A Pence for your Thoughts.

It Ain’t Over.

At least, for four more days. This is unreal. This whole experience, adventure, opportunity, whatever I may call it on a given day, has been a gift that I do not deserve, do not regret, and do not want to end. Don’t get me wrong - I can not wait to see loved ones, sip on some sweet iced tea, or galavant in Knoxville, but I am sure not ready to leave here. I have put off this blog, because I know that there is no way to describe what I am feeling right now. It really is like a roller coaster. Some days, I think about family and friends at home and could do a cartwheel (which I have never actually done in my life so that is saying something). But, most days, I think about how much fun I am having and how I won’t get this back. Ever. Just today , we were in Hyde Park, and I was taking it in. When else will my life be like this? Any given day, the questions we ask are: what can we do for fun? What can we see? What have we NOT done yet (that list is small)? At home, the questions seem to fall more under the question line of - how can I get all this done by this time? What is expected of me today? What have I forgotten?

I won’t get this back. But, this is a good thing, because this isn’t real life. This is an experience that I have been blessed to have. I have had time for fun, to reflect, to relax, to experience, and to learn so much that my brain hurts. It may not be real, but these are things that I’ll remember and take home with me. Maybe Knoxville can be like this, too, as I do remember it being in specific memories.

Anyways - sappy moments from Becca! You are welcome! This isn’t the last blog. I plan to do one after I get home, I mean there is going to be a whole lot going on in the next few days to tell you about! The past two weeks have been packed with memorable scenes though. Let’s review, shall we?

Last weekend was Olivia’s (one of my beautiful flatmates) last weekend in London. She is actually in Africa right now with her dad establishing purified water filters for villages in Uganda. She has been such a light for me this semester, so I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible! Friday night, we celebrated a little in the flat. Then, we wanted to go to a legitimate club, like one with a cover charge because so many cool people go. Good idea, right? Ehh…maybe. It was fun! We got what we paid for though, live rappers, LOTS of people, sweatiness, some sketchiness…but hey, we had a good time.

Saturday I spent some time with the Eckers, a family friend here in London who have been so sweet to open up their home to me. They are a lot of fun, and I am glad to have gotten to know them. We spent the evening planning the kids’ futures in the film industry. Thanks Chris, for my knowledge in this arena. I had my first nighttime scare this night though, so I’m thankful to have made it home safely! A fight broke out at my bus stop, and it did make me extremely uncomfortable, to say the least. So, I got on the next bus (even though it wasn’t the one I needed), just to get away from the boys fighting. I got home just fine after that - but my first scare in a major world city in four months, not bad.

Last Sunday was awesome. We got dressed up to go take pictures on a beautiful day in London. The day began with renditions of “Hey Jude” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” as it was off to Abbey Road! We nailed that picture too. There is also a web cam, and apparently mom saw us because I emailed her about an hour before we left saying to look for us on the internet! Good fun. We spent most of the rest of that day in St. Jame’s park exploring the flower beds. The parks here are breathtaking, they are so well taken care of! Side note - many areas of the park are closed because they are getting ready for the wedding! What Will and Kate plan to do in every single park, I’m not quite sure. But this wedding is taking this town by storm. Every store is having some sort of Will&Kate special or party or deal, etc. Different areas of London are closed in preparation. If I get married, I wonder what will shut down for me? Definitely all the parks. Maybe I’ll get a bank holiday, too. It’s crazy.

Monday night, Olivia put on a pub quiz for her work, Teach a Man to Fish. This was her project with internship, so a group of us went to support and participate. It was a whole bunch of fun, of course. Except, for the first time, we encountered some Anti-American sentimism from the table beside us. They kept dropping comment to sort of get a rise out of us. We just went along with it, but I definitely felt uncomfortable. At one point, they were even being mean. But it’s all okay now…cause we won!!! This was hilariously unexpected. We won some cool prizes and shocked the Brits. (Don’t think we were super smart or anything, there were paper airplane and chocolate tasting rounds…likely the cause of our triumphant win).That night, we made a trip to Platform 9 3/4! My trunk got stuck half way through though. Dad gum it. We also talked in British accents the whole way home. And pretended to be wizards.

