In the Marker

It feels like forever since I last blogged. A lot has happened in between then and now. I dove deep in to life these past few days. Let me fill you in...

Choreography seems so be a new focus of mine. This class is really challenging me to go to the edge of myself, and I am loving it. This past week we shared our self portraits with each other. We were open and vulnerable, and known. We shared deeper parts of ourselves with our peers, and I felt connected, closer, not alone. It's only natural for a room full of women to bond in that sort of environment. I don't think there was a dry eye in the studio. It was brilliant, to say the least. Our next challenge is to create solos on ourselves that are embodiments of our self portraits. I plan on investing quite a bit in to this piece, as it will be a physical marker, a place in my life that will represent change and growth. Look for it on facebook.

My study abroad program took a day trip to Stonehenge and Lacock this past weekend. It was rainy and windy while we briskly walked around the blue stones (aka it took us about 20 minutes to ooh and awe and then we were done), but it was worth enduring...once I got some hot cider in my system. The Abbey in Lacock was magnificent. The weather cleared up and the sun appeared, allowing us to enjoy the autumn scenery and the cute little town where Harry Potter was filmed, along with the complimentary sheep (honestly, I think their main purpose is for decoration). It was awesome to see a place preserved to look like old, traditional England. That night, a few of us went out to Nando's for dinner, the best peri-peri chicken in the city. Yum.

On Sunday, I traveled to little Folkestone in Kent to see my dear friend, Jon. It was really nice getting to relax and spend time in the presence of someone who knows me. We went to Jon's church and heard a good sermon on being a finisher for Christ. It really put some things in to perspective for me. The next day, we took a bus in to Canterbury where we did the normal touristy things. Jon introduced me to real Brit chocolate,which I will be stocking up on before I leave the country, and tangfastics. We walked around the oceanside and gazed at the border of France as the sunset. Had some cream tea, and then made squash soup for dinner. It was a short, but good trip. I found fellowship and community there, and I'm really happy for Jon that he's found a home. Good conversation plus good hugs equals happy Sara (they don't hug in Britain, but don't worry, I'm teaching them).

Before my trip to see Jon, I had some one-on-one time with my new Hillsong friend, Eugene. We shared parts of our testimonies with each other and our thoughts on the present life. He helped talk me through the questions that have been bouncing around in my head these past couple of weeks, which I shared with you in my last post, and gave me inspiration for my solo. We all have markers in our lives, places we can look back on and remember how they've changed us. I have realized that I am in a marker right now, I am experiencing the change and growth that I will soon be able to look back on and understand the transformation I have undergone. I have also come to the realization that I want this time in London to be a life-changing experience, and that I want to create as many memories as I can while I am here. So here I go...taking chances, creating opportunities, doing life the way I want to do life.

Questions

I am physically and mentally exhausted from this past week's activities, but my spiritual condition is in good health. Let me fill you in on what went down...

I had some very interesting, thought provoking classes at the beginning of the week. For my choreography class, we got to travel to the National Portrait Gallery for a private lecture on some of the most popular pieces, as well as time to wander. There was a new addition to the gallery, a sculpture that a man had made with his own blood and a mold of his head. The piece has to be refrigerated and is redone every five years. It was fascinating to say the least, and quite the level of commitment on the artist's part. My assignment for this upcoming week is to create my own self-portrait, but don't worry, I won't be drawing any blood, even though I have been reading the Twilight series. Throughout the rest of the week, I had a craving for McDonald's that I had to satisfy. Thursday was my splurge day: went to my one class, ate lunch at McD's and then found a cute coffee shop where I enjoyed scones and tea (a classic brit treat) while I read New Moon. Tea has been my comfort drink here in London, perhaps because it's cheaper and easier to make than coffee. The weather is slowly changing in to the rainy, windy Autumn I had been expecting a while ago. I am loving the transformation of the trees and colors around England, and it's making me excited for the holidays. However, I do not envy my friends who are enduring the freezing temperatures up in Moscow, Idaho. Maybe since winter came early, it will leave early...there is always hope.

