First Official Week In...

Alright. I think I may need to do more than one blog post a week...this one may be quite lengthy. I'll just fill you in on the highlights of my first official week.

For the past few days it seems as if time doesn't take itself seriously. It just nonchalantly mossies along without a care in the world. Longest week of my life, but not the most boring. I suppose the lack of reality hitting me that says I am a foreigner from a far away land hasn't helped me adjust to the laid back attitude of the Brits, but really now, I can only take so much explaining of classes and programs. I endured hours and hours of tutors talking about their individual teaching styles and their particular classes, while sitting on the floor after waking up earlier than the average Londoner...without breakfast, five days in a row. I also had auditions, which went well. It was a treat to get to move. Putting aside all the mundane talk that was necessary, since 75 percent of the people who go to my conservatory don't speak English as their primary language, I was filled with hope and joy this week. The staff is AMAZING, each and every one of them, and they all have the same mindset of teaching us to be who we are, get in to our own bodies, and discover. I know I am going to grow a lot while I am here, and even enjoy the journey. And it's awesome to know that I have something to bring to the table as well.

Other highlights of my week included an Indian cuisine dinner, consisting of chicken curry over rice, with just the right amount of spice, basil, and oregano. Delicious. I have learned that you cannot judge the price of good food here. Many restaurants may look expensive on the outside, but are very reasonably priced, and for good food. I promised one of my best friends that I wouldn't return to the states with the mind set of "Everything's better in London," but I'm finding the statement to be somewhat true. Everything is just cleaner and classier here. There's nothing you can't find.

I also treated myself to a movie one night. I saw The Time Traveler's Wife and bawled like a baby. I didn't feel so bad when I heard the woman next to me sniffling as well. It was a feel good love story and very well done, although there was no moral or lesson learned. This upcoming week you can bet I'll be seeing Fame and 500 Days of Summer. I need some love and inspiration to pump me up for what is to come, instead of just feeling ready.

On Saturday I went to the Portobello Market, where I feasted my eyes on fresh foods from all over the world and antiques in every other tent. The actual road is a long one, and the market just kept going and going, like the energizer bunny. So many people crowded the streets to the point that you couldn't actually shop for anything. A claustrophobic would have a hell of a time. It was wild to say the least. I enjoyed a ham and cheese crepe and beautiful weather yesterday. That night, the girls and I went over to Ali and Blair's flat for dinner. We indulged in freshly made marinara sauce over pasta, ciabatta bread with olive oil and crushed pepper, and California chardonnay. To top it off, we split a brownie dessert that was loaded with white mousse, caramel, toffee, and chocolate shavings, which we found at our local grocery store. We had a laid back evening, telling stories and getting to know each other better. It was quite nice to dine in a real kitchen with homemade food and in good company.

Today, we all traveled to the Dominion Theatre where we experience our first Hillsong service. It was quite a rush, let me tell you. Thousands of people who come from all over the world gathered in the same place to worship God. We sat close to the front so we could get the full experience. Contemporary music made by a band of about ten people blasted from the speakers while the dazzling lights heated things up. I've never seen so many young people jumping up and down and raising their hands and voices to the Lord. It rocked. Kind of overwhelming. I rode my first double decker bus today as we made our way to the stores. We did some shopping on Oxford Street during the afternoon and found some great deals. We were all worn out after five hours of it though. We're going back to Hillsong tonight to meet and greet some people our own age. A group of us are going out for drinks and I'm excited to get connected. I know God has great plans for me, which means I have a lot of work to do as well. I guess laundry will have to wait till tomorrow. I'm not too excited about having to pay five pounds to do a load anyway.

I think that's all the deets worth sharing for now. Overall, I think God is slowing down time for me to have time to really engage and be present here. Which in that case, I know I am blessed. God knows what I need when I need it, and I have faith that he will provide and reveal Himself to me in all I do. I hope you all are experiencing God in your daily walks as well and looking forward to the future. Cheers for now!