Be Still

I've never been an athlete. Well, okay...when I was ten years old, I played soccer on a rec. team.

the extent to my playing.

My sole motivation for playing soccer on the "United Knights" was to receive a trophy. You see, I hadn't ever received a trophy and so it takes a toll on a young girl when she sees about 50 trophies on her brother's shelf when all the while her trophy shelf is empty-let alone non-existent. So, I finally received my trophy that was purely given for participation.

think i was ready to receive?

My mother never let me receive my second trophy because she said I wouldn't appreciate it as much as the first...since I hardly went to practice. Despite the second part of that statement being true, I really feel-even at this point in my life journey-that I would have appreciated it. Anyways, that's all besides the point.

As y'all know, whether from the description of this blog or from being around me, I am quite the clumsy one. I fall (down and up stairs), trip when walking, and spill things pretty consistently. However, even with my haphazard lifestyle and my one year of playing soccer, I have never* injured a single bone in my body. PRAISE.

On the other hand, my vocal cords have been injured many times in the past couple years. My voice is my instrument and I've been so blessed to have learned a TON about my vocal cords these past six months. My voice is currently injured and the only way I can explain this circumstance is by relating the situation to an athlete. Again, I'm not an athlete, but I do know that when an athlete has injured a part of his/her body, they don't return to the playing field until they're healed (at least that's the most recommended option). Similarly, I am on semi-vocal rest until my voice is healed. This circumstance has been emotionally and physically tough.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18

One thing that never fails whilst I'm on vocal rest is the need for me to be still and quiet before the Lord.

With the new year coming up, I encourage you all to position yourselves before the Lord in stillness and silence.

Be still, and know that I am God- Psalm 46:10

Kicking off Christmas

A couple weekends ago I attended InterVarsity's annual Christmas dance. This dance is always filled with a lot of drastic dance moves, guys moshing when Kelly Clarkson is played, and water to drink for all those that need a break when a slow song plays...or to rehydrate.

The last song is always the most anticipated. I mean who wouldn't be excited about Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You"? So, upon hearing this tune, I obvi began dancing. Then my guy friend came over to me and initiated some spins, dips, and twirls.

Climax: He then lifts me up and says "throw your leg around my head and I'll spin you in the air!" Uh. What? Out of pure impulse, I did just that. While I was being spun around the air (screaming all the while), I also was being stared at by half the room. Did everyone know that I was wearing spandex? No. Should they have? Probably, just so they'd better understand the situation. It's fine...
I just about made the 360 degree turn when I felt my heel hit the back of a girl's head. I didn't know her and felt horrible. After being "gracefully grounded," I apologized profusely to the innocent victim. Needless to say, I was glad the dance was over at that point.

Disclaimer: My guy friend swing dances regularly; therefore gains confidence to try these moves in public.

p.s. As I was leaving the dance, I slipped down the steep stone stairs. Don't worry though because I caught myself on the railing just before I went completely down. However, not in enough time to prevent my leather heel from ripping.

p.p.s. If the girl that I hit is reading this--again, so sorry!

Faith Like Potatoes

Last semester I made a trip to the Family Christian Book Store. 

My original purpose for going? Just to purchase a few Bible study materials, but of course, I leave with much more than intended. 

Are you familiar with the experience when: you have finally pulled yourself away from looking around the store, you're standing at the check-out counter wondering how much this is actually going to end up costing, and there, right in front of you, are five more great items staring you in your face with a 50% off tag leaving you no other option to purchase it? 

Yes. This experience happened to me while in the Family Christian Book Store. 

My impulse purchase? 

The movie, "Fath Like Potatoes."

I eagerly brought it back to my suite expecting my suit-mates to be equally excited about adding this new movie to our collection. Welp, not exactly. 

Up until two days ago, this movie was wrapped in plastic. 

While watching this movie, finally, I was completely reminded to have faith in God. Simple right? Huge. 

