Lori's British Adventure

Dissertation Madness

2009-08-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
Its been a really long time since I have posted, so I thought I would say hi! I am alive and well, now living in Islington, London in a fabulous flat I have subletted from an American friend for two months. I have been having a nice mix of work and play, but this week is the most important, as I have to finish my first draft and get it reviewed and fixed up nice and pretty. :) So far things have gone well, I received an A on my presentation at the Dissertation Conference in July! Check out the poster I made for the conference:

The Lord has been faithful to help me produce some good research, even though I don't consider myself an "academic" it has been a priviledge to have this time to learn. I fly home on September 15th, so stay tuned for more! Miss everyone at home!

May Week

2009-06-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Take a peak at my slideshow of pictures for May Week, actually a period of 9 days in June where Cambridge becomes a constant party after exams have ended. From Boat Races to Garden Parties to all-night balls, it feels more like a fairy-tale land. Many of the balls are themed after things like the 1940's, Alice and Wonderland, The Land of Oz, and The Grand Tour. I visited this week in 2007 and attended two balls, it was a good way to convince a girl to apply!! :) I wish you all could be here to share it with me!

Love you girls!

2009-05-26T02:20:00.001-07:00

Katie, Kristal and Jen - thank you sooooo much for my fun gift package! I love the banner with the pictures that remind me of good times with you all and how special our friendships are. If there is anything I have learned this past year, it is that I have much to be thankful for, and you girls are at the top of the list! I am going to miss sharing these next couple of days with you fellow birthday girls and friends, and I wish Kristal & Jen the most wonderful of birthdays too! Know I am thinking of you and will toast to seeing you again in September! :) Here's to another great year of adventure and blessings.

Mom and Gary Come to Cambridge

2009-05-23T12:45:00.001-07:00

After a lovely weekend in the Cotswolds, Mom & Gary finished their trip to England with 3 relaxing days in Cambridge. Here are some highlights:

Formal Hall at Corpus Christi College hosted by my friend Hanan (don't we look very Harry Potter?)
Punting on the River Cam to see the 'backs' of the oldest colleges, including Queen's, King's, St John's, Trinity, and Magdalene (where CS Lewis taught).
The University Botanic Gardens where all the trees and shrubs from around the world are labeled for our education! :)
The choir service at King College Chapel where the most talented male singers from all over England are trained - beautiful atmosphere, amazing sounds!
Pub dinner at the Anchor, where the band Pink Floyd started. (They were Cambridge townies as opposed to Gownies, the University students and members who were the gowns you see above.)
Getting to spend two afternoons with mom, punting down the river, having tea at Aunties, going to gardens and the Fitzwilliam, and just relaxing in lovely Cambridge. :)

Family Time in Paris and London

2009-05-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

I honestly did not expect to have visitors this year due to credit crunch, so it has been a joy to have two different visits in the past month. First, my brother, Dad and grandma Thompson met me in Paris at the end of my Easter break trek. It was great to see Grandma and Dad experience Europe for the first time. I believe the highlight was when we had a beautiful day out in Versaille. The gardens are truly amazing!

My Mom and step-dad Gary arrived early this week in London, where were joined at times by Anna who graciously led us to some great spots. On Wed. we did a 'historic pub tour' in the old city of London, beginning at a pub that wasy built in 1546! We walked over the River Thames to the Shakespeare Globe for a final pub dinner. We then strolled along the river on a strangley warm and clear night, under the London Eye, and crossing the bridge towards Big Ben when it stuck 9pm! (Check out the beautiful twilight on the Thames.) I look forward to Mom and Gary returning from their 'Best of Britian' tour they began today, when we will have a weekend in the Cotswolds before coming back to Cambridge. Funny, all this traveling has made coming home quite nice. :) I look forward to a lovely summer in Cambridge. I do miss people from home dearly as the weather gets warmer. The plan is to come back and work in SLO again starting in October, so my Europe experience will be over in a few short months. Praise Jesus for this time!

Feeling Cultured

2009-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Three countries and languages into my trip, I am feeling quite cultured and spoiled. I wanted to share a few 'highlights' photos of my trip so far. I hope you enjoy them!

French Provencial meal in Avignon, amazing!
The old hang out of the Popes in Avignon: Palias de Papas

Flamenco Dancer's feet in Barcelona.

Biking to the beach via converted riverbed park in Valencia.

Eating traditional Andralasian tapas at a restuarant located in the wall of the beautiful hill town of Arcos, Spain.

Travel Mania!

2009-04-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

If you've been wondering where I've been, check out my new slideshow called "Fun with ESD Coursemates" for some photos of our time in the Southeast of the England in the area of Cornwall. We spent 4 days in the sunshine going to the Eden Project, China Clay and Tin mining country, and spending lots of time on the bus traveling the 8 or so hours to and from Cambridge! It was a great time to get to know my coursemates even better. We had a lot of laughs.

Today is my last day in Cambridge for a few weeks as I get ready to go to Portugal, Spain and France for Easter Break with two girls from my course! We start in Lisbon, then head to the beach in southern portuguese area of Faro. From there we make our way along the southern coast of Spain, stopping in Sevilla for Semana Santa festivals, Arcos, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona. We then head to Avignon in Southern france for some great wine and food.

As of the past few days, it looks like I will get to meet my Grandma Maxine, Dad and brother Matt in Paris on 20th!! I am so excited to see them and be apart of my Grandma and Dad's first trip to Europe. If all works out with my course assignments, I may be joining them in Italy too. Whew! Its a tough life, but somebody's has got to live it! :) I am so greatful to have this experience, its a dream come true!!

