Countdown Begins or "If You Give a Man a Muffin"

Whether I like it or not, the countdown to home has begun. I flight out of London in six days, and will be home in eight. Unbelievable.

I am excited to hear from the other interns about their experiences, but I doubt any of them had as great an experience as I.

I have learned quite a few things while being here with CLC. At the forefront of my mind is the fact that working the bookshop is not mainly about selling books--well, it is, but it isn't. In my experience, it is mostly about relationships.

Oh oh! Before I forget--my roommate sent me muffin mix in my birthday package, so I decided to make them today. Whereas they were supposed to make six muffins, I stretched and made nine. Stacking them in a tin and wrapping them in paper towels, I carefully carried them (cleverly disguised in a CLC bag ) to the bus stop. As I was walking, I passed by a past-middle-age man whose shift was just ending at Sainsbury--the local grocery store.

"Thank you so much for bringing me supper," he joked as he passed.

I laughed and finished my journey at the bus stop before I paused and wondered. There was no way he could have known I carried breakfast...and sure it was a joke...but there were extra. I looked over. The man was sitting on a bench not ten yards from me. Oh, he probably wouldn't accept one even if I did offer it to him, I told myself. But that argument fell through quickly as I realized this occasion called for love.

I gave the man a muffin and walked back to the bus stop. After a few minutes he yelled over to me, "That was sooo good! I don't like 'em with too much sugar, but this was perfect--not too sweet, but just right! Thank you so much. I work the late night shift at Sainsbury, and this was just right for breakfast. It was even still warm!"

I walked over to the man and introduced myself. Carl was his name. He assured me I would be blessed because of this, and I told him I hoped we would run into each other again.

On the bus I thought about the classes I had taken on "mission." Good deeds must be explained by words, my teacher's voice sounded. Another voice bounced in my head--the Casting Crowns song I had listened to that morning: Love Them Like Jesus.

I hope Carl didn't give all the credit of the muffin to me, because it really was God's love and generosity that prompted my small gift. I hope I get another chance to talk with him, and this time to tell him about the great Love and generosity. Baby steps here, baby steps.

Anyway, as far as relationships go, I learned that you have to be willing to push past initial impressions. It may take two months, but eventually you will become more comfortable around the people you work with/see every day. Your lives become more enmeshed, and the bookshop is not just a place with 100 things to do. The bookshop is where I share stories with Carol, and pictures with John. The bookshop is where Pauline passes on wisdom and spiritual lessons to me, and where Mat encourages so many with his comfortable manner. The bookshop is where I find Paul has already made coffee for everyone, and someone has bought goodies for all to share. I cannot name everyone, but just know that everyone there is important to me now. I see their love for God, and their love for each other and the customers, and I know I belong. What a great lesson to be learning.

Not so Special Day

Today started well, with God waking me up at 6 a.m. I promptly told Him thank you for the good sleep, my warm bed, and the next hour of sleep I would get.

As morning continued I donned the shirt Rebekah (my college roommate) sent me for my birthday, and headed out the door. At my connecting train station I stopped for a coffee (and paid back the money I owed the coffee store) and impressed myself by not pouring it all over the man sitting next to me. There were no empty seats on the train, so I braced myself for a swaying ride. My coffee, and those around me, arrived unscathed. However, as I drained the last few drops from my mocha, it managed to dribble down the front of my new shirt. Well, it was a good try.

The spots came out when I washed them in the bathroom at my work, and stood awkwardly under the hand drier.

Today the shop was off and on busy. Lulls in business were followed by five customers all at once, or three people waiting and all the telephones ringing. It can be quite stressful if you let it get to you...

But the whole day I sensed the presence of God with me. I was thinking about the book I read last night ("The Shack"), which is pretty controversial. After reading it I immediately wished that my college friends has read it too, so that I could discuss it with them.

Near the end of the day things quieted down, and I mechanically transferred e-mails into the database. So far I have done 508...that is a lot. Luckily there are only 720ish, so I am over halfway done, and I might even be able to finish before I leave for the States. But, with the mindless work, my mind wanders.

Sometimes I find myself thinking about friends or family. Other times I talk with God. And still other times I search for names that grab my attention. Eloquent or interesting names. A writing exercise came back to me from my "Fiction" class: character sketches. A character sketch is where you outline a character...name, age, occupation, background, etc. Occasionally the names on the database stir my mind and I try to image, if I were to write the story, what kind of person was behind the name. It is actually quite fun.

This evening I transferred everything from the upstairs loft (where Mom, Laura, and I stayed while they were here) to my small bedsit. And I cleaned the loft upstairs, because people are coming to stay in it tomorrow-- Surprise!! So far I have done three loads of laundry--bedsheets, towels and such--and I still have one more to do. The difficult part is drying, because there aren't any drying machines here! Good side of things? Your sheets, clothes, towels, etc smell like the fresh outdoors after they come off the drying line outside.

