How to explain...

How do you explain (and get them to understand!) to people you love that it's not that you don't want to share your pictures, stories, thoughts and experiences from a trip but are just too tired, emotional and haven't had space to even process your own thoughts yet? How do you explain the need for the familiar and a space of your own? I just need space...just for a few hours, days so I can figure myself out. I don't enjoy feeling like this; saying, "No, I don't want to talk" to the people that ask. Please understand.

Leaving London AGAIN...it's becoming more painful!

The last six weeks have been ones of joy, fun, sadness, frustration and hope. I have been challenged to think about and view life's fragility, deal with cultural taboos, attempt to speak in a foreign language, travel to "no travel" zones, sleep under the stars in the Saharan desert, make new friends, sleep in different time zones, eat 'organ-sauce,' begin loving to use outdoor "squatty--potties," hold babies, give and receive gifts, and so much more. What a privilege it is to travel!

My trip to Burkina Faso did not turn out at all the way I expected to...but then I expected that! What it did confirm, however, is my love for people of foreign countries and languages and my desire to work in humanitarian aid. Wrangling with rural nurses over treatment regimens and observing out-dated and outlandish clinical skills being practiced were challenging. However, one of the nurses I worked with was very open to whatever input I had which was absolutely wonderful.

I was blessed to have this opportunity to revisit England, catch up with friends, visit Burkina Faso, make new friends and a second family was an incredible opportunity. I am still thinking and processing so many things. But what I did find out is that no matter how good or bad an 'experience' is, that memory can still be looked on with fondness just because of the people who were present with you to experience it with you.

I will miss my Burkinabe family. I will miss London and my friends there. But I will have the opportunity to travel again (D.V.) and see new people, make new friends, speak new languages and try new cultural foods.

This coming summer is one of unknowns and 'knowns' (if I may say that about the future!), but it is one where I get to spend time with loved ones. How much better does it truly get?

Up, up and away!

Tomorrow I'm off again...another trip to the airport. I feel sometimes that the airport is more of a home than my actual "home" is...whatever and wherever that may be as I moved out of my place just before flying off to the UK. My next destination: Burkina Faso. Exact location: unknown. Job: Nurse with some advisory capacity. Purpose: varied medical endeavors. Yup, it really is all up in the air at this point. But then again, I am traveling to Africa where time has a completely different meaning. So, I think of it as a slight advantage that I am "in the dark" as to my exact duties and locations while in Burkina. Whatever happens happens. I just am stepping forward in faith and trusting that God will work through my own inadequacies and weakness to accomplish His purpose.

Burkina Faso happens to be one of those places that most people say to me when I say, "I'm going to Burkina Faso!", reply with, "Where is that?" Even a good African friend said to me that Burkina Faso (in comparison to my last trip to Zambia) is relatively backwoods. So, I am expecting little and hoping for much. Please pray for me as I step into a country unknown to me so that God's light will shine brightly!

I have had a wonderful last two weeks of vacation in London visiting and catching up with friends and finally. I have visited old haunts and have (unfortunately) gorged on way to many greasy (fish and chips) and fatty foods (cakes, pies, puddings, etc., etc.). I visited good friends in Oxford and experienced life as a "student," stepping into the colleges and participating in May Day (except for the bridge jumping part of course!). I am truly blessed that I could return and visit. To all my London friends, thank you.

Well, I'm off to sleep. It's an early start tomorrow!

A home away from home

I am back in London. Back in Bayswater. Back at the Vic League.
I'm rooming with a girl my own age who's from Australia.
This time I'm on the main floor with a street view so it's much noisier.
But despite that, I am very happy to be back in London again.
As I stepped of the plane into Heathrow, boarded the train to Paddington Stn. and then caught a bus to Westbourne Grove, I realized I was home. Although it is a bit dreary and wet, everything still looks the same even though eight months have passed. Yes, a few stores have switched ownership, but the main grocery and drug stores are still there.
I love London. It smells different. It smells good. All the different accents parroting around me is so good to hear. I walked down Queensway to pick up a few odds and ends and reactivate my cell phone and it was good to see that so little has changed.
I am tired from lack of sleep and sore from those horrible plane seats. But truly, it feels good to be back.
Who knows what the next few weeks will bring? :)

Cemeteries & Sinuses

Yup, cemeteries & sinuses. What do they have in common?????

Nothing. That's right! Nothing. Nothing at all!

Actually, to be fair, they have me in common. I woke up yesterday morning with a nice sinus infection. And then I went to visit Highgate Cemetery. So there is a connection however miniscule it may be.

But enough of that!
Highgate Cemetery is a famous burial ground renowned because people such as Karl Marx have been buried there. I only visited the 'safe' half as I forgot my wallet and couldn't afford the entrance fee of the west side...so that will be another day trip!

