Before I came abroad, I talked to quite a few people about their study abroad experience or about people they knew who had studied abroad, they all had different and encouraging stories that made me really excited to come abroad. However there was one statement that was the same with every person I talked to, "one semester is not enough time" at the time and up until very recently I did not understand how one semester was not enough time, and could not even fathom staying here for a year.
As I was told that same statement over and over again, I continued to brush it off. "Yea yea, maybe for you it was not enough time but I am sure for me it will be more than enough" that was usually the thought running through my head.
Well these past few weeks, as I have been overflowing with the amazing peace of Jesus and enjoying the beautiful spring weather that has finally arrived, I have realized they were right.
Now before you read further, not to worry I am not extending my stay, just an observation and perhaps some advice to anyone pondering the the idea of studying abroad.
When I first arrived in England I was really excited to be here, but hit hard with homesickness and the desire to come home. As I started to adapt I would go back and forth with loving my time here, and yearning to go home. Ever since my trip to Ireland and Scotland I have been so at peace with being here, and I believe there are two reasons for this.
One is that Jesus is my ultimate provider and I asked him to fill me with peace and cast away my worries so that I could enjoy my time here...which he did!
The other is that I have finally adjusted. Whenever you move somewhere you don't typically adjust immediately it usually takes a while to get the feel of the culture, the area, the people, and to make friends, and being in a different country it takes even longer since there are new factors that come into play.
After being here for three months I have finally adapted to the culture, made some great friends, and have been comfortable with being here and calling this my "home" at least for now.
I think that is why everyone told me a semester was not enough time, sure its enough time to see the country to do some traveling but since you are only here for 4 months its hard to completely adjust and adapt. I have had this feeling in me all semester that "this is so temporary" which made it hard for me to adapt and to relax and be comfortable with being here.
So finally after this internal battle, I have finally loved being here, and wished I had more time here. A semester really is not enough time because once you get all settled in and adjusted, it is time to pick everything back up and leave. Don't get me wrong I am SO thankful for this experience and I am truly excited about coming home, but it just isn't enough time.
With that said, I have been trying to fill my time with lots of fun things to do:
-Last week we went bowling and had a BBQ (where we made Smores because the boys had never had a Smore before!)
- This week we are having a baking day, possibly a girls night and anything else fun we can think of to do.
-We leave for Greece in one week
-I have 3 essays due in a month and I am a little over half way done with the first one! (I have never done homework this far in advance!)
I have about 40 days until I come home, and I am going to make the most of them! =)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Relationships
Being abroad I have learned a lot of things, one thing I have learned about is relationships. I have realized life is all about relationships. From the moment we are born we are brought into a relationship with our parents and family. As we grow up we make relationships with friends and people along the way, and we make the choice to have a relationship with our Savior. As we grow and mature our relationships do too, sometimes we grow closer, sometimes we grow farther away, and then there is always the deeper relationships like girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/wife.
When I left home for England, I left all those relationships behind (I am of course still in relationship with everyone back home but it's different because I am far away and I can't see them everyday.) When I boarded that plane it was me and Jesus from then on, until I met new people that he was going to place in my life. Since I have been here, if you have been reading my blog at all you will remember that I had been struggling for the majority of the semester with feelings of loneliness and being homesick. Now at the time I thought that it was me being too attached to everything at home and I could not understand why this being away thing was easier for others but it was so difficult for me.
When I was on the train home over spring break, God gave me this revelation. You were for made relationship. Did you catch that? We are made for relationship. God did not intend for us to be alone. When he made Adam he said that man was good but he needed a companion so he made Eve. We were not meant to be alone all the time, he made us for relationship. I mean that is one of the things that makes Christianity so unique because we are asked to be in a relationship with Christ.
I realize that this probably sounds really obvious and many of you are thinking "Duh, you're just now realizing this?" But to tell you the truth I had never really thought about it before, because I have never had to live completely on my own where I didn't know anyone. I had never felt or experienced that kind of loneliness until I came here.
To be honest, I am glad I got to have that moment of loneliness because it brought me closer to my Savior. I was shown a new side of him and I realized that not only does he want a relationship with me but that he wants me to be in relationship with others.
After all isn't that why he calls us to live in community and he created the church into one body?
When I left home for England, I left all those relationships behind (I am of course still in relationship with everyone back home but it's different because I am far away and I can't see them everyday.) When I boarded that plane it was me and Jesus from then on, until I met new people that he was going to place in my life. Since I have been here, if you have been reading my blog at all you will remember that I had been struggling for the majority of the semester with feelings of loneliness and being homesick. Now at the time I thought that it was me being too attached to everything at home and I could not understand why this being away thing was easier for others but it was so difficult for me.