Friday afternoon, I left on a bus to the Lake District, which is in Northern England close to Scotland. It took us nine hours to get there and during our pit stop my phone made its way out of my pocket and in to the toilet which left me a tad bit hopeless for a good weekend, but the following experiences were totally worth it. I thought I would have to travel to Ireland to see such beauty as I did when I woke up the next morning and looked out my window. Mountains and lakes, rolling green hills covered with trees and sheep, lined with stone walls surrounded us for miles. Peace and beauty filled my heart and my spirit rose. I went zip lining on a mountain across a river. It was quite the rush. A beautiful view of the land. I also did some coracle building where we built a bowl-shaped raft out of recycled plastic tubes, a tarp, and tape. My team did an excellent job with our structure. It worked! We ended the afternoon by jumping in to the ice cold creek. The hot shower that followed never felt so good. It was definitely an adventure weekend, and what a ride it was.

All these moments, the good and the indifferent, have led me to start questioning my future. Sometimes when I have adventure weekends, I don't feel like I'm in school and instead I fantasize about being a traveler for the rest of my life. Sometimes I forget that I am still working towards a degree and that the end is coming soon. I am enjoying these adventures, and I do enjoy Laban and all that I'm learning. But what happens when my time is up here? Where do I go? Where does dance fit in to my life? What does God have planned and is it the same as what I think it is? Do I have a dream, a passion so strong for something that I can go out in to the "real world" and make it a reality? A career? Commit my life and time and energy to? And is it dance? Should I be planning ahead? How do I plan when I don't know what my goal is? I am uncertain about what lies ahead, but I am confident that God will lead me. Time is closing in on me, and I am learning to rest in God, to not be busy at heart, and to be at peace with what I know now. The answers will come, my life will serve a greater purpose. God would ruin my plans anyway. I think this time around, I may wing it. If you have any advice, I'm all ears.

To Love Someone is to See the Face of God

It's been a crazy week full of memorable experiences. Last weekend some friends and I traveled to Brighton and walked by the ocean, ate fish n' chips on the pier, and meandered through the shops around town. It was frightfully windy, but well worth the train ride. We found some good gifts and red velvet cupcakes. Yum. Our high spirits from a fun-filled day left us wishing the night wouldn't end. So we found a bar and restaurant on the way home and enjoyed some drinks and live music. At the end of the night, we were the only ones dancing, and I think the musicians appreciated it. MK and I didn't get our fill, so Sunday night we went to a salsa club with some buddies from church and learned some basic steps. Twas an awesome weekend.

Throughout the week I enjoyed getting to know some of my flat mates better by eating and reminiscing together in our cramped kitchen and savoring some gelato while playing Jenga. Experienced some more of the wonderful London rain, which really is wonderful because it's so much more pure here than the acid rain we get in parts of America, and finding more gifts on Portabello Road. I had some epiphanies in my dance classes these past few days, but I suppose, considering I am going to a conservatory, that is expected. I will probably never get used to it though, which is a blessing I think. I've been keeping up with my Moscow church community by listening to their podcasts and reading their beautiful mess stories on the blog. I also attended the Hillsong Conference which was just more of regular Hillsong services, except in a larger venue. Got some good soul food out of it and some sweet worship time. To close the week, a few of my flat mates and I shared some bonding time in the lounge, watching chick flicks and eating popcorn on a rainy night. Pride and Prejudice had us dreaming sweet dreams and inspired us to travel to the district where it was filmed, so I have that to look forward to. Now all that's missing is my prince.

I went and saw Les Miserables this evening. It was a special performance because it was three of the main cast members' last night. The man who played Jean Valjean was phenomenal and is now leaving to play the Phantom, which I would pay good money to see. His voice was so strong and so smooth. I was blown away by some of the characters and others, I was slightly disappointed in. But Les Mis isn't one of my favorite musicals. I knew I would be moved, but I wasn't changed. I did however learn that to love someone is to see the face of God. I've never been in love, nor do I believe anyone has ever truly been in love with me. But, I dreamed a dream...perhaps my Pride and Prejudice trip will bring me love, my musical.

Realities

I always get the crud around this time of year. I fight it as hard as I can, but to no avail... the past few days I have been coughing and sneezing up a storm and I blow my nose every five minutes. I have found that rest, tea, and prayer are great remedies, along with believing you'll beat it. It's never fun when you can't breathe during dance class and your movement is restricted because you don't want to fling your snot and germs all over the people next to you. And although those people happen to be my friends, I would never wish to share a sickness with them. Hopefully by the end of the weekend I will be fully recovered.

