Martin Luther King Jr. once said "Faith is not seeing the whole stair case but still taking the first step." I found this quote on pinterest about half-way through my time abroad after I had already formulated a theory about stairs. Malika Joell Onstaid said over and over for the last 3 months physically and metaphorically "The scariest stairs lead to the best views."
I can easily say that my study abroad experience has ben one big scary stair case. A little over one year ago I had the faith to take the first sstep and apply for study abroad and let me tell you I had no idea it would lead me tto become the person standing at the top of this staircase. Along the way I have all of these memories of moments, milestones and ecen real staircases that were steps along the way. I'm hoping I can keep these close to in order, but I make no promises.
When I climbed the steps onto the coach that pulled away from Manchester airport driving on the LEFT side of the road I was scared out of my mind, I couldn't do this, I needed (wanted) to go home as soon as possible. The next stairs were in the Westminster hall of the Chancellor's Building to connect with Meredith, who introduced me to Sierra, who then connected up with Alyssa and Hannah which led to the next set of scary steps and (almost accidentally) the best friends I could ask for during my time abroad, I love those girls. Cardiff Castle held those scary steps and in my first attempt at them I actually chickened out but I made it up the second try with moral support of the girls. I took steps up the lecture hall of my math class and introduced myself to someone instead of hiding in the back. The stairs to the Chapel brought me all sorts of amazing things, the communities of Sacred Space, the Christian Union, Jesus Jam, and the TEN:15 service. I remember the first time I met Kat, Jo, Katie and Nellu at Ruth's house. I remember the first time I talked to Beccca at a Lunch Bar. I remember when Jemma came up to talk to me about the class we have together. I remember climbing into LeeAnn's car to go to Manley Mere, I have to say Becca talked me into that scary step but I got to know Lillian, Abi, LeeAnn, Jo Hawker, Beca and Ruth even better and I am grateful for every scary step and every time I fell (or jumped) into muddy water because it brought me closer to those girls. Dublin had more stairs but just as many gorgeous views to go with them. London found a step towards my independence when I took train there and back by myself and navigated the tube by myself. These were also great steps in the direction toward self confidence. Along the way slowly but surely (I didn't realize at the time) I was taking steps in my faith and in growing my relationship with God. Paris had the steps up Notre Dame, the steps up the Eiffel Tower and the steps through Versailles but it also gave me Bed Bugs which really caused me to step up and face a new challenge as I moved up my personal growth staircase ever so slightly further.
Beyond this I cannot put into words the amazing experience I have been on. I know that I will treasure every moment of the journey for the rest of my life. None of it would have happened without a little faith to take that first step. Some moments were really scary those first couple of weeks each day was a massive hurdle to be overcome. WIthout sounding too self-involved I am proud of myself for where I have come from where I was when I was homesick and miserable to the thriving person that was sad to leave the friends she had made.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Saying Goodbye
I hate saying goodbye. Can't stand it in fact. I'm just not good with facing the fact that I may not see these people again. It is just really hard to face. The only way I can equate it is that it feels like a loss. I don't know that is the best word but that is how it feels for me right now. I am losing this community of people that I have grown so close to. When I first arrived here I felt like every part of my comfort zone had been taken away, but slowly over the last 3 months I formed a new comfort zone without even knowing. The chapel and all of the people I have met, I have leaned on and grown close to and it breaks my heart to leave them.
The last time I was blogging in an Airport....
(This was handwritten in the Atlanta airport on December 15th)
I was in Amsterdam suffering all kinds of exhaustion from the 10 hour flight and the slap upseide the head given to me by the jet lag and time change. Although impressed by the ammenities on the flight I was more than frustrated that I was not allowed to do what I have done in every American airport I have been to plus the airport in Aruba...sit at my gate! Moving on, whats past is past, right now I am sitting in the Atlanta airport handwriting this blog and reveling in the wonder that is full use of my iPhone's capabilities for the first time in 3 months. Why, you ask, am I handwriting my blog, you ask, well a number of reasons. The internet costs money here, my cell phone is being put to other use, and the last reason, even if I typed this up I would have to post date the publishing after Christmas because my homecoming is a surprise to some family members although maybe not at this point, who knows.