I tried to make puppy chow to bring in on my last day of work. They don’t have Crispx here. Or powdered sugar. And I forgot to buy vanilla. I made a similar creation…and everyone at work pretended to like it! Wednesday was my last day at the RCS. It was pretty sad, I didn’t like saying bye to my coworkers. The opportunities the RCS brought me were absolutely amazing. I got to help with the UK’s largest multi-faith service and the world’s largest online history project. Yet, more importantly, I got to know and learn from some folks who are very different from me. I sat beside an England native, across from a Sri Lankan, diagonal from a Zambian and Zimbabwean. Each had a story that I got to hear parts of throughout my time. The international community fascinates me. I pray that one day, I’ll be able to be a part of a group where everyone realizes the potential for good when different types of people come together.

On Thursday and Friday, I was off and not many other GLS kids were. So Thursday brought some shopping. Thursday night we celebrated worldly Wednesday a day late. It was off to SPAIN! We actually saw live Flamenco dancing, where I couldn’t stop thinking about Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 3. It looked just like his dancing, and I had to stifle my laughter. Nonetheless, that flamenco dancer was talented! Also, this Spanish lady did some singing for us, and she taught us a dance, too! Friday, I hopped on a train and headed to the cost (Brighton) for a Day of Reflection. I spent all day on the beach, lying on the rocks and listening. It was beautiful, and the Lord spoke to me in ways I can’t explain. There are rewards when you remove yourself from distraction. I wish I could do that a million more times before I leave here. After that experience, the Smokies back home may be seeing a lot more of me. I got to process many of the challenges (and joys!) I have encountered here and praise Him for those.

Saturday, so yesterday, we went to breakfast and chatted at this little cafe til after lunch time. Then, some friends and I stumbled across the Dutch Festival in London. I like Dutch people, they were a lot of fun. Also, their country color is orange! Who knew? So, Trafalgar Square looked similar to the Vol Walk. The band was just taking requests so we danced with the Dutch to the vocal stylings of Journey and Black Eyed Peas. That night, we spent some time in the flats being goofy, and then went on a walk around London, taking in the night views from the bridges on the Thames.

Today is Palm Sunday. This morning, a few of us went to St. Paul’s. It was sort of like a reenactment, but formally. The congregation gatered in Paternost Square, where two donkeys led a procession. We all had palm crosses and were shouting “Hosanna!” just as it was written in the Scriptures. The service was beautiful and an amazing reminder of what this week means. It’s crazy to process that many were shouting “Hosanna!” today, and “Crucify Him!” in just 5 days more. Yet, how often do I do that to this day? Far too much. The service was beautiful, as it was a series of readings and responses that took us through what happened this week. We also took communion. It felt like a closure almost to my time here. It all started with the cross and there is where it is finished. I am undeserving of this trip to London, but even more so, I am undeserving of what Christ did for me.

The rest of the day was spent in Hyde Park, it’s becoming our Sunday theme. Tonight, little Hannah made dinner for whoever was around. It ended up being super fun. We laughed a bunch and did “Just Dance” via YouTube and a rendition of the JaiHo (I had forgotten some, so I had to refresh!). Some of our new friends came, and I think they were a little shocked at us crazy Americans, but we had them dancing by the end of the night.

So, I’m sad. I’m not ready for this to be over. We have got big plans for these next few days. Hopefully they last a long time. Hopefully time slows down a bit. I know it won’t though. I know I have wishful thinking. I’m just thankful.

Most of all, though, I am overwhelmed.

Mark 11:1-11

Down with the Crown.

People are starting to ask me for directions. I’m starting to actually know what to tell them. I feel like I’m getting the hang of this London living…and they are making me leave soon! Now, I’m so excited to see loved ones, but I’m just now getting the hang of it here! In the morning, I wear tennis shoes with my business attire on my way to work. It’s a local thing (that way everyone knows you work here because clearly you are walking to work with your kicks looking fly with a pencil skirt).

Speaking of pencil skirt…Monday was Big Office Clean day. We were reminded multiple times last week, including a reminder email to wear t-shirt and jeans to work. So, who shows up in a pencil skirt and blouse? This girl! It was quite a day, to say the least. I ended up getting a free t-shirt out of it though! So it was a perfect start to an amazing week. This last week in London easily had some highlights that I will never forget. I suggest if you are knackered (that is British for tired), you grab some coffee before you read the following novel. (Thought I was going to tell you not to read, huh? Gotcha!)

