Final Days are Fleeting

Monday June 18


Well, its 2 am on my last day in Oxford. January seems like such a long time ago but I still can't help but think how quickly it all has seemed to pass by - especially these past two weeks which I have had barely anytime to mention.


Tonight was a good night. I stayed up till 4am yesterday trying to get on a bit of an American schedule. So much of today was wasted away by the time I woke up. I did some more around the house then went to my last church service at St. Aldates. It was a night for adult Baptism- an Father's day as well- A man from Glasgow Scotland sat next to me - he was really friendly- and he was visiting his daughter who works here in the Radcliffe Infirmary as a nurse. I think I've discovered what I like most about going to church here is that it is one of the few places that random conversations with strangers not associated with my college can happen...I also shook hands with a man who was just elated that his daughter was being Baptized tonight. She looked about my age really, maybe a little younger. He could not wait to tell me that he was here for that, and I suppose I can't imagine a better way to spend father's day. All through the worship, before I even had talked to him, he was so expressive about his excitement- a little more jumpy than I think I will ever be- but he would sing out freely when there was just instrumental music playing, and I believe much of the time he was speaking in tongues or at least some other language. It was genuine and maybe one of the only times I've felt blessed just by listening to someone else praise God. Some times I just feel it is too emotional and exhibitionist like for me to appreciate- but especially after speaking with this man I realized why he may be so expressive in his worship. If God's excitement for me when I choose to follow him is anything close to what this man expressed, then I am certainly encouraged to put more effort into abandoning my nature.

After church I went to Port Meadow with several of the Regents students. It was just a really nice evening..the guys built a little fire- which I was amazed by since it was so wet everywhere. A lot of people are leaving today and then several of us are leaving tomorrow so it was just a nice evening to end a lot of the year. It started to rain- and on the way back my bike chain popped off and wouldn't stay on. I guess the rain was making it worse for my bike chain that needs oil....Ali walked home with me so we had a nice long chat. I baked some cookies when we came back and enjoyed some time in Alanna's room with her and Ali. I will certainly miss my housemates. :)