change. I'm tired of dealing with these issues and now is the time for change. It's going to be grueling and tough, but worth every bit of the hard work and stress. Thanks in advance!
As Stella said in her blog things are going really well with our youth. Thank God for the change in their attitudes. Last Sunday really made all of the trials and stress worth it. Continue to pray for our efforts with these Youth. Here are their names. Delasi, Makafui, Louis, Aaron, Timbali (sp?). These are our regulars on Sunday nights for our bible study.
Sorry that some of this post wasn't more cheerful. This place can really sap you of your joy sometimes. It's starting to do that to me, but I've started to put a stop to it. I miss all of you and can't wait to see you again. Leave some love!!
-Robert
Friday, October 28, 2005
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
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
Sunday, October 23, 2005
AHHHH
I just spent on hour on a really great blog. It just vanished. I hate technology sometimes. I'll post later.
-Robert
-Robert
Saturday, October 15, 2005
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!!
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!!
Friday, October 14, 2005
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
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
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
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
Sunday, October 09, 2005
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.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
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
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
Saturday, October 01, 2005
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.
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
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Is it December yet?
Hello all. To be really honest this has been one of the hardest weeks of my life. I don't think that I understood what I was stepping in to before I got here. Not the physical part of this, or even the emotional part. I've learned that I'm on the frontline of spiritual warfare. It's become clear to me that I've been under attack this past week, or really since I've been here. Tuesday night I learned that my first cousin was in a head on collision with an SUV. They airlifted him to Grady Hospital. If any of you know Atlanta, you know that Grady is where they take the really bad trauma cases. To be honest I panicked. I called all of the people in my immediate support group. I wanted to come home. Real bad. Have I conveyed how badly I wanted to come home? Well long story short my cousin will be fine. He will be soon or has already been released from the hospital. It's seriously by God's hand that he is alive. It's a big relief to me and my family. Thank you so much to all of my friends who prayed for him during all of this. I'm convinced that's a part of why he's still alive.
One of the hardest parts of this is how I've handled the stress of all of this. I've allowed all of the joy that I had about this trip to be taken from me. I'm so emotionally spent right now. I don't have much to offer anyone right now, much less the ability to minister to someone. To top it all off, I've been a HUGE jerk to Ginny. She has had to put up with so much of my crap this past week or so. I've been unfair and I've made our relationship pretty miserable during this time. Ginny, I'm truly sorry for how I've treated you. You haven't deserved it, in fact you deserve so much better than what I've given you. I know you've said that you forgive me. I just wanted to let everyone know about it, where they can keep me accountable in the coming weeks. I love you and I'm very thankful for you. Please allow my actions to realign with my heart. Be patient with me. I know you will, that's why I love you. Thanks Gin.
All of this makes me know that I'm supposed to be here. Why else would I have been attacked so relentlessly? I'm going to post part of an email that Troy sent me. I hope you don't mind Troy. It really surmises what is going on here:
As I was thinking about your situation, the thought occurred to me, "why is this happening?" The answer that came back in light of what I know about you, was that this is the first of many trials for Robert. You see you have a call to work in international missions on your life. This comes with many sacrifices. You will miss the birth, death, marriages of many that are close to you. Remember our reading in Luke 14:25-27. I like it especially in the Message.
One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sister--yes, even one's own self!--can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple.
You may find that being away from Ginny, this accident with your cousin, your grandmother's health are all tests of your commitment to follow the call on your life. They all come, and you cannot serve God overseas and be with 'the family' at every crisis and celebration. I too, am the one looked to for stability in my family. I felt a great weight of responsibility when all hell seemed to break loose on my family after I left. They kept calling wanting me to sort it out. In the end I had to say,"no." They needed to be away from me as much as I needed to be away from them. You see when I was taken out of the picture, they had to depend more on God and each other to get through the crisis. I needed to be released from the pressure and I needed to release them to God. Some heavy but necessary lessons that I see potential for if you are willing for God to teach you.