Let me know if you have any 'must sees' for any of the places I am visiting so I don't miss them! I would love to hear your traveling stories too. :)

Springtime treats

2009-03-23T08:29:00.001-07:00

Footpath in the Cotswold's village of Blocking

Lovely dinner after long day of walking with Vanessa

Precious view of farm from Dover Hill (highest point in Cotswolds)

Typical farm house in village of Chipping Camden

I admit it, I am terribly spoiled! It is so easy to not see the forest for the trees in the monotony of everyday life, but today I feel overwhelmingly THANKFUL for how the Lord, and the people he puts in my life, bless me!

This past weekend I was privledged to take a trip to an "area of outstanding natural beauty" called the Cotswolds. This quaint village landscape is covered in farms, agriculture and breathtaking estates owned by the rich and famous, artists and retirees. My friend Vanessa and I did not see an unkept garden or house, and not one was ugly. The arts and crafts style found its way to the Cotswolds with the architect William Morris, and the cottages and massive homes that result are absolutely charming. I look forward to returning with my mom and Gary when they visit in May, I am already looking forward to it!

Today the blessings did not stop. I received a package this morning from my sweet friend Kristal who I lived with for many years and is now living in Atascadero with her husband and baby Wes. I was so excited to see that she had included some of my favorite items from Trader Joes, some body butter and a teapot shaped spoon rest! What else could a girl want, really? Thank you, Kristal! Those who know her, give her a big hug for me!

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

Thankful for Girlfriends

2009-03-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." John 15: 7

God is so faithful to answer prayers. After leaving the amazing fellowship in SLO after Christmas, I began to really miss the wonderful women that God has been so faithful to surround me by for the past few years. Women like Kristal Thomas, Katie Hill, Jen Lind, Jaime Lien, Leah Prendez, Melissa Trowbridge, Steph Chroman, Sherry, Wendy, the list goes on an on! I have grown up mentally, physically, and spiritually with these women. I realize now how special it was and is to share our lives and our walks with Jesus. I cherish the times we had through Cal Poly and working, through hards times and celebrations.

When February came around, I began to ache for Christian girl friendships. Humbled, I prayed for true friends. Now a little over a month later, I can say that God is faithful once again to hear my cries, in little and big things. The following lovely ladies have been a blessing to me, and I'm praying God would help me to more and more be a blessing to them and those I meet in Cambridge. What a great God he is to know exactly what we need!

My new friend Eloise (from South Africa) on our way to Notting Hill Market on Portebello St in London. :) She invited me for the day in London and a visit to Hillsong church for an encouraging time of worship.

Tower Bridge in London (photo taken by South African new girlfriends I shared a sunny day in London with.)

Elizabeth (US), Kat (UK), Vanessa (S. Africa), me and Ruth (Irish) at Hughes Hall Boat Club Black Tie. I met all these ladies at the Christian Graduate Society bible study.

Nicki and I enjoying a coffee date before classes. (God answered our prayer from last term for her to get a nursing job here - yea!)

Hastings (from Florida) and I at Bella Italia on student night. I cherish friends who like to look for ways to enjoy life here on a budget.

Presenting a Business Case

2009-03-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

Of the many things I have been learning here in Cambridge, the business courses has been the most unexpected and fun undertakings. Honestly, I don't really like to talk about money, maybe because I associate it with greed or strife. However, learning more about finance and markets in conjuction with current events and governmental policy has been fascinating and challenging.

As a conclusion of the MBA aspect of our course, called Management of Innovation and Technology (MoTI) taught in the Judge Business School, we presented a business case to a few members of a large multinational consultancy firm called Scott Wilson Group headquartered in London. It was a good opportunity to work with industry and I was nervous today as we presented our findings. We felt good about our 6 weeks of hard work researching and playing with business models. Now I have two more weeks of term left and a billion things to do but trying to soak up as much as I can!

Here's a photo of our international group (Left to Right: Hanan Azeem from Pakistan, Kat from Cyprus, me, and Jay from Sri Lanka):

Weekend Fun

2009-02-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

Lovely Anna came to visit for Valentine's weekend and we hit the ground running with Formal Hall on Friday night, marking halfway through the academic year. We continued to a classical concert put on by the college. My housemate Christine played piano, accompanied by a violinist. The final piece by the orchestra was really good and we were right in the front row of the action! After stopping in the bop and listening to a live funk band, we headed home to sleep & prepare for a full day of being tourists.

Thankfully we saw some sunshine the next morning and Anna actually got a chance to wear sunglasses (I know, how exciting) as we toured Downing, Emmanuel, and King's Colleges. After a proper English Cream Tea, we headed to Kettle's Yard, a unique museum that allows you to sit in the chairs and read the books around a house that was donated by a friend of the university. It was so relaxing! They host jazz concerts so we hope to go back. Saturday evening we enjoyed a play by the Unversity Players called 'Death of Salesman' which is actually somewhat sad but a good "make you think" kind of play. We had good conversation and got to pray before bed, yeah for fellowship!

On Sunday we slept in and braved the dreary weather for a walk along the river to see the boat houses and eat Sunday lunch at Fort St. George pub. The classic roast was delicious and it felt so British to be there with the students, couples and families. We continued our exploration of Cambridge shops and colleges, making our way to the Fitzwilliam Museum. We happen to drop in on a free concert by an amazing pianist. She infused the air with beautiful sound in that beautiful building, it was fabulous. After a few hours, we had to call it a day because we couldn't see everything and vowed to return.

We snuggled into a pub for a afternoon treat before heading to an early dinner with my good friend Hanan at a Turkish restuarant. The pub scene is alot like the coffeehouses of the US, it is the place to pass time and talk about life. It's so encouraging what God is doing in both of our lives in our time in England!