Although it is a place that could be considered grim, the overgrowth of ivy, flora and fauna, and the incredible carved stone angels transforms the area into a place of great beauty.

I did some research to try and understand the purpose of angels erected over grave sites and could find very little. However, what I did find is rather interesting - many people, Christian and non-Christian believe in the existence of angels. Beliefs that angels guide and protect mankind and intercede for people before God are held. As such, the position and action of the angel standing/sitting over the grave indicates certain requests or feelings. For example, an angel pointing upward is leading the sould toward heaven and its reward. (pics here)

There was one grave that I saw that stands in complete contrast to the graves 'watched over' by angels. This gravestone had the words DEAD carved into it. This person obviously believed that life ended after death in contrast to those who had angels erected over their graves signifying that they hoped life continued on for them in heaven.

I am thankful to say that I know that there is life after death and that a graveyard is just a temporary residence for the dead while awaiting the return of Jesus and the final resurrection.

P.S. Contrary to any beliefs held by my subscribers, it is NOT odd that someone would pay to visit a cemetery. Rather a person who does this is able to see beauty in unexpected places. At least, that is what I try to convince myself of.

Time flies when you're having fun!

I still cannot believe that I will have been here for 3 months in just four days! Time has really flown!
I won't deny that not everything about being here has been rosy, but it sure has challenged my outlook on many things and has motivated me to make changes in my life when I return home. My health has not been my bestfriend for the past while, but through it God has slowed me down.

This past month and a bit has been a real time of thinking for me. Thinking about my life, my goals, my motivations, my relationships and so much more. I am still completely overwhelmed by the fact that I can be here in London and study a subject that interests me and not have to work. An opportunity like this might only come once in a lifetime...and for that I am truly blessed!

I think the best thing that has been a huge blessing to me is that I have finally found a church! Praise God! Although I have met many wonderful Christians in the past few months, finding a Christian community that I can invest in is amazing! I am looking forward to further services, bible studies and the fellowship!

Learning Generosity!!

So, as I mentioned in my previous post, I have been struggling with some pain in my hips. This prevented me from getting around Paris (hence the large amount spent on Taxi rides!) because I had pain walking, standing or taking the stairs. It was a huge spiritual learning curve (and still is!!!) to be in a foreign country, away from family and friends, unable to get around on my own, not able to manage my pain and struggle with lots of anxieties. However, God is faithful and He was (and is!) watching out for me.

I had originally planned and booked my vacation to Paris on my own. I had booked a bed in 10 bed mixed dorm room hostel on my own. Several days before I left I found out that two other girls (one of which is in my course) were going to Paris at the same time. I cancelled my bed booking and booked a room to share between us three girls. This was the first major blessing - when I had to spend the entire day lying down in bed in Paris, I had an entire room to myself! Praise God for that!

Travelling with these girls also enabled me to get around a bit more than I would have on my own. We made sure to meet up every night for dinner at a French restaurant and sample "rea" French food and wine. It definitely made the day much more positive, especially when I was 'stuck' in one spot as I had trouble getting around.
I had a lot of pain so I also ended up taking taxis pretty much everywhere which is quite expensive in Paris. These girls, although they had bought unlimited public transport passes, were more than willing to split up the cost of the taxi fairs, despite my protests. What kindness!

Musee D'Orsay was one spot I really wanted to visit as they have impressionist and post-impressionist painters and I really enjoy that era. So, one afternoon I headed off to the museum, fully prepared to take it real slow and sit down every 1/2 hour or so. As I waited in line, I met a fellow Canadian gentleman, who was killing the weekend in Paris while on a business trip. We chatted for about 1/2 hour, and then, when we finally got into the museum suggested tackling the museum together. I told him to go on ahead as I would be VERY slow - He declined and said that it was not problem. Not only was he extremely patient with me as I had to sit down regularly, he was also quite knowledgeable about the art and so I had my own private tour!
At the end of the visit, he kindly offered to take me to my train to make sure that I got onto the right one. However, just before we left he stopped in the gift shop and purchased me a Museum guide filled with pictures of many of the paintings. I was, and still am, overwhelmed by the kindness of a stranger. It still brings tears to my eyes to experience such generosity and thoughtfulness. I unfortunately don't remember his name, but I pray that I will learn from this. I can only praise God for this man and wonder, was he an angel?

On my return train journey into Paris, I received a text from a friend in London who offered to meet me at the station in London and carry my bag home for me. Again, I am overwhelmed by God's provision!

Although I am still struggling with pain and frustration over getting around, God has shown that he cares for me through the acts of strangers and friends. He has taught me that He is a God of compassion, generosity and mercy. I hope and pray that I will not forget this but will, when called upon, enact that same spirit of generosity to others!

"It is more blessed to give than receive." Acts 20:35