So back to the events of today which will end up being 24+ waking hours before I sleep again. I woke up at 4 am for my 5 am taxi which arrived at 5:45. Once at the Manchester airport there was waiting, lines, more lines, lines that turned into to other lines and then more waiting distracted by ginger bread chai, which as Meredith would say is "Christmas in a cup" and mine had extra extra cinnamon. I actually managed to finish the book I (barely) started on the flight to Manchester during the time I waited at the airport (All American Girl by Meg Cabot, give it to the teen and tween girls in your life). I was not nearly as impressed with this flight as I was with the other so I don't feel the need to go into nearly as much detail. The good news is I slept! For two hours separated into half hour chuncks but still that sleep felt wonderful considering I tossed and turned and only slept for two hours the night before. I didn't get a choice of movie because they were shared slightly larger screens with big ones on the section dividers (think the opening scene in Charlie's Angels if you haven't been on an international flight that has them) its like a messed up disproportionate movie theater. So New Years Eve was broken, I slept through halfish of Liberal Arts (it has Ted Mosby in it) and I watched all of Safety Not Guaranteed (one bathroom break) which I found really funny. When I wasn't snoozing or watching a movie I was listening to music and re-reading Perks of Being a Wallflower (almost finished). Also there was an abundance of babies on the flight and they didn't cry but they were adorable and made me miss my buddies at Anjee's house.
The next task is to kill 3 hours in this airport and then 5 and a half more before I go running (my bags are heavy so maybe not literally) through the PortlandAirport to hug my mother and father. That will make this shattered feeling all worth it. I'm well excited.
So back to the events of today which will end up being 24+ waking hours before I sleep again. I woke up at 4 am for my 5 am taxi which arrived at 5:45. Once at the Manchester airport there was waiting, lines, more lines, lines that turned into to other lines and then more waiting distracted by ginger bread chai, which as Meredith would say is "Christmas in a cup" and mine had extra extra cinnamon. I actually managed to finish the book I (barely) started on the flight to Manchester during the time I waited at the airport (All American Girl by Meg Cabot, give it to the teen and tween girls in your life). I was not nearly as impressed with this flight as I was with the other so I don't feel the need to go into nearly as much detail. The good news is I slept! For two hours separated into half hour chuncks but still that sleep felt wonderful considering I tossed and turned and only slept for two hours the night before. I didn't get a choice of movie because they were shared slightly larger screens with big ones on the section dividers (think the opening scene in Charlie's Angels if you haven't been on an international flight that has them) its like a messed up disproportionate movie theater. So New Years Eve was broken, I slept through halfish of Liberal Arts (it has Ted Mosby in it) and I watched all of Safety Not Guaranteed (one bathroom break) which I found really funny. When I wasn't snoozing or watching a movie I was listening to music and re-reading Perks of Being a Wallflower (almost finished). Also there was an abundance of babies on the flight and they didn't cry but they were adorable and made me miss my buddies at Anjee's house.
The next task is to kill 3 hours in this airport and then 5 and a half more before I go running (my bags are heavy so maybe not literally) through the PortlandAirport to hug my mother and father. That will make this shattered feeling all worth it. I'm well excited.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Last week of regular classes
Monday I had my last literature class which covered Emily Dickinson since class was cancelled last week. Then it was off to the math building to stress about my last math homework. For the first time I was actually able to work with other people and realize that they were just as confused as I was. They actually made me feel a lot better about passing the final. Plus they seem to have had similar low scores and trouble with their homework. It was reassuring to know that barring any unforeseen troubles I should be able to pass the class which was my big stress because I need it for graduation. After that bit of stress, I took a short break before I went to the Chapel for the Scratch Choir practice, followed by the Chapel Christmas party. I loved the Christmas Party. Delicious food, fantastic company, hilarious comedy as well as some wonderful singing acts. It was a great night.
Tuesday morning I was focused on my Mass Media portfolio and getting the Christmas CD my parents mailed me to work and so I ended up choosing not to go to Mass Media because it was review for the exam and I am doing an essay instead and so the professor said I didn't need to. Finally I closed out the night with my British Culture class, this weeks theme was Media which ended up giving us some unexpected insights into what British traditions are. Plus there was pizza which is always good. After class I met up with some of my exchange friends who are leaving before Christmas for a farewell dessert party.
