Being Here is Not Walking Here

To the 11 people who care about my posts, a sincere apology is due... It's been a while. To the other friends that read these first three sentences of this before heading back to Facebook, I miss you guys and I appreciate the Instagram likes...

It's been 3 countries since I last wrote: Italy, Wales and France in that order. Quick breakdown of each country...

Italy
         Venice: Everything you'd imagine, winding canals and stone sidewalks littered with flamboyant and rather loud Italians. Gondolas silently coast across the dark green water leaving hardly a ripple while above them on bridges, tourists from the farthest corners of Earth fulfill their dreams of seeing the beautiful city. Our hostel was in a rare location on the south side of the island that "Venezia" rests on. I can say that waking up to a canal is something I'll never forget. Pizza, red wine, and gelato kept me alive for the brief but efficient 36 hour stay in the water-locked city.

Rome: The 5 of us (Amanda, Evan, Kyle, Naomi and myself- yeah we were missing part of the group, they were in Ireland) left on a midnight train from Venezia to Roma with hopes of getting some sleep. HA, yeah right. Nonetheless, sleepily we made it to the city who's political, architectural and cultural history has defined western society. The Colosseum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and of course more gelato made this one of my favorite cities yet. Seeing the Roman forum that was a bustling city center in the days of Constantine and even as far back as some favorite biblical characters is an absurdity. Sidenote: the day after my departure from the "country shaped like a boot", and more specifically the Vatican, the Pope announced his resignation... quite an effect I've had on Europe eh?

Wales: Fun Fact: Welsh people speak Welsh. If you ever meet anyone who can read, understand, fluently speak or even simply pronounce more than 5 Welsh words... Never let them go for they are a worthy breed. That language is ridiculous, look it up or something. Wales is a country on the west coast of Great Britain and is a fun-filled theme park for anyone who remotely enjoys nature. Our hostel, with a waterfront view,  was sat in a bay facing the Irish sea. On each arm of the bay were two grassy peaks which were ideal for overlooking the city, the sea, and maybe even a sunrise as I got to do early one brisk morning. We travelled to Snowdonia National Park and were awestruck by the black slate mountains which house some of the prettier bluffs I've ever been exposed to. The lower ground is filtered by great lakes and clear streams that travel slowly over the black rock. Wales gave me good fish, good hikes and good views... it's in the running for my favorite country yet.


















France: This past weekend our group of 9 had the blessing of traveling to Paris, France. I never thought that seeing Paris would be something that I could do, but I am ever so glad that I have. Though it is a bit dirty in areas, the beautiful parts mask any negativity you could find with their splendor and elegance. The Louvre (Mona Lisa included), Versailles, the Arch de Triumph, Musee d'Orsay, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur were plenty enough to see in one city... oh yes and the Eiffel Tower, of course. You may have seen pictures of these before, but I really do suggest seeing them in person. There aren't simple ways to paint a picture of this city for it is so large and grand, it is a stellar place and I'm thankful I've seen it.

A quick briefing that was, wouldn't you say? No? Oops.

I've seen a lot in my time being here, and I'm hardly halfway complete with my semester! I've met phenomenal people that have effected me in ways they'd never comprehend and I've experienced situations that have changed my outlook on my people, places and my faith. What I've learned in all of these experiences is that though I am here, I can't only be here; I must walk here. (It is titled "The Walk Across the Pond) What I mean by this is with regards to my faith, being here is easy while walking isn't always necessarily elementary. The American church has defined "being" a Christian in a rather simple way: I participate in church events on Sundays (and wednesdays if I'm a die hard), I don't do "bad things", and when I do participate in "bad things" I am to ask for forgiveness. Granted, those can be good things within the realm of Christianity, but they often times designate Christianity as a religion and not a lifestyle.

