"A life-changing experience" is a hackneyed expression to use to describe my trip to England, but it is an accurate description. It is clear to me that God worked through this trip to teach me and prepare me, and though I am not fully sure of the "for what" or the "why" yet, I know those answers will come in time. The knowledge I gained from the professors at Oxford has altered my view of literature and how I will approach teaching it, but it is the knowledge I gained about myself and about life that made this journey even more of a learning experience.
Whether you've only looked at the blog once or you've been a faithful subscriber to my daily thought journal, I appreciate that you've shared in this journey with me. My final reflection on the trip is the list of what I learned while I was away. These thoughts are in no particular order; some of them are humorous, some are serious, and some need more explanation (I invite you to ask me about them if you want!). Thanks for being part of my experience by commenting, emailing, or just keeping me in your thoughts by reading now and then. I've been asked what I will do with this blog now and the answer is that I'm not sure. I have loved writing every day; it is a skill I would like to continue to develop. Sadly, my daily life in Marietta and Kennesaw is not nearly as noteworthy as my adventure in Oxford. Nevertheless, if you check back on occasion, I might have found something worth writing about. =)
Again, thanks for reading and caring.
What I've Learned:When traveling, it is worth a higher ticket price to 1) fly on a bigger plane, and 2) have a direct flight and spend less time in airports!
There is a difference between “English” and “British”
“Don’t hug your water glass” – Dr. Cunningham, after he spilled water on his shirt while lecturing, reminded us of what he learned (but obviously didn’t observe) in a public speaking course.
I am inspired, rather than intimidated, by people who know more than I do
Effective public transportation systems are a great means of travel – and are good for the environment
“Mr. Darcy categorically does NOT have a hairy chest!” – Dr. Byrne, on why the new movie version of Pride and Prejudice is grossly inaccurate.
Politeness goes a long way.
90s music will live forever on British radio stations
Any commonality can bring people together in a foreign country.
I admire Jane Austen's ability to write happy endings, even if she might have felt like her own story did not have one
It is perfectly acceptable to stroll rather than walk with a purpose. In fact, it allows one to notice more, appreciate more, and reflect more.
Itineraries on trips can be helpful
Cute shoes, though worn by the British for walking all over a city, apparently do not fit American feet the same way and are, therefore, not acceptable walking shoes ;+)
God is bigger than a country.
ALWAYS carry an umbrella in
Conversations with strangers can be enlightening, interesting, and an authentic way to get a better understanding of the people of a country.
I like Charles Dickens! (after reading Great Expectations in 9th grade, I never thought I would say that phrase, but it is true now)
Skinny jeans look best on skinny people (as do most of the trendy European fashions)
When it comes to the difference in cost at B&B's, the extra money usually gets you an actual address instead of “off ______ road”
I prefer the smaller towns, villages, and countryside of
Cut off the tags when you buy a new purse unless you want everyone to know how much you spent on it (ask me about that story if you want to know how I learned this!)
Friendships can arise from any encounter with people!
The Harry Potter phenomenon is even bigger in England than it is in the States.
A good friend is someone who will put up with a visitor for over a month (thank you, Jason!)
I like NEW: I enjoy meeting new people, visiting new places, trying new foods, and having new experiences.
I like OLD: I love old buildings, historic homes, ruins of cathedrals and castles, and ancient artifacts.
One thing the Church of England does very well is observe a true awe and reverence for God.
I love the smell of books and I really want a library in my house, even if I have to designate a room as “the library”
Even the best of gel pens can explode on a plane (and leave one’s fingers blue for over a day)
People in
Don’t get lost in the ritual and forget the reason.
It is much easier to conserve and recycle in a country where everyone does it and effective systems are in place
I DO want a higher degree
It isn’t hard to rekindle a passion for literature – it just takes a few brilliant people talking about it to strike that spark!
