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27/01/2025
Coming to London, I wasn’t fearful. I was ready, even eager, to embrace this fresh start. My confidence came from previous adventures that had taught me resilience and the joy of stepping into the unknown.
Saying goodbye to my family at the airport was bittersweet. As I hugged them one last time, I felt a wave of comfort. Their support had prepared me for this moment. Passing through security, I turned to catch a final glimpse of them, standing with warm smiles and waving goodbye.
The flight to London was seven hours long. Dinner on board was a mix of surprises: BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, a poppyseed Waldorf salad, and a club soda. While not exactly gourmet, it was satisfying enough for an in-flight meal. Two highlights of the journey stand out: first, discovering the seat next to me was empty—an unexpected luxury on an otherwise quiet flight—and second, the small triumph of finding my lost AirPod with the help of some kind fellow passengers.
I landed in London at 7:50 AM Greenwich Time, greeted by the unfamiliar yet exciting energy of Heathrow Airport. Meeting Gabbie for coffee at Caffè Nero was a grounding moment as we waited for the rest of our group to arrive.
A Whirlwind Beginning
Once we all made it to Daniel House, those first days felt surreal. Honestly, they still do. My day-to-day vocabulary has shifted in ways that feel like something out of a dream. Phrases like, “I’m heading to Kensington Gardens for a walk,” or “Let’s go to Brussels next weekend,” still catch me by surprise.
And the places I’ve visited! In just two weeks, I’ve already seen Parliament, Borough Market, Notting Hill, Big Ben, Christ Church Mayfair, Buckingham Palace, The Big London Bake, Gail’s Bakery, Great Malvern, and Westminster. Each location has added its own layer of magic to my experience.
But it’s not just the landmarks; it’s the way people speak. Listening to locals on the Tube, at Hyde Park, or in cozy cafes like Gail’s is a treat. Their British accents are like an elegant melody, adding a charming rhythm to everyday conversations.
Cultural Adjustments
Adapting to London’s cultural norms has been a fascinating challenge:
- Phrases: In the U.S., we say, “Hey! How are you doing?” In London, it’s, “Hiya, you alright?”
- Words: Americans talk about “trash,” “arugula,” and “French fries,” but here it’s “rubbish,” “rocket,” and “chips.”
- Public transportation: Back home, conversations on public transport are loud and lively. Here, the Tube is nearly silent, an unspoken rule of respect.
- Driving and drinking: In the U.S., we drive on the right and legal drinking begins at 21, often associated with parties. In London, driving happens on the left, and pubs are less about partying and more about social connection.
These differences are subtle but meaningful, and adjusting to them has been an adventure in itself.
A Lesson in Trust
Despite the excitement, moments of uncertainty have crept in. Why am I here in London, studying abroad? What purpose does this chapter hold?
This past weekend, while traveling to Great Malvern, I found a poignant reminder. On a trail run up the Malvern Hills, I encountered thick fog that obscured everything beyond 50 feet. The path ahead was shrouded, forcing me to trust the trail itself, one step at a time.
As I navigated the mist, 2 Corinthians 5:7 came to mind: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” The Spirit gently reminded me that my walk with God will rarely involve knowing every detail of what lies ahead. This can feel unsettling and uncomfortable, but it’s also an invitation to trust Him fully.
By focusing on the steps immediately before me and trusting the path, I eventually reached the top of the hill. There, I stood in awe, realizing how God’s creation reflects His faithfulness.
Embracing “Trust”
This experience brought me back to the word I chose for 2025: TRUST. Remembering God’s authority brings deep peace, even when life feels uncertain. Though my heart and flesh may falter, God is my strength and portion forever.
As I continue this journey, I’m eager to see how He will use this time to stretch me, shape me, and make me more like Christ.
For now, I’m learning to embrace the fog—both literal and metaphorical—and take it one step at a time.
