Tomorrow is my last day in England. It's time to pull those ruby red slippers out from under the bed and travel home. However, clicking my heals together and reciting "there is no place like home" is going to look a bit more like a 2 hour bus trip to London, a 12 hour flight to Denver (lay over in Toronto) and a 3 1/2 hour drive to Colby. They just don't make ruby red slippers like they used to. ;) Hmmm...that's ok though, the whole traveling process will provide me with some good thinking time; I look forward to this.
Today we had a couple hours of debriefing and our last high tea. Oh the sadness... More than the beautiful countryside, the organic food, and the incredible resources (libraries, professors, etc.) I am going to miss the people. What a beautiful group of people the Lord has brought here for such a time as this. I will miss the daily interactions with them all and reflect on our memories with such gratefulness.
I look forward to seeing you all and sharing the treasures that I have been entrusted with here in Oxfordshire. Until then, I leave you with a poem that I wrote today as I reflected on my time here...
Praise the Lord for his faithfulness, praise the Lord for his grace
Lord, no matter where I go, may I gaze upon your face
Your promises have proven true; not once did they fail me
I put my hope in you and set my heart on eternity
How tenderly you guide me; you direct my steps with care
These burdens of the world, alone I do not bare
You walk with me and teach me; You are up to something good
You give me strength to do things I never thought I could
I voluntarily sing to You, it pleases me to do so
My soul is satisfied in you alone, where else could I go
Keep my heart attentive Lord, always to Your Ways
I want to be found faithful at the end of all my days
------------
I shall see on on the other side of the pond dear family and friends. :)
Thank you for all your messages/letters, prayers, and thoughts. You have played such a role in encouraging and strenghtening my heart.
See you soon.
Thursday 22 July 2010
Thursday 8 July 2010
To be loved by the King...
So let me tell you about Bristol... :)
This last weekend I jumped on the train and traveled to meet up with Dave Jeal, who I mentioned in my last post, is a friend to one of my professors at Sterling. He picked me up at the train station and I got into his car (on the front, left side...scary/weird feeling) and he drove me to his house to meet his family. His wife's name is Nikki and he has an 11-year-old daughter named Hannah. (She is the girl with me in my current profile picture on facebook.) Because it was Dave's birthday, the girls wanted to clean up and get ready to go out for curry...Dave's favorite. To give them some time, Dave and I went out sight seeing a bit. He had a lot of historical and fun stories to tell me because he has lived in Bristol all of his life. Before heading back, we stopped at a restaurant to get a drink (it's been really hot here). This restaurant had a gorgeous terrace that overlooked a deep ravine and winding river...awww sooo beautiful! Dave and I sipped on our refreshing beverages and just talked for a bit. He never shyed away from meaningful conversation and asked me about plans and dreams I had for my life. I don't think he realized just how much I enjoyed this part. When we got back to the house, the girls were ready to go and we headed out to eat at the favorite Bangladeshy restaurant. :) Dave's parents as well as a family friend, joined us for the birthday dinner and afterwards the whole gang returned back to the house for some incredible fudge cake and coffee.
Later that evening, Dave let me know that he had picked up on two things from our conversations earlier that day. To be honest, I didn't even recall mentioning them. First, I must have conveyed that I was missing home a little bit because he told me that I could use his phone to call home if I wanted. (After his gentle persistence, I did...it was a fun and unexpected surprise for me as well as my sister and mom.) The other thing I didn't realize I had hinted at was that at some point during my time in England I would love to spend time with God walking through a forest. Haha...Dave said, "Ya know Lauren, we have a forest out back and if you want, after church tomorrow, you could go for a walk down there." I wonder what my face looked like because I am awful at hiding expressions. :D
Church the next day was great; Dave and his family started this church 5 years ago and it continues to grow. I enjoyed helping them with all the little prepartions for the service and sunday school time. After church I asked if Dave and his family would walk down through the forest with me before I headed back to Oxford. Ahh they did... and I loved it.
That afternoon Dave and Hannah took me back to the train station and as we drove there, Dave went through the weekend and told me specific things he saw in me and encouraged me very purposefully. All I have to say to the weekend is WOW, wow, Wow...!!!
On the train ride back, I recorded some of the things Dave said to me and settled back into my seat and asked God what on earth had I done to receive such special attention this weekend...and he whispered back to me, "Nothing, Lauren...just wanted to say that I love you."
Oh to be loved by the King...
