Good things can't last forever...

Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)

Cinque Terre (coast of Italy)


Roman Ruins (Rome)

I miss America.

I miss Tennessee.

I miss my family, friends, house, weather (sun, real rain, thunder!!) and Chick-fil-a. It’s time to sit on the front porch with a sweet tea and have my brother play his guitar for me. I am itching to jump into the lake and wear shorts. I miss the Smokey Mountains and driving my car.

I’ve already smoked over 30 packs of cigarettes (aka fags) due to the pollution in the Tube. Oh well.

You’re probably thinking, “Olivia- it’s London. WHY on earth would you want to come home?!”

Don’t get wrong. It is really great here. I am having a blast with some of my best friends in one of the most international cities in the world. I am so blessed. This has been such an enriching experience.
I have learned so much. I don’t think I will realize entirely the impact this time has had on me for a long time.

I have literally traveled the world. I’ve got stamps on my passport from more countries I could have ever imagined I would have. I’ve been lost in the Italian ghetto, walked the Berlin Wall line, had a baguette fight under the Eiffel Tower, hiked the coast of Italy, sat on the edge of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, and hiked in the natural beauty of Scotland. I have been in so many churches and museums I don’t think I’ll ever step foot into one again (for tourist purposes). Haha.

I hate to change the mood, but I’ve seen heartbrokenness. Walking by countless homeless people, many of them women, begging for money- some of them with their faces on the sidewalk in utter shame- penniless. When I ride the tube sometimes I feel like I can see the aching and questioning of peoples’ hearts- the fear of the unknown and lack of purpose. I can’t help but wonder ‘Will they ever know Jesus?’ It’s tough and it’s reality. I’m reminded constantly “there is more to life than you, Olivia.” It’s not fun and games- there is a Heaven and Hell and everyone ends up somewhere.

On a happier note, my heart has been encouraged by the churches in London. I’ve visited 3 and found one I go to on a weekly basis. However, each one was Biblical and ON FIRE! They were so aware of the Holy Spirit and His power and importance in our every day lives. It is so cool to know that people in other countries believe what you do, are on the same mission and worshipping the same God! I’ve been broken, molded, built up, challenged… all of it. I have loved every minute of it.
A week from tomorrow I will get on a plane to Uganda and that will be it. My time here in London will be over. This chapter of my life is coming to a close and it’s bittersweet. I’m so thankful the Lord gave me this opportunity!



Psalm 105:4 "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always."

Paris

Sorry for not updating for a while. Life has been a little bit more than crazy over here! I’ll make another post for that, but until then it is time for a report on my trip to Paris!

Daniel and I took the train to meet our other three friends in Paris (they flew) on Thursday night. I love the train. Security is relaxed and I could bring as much luggage as I wanted. Bliss.
We arrive at 11pm… in the ghetto. There is no one around, birds are flying around in the station, homeless people are sitting on the benches inside, I see a questionable group of people follow us with their eyes as we leave. Map in hand, we had planned to walk to our hostel. WE change our minds and decide to try the subway. Closed. We can walk! I know we can. After being approached by multiple crazy people and fearing that I was going to be mugged we try for a taxi. Customarily, you always take the first taxi in a line of taxis. However, the first driver looked really sketchy so we go to the second driver. He tells us to go to the first driver, so we start walking away (we are not getting in that cab!) and then the third taxi driver honks his horn, we tell him where we want to go and he says go to the first taxi driver. NO! We start walking because right now it’s our only option. Then I start to get freaked out. Everything is closed, there are very scary people on the streets who keep approaching us. I am clutching to my purse for dear life. We are lost. I do not get scared very easily at all. I was terrified. We decide to return to the taxis and happily find that the first driver was gone! Great we now ask the driver who originally told us to go to the first driver if he would take us to our hostel. He began yelling at us and told us “no. why would you not go with the first driver?!” I apologized, but he would have non of it. So again, we begin walking away. Heck, I am hailing a cab now because I won’t walk any further. By the grace of God one randomly pulls over to the side of the road (we looked that out of place) and he took us to our hostel. Safe and sound. Whew.