The lifestyle of a Christian I have learned, is not adding God to your daily mix or integrating theology into your choices all the while maintaining who you were at the start. The gospel is quite contrary to this. I have been given a new start for I am a new creation through the cross, so why would I maintain who I was or my reputation? God has shown me in so many different ways that the lifestyle of a Christian, is taking the life, that was once in death, and abandoning it at His feet. I have been given life, and that gift I should return with all my heart by devoting it to Christ. I thought this would be very easy, just make better decisions, better my theological knowledge, and if I'm real good at it maybe I'll try and be a pastor. How wrong I am again (I see that on a daily basis here, but it's great). Paul in a message to the elders in Ephesus set a great example by saying, "I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). This radical abandonment that Paul so devoutly professes has scared me a bit in being here. I met a missionary in Paris, who has lived alone for 11 years in one of the largest cities in Europe with only a cat and one coworker to befriend. If I were given the opportunity to leave ALL my friends and family, live with nobody but a cat on the other side of the world, and throw away any life plans I had for the glory of God, would I do it? This is what I'm learning, I have been given very much and because of that, much is expected and all of it for the glory of God. It is humbling, but He is teaching me on a daily basis that my faith isn't about "being" a Christian, for that only supplements my reputation. I am expected to walk, do, serve, give, and love with everything I have for His glory. Boy do I have a long way to go, but God still has me walking over here across the pond.




Mason

Kilts and Castles

Friends! Family! Sorry I've taken such a long while to post, I have had three tests in two weeks, as well as having gone to Scotland and planning for Italy!

This past weekend I spent Thursday night through Sunday evening in Edinburgh, Scotland. Fun fact, unlike Pittsburgh, Edinburgh is pronounced differently. Instead ending in a g sound with a faint h slurring after it, it is pronounced: Ed (like the name) in (not out) bur (it's cold in here) uh (uhhh what?). So like Owensboro... but with an "uh" instead of an "o"... and it begins with "Edin" not "Owens". Anyways, this has been my favorite city yet! The city itself is located around 3 hours north of Grantham via train, an easy travel destination right? (Sort of, except a group of 15 of us missed our train, snuck on another one headed the same direction and somehow ended up in Scotland). It was a beautifully historical city, each building comprised of a vast amount of stones with a story to go with each of them.

Our hostel was located in the center of the city off Edinburgh's version of main street known as the Royal Mile. The High Street Hostel was very good to myself and the 2 fellas and 6 girls I often travel with. We were placed in a 10 person room in which each of our beds were named something with relevance to the solar system. Ironically, I was given Uranus... I'm still 13 I know. Our 10th person staying with us was a French man looking for work in Edinburgh named Matthew. It was an interesting place and very much excites me for what each hostel experience will consist of.

View from Arthur's Seat of Edinburgh

Saturday, our second full day in the city, we spent the early morning and afternoon on the north side of the city hiking what is known as Arthur's Seat. This nearly thousand foot jutting peak overlooks the city with a magnificent view. 3 hours spent climbing her relatively soft, green trails that overlooked 60 and 70 foot cliffs was well worth the investment. The highest peak of the peculiar geography has a view that is too beautiful to describe efficiently. To the East the vast North Sea sits gently and extends far past the eye's vision. The light blue water, consistently at rest, portrays a fantastic picture of exactly how big I am; not very. A sharp wind's cold bite will blow you to turn away from the broader part of the sea to look into the bay area. This was spectacular because sitting far behind it, snowcapped mountains lurk, only there to remind you what a diverse geography Scotland truly has. Still turning left until facing West you see the skyline of the city. Skylines in Europe are not filled with large corporate buildings of impressively contemporary architecture. Instead, churches older than our very own nation press into the sky with their gothic spires. Best of all, the view of Edinburgh Castle, sitting promptly above the rest of the city, acting as an intimidating, fierce and dangerous older brother to the rest of the stone city. This is actually the castle the overhangs the view of the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling received inspiration for her Harry Potter books. I made sure to grab lunch there don't worry.

Edinburgh Castle

The Coffee Shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books! 

God created me to love people, I'm learning that here. Do I miss my incredible round of friends that pour into me back home? Yes, but I can't explain the joy I find in getting to know people here and understand who they are and why they are that way. There is no common background within Harlaxton students and what a blessing it has been. Knowing that I am here to shine a light is a simple idea, but how I shine is a complex matter when I restrict it to myself. In relying on God here, which I've had to do more than ever before, I am opened up to the gospel and why it matters in others peoples lives as opposed to just my own. As I'm now halfway through reading the Acts of the first church I see that investing in people is how you share the gospel with them; loving them as I have been loved. Paul and Barnabus went TO the gentiles in Asia Minor, they did not wait to be asked questions or for someone to land on their doorstep begging for a grace so extraordinary. Please be praying that I might have this conviction to share the gospel here. I love people for a reason, it's a great, great gift and because I'm given much through him, much is expected. (Luke 12:48) Pray for the Spirit to use me so that His will may be done and He may be glorified!

