The past few days have been spent in all of our new classes... which (like I said on Monday) are long, but pretty interesting. Just like at Penn State though, I change my mind at the last minute as to which classes I want to take, cuz it just makes life interesting.
Well, instead of taking a computer games in education class (which was a really good first lesson), I'm transferring into a Citizenship, Race, and Ethnicity class. I looked at the syllabus, and its going to be really interesting. I've been channeling my cultural, sociological and historical side lately.
For example, today, we took a train from Bognor to Arundel and walked to the Castle. It was beautiful... exploring the gardens, the castle, climbing the windy-tiny steps up to the top of the "keep" where most of the fortification was. Needless to say, my inner nerd was quite at peace. The bonus was that two of the U.K. students in our program, and the 3 Swedish kids came along as well (aka, our cohorts)... so we've been doing quite a bit of bonding. It's rather amazing that so far we've all been getting along pretty well. Although, it was nice today to break off into smaller groups of four when we went around the Castle... sometimes I feel like a little duckling... and am rather hindered? by walking with an entire group... even though I'm having fun. It's nice to be intimate.
While I'm on the discussion of history, and potentially taking a class that might not transfer as what I need for education (who the heck knows at this point), I do know that I could get the class to transfer as a history or geography credit, which would be cool also (since, until 6 months ago, I was working toward a history major). I doubt I can still make that work... but all the same, I don't think I'm ruling it out for good. Additionally, I'm not ruling out teaching secondary ed (history, and then history education were my initial majors). I'm in elementary education now (which I'm completely interested in, and what I love to do). BUT, I've realized I get bored rather easily... and am going to want options... potentially work in different types of school settings because I have so many interests.
The latest interest (although its been there forever really) has been math education. If you know me, I'm SO not a math brain. But I've gotten through some of the tougher classes by hardwork, teacher help, mom's guidance, and lots of tears (seriously). I've always thought of myself as not being good at math, but I never stopped to consider that I was mostly in the higher levels, which is an achievement in itself. I just didn't naturally click every concept. Over the years I've tutored people my age (or younger) in math... mainly algebra1,2, or geometry. And I can do that. I can understand math concepts in math terms... but explain them to non-math brains, like myself. So, that long rant was pretty much my way of saying that I'll be also going for my middle school math certification after graduation. Pretty unimportant for you all to know... but runs along the vein of me not limiting myself anymore... being open minded... learning more about what I enjoy... and not stressing about classes fitting and transferring perfectly.
A good friend encourages people in her blog to find "beauty in the imperfections." My perfectionist nature goes against this... but I've been striving the past few years to let go, and just let life happen with God's control. I'm becoming an adventurer (who still does a bit of worrying and planning of course), which I never thought I'd be.
That was a super ADD post... one of these days I'm going to talk about my 2008-2010 battle with fearlessness... since its kinda been my anthem... it should make all my ramblings a lot more sensible.
peace and love :)
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Monday 14 September 2009
Mighty to Save
Everyone needs compassion,
a love that's never failing,
let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
the kindness of a Savior,
the hope of nations...
Savior, he can move the mountains.
My God is Mighty to Save, he is mighty to Save.
Forever, author of salvation,
he rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave...
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
we're singing, for the glory of the risen King,
Jesus
... Ah Hillsong. How I've missed you.
Okay, let's be fair... I haven't been to ACF in what, 2 weeks? That's not long at all. Well, apparently it is. I can't tell you how instantly relaxed and content I felt as soon as the worship band at the English church I visited started playing. Not just any Hillsong song, MY SONG. There's something about Mighty to Save that has always grabbed me. To be fair, it wasn't nearly as musically awesome at acf (no ridiculous electric guitar or anything)... but it was fantastic. I'm actually fairly certain that I'm not going to shop around for churches. I found it on try #1. And I didn't even pick it. Erik, one of the Swedish students' host mom offered to take a few of us to her church on Sunday. Thank. The. Lord. haha.