Last Sunday I thoroughly enjoyed a day in Hyde Park with Emily. We walked in natural beauty and talked about how we felt being three weeks in to our journey. We drank tea and ate caramel waffle cookies while basking in God's sun, reading, doing homework, watching boys play some ultimate frisbee, and listening to soothing music. The pace at which time goes by here allows me to soak up every moment and be still, in awe. I am managing to retain the life I am living and for the first time I can say that that is my reality. I'm learning to be in the moment instead of always looking towards the future or at the past (I am embracing instead of escaping my true feelings).

There are two other realities I would like to share with you that have been put in to motion and are in the midst of happening. First of all, my home girl, Riquel Olander, made history this past week. Her all female dance crew won America's Best Dance Crew a few days ago and had the privilege of dancing on the Ellen show (which has been one of Riqi's dreams). And now this weekend, one of my dearest friends, Jordan Stanley, stars in New York University's show of Kiss of the Spider Woman, taking on the lead role. I read that opening night, last night, was phenomenal. I'm disappointed that I can't be there to watch him literally rise to fame, but knowing that dreams are coming true for people I care about, love, and know is enough for any spirit to be lifted. There is no jealousy here, only pride and support for my friends' successes.

Other experiences this past week included celebrating Ali's birthday by eating a huge, and I mean huge, chocolate cake at lunch, eating dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant, and just making Ali feel special. I participated in a Hillsong connect group and met some interesting, older people, and learned about some of the issues that this particular body of Christ is dealing with. I was stalked by a guy in the underground, but easily lost him by hiding in the sea of people. Don't worry, I'm a pro at dealing with this situation by now. And today I had my first London skype chat with my friend Leanne. It was good to see a familiar face, even if it was on a computer screen.

This weekend, I am looking forward to a new adventure with my girls and some salsa dancing on Sunday night. God is rockin' my world right now, by managing to show me how to live my dream, work hard for what is to come, and still have fun at the same time. That is my present reality, that is my life as of now, and I am loving it. I choose life!

Really Nice

I'm sitting here, gazing out my window at what's left of the sunset as I reflect on my past week experiences. I can't remember the last time I was this sore, and yet I feel rejuvenated. If that's not satisfaction to a dancer, I don't know what is. I experienced dance in many forms in the past few days. Let me tell you all about it...

Last Thursday I soaked up the moments I found myself in. Laban had their Master student performances this past week and my American friends and I thought it would be a good idea to go see one. Unfortunately, so did everybody else and therefore the show was sold out, so we decided to go in to Greenwich and eat some Mexican food at Cafe Sol. It was delicious. Much better than the Mexican I had eaten the night before with my flat mates at Santo's Mexican Kitchen in Notting Hill. I guess I had high expectations going in (aka that it would taste like American Mexican food), but I've learned that everything here tastes slightly different than what I'm used to (aka the food isn't packed with preservatives, salt, flour, and sugar). The restaurant played some awesome music, which of course inspired the dancing spirit to come out in all of us... all the way home. There's nothing better than dancing in the tube late at night when everyone around you is dead tired, and so are you. But somehow I've found that when you have no energy, that's when you exert the best moves, the original, organic, spontaneous ones that you can't help but laugh at. At that point, you just don't care if people look at you and think, "crazy Americans", because you're having the time of your life and being true to the moment. Good times. Needless to say, the groove stuck through my rem cycle and carried over to Friday. I began the morning with contemporary class, dancing a modern phrase to good old Coltrane, while thinking of my dad who introduced me to him. I then took an epic jazz class that put me on an adrenaline high. It was literally liberating and reminded me why I dance. Best class to end my weeks with. I followed it up with a repertory audition, which was an interesting experience. It pushed me to be inventive in a relaxed manner, and I felt challenged on the spot. But I stayed focused and finished strong. I find out if I got in on Monday. Whatever the outcome, I'm glad I took the opportunity. I've never experienced an audition quite like this one, and I learned from it. Friday night, I went to yet another movie, alone. Of course I had to see Fame, opening night. You can bet I left the theater dancing and singing...by myself. Whatever. I'm a dancer. I can't help it. And I wouldn't want to even if I could.