Wednesday was math class and then lunch with Hannah, Alyssa and Martin. Followed by some Gilmore Girls with Hannah. Then choir practice, and finally the Carol Service. I actually really enjoyed it. I think I underestimated how much fun I would have singing in a choir and performing at a Carol Service. I liked that they integrated readings into the Order of Service as well. It reminded me of lessons and carols at my home church.
Thursday was Social Movements class which complete opposite of Monday totally stressed me out for the exam for this class. I am really worried about the information that I need to retain and be able to relate authors to each other. I just don't know. I see lots and lots of flash cards in my future. More math class later in the day but the best part of the day was dinner with Becca and LeeAnn. LeeAnn was making me a proper British meal. We had Bangers and Mash with Sweet Corn and gravy and then we had triffle for dessert. After that we went to Jesus Jam for Prayer/Worship/Testimonial night. It was really great. I was honored that the Committee gave me a thank you card and gift for helping them with tech this semester.
Finally, Friday was my last day of PDEs which honestly made me really happy to be almost done with that class. Then I spent the rest of the day spending time with my American friends who are flying out Saturday morning.
Tuesday morning I was focused on my Mass Media portfolio and getting the Christmas CD my parents mailed me to work and so I ended up choosing not to go to Mass Media because it was review for the exam and I am doing an essay instead and so the professor said I didn't need to. Finally I closed out the night with my British Culture class, this weeks theme was Media which ended up giving us some unexpected insights into what British traditions are. Plus there was pizza which is always good. After class I met up with some of my exchange friends who are leaving before Christmas for a farewell dessert party.
Wednesday was math class and then lunch with Hannah, Alyssa and Martin. Followed by some Gilmore Girls with Hannah. Then choir practice, and finally the Carol Service. I actually really enjoyed it. I think I underestimated how much fun I would have singing in a choir and performing at a Carol Service. I liked that they integrated readings into the Order of Service as well. It reminded me of lessons and carols at my home church.
Thursday was Social Movements class which complete opposite of Monday totally stressed me out for the exam for this class. I am really worried about the information that I need to retain and be able to relate authors to each other. I just don't know. I see lots and lots of flash cards in my future. More math class later in the day but the best part of the day was dinner with Becca and LeeAnn. LeeAnn was making me a proper British meal. We had Bangers and Mash with Sweet Corn and gravy and then we had triffle for dessert. After that we went to Jesus Jam for Prayer/Worship/Testimonial night. It was really great. I was honored that the Committee gave me a thank you card and gift for helping them with tech this semester.
Finally, Friday was my last day of PDEs which honestly made me really happy to be almost done with that class. Then I spent the rest of the day spending time with my American friends who are flying out Saturday morning.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The views of my run...
I cut down the pictures I took from 46 to 20 and I could have taken more if I had cleared the memory card before the run and not after. I hope this gives you an idea of how much I like looking at this stuff.
This is the front of my block, good old W block.
This is the view looking out from my block onto part of Horwood. On sunny mornings its a nice view for run preparation. I normally stop and stare out here while I get everything settled and turn on my iPod running app.
This is the observatory walk, which runs behind my dorm and besides being the way I get to and from my classes most of the time is also how I start my runs.
After I go up a gnarly hill and pass Lindsey hall, I see this farm on the left and it tells me that I am about to get away from campus for a bit. I always love seeing the sun over the farm.
Then I cross the street here.
And start up this path which takes me towards Keele Village and away from campus and this is when I really feel like my run starts because its when I start to clear my head and worry less.
Then I turn right away from Keele Village and onto this country road.
With a beautiful church and cemetery,
and very British speed signs.
I pass another farm, but this one actually has animals!
I really like the signs.
And they will help me figure out where I ran on google maps!
I love the sun over all the green, it makes me happy and reminds me of Oregon.
Then I pass a Golf Course.
This picture I have to say is about 10,000 times better in person. You see Newcastle-Upon-Lyme from up on a hill and its just so cool. I'm a little annoyed at my camera for not doing the view justice.
This is my favorite sign because to stay on the path you actually have to run under the sign and it is tall enough that I can run under the sign.