Well, the brits have church figured out a bit better I think... after the songs (like 5 or 6 of them) and announcements and stuff they have a 10-15 minute tea and coffee break/greeting time. Its awesome. You get to talk, eat, drink, meet people, etc. I had pretty much decided already that this was my church before the sermon... but I resolved to hear it out and be unbiased (and not just choose on music and everything thus far). The sermon was about being a "contagious christian." BINGO!!
That's why I'm here. I'm not the type of person to just talk about what I believe in, and I'm definitely not the type of person who thinks that what I believe is the one and only truth. But, I do know that I love God and people... and that I get such peace, joy, and fulfillment from my relationship with Jesus and living my life for him and through him. In "Mighty to Save" it talks about that as well... just being a light. Letting other people see the joy you get from God and not temporary fixes... being grounded in beliefs. The speaker talked about being "attractive" to other people in the sense that they should see something different in you, something exciting and appealing... my love for God shouldn't be hidden, a secret. I want people to know there's something special about me from the start.
I don't think that my purpose for coming here has been to necessarily minister to other people... I think the fact that I'm here is a good opportunity to put into practice what I already know... I'm supposed to minister all the time. But am I strong enough to not change what I know to be true about me and my life simply because I'm in a different location? definitely a constant prayer of strength and persistence for me right now.
On a lighter? note, school started today. Whoa are classes different. A few hours long once a week, rather than the psu way. That's okay with me. No tests, also okay with me. One big project, okay with me... except you simply can't procrastinate because we HAVE to use the library. Uh-Oh. Can I get a collective groan from University Park? Yea, I'm not big into using the library unless it's online with the CAT or ProQuest. Or, if I'm going inside simply for UCM scavenger hunt purposes. So that'll be different. But, I met the rest of the British kids in our program today, which is great. They are excited to take us around England in the coming months.
Speaking of which (i know the post is getting lengthy... sorry!), Planning travel is a pain in my rump (how English am I right?) It would be easy if it was just me... but we have at least 10 people... some who want to do things one way, some another. Oh its super stressful... and its already beginning to take its toll on me. I like to be relaxed and "do whatever," but at the same time... I know that I feel more comfortable if I'm the one planning and looking into everything. It's just a lot of stress and responsibility. So far nothing's been decided... but we'll get there. Ah.
Well, I'm off for now... Jo and Dick are calling for dinner (which should be about a 3 hour period of time... they are TALKERS!!!)
Ciao!
ps. Saw the VMA video of Kanye tearing up my girl Taylor. Cheer her up and listen to the new Boys like Girls ft. Taylor Swift song "Two is Better than One." K. Great, thanks!
a love that's never failing,
let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
the kindness of a Savior,
the hope of nations...
Savior, he can move the mountains.
My God is Mighty to Save, he is mighty to Save.
Forever, author of salvation,
he rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave...
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
we're singing, for the glory of the risen King,
Jesus
... Ah Hillsong. How I've missed you.
Okay, let's be fair... I haven't been to ACF in what, 2 weeks? That's not long at all. Well, apparently it is. I can't tell you how instantly relaxed and content I felt as soon as the worship band at the English church I visited started playing. Not just any Hillsong song, MY SONG. There's something about Mighty to Save that has always grabbed me. To be fair, it wasn't nearly as musically awesome at acf (no ridiculous electric guitar or anything)... but it was fantastic. I'm actually fairly certain that I'm not going to shop around for churches. I found it on try #1. And I didn't even pick it. Erik, one of the Swedish students' host mom offered to take a few of us to her church on Sunday. Thank. The. Lord. haha.
Well, the brits have church figured out a bit better I think... after the songs (like 5 or 6 of them) and announcements and stuff they have a 10-15 minute tea and coffee break/greeting time. Its awesome. You get to talk, eat, drink, meet people, etc. I had pretty much decided already that this was my church before the sermon... but I resolved to hear it out and be unbiased (and not just choose on music and everything thus far). The sermon was about being a "contagious christian." BINGO!!
