We have been working with a Methodist youth group. This week we've been invited to accompany the youth group on a 4 1\2 day adventure to London. The trip began Saturday and ends tomorrow. Some of our activities have included an evening boat ride on the River Thames, a visit to Buckingham Palace, a stop at the National History Museum and a day at a theme park.
London is a fantastic city. It has gotten better since I visited 10 years ago, and I'm sure it will put on a show for the Olympics in 2012. Traveling continues to keep me fresh. Rachel, Kristen and I took a day trip to Skipton last week. Skipton is a quaint historic town (not like England has many of those) about 30 minutes from Bradford by train, and it boasts a castle, which we toured.
My faith has been tested lately. I have felt several times as if I'm in a dream, crying out for help and not able to be heard, not even by my own ears. Sorry, I tend to be dramatic. I have felt angry many times. Sometimes I feel I have nowhere to go with that anger. I have felt scared, threatened. I have felt like going home, as I was told several times during orientation that I would. This is one of the more complicated times I can remember. My sense of peace I had coming in now comes and goes. It often is undermined by instability and negative feelings. I believe things have to get better, particularly regarding our group, and I believe they will.
I visited a Tuesday night discussion group at the University of Bradford. The various topics of discussion center around peace. Upon my arrival, the leader asked me to give a talk about the Mennonite faith and the program as one of two main topics for the evening. I had no idea I'd be asked to do this. What came out was a 5 minute mini-lecture on the history of Anabaptism, and somehow connected it with George W Bush and US politics. The good news is I made a couple of new friends who seemed to think I did well, all things considered. On election night there are peace lectures going on at the University, so there I will see some of these people again. The youth group has offered opportunities to make new friends as well.
It's the 4th week in England now. Almost a month gone and still just 2 volunteer commitments. There are some others in the works.
3 comments:
Lee...reading your attitude of hope mixed with your confusion is inspiring...keep your head up :)
Glad to see your post, Lee
Man Lee, you know how to take life by the horns and ride with it... You probably are wondering what the heck I am talking about. Well, ever since we've been friends you have done something that pushed you out of your comfort zone... but I guess you've also expand your comfort zone. I think that is official "self growth". I am excited to see how things go.
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