The Next Adventure

First, a shout out to Debbie Jenks, because she comments so often, and I really like that. I miss having you guys around, and I love having Ellyn's photo on my wall!

 Second, I don't think very many people are aware that I'm going to England... in two days! (though I will arrive in 3 days... the strange time warp thing...) So I thought I should inform those who are still interested... I think I will do my best to resurrect this blog to keep you updated with photos and adventures!

 I am going to Oxford for 5 weeks with school to take two courses: - One on CS Lewis, Tolkein, Lewis Carroll (Alice in WOnderland!), and their views of languages. We have two COrnerstone professors who will be with us teaching the course. - One on Virginia Woolf, a early 20th c. feminist writer (!) who I have been reading aggressively for the past two weeks to try to have all 9 (??!) of her novels finished by the time I have my first OXFORD TUTORIAL with my OXFORD TUTOR!!

 We have a SUPER small group going. Two Cornerstone undergrads -- me and Ian; a friend of mine, Ruta, from Lithuania (I can't wait to see her again!); and a graduate student from Cornerstone, Tracy. We will have two proffessors -- Michaels Pasquale and Van Dyke (both of their names are Michael -- so I made it plural!) Ian, Ruta and I are spending a few days in London, sight-seeing, finding free things like museums (almost all are free!!) and gardens, and then SEEING LES MISERABLES AT QUEENS THEATRE!!!!!!! (which is a funny story -- Ian has owed that to me since my sophomore year of high school, when he did not come to see it on Europe trip, and saw phantom of the opera with girls he was flirting with instead) and then we pack our bags and head out to the University.

We just got our schedule -- we have some fantastic trips planned -- to stratford-on-avon, Windsor castle, and more! I can't wait to see some spots where Harry Potter was filmed, wear dinner robes, and STUDY AT THE OXFORD!

 prayer requests:
- I'm really actually quite a poor reader, so I am nervous about finishing these books, and the rigorous study. I think it won't be too hard to balance time, since we will meet for both classes only once a week, but I hope to still do well!
 - Safe travel! Ian is currently in Ireland (!) with his parents. They are coming home, and he, Ruta and I need to meet in London with no cell phones! I have been stressing out probably more than I should about this. Please pray that God will (as he already does) have the control, and more so that I will know that and be ok with it! Words of encouragement welcome!
- Ruta flies in to London tomorrow, actually, and will stay with her uncle for a few days.
- Group dynamic. In such a small group, I really pray that Ian and I can not be couple-y. We want to find time to spend together, but we also don't want to take advantage of the possibly "romantic" nature of the trip. Of course, Ruta is a good friend, who I haven't seen in months, so I know I will want to spend time with her, and I know the two of them will get along, because they're both WONDERFUL people.
- I have really just been worrying more than I should be. (Can you tell with all the prayer requests!!) I need to give up control and rest in God's hands. I have been nervous with Ian being overseas the last week (even though I was overseas for months before!!), and I need to remember that I don't have control, whether Ian is near or far. I want to enjoy the experience instead of worrying about what is to come.