-----------
Tutorial week #1 followed this lovely weekend, which means our first round of essays were due as well as two tutorial meetings to attend. The structure of the tutorial meeting goes like this: You bring your essay to your designated meeting time and read it out loud to your professor. As you read, the professor marks and underlines different parts of your paper that he or she would like to discuss. Both of my professors have been incredibly thorough. Afterwards I have to remind myself that I prayed for this, an opportunity to become a better communicator. It can be a rather humbling experience, but it is very helpful in that you are receiving personal counsel and direct answers to your questions. I like it! One of the closing questions to my first tutorial was, "Lauren, please explain your thoughts to me on child suffering."
This coming week, I have a tutorial on Tuesday and another one on Thursday. For my essay due on Tuesday I am explaining and expounding upon a quote of C.S. Lewis' "All who are in hell choose it." Thursday's essay/tutorial is over the literary elements of Jane Austen's novel "Emma." Haha...my classes hit really different parts of the research spectrum. It's been an interesting duo for sure.
Tomorrow, I am going to the botanical gardens with a couple of friends and I am super excited! This is something I have personally wanted to do since I first got here. I bought a new journal at an antique store yesterday...(antiques here are a tad bit older that the antiques in the U.S. ;) and I think starting my new journal at the botanical gardens is going to be very fitting. The garden is indeed where the Lord started writing our story. ;)
Hmmm...some closing thoughts:
I have been so refreshed by the Lord's personal and determined pursuit to finish the story he has started in my life.
May this truth rest in you today:
He sees you (all of who you've been and all you are capable of be coming) and asks you to "be confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6
He's working it out...
That's all for now,
Lauren
This last weekend I jumped on the train and traveled to meet up with Dave Jeal, who I mentioned in my last post, is a friend to one of my professors at Sterling. He picked me up at the train station and I got into his car (on the front, left side...scary/weird feeling) and he drove me to his house to meet his family. His wife's name is Nikki and he has an 11-year-old daughter named Hannah. (She is the girl with me in my current profile picture on facebook.) Because it was Dave's birthday, the girls wanted to clean up and get ready to go out for curry...Dave's favorite. To give them some time, Dave and I went out sight seeing a bit. He had a lot of historical and fun stories to tell me because he has lived in Bristol all of his life. Before heading back, we stopped at a restaurant to get a drink (it's been really hot here). This restaurant had a gorgeous terrace that overlooked a deep ravine and winding river...awww sooo beautiful! Dave and I sipped on our refreshing beverages and just talked for a bit. He never shyed away from meaningful conversation and asked me about plans and dreams I had for my life. I don't think he realized just how much I enjoyed this part. When we got back to the house, the girls were ready to go and we headed out to eat at the favorite Bangladeshy restaurant. :) Dave's parents as well as a family friend, joined us for the birthday dinner and afterwards the whole gang returned back to the house for some incredible fudge cake and coffee.
Later that evening, Dave let me know that he had picked up on two things from our conversations earlier that day. To be honest, I didn't even recall mentioning them. First, I must have conveyed that I was missing home a little bit because he told me that I could use his phone to call home if I wanted. (After his gentle persistence, I did...it was a fun and unexpected surprise for me as well as my sister and mom.) The other thing I didn't realize I had hinted at was that at some point during my time in England I would love to spend time with God walking through a forest. Haha...Dave said, "Ya know Lauren, we have a forest out back and if you want, after church tomorrow, you could go for a walk down there." I wonder what my face looked like because I am awful at hiding expressions. :D
Church the next day was great; Dave and his family started this church 5 years ago and it continues to grow. I enjoyed helping them with all the little prepartions for the service and sunday school time. After church I asked if Dave and his family would walk down through the forest with me before I headed back to Oxford. Ahh they did... and I loved it.
That afternoon Dave and Hannah took me back to the train station and as we drove there, Dave went through the weekend and told me specific things he saw in me and encouraged me very purposefully. All I have to say to the weekend is WOW, wow, Wow...!!!
On the train ride back, I recorded some of the things Dave said to me and settled back into my seat and asked God what on earth had I done to receive such special attention this weekend...and he whispered back to me, "Nothing, Lauren...just wanted to say that I love you."
Oh to be loved by the King...