After our medeterranian mezes, we headed to Holy Trinity Cambridge for the evening service. The worship was great and sermon challenging, again spurring conversation as we headed home to send Anna off. Exhausted from our explorations, we settle in for another week. Life is good with friends like Anna to share it with. :)

Real Snow

2009-02-05T14:02:00.001-08:00

The past week has been full of snow flurries during the most substantial snow storm in England in many years. Trains all over the country were delayed and London came to a screaching halt this past Tuesday. Thankfully I can ditch the bike and gingerly walk to my faculty with only a few minutes delay. These are some shots along the way.

I can tolerate the cold a little more when I see the white dusting because it is magical somehow, like Narnia, as my Hanan friend mentioned. :) This morning we woke to a new layer of snow, and as I walked into Pembroke college for lunch with friends I was struck by the loveliness of this place and the people who are here and have been here.

"...for I know what it is to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

Recent Rowing Fun

2009-01-31T09:05:00.000-08:00

This past week I have spent some quality time with the rowers, including visiting Lucy Cavendish College for a "Formal Hall." (Cambridge students traditionally to wear gowns on these occasions, and the undergrads are required to wear them for exams. Hence the nickname "Gownies." ) A few male rowers & coaches joined us. It nice to see people dressed up instead of in exercise clothes at 7am!

Today the "second boat," or the newcomers who are a bit slower than the seniors in the first boat, raced in the Newham college sponsered Head of the River race. This means that we don't race next to other boats, but against the clock. These are very common in Cambridge since the Cam River is so narrow. This morning we got cut off by a barge boat turning around and had to make a fisherman move his line. :) It's always interesting on the Cam. This was the first race that I've felt good about at the end, so we are improving! Afterwards we went to the St George pub for hot chocolate, yummmm!

Next Saturday we travel to Peterborough about 1 hour away for a race. We actually take the boat apart and put it on a trailer and then have to put it back together before the race. It should be a good bonding experience go Hughes Hall/Lucy Cav women!

Inauguration Party at Graduate Union

2009-01-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 went down in history as the day the first African American President took office, so a group from my course headed down to the Graduate Union after our class to catch the Obama fever. Mary Lou is the woman standing up on the phone, she is wearing a T-shirt that says "Maui diggs Obama". She obviously an American who lived in Hawaii for the past few years, and the mid-west before that. Jenny is on the right wearing a "Mr. President" Obama shirt, she is originally from Portland and more recently worked in northern California as a Water Resources Engineer. Keven is from France and consequently is very interested in all things political. A group of about 15 of us sat together, enjoying snacks and sharing the historic moment together.

The crowd was mixed with people from all over the world, from Europe to India, so I was very interested in the reactions of people as certain things were said. (Or happened, like when George Bush walked out.) Everyone is quite civil about things here in Cambridge, but there is a lot of emotion tied to certain subjects, especially concerning war and financial policies. I'm personally excited about the change Obama is looking to implement in the area addressing Climate Change, since that is directly linked to future work and we are way behind the EU. He is such a charismatic speaker, you can't help but be a little inspired. :) But I will always put my ultimate hope in the One and Only who Saves...Jesus Christ!

Sunday Wanderings

2009-01-18T07:52:00.001-08:00

Today it was a sunny, if not brisk day, so I decided to venture outside to familiarize myself with the neighorborhood. The Mill Road area is known for having locally owned shops that display the international character of the people who live here. I'd read about the Antique Shops, so I headed that way. Unfortunately, most vendors aren't open on Sundays (funny to most of us who are from places where people buy mostly on weekends!) The Cambs Antique outlet is the best one I've seen and it is on my street, I pass it ever day! I'm on the hunt for some special artwork for my room for a steal!

I ended up wandering in local shops and stopping and purchasing the sun-dried tomato filled olives from Limoncello, a boutique Italian shop. I bought some veggies from the greengrocer pictured, and then headed to Cafe Paris for a cappacino and coconut macaroon. Each of these shops are owned by people from these countries - Italian, British, French, Brazilian, Arabian, etc - so the goods and services are ligitimately true to their culture. My housemates and I enjoy visiting a particular International Shop that has a post office inside because the owners are so friendly. I will give them my business for a smile anyday!!

My most exciting discovery of the day is the cemetery that is literally just behind the row of houses across my street. It is a pleasant open space and had some beautiful head stones. I met a few other wanderers on the way, a older couple and two families with small children on a Sunday walk. Overall it was a lovely day to help feel more at home here in chilly Cambridge.

Bonding with Anna and Londontown

2009-01-11T11:16:00.001-08:00

With a short break before our formal term begins, I took the opportunity to visit London for the weekend a visit to a few musuems and spend some time with my fellow Paso Robles native Anna McCarthey. God works in amazing ways, bringing us together in England after 10 years living elsewhere. I am so thankful for her friendship and hospitality during these cold days. :) We even got to go to a lovely church called Holy Trinity Brompton and have brunch at a nice French Patisserie. It was the type of weekend I dreamed of having, and I'm so grateful...here's some fun highlights: Victoria & Albert Museum: This column was taken from Rome, a 9 foot diameter with ornate carvings like a church would have. I wondered how they got it in the building?!

Outside the Museums was a cool Ice Carving exhibition (Yes, it was that cold!)

Not only is the Natural History Museum full of cool exhibits on all types of animals and plants, the building is absolutely beautiful. I took this shot from an angle that I saw an artist (or architecture student) sketching from earlier in the day. That's a iron sculpture of a dinosaur in the center. Needless to say this place was a hit with kids!

Outside of the Natural History Museum

The chandelier in the Victoria & Albert (V&A) rotunda was created by the famous glassworker Dale Chihuly and in my favorite colors. :) Beautiful!

