Days 60-51

Day 60: A crest made of coins

One of the firsts things you notice when first using British tender is that they all look different from American tender.  It seems like an obvious statement, but it one of the hardest things to get use to.  It took forever for me to get use to saying pounds instead of dollars.  The notes change size and color based on the value.  5s are smaller than 10s. 20s are purple. 10s are orange. (Many people here have told me American bills all look the same because of the size and color.) Even the coins come with different sizes, shapes, and colors. A small detail you don't realize while using British tender is that if you take the small change and rearrange it, the coins complete the royal coat of arms.  I like having all the different states/territories of the US, but having a hidden puzzle in the coins are fun.

Day 59: Protests cause Eurostar to be cancelled

I'm still getting used to how geographically close I currently am to a lot of news stories, but there are several times that I am forced to realize the proximity.  A couple months ago, there was a smog warning due to pollution coming from France over the English channel.  Today I was reminded again as St. Pancras was filled with stranded passengers when Eurostar had to cancelled its services due to protests in Calais.  I'm not clear on what the protests are exactly about, since I've heard different stories from different sources, but the most common story was it was a protest about the companies that use the Calais ports. (This would be the first of two transportation protests I'd witness in a week, since the London Tube workers went on strike on 9 July, completely shutting down the London Underground.)

Day 58: Marylebone Station

Whenever I come to London, for work, pleasure, or training, the first place I arrive to is always Marylebone Station since this is where my train arrives.  If you come during rush hour, you'll find this station full with commuters, but generally it's fairly empty since it's a relatively small station.  I personally love this station since it was a great personality.  You walk through huge, open iron wrought gates into a open air station.  There's a glass ceiling over the train platforms that let in natural light, and there is often a person playing on the public piano while they wait for their train.

Day 57: Term cards and tickets

Part of my job here involves creating term cards, advertisements, tickets, and notices to hand out to youth, adults, and anyone else interested.  It takes a lot more effort than you would think to find the right photo and font, add all the information, and then have several people okay it before printing.  It might sound very menial, but in the long run it's the tiny details that can make the most difference.  These projects are usually my responsibility, although Kat often helps with term cards and any tweaks needed before giving it to Tim for approval.  The back and forth for approvals has made me appreciate graphic designers' work a lot more, and this responsibility lets me have fun with visual designs.

Day 56: Making pepparkakor

This year has been a year of experiencing new traditions and customs,but it doesn't mean I haven't had a chance to share some old traditions from my family with the people in my community.  Making food I usually make with my parents, such as the Christmas cookies pictured, and sharing them with people was a good way to combat homesickness and share with friends what my life in the US was like.  It was often the first time that I made these recipes without my parents, but it helped me feel close to distant family and friends and connected to new friends.

Day 55: My house key

One of my favorite parts of the house I live in is my house key.  Before this year the only time I saw a key like this were the giant keys hanging on the door to my grandmother's laundry room door.  From what I've seen these keys are fairly standard fare when it come to houses along with a second, more modern key.  I guess it's the small things in life.

Day 54: Resonate service

Today was the last day of the high school worship service, Resonate. Over the past ten months I have spent almost every Sunday night in this room participating in a worship led by youth, games, and prayers with the youth.  At the end of each night, worship is always followed with a quiet time for those who wish to pray and a fellowship period when we get to talk with the youth.  Resonate would not happen without the youth volunteering to take a part of the leadership and volunteers being there to offer a person to talk to and clean up afterwards.

Day 53: Church of Reconciliation at Taize Community

I had the great fortune of spending a few days in the Taize Community in France, which I didn't think I would have as part of my YAGM year.  Many of you may know of the Taize prayers which are used in worship services throughout the world, but not many people know about the community from which they come.  Taize is an ecumenical monastic community started in the second half of the 20th century, and now young adults, and older adults, come from around the world for the prayer services, which happen three times a day.  The emphasis is on silence, repetitive chants, and reflection.  When not in prayer services, everyone, including pilgrims, participate in Bible studies, work teams, and workshops.  It's hard to put into words the experience of praying in several languages with 3,000 people from various religious backgrounds, but it was a spiritual experience.