When I was on the train home over spring break, God gave me this revelation. You were for made relationship. Did you catch that? We are made for relationship. God did not intend for us to be alone. When he made Adam he said that man was good but he needed a companion so he made Eve. We were not meant to be alone all the time, he made us for relationship. I mean that is one of the things that makes Christianity so unique because we are asked to be in a relationship with Christ.
I realize that this probably sounds really obvious and many of you are thinking "Duh, you're just now realizing this?" But to tell you the truth I had never really thought about it before, because I have never had to live completely on my own where I didn't know anyone. I had never felt or experienced that kind of loneliness until I came here.
To be honest, I am glad I got to have that moment of loneliness because it brought me closer to my Savior. I was shown a new side of him and I realized that not only does he want a relationship with me but that he wants me to be in relationship with others.
After all isn't that why he calls us to live in community and he created the church into one body?
Thank you Jesus that you made us for relationship and not only do you wants us to seek you in a relationship but you want us to seek out relationships with others, Lord you are good!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
He Ain't the Leaving Kind
I found this song very fitting for my previous blog!
It is by Rascal Flatts, even if you don't like country it's worth listening to because of the beautiful message.
They tried their best to drag him out
Of a courthouse down in montgomery
Now they want to kick him out of school
And take him off our money
They can take those words off of paper and stone
But he aint gone, no
He ain't the leavin' kind
He'd never walk away
Even from those who dont believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind
She stayed mad at him for a lot of years
For taking her husband
Started losing her faith and thinking that
Her life meant nothin
But when she looks at those kids
She raised all by herself
She knows she had some help
Yeah she knows
He ain't the leavin' kind
He'd never walk away
Even from those who don't believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind
No matter what you do
No matter where you go he's
Always right there
With you
Even from those who don't believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind
It is by Rascal Flatts, even if you don't like country it's worth listening to because of the beautiful message.
They tried their best to drag him out
Of a courthouse down in montgomery
Now they want to kick him out of school
And take him off our money
They can take those words off of paper and stone
But he aint gone, no
He ain't the leavin' kind
He'd never walk away
Even from those who dont believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind
She stayed mad at him for a lot of years
For taking her husband
Started losing her faith and thinking that
Her life meant nothin
But when she looks at those kids
She raised all by herself
She knows she had some help
Yeah she knows
He ain't the leavin' kind
He'd never walk away
Even from those who don't believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind
No matter what you do
No matter where you go he's
Always right there
With you
Even from those who don't believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind
Monday, April 12, 2010
Scotland and Heart Surgery
On Wednesday morning we left for Scotland, it was about a 45 minute flight which is the shortest flight I have ever been on! When we arrived in Scotland we got on the nicest bus I have ever seen complete with free WiFi and headed to our hostel. Our hostel was really cute and full of college kids which was really nice. We ended up wandering around the city of Edinburgh (pronounced Edinburrow) and hiked up "Arthur's Seat" Which is a beautiful little mountain full of beautiful scenery at the top!
The next day we went on a couple of free tours of the city and saw some pretty neat sites as well as hearing some crazy stories about the history of the city. I love old European cities because they are full of these awesome crazy stories from hundreds of years ago and yet the city and its buildings are still there today!
On our tour we saw the cafe where J.K. Rowling started writing the Harry Potter series as well as some of the places that gave her inspiration for the characters names, we saw more then our fair share of men in kilts and bagpipers, the castle, and the only place in Edinburgh where it is legal to spit. (Pictures will be posted)
It was a lot of fun but all I could think of most of the day was the next day when my dad would have his heart surgery. Friday at 7:30 am (3:30pm my time) my dad went in for surgery. Thankfully we spent all day at the castle that day and Kelsey helped keep my mind occupied. I finally got a phone call around 7:30pm from my mom telling me that they had about an hour left of surgery and my dad was doing great. They were able to get the valves in and his heart beating on its own and they just needed to close him up. Praise God! Not only did the surgery go well but it ended up being an hour or so shorter then expected! Later that night my mom called me to let me know that they had finished the surgery and everything went well and my dad was recovering in the ICU. I unfortunately couldn't talk to him though because he was still knocked out from the anesthetics.