I like this sign two, the sidewalk is split between humans and bikes.
Finally this traffic circle says I am heading back into Keele campus.
This is the great brick Keele University sign, that I really wish I could sit on top of and take a picture with but that didn't happen.
This is another (a different one I promise) traffic circle heading back into campus.
I go up and back down a hill, pass one final traffic circle and then I'm back to my dorm. All in all it is 2.5 ish miles of nice things to look at and signs that make me smile.
I go up and back down a hill, pass one final traffic circle and then I'm back to my dorm. All in all it is 2.5 ish miles of nice things to look at and signs that make me smile.
My week in stress
This week I didn't really know how to cope with the fact that people around me were stressed about important assignments that they had due and I did not because my major assignments were the papers I had due in Week 7 and so I was stressed then but I did not have anything beyond normal amounts of reading/homework to stress about now so I managed to invent things I could get stressed about.
Monday my class was cancelled because the Professor was sick so I was able to stress about the fact that I didn't get to clear my final essay topic with him like I had originally planned. This cancellation also gave me ample time to stress about my math homework which was due that evening at 5 pm. I went into the professor because I was stuck on something that I should not have been stuck on and I came out of the meeting with him feeling even more incompetent than I had felt going in. So by the time I reached the chapel for some moral support, all it took was a hug from Jo and I was crying. I pulled myself together and went to the library and watched the video tutorial (which didn't help) and looked at the answers to the previous homework (which helped some) and powered through and managed to finish and turn in my homework. Then I checked my post and gave myself a little veg time to relax and pull myself together after my overly dramatic morning. Finally I went that evening to the practice for the Scratch (two practice) Choir that is performing at the Carol Service on Wednesday the 12th. I really enjoyed myself, I got to hang out with LeeAnn and laugh about the fact that I have no confidence in my singing what-so-ever but I am going to make an attempt anyway.
Tuesday morning, I got dressed for my normal run, with one addition MY CAMERA. I ended up walking most of it so that I could actually take pictures of the great views that I see on my run, which will compose the next blog (yay more pictures and less words). Then I worked on my Mass Media portfolio due next week. I still have one part of it left to do but that requires watching live local tv news in the US and so I have to do it at like 10pm at the earliest and I always forget when it gets to be that time. Then it was off to Mass Media class. I finally started my Social Movements reading which I realized was a nice way of creating stress for myself because I started it later than I usually due so I was much more stressed about finishing it on Wednesday. Finally, I went to Sacred Space which this week was a Taize Service and as wonderful as it was made me sad because it was the last Sacred Space of the Semester and my last Sacred Space ever.
Wednesday it was off to Math class. Then I did some reading and finally met up with Hannah for Lunch. After lunch with Hannah I was back into my Social Movements book but the stress of finishing had been lifted since one of my other group members hadn't even started the reading and our third group member was doing a presentation so she had other things to worry about. Wednesday night I had planned to have dinner with Becca and it just so happened that her dorm was having a Christmas party with a free buffet and so we met up with LeeAnn, Jemma and Hannah and went there for dinner, dessert and Christmas Crackers (the popper things that you pull, Meredith says they are in Harry Potter). Then we all hung out a little bit longer before it was off to the CU meeting, which was wonderful as usual, this week's talk was on your purpose and the speaker shared his testimonial and what he felt was God's purpose for him.
Thursday we actually discussed in our Social Movements class which feels like a huge deal because normally its like pulling teeth to get anyone besides Matt and me to talk in class. Then I used my two hour break to get stressed out over my last PDEs homework which is due Monday, because it is much harder than any example he has done in class and I am frustrated with it. Then I had math class which actually was good because he finished the last of his new material and so for the rest of the term we are just reviewing. After dropping my stuff off in my room I went to Hannah's to watch some Gilmore Girls (which I am so happy that she is enjoying) and then we went over to Alyssa's block to have dinner, they made Cajun Chicken Pasta, but took into account the fact that I am a wimp who can't handles spice and actually took out some chicken without spice for me. They are the best! Finally I headed off to Jesus Jam. Without going into too many details, I have to say that the discussion at Jesus Jam this week really resonated with me personally and things that have gone on in my life and it was hard for me to face that I would only have one more Jesus Jam ever.