Although I have been a Christian my whole entire life, I didn't reach a place of conviction until only a few years ago. It's easy for me to forget that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains. God's ability to transform a heart is like nothing of this world. 

In this movie, a farmer is transformed from a despaired and angry man into a seeking and patient man of God. Even in the dry season, potatoes were grown simply because one ordinary man had huge faith in our sovereign God. 

If you are feeling in a dry season right now or if ever in the future, please know that all you need is just a little faith in our huge God. 

"Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

timeless

Having now been back in the States for a little over three weeks, the more my London life feels...intangible.

I spent two months in London and it was filled with new friends, explorations, umbrellas, accents, church, and simply just growing. How can something so tangible at the time feel so intangible now?

The recent time home has been needed, relaxing, and an opportunity for me to regroup. I spent last weekend getting my new room in my new house ready for living :) THAT made this upcoming year start to feel...well...tangible. The get-togethers and holiday parties along with nightly hang outs with my housemates are all coming up so soon.

The excitement for what is to come has already set in, but I also catch my self reminiscing on this past summer--my time spent abroad. My thoughts are often something like this:

"I must keep in touch with my London friends. How can I make my time there not feel like just a dream? Will I ever go back? This is the time when I normally would be a) going to church, b) going to a group meeting, or c) popping into a museum after some shopping in Oxford Circus."

Isn't it interesting how something at the time can feel so real, so promising, so...tangible and then just three weeks later feel like a dream, a distant memory, so...intangible?

Although it's easy and natural for my emotions to dictate my thoughts, I must hold on to what I know is timeless: God and His word.

My times are in Your hand;- Psalm 31:15

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.- Isaiah 40:8

You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.- Isaiah 63:16

What things in your life feel tangible and intangible to you at this moment?

"fearfully and wonderfully made"

In the past 48 hours, I have gone to:

-the ENT (ears, nose, and throat) doctor to get scoped 

-get a hair cut

-the dermatologist

-the dentist for a routine cleaning

-the eye doctor to figure out what exactly the deal with my eyes

Results?

I chose to get scoped in order to see if I have nodes. I loose my voice REALLY easily from either frequently singing and/or talking a lot during a day. I just about passed out as the camera went down my nose to check out my vocal cords. I was as pale as a sheep. The ENT doc. said that my vocal cords look pretty good with one exception: I have one TINY nodule on a vocal cord. "It isn't anything to be alarmed about," he said, "however, the nodule has potential to grow during the next few months." In order to prevent nodule growth, I will be starting to meet with a recommended woman who will help identify more of my singing and speech patterns. She will give me exercises to practice in order to help me use healthy singing and speaking patterns to protect my vocal cords.

Haircut--fresh, fun, fab.

I will be starting micro dermabrasion tomorrow in order to reduce some acne scaring. Anyone else hate acne? 

Teeth: overall, "looking good."

Remember this pink eye ordeal I have been writing about for over a month? Welp, I found out yesterday that it was never pink eye. My eye doctor took a deeper look and found a scar on my left eyeball due to a corneal ulcer. The redness was actually my eye trying to fight off the bacteria. WHAT?! I'm back wearing glasses y'all. Treatment? Eye drops. Four times per day. Ten days. Goal? To reduce inflammation so that I can be fitted for contacts...sometime... in my life again. 

My mind wondered about all the negative things that could possibly come from my one tiny node, my one scar on my eye, my few scars on my face, and a couple teeth potentially putting my bite at risk. The the emotion set in--frustration. 

I had to be real with God. I took a second in my car and expressed my frustration, not with Him, but with all the feedback I had gotten in the past 48 hours concerning things from my neck up. Then, the Lord expressed something to me. I heard and felt his love for my spirit inside & my heart's beauty. The feeling set in--peace. 