-----------
Tutorial week #1 followed this lovely weekend, which means our first round of essays were due as well as two tutorial meetings to attend. The structure of the tutorial meeting goes like this: You bring your essay to your designated meeting time and read it out loud to your professor. As you read, the professor marks and underlines different parts of your paper that he or she would like to discuss. Both of my professors have been incredibly thorough. Afterwards I have to remind myself that I prayed for this, an opportunity to become a better communicator. It can be a rather humbling experience, but it is very helpful in that you are receiving personal counsel and direct answers to your questions. I like it! One of the closing questions to my first tutorial was, "Lauren, please explain your thoughts to me on child suffering."
This coming week, I have a tutorial on Tuesday and another one on Thursday. For my essay due on Tuesday I am explaining and expounding upon a quote of C.S. Lewis' "All who are in hell choose it." Thursday's essay/tutorial is over the literary elements of Jane Austen's novel "Emma." Haha...my classes hit really different parts of the research spectrum. It's been an interesting duo for sure.
Tomorrow, I am going to the botanical gardens with a couple of friends and I am super excited! This is something I have personally wanted to do since I first got here. I bought a new journal at an antique store yesterday...(antiques here are a tad bit older that the antiques in the U.S. ;) and I think starting my new journal at the botanical gardens is going to be very fitting. The garden is indeed where the Lord started writing our story. ;)
Hmmm...some closing thoughts:
I have been so refreshed by the Lord's personal and determined pursuit to finish the story he has started in my life.
May this truth rest in you today:
He sees you (all of who you've been and all you are capable of be coming) and asks you to "be confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6
He's working it out...
That's all for now,
Lauren
Thursday 1 July 2010
"Faith is a bird which loves to perch on scarecrows."
Mug full of coffee...check
Shoes off...check
Window open, letting in the English country air...check
Awww....friends and family, where did we leave off? I believe it's been almost a week since I wrote you last. Allow me to bring you up to speed.
This week has been full of incredible lectures and classes. My head feels like it weighs 10 pounds more than it did last week; so much knowledge, so many thoughts, and so many questions. I often find myself taking the long way back to the house (through the park) to reflect on the discussions of the day and talk with God.
I have found an icecream buddy and for the past couple of days Becky and I have been getting icecream in the evenings. I have really enjoyed her friendship and we have decided that because we have to walk a mile to get the icecream, that getting it everyday is not actually as unhealthy as it sounds. :)
In between lectures and classes I have been researching for my first two essays that are due next week. Starting Monday we will transition into tutorial week, where we will meet with our professors one on one and discuss our essays. Eeeek! There are times when I am completely at peace with the idea of discussing my essays with my professors, but then there are these moments when it hits me..."Lauren, you are going to talk about a topic with someone who has been studying this particular issue for longer than you have been alive."
Haha...I really do look forward to letting you guys know my experience with this. When it comes down to it, I really feel quite honored to be able to ask my questions to people who are ahead of me in this journey.
In the midst of my time in Oxford, I have been observing so many things that are not really academic at all and this has increased my journal writing recently. The Lord is connecting dots all over the place and it is making the world look a little smaller and well...He is looking a whole lot bigger in the grand scheme of things. Oh how I would love to discuss these thoughts in more detail with you, but for the sake of covering more I will move on. Send me a message if you would like to discuss more in detail what the Lord has been showing me...and I for one would love to hear what the Lord has been teaching you.
Speaking of messages and correspondence...I recieved three letters in the mail today!!! Thank you Ashley, Mom, and Megan!! I absolute love getting mail. I was just thinking to myself today of how lovely it would be to write letters back and forth the old fashion way using my (new) quill pen and ink. I read the letters on my way back from class, which I must say, says something about my improving navigation skills. Through busy streets, a market, and a park I read those cherished letters and arrived back here at 8 Crick Road without a hitch. :)
Speaking of navigation skills, (haha...I am such a spaghetti minded person) this weekend I will be traveling to Bristol to visit one of my professor's friends. Dave Jeal came to Sterling College and spoke at a couple of chapels before school let out. It will be fun to visit with him and his family. (I love how God connects dots like this.)
Right after I get back from Bristol on Sunday, the OSP group here (all my study abroad friends) are going to celebrate the 4th of July. Haha...it will be interesting to celebrate our independence from Great Britian in Great Britian. :) God bless the U.S.A!!
Tomorrow morning the group will be headed to Glastonbury and Wells. (Caves, cathedral, and where King Arthur and Lady Guinevere are said to be buried.) I really love Fridays! More pictures are surely to come after this adventure!