Friday was an active day. Directly after my math class (review yay!) I hopped in a cab with Meredith, Sierra, Fizza and Matt and we headed to the mall in Stoke. We had a nice coffee date before Matt had to go to work and the girls went shopping. After a long but productive trip in Primark it was time. We went to visit Santa! It was wonderful, so much fun. I bought a key chain with our picture (the 4 girls and Santa *cough* Matt *cough*) which I know will be very special to me. After our time we Santa and some more shopping it was back to campus. I took a quick pit stop in my room to drop stuff off before heading over to Meredith and Sierra's to prepare for Winterfest. We had dinner, hung out with their hall mates, changed got ready and several hours later we were off. First up was the outside activities I managed to go on all 3 of the rides (seriously they had 3 fair rides in the parking lot it was crazy) but I did not go ice skating because the "ice" was actually plastic and the shoes I had did not include socks and all in all it was a terrible idea. So I am determined to go ice skating after I get back! Finally, we went inside to see the musical acts, it was really crowded and really loud and I was uncomfortable but determined to stick it through until this mean guy stepped on my toe and I decided I was done. Then I went to tea and toast at the chapel for like an hour which was really wonderful. I love hanging out with the Christian Union people. Finally I went to bed.
Saturday has included a lot of procrastination and no work whatsoever. I went for a run, picked up my stuff from Sierra and Merediths, showered, spent a lot of time on the computer, went back to Sierra and Merediths and now I'm here working on the blog.
Tomorrow after TEN:15 we are having minced pies and mulled wine at Ruth's house which should be really nice. It makes me think about the way time at Ruth's house divides up the semester, the first time I went there and met Nellum, Kat, Katie, and Jo at the very beginning of the semester, Guy Fawkes Day when I was feeling more settled and comfortable and I watched the fireworks, and now tomorrow, Sunday the 9th, which is the day before the last week of classes. Crazy.
Monday my class was cancelled because the Professor was sick so I was able to stress about the fact that I didn't get to clear my final essay topic with him like I had originally planned. This cancellation also gave me ample time to stress about my math homework which was due that evening at 5 pm. I went into the professor because I was stuck on something that I should not have been stuck on and I came out of the meeting with him feeling even more incompetent than I had felt going in. So by the time I reached the chapel for some moral support, all it took was a hug from Jo and I was crying. I pulled myself together and went to the library and watched the video tutorial (which didn't help) and looked at the answers to the previous homework (which helped some) and powered through and managed to finish and turn in my homework. Then I checked my post and gave myself a little veg time to relax and pull myself together after my overly dramatic morning. Finally I went that evening to the practice for the Scratch (two practice) Choir that is performing at the Carol Service on Wednesday the 12th. I really enjoyed myself, I got to hang out with LeeAnn and laugh about the fact that I have no confidence in my singing what-so-ever but I am going to make an attempt anyway.
Tuesday morning, I got dressed for my normal run, with one addition MY CAMERA. I ended up walking most of it so that I could actually take pictures of the great views that I see on my run, which will compose the next blog (yay more pictures and less words). Then I worked on my Mass Media portfolio due next week. I still have one part of it left to do but that requires watching live local tv news in the US and so I have to do it at like 10pm at the earliest and I always forget when it gets to be that time. Then it was off to Mass Media class. I finally started my Social Movements reading which I realized was a nice way of creating stress for myself because I started it later than I usually due so I was much more stressed about finishing it on Wednesday. Finally, I went to Sacred Space which this week was a Taize Service and as wonderful as it was made me sad because it was the last Sacred Space of the Semester and my last Sacred Space ever.
Wednesday it was off to Math class. Then I did some reading and finally met up with Hannah for Lunch. After lunch with Hannah I was back into my Social Movements book but the stress of finishing had been lifted since one of my other group members hadn't even started the reading and our third group member was doing a presentation so she had other things to worry about. Wednesday night I had planned to have dinner with Becca and it just so happened that her dorm was having a Christmas party with a free buffet and so we met up with LeeAnn, Jemma and Hannah and went there for dinner, dessert and Christmas Crackers (the popper things that you pull, Meredith says they are in Harry Potter). Then we all hung out a little bit longer before it was off to the CU meeting, which was wonderful as usual, this week's talk was on your purpose and the speaker shared his testimonial and what he felt was God's purpose for him.