Next morning is time for something magical: the Eiffel Tower! We run out of the subway, around this really tall building and then-BAM- in all its glory it stands It’s truly a masterpiece. Everything and more I expected it to be. It is so massive you just wonder at it. That morning we would be taking a bike tour (with the same company as in Berlin) around Paris! What fun.

Bike Tour:
Rating: C+
IT WAS FREEZING. This tour could not compare with the Berlin one. It was a nice way to see the city. We saw the Louvre, Military Academy, Arch de Triumph and some other typical tourist sites.
Later, we went to Notre Dame and an art museum with famous paintings such as Van Gogh and Picasso.

Day 2:
First, we went to the Saint-Chapelle. It is an old church that took only 50 years to build (short compared to most churches) and has these breathtaking stained glass windows that tell the stories of the Bible. Stunning.
The highlight of my day was taking a French baking class. We made pear tart, cream puffs, normal puffs, madelines, and crème brulee! It was so much fun and it tasted great. I got all the recipes… so come over to my house and I will bake for you. ☺

That night I went to the same restaurant as the night before (three courses for cheap!) because it was so delicious. We also went to the Eiffel Tower to watch it twinkle! It was so beautiful!

Day 3:
We went to a graveyard. The one that everyone tells you to go to. Well don’t go, because it is L-A-M-E. So then we all met up to grab lunch before half the group left us. Now it was Daniel and I left to take on Paris again. What do we do? THE LOURVE! We got in for free and we loved it. I got to see the Mona Lisa and Napoleon’s apartments. This man lived very, very well. If you ever go to Paris, you MUST go to the Louvre. I usually do not enjoy museums at all, however, I enjoyed this one. We sat in a coffee shop for a bit after walking around. A mouse went across the floor. I'm pretty sure it was Ratatouille.


That night we headed back to good ‘ole London. Home sweet home.

Crash Landing: Berlin, Germany

My bike!

Kristen and I at a piece of the Berlin Wall

Early morning navigation of the transport system

Where the Berlin wall once stood.


I spent this past weekend in the Fatherland. Wow, what an adventure! A group of 12 left early Friday morning to experience and explore the nightlife capital of the world. After landing, we managed to find our way on the train/subway system to the main area of town and grab some lunch at a German restaurant. Knuckle of pork, meatballs, sauerkraut, currywurst, and Weiner schnitzel is a snippet of the delicious delicacies we enjoyed.
Using a Germany guidebook, we ventured out into this large historic city! We saw Museum Island (a bunch of museums all in one area), saw the Parliament building, delighted in a nice walk through the park, saw a ton of monuments, and went to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to learn all about the Berlin Wall. I wouldn’t doubt if we walked 10 miles with our backpacks.
After grabbing a bite to eat, we all played “the name game” for a while in the hostel before heading out to experience the nightlife. Can’t say it was world-class…we may have been in the wrong part of town. Definitely represented the “East Side” that night.
Saturday was a blast!! We took a bike tour! The tour guide was Irish/British and really funny. We made some new friends from Texas and hung out with them rest of the day. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and got to see the Jewish Memorial, the place Hitler died (under a parking lot now), and even got to see where Michael Jackson hung his child off the balcony. Also went to this museum (sorry I can’t remember name)… but it was basically about the Jewish people and concentration camps and scandals. We ate dinner at this hole in the wall Turkish place. I got a chicken kabob and it was DELICIOUS. We went out again that night.

They drive on the right side of the road in Berlin, unlike London. I finally got used to the left side and then I got all confused again in Germany.

Things to note:
-Berlin is poor. In fact, they are 800 billion Euros in debt and their industries tourism and government.
-All the buildings are fairly new (as everything was bombed in the war). However, all the statues are very old. Hitler had a fondness for all statues, so before the bombing began, he had all the statues sunk under ponds outside of Berlin so that they wouldn’t be destroyed. They were later salvaged and put back onto the rebuilt buildings.
-You can tell a difference between the East and West (building wise). It’s eerie. It’s insane how all this history happened so recently.