I bought an old hymnal last week at a church in Salisbury. (They were having a book sale and getting rid of some old books. How fun to stumble upon it!)
I will leave you with a hymn that I have really enjoyed reading this week:
God holds the key of all the unknown
And I am glad;
If other hands should hold the key,
Or trusted it to me,
I might be sad
What if tomorrow's cares were here
Without its rest!
I'd rather be unlocked the day;
And as the hours swing open, say,
'Thy will is best."
I cannot read his future plans,
But this I know;
I have the smiling of his face,
and all the refuge of his grace,
while here below.
Enough; this covers all my wants,
And so I rest!
For what I cannot, he can see
And in his care I saved shall be,
Forever blest.
J. Parker (1830-1902)
"Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares about you." I Peter 5:7
Shoes off...check
Window open, letting in the English country air...check
Awww....friends and family, where did we leave off? I believe it's been almost a week since I wrote you last. Allow me to bring you up to speed.
This week has been full of incredible lectures and classes. My head feels like it weighs 10 pounds more than it did last week; so much knowledge, so many thoughts, and so many questions. I often find myself taking the long way back to the house (through the park) to reflect on the discussions of the day and talk with God.
I have found an icecream buddy and for the past couple of days Becky and I have been getting icecream in the evenings. I have really enjoyed her friendship and we have decided that because we have to walk a mile to get the icecream, that getting it everyday is not actually as unhealthy as it sounds. :)
In between lectures and classes I have been researching for my first two essays that are due next week. Starting Monday we will transition into tutorial week, where we will meet with our professors one on one and discuss our essays. Eeeek! There are times when I am completely at peace with the idea of discussing my essays with my professors, but then there are these moments when it hits me..."Lauren, you are going to talk about a topic with someone who has been studying this particular issue for longer than you have been alive."
Haha...I really do look forward to letting you guys know my experience with this. When it comes down to it, I really feel quite honored to be able to ask my questions to people who are ahead of me in this journey.
In the midst of my time in Oxford, I have been observing so many things that are not really academic at all and this has increased my journal writing recently. The Lord is connecting dots all over the place and it is making the world look a little smaller and well...He is looking a whole lot bigger in the grand scheme of things. Oh how I would love to discuss these thoughts in more detail with you, but for the sake of covering more I will move on. Send me a message if you would like to discuss more in detail what the Lord has been showing me...and I for one would love to hear what the Lord has been teaching you.
Speaking of messages and correspondence...I recieved three letters in the mail today!!! Thank you Ashley, Mom, and Megan!! I absolute love getting mail. I was just thinking to myself today of how lovely it would be to write letters back and forth the old fashion way using my (new) quill pen and ink. I read the letters on my way back from class, which I must say, says something about my improving navigation skills. Through busy streets, a market, and a park I read those cherished letters and arrived back here at 8 Crick Road without a hitch. :)
Speaking of navigation skills, (haha...I am such a spaghetti minded person) this weekend I will be traveling to Bristol to visit one of my professor's friends. Dave Jeal came to Sterling College and spoke at a couple of chapels before school let out. It will be fun to visit with him and his family. (I love how God connects dots like this.)
Right after I get back from Bristol on Sunday, the OSP group here (all my study abroad friends) are going to celebrate the 4th of July. Haha...it will be interesting to celebrate our independence from Great Britian in Great Britian. :) God bless the U.S.A!!
Tomorrow morning the group will be headed to Glastonbury and Wells. (Caves, cathedral, and where King Arthur and Lady Guinevere are said to be buried.) I really love Fridays! More pictures are surely to come after this adventure!
I bought an old hymnal last week at a church in Salisbury. (They were having a book sale and getting rid of some old books. How fun to stumble upon it!)
I will leave you with a hymn that I have really enjoyed reading this week:
God holds the key of all the unknown
And I am glad;
If other hands should hold the key,
Or trusted it to me,
I might be sad
What if tomorrow's cares were here
Without its rest!
I'd rather be unlocked the day;
And as the hours swing open, say,
'Thy will is best."
I cannot read his future plans,
But this I know;
I have the smiling of his face,
and all the refuge of his grace,
while here below.
Enough; this covers all my wants,
And so I rest!
For what I cannot, he can see
And in his care I saved shall be,
Forever blest.
J. Parker (1830-1902)
"Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares about you." I Peter 5:7
Thursday 24 June 2010
While you are sleeping...