Thursday we actually discussed in our Social Movements class which feels like a huge deal because normally its like pulling teeth to get anyone besides Matt and me to talk in class. Then I used my two hour break to get stressed out over my last PDEs homework which is due Monday, because it is much harder than any example he has done in class and I am frustrated with it. Then I had math class which actually was good because he finished the last of his new material and so for the rest of the term we are just reviewing. After dropping my stuff off in my room I went to Hannah's to watch some Gilmore Girls (which I am so happy that she is enjoying) and then we went over to Alyssa's block to have dinner, they made Cajun Chicken Pasta, but took into account the fact that I am a wimp who can't handles spice and actually took out some chicken without spice for me. They are the best! Finally I headed off to Jesus Jam. Without going into too many details, I have to say that the discussion at Jesus Jam this week really resonated with me personally and things that have gone on in my life and it was hard for me to face that I would only have one more Jesus Jam ever.
Friday was an active day. Directly after my math class (review yay!) I hopped in a cab with Meredith, Sierra, Fizza and Matt and we headed to the mall in Stoke. We had a nice coffee date before Matt had to go to work and the girls went shopping. After a long but productive trip in Primark it was time. We went to visit Santa! It was wonderful, so much fun. I bought a key chain with our picture (the 4 girls and Santa *cough* Matt *cough*) which I know will be very special to me. After our time we Santa and some more shopping it was back to campus. I took a quick pit stop in my room to drop stuff off before heading over to Meredith and Sierra's to prepare for Winterfest. We had dinner, hung out with their hall mates, changed got ready and several hours later we were off. First up was the outside activities I managed to go on all 3 of the rides (seriously they had 3 fair rides in the parking lot it was crazy) but I did not go ice skating because the "ice" was actually plastic and the shoes I had did not include socks and all in all it was a terrible idea. So I am determined to go ice skating after I get back! Finally, we went inside to see the musical acts, it was really crowded and really loud and I was uncomfortable but determined to stick it through until this mean guy stepped on my toe and I decided I was done. Then I went to tea and toast at the chapel for like an hour which was really wonderful. I love hanging out with the Christian Union people. Finally I went to bed.
Saturday has included a lot of procrastination and no work whatsoever. I went for a run, picked up my stuff from Sierra and Merediths, showered, spent a lot of time on the computer, went back to Sierra and Merediths and now I'm here working on the blog.
Tomorrow after TEN:15 we are having minced pies and mulled wine at Ruth's house which should be really nice. It makes me think about the way time at Ruth's house divides up the semester, the first time I went there and met Nellum, Kat, Katie, and Jo at the very beginning of the semester, Guy Fawkes Day when I was feeling more settled and comfortable and I watched the fireworks, and now tomorrow, Sunday the 9th, which is the day before the last week of classes. Crazy.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
The week I watched tv on tv, oh and I was sick again!
I believe when we last left me I had woken up sunday morning with a stuffed up nose and a sore throat, which I blamed on my mother for thinking I was sick before I started actually feeling sick. So that was the theme of the week but it also had other interesting tid-bits.
Monday morning was literature class and then more partying for the fact that I had already turned in on Friday. So instead I headed to the Common Room (a separate building by the laundry room (down the hill from my room) with wifi and a piano and a tv) and worked on my Social Movements reading while actually watching british tv. Okay American shows but it was on a british channel and there were british commercials. Then it was back to my room, where I actually did nothing.
I put this in because I need to edit my post from last week. I did not do nothing last Monday I went to hangout with Hannah and I watched the Princess Bride and painted my nails and the Monday before that Hannah and I watched Crazy, Stupid, Love so this Monday Hannah was in London and we couldn't hang out which reminded me that Monday is normally my Hannah day and I missed hanging out with her.