At the V&A I toured the Fashion exhibit and Material and Techniques area - I took this one of the tapestry section for you Mom! Amazing textures.

Can you believe this dress?! Yes, its supposed to be worn that wide to show off the embriodery and the wearer had to turn sideways to walk through a doorway, ha! What we ladies do for fashion!

Anna & I went out to a Irish pub on Saturday night to listen to some music. It was a great place, it felt like we were transported to Dublin, complete with a Happy Birthday song and dance, an old Dubliner dressed up for a night out, and one of the young women in the band composing a ballad! (Even crazier, we met a young guy from Fresno there! He was traveling through on his way to a university program in South Africa. Small world!)

On the Tube headed to church. As you can see, scarves are all the fashion here to dress up our dull warm coats. The scarf I am wearing was a Christmas gift from my Egpytian classmate, so thoughtful! We had a great time chatting through the whole weekend and getting looks because of our American accents. :) I know this is just the beginning of a great friendship, yeah!

My California Christmas Adventure (2)

2009-01-07T16:45:00.001-08:00

I was able to play dress up with Ella and Luke! (haha - Luke's blackmail picture for when he gets older. He is such a happy kid, he smiles huge even when he looks like a girl!)

And dress up with my cousin Joy and sister Sybil in these sweet robes Grandma made for us. Silky! Mine has books because I guess my aunt Marcia and I are the bookworms. (haha)

Back in Arroyo Grande, I was so happy to see Katie and Joey Hill's baby Annaleigh twice, the second time with Jen and Kyle Lind as they went through town after Christmas. I am so amazed to have you guys as friends, love you!

I got to spend some good time with Dad, here at Christmas Eve dinner at my Grandma Maxine's. It was a wonderful meal in her fancy dining room.

I can't forget the fun spontaneous Sunday hangout extravaganza at Leah's where we played ultimate frisbee in the rain, had "pepperment" hot chocolate, played the hand motion game, ordered pizza, and ended with an amazing 4 on 4 dance off. I must say that Calvary SLO friends, you are the best worldwide! Keep loving Jesus and being crazy fun, I love it!

Overall I was incredibly blessed by the trip and it has revived me to come back to Cambridge with confidence, filled up with love so I can try to pour out on others here. It was -2 deg with snow and ice covering the ground when I arrived, but the joy inside should keep me warm for a good while. My New Year's resolution is to be healed this year from the inside out from some struggles I've been having with health and feelings of lack of confidence and inadequacies in relationships. But I know God is not finished working on me!

He who is seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"...To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life." Revelation 21:5,6 I want some of that in 2009!

What's your New Year's Resolution?

My California Christmas Adventure (1)

2009-01-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

Mom picked me up from the airport and we went to the pier in Santa Barbara for lunch at Longboard and sat on the patio, ahh the sunshine!
Entering SLO down the Cuesta grade, my heart welled up with happy emotions heading home on this beautiful cloudy and sunny day.

And then there was rain, lots of it! I seemed to bring the weather with me, but it was good time to rest.

Then I got to see Wesly Thomas for the first time, what a cute little Squareburger! I'm so glad to have met him and Kristal is doing great as a new mommy! Love you Kristal!

Aunt Sally's Cocoa Drops with Mocha Buttercream Frosting

2008-12-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

I made these cookies yesterday and they are AMAZING, so I thought I would share the recipe. Enjoy!

Aunt Sally's Cocoa Drops (Gold Medal Winner!)

1/2 c. shortening (part butter)

1 c. sugar

1 egg

3/4 c. buttermilk or sour milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 3/4 c. flour

1/2 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. cocoa

1 c. chopped nuts (I used walnuts)

Chill one hour - drop by teaspoonfuls and bake at 400 deg for 8-10 mins.

Frost if desired.

Mocha Buttercream Frosting (from the cocoa container)

1/2 stick (2 oz.) butter, softened

1/2 lb. confectionery sugar

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp. instant coffee granules dissolved in 1/8 cup coffee (I would just use some strong leftover drip coffee if you have it.)

Use a spoon to place ~ 1 tsp. of frosting on each cookie.

Ice Skating at Sommerset House

2008-12-15T09:24:00.001-08:00

The night before flying home I went into London and got to stay with Anna McCarthey, a family friend who has been living and working there since October. It was so fun to see someone from Paso in England! I hadn't seen Anna is about 10 years, but it was so easy to catch up with her. I am so thankful to find a friend in London and I look forward to her visit to Cambridge!

We headed to Sommerset House soon after my arrival to go ice skating. The venue was sponsored by Tiffany's, with a tree decorated with teal and white skates and blue lights shining. It was such a beautiful setting and so much fun! We met up with Anna's coworker and her husband and ended up at the nearby Wellington pub for dinner. It was a wonderful London evening, thanks Anna!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

2008-11-27T04:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and send my love! I am so thankful for such supportive and loving family and friends. I thank God for the opportunities and blessings he has showered on us in the past year and throughout our lives.

Psalm 16: 5-6, 11 "Lord, you have assignmed me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance...You have made know to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand"

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, what is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent and praiseworthy - think about such things."

Being far away from home this Thanksgiving makes me even more thankful for the special relationships I have with each of you. I've met so many people from all over the world here in Cambridge, I see how their backgrounds have shaped them into the people they are today. You all have help mold me into someone who values people, love Jesus, and has confidence to do the things he puts on my heart. I thank God for you! I'd love to hear what you are thankful for this holiday!

In thinking towards Christmas, I received this video from a friend and it struck a cord with me. I thought I would pass it on to challenge many of you who are feeling a frustrated about the material aspect of the day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

SNOW!

