First Impressions

Three days into a three month trip means there are still tears and some fears, adventures getting  lost, getting used to a nine hour time difference and making a ton of new friends. The adventure has already been so good, and I know that there are so many more wonderful things in store for me this semester.

One of the truly amazing things about this trip is that I am meeting the most amazing people. Just imagine, a house full of forty or so English, Philosophy or History majors (just to name a few) who are dedicated to learn and see all that they can in the next few months. The conversations have been nerdy at worse (or best?) and intellectual at best (or worst?). We have talked about movies, music, books (of course!), our families, our faith, and the places we have been. Its an awesome experience to put so many people from such different places and backgrounds and find that they have so much in common, so many things that we can talk about and share after just meeting each other. Those of you who know me well know that initial conversations are difficult for me, but I have felt so comfortable so far just jumping into friendships and making some really good connections already. There is something about homesickness that brings girls together in a tight bond.

This morning we went to St. Aldens church in Oxford City. It was such a beautiful morning, worshiping with the family of God all the way on the other side of the world. It made home feel so much closer to hear songs I knew, to join others in prayer and to learn from the Gospel of Luke. It was a mind blowing morning and I am hoping to make it a tradition on Sunday mornings.

Tomorrow holds my first bike ride through Oxford (keep your fingers crossed!), the beginning of Orientation and a chance to really explore Oxford. More stories and pictures to come from this anxious world traveler. Your love and prayers are felt all the way here in Oxford and I miss you all so very much.