Tuesday morning as usual was my morning to get things done, so I headed out on my run, mailed some letters, and then did my laundry (which lead to more time in the common room - seeing an american commercial re-done with a British voice over was totally bizarre). Then there was a lunch and talk at the chapel which I enjoyed. Finally I had some dinner and then went off to Sacred Space which this week was prayer stations, and I am happy to report that I didn't cry at all this time. In fact I spent most of it thanking God for the blessings in my life. Tuesday night I went downstairs to Martin and Michael's kitchen for a birthday celebration for Martin but since I had no desire to drink I basically had some cake and left.
Wednesday I woke up feeling even more sick than I had the last two days. The original plan of the day was class-several hours in the library-discussion group for social movements-fireworks display outside the student union-christian union scavenger hunt.
Here is what happened instead: Class, get mail, crawl in bed, sleep, wake up, sleep, wake up, lay in bed until discussion group, discussion group, more bed, soup for dinner, skype mom, call Anjee, lose miserably at WarLight to dad while also talking to Hannah since she came over.
Basically in an attempt to take care of myself I avoided all the outdoor activities but the downside of that was ditching Hannah and not being able to tell her since she lost her cell phone and so she ended up coming over so we could chat.
Thursday I was feeling slightly better and so after my Social Movements I was able to spend two hours in the library and get frustrated because after success last week with my homework I am struggling severely with this weeks homework. Then after my second class and stopping back at my room it was off to Hannah's room. We managed to make homemade mac and cheese and chicken nuggets and I got her to watch the first episode of Gilmore Girls (She is hooked, I am so excited). Then we went to Jesus Jam which was wonderful as usual.
Friday was fulfilling my to-do list. After Math, I had lunch with Hannah, printed my train tickets, picked up my homework from the math building, checked my mail, went to the study abroad office, and then tried (not so well) to work on my math homework. Spent the rest of the night relaxing in my room. Still lacking some energy from being sick.
Saturday morning I attempted to sleep in which didn't go as well as I had hoped. Then I went for a run which was really more of a walk because my lungs hurt and I was tired and it was cold, but I still absolutely love the views on my run and I think sometime this week (or maybe next) I am going to walk it instead of running so that I can take pictures along the way. I fought with my math homework more, still not going well. Then I headed out to catch the bus to the train station. I asked the cheaper bus if he stopped at the train station, he doesn't, so after pulling some money out of the ATM and buying a Kit Kat bar so I had change (bus drivers get rather angry if you don't have the proper change) I hurried to the bus, which didn't hurry at all. In fact it stopped at the Newcastle Bus Station for 25 minutes before we were able to get on another bus and by the time that bus got to the train station I ran (literally) inside to watch my train pull away. So I had to buy a new ticket, but on the upside I was able to ride the train with the rest of the Christian Union group.
The Christmas Markets were quite an interesting site. I quickly learned that the emphasis is much more on eating than it is on walking. I waited past the frankfurters, the waffles, the pretzels and the hot chocolate (I had had some before the train with the extra time I had and the free one from my punch card) until the Garlic Bread that Jemma and I had been talking about since we got off the train. Yes it was good and yes it was worth it but for as freezing cold as I felt before the garlic bread I felt even colder after. The train back was so comfortable and warm.
Now it comes to Sunday. As I was walking to the Chapel this morning I managed to slip and fall along the ground that I didn't realize had actually iced over. Then after Chapel before the usual heading to Lindsey Bar I realized that I had lost my keys, they weren't in pocket the only place I ever store them. So then after asking two different security drop points and still no keys I had to be let in my room and I have been here ever since because I don't want to leave it open and go off somewhere. So I'm still struggling with my math homework which means Monday is going to be a big ball of stress, but its okay.
Why is it okay? Because we made it to December and I think the ridiculously homesick version of me from September had a lot of trouble believing that a version of me happy and thanking God for all of these blessings in December would actually exist. I feel like being closer to the end has made me more reflective of the different parts of the journey that I have faced.
Monday morning was literature class and then more partying for the fact that I had already turned in on Friday. So instead I headed to the Common Room (a separate building by the laundry room (down the hill from my room) with wifi and a piano and a tv) and worked on my Social Movements reading while actually watching british tv. Okay American shows but it was on a british channel and there were british commercials. Then it was back to my room, where I actually did nothing.