Thank God, for his healing power and his means of providing. I went to bed that night so at peace and so thankful that the surgery went so smoothly. The next day we hit up quite a few museums and a cathedral for the day! The weather ended up being absolutely beautiful all day so we decided to hike up Arthur's Seat again and just sit up there, enjoy the beautiful weather/scenery. Something about sitting in God's creating totally gives me an overflowing amount of peace and I love it.
Later that night I got a phone call from my dad! It was so great to hear his voice, he sounded a little too happy (too much Morphine) nonetheless it was great to talk to him! He said besides the pain which apparently feels like "a bus is parked on his chest" he was feeling great. The doctors said he had set a record and had walked more on his first day after surgery then any of their patients have before. He was still recovering in the ICU because they were waiting for his blood pressure to go down, but he was feeling good, and recovering quickly which I think gave all of us a sense of peace.
On Sunday after a long day of shopping and walking around we said goodbye to Scotland and headed on home back to Hull. This last week was a really great way for me to ease back into school. It was really laid back and just gave me so much peace about being here for another month and a half and I was even feeling excited about doing my essays...who would have thought I would miss school? Not me!
I am really excited to see what God has in store for my time left here, because it is really not that much time at all, but I know it will be good and I know he will use me if I let him! =)
I talked to my parents briefly today, apparently my dad may go home tomorrow! This is great news because he was suppose to be in the hospital for about a week after the surgery. God has been providing my family in such incredibly huge ways, it amazes me. He provided for them through tough financial situations, and the search for a new house during a hectic time of year, and now he has proven his faithfulness once again through his wonderful healing power.
My dad made it through heart surgery, the surgery went quicker then expected, he has been recovering well, and very smoothly, and now he is going to be released sooner then expected and is moving further on the road to recovery.
I am so amazed at how God provides in these crazy ways and that he loves us enough to continue to provide for us!
Thank you to everyone who prayed/fasted for my dad, I know I appreciate it and I am sure he and my family appreciate it too!
The next day we went on a couple of free tours of the city and saw some pretty neat sites as well as hearing some crazy stories about the history of the city. I love old European cities because they are full of these awesome crazy stories from hundreds of years ago and yet the city and its buildings are still there today!
On our tour we saw the cafe where J.K. Rowling started writing the Harry Potter series as well as some of the places that gave her inspiration for the characters names, we saw more then our fair share of men in kilts and bagpipers, the castle, and the only place in Edinburgh where it is legal to spit. (Pictures will be posted)
It was a lot of fun but all I could think of most of the day was the next day when my dad would have his heart surgery. Friday at 7:30 am (3:30pm my time) my dad went in for surgery. Thankfully we spent all day at the castle that day and Kelsey helped keep my mind occupied. I finally got a phone call around 7:30pm from my mom telling me that they had about an hour left of surgery and my dad was doing great. They were able to get the valves in and his heart beating on its own and they just needed to close him up. Praise God! Not only did the surgery go well but it ended up being an hour or so shorter then expected! Later that night my mom called me to let me know that they had finished the surgery and everything went well and my dad was recovering in the ICU. I unfortunately couldn't talk to him though because he was still knocked out from the anesthetics.
Thank God, for his healing power and his means of providing. I went to bed that night so at peace and so thankful that the surgery went so smoothly. The next day we hit up quite a few museums and a cathedral for the day! The weather ended up being absolutely beautiful all day so we decided to hike up Arthur's Seat again and just sit up there, enjoy the beautiful weather/scenery. Something about sitting in God's creating totally gives me an overflowing amount of peace and I love it.
Later that night I got a phone call from my dad! It was so great to hear his voice, he sounded a little too happy (too much Morphine) nonetheless it was great to talk to him! He said besides the pain which apparently feels like "a bus is parked on his chest" he was feeling great. The doctors said he had set a record and had walked more on his first day after surgery then any of their patients have before. He was still recovering in the ICU because they were waiting for his blood pressure to go down, but he was feeling good, and recovering quickly which I think gave all of us a sense of peace.
On Sunday after a long day of shopping and walking around we said goodbye to Scotland and headed on home back to Hull. This last week was a really great way for me to ease back into school. It was really laid back and just gave me so much peace about being here for another month and a half and I was even feeling excited about doing my essays...who would have thought I would miss school? Not me!
I am really excited to see what God has in store for my time left here, because it is really not that much time at all, but I know it will be good and I know he will use me if I let him! =)
I talked to my parents briefly today, apparently my dad may go home tomorrow! This is great news because he was suppose to be in the hospital for about a week after the surgery. God has been providing my family in such incredibly huge ways, it amazes me. He provided for them through tough financial situations, and the search for a new house during a hectic time of year, and now he has proven his faithfulness once again through his wonderful healing power.
