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

Le Grande Paris!

This past weekend I was in Le Grande Paris! Due to some health problems I didn't get around to see as much as I had hoped, but I did enjoy what I got to see and learned a GIANT amount about generosity, compassion and God's provision (more on this in a future blog!)

Just as a brief overview to explain the pictures, I visited the Sacre Coeur, La Place de Tetre in Montmartre, the Catacombs, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and Musee D'Orsay.

I spent the majority of my time eating - freshly made crepes with nutella, creme brulee gelato, pain au chocolate, croissants and baguettes - and drinking vin rouge. Let me just say that there IS such a thing as too much good food! I think I will have to starve myself for the next month! :)

I sat in the park by the Eiffel Tower with friends and picniced on baguettes, cheese and wine and was able to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night. I watched artists paint on canvas. I smelled and tasted fresh baking. I ate escargot. I drove around in a LOT of taxis. I attempted to speak French (an absolute failure!). I was accosted by French men. I listened to live music.

I don't think that there is one sense that is not used!

On a more gruesome note, I visited the Catacombs. Basically, the Catacombs is a bone collection of 5 to 6 million people. It is a network of subterranean tunnels and rooms located in what were Roman-era limestone quarries.  The quarries were converted into a mass tomb near the end of the 18th century, because at the time, the Les Halles district in the middle of the city of Paris was suffering from disease, which was due to contamination caused by improper burials and mass graves in church graveyards. So it was decided to remove the bones discreetly and place them in the abandoned quarries.

On a bit of a more wholesome note, I was able to visit the Musee D'Orsay. It was really nice to walk through a museum filled with paintings by Degas, Renoir, Monet, Szanne and other famous impressionist painters.

Hope you enjoy these as much as I did!!

Signs of Life

This past weekend, we remembered the death and resurrection of Christ. In England, if you aren't a Christian, you call the holiday "bank holidays." How blessed we are that we celebrate Good Friday and Easter and are dead to sin and alive in Christ!

Although I didn't have my family with me I enjoyed the sun and the celebration of Easter by spending the day with friends in the Pergola. I have pictures of it in an earlier blog, but these are new ones, showing new life and the hope the comes with spring! The flowers were in full bloom, the bees were buzzing around gathering pollen, and the sun was shining brightly! I don't think there is a better way to spend Easter than outside, enjoying the smells and signs of life after a winter!

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." Matthew 28:6

A Visit to the Motherland :)

So, the day my parents left, I left to Holland for six days. It was a busy six days, mostly because I was constantly on the move. Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself immensely as I visited quite a few relatives who were very welcoming and kind, ate LOTS of Dutch food and had such beautiful weather.

I left London with a light, half-full bag and came back with an extremely heavy bag stuffed full of vla, dropjes, hagelsla and treats. SO bad, yet SO good! haha.

I spent a day biking in and around Amsterdam (which was great - mostly because I had hurt my ankle) , stayed with a cousin in Almere, attempted to chat in Dutch with relatives in Spakenburg and ended up in Kampen.

I don't have many pictures, but the few that I do have are here.

A Visit from Home

So, it has been a busy past few weeks...which is why I haven't been blogging or putting up pictures.
Two weeks ago on Sunday evening I phoned home to find that my parents were coming that very Friday. The next morning I went into fast forward mode and started to scout hotels for them to stay in. Praise God that I found one down the street from me! It was clean, quiet and newly refurbished. I spent the next few days trying to come up with a tour strategy so that they would be able to see as much of London as possible in a short six days!

They arrived Friday morning and I kept them busy until late in the evening until the day they left. We visited museums, markets, the Tower of London, walked through parks, drove to Bath and Stonehenge and ate TONS of food!
It was so nice to have my parents see where I live and also have the opportunity to do all the things I have been able to do while living here.
I think my parents (and myself :)!! also really enjoyed the cider as I have been told that they want to start importing it to Canada! haha. I have to agree that that is a really good idea!

For pictures of their visit....including Stonehenge, Bath, Borough Market, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London..CLICK HERE

While I was glad that they were in London with me, I was constantly feeling stressed out trying to plan things and also arrange my trip to Holland that was planned for the day they were leaving. I am sure I was pretty miserable company at times... However, all in all, it was so much fun! Thx for coming dad & mom! Lots of love!!!

Marlybone and Sherlocke Holmes

So, I woke up to grey skies and rain. Not exactly my favourity thing in the world...but still, I figured I would use this day to actually visit a museum. I haven't done a lot of museums since arriving due to all the lovely weather we've been having so I still have quite a few to choose from!

The Wallace Collection is "a family collection in origin. Its works of art were collected between about 1760 and 1880 by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess. It is probably best known for its paintings by artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Hals (The Laughing Cavalier) and Velázquez and for its superb collections of eighteenth-century French paintings, porcelain, furniture and gold boxes, probably the best to be found anywhere outside France."

