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!