Other interesting experiences I had this past week included my first trip to the laundromat, which left me astounded at how many pounds (in currency) I lost. I hung dried all my clothes in my tiny room that night, and slept without sheets, after showering in the dark because our electricity went out in our bathrooms. I may be an insomniac, but that doesn't mean the dark doesn't creep me out. If there's a next time, I may just sleep in my sweat. It's not like I'm not going to get up in the morning and dance and sweat some more or anything... Today I ran some errands all over the city. There's so much I still haven't seen. Good thing I have time. I ate at a place called Belgo in Covent Garden, another restaurant my old youth pastor recommended. I ordered, and almost immediately after, I was served a gourmet roasted chicken with chili and red pepper sauce. I barely caught their lunch special, so I was pleased with the price, as well as the quality of the food. I however didn't have the time to try one of their fruit beers. I'll save that for next time I guess.

It's been a great journey so far and I'm excited for what is to come. I have a lot of work to do, but I'm excited to get started, which isn't always the case. Time here is valuable, and it goes by slow enough for me to soak in all my experiences moment to moment, but fast enough that when I look back, I still think, "Where has the time gone?" I don't think it's going to slow down at all, and I don't think there will ever be enough time to do everything I want to do, which is why I have to live in the now and live as if today is all I have. Really, that's all I'm guaranteed. I have to take the chances when they are presented, and make my own way and opportunities. I have to make it happen. I'm not wasting another minute waiting...

Cool fact: Sara is a rare name here, where as in the states it's one of the most common. I was seriously asked if I was Jewish. My name has more meaning now. It's "really nice."

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!

What a weekend...

I'm SO ready for school to start. Although I am walking great lengths every day, I need to be dancing. Tomorrow morning, I'll get up at 6:30 AM, catch my rides (yes, plural) to Deptford, sit through a seminar, and enjoy or not enjoy a 4 hour break until contemporary auditions. I'll also be testing out the food on campus and perhaps around Greenwich. Let's hope it's a good day.

This past weekend, I had quite the variety of experiences. On Friday night, Mk, Emily, and I went out to The Champion pub down the road, where we striked up a conversation with some Brazilians who were nice enough to offer us a spot at their table. I'm not allowed to repeat what happened after that, but let me just say that I was the prude for the evening who was kept company by the only married man in the group, while my friends got hit on...all night. I had fun...

I naturally needed some alone time the next day. I wandered around central London, solo, during the afternoon and quite enjoyed myself as I smiled and waved to strangers strolling down the streets. Independence never gets old. I surprisingly ended up finding Wagamamas, a japanese restuarant my old youth pastor recommended, and ate a delicious plate of noodles that I washed down with peach ice tea, which reminded me of the tea one of my best friend's mom makes. Brilliant. The girls and I stayed in and had a low key night by watching Never Been Kissed. We all went to bed feeling hopeful, or depressed, about being single and finding love in London. I couldn't sleep...damn romantic comedies always get me. "Cause I know a place where the sun is always shining..." Well, not always.

Today we went down to London Bridge and attended the Thames Festival, the largest free annual festival in London. We walked the cobblestone pavement where you could feel the elevated stone press in to the soles of your feet like a kiss, as we oohed and awed at all the different venues. The wind and overcast gave London it's notorious look, but it wasn't enough of a threat to send people home. A small ampitheatre, located in the middle of the festival, called The Scoop had performers from all over the world showing off their talents and introducing passer-byers to their cultural arts. From choirs singing to support organizations who raise money for the four-thousand African children who die from a lack of clean water everyday to Korean dancing and martial arts, it was all there. They even had a separate dance floor for commoners to come and do a little swing. The girls and I took artsy pictures of the area, including ones of kids playing in the local fountain. Little things like that still bring joy to my life, and I love capturing tangible memories of moments such as these.

I ended the evening in disappointment when I travelled to the Hillsong Church site, just to find that for this week they relocated to a different venue. Oh well. The songs my heart sings will keep me in touch with the Lord till next Sunday I suppose.

I'm excited for what the week will bring. I'll try and give an update at least once a week. We'll see how exhausted I am at the end of each day. I begin practicing going to bed at an earlier, more reasonable hour starting...now. :)