I travel back to the U.S. in a week. I can't believe it. I am both excited and sad. I will miss my CLC family here in London.

Much to Do

Today was a good day, though tiring.

In the morning I stumbled over piles of bedding, towels, and clothes that I had piled and separated in the kitchen (that is where the washer is). Hmm...I would need to do those tonight.

At work I vacuumed the floor and dusted--part of the daily routine now in the London shop. Who knew there was so much ground to cover on just one floor?! The vacuum smiled at me as I maneuvered it around bookcases and desks. Time for staff prayer! Time to begin!

The day was slow at first; not many people came in. However, as lunch time hit, the shop suddenly bustled. It was all very good.

I finished two Sudoku puzzles on the way home from work: one easy and one moderate. I was working on the "difficult" one when the bus halted at my stop. I made mental plans to eat something, transfer all my stuff from upstairs to downstairs, wash some clothes, and go to bed. I was pleasantly surprised, when I reached the door, to find that a letter from my parents and a package from my college roommate had arrived! Hurray!

I ate some soup, transferred a few belongings to my lower flat, and promptly fell asleep on my bed. I am now awake though...groggy and thinking that I left much of what I planned to do undone. So I decided to blog (not one of the things on my list, but still stress relieving!). I am wary to go to bed because I know when I wake up I will have to do it all again, and I'm already tired. I'm not even sure that makes sense.

I have loved my time in the U.K. I have not been homesick much, but when Mom and Laura were waiting in line at the airport, I realized I would soon be too, and my heart yearned for home (i.e. the U.S. "home"). I hope I can get everything done before I leave. So much to do.

Encouragement

My dear friends,

Today has been so good. I woke up at 5:30 a.m. (thats right, super early), getting ready for the day. Carol picked Mom, Laura and I up at 6:30, and we headed to the airport. Gatwick really is not too far from here--especially with so little traffic that early on Sunday morning. Despite the early hour we all joked and told stories as we approached the terminal.

We had a good 2 hours before the plane would take off, and Carol graciously treated us all to coffee and pastries. Hmm...I love chocolate inside flaky croissants. White chocolate mochas aren't bad either--anyone see a theme?

Mom and Laura went through security with a little over an hour before their departure time, so we said our goodbyes. It was not too sad a parting because I will be home in about two weeks. Our time together here in England has been so very good. I loved every minute.

By the time I got back to the flat though, I was exhausted. The week's constant on-the-move pace finally caught up with me. I wanted a hot bath. Oh, forget the bath, I thought when I realized the water was not working in the flat, I'm going back to bed! And that is what I did! I crawled beneath my sheet and comforter and succumbed to the pull of sleep and dreams.

I woke up still tired, but ready to clean and eat. I had lunch, cleaned the kitchen a bit, and settled in with a novel. I read and read, not stopping until I finished. It was a pretty good novel, though the writing was better at the end than the beginning and middle. Hmm. I want the Scriptures. I need to hear God's Word. So I pulled up the internet and listened to John Piper expound on the first chapter of John. Jesus Christ--the Word who is God but was also with God. What a great and wonderful mystery.

More sleep followed, and then eating, cleaning, catching up with my dear friend Amber, and Adventures in Odyssey! My toe nails are now painted as the Union Jack flag, and my dish rack is full of cups, pots, and silverware. I wanted to record this moment because I am overwhelmed with how God has blessed me.

The novel I read reminded me of something I have been learning. Everyone is a sinner, and no one is above temptation. 1 Corinthians (10:12) is correct in warning those who think they stand...when you think you are not capable of doing something, sometimes you are more susceptible to it. As God told Cain in Genesis 4:7, sin is waiting at the door, and it desires to have us, to control us.

I always judged King David very harshly--how could a man who had walked with God, slain many of Israel's enemies, and danced before God, fall so hard? How could he commit adultery and then murder? It was so out of character. But that is the point, really. It isn't out of character for the "old man," the "flesh" to do the unthinkable. I turned my judgmental eye on myself and gasped. Had not I walked with God, and yet I also committed such horrors? (I will not list my sins for you, for now is neither the time nor the place, but with lust being equal with adultery, and hate being equal to murder, I am just as guilty as David...)

I was accosted by my sins and guilt. Still, God's Word came: "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" James 1:9. "'Come, let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'Though your sins be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow...'" Isaiah. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved" John 3:17.

I am a new creature, but I must guard myself against sin. (Armor of God anyone?) God is so merciful, so gracious...how can we not love Him with all our being? How could I live as anything less than a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2)? God please help me to understand, and then live, Your Truth.

Insomnia

It is pretty late here in London, but I find myself compelled to write. This is my Mom and sister's last evening with me in the U.K. so we ate supper together and spent time in a park, walking around and enjoying the scenery. After they packed, Mom went to bed and Laura and I popped in a movie. She fell asleep, but I am here, wide awake.

I only have a little over a week before I head back to the States myself. After that: school. After school: ? This will be the last year of my "college experience." It is so odd to think that I will be a Senior...one of the graduating class. It is both exhilarating and frightening to think about.