That's why I'm here. I'm not the type of person to just talk about what I believe in, and I'm definitely not the type of person who thinks that what I believe is the one and only truth. But, I do know that I love God and people... and that I get such peace, joy, and fulfillment from my relationship with Jesus and living my life for him and through him. In "Mighty to Save" it talks about that as well... just being a light. Letting other people see the joy you get from God and not temporary fixes... being grounded in beliefs. The speaker talked about being "attractive" to other people in the sense that they should see something different in you, something exciting and appealing... my love for God shouldn't be hidden, a secret. I want people to know there's something special about me from the start.
I don't think that my purpose for coming here has been to necessarily minister to other people... I think the fact that I'm here is a good opportunity to put into practice what I already know... I'm supposed to minister all the time. But am I strong enough to not change what I know to be true about me and my life simply because I'm in a different location? definitely a constant prayer of strength and persistence for me right now.
On a lighter? note, school started today. Whoa are classes different. A few hours long once a week, rather than the psu way. That's okay with me. No tests, also okay with me. One big project, okay with me... except you simply can't procrastinate because we HAVE to use the library. Uh-Oh. Can I get a collective groan from University Park? Yea, I'm not big into using the library unless it's online with the CAT or ProQuest. Or, if I'm going inside simply for UCM scavenger hunt purposes. So that'll be different. But, I met the rest of the British kids in our program today, which is great. They are excited to take us around England in the coming months.
Speaking of which (i know the post is getting lengthy... sorry!), Planning travel is a pain in my rump (how English am I right?) It would be easy if it was just me... but we have at least 10 people... some who want to do things one way, some another. Oh its super stressful... and its already beginning to take its toll on me. I like to be relaxed and "do whatever," but at the same time... I know that I feel more comfortable if I'm the one planning and looking into everything. It's just a lot of stress and responsibility. So far nothing's been decided... but we'll get there. Ah.
Well, I'm off for now... Jo and Dick are calling for dinner (which should be about a 3 hour period of time... they are TALKERS!!!)
Ciao!
ps. Saw the VMA video of Kanye tearing up my girl Taylor. Cheer her up and listen to the new Boys like Girls ft. Taylor Swift song "Two is Better than One." K. Great, thanks!
Friday 11 September 2009
Let's talk about English weather shall we?
4 Days, 0 Precipitation
I was under the impression that it would be dreary, rainy, and dark. FALSE. (black bear! ... kidding). Literally the past 4 ish days I've been here have been gorgeous... sunny skies... t shirts... flip flops. Although, it probably drops about 40 degrees when the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds (or those crazy coastal winds decide to pick up).
Anywhoo, I mention the weather because its one of the opposites I've found so far. I expected it to be gross all the time, it is not. Another one: I expected public transportation to be easy: it is not. We're working out the kinks and will eventually have it sorted, but so far my sense of direction is a lot bit pathetic. As are the state of my poor feet. Apparently walking in England for 4 days gives me more blisters than 3 weeks of European excursions on even cobblier streets. (yes i'm also inducting cobblier to the dictionary). So thats a big surprise. Although, I'm kind of okay with it. Its proof to me that I'm being active. Since I'm so directionally challenged, I'm semi uncomfortable going on even a mile or so jog... I will get lost. So, its been quite a while since I've done any running... and I'm getting antsy! ha!
Who would have thought I'd ever say that right? Another opposite I've found... I'm the one who wants to do the long walks... get a little lost... who isn't buying the delicious blueberry muffins (sigh). I'm having so much fun soaking up everything I'm seeing, its almost like I don't have to actually buy any of it (adorable clothing stores included... thus far ;)) Additionally, I almost feel like if I do buy one thing, that will get me going and I'll just want to buy everything! I keep seeing great stuff for people at home... but to be honest... I don't know how I'd afford anything, or more importantly, how I'd get it home!