About the “crash landing” title. Ryan Air prides themselves on having the best “on time” planes in the business. We always joke about this, as every time the plane lands, you think you just might die because it seems like they are in such a hurry to meet their quota. They come flying (as in very speedy) onto the runway and you have a huge bounce before you sway to the left or right substantially. Usually someone screams. Don’t worry… I haven’t died yet.Then they play some horns to celebrate our arrival.

Some random things I have noticed:
-I have started to get annoyed with tourists who walk too slow and never know where they are going. I have developed a “Londoner’s” walking pace.
-London feels like home. When I leave the country it always feels so good to come back.
-Mini cabs (taxis) are luxuries these days.
-I’d walk an extra 10 minutes to save 40p
-A semi-cloudy day is a beautiful one
-I eat stir-fry every day for lunch and dinner
-We get excited over sinks that have a combined spout. It means the water won’t be scorching hot
-We are thankful for normal sized spoons
-Free restrooms are a gift (usually you must pay).
-We brag about how "nice" our hostels are

No creative title

I have determined that I should be awarded “worst blogger award.” I always forget and I have decided I will only blog about big events and not the miniscule things I do daily in London. Sorry if these past posts have been unbearable. So we shall start anew!! the dated entries are before I decided this. My apologies for the long post...I will do my best to not let get this behind!

January 15 2011

CAMBRIDGE!! Today, a group of about eight of us went to Cambridge with Dr. Mee. It was so incredible. We took a private tour and they taught us a lot about the reformations that took place in Christianity. Thse places dated back to the first century. Cambridge is the second oldest school and receives the most state funding (almost a billion dollars a year). 85% of undergrads are in-state.

-CHURCHES:
They areas where people are baptized have cement coverings on them. This I because the water here is purified and people walking on the streets would come in a wash their hands and drink from the water. They used to be simple, but then became very elaborate. St. Edward King and Martyr church is the site of a very famous speech that was given by a poignant figure in church reformation. He gave a speech to a group of young students who were attending as a result of a fire buringin down their church, about how we are saved by faith a lone. This did not sit well with King Edward, so he had him kicked out of the country. However, the king eventually let him back him. Later, he had this man killed.
Trinity Cathedral held many statues of men such as Francis Bacon and Issac Newton. ON they walls were also the names engraved of the men who lost their lives both world wars who fwere from the university.
All the walls of the churches were white washed, this was done in an effort to ensure purity.
-SCHOOL:
We visited the first labratory in the entire world. Here, back in the 50's a man commited a homosexual act. After being forced into infertility by estrogen injections, and other hanous punishment, he commited suicide by eating a cyanide apple. This was the inspiriation (the apple being bit out of) for Apple Computers.
-INTERESTING FACTS:
Only professors can walk on the grass as a reward for never marrying.
We also saw famous places where Issac Newton lived, DNA was discovered, famous speeches were given in churches. Then we ate at “The Eagle” which is where they discovered and announced their DNA findings. Later, we visited the Fitzsgerald Museum and headed home on the train. Great day!


Jan 16.
Slept in and went to the markets. There were two. Think China town and then market square. I did not like the China town one- I’m pretty sure everything was stolen and I wouldn’t want to be there at night. However, I still bought a neat painting.
Went to church later that night. It was great- yet again!

Jan. 17
Week 2 of stats. Lost, again? Yes, I think so. It was a busy day! I workout everyday in between my classes for an hour. After class, I headed to the grocery, where I took my hiking backpack. It is quite odd “hiking” to the grocery store. I have to bad all my own groceries and carry them long distances. Later, my friend Christyn from America (who is also studying abroad here) came over.



Oxford:
Went for a day trip with my class!
Highlights:
-Visiting Magdalen, the college that Tolkien taught at
-Walking up the “sorting” stairs from Harry Potter
-Walking through “The Great Hall” from the Harry Potter movie
-Eating at The Eagle and Child pub at the very table Lewis, Tolkien, and their group The Inklings met with every Tuesday for 23 years.