Day 52: My dirty, stinky, calloused, blistered feet

It may seem odd to post a photo of my feet, especially since they're on dirt, instead of a sunny beach or cliff over looking the sunset, but my feet are my transportation 90% of the time.  I walk almost everywhere I go, sometimes meaning a hour commute or more, and, when I'm not walking, I'm taking public transportation, or, when I'm really lucky, getting a lift with a friend.  I love being able to walk (almost) everywhere, and it's definitely going to be an adjustment going back to the US and driving (on the right side, no less!).  My feet have never been more bruised, bloody, and blistered, but I've never been more appreciative of my dirty, stinky feet.

Day 51: Breakfast at Taize Community

The meals at Taize are very simple, like everything at Taize.  You line up in a disorganized clump of thousands of people to receive bread, some vegetables, a piece of fruit, some cheese, protein, and a biscuit, and then walk around the grounds looking for a bench, curb, or wall to sit while you eat.  The breakfasts are even more simple.  You get a piece of bread, butter, two pieces of dark chocolate, and a bowl of tea/cocoa.  It wasn't much, but it got you ready for the day.  I might have to adopt this breakfast for everyday because if Taize (and YAGM) taught me anything it's to appreciate simplicity.

Days 70-61

70 days: The secret ingredient

Today I had one of the most embarrassing, and yet hilarious, situation with navigating the British vs American words yet.  For our monthly youth club, we decided we were going to have a bubble station with really large bubbles, and, for really large bubbles, you need a special solution.  Since I had a bubble program for camp, I had the recipe in the archives of my computer.  However everything went by a different name. Dish soap = washing up liquid. Corn starch = corn flour.  The most interesting explanation was the secret ingredient, glycerin.  My co-worker and supervisor had no idea what I was talking about, so, after explaining what it was and where to find it, I said they could buy personal lubricant, which is suggested in some recipes, if glycerin couldn't be found.  They had no idea what I meant. Was it lotion? Vaseline?  Eventually, with a bright, red, embarrassed face, I was able to say it would be found in the same area as contraceptives, and the entire office erupted in laughter.

69 days: Choir concerts on top of a hill

Tonight I had a girls night out with one of my co-workers, Debbie.  We went out to eat at the local pub, and then finished the night with a choir concert at St Lawrence Church in West Wycombe.  Everything was going well until we became lost and couldn't find the church.  Debbie and I drove around the village and through fields before we noticed a church-like structure at the top of a hill.  Soon we found out we had passed, and driven on, the road to the church multiple times.  We made it just in time for intermission to have a conversation with some St James church members who sing in the choir.  We stayed for the rest of the concert, and successfully found our way home without anymore issues.

68 days: Tim in a tree

Today we started a new preaching series about branching out.  My supervisor, Tim, was a tree surgeon before he became a youth worker, so his talk focused on his fear heights, the dangers of tree surgery, and how his faith helped him do something out of his comfort zone.  Naturally, you can't talk about tree surgery, you need to show how you climb the tree, so Tim put on his harness and climbed an 80 foot tree during the middle of his talk. To say the talk was memorable would be an understatement.

67 days: My walk into town

In order to walk into town, I walk through East Common.  It's a green space that contains a small forest, playground, and open area.  During my walks, I often run into other people.  They are often walking or biking to or from home, walking their dog, or playing in the playground.  Occasionally I see families playing games together, such as football and cricket, or small animals running around. I don't think I could have asked for a prettier or more refreshing walk to the grocery store.  It's one of the places I'll miss the most.

66 days: Filling the kettle

At the end of service retreat for the UK YAGM, the sinks were too small for filling the tea kettle.  However, a small sink will not deter the making of a cup of tea, so we grabbed the kettle and turned on the shower.  Within minutes we each had a cup of tea and a realization that we have truly joined the tea culture if we'll go to any lengths necessary to fill the kettle.  Nothing will deter a cup of tea.