One thing that has really impressed me at CLC, is the love each member has for God. That love for God is also seen in how the staff treat each other and customers. I have been loved so much over here--gifts, words of encouragement, quality time together...I have become part of the CLC (London) family. I will be sad to leave them (though happy to be back home).

This past week I have slacked off on my writing letters. I probably won't get much sent off before I show up in the flesh, but I will try. I guess I should go to bed now...I have to get up in a few hours to accompany Mom and Laura to the airport!

Day Off with Mom and Laura

Today is Friday. Mom and Laura have been in London since last Saturday, and I'm pretty sure they have seen more tourist sights in the past week, than I will in my whole 2 months here. Nevertheless, today was my day off from the shop, and thus my day to take them around London.

We all caught up on our rest this morning, which made our departure from the flat a bit late. We got to the bus stop around 11 a.m., and I took Mom and Laura to the second floor of the bus--what a treat! From up so high you can see a lot more than the road and pedestrians. The top deck offers a view of surrounding buildings and scenery. Mom would cup her hand to her mouth whenever the bus stopped close to another car or turned in an unexpected direction. Watching her reactions was almost more fun than seeing the scenery.

Our first stop was Covent Gardens. Like most of the "gardens" around here, Covent Gardens is a marketplace. There are department stores alongside quaint shops, street performers, and cafes. As you walk along the bustling streets you hear laughter, applause, music, and gasps of surprise. We watched a magic show, an astounding escape from a straight-jacket and chains, and dramatic musicians. We saw venders who were selling everything from rose-bud soap to Christmas ornaments. It was quite the thrill.

As much fun as Covent Gardens was, I think Mom and Laura enjoyed Oxford Street much more. That is to say, they enjoyed the toy shop Hamleys which is off of Oxford Street.

Hamleys is a five story toy shop with hundreds of toys. The best part? Most of the toys/arts and crafts are demonstrated by the staff. The workers fly remote control airplanes, paint little girls' finger nails, and draw with magic markers. Everywhere you look you find vibrant colors, stuffed animals, or electronic gadgets! I think we spent at least 2 hours going through the store--not to mention the sweets section!

We returned to the flat and ate supper, deciding to stay in for the rest of the night. Laura and I had tried to watch a movie several times this past week, but it never worked out, so tonight was the night. I popped in "Amazing Grace" and we sipped tea (and then had ice cream and raspberries) while viewing the film. Every time I see it, the movie gets better.

So now we are sitting in the living room. I, with my laptop typing away; Mom sitting at the table trying to plan out tomorrow's schedule, and Laura curled up with a book on the couch. I wish I could record all that happened today, but there is simply too much (and as it is, these posts might be mostly skimmed by readers!) One interesting thing: we ate crepes for lunch. The cafe served them instead of sandwiches, which was creative and savory. Yum :)

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow, I have been so busy! Allow me to quickly outline the past few days:

Saturday:

• pick up Mom and Laura from the airport
• go to Madame Tussands (the wax museum)
• go to the National Galary
• go to "Oliver" and a cafe afterwards
• freak out while in a bad part of London at 12:20 a.m. not sure if the bus would come

Sunday:

• try to go to Petticoat Lane Market, but find three other markets instead while lost
• eat international food from the markets, and love it
• walk along the river Thames and see street performers, the London Eye, and Big Ben
• walk to Parliament, walk to Westminster Abbey, walk along Victoria Road--just about die of walking
• go to church at All Soul's Church on Regent's ST.
• get home around 10 p.m.

Monday:

• go to work
• get a "Birthday Girl" button from a random man on the train who just happened to have the button on his bag
• talk with Dad, who woke up at 4 a.m. to tell me "Happy Birthday" at 9 a.m. my time
• celebrate my BIRTHDAY with my coworkers who decorated the kitchen, bought me gifts and cake, and gave me cards!
• go with Laura and Mom out to eat and save about $10 because of a food voucher!
• see WICKED...AMAZING!!!
• get home around midnight

Tuesday:

• go to work
• meet Mom and Laura at Westminster Abbey for Evensong (an evening service consisting mainly of a choir singing Psalms)
• take them grocery shopping at Sainsbury's
• eat snacks for supper at the flat
• go to sleep by 11:30

Wednesday:

• go to work
• leave work early to go to Bunty's house (a British co-worker) for tea and cake
• eat home-made vanilla and blackberry ice cream with fruitcake and coffee/tea while listening to Bunty's Scottish/English husband tell stories
• got to IKEA with Carol
• come back to the flat and sleep (hopefully by 1 a.m.)

So, as you can see, it has been a busy week! I look forward to every new day, and I have loved spending time with my family and friends. Though things rarely ever go as planned, God has kept us safe and has given us quality time with each other. I'm almost running on empty here, so please pray that God will keep me (and Mom and Laura) strong. I need to continue seeing CLC as a ministry. Thats all for now!