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.

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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."

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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.