2008-11-23T01:49:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to see the first snow since I've been in Cambridge! My housemate Margita was up and ready to cycle to her faculty to work, when she discovered it was snowing! I understand it is typical for it to snow and leave a light dusting on the ground like this and then the rain comes and washes it away within a few hours. (I wish I could have been able to get some more idyllic photos of the colleges in the City Centre, but we are a 15 minute walk away! I'm sure there will be time for that.)

See the little cartoon I added showing the weather? Confused what Snow, Rain and Sun could be doing together? (Me too!) Apparently it's called 'Sleet Shower' and that is the forcast today at 1:00pm when the Emmanuel College Sprint Regata planned for the novice rowing crews. The Cambridge University Combined Boat Clubs have a flag system on their website for regulating the river - green for go, yellow for caution (meaning novices typically can't go out) and red for no go. It is still green so that means that the race is on! In this particular regata we are supposed to dress up, so one of the girls found reindeer antlers and noses for the 8 of us to wear, along with a Santa costume for our cox Richard! It will be quite appropriate with the snow today. I will report back with pictures if I don't freeze first!

So does anyone have any stories about their first snow sightings? I'd love to hear them!

One down, Five to go!

2008-11-14T07:19:00.001-08:00

I submitted my first assignment today and felt victory as I got it in 30 minuntes ahead of the deadline. (haha, I like to live on the edge.) To treat myself, I got some homemade Chocolate Drop cookies from my fav shop the Cambridge Farmer's Outlet where I get all my local veggies and baked treats. I'll have to have a pint with some friends later to celebrate. :) I have 5 more assignments due in 3 weeks, things are starting to heat up, so if you don't see too many blogs you know what I am doing! I'll be back in the States on December 12th until January 4th, so don't be surprised if you see me around SLO.

Moments of Loveliness

2008-11-08T05:31:00.001-08:00

Today was cloudy and drizzly but around noon the sun peaked out. This is the view out my upstairs bathroom window of the gardens behind the neighborhood homes...umm pretty.

The first few pictures are of the Christian Graduate Society Cafe event I went to last night at the Graduate Union. They had live music from some guys playing bluegrass :) and a S. Korean girl who played the piano very beautifully. American friends Nicki and Eric Appeal (on the couch) and Michelle (orginally from Texas who is married to Ethan who is from Colorado.) Nicki and Eric, Michelle and Ethan have made me feel at home when nothing else seems familiar, so they are included in my 'moments of loveliness'.

My Nerdy British "Shopper" Bicycle

2008-11-08T04:41:00.000-08:00

What do you think?

Happy Birthday Matt

2008-11-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

I have to wish my brother a happy belated birthday (it was November 3rd) on here, and show off his beautiful family! Matt you are an impressive 31 year old man of God, I love you and respect you so much! My nephew Luke and niece Ella are the poster children for future members of Cambridge University (They are geniuses, right Syb?! :))

Guy Falke Day Cookies

2008-11-05T09:22:00.001-08:00

In honor of Guy Falkes Day (see below), I decided to make some cookies. The recipe is the Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe modified to add 1 cup of ground Cinnamon Oats made locally in East Anglia and nice plump raisins and dried cranberries instead of chocolate chips. The cinnamon in the oats gives it a nice autumn taste...yum!

Here's my French classmate's humorous summary of what Guy Falkes day is all about:

A few hundred years ago Mr Fawkes attempted to burn / blow out the house of parliament (or a building of similar standard) for some reason I am not totally aware of (possibly something to do with religion or an unhealthy interest in burning things). He failed and the current King, who incidentally didn't really like this type of initiatives, ordered his execution and subsequent quartering. Since then the people of Britain celebrate every year with fireworks and in general burning things (which is fun!). Now depending of where you live these celebrations can kick off several weeks before the 5th November...with kids fancy dressed and accompanied with a dummy representing Mr Fawkes (which will be ultimately be burnt) begging for money to buy fireworks.

The American description is that it is like the 4th of July...an excuse to set off fire works and have a carnival!! There will be a fireworks display at 7:30pm tonight in Midsummer's Common for all to enjoy, then a huge bonfire will be lit. I am excited to see what its like and will hopefully get some photos to post. Wish me luck that I don't get hit by a loose firework! :)

Calvary Chapel Cambridge

2008-11-05T09:11:00.001-08:00

I have spoken to many of you about the sweet little Calvary that has been started here by Joey and Tiffany Rosek, a couple from the US. Joey is from Southern California, and hails from Costa Mesa, so its nice to have a bible teacher from a place I am so familiar with. :) He is a dynamic and passionate teacher of the Word, and also is a really gifted pastor in caring for all of us in the fellowship. He called me the other day just to read me some Scripture and encourage me, I appreciate him and Tiffany so much! These photos are of the "bring and share" (potluck) lunch we have every first Sunday of the month. There are about half Americans from the local military bases and universities and half British or other nationalities. It's a lovely group of kids, students, singles, couples, parents, and older wise people. Christ's church is so precious all over the world!

Matriculation

2008-11-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

On October 28, I was officially accepted as a member of Cambridge University for LIFE. It's been a long, amazing road here and seems to be just the beginning!

These photos show me and my housemates, a sweet Christian friend Fiona from Uganda, and our 60-year old friend Uli from Austria.