Work, in general, is somewhat boring. However, the things I am working on are really special! So, I try and ignore the yawns, because I know that this is an opportunity to be a part of some unique projects. I spent the week at work entering in “National Day” entries in the Jubilee Time Capsule for the countries of the Commonwealth. So, my work will forever be buried in the gardens of Buckingham Palace…kind of neat. (Recap: I’m working on the Jubilee Time Capsule, a social archive of the past 60 years). The main thing I’ve taken away from work this week is Ctrl+Alt (Command+tab on a Mac). Try it now if you have more than one program open. Yeah, I know. Cool and handy, just like a mini pocket fan at a summer swim meet. Also, at work this week, I got my entire office into the FL v. TN rivalry (yes, it’s still a rivalry, always will be, scores mean nothing). We listened to Swiperboy outloud, and they couldn’t quite understand what exactly a “Vol” was, causing some of them to claim to be Gator…I was shocked. One of my coworkers sent me a picture of a “vol” - and it was a large rodent like creature. Then I showed a “This is TN” video…and some came back to the light, if you will, after seeing Neyland fill up in cyber-speed.

Tuesday night, the night the England took on Ghana in a football match at Wembley Stadium. I’m no football (soccer) fan (I’m an AMERICAN football fan), but this was fun. The stadium was basically the size of Neyland and packed with people. (For soccer…I know, it was weird.) It was fabulous, though. I’ve never seen people in England so excited. On the tube ride there, people were breaking out in chants and the way up to the stadium was filled with flags and colors and good ol’ sporty fun. I quickly caught on to some England cheers and became a football fanatic for a night. We may or may not have purchased t-shirts that have velcro England flags to attach on them (don’t worry, Holly, I found them for 2 pounds! Not 10.) Their main cheer was “I’m England til I die. I’m England til I die. I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m England til I die.” Say that out loud with your best British accent, multiply by 80K people and that’s what it sounded like. Between us though, the Ghanians were way more exciting than us Brits. They were hilarious, coming to hassle with us and everything. The craziest part, though, was the actual game! England scored right before the half and it was 1-0 the whole time. Literally, people left when there was 10 minutes or so left, because the game was over… Nope! With 2 minutes left in play, Ghana scores. The crowd of Ghanians went wild!! It was a win for them in all senses, even though the official game ended in a tie. We left with our heads hung low. Maybe next time we’ll get them.

Wednesday brought another edition of Flat 20’s Worldly Wednesday! It was off to Israel (we have been to Greece and Bangladesh before now). We went to the Jewish enclave of London, a place called Golder’s Green. We saw plenty of earlocks (which sort of creep me out) and little black hats. We also met this one very attractive Jewish guy, unfortunately he was Jewish. So, we of course asked him the best place to get some Jewish food (that’s a normal question) and he steered us to the White House Express. I enjoyed the experience, but I’m glad I don’t eat that all the time. It was interesting. Next week, we’re off to either Nigeria or Pakistan…

Ahhhhhhhhh shoo ven vah…vah vah veesh sho va vah. That’s right - Thursday night was The Lion King, the musical. This was super fun because the crowd got into it, good triumphed over evil, and I just love the story. The music was awesome and Rafiki is still my hero. “Follow Rafiki, he know the way!” I liked this musical because of how interactive it was. They were coming into the aisles and people sang along. Also, there were some heavy, heavy Gospel allegories in the performance. I hadn’t really caught them in the movie, but the Mufassa giving up his life for Simba and always being inside him? I think I’ve heard that somewhere before… There were also many one-liners that I just couldn’t believe my ears (with how direct it was towards the Gospel!). It’s so true that every story that resonates with us ties back to the Only Story.

Friday morning, I ran into Brian and Cindy’s arms! My parents came to London to visit me and it was such an amazing treat and blessing to see them. I am so lucky to have such great parents who simply want to spend time with me and invest in my life (I guess there was something in it for them too…London that is). Anyways, the Lord blessed us with beautiful weather. It rained today and got cold (they left this morning…God has some humor). So, we spent our days exploring the city. We pretty much hit it all. Dinner on the River Thames overlooking the Tower Bridge, the Eye, Notting Hill, Buckingham Palace, St. Jame’s Park, St. Paul’s, Westminster…

Mom’s favorite was simply riding the double decker buses. We have that in common. We both love just looking out and people watching and taking in the city. On one bus ride in particular, we completely eavesdropped on these two British children. The conversation went something like this:

With intense accents…

“You know what I want? I want to make a chocolate chip cookie” - Girl
“Well I want to make a chocolate cake” - Boy
“I’m going to make a chocolate chip cookie” - Girl
“Well actually, I want a chocolate browine with chocolate icing.” - Boy
This goes on for probably 10 minutes…we were dying…but THEN
“Mummy, mummy, I want to tell you a secret.” - Boy
“Yes dear” - The Mummy
“Well, actually, it’s not really a secret. But I am going to make a chocolate cake.” - Boy
“Well, I am making a chocolate chip cookie.” - Girl
“Yes, yes I know that. But I am going to make…” -Boy

Y’all, this went on the whole time. We were dying. I may have butchered the story, because their accents made it.