I put this in because I need to edit my post from last week. I did not do nothing last Monday I went to hangout with Hannah and I watched the Princess Bride and painted my nails and the Monday before that Hannah and I watched Crazy, Stupid, Love so this Monday Hannah was in London and we couldn't hang out which reminded me that Monday is normally my Hannah day and I missed hanging out with her.
Tuesday morning as usual was my morning to get things done, so I headed out on my run, mailed some letters, and then did my laundry (which lead to more time in the common room - seeing an american commercial re-done with a British voice over was totally bizarre). Then there was a lunch and talk at the chapel which I enjoyed. Finally I had some dinner and then went off to Sacred Space which this week was prayer stations, and I am happy to report that I didn't cry at all this time. In fact I spent most of it thanking God for the blessings in my life. Tuesday night I went downstairs to Martin and Michael's kitchen for a birthday celebration for Martin but since I had no desire to drink I basically had some cake and left.
Wednesday I woke up feeling even more sick than I had the last two days. The original plan of the day was class-several hours in the library-discussion group for social movements-fireworks display outside the student union-christian union scavenger hunt.
Here is what happened instead: Class, get mail, crawl in bed, sleep, wake up, sleep, wake up, lay in bed until discussion group, discussion group, more bed, soup for dinner, skype mom, call Anjee, lose miserably at WarLight to dad while also talking to Hannah since she came over.
Basically in an attempt to take care of myself I avoided all the outdoor activities but the downside of that was ditching Hannah and not being able to tell her since she lost her cell phone and so she ended up coming over so we could chat.
Thursday I was feeling slightly better and so after my Social Movements I was able to spend two hours in the library and get frustrated because after success last week with my homework I am struggling severely with this weeks homework. Then after my second class and stopping back at my room it was off to Hannah's room. We managed to make homemade mac and cheese and chicken nuggets and I got her to watch the first episode of Gilmore Girls (She is hooked, I am so excited). Then we went to Jesus Jam which was wonderful as usual.
Friday was fulfilling my to-do list. After Math, I had lunch with Hannah, printed my train tickets, picked up my homework from the math building, checked my mail, went to the study abroad office, and then tried (not so well) to work on my math homework. Spent the rest of the night relaxing in my room. Still lacking some energy from being sick.
Saturday morning I attempted to sleep in which didn't go as well as I had hoped. Then I went for a run which was really more of a walk because my lungs hurt and I was tired and it was cold, but I still absolutely love the views on my run and I think sometime this week (or maybe next) I am going to walk it instead of running so that I can take pictures along the way. I fought with my math homework more, still not going well. Then I headed out to catch the bus to the train station. I asked the cheaper bus if he stopped at the train station, he doesn't, so after pulling some money out of the ATM and buying a Kit Kat bar so I had change (bus drivers get rather angry if you don't have the proper change) I hurried to the bus, which didn't hurry at all. In fact it stopped at the Newcastle Bus Station for 25 minutes before we were able to get on another bus and by the time that bus got to the train station I ran (literally) inside to watch my train pull away. So I had to buy a new ticket, but on the upside I was able to ride the train with the rest of the Christian Union group.
The Christmas Markets were quite an interesting site. I quickly learned that the emphasis is much more on eating than it is on walking. I waited past the frankfurters, the waffles, the pretzels and the hot chocolate (I had had some before the train with the extra time I had and the free one from my punch card) until the Garlic Bread that Jemma and I had been talking about since we got off the train. Yes it was good and yes it was worth it but for as freezing cold as I felt before the garlic bread I felt even colder after. The train back was so comfortable and warm.
Now it comes to Sunday. As I was walking to the Chapel this morning I managed to slip and fall along the ground that I didn't realize had actually iced over. Then after Chapel before the usual heading to Lindsey Bar I realized that I had lost my keys, they weren't in pocket the only place I ever store them. So then after asking two different security drop points and still no keys I had to be let in my room and I have been here ever since because I don't want to leave it open and go off somewhere. So I'm still struggling with my math homework which means Monday is going to be a big ball of stress, but its okay.
Why is it okay? Because we made it to December and I think the ridiculously homesick version of me from September had a lot of trouble believing that a version of me happy and thanking God for all of these blessings in December would actually exist. I feel like being closer to the end has made me more reflective of the different parts of the journey that I have faced.
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