I just finished packing for a trip to Italy! (I leave in 6 hours unfortunately and I am yet to sleep!) Pictures will be up from that sometime next week!

Meeting and Missing Family

Hello again to those back home still bored enough to read my blog! I am done with class for the day and it is only 11am over here, meaning it's hardly 6am back home... Quite a different schedule ahead of us I would assume. 

A lot of things have been going on in the last week! I participated in two house challenges, soccer and handball, in which my house, Mercia, won both! Yes, just like Hogwarts the students here at Harlaxton have been divided into four houses and are in constant competition with each other! I believe after our soccer win Monday night that we will be tied for 1st! Our latest competition is a snowman building contest, which suits the 5 to 6 inches of snow we have received in the last week. Also, Kyle and I have joined the Harlaxton volleyball team, our first game is tomorrow! I am also the point guard for the Harlaxton Lions basketball team, my first game I played with the team was this past sunday! (Brought home the W don't worry). 

Deer here aren't afraid of humans!

The Belton House

This past Saturday Evan, Kyle and I met our "host-family" for the semester, the O'Neill's. They will not actually "host" us necessarily but will treat us to dinner as well as assist our travels and other great supplementary actions to our experience here in the UK. We began in the late morning with a short drive to their house, which is located in a historical district of Grantham. Their house is over 100 years old, but still in fantastic shape. Helen, a tall woman and mother of 4, worked as a pediatrician for many years before retiring this past summer. Mike retired after 45 years as an industrial chemist, needless to say the O'Neill's are a heck of a family. We also met their youngest, James, who stands at about 6'4" and could throw me like a football despite being a year younger than myself. I am excited to get to know James and greater understand the young culture that Great Britain has and how it coincides as well as contradicts that of our culture back in the states. After a fabulous breakfast cooked by James that consisted of fried ham and cheese biscuits with an accompanying sauce of our choosing, we went for a walk to the Belton house. During this one hour hike through the public park to the Belton house Helen, Mike, Evan, Kyle and myself became acquainted with each other, learning of each other's pasts as well as aspirations for the future. It was a long walk, I'll admit, but worth every second getting to know our family here. 

After our return from the Belton House, some three hours later, we were prepared a dinner... A dinner is such an understatement. A feast that's inspiration was found in my happiness is a much better designated title. Baked gammon cooked in a honey mustard sauce, potatoes baked with sweet and tender parsnips, string beans and choice broccoli all accompanied by tasteful chatter around the table. Rejoined by James, the six of us enjoyed the dinner very much, specifically Evan, Kyle and myself. The Refectory, where our meals in the manor are, rarely displays a meal that is received with exclamation, or even satisfaction (but it is food so we eat it!). Then there was dessert... served with our second glass of hot cider (deliciously warm and fruity) we were so graciously given apple and blackberry crumble. Fresh blackberries were accompanied by apples and a crust so delicious that you could almost forget the ice cream and custard served in the very same bowl. Wow! I'll never forget that meal (and very much so look forward to the next one with the O'Neill's!).

After receiving some news this week that is a little perturbing from the family, it has become difficult not to think of them often. I never a day in my life would consider homesickness a challenge that I've had to deal with, but with recent events I'd be a liar to say I haven't missed home... a lot. As I reflected on this I began to remember the letter written to me by Jordan Minton before my departure. A wise and encouraging man who has poured much into my life, Jordan had these words for me knowing I would face these troubles: "When you feel homesick, lean on God. When you feel lonely, lean on God. When you feel stagnant, lean on God. And when you feel doubt, lean on God." I can't thank him enough for how he's poured into my life and he doesn't even know how he effected my past week. Nonetheless, I did what he recommended, I looked to God. As I did this I was shown several things, one that I am to expect nothing of this Earth. God provides salvation through grace and nothing takes precedence over that, no matter what the situation. I cannot expect the blessings I've received, I can't even expect what is considered necessity. As a follower of Christ I am not guaranteed shelter or even family. Instead I am guaranteed salvation because of the cross, I am guaranteed love from a creator, I am guaranteed God as a father no matter where I am. With this knowledge, my week became about something else, and thank God that it did. As opposed to focus on myself and the challenges my family has seen and will, I look to God and hope to serve Him in each and every way possible. I am here because of God, pray that I remember this in daily action and make it a participating part of my thought process. That I may not even speak to someone without hoping to love them as he has loved me. 