Dad loved the musicals. He saw 2 (Mom and I shopped during one and attended one). It was such a treat for them to come play and take a break from the demands that is having a middle schooler at home. Mom and Dad were also impressed at my directional skills (let’s not tell them that I looked everything up online the night before…) I pretend to have London down, like the crown.

Also, mom bought Ben’s Cookies (basically heaven in a cookie) for all the GLS kids one night and brought them to the flat for everyone. Both my parents are so generous and they wanted to treat everyone. This was great for me, because I love to show my parents off!

The final highlight was dinner last night. I’m going to brag on Brian for a minute. Today is my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary! Last night, my dad whipped out this “Easy French” book. Mom was oblivious, she just kept chatting away with me about the recent kids she subbed for in school who were trying to pull one over on her (not going to happen, kids! I’ve tried. She’s smart.) Anyways, she doesn’t get it. Finally, dad tells her to look through it. So, she kind of starts to get it. Dad asks her if she’ll go to Paris with him tomorrow for their 25th (so today they are in Paris!!). How cute is that? My parents are awesome.

Whew. Thanks for getting this far with me. I know this was a whole lot. Jesus is being really sweet to me and I am so thankful that He is in my life! I’m just in awe of how big our God is, again. At church on Sunday, my mom pointed out how diverse the congregation was…not something you see in Knoxville as much. This blows my mind. God is here to save the world. Sometimes, I feel like I tie myself to the Gospel…that I have to know the answers to everyone’s questions and be able to have conversations with everyone I encounter. This is silly, the best thing I can do is let Jesus work and be available when He whispers for me to move. I’m not going to change anyone! Nor do I want to! I pray that Jesus will show them His love for them. And He can - the multitude of people there worshiping on Sunday was a small example of who God can and will touch.

Isaiah 40:12

Keep it real Knoxville.

The Sun is Out.

The sun has finally come out in London. Who knew how much that Vitamin D can do for you? After the Commonwealth Observance and all that traveling, I was getting worn down. Then, along comes British summer. It’s still sort of chilly, but beautiful and the sun no longer sets at 4:30 pm. It does wonders for one’s day.

I don’t have any crazy stories for you all. I’m having an amazing time. In my internship, I switched to helping with the Programmes (no - I didn’t misspell that, that is how us Brits spell that word) team to get some experience there. We are working on a project called “The Jubilee Time Capsule,” and you can actually be a part of it, too! If you have ever been to a Commonwealth country, you can submit an entry and if it is good, it will be presented to the Queen herself at her Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year. The website is here. Look, when you enter it, you see the RCS logo pop up beside it! That is where I work. Cool, huh? My work is a little more research based now, and I am learning about the different countries and cultures.

So, I have told some of you that European boys were hyped up too much before I came here. My expectations have not been met thus far. But then I went to the Cambridge v. Oxford boat race on Saturday…and realized that said men actually are on the rowing teams. This is why I have not seen them, because I live right beside Soho (known for quite the opposite type of men). Some of the girls and I got giddy. Unfortunately, they were rowing so there was no casual conversation to be had. Bummer. They looked good, though. It was a funny event because SO many people came out to watch these guys row by for a few seconds before you couldn’t see them anymore. I don’t understand why they haven’t adopted American football…way more intense. I wore my Oxford sweatshirt because I love school spirit…and I think I was the only one with school paraphernalia. Oh well, Oxford won so I repped well.

Backing up a bit, my friends and I are ready to embrace this last mile. Being nerds, my flat has adopted “Worldly Wednesday.” London is not really that British, it is a melting pot if I ever lived in one (which I haven’t). I never know if the person beside me on the street will speak English or not. So, there are random ethnic neighborhoods/enclaves scattered throughout London. We did authentic Greek and Indian so far! The Greek was so fun, because it took four hours and we yelled Oompa and everyone gave us kisses when we left. Indian was delicious. We went to Brick Lane and we bargained for a high-class meal. 5 pounds baby.

