Accomplishments and Adventures

The first part of this week was relatively quiet. The volcanic ash kept many guests from coming until mid week and half of the staff at the LMC was off site. However, the latter part of the week things quickened.

I have spent the past week and half working on the rough draft of my final paper for my Ethics class. Yesterday, my paper, after submitting to the brilliant editorial knife of Charlotte Wenger, was sent off for the first round of comments and corrections! It feels so nice to have that almost done. I plan on starting on the second paper tomorrow. I continue to enjoy the research work I am doing.

The trustees of the London Mennonite Centre met here this weekend so there was a bustle of activity around the house. I helped Barbara, the hostess, out a little with meals as she needed. I really enjoyed meeting and chatting with the trustees. It has been a real gift getting to know such a wide variety of people in my travels in London and the Prague.

Saturday, after sending in my paper, I met a friend at Covent Gardens. This is a part in the city known for its live performers. The weather in London has been splendid since I arrived, and the afternoon was a great chance to see a new bit of London and celebrate finishing my paper.

Wood Green Mennonite Church, where I have been attending did not meet today. Instead, we were encouraged to visit other Anabaptist communities around London. This morning I met another member, Chris, at the train station and we headed to services at the Bruederhof community. However, two stops out, the train ran into problems and we had to return to the main station. So, we decided to take the Tube and bus to get there. But by the time we arrived, we were horribly late and decided not to go. Chris noticed on the map of the area that churches were listed. So we walked around for a spell trying to find one that had a service at 11. Walking a little further from the Tube, we found a Quaker meeting and, low and behold, they were gathering in 15 min. It was the first time either of us had attended a meeting, but we both enjoyed the chance to quietly reflect for an hour. And, in the end, we did accomplish what we came to do; attend and Anabaptist-related congregation.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Peace.

FYI: The photo is of Westminster Abbey, NOT the Quaker meeting house. Just in case you were wondering...

Getting to know London

What a splendid week it has been! I feel very blessed. Every day this past week I wrote 1000 words for my ethics paper and have a rough draft that is almost ready to be sent to my professor for its first round of comments. Yay! Also, I have really enjoyed getting to know the staff and long term guests here at the London Mennonite Centre. They have helped me get acquainted with the city and welcomed me into their community warmly. Since the weather since my arrival here in London has been lovely I took Saturday to see some of the city's best sites.

I went on a free 3 hour walking tour of London where I saw such things as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. At the end of the tour I got

to ride on a double decker bus and sample some fish and chips. Yummy! I hope to see some more places this weekend and at some point explore the London's free museums. I'm excited to explore some more!

I'd appreciate your prayer for all those who are trying to travel but cannot due to the volcano. Because of this LMC is completely empty and so staff who have been on holiday cannot get back to work. Thank you for all your love and support. Shalom.

Merry Old England!

Greetings from London! I arrived safely from Prague after traveling all day Friday. I'm renting a room long term at the London Mennonite Centre. Earlier in the week I completed my outlines and talked with my professors about my papers. It was recommended that I condense some sections, which is much easier than adding information. I said goodbye to my friends Thursday evening with dinner at a pizzeria. Friday morning my friend, Hparat, took me to the airport and sent me on my way. The flight was good. I was excited to see the white cliffs of Dover as we flew in. I spent yesterday recovering from my travels and reading fiction for fun. Today I had lunch at LMC with members of the Wood Green Mennonite Church and then we all attended church together later in the afternoon. I look forward to connecting with a new congregation and getting to know new people. I'll start again on writing this week and hope to see some of the sights around London next weekend. Please pray for me as I am adjusting to London and as I am searching for a teaching job. Grace and peace to you all!

Easter Greetings and Goodbyes

Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

Happy Easter to all of you. This blog marks my first without Lena and my last in the Czech Republic for a while. Lena is presently on a plane to South Korea where she and Eojin will be touring to promote their smashing CD. On Friday of this week I will be headed

to London, England until early June. This is unfourtunatly due to the fact that because of visa issues I need to leave mainland Europe before my tourist visa expires. I have enough days left on the visa to travel back to the Czech Republic when my family visits in June and to hand in my final papers. I will be staying at the London Mennonite Centre for the duration where I'll spend my time seeing a few sights and hammering out my final papers.

Speaking of which, I have gotten a lot done on them this week. I managed to put together one 2600 word outline on a 5000 page paper and am in the process of completing the second outline by this Wednesday. I will meet with both my professors before I leave to make sure I continue well on my way. While the papers are coming all splendidly, they have caused a mild amount of chaos in the apartment. My work has mushroomed out into most of the living space. But, oh well, it's a matter of creative necessity.

This morning I had the pleasure of attending an early morning worship service with my congregation, Sarka Valley Community Church. We walked around the small valley, read Scripture, and sang. Afterwards we shared brunch together. It is difficult to be away from family during this time. Especially when they are all down in Virginia and attending worship at Springdale. But I am blessed by my congregation here and the friends that I have made.

Please pray for me during my transition to London. I will be leaving a lot of wonderful friends behind who will not be around when I return. Making new connections in London will also be stretching. Thank you all so much for your prayers. I enjoy hearing from you all from time to time. Blessings and peace to you on this Easter day!