"For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -1 Samuel 16:7

"I will praise [Him], for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." -Psalm 139:14

Psalm of Thanks

Without diminishing every day's need for great thanks, I can't help but express my gratefulness for this day. You see, today happens to be my dad's birthday. As I spent time last night writing his card, I realized one thing: I am easily brought to tears when thinking about all my dad provides for me, all the time he devotes to me, and all the love he gives to me. I am so thankful for my father's wisdom and guidance that he freely exudes. He displays such selflessness and expresses his need for Christ's grace. 

For this birthday occasion, my whole immediate family went to church together and had a wonderful grilled lunch--burgers, chicken, & hot dogs. Yum. The giving of gifts, cards, and hugs all made this day truly warm. Yes, the heat index today is 126 degrees (WHAT is HAPPENING?!), but there is nothing like the warmth of your family's love. Simple and what some may call, "cheesy", but y'all...you know it's true. 

Thanks to my pastor's message this morning, I now have a better understanding of what it means to sing a new song daily. No, not using my vocal chords, but positioning my heart so that it is pointed towards the Lord. Every day holds trial and discouragement--guaranteed, but with our minds set on the Spirit (Romans 8:5) and our hearts seeking engagement with our reigning Lord (Psalm 96:10), the reward will come. 

Psalm 96

                 v.1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. 

                 v.2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 

My father here on Earth is an absolute blessing. Our father in Heaven is continually blessing us. For we are called to sing a psalm of thanks (1 Chronicles 16) each day to our loving God. 

Who in your life is a blessing from God? 

 

Home Sweet Home

"Welcome Home," said the man stamping my passport back into America. Something about those words brought a warmness to my heart!

Wrapping up my time in London was very bittersweet. I had to say goodbye to new friends that I actually feel like I have known forever, take the tube for the last time, and finally stuff my whole two months stay into one suitcase and one duffel...which, btw, did not happen. Ended having to purchase another big suitcase. Come on, I was there for two months...I bought gifts....

For my last weekend, I stayed with Destiny and her college group studying in London for the remainder of their time abroad. I basically crashed their hotel room for two nights, but hopefully made up for it by giving them a pack of milk chocolate digestive cookies. Thanks guys!!

Side note: I am currently listening to "Scotland's Great Highland Bagpipes" cd I bought in Scotland. Over 60 bagpipe tunes. Just bagpipe. Its rockin. 

After finals wrapping up, it became surreal that I was leaving London soon. At the end of my eight weeks, I really felt as though I was a local. No longer a tourist by any means. I had somewhat established my own life in London. I had my daily routines, nearby grocery store, favorite gelato place, English friends to hang out with, and a great flat. I discovered the domestic side myself as well as my artistic side-drawing, painting, writing.

I am so thankful for my experiences in London, but mostly for my lessons learned. Although the lessons taught by my English professors were profound, the life lessons are what I will carry with me forever:

1. Don't be surprised by God. The way God connects his children is so intricate. Although it shouldn't, it seems to always hit me as a surprise every time God blesses me with wonderful sisters and brothers to connect with on a fun as well as deep level. However, God is wonderful, mighty, and able to do any and all things he desires. With him all things are possible and as I live, he is with me and I am with him.

2. Being vulnerable with God through prayer is vital. When praying, I have learned that I don't need to be general with God. Praying for specific events to be blessed, certain people to be transformed, one situation to occur the way he desires, new friendships to be fostered are all examples of being vulnerable before God with my prayers. For God already knows my thoughts and prayers before I think and/or speak.

3. I belong in the presence of God. While my parents drove Destiny and I back home from the airport, I said, "I don't know where I belong!" Despite being a little melodramatic, I mostly was just expressing my desire to be both in America and London. About three minutes later, without thinking, I began softly singing a song I know that has the lyrics, "I finally found where I belong, in your presence, I finally found where I belong, to be with you." Wow. I haven't heard that song in ages, but I feel as though God placed that song on my tongue to quickly remind me that no matter I am located, its with him where I belong...in His presence!