Being 6 or 7 hours ahead (depending on which time zone you live in)... has inspired the title of this post. While you are sleeping I am awake...and while I was awake this is what happened these past couple of days...
I added some British terms to my vocabulary:
queue = line
rubbish = trash (kind of already knew this one)
don= professor
cheers=thank you (expresses gratitude)
I am keeping a record of the different terminology here, so I can share it with you all when I return. :)
Here is a run down of my week logistically: (if your not into logistical stuff, you can skip this part.)
I have classes from 9:30-5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and boy howdy these days are whoppers. On Monday and Wednesdays, however, I have more time in the afternoons to read and sight see because classes only go til 12:30. Fridays are field trip days and tomorrow we are going to Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury.
------- ----------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------
There are times when I feel that seeking God has become a heavy task. I make my time with Him a routine or slot in my schedule or I try to fight my wandering mind and be a woman of prayer. The truth is that all this work doesn't fall on us (praise God!)and I was so sweetly reminded of this yesterday.
The lecture speakers yesterday covered two influencial people of our religious history: Anselm of Canterbury and Julian of Norwich. These two people happen to be the very two people I personally researched in my Church History class back at Sterling this last fall. Who would of have guessed that I picked the very topics that I would be hearing in Oxford? (haha...I didn't even know I was going to Oxford back then.)
Anyway, I was able to follow right along with the lecture and was reminded that even in my small daily choices, that the Lord is with me...guiding... and drawing me to Himself (even more than I know). The Lord was faithful to prepare me for my days here in England and the Lord will be faithful to prepare us for the days we have ahead. He is an active part of the relationship. :) He remains faithful when we turn up faithless.
These next few days will be filled with sight seeing and hopefully some productive work on my research papers. I have 4 of them due within the span of two weeks. Yummy stuff right there.
Speaking of yummy stuff, I just had this wonderful espresso/icecream mixture last night...heaven in dish let me tell you. Although I am in England I still prefer coffee over tea. :)
Well...to end this time I will leave you with a verse and a prayer that I have been thinking on this week...
"My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."
Proverbs 23:26
"Lord, grant me the strength and courage to give you my whole heart today. Teach my eyes to recognize you...may I be one to observe Your ways. Thank you Lord for always drawing me to Yourself. " In Jesus Name, Amen
I added some British terms to my vocabulary:
queue = line
rubbish = trash (kind of already knew this one)
don= professor
cheers=thank you (expresses gratitude)
I am keeping a record of the different terminology here, so I can share it with you all when I return. :)
Here is a run down of my week logistically: (if your not into logistical stuff, you can skip this part.)
I have classes from 9:30-5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and boy howdy these days are whoppers. On Monday and Wednesdays, however, I have more time in the afternoons to read and sight see because classes only go til 12:30. Fridays are field trip days and tomorrow we are going to Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury.
------- ----------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------
There are times when I feel that seeking God has become a heavy task. I make my time with Him a routine or slot in my schedule or I try to fight my wandering mind and be a woman of prayer. The truth is that all this work doesn't fall on us (praise God!)and I was so sweetly reminded of this yesterday.
The lecture speakers yesterday covered two influencial people of our religious history: Anselm of Canterbury and Julian of Norwich. These two people happen to be the very two people I personally researched in my Church History class back at Sterling this last fall. Who would of have guessed that I picked the very topics that I would be hearing in Oxford? (haha...I didn't even know I was going to Oxford back then.)
Anyway, I was able to follow right along with the lecture and was reminded that even in my small daily choices, that the Lord is with me...guiding... and drawing me to Himself (even more than I know). The Lord was faithful to prepare me for my days here in England and the Lord will be faithful to prepare us for the days we have ahead. He is an active part of the relationship. :) He remains faithful when we turn up faithless.
These next few days will be filled with sight seeing and hopefully some productive work on my research papers. I have 4 of them due within the span of two weeks. Yummy stuff right there.
Speaking of yummy stuff, I just had this wonderful espresso/icecream mixture last night...heaven in dish let me tell you. Although I am in England I still prefer coffee over tea. :)
Well...to end this time I will leave you with a verse and a prayer that I have been thinking on this week...
"My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."
Proverbs 23:26
"Lord, grant me the strength and courage to give you my whole heart today. Teach my eyes to recognize you...may I be one to observe Your ways. Thank you Lord for always drawing me to Yourself. " In Jesus Name, Amen
Monday 21 June 2010
Father and the Sun
Yesterday I went to a little church in a suburb called Jericho with a group of girls from the study program. The pastor was from the United Startes, Georgia actually, and was thrilled to have Americans in the pews. The young sunday school class had a special performance because it was father's day and aww... it was so cute...you could still here their little accents when they sang Jesus Loves Me.
