Good Morning and Good Evening

Hello all that might be reading this even if its just one person...hello
Its been about 2 and a half weeks that I have been here now. Days are starting to go by much faster now. Soon it will be 3 weeks then a month that will have gone by.

My birthday was last week. It was a very packed day. It started off with prayer at St. Giles, an 800 year old church. Then breakfast at Copper, a cafe on the avenue. Then off to the city with Emily, where we shopped and had wonderful Indian food at TamaTanga. Had dinner with the hosts, then off to ice skating with students from Trentside. Then a night of trivia at a pub, and a very cold drive home (-3c) in a convertible with the top down. Good Day!

I have been walking a lot, most places, which is great. I also live across from the park so I can go when ever I want. I walk to Davids house which is a good 20 min, on a cold day that sure wakes you up. I can walk into the city but I haven't yet, it takes about 45 min.

I have met tons of kids so far, all very unique and different. I don't even know then well yet, but I'm excited for the next few months. FYI* I am not allowed to put photos up online of students so don't expect any.

I have so many wonderful meals at my host, they definitely feed me well. It about the first week they had me try minced pie, Christmas cake, and Christmas pudding. I have also had bangers and mash, fish and chips, parsnips, brussel sprouts, cottage pie, custard and more that I can't remember at the moment.

This not that:
Crisps not chips
chips not fries
trousers not pants
sweets not candy
Half past ten not ten-thirty

fun words:
Brilliant (good, great) example: "that cake was brilliant"
Proper (correct way) example: "I like the proper clock better than the digital"

A must have!

Jacket Potato! Yum! 

okay okay I know I can get this in the states but there is something about going up to a street vendor (Jacket Potato Man - official name :-) asking for a Chili Con Carne and walking away with a baked potato with Chili and Cheese. It is absolutely amazing and the best baked potato I have ever had. Just 2.80 (pounds) money not weight:-). I had it for lunch yesterday and I could not resist getting another one today. Might need to stop my self from getting one tomorrow :-)

 

Had an absolutely wonderful walk on the avenue today. Is nice to walk down the sidewalk and not talk to every one, makes me feel like no one knows I'm American :-) But I did get to do some small shopping today and of course pick up my potato. I'm feeling much better today, bit more comfortable. And of course its always nice to walk in the park.

It is a beautiful day hardly a cloud in the sky...yes I am still in England:-)
I am excited for the next few months, I am going to learn and experience a lot while I am here.
Oh and my Birthday is on Thursday :-) I'm so excited to say I spent my Birthday in England. Not quite sure what to do to celebrate yet. I'm thinking some Indian food, thats alway delicious and go into the city.
Well I'm going to finish my Jacket Potato now!
Cheers!:-)

Interesting tid bit

Here in England, at least in the homes I have visited, they use a 'bowl' (looks like a plastic bin) in their sinks. I asked my hosts about this, I'm curious since I have seen them in every home. They gave me multiple answers, for they didn't completely know themselves. Their mum did it so they do it.
Reasons:
1. Keeps pans from making noise in the sink
2. Use less water
3. If you drop anything it helps keep it from breaking on the hard sink counter
4. Don't have to lean as far down to wash the dishes
5. Wont scratch the sink

I think all of these make sense. However, after talking about it for a bit, my hosts decided that they think that the fact that you use less water is the correct reason for the use of the 'bowl' in the sink.

Thank you for your time :-)

Tuesday, January 12th

Made it to Nottingham. The flight was nice and smooth, although it was rather foggy when we landed. It doesn't feel real yet. Feel like I should be heading home in a week. I'm really tired, didnt sleep well on the plane. Maybe 3 hours.

Happy New Years

January 2nd.
Its a new year and I leave for England a week from Tuesday. I haven't started packing yet, I guess I should start soon. I was able to work a little bit over break, but I should probably not for the rest of the week so that I can get packed and be with my family the last few days.
I don't have all of my books together yet. I still have to pick up 2 different books. One has to be a bibliography on a missionary and the other is a devotional book.
Just picked up my voltage converter today, finally found one at Radio Shack. I didn't even think to look there. I am pretty much done with everything except packing which feels really good. Granted I'll still probably feel rushed the day I leave.

I am very scared and excited at the same time. 4 months is not that long, it is just the length of a semester at school which I have done many times. But it is a long time away from home. The only way I will survive is with God at my side.