65 days: Grocery labels

The food and grocery stores in England are a bit different than they are in the US.  They're generally a lot smaller, but if you look closer you'll see more differences.  The big difference with the fresh food is there's always a expiration date and the location where the food was produced.  It's an easy way to know how far your food has traveled from farm to table.  If you're really lucky, you can even learn the name of the person who grew your food, so thank you to Angus Davison from Wales for my delicious strawberries.

64 days: The UK YAGM before and after picture

Today was the last time that the entire UK YAGM 2014-2015 were together.  We've been on this journey together since the very beginning, and, despite being from across the US and being placed across the UK, we've become a close knit group of friends.  It's hard to believe that a little over a year ago I knew none of them.  These two photos are from the first time we all met, and the last time we were all together.  The physical changes are not drastic, but I can tell you that the people in the bottom photo (June 25) are not the same people in the top photo (August 2014).  I reckon we would all say the changes and the friendships were well worth any challenges during the year.

63 days: My wacky life group

In the theme of friend groups, I would like to introduce you to my life group.  We meet once a week and simply catch up with each other.  We share our triumphs and our struggles, and pray for each other.  This picture shows our personalities and group dynamic.  The guys were a bit reluctant, but eventually they joined in.  This again is a group of people who didn't know each other at the beginning of the year, and now we laugh with and support each other with no reservations.

62 days: Guildford Spectrum

Today we held a 12-hour youth extravaganza day for 36 middle school youth.  This was an event that I was in charge of planning and executing, and, with the help of Kat, the event went well.  Over twelve hours, we went swimming and ice skating, had park and football games, a pool and pizza party, and watched Big Hero 6.  My favorite part was helping a couple of the youth learn how to ice skate.  About half a dozen or more had never been ice skating before, so when they first stepped onto the ice, they didn't have any confidence on the ice.  After a half hour of skating along the wall or holding the hands of their friends and leaders, they slowly started skating on their own, and by the end of the session, they were skating on their own slowly gaining speed as they became more and more confident.  At the end, all the youth were skating on their own and saying they had a grand ole time trying something new.

61 days: Writing my last sermon

Some of you may know that part of my responsibilities this year included delivering the sermon, or talk, every once in a while.  The first time I was told this by my supervisor while sitting in the office, I'm pretty sure my face went completely white.  I don't do public speaking, especially when it involves sermons.  Sure, I can give a hoard of kids instructions on how to play a game or run an event, but ask me to speak about myself or a subject, like a Bible verse or theme, and I'll sneakily inch my way to the back door so you don't realize I left.

My supervisor, Tim, however, was standing at the back door and slowly pushed me up to the front. (My co-worker, Kat, had the side entrance covered as well.)  First he had me do the closing prayer at my first Resonate (the first time meeting the youth).  Then he had me giving the talk (a very poor one) at the Boat in October.  Despite feeling horrible about it, he simply said "There are places you can improve.  You'll have you talk again next term."  Sure enough, the spring term I was scheduled again, and then some how I was scheduled to talk once a month during the summer term, meaning I talked at services different services (only three different talks) since April.  During my last sermon today, I could feel the change from October.  I felt more confident, more at ease with the youth, and at peace, and I completely attribute it to the youth and leaders I've worked with this year.

I know a couple of you have looked on my placement's podcast to listen to my sermons after you found out I spoke at a service and couldn't find any because they weren't there (youth services are often not recorded or, at least, uploaded).  So below you will find a recording of my sermon from tonight.

Days 80-71

80 days: Laffy Taffy obsession

At Christmas my mom sent me a package with a bag of Laffy Taffy to share with the youth and people at work.  Most people have been able to identify correctly as American candy for two reasons: 1) I brought it.  2) Apparently, it's so brightly colored that it can only be American.  Despite some apprehension, the Laffy Taffy went over well.  In fact, when the associate vicar heard that my mom was coming over, his first question was if she would be bringing over anymore.  Luckily, my mom sent over a huge bag, and the amounts I shared barely made a dent so we have plenty more to share.

