Typical...not

So many thoughts stormed into my head as two huge men with machine guns entered our train. The looks on their faces read 'mess with me and die'. I thought of the terminator as they scanned the crowd. I suttlely slid my phone in my pocket so it wouldn't be confiscated, praying in my head, please God I don't want to be deported. The police walked off the train and the doors shut. How exciting! Who would have know our trip to the British Museum would end up like an action movie. The guns are so much bigger than I imagined! 

Ten minutes before the two huge men entered our train we had stopped in the tunnel. Non of us thought anything of it. They announced that there was a signal problem with the train and we would be going shortly. Typical tube problems. After waiting in the tunnel for about 7 minutes the train started moving but they announced we were not allowed off the train. We made it to our stop, but forced to stay in. Something was up. The platform was completely empty. Which was very odd for a Friday, well for any day actually. After waiting another 5 minutes the doors open and the terminator twins came on the scene! 

When we were released we walked through the station and saw about 10 more men in bullet proof vest with machine guns. Outside the station we could see helicopters in flight and police cars parked. We walked away curious to what was happening. There were reports of suspicious talking. But still unknown. 

Good news is we made it to the British Museum and it was more amazing than I imagined. Checked off another dream! 

This is the British Museum. It stopped me in my tracts. Job well done England lol

This is me and a mummy named Ginger. He was so well preserved that you can still see his red hair. (And Moritz photobombing in the back. Lol)

Can you hear me now?

I stood at the counter staring at the man who had just dashed my hopes and dreams. Denied! A whole day wasted on the bus. I even got lost trying to find this place! No way around it. Back to the bus I went, leaving behind Tescos (store similar to Walmart) and the cell phone service counter. 

I had left that morning so encouraged, saying today was the day I became mobile. Lord only knows how difficult it was to unlock my phone. And now, due to my American debit card lacking a sort code, which I have no idea what that even is, I couldn't get my cell plan up and going. Thanking the man and trying to remember I am a Christian I left for my bus stop. As I walked I looked at people on their phones with envy... It must be nice to have a working phone. 

Feeling a bit dramatic I sat heavily on a chair in my host families family room. They greeted me with smiles like always and noticed my melancholy state. 

I informed them about the stresses of the day and sighing heavy through my story. 

"Right, let's get this done." 

I looked at them in disbelief and they dragged me back to a Tescos saying we wouldn't leave till I had a phone. 

Amazingly enough we got my phone up and running...after the embarrassing moment of me forgetting my iTunes password.

Yes ladies and gents, I am officially mobile! 

I am so thankful for my host family and what a blessing they have been. They are such a kind and understanding couple, always going the extra mile. 

Thank you David and Rachael! 

( I may have snuck this pic of them. Sorry I don't mean to be a creeper, just thought ya'll are adorable.)

Just a wee bit of home in isle. The American Isle in Tescos.

Finding Greatness

Futbol, culture, Spice Girls! Today wasn't just an ordinary day. It was the day I may have, according to the legend, visited the pub where Beckham met Victoria. 

Upon arriving to Woodford one thing you will find out is this legend. David Beckham grew up in Essex and spent many evenings in the local pub, The Castle. During one of these visits he met his future wifey, Victoria and the rest is history. 

(Where the magic happened, 'Can You Feel The Love' from the Lion King comes to mind)

(I couldn't resist a touristy moment. People stared, I felt stupid, all is good)lol

Amazing enough, if you can believe, I found my favorite actors house, Gerard Butler. 

Nahhh, just kidding. I may know he lives in London somewhere, according to a magazine I may or may not have read in the local grocery store a while back. But that's yet to be discovered. 

Recently I was talking to someone about how when I was ten years old I promised myself I would live in England, close to London. All these years later I find this dream checked off. As I was looking through my new Dream Journal I came across a quote I love. "Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don't see it yourself." 

I am so grateful for the people in my life who saw greatness in me when I saw none. Who encouraged me and took the time to build me up. God knew what he was doing and knew what I needed. I only hope I can now be the encourager to people. Build them up in Christ and watch them live their dreams. 

I want to say thank you to Mark and Gay Fletcher who always supported me through all my missions trips and always encouraged me. Who helped me see greatness in myself. I love you dear friends and praying for you and your family. I will miss you Mark and punching you in the arm at church like stealthy ninjas. 

A thing or two

They say when you travel or move to another country you can have a wee bit of a culture shock. Whoever "they" are were spot on. I've lived in London now for 3 weeks and have discovered a few things.

1. The Pub. The pub is a place where people hang out and watch futbal ( do not call it soccer) while socializing over a beer. Well I'm not too keen on the taste of alcohol so I ordered the next best thing, a pot of tea, do to the coffee being instant. If you order a pot of tea or a "cuppa " on a Friday night when the pub is full, you get some odd looks. 

2. The Bus. Lord only knows how hard I've tried mastering this new way of transportation. And I finally have a grip on it. No talking. No eye contact. That is the motto of the bus. Me being an extravert who is excited about London life obeys these rules. I will be a Londoner. And blend in. 

3. The accent. Three weeks in and it is still a struggle. I often say "pardon?" Or "huh?" And my thoughts are in a British accent. Confusing? Yes.