My dad made it through heart surgery, the surgery went quicker then expected, he has been recovering well, and very smoothly, and now he is going to be released sooner then expected and is moving further on the road to recovery.
I am so amazed at how God provides in these crazy ways and that he loves us enough to continue to provide for us!
Thank you to everyone who prayed/fasted for my dad, I know I appreciate it and I am sure he and my family appreciate it too!
Jesus thank you so much that you love my family enough to continue to provide for them all the time! That you are constantly doing crazy, big, awesome things in their lives and proving your faithfulness, love, and providence! Jesus you are so good and so full of love that we don't deserve! Thank you for your goodness, you are good all the time!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Northern Ireland
Well I am sitting in our hostel in Belfast, Northern Ireland while Kelsey and Bernice are still sleeping. The hostel is actually pretty nice, we are suppose to have a fourth a roommate but we don't which has been really nice, and I can get free wi-fi from the building next door which is always a joy!
When we first got to Belfast we were at a loss of what to do, we came on Easter weekend and here in the UK they take off Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for Easter.
Our first day we went down to the pump house where the Titanic was put together and went on a "living tour" where actors took on the roles of characters during the time period of the Titanic and walked us through the designing, building, and take off of the Titanic. It was pretty neat but a little awkward since it was only us three on the tour. We later found out that there is not much to do in Belfast and became a little discouraged that we had come this way to do, well nothing.
We found out that there was a tour that took us to Carrickfergus Castle and Giant's Causeway. The castle was cool, we only stopped there for 15 minutes but it was neat to see a castle right on the Irish sea. After the castle we drove through the beautiful Irish countryside (the kind you picture when you think of Ireland) where we saw hills and hills of green and tons of sheep! After being in the bus for about 45 minutes we finally came to Giant's Causeway, which was absolutely breathtaking.
It is a bunch of beautiful rock formations right along the sea, we were there for two hours and walked around just being blown away but its beauty.
Sitting there staring out into the ocean gave me so much peace about being here.
I was looking out into the sea and realizing how much God loves me! The sea is so deep and so wide, and yet God loves me more then that. He is so much bigger then that, and that blows my mind every time. I completely felt God's spirit upon me yesterday and just bring me the peace I need to carry on for the next two months.
I know that God still has a purpose for me here and he still wants to use me and I am really excited to see what else he has in store. He has taught me, and strengthened me so much since I have been here, and I know he has more to do before I head back home to the States.
Today is our last day in Belfast and we leave early tomorrow morning for Scotland. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to be here, to travel, to meet new people, and share God's word with them and I want to take full advantage of it before it is all over.
When we first got to Belfast we were at a loss of what to do, we came on Easter weekend and here in the UK they take off Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for Easter.
Our first day we went down to the pump house where the Titanic was put together and went on a "living tour" where actors took on the roles of characters during the time period of the Titanic and walked us through the designing, building, and take off of the Titanic. It was pretty neat but a little awkward since it was only us three on the tour. We later found out that there is not much to do in Belfast and became a little discouraged that we had come this way to do, well nothing.
We found out that there was a tour that took us to Carrickfergus Castle and Giant's Causeway. The castle was cool, we only stopped there for 15 minutes but it was neat to see a castle right on the Irish sea. After the castle we drove through the beautiful Irish countryside (the kind you picture when you think of Ireland) where we saw hills and hills of green and tons of sheep! After being in the bus for about 45 minutes we finally came to Giant's Causeway, which was absolutely breathtaking.
It is a bunch of beautiful rock formations right along the sea, we were there for two hours and walked around just being blown away but its beauty.
Sitting there staring out into the ocean gave me so much peace about being here.
I was looking out into the sea and realizing how much God loves me! The sea is so deep and so wide, and yet God loves me more then that. He is so much bigger then that, and that blows my mind every time. I completely felt God's spirit upon me yesterday and just bring me the peace I need to carry on for the next two months.
I know that God still has a purpose for me here and he still wants to use me and I am really excited to see what else he has in store. He has taught me, and strengthened me so much since I have been here, and I know he has more to do before I head back home to the States.
Today is our last day in Belfast and we leave early tomorrow morning for Scotland. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to be here, to travel, to meet new people, and share God's word with them and I want to take full advantage of it before it is all over.
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