Regardless, the aforementioned cuteness relates to Chichester... which yes, is the name of my school. There are two campuses though, and mine (the tiny one) is in Bognor. The larger campus is in Chichester (about a 30 min bus ride). So we took that today and walked around campus and the downtown (which is much bigger and gorgeous). There are some Roman ruins and other buildings dating back to about 11o0. Plus there is Kate Moss's clothing store, some great bakeries, and there was an open air market that gave out bunches of free samples. It is awesome. Everything is wider, prettier, there are more cottagey looking homes... parks... etc.
Speaking of parks... our group chilled in a park talking and eating lunch for about an hour. So far its been the 3 Swedish kids and the Americans. We got talking about our sore feet and Melissa mentioned she wanted a piggy back. They were super confused, so I hopped on Melissa's back to show them... they DO NOT piggy back in Sweden (let alone birdie on a perch!) They were laughing hysterically and also explained that a pig does not "oink" it "nuff nuffs". Which pretty much made my day. (And made up for all the obnoxious and creepy catcalls and honking Brittany and I get every time we walk down the street. Really people? It's dark... ya cant even see what we look like! hahaha).
Anywhoo... super excited for tonight... most of us are pretty spent, so we're hosting a movie night at our homestay... unfortunately none of my movies work in the British dvd players... so who knows what we'll watch... but we bought snacks! (Yes mom... i've been to a few grocery stores :)) I'm so glad we have a host family that allows us to do chill stuff like this, and not be pressured to leave the house at night.
Now I'm off for a traditional English breakfast, for Supper! What could be better than eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes... yum yum
I was under the impression that it would be dreary, rainy, and dark. FALSE. (black bear! ... kidding). Literally the past 4 ish days I've been here have been gorgeous... sunny skies... t shirts... flip flops. Although, it probably drops about 40 degrees when the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds (or those crazy coastal winds decide to pick up).
Anywhoo, I mention the weather because its one of the opposites I've found so far. I expected it to be gross all the time, it is not. Another one: I expected public transportation to be easy: it is not. We're working out the kinks and will eventually have it sorted, but so far my sense of direction is a lot bit pathetic. As are the state of my poor feet. Apparently walking in England for 4 days gives me more blisters than 3 weeks of European excursions on even cobblier streets. (yes i'm also inducting cobblier to the dictionary). So thats a big surprise. Although, I'm kind of okay with it. Its proof to me that I'm being active. Since I'm so directionally challenged, I'm semi uncomfortable going on even a mile or so jog... I will get lost. So, its been quite a while since I've done any running... and I'm getting antsy! ha!
Who would have thought I'd ever say that right? Another opposite I've found... I'm the one who wants to do the long walks... get a little lost... who isn't buying the delicious blueberry muffins (sigh). I'm having so much fun soaking up everything I'm seeing, its almost like I don't have to actually buy any of it (adorable clothing stores included... thus far ;)) Additionally, I almost feel like if I do buy one thing, that will get me going and I'll just want to buy everything! I keep seeing great stuff for people at home... but to be honest... I don't know how I'd afford anything, or more importantly, how I'd get it home!
Regardless, the aforementioned cuteness relates to Chichester... which yes, is the name of my school. There are two campuses though, and mine (the tiny one) is in Bognor. The larger campus is in Chichester (about a 30 min bus ride). So we took that today and walked around campus and the downtown (which is much bigger and gorgeous). There are some Roman ruins and other buildings dating back to about 11o0. Plus there is Kate Moss's clothing store, some great bakeries, and there was an open air market that gave out bunches of free samples. It is awesome. Everything is wider, prettier, there are more cottagey looking homes... parks... etc.
Speaking of parks... our group chilled in a park talking and eating lunch for about an hour. So far its been the 3 Swedish kids and the Americans. We got talking about our sore feet and Melissa mentioned she wanted a piggy back. They were super confused, so I hopped on Melissa's back to show them... they DO NOT piggy back in Sweden (let alone birdie on a perch!) They were laughing hysterically and also explained that a pig does not "oink" it "nuff nuffs". Which pretty much made my day. (And made up for all the obnoxious and creepy catcalls and honking Brittany and I get every time we walk down the street. Really people? It's dark... ya cant even see what we look like! hahaha).