I really think that last line is what He is doing here. As much as He worked on my character this summer He is back at it again. It took losing Ginny to realize that changes needed to be made. I think that this week has been another wake up call. A call to radical character molding. There are many areas that need reshaping in my life. I think that this trip will serve to be the catalyst and hopefully the beginning of the process. I just ask a couple things of you people out there that read my blog:
1. Please pray for me and my team. We are under attack and we need to be blanketed with prayer.
2. Pray specifically for the areas in my character that I'll be letting go of. The big one right now is forgiveness. I'll update as more surface.
3. Pray that I'll be more Christ-like in my important relationships. Ginny, family, and friends. So pretty much ALL my relationships.
4. Pray that this will become fun again. Until this week started I was having the time of my life here. I need that feeling to return.
5. Be patient with me.
Thanks so very much for supporting me through all of this. I need you guys to lift me up right now because I'm really down. I know that this will work out for the best. It's just hard to see that right now. Well, it's bed time here. Homework day tomorrow and off to the pub after that. I'll post as much as I need to, so look for updates soon. Leave some love.
-Robert
One of the hardest parts of this is how I've handled the stress of all of this. I've allowed all of the joy that I had about this trip to be taken from me. I'm so emotionally spent right now. I don't have much to offer anyone right now, much less the ability to minister to someone. To top it all off, I've been a HUGE jerk to Ginny. She has had to put up with so much of my crap this past week or so. I've been unfair and I've made our relationship pretty miserable during this time. Ginny, I'm truly sorry for how I've treated you. You haven't deserved it, in fact you deserve so much better than what I've given you. I know you've said that you forgive me. I just wanted to let everyone know about it, where they can keep me accountable in the coming weeks. I love you and I'm very thankful for you. Please allow my actions to realign with my heart. Be patient with me. I know you will, that's why I love you. Thanks Gin.
All of this makes me know that I'm supposed to be here. Why else would I have been attacked so relentlessly? I'm going to post part of an email that Troy sent me. I hope you don't mind Troy. It really surmises what is going on here:
As I was thinking about your situation, the thought occurred to me, "why is this happening?" The answer that came back in light of what I know about you, was that this is the first of many trials for Robert. You see you have a call to work in international missions on your life. This comes with many sacrifices. You will miss the birth, death, marriages of many that are close to you. Remember our reading in Luke 14:25-27. I like it especially in the Message.
One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sister--yes, even one's own self!--can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple.
You may find that being away from Ginny, this accident with your cousin, your grandmother's health are all tests of your commitment to follow the call on your life. They all come, and you cannot serve God overseas and be with 'the family' at every crisis and celebration. I too, am the one looked to for stability in my family. I felt a great weight of responsibility when all hell seemed to break loose on my family after I left. They kept calling wanting me to sort it out. In the end I had to say,"no." They needed to be away from me as much as I needed to be away from them. You see when I was taken out of the picture, they had to depend more on God and each other to get through the crisis. I needed to be released from the pressure and I needed to release them to God. Some heavy but necessary lessons that I see potential for if you are willing for God to teach you.
I really think that last line is what He is doing here. As much as He worked on my character this summer He is back at it again. It took losing Ginny to realize that changes needed to be made. I think that this week has been another wake up call. A call to radical character molding. There are many areas that need reshaping in my life. I think that this trip will serve to be the catalyst and hopefully the beginning of the process. I just ask a couple things of you people out there that read my blog:
1. Please pray for me and my team. We are under attack and we need to be blanketed with prayer.
2. Pray specifically for the areas in my character that I'll be letting go of. The big one right now is forgiveness. I'll update as more surface.
3. Pray that I'll be more Christ-like in my important relationships. Ginny, family, and friends. So pretty much ALL my relationships.
4. Pray that this will become fun again. Until this week started I was having the time of my life here. I need that feeling to return.
5. Be patient with me.
Thanks so very much for supporting me through all of this. I need you guys to lift me up right now because I'm really down. I know that this will work out for the best. It's just hard to see that right now. Well, it's bed time here. Homework day tomorrow and off to the pub after that. I'll post as much as I need to, so look for updates soon. Leave some love.
-Robert
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