Destiny and I were blessed to be able to attend the last night of Hillsong London's annual conference. I always love being one in the midst of thousands of believers worshipping the same God. A common bond, Jesus, bringing and bonding everyone together. Powerful & beautiful.

On Sunday, my last day, I spent most of the day at church. Priscilla Shirer gave the morning message and Joseph Prince gave the evening message. They both spoke at the Hillsong conference as well and both brought a good word!! Pricilla spoke on identity-our God is the one who declares who we are: daughters and sons of the King. Joseph Prince spoke on how its not possible to ever loose your righteousness and the grace of God. If you're interested, you can find the podcast to both of these talks here.


I am so glad and thankful you all have been following my journey in London this summer. I plan to continue to share my experiences here as I continue to follow the light!

Flat Life

Laundry: About every two weeks I muster up the effort to climb up and down the 68 stairs to do laundry. Today is one those days. You see, the washer and dryer is in the basement and I live on the highest floor.  No cost for doing laundry except a sore bum the next day.

Dishes: We have a, "you use it, you wash it" system in our flat of five girls. It has worked quite well for the most part. On occasion, we do each other's dishes as they begin to take over the sink space. As you can pick up, there is no dish washer. All by hand, lovelies!

Schedules: During these past two months, we have all had pretty different class schedules. My flat mate, Claire, made and printed all of our schedules and posted them in our flat common room. Helpful for when we are looking for someone!

Lou: Two bathrooms. One big. One small. Both work :)

Love Line: With a little yarn and close pins we have created a love line in our flat common room. This is to leave notes, gifts, and encouragement to each other. So great after a long day!

Door: The door to our main flat just got replaced due to its recent breaking. All locked up now!

It's really been fun to cook meals, hang out with the girls, and live essentially on our own. I have been discovering the domestic side to myself!

p.s. I had fish and chips for the first time! 

p.p.s Has anyone ever eaten anything this big? ..............

p.p.p.s I STILL HAVE PINK EYE. 

My Dear Friend, Dest.

Yesterday afternoon I hopped on a train to go see my dear friend, Destiny. Her and I were in choir together in high school and have gotten closer as the years pass. During our choir days, we would have regular lunch dates at Tropical Smoothie or possibly just a movie night (usually at the Morrow household...gotta love their family of ten!)

A few months ago, Destiny called me up and said, "You'll never believe this, but I am going to be studying abroad in England this summer!" I said..."WHAT?!" She had to have been making this up. Nope. Destiny just so happens to be studying abroad in England about 45 min. away from where I am living. Therefore, I absolutely jumped on a train to visit her for the night.

As I navigated my way through the quaint city of Cambridge, I finally found my destination. I have to say...I must have squealed a little bit as Destiny turned the corner and greeted me as I stood in the main foyer. Seeing one of my best friends in an unknown city was so amazing that I just keep saying in my head, "Thank you, Lord, Thank you, Lord!"

Usually Destiny and I catch up for hours after we have been a part for a while. Only natural, right? Well, this time was no different. We found ourselves talking about our time so far in England, what we liked best, how we felt as though we were in a dream, what we missed about home, etc.

Spending time with Destiny was absolutely a blessing. She is an encouragement. For example, when someone says, "I'm so excited for tomorrow!", she will say back, "I'm so excited for today!" This exemplifies Destiny. For she isn't worried about tomorrow, she is ready for what's in front of her, and she let's the light of the Lord shine through her.

If you know Destiny, you know what a sweet spirit she holds. Although not all of you know Destiny, I know you all have at least one friend you call dear. I encourage you all to take advantage of every moment you have with that friend and...