I am confident in God and ask for your prayers that the joy I have is exposed on a daily basis. I do miss you folks back home! I will write again soon!

Mason

Big Ben, Little Mason

Friends! My inconsistent blog does continue, whether you'd like it to or not! This past week has been a busy one, and I am no less than ecstatic to share it with you.

Last Thursday evening, most all of the Harlaxton students got aboard 3 large coaches (buses remember?) and began the two hour trek south to the largest city in Europe, London. Watching a combination of street lamps streak past and my friends sleepy head nodding, I became anxious to experience such a great city... and a great city it was.

The first night in London was very enjoyable, but also a little embarrassing due to a couple of things. First, upon arriving in the hotel room, (which was quaintly dressed with three twin sized beds; one for Evan, Kyle and myself) I broke one of the three complementary drinking-glasses. Most of you readers being cognizant of my "eclectic" personality are probably assuming the worst in how this might have happened. So I'll shoot it straight, I did shatter a glass (into a ridiculous amount of pieces may I add, had I seen the room with out context I would have immediately considered the use of a hand grenade) attempting to juggle all three of them, but nonetheless we left the hotel without a fine! And that's what matters most... right? Another embarrassing event was our first meal in London. Expected to become cultured while we were here, our group decided to walk past dozens of London's cafe's, pubs and shops... to get McDonald's. Yes, we did walk twenty-five minutes to devour the BEST Big Mac I've ever had... worth it.

Anyways... London: The two full days I spent in the city will be some I remember all of my days. The first day, Friday, about 10 of us did a "walking tour" of London. This tour encompassed Westminster (home of Big Ben as well as the parliament building pictured to the right), St. Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, and the far side of Westminster Abbey. These buildings were each powerful enough and so particularly built to take your breath away as well as steal a gig of memory from any device you had on you that contained a camera.

The second full day in London is most incomparable to all my days abroad so far. It started with a visit to the National Museum in which I saw artifacts and galleries from all of Europe's long and impressive history. From there we grabbed a cheap lunch and were off to the tube (London's underground subway system) to catch a ride to Fulham. In Fulham, we were to see my very first premier league match, and from a very close distance, the second row in fact. The oldest football stadium in England housed the Fulham vs. Wigan game (which ended in a 1-1 draw) as well as nine Americans who's minds were blown. First off, being 15 feet away from Dimitar Berbatov (ex Manchester United star) is something I can boast about for a very long time. Outside of being starstruck and overwhelmed by the soccer being played, the stadium set an atmosphere that truly no American sport, stadium or match can compare to. Granted, we Americans may have bigger and "better" sporting events, but the passion these fans had was extreme. With each soft touch of the ball in the final third of the pitch (it means field for those of you who are less familiar with soccer) the fans would rise, lean and itch for something greater. Hearing the gasp of 25,000 people almost every minute is an experience that truly draws out your emotions. But a goal, oh a goal, that will change the way you think of every sport celebration. (Imagine a slam-dunk to win the national championship... accompanied by a host of angels and free donuts, the place went nuts). Chants were composed and songs were shouted over and over, what a passionate game it is.

A small pub, a trip to Picadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace and a night visit to Big Ben brought my weekend in London to a close. I've done a poor job at portraying how fantastic it really was, but this is a blog and I'm struggling to find out what portions I should focus on!

I stood on a bridge in Westminster where a sharp wind took the fog of my exhale down above the dark River Thames running quickly to somewhere I don't know. A clock so large, unique and fantastic towered bright and elegant above my head. The overcast hid any chance of a starry sky, leaving just the extravagant Big Ben as a light. I stared in awe at such a large city, spinning around asking myself how it could exist. How could 8 million people function together? How could people build the magnificent things I was seeing?  Slowly I'm beginning to realize how big this world is, and how small I am. But I'm also learning that I'm not lost amongst the madness, the Creator made me small so I could see how big He really is.

I very much miss you friends and family! Please be praying for me as I experience different things and that in all situations I may rely on God. Also pray for conviction via the Holy Spirit and that the Spirit may work on this campus. Also, I'd like to be praying for you, send me a text or a message via Facebook to let me know how I can pray from you. God is here, I can promise you that.

Here are some pictures of the crazy weather we've had in a short week and a half here!

Kyle and I stumbled upon a field of about 200 sheep on a snowy hike!

