Kingdom of Light

I'm back in blogging action! With the Internet now being available to me, you should see more frequent updates.

Being here in London is quite exciting! Also, very different from living in the States. The first few days were extra filled with orientation events. Two exciting things we did were an audio tour of West Minister Abbey and doing the "Royal Walk" through Green Park towards Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. I already feel my vocabulary being changed with British terms and accent!

It's a bit overwhelming getting used to buying groceries, going to classes, getting to know everyone in our group, and overall living here. However, starting classes this week and being finished with "orientation" events i feel will bring a sense of needed routine here in my London life.

Speaking of classes...SO interesting! But, hard. Womp.

This past Sunday night, I went to Hillsong Church with my roommate and two other friends a part of our group. I have been wanting to go to Hillsong Church for a long time. I love this ministry's heart and passion for God.  I walked in and immediately felt my craving for fellowship be met. I saw the light. My three friends and I met some wonderful people that hopefully we can connect with again and build some friendships.

Yesterday, as a class outing, we went to the British Science Museum. Here, we looked at an exhibit that was entitled, "What does the Internet Sound Like?" It was a panel of hundreds of tiny screens that acted as a display portrait of all the different online communications- text, chat rooms, emails, etc. This portrait displayed messages picked up at that very instant from all across the world. It was quite something reading all of these messages such as, "what up?" and "I am in the usa." However, another text read, "most people are awful...why do they deserve to live in this world?" This got me thinking and gave me eyes to see a bit of the darkness in the world. However, there is light to be inherited for those who believe.

As I was reading through Colossians the other morning, I came across verse 12 in chapter 1. It says, "Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of light."

I hope to continue to see the Kingdom of Light shine down upon my new stay here in the United Kingdom.

Coming Soon!

Hi Bloggies!!!

Please forgive me for my lack up updates! My computer is not connected to the Internet so i am having to use my flat-mate's computer right now. As soon as i get connected, I will be blogging!

I have exciting experiences and photos to share already!

Please check back soon to hear from this new Londener!

-cd

Goin' Fishin'

Hi mom! My only "follower." She is so supportive. My dad just created a Twitter account so he could follow me on that "form of technology," as he would say. Actually, if I'm being completely honest, I was the one who created a Twitter account for my dad. As far as it goes, I am his only follower. He loves it!

You see, DuVal's have always been a) planners, b) curious, and c) communicators. (Maybe that's why i found it so natural to major in Communications.) After every visit with my Grandma DuVal, she says, "Keep me updated, now. I want to know everything." I'm rooted in it y'all.

So...

My plan? LONDON! I've already been given a preliminary calendar-my kind of trip.

Am I curious? I went to Europe with my family when i was ten. Memories: Eating only a turkey baguette in Paris because my ten-year-old picky self didn't want anything else, my sister getting pick-pocketed, undesirable train station smells, Harrods, and trying to go to all the places Mary-Kate and Ashley filmed their movie, "Winning London." Obviously, significant things here. All this to say, I am VERY curious! I know that this trip will bring so many significant, wonderful, and memorable experiences. I'm at least going to eat a crepe while in Paris. Duh.

How will I communicate? HERE! I will be updating this blog as much as i can with my experiences, stories, and most importantly, how i have seen "the Light."

Why call my blog "Following the Light," you ask? John 14:6 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the light." I have such a desire to meet and explore the hearts of people all across the world. Essentially, I don't know where i am going, but i know exactly who i am following. His name is Jesus and he is the Light! In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus saw Peter and Andrew fishing in the lake. Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed him.

As i travel throughout Europe this summer and live my life, I plan to take advantage of every moment. I am dropping my net and following Jesus to fish for people. The question is...

Who's goin' fishin' with me?!