"Thank God every time [you] remember [them]"- Philippians 1:3 


I love you, Dest :)

Land of the Scots

Who is a fan of peanut butter and banana sandwiches!? I certainly am. In fact, that is exactly what lays in my lap right now as I write to you. Anyone that really knows me knows that I have a special love for peanut butter. Back home, I eat peanut butter with almost everything (apples, wheat thins, or sometimes just a spoonful.) Upon arriving in London, peanut butter was naturally one of the first products I searched Sainsburys (grocery store) to buy. Unfortunately, no Jif was to be found. Only one brand of peanut before my eyes. So...I went with the creamy.

Two days ago I returned from the "Land of the Scots": Scotland. It was, by far, my favorite place we have traveled to as a group. Edinburgh is where we resided. What was the weather like, you ask?

First Day

Second Day

Like London, the weather was very sporadic. Even though the second day was beautiful to start with, we got a torrential downpour late afternoon.                  

First, we went on a tour of Scotland's Parliament building. A common theme we all caught on throughout the tour was that Scotland's Parliament has tried to set themselves a part from England's parliament. The the architecture of Scotland's Parliament building was fresh and modern and unity is highly encouraged among members of both political parties. One example would be that members of Scotland's Parliament can sit wherever they would like whilst in a meeting with the opposite party. On the other hand, England's Parliament requires the members of the House of Lords and House of Commons to sit on opposite sides whilst in a meeting. While walking through Scotland's Parliament building, I felt as though i was in a big and beautiful mansion. Enric Miralles designed this building to be completely open for the public to see the inside at almost every angle. Big windows, no curtains, and modern fixtures make up Scotland's Parliament building.                                     

Our first night wrapped up with a few of us going to a local pub to sing some karaoke! It was a Carrie Underwood night. With my friend Gina, we sang "Cowboy Casanova" and then I sang "Before He Cheats." 

I had never been inside a castle until this trip. On Saturday, we had beautiful weather to walk around the Edinburgh's famous castle. Check it out: 

Final activity: horseback riding. I was given a horse named Arnold and despite him trying to eat grass every time we stopped, he was a really good horse! A ten year old girl, Neve, held on to his bit the whole time. Neve kept Arnold in line as well as the other horses around. It blows my mind that this ten year old, tiny, ginger-haired girl was in complete control of those huge animals. Made me think that no matter how big something is in front of us, we can handle it with complete confidence.

Morning. Match. Mishap.

Waking up to a rainy day made me want to do nothing more than to curl up, eat my oatmeal, and watch "Emma", a movie based on one of Jane Austen's classic stories. So I did. Not knowing that this movie was over three hours long is besides the point. It was absolutely worth every minute. Now, I am even more inclined to dive right into my newly bought book, Pride and Prejudice. Gotta love Jane. 


Before too much time has slipped away, I want to tell y'all that I had the chance to go to Wimbledon! I went with a few others from my group this past Saturday to see the women's final match between Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova. Again, another great experience. We "queued up" (lined up) about 8:15am and received a queue card. I was 386th in line, I believe or close to it. Having that place in itself was quite the success! My roommate went to Wimbledon earlier in the week and was 7,000th in line! We paid fifteen pounds to receive a "grounds" ticket. Not bad! Although, I did pay my share at the gift shop! Whoops. Anyhoo, we staked out a lovely spot on Headman Hill and watched the big screen TV for most of the day. I'd say it was a pretty good match! I think Michelle Obama and Anne Hathaway would say so too. (They were there as well!)

playing cards while waiting in the queue

the queue continued to grow longer as the minutes passed! 

Amanda, Karl, Gina, ME, and Leslie on the hill 

On another matter, I MUST stay away from Mondays. If you can remember, last Monday is when I tripped up the stairs and slammed my face into the wall. (No serious damage done. Only memories and a couple marks on the wall remain.) Well, I figured I would continue with the manic Mondays and have the top of my foot be run over by a car. Yes...this happened. Here's how it happened: 

Our group had just seen a show and was headed to the tube. As I began to cross the road, I looked left (clear!), continued walking slowly, and then looked right. I then saw a car come whipping around the corner and soon felt the car's wheel run over the top of my foot as I slammed up against the side of the car. The car stopped. With my toe only in a little pain, I yelled, "I'm fine! I'm good! Keep going! It's okay! Keep going!" 

