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."