Olivia and I went on an evening walk one night and talked about what the Lord has been doing in our lives. First of all, London is absolutely beautiful at night. We walked to the River Thames and gazed at Old Big Ben and Parliament. We were both so mad that we hadn’t been doing this all along. Anyways, this trip has taught me so much about how selfish I am and vulnerable. I’m soft and I let many things affect my heart…when only Jesus should do that. As I let go of my most prized possessions (my reputation, abilities), I see what HE can do with those. He has bigger plans for me than I can make for myself. I came here to learn to be a self-feeder and learned how weak I am. My times with Jesus here have been precious, and I am wanting to depend on Him alone. Olivia and I talked about things we hold on to and how boldness is so much easier when you are in community and accountability. It’s not like going on the streets in Charleston anymore. It’s just me. What will I do to spread His name? Apparently, not as much as I thought. It’s a hard lesson that I am learning and I’m praying that these next 4 weeks will let me be fruitful for Him.

So, slight ramble about my personal struggles there. Thanks for tracking with me. Last Sunday (yesterday) was a perfect day. We went to Hyde Park all day long. It was beautiful and we played games. I could do that everyday.

Psalm 89:15

Oh, PS! I had a couple awesome Skype conversations this week. Thanks friends. :). And mommy and dad will be here SO SOON!! I can’t wait!!!!!!

Just like that.

2 weeks of interning in London (almost 3 now), and I have already completed what may be the biggest project I’ve ever been a part of. The Commonwealth Day Observance was a whole lot of work. I was tired and my head hurt after trying to remember who all I called/emailed/sent invitations to/etc when my colleagues would ask me a random question about Mr. or Mrs. This or That. There were times I wanted to pull my hair out. But Monday morning finally came, and seeing it all come together was well worth the slight stress. My role was simple on the day of, which was such a blessing because I got to enjoy the day and realize how much of a team effort it took to get there.

To catch anyone up to speed - long story short - I’ve been interning with the team who put on the Commonwealth Day Observance, a multifaith service held at Westminster Abbey every year on the second Monday in March. It was surreal, I was making phone calls I never thought I would, hanging out in the Abbey after hours to help with rehearsals, and trying to understand the accents STILL. My role on the actual day of the Observance was much more simple than leading up to it - but cool. I got to stand at the “West Cloister” entrance and receive all the speakers, volunteers, and performers with the other intern, Sumeira. When said guests arrived, I called the girl who escorted them to the green room. I had to make small talk for about 30 seconds about 4-5 times an hour from 9-2…that was my job on the day. Pretty simple, and I got to meet some cool folks! Including Annie Lennox - that girl who sings “Sweet Dreams.” So the Observance was neat. But - I guess my big news has to do with afterwards…I got invited to the Reception at the Marlborough House (the main place for the Commonwealth Secretariat). It was super fancy, and I am still wondering why in the world I got to go. There was fancy drinks and the people coming around with hor dourves on plates and all that. It was uppity. I found conversation pretty easy though! I was nervous about that. But - true story - I sortaish got to meet the Queen of England! When we “received the Queen,” we stood in 2 lines and she walked down the middle. She was acknowledging people on both sides, and when she looked at me, I followed suit and curtsied, said “It’s an honor to meet you your majesty.” And she said “Hello” and smiled at me!! It was CRAZY cool. I was in shock. After the whole thing, I was just like, “God - thanks. We both know I did nothing to deserve that opportunity.” It was neato. And she wore coral…probably my favorite color to wear. Basically, we are best friends now.

I couldn’t take pictures at the Observance (it wasn’t allowed), but you can find the professional ones here to see what I got to help work on all come together! It was an amazing experience that I truly will never forget. I have learned so much in 2 weeks about organizing, logistics, professionalism, people…

Holly and Connor are in London!! Well, technically right now they are in Scotland, but they have been in London and are coming back tomorrow! I’ve gotten to spend some time with them and the rest of Connor’s family. It has been so great and needed. just being around some of my best friends makes me remember how lucky I am and how much I WILL have to look forward to even when this adventure is done. Anyways, Sunday we explored Camden market and Covent Garden. Monday was the Observance - so they did all their touristy things (loserrrs), and yesterday I stole Holly and we girled out and shopped all day and got to catch up! She is so wonderful and spending time with her here has been really special. We may or may not have bought a scarf to share next year to commemorate our experience. The Stanks took me to dinner last night and it was delicious and a treat for sure.