You may wonder why I told the car to keep going. After all, I had just had my foot run over. However, I really did feel fine. My toe felt as though I had just stubbed it upon the ground. I truly was protected. I thank God for protecting me in that moment. It was my mistake to not look right first and then left. It was my mistake to not "look both ways before crossing"- a child's lesson I learn when I'm twenty. I now cross each street with caution and also a bit of fear. I am quick to assume there will be a car whipping around the corner. I understand fear is natural thing to face after an incident like this, but I am determined to not let the fear take control. In fact, the fear must go. As with anything in life, if there is fear, there is no room for faith. The Lord was and is watching over me and I must put all my faith into him at all times. For although I live in this world where bad things, unfortunate mishaps, and cruel events happen, I am not of the world. 

Although we live by faith and not by sight (2 Corin. 5:7), make sure to look both ways before crossing :) 

Freedom

One of the many great things about being here in Europe is that there are many opportunities to see beautiful churches and experience heart felt worship to God. However, as i have walked through some churches on tours, I sometimes feel as though the historical importance holds a higher rank than the heart of worship and relationship with Jesus. Or perhaps I am just having my eyes opened to the many different ways people give glory to the same God. In any case, I feel blessed to have been exposed to all types of worship, services, and praise to our God in Heaven.

This past Friday, I attended Westminster Abbey's Evensong. It's a free service occurring every day that welcomes all. I must say, it was one of the most touching services I have ever been to. As I sat in my chair, not in view of the choir,  I was still able to hear the angelic voices echoing throughout the gothic styled architecture. A professor here told our group once that the purpose of churches like Westminster and Notre Dame is for the people to "wonder about the glory of God." While staring at the stained glass window before me, I was able to do just that. There I was: sitting in a huge & historical church that felt so formal. It made me completely wonder about the glory of God.

The God I am getting to know daily is so personal, knows my name, saves and forgives me, comforts me. As I sat with hundreds of others in Westminster, I began to see, once again, the magnitude of God's ability. His ability to have a personal relationship with every single person on the Earth is more than possible. It's what he intends. It's what he prays.

Happy Fourth of July, by the way! Being here in Britain on this day is interesting only because, obviously, no celebrations are happening! I said, "Happy Fourth!" to any fellow American I walked past. I actually went to a nearby park and painted for the second time since being here. My inspiration: Freedom. I deem the painting appropriate for this special day.

started

finished

Actually, a few days ago, the whole group went to a church to see and listen to a classical music performance. The image of the cross behind the pulpit was so unique and intriguing. They longer i'd stare at it, the cross seemed to be moving. This is what actually triggered the vision for my painting:

In my painting, the colorful ring at the center of the cross represents all whom Jesus died for: everyone. We are all very different and all representing a different 'color' per say. The fireworks in each corner represents the gift freedom we all have all been given from Jesus. It's just a matter of if you have unwrapped and accepted that gift or not...

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.- Romans 6:18 

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.-Revelation 1:5

Fellow believers, rejoice and celebrate today as we are citizens of heaven and have received freedom from Jesus, our savior! :) 

Paper, Pink Eye and Accident Prone

I know you are probably surprised at my speedy blog posting here!

You are having to pick up your pace in reading because I am posting so frequently now aren't you?!

The Paris post was so long already that I decided to take out some updates and put them in this one :)

This past Monday I woke up at 7am having to finish a politics paper due at 9am. I also woke up to a beautiful messy pink eye infection. Fab! I put that set back aside as I fervently typed up what ended up being a ten page paper. (DISCLAIMER: I did not type all 10 pages up that morning.) I handed my paper to a classmate to turn in since my top priority, obviously, was going to the doc. After making my doctor appointment in the downstairs office, I headed back upstairs to my apartment. Wait...I missed one part:

While walking up the steps, I missed the top step. My reflexes weren't as fast since I was holding a bag with my lap top in it and therefore, my whole face literally slammed into the wall. It's okay if you just had a chuckle. I laugh from time to time as I replay the moment in my head. I honestly wish someone had gotten it on tape so i could see it. Anyways, there are now two marks on the wall from where my nose and mouth hit. Good thing I was headed to the doctor...

