Finally Here

Oxford is amazing. I still can't believe I'm here.

I can't even begin to describe the beauty of this city. The cobbled streets. The old, tall, brick houses. Port Meadow, which is land that has never been ploughed on. The cars that are smaller than the beasts we use in the US. The huge, ornately-designed churches that loom at every other corner. The bell that sounds every hour from the church down the street from us. The clouds that came in heavily today and are now releasing water upon us. The beautiful University Parks, with their many grasses strewn with napping bodies. The paths that go around Christ Church Meadow and run alongside the Rivers Cherwell and Thames. The little boy in the window in the house across the street, who was waving to us yesterday. St. Aldates church, where I attended service this morning, and all their children who understand that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who takes very good care of us. My fellow classmates.

I am eager to discover more to be thankful for.

Start the Countdown: 10...

Ten more days until I leave the country for the first time and possibly have everything I've ever known blown out of the water. I am so ready. Except I should probably finish packing and get to Abilene. :)

This past week has been a struggle: my last week of work, getting my portfolio done, getting everything together, making sure I haven't forgotten to buy anything I need... not to mention I have barely even taken time to get in the Word. I'm drained. But this last week at home will go quickly... and I need to try to pack in as much family time as I can get.

I'm still sad that I'll only get to see my friends from school for a few days until I have to leave again... but at least I'll get to see them at all!