Fiona has a huge heart for the war torn children of Northern Uganda, and is studying Special Education so she can go back and help those children who will obviously have learning problems due to what they have been through. Uli is such an inspiration, she is a laywer who's husband owns a firm in Austria who just decided to do something new, despite her age. She is soaking up the Cambridge experience - she even rows with me early in the morning! This is just a few of the amazing people here. Maybe this would inspire some of you to give thought to going back to university? :)

Good Finds

2008-10-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

On my way home from classes today, I stopped in this local and organic shop that one of my classmates recommended. They were wonderful local veggies, cheeses, meats and breads, and some pumpkins! I left with the lovely Coffee and Walnut Bread (which I had immediately with tea when I got home!), cherry tomatoes, a small batch of aspargas, an onion and some parsnips. Anyone ever heard of parsnips? We had them at formal hall - they are a little like carrots but sweet, like a sweet potato is to a potato! I am definitely going back to that shop to try their goat cheese! Yum! I also picked up a black wool coat at the charity shop for 1 pound - great finds all around today!

Mexican in England?

2008-10-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the Christian Graduate Society's International Dinner, so I decided to prepared chicken enchiladas. The dinner and 'pudding' was really nice. There was sushi, curries, sloppy joes, stir fry, salads, BBQ. The conversation was encouraging with British, South African, Singaporian, and Swiss friends. God has been so faithful in providing fellowship here. Joey Rosek & his family from Calvary Chapel have been blessing me as well with their Friday night Bible study and service on Sunday. (I hope to have photos soon!)

I bought extra enchilada stuff so I could make some for the housemates and food for the week...so these pictures are of our lovely dinner at home and the carrot cake dessert Jenny's mom made for us! (It had honey in it which made it amazing - I'm getting the recipe!) Once again, I heart my sweet housemates. :)

Proper Tea

2008-10-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

This Sunday afternoon, I persuaded my housemates Margita and Christine to put off studying and go to proper tea with me in the City Centre at Auntie's Tea Shop, across from famous King's College.

Margita is from Croatia and had never had a proper English Tea with scones and cream! We enjoyed experiencing it with her for the first time. The fresh baked scones and tea were amazing, yum! We walked along the river and had a nice talk about how we have been challenged and humbled since we've arrived at the diverse backgrounds we are privledged to interact with here at Cambridge. I heart my housemates!

The Return to the Books

2008-10-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't written anything about my course yet, so I thought I would comment on why I'm here! There is so much to distract here in beautiful and interesting Cambridge, but as the days get colder and the trees loose their leaves, there is a draw inside to a warm homes and pubs and to the books. Since most don't have TV's, our attentions and passions get caught up in the written and spoken word, which we can all agree is powerful.

My course, called Engineering for Sustainable Development, has been what I expected and more. My thoughts about how to approach design, my ethical thoughts concerning people, how I view "developing countries" are all being challenged. Would being "developed" mean being like the US? Would that be a good thing?

They claim that Sustainable Development is a homocentric worldview, concerned about man and the environment, not ecocentric, where the environment comes first. From a biblical perspective, Adam was tasked with being a good steward of the earth, subduing the animals. When sin entered that stewardship got distorted...come the Industrial Revolution, we now experience the consequences of a hurting earth. I know this sounds a bit negative, but the evidence for global warming and scarcity of natural resources is here and now. I think this hurting is not only on the physical level but the spiritual as well. I was reading in 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." God has the ability to heal our land. I see a need for behavioral change in his people (the world) to make that happen - a humbling, a turning from our ways. Could Biblical wisdom with all this worldly wisdom help us arrive at some answers? I have hope...

The pictures above are of some people from my course at The Eagle Pub - there are people from France, China, Barbados, US, UK, Canada, Nigeria, South Africa, Pakistan, Cyprus & Egypt. I am enjoying each of them more and more. My two closest friends so far are Emily from Portland (you can barely see her head) and Keven from Northern France (red jacket on his chair). I really appreciate Rebecca from Nigeria who left her 11 month old baby at home with dad to come to Cambridge. There are some amazing people here! (P.S. I just returned from a Christian Graduate Society International Dinner and found out 2 people from my course are Christians! Yeah! A girl named Janice from S. Africa and a guy name Huag Kin (sp?) from Canada.

The second photo is some books I am reading for my course and for encouragement. "Cradle to Cradle" is a really interesting read about rethinking manufacturing processes to reuse what we now consider waste. C.S. Lewis' "Meditations" is a compilation of excerpts of his work - the photo on the front of the book is of a bench on Jesus College green. Lewis was a Professor of Literature here at Cambridge the last 9 years of his career. What are you reading?

Autumn

2008-10-18T02:48:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos of Homerton College, where I was invited to eat lunch with my new friend Monika (who I met at Calvary Chapel Cambridge!) All the leaves are changing to beautiful bright greens, yellows and oranges as the fall. The first pictures show the trees that lead into an orchard that has apples for the students to pick. They also have a pond and two large green areas to enjoy. I know the winter is coming, so I'm enjoying all the colors of this delightful season!

First Formal Hall

2008-10-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

Formal Hall is a tradition in Cambridge where the students join the Fellows weekly or bi-weekly to eat a nice 3-course meal (including beautiful desserts like these.) We started with drinks in a room upstairs, then dinner is served in the dining hall with a full place setting and candles, we finish with port and fruit upstairs once again. Hughes Hall does not require that you wear gowns (they look like graduation gowns) but many other colleges do. I wore mine just for fun. :) I wasn't able to attend the first formal hall, so I scheduled to come to the second which was on a Tuesday, so not very many people came, but it was really enjoyable. I sat next to Anne from Holland, a really nice girl. I'm going again Friday night, so that should be a great time! The food is good!

Stonehenge and the Fields of Gold

2008-10-15T06:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my course set out on a two day trip to Stonehenge, Winchester and Hindhead (Devil's Punchbowl) to explore the concept of Roads and the Landscape. An Englishman named Jeremy Purseglove (yes, that's his name) a Landscape Architect and funny sorry teller was our tour guide. My theme album for the trip is Sting's "Fields of Gold" because he lives in the Avon Valley, just east of Stonehenge.