Done in Fine "Manor"

Good evening, or should I say afternoon to you folks back home! I am ecstatic to write this evening so that you may be caught up with my travels and time here at Harlaxton College. I am officially "Across the Pond", thus it is my duty to portray my time, or walk, here!

It all began with a jump (for lack of better "punny"words) that consisted of 8 hours in the 39th row of a United Airplane. If you were wondering, yes, the 39th row was THE very back row, and due to that fact I have better understanding of what "turbulence" actually pertains to. Our flight arrived at London Heathrow airport at around 6am, London time. From there, myself and the other 40 Harlaxtonians aboard my plane were shuffled around the massive airport by the Harlaxton staff waiting to receive us. We then were scurried on to a coach, or bus as we Americans say, and drove two hours north to a brilliant and awaiting castle.

A view of the manor on the coach entering the gates. (Skip to about 33 seconds)

I honestly will have trouble describing the Harlaxton Manor, in which I will preside until late April, simply based on the fact that no matter what the description, I won't give it a lick of justice. But here we go... We turned left on to a street that winded our large coach through Harlaxton Village, a quaint neighborhood on the outskirts of Grantham. Need I remind you, turning left here does not include crossing a lane, for we were already on the left side of the road. It's peculiar to glance out the right window and see small European cars breezing by on your right, it's truly hard to make sense of. Nonetheless we continued towards our extravagant home. Dr. Magennis, an Irish native as well as professor here at Harlaxton, spoke of our "welcoming committee" as we entered through the victorian gates at the front of the manor, and then I looked up. A glance will take your breath away, I look at it every morning... Imagine the effects of this on my Asthma. High towers pierce the rare blue sky on this English morning, while large amounts of ivy add color to the beige brick. Brilliantly symmetrical and extraordinarily vast, the castle or manor should I say, more than lives up to it's expectations. We stepped off the charter and were welcomed by the entire staff warmly and moved into the Great Hall. Chilly with whiffs of a campfire, this room on the 2nd floor is stellar. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling so magnificent, I am cautious to walk under it.

From here we were welcomed and given room assignments; mine is in the carriage house, a large building accompanied by a front courtyard/villa around a minutes walk from the manor. (Back to the Manor) Getting lost inside the enchanting home is a daily occurrence, but I'm learning my way around. I've learned 3 or 4 of the many secret passageways or hallways that lead to corridors both known and unknown by myself.  The sun is never above a 60 degree angle here outside Grantham due to our latitude. The weather is moderate, usually overcast, but the sun has broken through the gray on more than one occasion.

Classes began today which should be a blog within itself. My British Studies course includes the whole manor, all of Harlaxton's population in the same room (the brilliant Long Gallery) and learning together. My Social Aspects of Sport class will be a breeze considering I am one of seven students. Lastly a Marketing class taken in the State Dining Room (which contains not 1, not 2, but 3 secret doors) in the afternoon. Just another typical day in a 150 year old castle taking classes.

My favorite part of Harlaxton so far is the peace I have found here. The quieter and charming British people are not disturbing or even fond of loud noises. A crisp night's silence is only broken by the toll of the bell tower every 15 minutes. Not only are my surroundings peaceful, but I have come to a greater peace with God in my time here. A gift He shows me every evening as I get to spend time with Him. Stressed by international travels, cultural setbacks and budgeting a semester away from home, God has shown me His importance compared to these "issues". Reading Acts 5, when Peter and the other Apostles of the young church are being persecuted, I noticed that above all else God was lifted highest. Granted, I dare not to compare my situation to the persecution of the early church, but I have been shown my reason for being here; to expose God in all ways possible. Just as Peter and the early church saw that one thing matters, I too should live in such a manner. By grace I am cognizant of God's love and this should overflow into my life so that I am loving others. Surrounded by an infinite amount of opportunities to invest in people; serving them and loving them is a main goal. This blog is a bit of accountability to be honest. I would like to ask for your prayers for me, that above all else I am convicted by the Spirit to serve a God so great that I make him known each and every day.

Pheasants will be chirping out my open window soon, waking me up to the brisk gray morning of life in England. That's an insinuation that I should be sleeping, not blogging. I thank you for your reading of my petty excuse for a blog and am more thankful for your prayers and love for the Gospel. It's almost 1am, until next time!

P.S. Send me suggestions of what you'd like me to write about!