Tonight, I got to go see Les Mis with some other GLS kids! It was incredible, just like always. I have seen this play quite a few times now in my life (thanks Dad) and it just gets better every time. Tonight, for the first time, I saw a lot of gospel allegory within the story, too! I get into this play though. It took a whole lot of effort to not stand up when they were singing “Will you join in our crusades? Who will be strong and stand with me?” I had to look around me to remind myself that no one else was going to stand up and sing with them. I need to go to a sing-along Les Mis next time.
Fun story of the week - I found out that my entire office has thought (slash still thinks) that I’m married. They have thought that this whole time, because of my ring on my left hand. My boss informs me that they find it odd that I never talk about my husband - who I “talked” about in my interview (in my interview I used the word “partner” to describe a project I had worked on with someone this summer in Charleston). Cue laughter from me followed by slightly uncomfortable conversation about why I wear that ring.

Getting into the Abbey for Free.

I have my own desk and my own extension - 212. What is going on?!

Well, I am blessed to be interning with the Events department of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

I thought I was going to have a lonely week, seeing as how my internship started one week before anyone else’s and everyone went to continue the European travels. But I found my week to be quite the opposite! My time at the RCS has made this first week fly by! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the internship entails.

Each morning I was out of my flat at 9 am for my twenty minute walk through the heart of central London to Trafalgar Square, my favorite place in London. The place I work is just 5 minutes away from the National Gallery, Westminster Abbey…it’s insane. God is truly being sweet to me.

In short, the RCS is an education charity that also offers an exclusive (to get the money for the charitable endeavors). It’s main goal is to promote international understanding, with an emphasis on youth programs and cultural events. I’m mainly working with the cultural events team. There are four of us (including me), so I definitely feel like I’ll be able to do a lot, but that also adds some pressure so that makes me nervous.

They put me hard to work the first day, which is exactly how I like it! I wanted to do something useful in my internship. And here in just one week, the RCS is putting on the Commonwealth Observance Day! Check out the website for the event if you want to look at it some more! It’s pretty neat. The pieces are all coming together, and I have been making lists and checking them twice, calling up people to see if they will be attending (I had to call the House of Lords the other day…funny story on that call), and running about helping finish everything off.

So, what is this event all about? And why in the world does the Queen go? Well, most of that information can be found on the site! However, the highlights for me include: largest multi-faith gathering in the UK, promotion of an understanding of global issues (I find diversity fascinating, so it’s a solid fit), and the theme - women as “agents of change.” I have always said that I hope to be a “change-agent” (I actually used that exact phrase on college applications!), so that was kind of a cool God-moment when I found out the theme. It is actually the theme for all the Commonwealth events this year (they have a new theme each year). It is attended by the Queen, Heads of Government, faith leaders from around the world, and more than 1000 young people - school kids! So cool. The Observance involves performances, speakers, and different forms of worship/prayer. Oh! And it is held at Westminster Abbery (where the royal wedding is going to be as well and the site of coronations!). I got to go to the Abbey on Friday, for the first time inside since I have been here, to walk through everything on location…for free. I must say, I was a little distracted by the beauty of it all. They were laughing at me because they would be explaining something about the Observance and I would be gazing up at the ornate ceiling. Oops.

So - skills I have gained in week one:

- “jumper” means sweater

- how to frank - aka a machine that puts stamps on envelopes

- how to freeze panes on excel

- how to speak to British people on the phone

- that last one was a lie. That is the hardest part. So, for instance, I had to call the House of Lords to see if someone was officially coming since they didn’t RSVP. Well, they were spelling someone’s name for me and they kept saying “B-A-ZED-A-L” or something like that. Anyways, so I kept repeating back “Yes maam, that’s BAZEDAL. We go back in forth for quite some time. Well, fun fact. In Britain, ZED simply is the letter Z, but they say ZED. So the correct way was “BAZAL.” But I thought it was BAZEDAL. This went on for some time. Maybe they’ll let me make another phone call. Maybe not. At least they got to laugh at me at the conclusion of the phone call.

I’m blessed and thankful for this experience so far. Can’t wait to see what this crazy week is going to bring.