We met some Druids at the Henge and they told about their sacred temple where they and the witches worship. They were actually quite jolly druids, not creepy like I would have thought. (One had his cape in his moterhome :)). The stones aren't as impressive as I thought they would be, but it is amazing how they floated them down the river Avon and slide them across the frozen grass before propping them up in alignment with the moon every 60 days (or something like that). Stonehenge is essensially there to tell the seasons, a big sun dial in a way. People still come to celebrate the solstaces with all kinds of schnanaganes. Our job was to figure out a way to re-route the road so it didn't pass so close by the stones and ruin the landscape of the area.

On to Winchester, we had a nice meal at this zoo-themed resturant where we worked on our Stonehenge design, then woke up to hike a hill to overlook the town. The mist parted just in time for us to see the beautiful, quaint little town below. There lies the longest Cathedral in England where Jane Austin is buried. (Ladies, I know you are as interested as I am!) Apparently Jane lived nearby in a small village. :)

The last stop was a place called Hindhead where they are naturalizing a road (making it look like it isn't there) and replacing it with a tunnel. We hiked again out to this lookout point - all the trees are turning yellows, oranges, and bright green, it is amazing.

So my second weekend was a nice mix of touring and learning, I think I'm going to like this. :)

Rowing on the River Cam

2008-10-12T07:25:00.001-07:00

In the fine tradition of Cambridge, I decided to head out to the river to learn more about rowing and all that. Jenny and I got up really early (as you can see) to meet a group at 7:00am to walk the half hour to the boat house. Not being a morning person, I dread the early mornings, but as I crossed the bridge over the river Cam, a feeling of excitement came over me. There is something great about being on the water in the morning - peacefulness, reflection, quietness. When we got to the boat house we were tasked to carry the 8-man boat out of the house, raise it to our shoulders, head and then turn it over into the river. Those with the oars on the water got in first while the others held the boat. The second group crawled in and locked in the oars, all the while listening to the cox for instructions. The whole thing seemed so proper and required such teamwork that it fit me really well and I wanted to go rowing immediately. Unfortunately they didn't let us, we just had to get out and let the next group have a try, but it was a nice teaser as to what to expect. We next tried our the "erg" machines, which are rowing machines, and were shown how to properly row as to not go backwards. The coaches are really nice and supportive, so I didn't feel like an idiot since it was my first time. The photos show people from my college, Hughes Hall. Jenny is wearing our college scarf, which shows our colors. :)

Introducing the Housemates

2008-10-08T14:55:00.001-07:00

The most amazing part of my Cambridge experience so far is meeting my housemates. The first photo is of Margita from Croatia who is getting her Masters in Education. (Many have told her she looks like Britnany Spears before she went crazy. :)) The second photo is us dolled up for the Black and White BOP, which is essentially an ackward English dance party. Christine to my right is from Hong Kong, but lived in Sydney for many years. She is getting her masters in music education. Next to her is the lovely Jenny from Northern Ireland. She is getting a masters in Environmental Design & Architecture and is absolutely charming in every way. Photo 3 is the only photo I have of the beautiful & sophisticated Elizabeth from Montreal, French Canada. She is studying law and has already been practicing for 6 years or so.

We all arrived with 3 days of one another and are all here for 1 year or less, so we automatically bonded like elementary school girls on the first day of class. We shared the nervousness about meeting one another, so it seemed there was a sign of relief when we all met each other and found out no one was too eccentric or anti-social. Really, almost everyone I have met here is friendly, even if a little nerdy like those Math & Physics guys. :)

I have found time to "chat to" (talk with) all of them and appreciate each of them so much. Margita is a sweetly naive, yet overall joyful person. Christine is the oldest but has a youthful spirit about her since she is ~5 ft tall. She plays piano very well, so I look forward to a concert. Elizabeth reminds me of myself in many ways, reserved, mature, yet very interested in people and open to ideas. She is my neighbor here downstairs in our house. Jenny (from the Block as she's been nicknamed) is the youngest at 24 and very bubbly and fun. She has gone out nearly every night with all her new friends. She is warm and very easy to talk to, which seems like a trait of the Irish. (I have another new Irish friend as well, named Avril.)

Many of the Freshers as they call us have taken advantage of Induction Week to spend as much time their new friends as possible, as it seems we will be absolutely swamped with work for the 8 short weeks of term. The only time we will see each other is at meals and the famed Formal Halls where we come dressed fancy with our gowns and have a 5 course meal. Thankfully most people are "keen" (excited to) come to these events and make the most of their year at Cambridge. I an very keen indeed mate! More photos of friends to come!

Tea Time

2008-10-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would start the tour of the kitchen over a cup of tea with you. I'm starting to see why people drink tea so much here, it is a tea kind of day, more cold and rainy than I've seen it since I've arrived. (As you can tell from the picture I am quite exhausted from all my activities.) I found this set of 3 brown and white tea cups and saucers made in England at the Charity Shop (Thrift Store) for 1 pound. They are something nice to bring back with me. :) Jenn Lawson, if you read this, know that I bought Yorkshire Tea in memory of our tea times in Scotland. I also got those Hob Nob "digestives" (cookies) that are soooo good. I love the sweets!

As you can see, our kitchen is a nice black and white theme with blue accents. We don't have any utensils or cookware, so the housemates and slowly acquiring things as we go. Overall it is a good kitchen for what we need it for. We are all headed to the famous Cambridge Blue Pub for dinner tonight as Hughes Hall doesn't serve food on Sunday evenings. The pub is a popular friendly neighborhood gathering place that has food and rowing things all over the walls. Jennifer took me there a year ago and now its about 10 houses down from where I live!