Church:
I have visited a few churches: Hillsong London, Christ Church London, and Holy Trinity Brompton. I have really enjoyed all of them. I decided Hillsong was a little big for my liking and appreciated the other two as they were smaller. One Sunday, I church hopped with my friend Becca and we visited both Christ Church and Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB)—talk about getting extra jewels in my crown! Just kidding. ☺ Both churches taught biblical truth and honestly it has just come down to preference. I liked HTB best. It reminds me of my church back home, Fellowship, and I felt comfortable and welcome. They have a student ministry on Tuesday nights (I am visiting the first time tonight!) and lots of other events. In fact, HTB has three campuses but are all one church. They are Anglican, so I don’t completely understand what a Vicar is and how the leadership works. I am trying to figure it out. It’s cool to see how different churches work. Something I have loved most about going to church is seeing the shared passion for the same purpose in another country.
Another great lesson I have learned is the importance of hospitality and awareness to new visitors. For 13 years I have gone to the same church and have never been on the other side of visiting trying to find a church home. I can see how it could be very intimidating for a new comer, and if we are not aware of this, it would be easy for them to fade into the crowd and never get involved or even come back. One of the churches in particular has been really great at reaching out to us. I think it is an important focus.

School…
Statistics is wrapping up and I take my final test this Thursday!! On Monday I will begin Business Administration 207. I must say logistics/statistics (or any math/numbers) course is not the avenue I should pursue. Haha. My professor is great… but I can’t stand the material I am learning.


On another note....
I am thankful for America- or the south at least. Don't get me wrong; London is great! HOWEVER, I really miss southern hospitality. Londoners can be mean and impatient. They don't smile at you on the street or talk to you. They rarely hold doors open. We visited Dunnhumby (a logistical company) and had a guy from Alabama do a presentation for us. I never imagined I would enjoy that so much. The very fact that he knew what Chick-fil-a was and appreciated it was amazing. I was thankful to be with an Alabama fan? yes. I was. He had a sense of humor and hearing a normal accent was cool. Again-- love London, but just reminded of how much I also love my home!

Land of the Leprechauns: Ireland!

Ireland!
This past weekend I went with seven other people to Dublin, Ireland. We flew out early Friday morning and hit the ground running right when we landed. After the bus stop taking my 20 euros and dealing with that fiasco, we headed straight into Dublin.
We ate quick lunch at a local pub, then headed out into the city. Hannah and I went to the Guiness Brewery first. It was really interesting learning how beer is made and the history behind the famous brand. We got a free beer at the end of our tour and I could not bear to take more than a few sips. It was SO strong-as dark as coke. So I got my picture and left.
Then, we went and walked around to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Dublin Castle. Ireland is beautiful. The atmosphere is very chill and has this big/little city feel. It’s quite charming. Also, I really like the people because they were very friendly. They were always eager to answer questions and help you with anything you may need.
That night, we met up with Becca and her friend who was studying abroad in Dublin for stir fry in her apartment. What a blast!! We got to talk with local Irish students.

Hostel experience:
I have discovered I am not so much a hostel person. It’s not the glamour aspect, but merely the “I don’t feel comfortable sharing a room with you, 28 year old man who lives here…” Don’t get me wrong, the guys were friendly, but after realizing they were high and way to old to even be there- it was just weird. It’s also hard to get ready when there are guys. An all girl hostel would be best.
I survived my four hour sleep and we all raced to our pick-up point for the day tour across Ireland to the Cliffs of Moher. Wow. This place is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most beautiful places in the world. Pictures do it no justice. It was majestic and made me feel so small. There were multiple stops along the way including a local pub in Doolin, an old cathedral from the 1600’s, St. John’s castle, and a limestone field. We viewed countryside and small towns.
On our trip, we met two Austrian girls. We got along great and ended up visiting 3 pubs that night. TradFest is going on (a music festival) so all the pubs in Temple Bar had live music. We had such a good time dancing talking. A few of us are going to try and visit them and stay in their flat in April.
All in all, it was a great trip. Ireland surpassed my expectations and is a must see for everyone.