Just a little side note: As I was thinking yesterday about fathers and how someday I would very much like to be a mother, I felt the Lord broaden my defintition of mothers and fathers. You know, you can be a mother or a father and never have children that are legally your own. I mean if you think about it, each one of us has had several mothers and fathers impact our lives, men and women who have invested, poured into us, directed us, and showered wisdom over us. I am not trying to belittle the position of my biological mother or father at all. I have such a deep respect for them and the way they influences my heart and life, but just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to all those men who don't have "their own" chilren yet or maybe never will and say thank you for pouring into this next generation and being fathers and impacting hearts for the kingdom... no matter your age or location.
After the service we stopped at a resturaunt called The Big Bang where we enjoyed a delicious spread of mashes and bangers. (potatoes and sausage.) Interesting place...I will have to put up a picture of my dish on facebook.
In the afternoon we were split off into groups and given 16 things to find and take pictures of in the city. Haha...grandma put me down for at least 8 miles for walk across Kansas because it was quite the walking day. Later that evening we went to an Evensong service at Christ Church and listened to a boys choir, a famous boys choir. (Look them up if you get the chance.) :) They were pretty impressive.
Today I was inducted into the Bodleian Library where I solemnly promised to not set fire to the place or damage any books by bringing food, drinks, gum, or cheese sandwiches into the proximity of the books. It was actually a pretty serious procedure, but I can see why they are so protective. The Bodleian has over 11 million books (and some of them are incredibly rare.) This library goes underground for miles to provide storage for all these books and you see if you ever would like to read a book from this library you have to order it with a special card (that I now have). After you order your selections, one of the little librarians who works underground will find it for you and put it on a conveyor belt and have it shipped up to one of the reading rooms in the library. (No books are allowed outside of the library) It's a reader's paradise really. :)
After my induction this morning I went to the store and bought some groceries for the week and then spent my afternoon out in the garden reading today. It hasn't rained all day and all the natives are telling us to enjoy the sun while we can because it doesn't happen very often.
I start classes tomorrow and have been trying to be diligent and prepare but having the beautiful sights of Oxford look back at me through my window...and having the wonderful sun shine all day is oh so inviting Haha...I think it's icecream with the roommates time....
I will update you on my classes and other experiences soon I hope. Thank you for all the feed back...I am loving it!
--------------------------------
P.S. I need a clever saying to end my posts...any suggestions?
Something you know like "And that's the way the cookie crumbles..."
Would be glad to hear your thoughts. :)
Just a little side note: As I was thinking yesterday about fathers and how someday I would very much like to be a mother, I felt the Lord broaden my defintition of mothers and fathers. You know, you can be a mother or a father and never have children that are legally your own. I mean if you think about it, each one of us has had several mothers and fathers impact our lives, men and women who have invested, poured into us, directed us, and showered wisdom over us. I am not trying to belittle the position of my biological mother or father at all. I have such a deep respect for them and the way they influences my heart and life, but just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to all those men who don't have "their own" chilren yet or maybe never will and say thank you for pouring into this next generation and being fathers and impacting hearts for the kingdom... no matter your age or location.
After the service we stopped at a resturaunt called The Big Bang where we enjoyed a delicious spread of mashes and bangers. (potatoes and sausage.) Interesting place...I will have to put up a picture of my dish on facebook.
In the afternoon we were split off into groups and given 16 things to find and take pictures of in the city. Haha...grandma put me down for at least 8 miles for walk across Kansas because it was quite the walking day. Later that evening we went to an Evensong service at Christ Church and listened to a boys choir, a famous boys choir. (Look them up if you get the chance.) :) They were pretty impressive.
Today I was inducted into the Bodleian Library where I solemnly promised to not set fire to the place or damage any books by bringing food, drinks, gum, or cheese sandwiches into the proximity of the books. It was actually a pretty serious procedure, but I can see why they are so protective. The Bodleian has over 11 million books (and some of them are incredibly rare.) This library goes underground for miles to provide storage for all these books and you see if you ever would like to read a book from this library you have to order it with a special card (that I now have). After you order your selections, one of the little librarians who works underground will find it for you and put it on a conveyor belt and have it shipped up to one of the reading rooms in the library. (No books are allowed outside of the library) It's a reader's paradise really. :)
After my induction this morning I went to the store and bought some groceries for the week and then spent my afternoon out in the garden reading today. It hasn't rained all day and all the natives are telling us to enjoy the sun while we can because it doesn't happen very often.