After i got myself together, i headed to the doctor to find out that my face would be fine. Just some slight bruising and that yes, I did have pink eye in my left eye.

Overall, my day had been quite eventful and it wasn't even 10am yet.

As I went to bed that night, I opened up my Beth Moore daily prayer devotional. The quote for that day was

"Walking consistently does not mean walking perfectly. It means we may stumble, but we will not fall. "

How appropriate and needed to read at the end of my Monday. I may have fallen so to speak earlier that day, but in reality, I can not ever fall as long as I am holding God's hand along the way. Yes, there will be pebbles, rocks, even boulders along the way of life, but we will not fall as long as we are following the light and holding God's hand. 

If you feel yourself stumbling today, be comforted in knowing that you have a mighty God waiting to catch you. 

Paris-Oui, Oui!

Bonjour! Or should I say Bonne Soirée?!

I write to you tonight after my house finished a progressive Mexican dinner. Man, I love mexican food!

Last night, I saw my first musical here in London, Billy Elliot. It was fabulous! Really spectacular to see such young talent upon the stage. Incredible dancing from 12 and 13 year olds!





















This past weekend, our group traveled to the city of Paris! The trip was filled with all you would expect: crepes, French language, metro, poodles, etc.

Day one we visited the Musee de Orsay and the Louvre. It was such a privilege to be exposed to world renown paintings and to see artwork up close and personal. The Musee de Orsay used to be a train station and is considered a newer museum containing artwork from artists such as Monet, Manet, and Van Gough. The Louvre is the biggest art gallary in the world. One could spend hours upon hours in the Louvre just looking at different artwork. Oh wait...I did!                                                                

That night, a group of us went to the Arc de Triomphe and then the Eiffel Tower. I LOVED being at the Eiffel Tower all night. We soon went up the Eiffel Tower to the second level (unfortunately, the very top was closed.) The lights on the Eiffel were magical and the night seemed like a dream. 

I again, spent the next day lounging on the lawn near the Eiffel Tower. As we spent time taking pictures and relaxing, we met a few girls sitting next to us who are from Texas also studying abroad in Europe. They were so kind and gave us a whole baguette they had extra as well as grapes! There I was: eating a baguette and grapes laying down staring at the Eiffel Tower on a gorgeous, sunny, hot summer day. The night ended with strolling the Champs Elysee and seeing more of the Paris atmosphere. One thing that Paris has more than London I would say are beggars. Adults and children. While laying on the lawn that afternoon, three young children came up with notes waving them all in our faces asking in French for water. Many people held clip boards walking down the streets and near the Eiffel tapping, following, and asking us to sign petitions of some sort.
                                                                        

Our last day was pretty much free and so a couple friends and I went to Montmartre. This is a gorgeous overview of the whole city as well as many shops up and down the mountain. The day was extremely hot and perfect for exploring. When i was ten, my family and I went to Montmarte and i got a portrait drawn so i thought it was only necessary that i get a portrait done again of myself ten years later. It's so interesting to see the difference between the portrait of my 10 year old self and my 20 year old self. I also was able to eat my first sandwich baguette! Ya know...with jambon et fromage (ham and cheese).

CREPES!            

                                                                                                                 

Nutella

Nutella & Strawberries

Nutella & Banana (my favorite!)

After returning from Paris, it was the first time i felt as though London was home. I loved Paris, however, it did not steal my heart. London has such a clean, friendly, and fun feeling where as in Paris, i felt I had to be way more on guard, the environment wasn't very clean, and I just didn't feel as though i wanted to stay there for a long period of time. It was super fun whipping out my French i learned in high school even though it wasn't extensive. 