Anywhoo... super excited for tonight... most of us are pretty spent, so we're hosting a movie night at our homestay... unfortunately none of my movies work in the British dvd players... so who knows what we'll watch... but we bought snacks! (Yes mom... i've been to a few grocery stores :)) I'm so glad we have a host family that allows us to do chill stuff like this, and not be pressured to leave the house at night.
Now I'm off for a traditional English breakfast, for Supper! What could be better than eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes... yum yum
Wednesday 9 September 2009
You're in England Love!
So my first official post comes to you after my first official day in England! Still a little jet lagged and definitely a little disoriented when I walk around, but it's been great here so far. Got here safely and easily. God is good :)
The program I'm in with school (in case you don't know), is a year long... I spend my first semester here in Bognor Regis in West Sussex England at the University of Chichester. Next semester, I'm off to Jonkoping Uni in Sweden. BUT, we are not talking about Sweden yet. One thing at a time, kapish?? Anyway, its for College of Education Students (from Sweden and the UK as well)... and we're definitely already doing lots of learning...
We learned to look left before we cross streets, not say "pants", but trousers... (pants means underwear fyi), and that we definitely stick out like sore thumbs :) Even though public transportation is "easy," everything is still super expensive here, and there's about 12 different ways to get to one place... which actually makes it complicated.
On a lighter note, my host parents are fantastic. Typical dry English humor, uber friendly, adorable house, could sit and talk at dinner forever! Brittany (my roommate) and I are loving it here, and LOVING the fact that we aren't alone.
I realize this is an epically boring blog thus far... don't you worry. It will get better. Will it? Hopefully. I guess I just wanted to get all the technicalities out of the way first... I plan on telling funny stories and adding my opinions, thoughts, beliefs, and all that super fun jazz later. To be frank, I haven't yet decided what this blog is intended for. Initially, I decided I'd do it to keep everyone updated so I wouldn't have to tell the same stories 27 hundred times. Lately though, Ive been thinking that maybe I could share a little more than the basics... more about me, my life, my faith, my fears, my friendships too. We shall see!
Until then I'll remember what my bus driver said today when I straight up told him I was confused... "It's okay you've got a smile, love. You'll be alright."
Cheers!
The program I'm in with school (in case you don't know), is a year long... I spend my first semester here in Bognor Regis in West Sussex England at the University of Chichester. Next semester, I'm off to Jonkoping Uni in Sweden. BUT, we are not talking about Sweden yet. One thing at a time, kapish?? Anyway, its for College of Education Students (from Sweden and the UK as well)... and we're definitely already doing lots of learning...
We learned to look left before we cross streets, not say "pants", but trousers... (pants means underwear fyi), and that we definitely stick out like sore thumbs :) Even though public transportation is "easy," everything is still super expensive here, and there's about 12 different ways to get to one place... which actually makes it complicated.
On a lighter note, my host parents are fantastic. Typical dry English humor, uber friendly, adorable house, could sit and talk at dinner forever! Brittany (my roommate) and I are loving it here, and LOVING the fact that we aren't alone.
I realize this is an epically boring blog thus far... don't you worry. It will get better. Will it? Hopefully. I guess I just wanted to get all the technicalities out of the way first... I plan on telling funny stories and adding my opinions, thoughts, beliefs, and all that super fun jazz later. To be frank, I haven't yet decided what this blog is intended for. Initially, I decided I'd do it to keep everyone updated so I wouldn't have to tell the same stories 27 hundred times. Lately though, Ive been thinking that maybe I could share a little more than the basics... more about me, my life, my faith, my fears, my friendships too. We shall see!
Until then I'll remember what my bus driver said today when I straight up told him I was confused... "It's okay you've got a smile, love. You'll be alright."
Cheers!
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