It is quite a beautiful and flashy collection of paintings, furniture, armour and such. Definitely stuff I love! Enjoy the pics!

I passed by The Sherlocke Holmes Museum which was kinda neat. But I couldn't think about paying to see it as he is, after all, a fictional character. The books and my imagination will have to suffice.

I also managed to finally make my way out to The Regent's Park - although I only walked 1km or so before heading back out...this is a park I hope to visit with my parents!!! With all the birds, the water and blooming flowers it brings happy tidings of spring.

London: A wealthy city in need...

London is a city of thrills, shopping, history, pubs, food, and tourists. But it is also a city in desperate need of a Saviour. It is so easy to get caught up in all the tourist attractions and historical beauty and materialism and forget that there is an invisible spiritual battle being fought in every shop, street, and tube station.

Since I have arrived here I have struggled. I can't even say how. It's like this un-named struggle that is in my subconscious and barely even noticeable unless I am actively searching out my thoughts and emotions. I guess I could say that I have felt extremely distant from my feelings and thoughts...I will take the liberty and compare it to London spiritually: a city with a void, a void where people are not connected to THE reality, a need for LIFE and HOPE which can only be found in our awesome God.

All I can say is this: I crave your prayers. Prayers for spiritual insight, protection and for me to feel God's presence strongly. How I desire to step forward in faith, fulfilling my calling to be His chosen, royal and holy child, a woman for His own possession "that [I might] proclaim the excellencies of Him who called [me] out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

I know there is hope because we serve a God who has overcome the world (John 16:33).
The coming of spring and these flowers are a sign that life is possible.

Canterbury

Yesterday I spent the day with two gals from my class in the old city of Canterbury. Canterbury is a beautiful town with rich history and great architectural beauty: It houses three buildings that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stepping out of the train station the first things to be seen are castle ruins and a wall dating from the Roman period. Later, when walking through these ruins, I was overwhelmed by the thought that I was standing in the same building (obviously in much worse condition now :) that people had lived in in the 11th century! Canterbury castle's dungeon also jailed Christians who were martyred for their faith under 'Bloody Mary.'

I had my first banger's & mash - a delicious meal consisting of 3 sausages, a huge pile of dijon-flavoured potatoes, smothered in gravy. I topped it off with a British alcoholic cider....SO good!

We stopped in a few charity shops, visited the Canterbury Museum and ended up in Greyfriar's. Greyfriar's is a beautiful garden (named for the monks who wore grey habits) with a stream running through it and some delightful old ruins.

We also visited the oldest church in England (a UNESCO Heritage Site) - St. Martin's, which dates from the time 6th century!!!!! The graveyard was pretty cool and overgrown. Unfortunately we weren't able to visit St. Augustine's Abbey as it doesn't open until April 1st (yes! we missed it be 1 day!!!).

Last, but not, we ended the evening strolling through the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral. I have never seen such beautiful cloisters! As the bells tolled, I could picture monks or nuns walking through those halls on their way to evensong or vespers.

We were able to attend evensong - I find that every church's service has something special to offer: this time the Anthem consisted of the choir and a cellist....beautiful!

The inside of Canterbury Cathedral is breath-taking! It is nothing like St. Paul's Cathedral with all of its gold and glitter (literally). Rather, it's beauty is more in the sheer simplicity of it's gray stone carvings and the rows of tall columns. It is breath-taking to see the columns rise hundred's of feet in the air - and to think that people had the ability to create buildings of such beauty and skill hundreds of years ago! I think I may have to visit this place again....

If interested you can see some of my pictures or read more about the history of the cathedral here.

Can we really empower people and create change?!?!

Hello everyone!

I have now been here 1 month and have had four weeks of classes. It has been a time of adjustment for me as not only have I moved away from the familiar but my eyes have been opened to many global issues. I would really like to share some of the things I have been learning with you! Just so you get an idea, the  aim of my course is as follows:

1.      To prepare nurses to work in tropical and resource poor situations by developing knowledge and understanding of:

a.      The causes, the diagnosis, the prevention and the treatment of many major tropical diseases.

b.      Cultural, structural and organisational aspects of working in tropical and resource poor situations.

Most of what I am doing here with regards to my studies is self-directed. I sit in lectures from specialists in different fields of study on various topics every Wednesday from 9:00 to 18:00. I then spend 1-2 days doing reading and research.

I would really like it if you would watch the following videos:

A Slum Insight

Girl Effect

These videos portray some of the situations that we will face when working in tropical areas and what the course is trying to teach us to deal with. Life can sometimes be very overwhelming….

Pergola & Hill

This is the place that I was talking about in one of my earlier posts - a delightful garden that I will have to return to when everything is blooming. Enjoy!