Au Revoir! 

Still With Me?

Hi Everyone!

Are you still with me?! I realize it has been a week since I posted last and I am so sorry about that!

I have been doing work for the past three hours today so I decided to take a break, eat some Oatmeal (walnuts and raisins included) and write to you all :)

I was away this past weekend with the group and with mid-term essays and presentations coming up, I have been feeling a bit under the weather! Sore throat, sinus pressure, low energy...all great together. Nothing a Benadryl and prayer can't fix, right? 

My weekend away was so great. Stratford, Oxford, Bath all in one weekend! So much.

**DISCLAIMER: It rains everywhere.. all the time.. at least once a day, so you will see me wearing my periwinkle rain jacket in almost all pictures. 

While in Stratford, we saw the play Macbeth. I have NEVER seen such a gory play. Granted...it IS Macbeth. If you don't know the plot of this play, then basically just think of Macbeth becoming king because he kills the current king, Macbeth killing loads more of people, Macbeth getting killed, plus a few creepy witches being played by children. I honestly had to turn my head a few times. (I've never been a fan of scary things/movies/plays). Let's just say...Macbeth is a tragedy. Afterwards, my theatre class got to speak with the actor who played Macbeth. John is his name and it was SO weird to see the man off stage who i just saw get killed 30 minutes before hand. I think it was a good time for incite in to an actor's life. He spoke on how he keeps his work life separate from his personal life which was something I sure wanted to know. "Easy", he said. Hm...alrighty. 

Morning after Macbeth, our group went and saw Shakespeare's birth place and well as the church he is buried. Afterwards, we went to Shakespeare's wife's, Anne Hathaway, house where it is said that Shakespeare courted Anne. Did you know that Shakespeare was only 18 when he married 26 year old Anne? T'was a "shot gun wedding" they said. 

Being back in Oxford was awesome! Although it came with a few raindrops, I really love being in Oxford. Since i had been in Oxford less than a week before, i recognized a lot i was seeing. I made sure to go back to the market to get some of "Ben's Cookies" I had seen the week before with Jimmie. Literally...divine tasting.

     Staying in Bath grew on me. At first, I was wary of the lack of people, but then i just realized the next day that the whole town must go to bed by seven each night. It's fine. Saturday afternoon, our whole group took a bus tour of Bath and then toured the famous Roman Baths. This is where the Romans would come to not only bath, but most importantly come to socialize and have community. 

bus tour

roman baths

From there on out, we had the whole day FREE. What ever shall we do? We went to Sally Lunn's-fantastic sandwich lunch place that prides itself on being the oldest house in Bath. Tea was had there most definitely. 

roasted vegetables and sun-dried tomato sandwich + House Tea 

We then ventured off to the Jane Austin Exhibition. I have never read any of Jane Austin's books, but after that exhibition, I went out and bought her book, Pride and Prejudice! Of course, i have seen that movie because my suite-mates played it about every week in our suit last year, but as anyone knows...the book is usually better. Can't wait to dive in. 

Sunday, we did a couple things. First, we toured the Wilton House where Pride and Prejudice was filmed. This house was like nothing i have ever seen before. It was so beautiful, big, crisp, and historical. The gardens lasted forever. I felt as though i could get lost in the rose gardens and run underneath the flower arches. Reminded me of the Secret Garden. 

Wilton House

Secondly, we went to Stonehenge. Another unique experience to check off the list! Here is our group picture :)

Throughout these unique travels, it can feel easy to get caught up in the bigness of the experiences (or houses, gardens, cities). However, through these experiences, I remind myself exactly where I really stand. I stand in the presence of God who is guiding me all along the way. We serve a big God! Every day I am reminded of how much he pursues me no matter where I am! I encourage you all to feel his pursuit today.