London Calling!

Jan 7 2010
Today we had a bunch of meetings. So after the meetings we went and got our very own cell phones and took a tour of our little area in London. My cell phone only cost 2 cents. I know… crazy!
That night we all went out. We walked around forever until finally ending up in a place called The Comedy Pub. It was really laid back. Jessie, Janie, Connor, and Tom were with me. After we left, Janie and I wanted to head back. We got lost, so we asked some guys on the corner how to get back. They were hilarious. Clearly intoxicated, they joked and were loud, but very friendly and helpful. Then, wet met a musician named Stevie (he thought we were Sweedish!) ☺ . We talked to him and asked about some good clubs. Then we got some coffee and headed back. Later, we hung out in Emily’s room and then headed for bed around 2.
Jan 8
Today was fun! We sat around until 2:30, but used that time to schedule some trips. Bought my ticket to Dublin! Going Jan 28. SO EXCITED. Then, we went on a scavenger hunt all over London. Jessie and I got separated from our group so we wandered around. Ended up in Covent Piazza and got some of Ben’s Cookie. Fabulous! Superb! Best cookie I have ever eaten.
Proof:


After the scavenger hunt, Hannah and I took a trip to the grocery store. It was about a 15 minute walk, but I so enjoyed it. We got back around 7:45, ate dinner, then got ready to go the club Tiger Tiger. This place was legit. We had to make reservations and stand in line. There were three floors I think. All of GLS eventually ended up on the Disco Dance floor (which lit up) and danced the night away! We came home around 12 then headed to bed.
Jan 9
Today we went on a coach bus tour! I had such a good time. We got to see:
The London Tower….
Westminister Abby: This is where Charlie and Kate will be married in April.
Big Ben! It’s not the clock that’s famous… it’s the huge bell inside!

St. Paul’s Cathedral. Fact: this is where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married. It burnt down and was rebuilt in the 1800’s.
Hyde Park, high end shopping on Oxford Street,
The London Eye.
And much much more!
Later that day, my friend Jessie and I went shopping down in Convent Square Gardens. It was so much fun to look around and enjoy ourselves. Taking in the sights and learning our way around London. What better way to spend our night?! Also, I joined the YMCA. It is a 1 minute walk from my flat and happens to be the FIRST YMCA ever in the entire world!! How cool is that?! Then that night Becca, Janie, and I all went to Hillsong Church London. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I had fun. It was alive and people were excited to be their worshiping our God. After, we went to the pub to meet some locals. Can’t wait to go back next week.

Jan 10.
School has begun. Back to reality. I began my stats class today. I can’t lie, I felt completely lost and feel like I don’t know what we were supposed to learn. Hopefully things will get better. That night, we went to see Billy Elliot. I did not really enjoy it at all. It was too goofy for me. It did inspire me to see a ballet which I plan to do in the near future.
Jan 11 & 12.
School…again. Boring. Not much to report. Living the normal London life.
Jan 13
It’s the WEEKEND! After taking my first stats exam (wasn’t too bad) I went to workout and then headed to The Court (a cheap pub) with friends. We were merry.

Cali + London= A good year

This summer I will be spending 10 weeks in San Diego on a Summer Project with Campus Crusade for Christ. I am very excited as I will go through evangelism & discipleship training, outreach projects, I will work, be involved with a local church, and create lifelong friendships! These weeks will be full of challenges, but I know in the end it will be worth it. All your prayers are greatly appreciated!

This past week I also found out that I was accepted into the Global Leadership Scholars program at UT. It is kind of like the honors program for business students. Next Spring I will join the other 25 students for a semester in London! We will be taking classes and have an internship. This is opening up a lot of traveling opportunity and I plan on going to Greece for spring break, visiting my friend in Belgium after the semester is over, and taking weekend trips to Ireland, Spain, Italy, Berlin... many more. Thank goodness for hostels.

:)

Getting ready for Cali... the countdown is ON: 4 weeks. yikes!

Also, I please visit: storiesfromsandiego.blogspot.com for weekly updates from my summer project!