Market Day

I think that yesterday was the best day I have had since arriving here. I spent the entire day with Kristy, a fellow student in accomodation at my hall. She was good medicine for me; she encouraged me to remove my watch (haha!) and just go with the day. And we definitely had a very fun day with no ties on our time! We spent 11 hours wandering through markets and shops!

We started out in Borough Market spending hours sampling breads, olive oils, cheeses, fudge, turkish delight (which I found out is not too bad tasting!) and pastries. I had the best baklava I have EVER eaten - cinnamon something or other that will definitely have to be a repeated experience in a few months time!

We then made our way to Spitalfields Market which happened to have just finished for the day (now on my list for next Saturday's outing!). Not to be deterred we hopped back on the tube and headed for Covent Gardens on the spur of the moment. What a fun surprise to find that there was a huge market there! We then spent several hours going in and out of stores, stopping at little booths and sampling more delicious sweets.

After many long hours of shopping and acting the tourist we lounged in a cool little venue with a glass of wine. I am SO excited about this little place and cannot wait to return!

We then headed back to our hall where I made a delicious spaghetti meal. We sampled more food (haha!) - cheese with fig spread on crackers, chocolate and a portuguese custard tart.

Needless to say, I was exhausted and actually slept in past 7:15 this morning! All I can say was that I hope my pictures give you a little taste of my day and let you share in the experience!

Love you all!
R

To date...

Today is one of those beautiful, mild days where the sun shines so brightly and you cannot help but feel happy to be alive. I spent the afternoon with two new friends wandering through borough market, tasting delicious foods (namely a good hamburger!), and having good conversations. We strolled along the Thames and meandered through the courtyard at St. Paul's Cathedral. I spent the rest of the day walking in my neighbourhood, dropping in and out of little shops, sipping on a refreshing mango passionfruit smoothie...my new favourite drink. I definitely am living a blessed life!

Unfortunately I forgot my camera today, but I have managed to snap a few photos on my last few day trips; some of the pictures are from the Imperial War Museum (absolutely incredible!!), the Victoria & Albert Museum, Kensington Gardens and my neighbourhood. There is so much character and history and beauty in the bit I have seen that it is kind of intimidating to think what else London has in store!
I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do!

Pros and Cons to London

I am constantly being reminded (and reminding myself:) that it is an tremendous opportunity to study and live in England. HOWEVER,.....

There are a few things that I am consistently frustrated by:
1. my painful feet as a result of constant walking on PAVEMENT!
2. the difficulty of finding good footwear.
3. the amount of air pollution
   a) from all the cars/buses/motorcycles
   b) the large amount of people smoking EVERYWHERE - there is NO consideration. People just blow smoke into your face. they smoke in front of you, upwind of you,.....
4. delicious carbohydrates and fat: scones, hot cross buns, pastries, cakes that are covered with cream (just for the sake of it!), and the list goes on and on....and on....
5. the beautiful weather that suddenly changes into chilly breezes (NOT so good for the cold I've been nursing)
6. the HORDES of tourists - DON't EVEN SAY IT! I am NOT a tourist. technically I am a student who in her spare time wanders around the city
7. increased cost of living...due to...
8. our "lovely" cdn to gbp exchange rate

However, there are certain things I do love about London that we could definitely learn from:
1. EXCELLENT transportation links and even better directions on buses/in bus stops/everywhere
2. only 1 transport system to pay for
3. refined English accents
4. turkey breasts at REASONABLE prices available at ALL stores
5. old buildings and history
6. free access to so many museums
7. old pubs
8. TONS of markets to browse through for hours

Tropical Nursing in ?England?

So today was my second day of school. It still makes me laugh inside to think I only have class one day a week and have so much free time to really enjoy the beautiful museums, parks, and markets London has to offer.

I have to say, though, it is nice to have some direction and purpose here. Today, I felt (at last!) that I finally learned something. I'm excited (in a nerdy way) to head off to the library/museum tomorrow and buckle down and do some research! I feel I now have some purpose!

For those of you who don't know, my course is called a Diploma in Tropical Nursing. Basically it briefly introduces us (nurses & midwives) to issues we would face if we worked in the Tropics and gives some direction on how to deal with them. It is expected that the lectures are a stepping stone for our own studies. Plus we also spend a few hours each week in the lab learning to diagnose tropical disease with microscopes. Cool, eh?

My course director is an amazing woman named Claire Bertschinger who is extremely friendly and who is constantly interacting with us. I think that is what really makes this program stand out - there is a lot of interaction between staff and students.

And YES!, my course is in London, England of all places! One may ask, "Why?!"
My guess would be that: a) there are a large group of people who immigrate from the tropics to England and as a result the UK see many people with tropical diseases, b)proximity to Asia, Africa,
c) I actually have no idea :)  - - - - - haha. I guess I will have to find out!

MY SCHOOL - There are bugs ALL over the building (inside & outside) which is pretty cool!