Days 90-81

I'm rather late with this post, since the next post is due in a couple days.  The reason is because my family (or at least my mom, brother, and sister-in-law)

90 days: The English Channel is warmer than it appears.

This year is the first time I haven't lived by a major body of water, since I grew up on the Mississippi River and went to university on Lake Michigan.  In fact the only body of water I have noticed in my placement is a couple small ponds tucked away in the woods.  So imagine my excitement when I went with a friend to Brighton and got to dip my toes into the English Channel.

89 days: The Baptism and Confirmation service

Three youth were baptized, eleven youth confirmed their faith, and a large number of their peers came to support and celebrate with them.  I was honored to be a part of this special event, and it was incredibly interesting to be a part of the confirmation process in another denomination.  There are a lot of different thoughts about baptism, confirmation, and when and how they should occur, and there are a lot of pros, cons, and theological debates about each one.  While my experience with Lutherans is most people are baptized as children, and mostly infants, my conversations with people here is practicing Christians tend to dedicate their children to allow them to choose baptism at an older age.  Also, those being confirmed in an Anglican church must be confirmed by a bishop.

88 days: Waiting at the train station with the commuters

A large portion of people living in Gerrards Cross commute to and work in London, so, if you take the train on a weekday morning, you'd find the train station rather busy with people going to work.  You'd also have a better appreciation with the term "packed in like sardines" after riding the commuter trains and Tube during rush hour, as the carriages are packed to the brim.  Today I joined the commuters for an End of Year training day with Time for God, and afterwards went to dinner with volunteers from around the world for dinner.

87 days: My reading list for the rest of this year

One of my initial regrets with packing was I didn't bring any books to read over the next 12 months.  My regret was unnecessary as I soon acquired a collection of books to keep me entertained with train rides and cups of tea.  The books came from seeing guests speakers, friends and family's recommendations, requirements for different courses, and gifts from strangers on trains.  This is the pile of books I haven't finished yet, but hope to in the next couple of weeks.

86 days: Last day at work before my family arrives

Today was my last day at work before my family arrives.  It's strange thinking that within 24 hours I'd be picking my family up from the airport instead of eating lunch with my co-workers at church.  It also meant I treated myself to a meal deal from the grocery store because I had no food in the house.

85 days: My family's here!

After 10 months of spotting Skype conversations, I finally got to hug some of my family.  My mom, brother, and sister-in-law. It's a bit hard to believe, but it was definitely worth the wait.

84 days: The face of the Gorgon represented in a mosaic

My family went to visit Bath today.  We learned about the Roman and pagan history in England by seeing the Roman baths and the artifacts they found throughout the city.  The interesting thing about England is there is a lot of history visible and represented everywhere, such as the Gorgon from the Roman baths in Bath.  This face is from one of the temple pediments, and is now seen recreated in various locations in the city.

83 days: People getting grooving at the disco

Saturday was a special event at my placement.  We had an 80s Disco night to raise awareness for the youth trip to Uganda.  My family and I attended, so they could meet the youth, volunteers, and staff whom I work with and get a slight glance at English disco music.  I can safely say that I've never seen my brother dance so much.

82 days: Mom bikes to worship with the Foys

In the spirit of embracing new cultures, my mom decided to bike to worship with our hosts, who are avid bikers.  My mom did rather well biking a few miles to church, and she was able to see a traditional Anglican service and then a contemporary service.  We spent most of our day in the garden, drinking tea, then had a Sunday roast, attended the 6.30pm worship service, and visited the evening youth service.

81 days: As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe

My family's last day in England.  We went to the Eucharist at Westminster, which uses common cup.  We then walked along the South Bank past Parliment, the London Eye, and then explored the Tower of London.  We ended our day by attending "As You Like It" at Shakespeare's Globe.  We were a bit worried that we wouldn't understand the play due to the Shakespearean English, but we were able to get the gist of it and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Although most of the play stayed true to what you would expect, there was some modern flair added, such as sunglasses and guitar rifts.  All in all, my family's last day in England was a success.