For those Mini Fans out there

2008-10-04T17:47:00.001-07:00

I thought I would take a break from the tour of the house to show you the fun cars that are on my street. (Matt, that grey one has your name written all over it!)

Today was great - Matriculation Photo with 200+ Freshers (instead of Freshman) and I got a "mobile" phone. I also was invited by a couple who lived in SLO, Nicki and Eric Appeal, to their nice house at Jesus College for dinner. I was invited along with two American couples from the Presbyterian Church they attended to enjoy a homemade Indian meal. It was so nice to fellowship with Christians and talk about really important things concerning the election and the economy openly. I really appreciated the time - thanks Nicki! I am going to visit Calvary Chapel Cambridge tomorrow with the Appeals and see how it is. The pastor, Joey Rosek is from New Jersey and is a great teacher, so I look forward to it. Next on the list: buy a perfect bike for Cambridge with a wicker basket!

The House

2008-10-04T00:57:00.000-07:00

When I opened the door to my room, I exclaimed "You are kidding me!?" because it was so big! It must have formally been the living room because as you can see there is a nice bay window and fire place with fancy tiles that I believe is operable. The room is 3 times as big as the one I was looking to rent, so plenty of room for visitors!
(Mom, thought you would appreciate some pictures of the detail of the crown molding around the room and light fixture. :) Oh so very English.)
I did some furniture arranging, so the desk is now by the heater because of the wired internet connection and the chair is by the window. I'm going to see if any of the other girls don't want one of their chairs so I can have two with a small table for visitors for tea. More of the rest of the house in my next post - this blog thing only let me add these 5 photos.

My first days

2008-10-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here's my story by photos:

Photo 1 & 2: The view of Parker's Piece as I stepped off the bus in Cambridge. It was a beautiful day for England, sunny with some cloud and a little bit of rain. I walked across ~ 200 yards to the B&B I stayed in for the first night, a cute place called the Regency Hotel right next to the church steeple in the first photo.

This is me ready for my first day of school, nervous & excited for orientation!
My house! When I met with the accomodations lady called the "Domestic Bursar" she told me that a girl was unable to come to Cambridge, so I got a large room in a house with all girls. The room behind the bay window is mine!

So what's behind the door?

Warm Welcome to Cambridge

2008-10-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say I arrived safely, was placed in an awesome house with great housemates, and am blown away by how faithful God is to me. This experience has been all I thought it would be and more. The people are so interesting! I met people from Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand, Croatia, Canada, Uganda, and Nigeria today. I will post pictures as soon as I get my laptop online. Thank you to everyone who prayed for my journey, it went so smoothly. More to come!

Pray for Housing!

2008-09-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

So I ran into some hurdles the past few weeks as I prepared to leave for England. It's been more of a chance for God to show His faithfulness and my dependence. First, I found out that orientation does not start until October 2. When I bought my ticket, the website read one week early, Sept. 25. Praise Jesus that I was able to move my flight one week without charge! Go American Airlines! Now this turns out to be a blessing because I won't get my student visa back until right before I leave, God willing! Otherwise, I will have to push it back another few days (not my favorite option.)

Secondly, I found out that I am #6 on the waiting list for college accommodations. Talk about a surprise! Apparently the form I filled out didn't secure me a place, proving I could pay them does. I can understand why this would be, it has just turned that past week into a mad search for a place.

I was able to track down a place on the Cambridge version of Craig's List, called Gumtree, with two Scottish professionals who seem really great. This 18th century terraced house is right next to the oldest college in Cambridge called Peterbourgh, so it has some character! And the location! Only 5 minutes walk from the heart of the City. I compare this place it to living downtown SLO verses living in Laguna Lake (where my college would have placed me.) Both are great, one is just more in the middle of the action. Whatever happens, I really just want to end up where God wants me, so please pray for the right situation, whether at this cute little house or elsewhere. Thanks!

The Boys in My Life

2008-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

There are a few boys in my life that I have to admit I have a crush on...their names are Luke and Jaron, and they are both not yet 2 years old. :) Luke is my nephew, Jaron my cousin's son. They are soooo cute! I will miss their mugs so much, but know they probably won't remember me until they are 3 anyway!

I had a really nice time up at my family's cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains this past week. My cousin and close friend Joy and I had our fair share of Marianne's Ice Cream, which is amazing. My aunts Cindy and Cathy, Joy and I watched Jane Austen movies snuggled on the couch, so overall I would say it was a perfect visit. Love you family!

Oh Baby!

2008-09-08T09:07:00.001-07:00

God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it"...God saw all he had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:28, 31

What a plesant afternoon celebrating Kristal and Dave Thomas' little one! April, Charity and Heather opened the Shell Shack once again to host about 20 women. Out of the 20, there were 4 women who don't have a problem obeying God's command from Genesis! They are all such cute prego ladies, and their stories show God's faithfulness.

Kristal, you are beautiful. It's always so fun to give you presents because you always have the best reactions. :) I know you are going to be an amazing mom. I love you and will praying for you from the UK!

Wisdom

2008-07-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Don't listen to any man who doesn't listen to God. -AW Tozer

Beginnings

2008-07-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever considered quitting your job & moving to a different country for a year? Traveling for a couple months is one thing, but a whole year? No, I couldn't. I'm too responsible. I am miss dependable. But alas, I took the leap and applied. I pray and I waited, waited some more. I continued in my day to day - working hard, seeking God, loving friends and family, being blessed. Then I got the news - we are pleased to offer you a place at Cambridge University. You're kidding me. So begins my British Adventure.