Some coming, and some going.

Today I had my first goodbye of all my England goodbyes.. It was to a little girl, four year old, completely adorable. A niece to my host mother. Suddenly it really dawned on me how sad I was to be leaving.
Yes, I am excited about coming things in my life.. Holland, Houston then Ukraine, God willing.. but at times I wish I could freeze all the good moments, cherish them. The thing that got me, is that, well, I have to admit, I did quite a bit of reading in front of this little girl...so, I was pleasantly surprised when she whispered to her mom "I'm sad.. I like her.." It brought a smile to my face, and a tear to my eye. As lame as that might sound. Then, when Felicity, Kezia and I were driving home, Kezia asked me if I wanted to go to an outdoor/indoor playground with them on Monday... and we had to remind her that that was the day I was leaving to go home and see my mummy and daddy.. and she just sighed sadly.. here we are talking about how it's going to be a hard day for her.. but, I realized it's going to be a hard day for me too, more than I had anticipated.
But, I also love knowing that I have the capacity to fall in love with places, people, new experiences... I can go around the world making friends, and memories... but never, without some heartache.. but, that my friend, is a little coming, and a little going.. the seasons of life.
I remember using that metaphor the day I cam here... and it's completely true, thank you Donald Miller.

For you and Me..

I wrote this email to a friend today, and thought I'd share it, since, it contains the stories I'd want to write anyways!..

"I wanted to say -HAPPY EASTER! to you, Jesus died and rose again- for YOU! Pretty Amazing eh? Man, I love God, and you!
I had an interesting experience this past Good Friday.. My host family and I participated in this "Jesus Walk" in the town I live here in England. The community churches all come together, and a number of different people from different congregations get together and walk through the town... and a man in front holds up the Cross. And then we all stop in certain spots and read scripture and pray together.
It was really neat to see about 40+ people walking in a procession through town.. behind the cross.
But, then I'll admit.. my heart took a few turns.. see, these 4 young guys were walking past our group mocking us.. saying "hear thee, hear thee" and just laughing.. and I just felt.. awkward.. BUT, then I realized something, I was excited to be a follower of Christ! And perhaps this declaration of our love for God seemed strange to these guys, but, that is why I needed to pray for them, for their hearts to see us, and perhaps a thought will enter their mind, and hearts.. and they will be curious about the group of people walking through town, and the cross they were carrying. :)
Another cool thing I just thought of now.. I was sitting in church this Easter Sunday morning.. and we got these little cut out Easter eggs that said "..because Jesus is Alive.." and then we fill in the blank. And I thought "Because Jesus is alive, I can fellowship with believers, and we can be the body of Christ.." And we prayed about it.. I guess I didn't think about it to much throughout the rest of the service though. Then we had coffee fellowship time after wards.. and I just happened to sit down at a table with one other lady.. and we ended up talking for quite awhile, and it really blessed my heart! God answered my prayers, to fellowship with another Christian, and honestly, I haven't had long conversation with the people at this church, I go to this church less often (my host's families church), I usually go to a church with younger adults.. anyways, I really love this church as well, my host families, and the people are so friendly! But, I always felt like I didn't know how to.. approach some one in conversation.. but then today I did! Yes, it's the second last time I'm there, but still! It leaves me with a fond memory and blessing!
Anyways, sorry that was long! Haha, but, I just came across that second story just now and it excited me! Haha.
:)
So, I am praying for you, and thanking God for you today, that he died, and rose again, for you and me! Making us true sisters in Christ!"

London, map to the rest of the world.

This weekend I got to take a day trip to London. I loved it, I was thoroughly awed by the "must see" sights.. but also by just the city itself. Of course I was in the nicer, from tourist filled area. I loved the building, mostly all stone, etched around me. Looking up and see beyond the next building was impossible. I loved the history and cultural surrounding me. I even enjoyed talking to a homeless man selling magazines.. I bought one, and he was very polite... thinking back on it, I could've made more of a conversation with him.
I loved the hundred cafes all around, book stores, clothing stores I knew I could barely afford anything from. Ha. But most of all, I loved the groups of people I encountered. First, I was heading towards Buckingham Palace, actually, it happened to be by fluke, but either way I saw the crowds of tourists.. and it was fun being in the same lot in life as them.. you know? But trying to figure what to take a picture of, or when to leave to the next London destination.. But, then I also liked being less Touisty.. which, I consider myself to be.. since I am actually currently living in England. I encountered the second huge group of people in Trafalgar Square. There was a festival going on.. Holland House.. a band? or event? Ha.. but there was just people roaming around, drinking beer, listening to this live band and wearing Orange.. just having a great time. I felt less like a tourist.. just enjoying the city with the rest of the people.
I felt pretty safe, comfortable and confident. It also made me quite excited to hopefully go explore more of the world and love it.. but England will always be the first!

I have come to a conclusion. I love England, honestly, this country is beautiful. I feel wherever I go... town, city, village, country, coast, I like it. But, what excites me even more, is that I feel confident I will like traveling too. And going to Ukraine, and hopefully, visiting other Euro. countries next year just pumps me up!
I had a few jokes directed towards my education today. First an old room mate said to me that when she meet me she thought I was educational, and intellectual.. then I decided to dropout of college and travel. Then I had another friend jokingly taunt me with "dropppouuuttt". I forgave them. Ha, because I knew they meant well, and then reassured me that I was.. intellectual and smart.
I have come to the the self evaluation that I like learning through the world. I said to both my friends "I'd rather see the Royal family's home then read about it!". I so badly want to see that the world can teach me.
Even being in England, where life is pretty comfortable for me, I have learned. There is so much out there to see it.. almost makes me anxious to see it all! Impossible. But, I know that I'd like to, so far.