I'll stop there with the list. I'm not a huge fan of lists. But I am a fan of England and the way of life over here. Even though it is so foreign in so many ways, it feels like home. I'm so grateful for the staff of All Saints and how amazing they are and for my fellow interns and hosts. They feel like family already. It's amazing to see how faithful God really is when He asks one to step out in faith. He does not disappoint. 

Just like the movie.... Almost

"I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her."  Is one of my most favorite parts of the movie Notting
Hill. It's romantic, it's gushy and it just makes me sigh. I love this movie! It's got Hugh grant, comedy, Hugh grant, a fun storyline..... Did I mention Hugh Grant yet? 

As I wandered the streets of London with a fellow intern we both decided to go to Notting Hill since we had just watched this movie 2 days ago. We both love Hugh... I mean the movie.😉

So we made our way to Notting Hill on the tube and this is what we discovered....

(This is Hughs  brother's house. It exists and a family actually lives in it. And people take pics of it all the time and we were caught taking this pic by one of the families friend. Lol)

(This is the market that Hugh Grant walks through when he goes to work at his travel book store)

(This is the book store...um... The location of where the book store was. It is now a souvenir shop)

(This is the bookshop that inspired Hughs book shop. And yes they don't just sell travel books. They do in fact sell all types. You can even buy paper cut out mask of Hugh Grant or Julia Roberts)

(This hangs above the travel store that inspired Hughs book shop)

(This is the door to Hughs home....which is now a nail salon. And not quite like the movie, except the blue door)

Well not all is as it seems but thanks to google we got a free guided tour of Notting Hill. I'd say it was a good day.

You have arrived

There are things about myself that I have yet to discover. One thing I do know is my lack in details especially when I am super excited about things. For example; mistaking pm for am. Sounds like I am too hard on myself? Well when I mistake my lay over for 6:15 am to 10 am when actually it was from 6:15am to 10pm. I found this out when I was checking in my suitcase at the Portland airport. My mouth dropped when the lady informed me. What does one do in an airport for 15 hours? Was the thought in my head as she weighed my suitcase. Then she informed me that it was too heavy. After rearranging my suitcase and leaving behind 1 book and a t shirt, it was good to go. 

I walked to the gate with my parents, the part I hate the most, saying farewell. A couple tears and an awareness test later (thank you poppy for the laugh) I walked through the gate waving goodbye.

I made it to Texas and began my 15 hour layover. I explored, visited starbucks more than once, due to lack of sleep, and waited. Eventually 15 hours went by and I was on my last flight to the Queens Land.

Due to exhaustion and the help of motion sickness meds I passed out. Quickest  12 hours ever. I may have even woke up drueling a bit. lol 

In time I made it to London, gathered my belongings from baggage claim and off to meet my British family. And what a lovely family they are. 

Since than it has been 3 days and jet lag has been bearable. I met with one of the leads of the internship yesterday for coffe and lunch than with a dear friend for tea and cake. 

My first 3 days here have been wonderful. Thank you everyone for all your prayers and support. I am so grateful for all your encouragement and love you all so much! 

              (Me in my bedroom. Lol)

         (The sheep in the distance )

Edinburgh

Flipping through my dream journal and a booklet given to me by a fellow auntie, I planned the excursion with pure excitement and delight. Oh could tomorrow get here sooner! Olivia and I were going out to explore. Though this would be big... Like our adventures in Bath, England. We had our day off in Edinburgh, Scotland. And we were taking Ronald with us!  What a day we had in store! I giggled and squealed as I sat on the floor in a room designated for the aunties and uncles to chill out in. It was cold and rainy outside. Weather would not stop us. 

I was in charge of the itineraries and it would be good. Castles, palaces, culture and more! I will be crossing off 8 dreams in my journal. 

And this is how our day in Edinburgh went....

We arrived to the heart of Edinburgh early that morning, this is Calton Hill 

We had a view of Calton Hill from a graveyard we explored that reminded me of The Phantom of the Opera.

Me, Ronald and Olivia on Princess Street.

(Which is the street the buss dropped us off on, the main touristy street.)

Princess Street with the sun rise in the background. We had decided to walk to Hollyrood Palace but couldn't find the street that was clearly on the map. Turns out it was a hidden street right under us! We found it on our way to Starbucks. 

Holyrood Palace, which is the start of the Royal Mile. (The Royal Mile runs parallel to princess street up a steep hill)

The Royal mile is an exact mile from the Holyrood Palace to the Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the hill.

We Promenaded with Robert Fergusson , he was an interesting ol chap, being a poet and all. 

We literally hiked up the Royal Mile in all seasons! Rain, hail, snow and sunshine! Totally worth it!

St. Gile's Cathedral on the Royal Mile. This church stopped me in my tracks. I stared at it in awe. I may have lost Ronald and Olivia for a moment, but quickly found them. 

We finally made it! Selfie central! I have never seen so many selfie sticks before! Edinburgh Castle!

Strolling in a flurry! Winter Wonderland! The snow flakes were huge!

Edinburgh in the snow. 

This pic sums up our time together. We laughed and goofed around. When you're  with great company good times are for sure to happen.

At 1pm everyday they shoot a canon from Edinburgh Castle. We walked in the heavy down pour of rain to Princess Gardens to watch the canon. Worth it. 

Princess Street. The last look before we climbed on to a bus and headed back to the church to warm up. 

(We may have taken the wrong bus that took us away from where we wanted to be. But Ronald got us back safely. That will be another story for a different day.)