I start classes tomorrow and have been trying to be diligent and prepare but having the beautiful sights of Oxford look back at me through my window...and having the wonderful sun shine all day is oh so inviting Haha...I think it's icecream with the roommates time....
I will update you on my classes and other experiences soon I hope. Thank you for all the feed back...I am loving it!
--------------------------------
P.S. I need a clever saying to end my posts...any suggestions?
Something you know like "And that's the way the cookie crumbles..."
Would be glad to hear your thoughts. :)
Saturday 19 June 2010
June 18: Learning what it means to rest...
This morning I woke up on 8 Crick Road in Oxford, England. I have had to remind myself of this fact every so often today..." 'tis no dream Lauren...you are in England." :)
My journal entries will of course cover more than just my evenings here in Oxford, but forgive me I couldn't pass up the opportunity of the play on words.
-----------------------------
There are 27 of us studying here with the Oxford Summer Programme and I think we are all a bit intimidated after this morning's orientation that explained our work load. (However, I have found some are better at it hiding it than others.)
For the first two weeks we will be attending a seminar on the history of Christianity in the British Isles (this one is required for everyone) as well as 2 tutorials (everyday) that each student has chosen according to what fits their major best. I am in the Jane Austen tutorial as well as the C.S. Lewis tutorial. During the third and fourth weeks we have one on one meetings with our professors as well as essay deadlines. I have learned that this concept of meeting with your professors one on one is something very much apart of the academic Oxford experience. Every student apart of Oxford University meets with their professors one on one regularly as apart of their course requirements.
The 5th and final week concludes with final meetings with our professors as well as a last round of classes...and a bit of debriefing.
On the weekends there is the option of going on some different field trips, but one must pay out of their own pocket for these unless they are required for our studies. The first field trip to Stonehenge will take place this coming weekend and is one that everyone will take part in. (I look forward to updating you on that!)
Following are some thoughts from inside my head...
During orientation today, one of my house leaders described to us the difference between a good American essay and a good British Essay. While explaining, she said something that caught my attention: "One often thinks that the more words one says (or writes) the more that is communicated...Well, this is not the case. The the art of communicating well is using the least amount of words while communicating the most." Whoa baby! I love this. First principle learned in Oxford: Comminicate more while using less words. I am going to work on this.
This afternoon we went on a tour of the city of Oxford. Goodness, our tour guide (awesome accent) was incredibly knowledgeable. He asked at one point if there were any students studying Greek and four of us raised our hands. This group I am with is made up of mostly English/Literature majors who love reading and studying different languages...a very smart group. I have been tempted many times already to feel very unqualified to be here however my most wonderful Companion, the Holy Spirit, reminds me that grace is available to me.
Just a little sidenote: Castles were originally built because there was a need for a prison in the area. This kind of changed my romantic view on castles...but, anyway they are still very beautiful to me.
Ok... some final thoughts in closing. This morning in my quiet time I read Mark 6:30-44 and it encouraged my heart so much. (It is the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.)
In the beginning of the story (verse 31) Jesus invites the disciples to rest.
Jesus says,"Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile." But, immediately after that, a crowd gathers and Jesus directs the disciples to feed the crowd.
Goodness, I am sure the disciples were thinking, "Jesus feed them with what? We are tired and hungry ourselves." The Lord asks them what they have to offer and well you know the story, He uses those little loaves and fish and multiplies it until "they ALL were satisfied." (The disciples were satisfied too.)
I am coming to England very tired actually. It's been a season that has wearied this soul of mine and I was really hoping that this beautiful land of England would be the beginning of a resting season. After this morning's orientation I felt the Lord say, "Lauren, at first I invited you to this place to rest but now I ask you to feed others." He wasn't tricking me or changing his mind by asking me to come here, but rather is changing my mind on what it means to rest. He went onto say, "Lauren, I know your need and what little strength and knowledge you have...what feels like 5 loaves and 2 fish to you... but give me what you have and I will multiply it. I will satisfy you and others."
Isn't it amazing that one meal, when broken by the hands of Jesus satisfied thousands?