79 days: Cup of tea

Tea is a fairly large aspect of the culture here. A statement I'm sure most of you aren't surprised to hear.  It's a standard part of hospitality.  It's when you come over to visit, after dinner, at any sort of event, etc.  One of the most intimidating tasks asked of me this year was to make a cup of tea for someone here because everyone has a preference on how to make the perfect cup of tea. I've learned to make a cup of tea it depends on the type of water, the temperature, when to add the water, the kind of tea, the location of the tea, etc.  I have also learned while sugar will be offered it's a bit odd to add it to your tea.  It's also weird to drink your tea black, as I did in the beginning.

78 days: Stack of chairs

A lot of what I do here involves setting and resetting rooms for meetings and events.  When I'm lucky, someone from the event may have reset the room for me. Occasionally the chairs then get stacked incorrectly, which may pose a safety risk.  So when I walk into the room to this sight, let out a little giggle and a frustrated huff, and say a little prayer of thanks for the thoughtfulness of others, while I unstack and restack the chairs into a safer situation.

77 days: Modernity vs History

One of the most surprising things about England. is the juxtaposition of history and modernity.  It's still a bit difficult to comprehend that the Tower of London (which really isn't a tower) is right next to the Gherkin and the Shard, and across the River Thames from the Shard.  As amazing as the preservation of these historic buildings is, it also means that the accessibility for those with walking difficulties can be minimal.  So I'm thankful the preservation of historic buildings, and I'm thankful for the accessibility of the modern buildings.

76 days: Borough Market

When you go to a bigger city, you'll almost always be able to find some sort of street market. If you go during the weekend, your chances are even better.  Now the best part of these markets is the diversity in the stalls.  These stalls will range from car boot sales to original artwork.  My favorite things about these markets is the food.  At markets, I've been able to taste the diversity of ethnic backgrounds in England, from Central America/Caribbean to Ethiopia to India and more.  One of the best stalls, despite my food preferences, is the seafood stalls because it's the most bizarre and visually interesting stalls.  As you can see there's octopus, squid, monk fish, and razor clams (found in England).

75 days: Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College

One of the greatest physical gifts this year, has been the chance to visit and see buildings and artwork that I have studied for the past four years at university.  When I applied to YAGM, I never expected my art history major degree would come in handy (I was prepared to use my Spanish), but, then again, I wasn't expecting to be placed in the UK when I first applied.  My true art passion comes in the huge forms of church buildings (specifically medieval cathedrals, such as Westminster Abbey) and the itty bitty forms of illuminated manuscripts. Today I was able to see the Book of Kells, one of the premiere examples of illuminated manuscripts, and learn about the history of the monks, Christians, and vikings in the British Isles.

74 days: Cliffs of Howth

So over the course of this year, there have been a group of women from my home church who have sent me a homemade card every month.  (Somehow they seem to arrive just when I need a little encouragement.)  These cards are usually themed around a holiday of that month or the general season, and every once in a while there's a little message included.  In March I received a vibrant green card, and inside there was a little message from the card ladies saying they thought I should visit Ireland.  Today I can tell the Our Savior's Card Ladies that Ireland was just as green as the card you sent and thank you for your suggestion (and all the lovely cards).

73 days: The two goofballs

Today my brother and sister(-in-law) flew back to the States after visiting me for the past week. I'm incredibly thankful that they were able to come visit and see my life here.  It was a week of new foods, for them and me, and there were plenty of good times had.  It was weird saying goodbye to them at the airport, but the strangest part was we were all going home, them to Wisconsin and me to Gerrards Cross.

72 days: My work

Everyday I take a seven-minute walk to the Saint James Centre, where I work.  I help do prep work for Bible studies, Sunday services, church events, and more.  I typically have lunch with co-workers in other ministries, have conversations with older church members volunteering at the front desk, and my co-worker, Kat, and I have small games with wheelie chairs and finger rockets.

71 days: My co-worker, Kat, testing activities for the youth club

One of the best things about my placement is the days that we can get out of office and test run activities for the youth events to see if they will work.  We once we get the hang of the activities, we invite the other people in the building to join us.  Most times they say no, but sometimes, our invitations are so odd sounding, such as "Do you want to whack some water balloons?", that they decide to join in.  This activity didn't work the way we wanted it to, but we had a lot of fun figuring that out.