The disciples were satisfied too even though initially they thought themselves too tired and lacking the resources to offer much. I think being satisfied is a restful feeling. :)
So my prayer has become, "Lord, here are my loaves and fish. Do what only you can do.
May my life be broken in the hands of Jesus."
-------
My classes start on Tuesday and I am not certain how often I will get to write or how much I will get to write, but thought it would be good to keep in touch with you in this way.
My journal entries will of course cover more than just my evenings here in Oxford, but forgive me I couldn't pass up the opportunity of the play on words.
-----------------------------
There are 27 of us studying here with the Oxford Summer Programme and I think we are all a bit intimidated after this morning's orientation that explained our work load. (However, I have found some are better at it hiding it than others.)
For the first two weeks we will be attending a seminar on the history of Christianity in the British Isles (this one is required for everyone) as well as 2 tutorials (everyday) that each student has chosen according to what fits their major best. I am in the Jane Austen tutorial as well as the C.S. Lewis tutorial. During the third and fourth weeks we have one on one meetings with our professors as well as essay deadlines. I have learned that this concept of meeting with your professors one on one is something very much apart of the academic Oxford experience. Every student apart of Oxford University meets with their professors one on one regularly as apart of their course requirements.
The 5th and final week concludes with final meetings with our professors as well as a last round of classes...and a bit of debriefing.
On the weekends there is the option of going on some different field trips, but one must pay out of their own pocket for these unless they are required for our studies. The first field trip to Stonehenge will take place this coming weekend and is one that everyone will take part in. (I look forward to updating you on that!)
Following are some thoughts from inside my head...
During orientation today, one of my house leaders described to us the difference between a good American essay and a good British Essay. While explaining, she said something that caught my attention: "One often thinks that the more words one says (or writes) the more that is communicated...Well, this is not the case. The the art of communicating well is using the least amount of words while communicating the most." Whoa baby! I love this. First principle learned in Oxford: Comminicate more while using less words. I am going to work on this.
This afternoon we went on a tour of the city of Oxford. Goodness, our tour guide (awesome accent) was incredibly knowledgeable. He asked at one point if there were any students studying Greek and four of us raised our hands. This group I am with is made up of mostly English/Literature majors who love reading and studying different languages...a very smart group. I have been tempted many times already to feel very unqualified to be here however my most wonderful Companion, the Holy Spirit, reminds me that grace is available to me.
Just a little sidenote: Castles were originally built because there was a need for a prison in the area. This kind of changed my romantic view on castles...but, anyway they are still very beautiful to me.
Ok... some final thoughts in closing. This morning in my quiet time I read Mark 6:30-44 and it encouraged my heart so much. (It is the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.)
In the beginning of the story (verse 31) Jesus invites the disciples to rest.
Jesus says,"Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile." But, immediately after that, a crowd gathers and Jesus directs the disciples to feed the crowd.
Goodness, I am sure the disciples were thinking, "Jesus feed them with what? We are tired and hungry ourselves." The Lord asks them what they have to offer and well you know the story, He uses those little loaves and fish and multiplies it until "they ALL were satisfied." (The disciples were satisfied too.)
I am coming to England very tired actually. It's been a season that has wearied this soul of mine and I was really hoping that this beautiful land of England would be the beginning of a resting season. After this morning's orientation I felt the Lord say, "Lauren, at first I invited you to this place to rest but now I ask you to feed others." He wasn't tricking me or changing his mind by asking me to come here, but rather is changing my mind on what it means to rest. He went onto say, "Lauren, I know your need and what little strength and knowledge you have...what feels like 5 loaves and 2 fish to you... but give me what you have and I will multiply it. I will satisfy you and others."
Isn't it amazing that one meal, when broken by the hands of Jesus satisfied thousands?
The disciples were satisfied too even though initially they thought themselves too tired and lacking the resources to offer much. I think being satisfied is a restful feeling. :)
So my prayer has become, "Lord, here are my loaves and fish. Do what only you can do.
May my life be broken in the hands of Jesus."
-------
My classes start on Tuesday and I am not certain how often I will get to write or how much I will get to write, but thought it would be good to keep in touch with you in this way.
Friday 18 June 2010
A journal of my adventures in the Oxford Summer Programme---from June 17 -July 24. It is my prayer that I will be able to communicate more than just fun stories with an informative twist of my time here in England...I will seek to always include something eternal.
Please feel free to comment. I would love to hear from you!
Please feel free to comment. I would love to hear from you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)