Rainy Day Lullaby

Today was such a beautiful day, although some might not agree with me.
We had some spring rain today, the kind that is so light you can barely hear it. I woke up to a gray sky and assertive winds blowing but it was a beautiful sight. The trees and grass popped out against the gray sky like a highlighter green and yellow. That's probably the best way that I can explain it. I went outside feeling inspired, with a guitar in my hand and ready to talk to My friend under a tree. The wind started getting violent, and I literally almost blew away, so I went back inside.
Today, God showed me his face again. Even among the gray backdrop and warm spring shower, he managed to showcase his artwork very tastefully. I feel all warm and happy. I think I might write a song about it.

I think I will. Inside this time.

5 weitere Wochen in Frankreich

Time has flown by.

As I was walking to my first class this morning, I looked to my right and saw the Swiss Alps looming in the horizon. The birds singing, the sun's glow hitting Geneva below me, and yellow and pink flowers peeking through the green grass. The Saleve hauntingly hid me from the sun's rays, and as I drew in a breath of crisp, spring air I realized that soon I would not have the mountains to greet me every morning. The farms and plains of the french and swiss countryside would no longer taunt me with their stories of long ago.

5 more weeks.

A few weeks ago Audrey invited me and a few others to the french countryside where her parents had another home. She is the descendent of a man who saw a "Signs of the Times" pamphlet, and heard that E.G White would be in Geneva speaking so he traveled almost a day to go see her and after the meeting, got baptized by her husband. When he returned to his small french village, he helped build the first SDA church there.
Audrey's grandfather was having his eighty-something birthday and after the typical french meal and cake, we sat around him at the table listening to him tell stories of how the Davy family came about, became Christians,and what they did in WWI and WWII. It was the one of the most beautiful things I got to experience while being here. I'll never forget it.

In Munich, I stayed with Caroline and her family who were so kind. Caroline's mother made a point to cook us all types of meals ranging from Russian to Czech food. Although we couldn't understand each other speaking, our gestures and smiles helped us a long. She made sure we were well taken care of and that we saw everything in the city, and even paid for our tickets to Austria!

Il y a cinq semaines qui reste.

The second week of my spring break was the Cote d'Azur tour in the south of France. Seeing the mediterranean sea was breathtaking. I felt like I was in the Count of Monte Cristo at times with the waves violently hitting the beige rocks glistening in the sun. Ancient chateau's from medieval times hanging off the side of cliffs, and villages hidden in thickets of trees, only their red roof tops gave them away.

A couple Friday's before we had a big bonfire in front of the Saleve. Some of us climbed to the top of one of the crag's while other's prepared the bonfire. The sun had painted the sky pink, blue and purple as it left us slowing behind the horizon. It was breathtaking, once again.

This past sabbath, some of the Ifle and I decided to lay out on a blanket in front of the Saleve and like they say in french, 'se profiter de le soleil'. It was grand.

5 weitere Wochen in Frankreich.

A day without shoes

I did it.


It was a cold and rainy day, but I did it. I walked all over the mountainous campus barefoot and boy was it unpleasant. The frenchies thought I was really weird and when I explained why I was doing it, some mentioned that it was too cold outside and that I would get sick. I didn't thank goodness.
I'm glad I did it though. It made me stop and think about kids and people all over the world who have to walk around most of their lives without shoes. It made me realize the many things I take for granted. It also made me want to make a difference.

What a great guy, that Tom. I've realized that any little bit helps. We need more people like this.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James 1:27 (NIV)

London Town

It's been three weeks since I went on my trip to London. I've been meaning to write about it but things have been a little crazy around here. So here goes...

Upon my arrival at the Gatwick airport, I got through alright except we, being my travel partners and I, got asked to sit in the "naughty zone". That's what the sweet old man at the door told us with a wink in his eye. We had forgotten to fill out some form on the plane stating what we were in England for so we took a seat and filled them out. After we got cleared to leave customs our seemingly endless exit out of the airport began. I felt liked we walked for days. Finally we were out, now onto getting to Victoria station. That was a 45 minute trip by train and then my eyes feasted on the illustriousness of the city.
We bought our tickets for public transportation then headed immediately to Big Ben (which is not big at all. BIG disappointment) and Parliment. It was awesome to say the least. I have always had a fascination with the UK and to finally be in London at that! In the five days that I was there, I am proud to say that I have seen everything touristic and even got time to squeeze in some cool local stuff too.

Funny story.
My roommate got separated from our group because she booked her flight later and so wasn't on our plane. She arrived several hours after us, but because we were couchsurfing together I had to wait for her at Hamsteadheath station. I do not have a phone so before leaving we set a time and place to meet. I got to the station and waited patiently. An half hour passed and a very big and tall African man who was working at the office in the metro station asked me if I needed help. I smiled and said no thanks, I was just waiting for a friend. The sun was shining and I figured I would be alright. Fifteen minutes later however the sun hid it's face and the temperature was steadily dropping while a brisk and cold wind decided to introduce itself.
Two hours later, after much probing and concern from my african friend, she finally arrived. And he was livid! He angrily explained to her that what she did was wrong, keeping me in the cold waiting like that, and that she owed me a meal or something. We turned to each other and laughed about it for a little bit as we walked to our host's home which happened to be not too far from the station. Each morning, we greeted our african friend on our way out and each morning he greeted us with a smile and look as if to say, "you two take better care of each other." We were touched that he cared so much.The rest of the week was filled with discovering London, meeting really interesting and friendly people, dinner date and good conversation about religion with a muslim and really good food! I don't normally like fish, but the fish n' chips I ate had me sold.

I must say that in my comparison between London and Paris, both cities being exceptional in their own way, Paris took some time to love, but London I loved right off the bat. Maybe it has to do with that good ole english charm and the accent helps too, I guess. It was more relatable and more like the states more than any other place I've been to here in Europe.
Paris has a certain je ne sais quoi about it. It's aggressive, passionate, romantic and artistic all at the same time. There's a certain mystery being the parisian life. It helps if you go there knowing someone who can show you the way around Paris or meet people there who show you all the well hidden secret treasures of Paris. London was easier to navigate and discover and a lot cleaner. To be honest though, both cities have a special place for me. I enjoyed them both. Hopefully I'll be able to come back and visit again one day.

P.S If you ever get a chance to visit, I suggest you find Camden Market. It is HUGE and has so much market-y stuff at reasonable prices to buy!!

London Eye


Underground-first and oldest metro station EVER in the world.


Abbey Road


We went to an extremely and pricey restaurant called Sketch but only to use the bathrooms. They were pretty remarkable.
Pod toilets. That's definitely the way to go.


Trafalgar Square


Parliment pendant la nuit

Awhile

It’s been awhile since we’ve spoken, you and I.
I’m having a heard time speaking, or even lowering myself to the ground.
I’m paralyzed, nothing seems to work. My thoughts are turning but the words won’t come out.

It’s been awhile since we’ve spoken, you and I.
My vie quotidienne is one of nonsense. Sometimes, anyway.
I’m not quite sure what my purpose is anymore.
I don't trust myself.
Wake up, school, eat, work, sleep. Wake up, school, eat, work, sleep. Again, and again.
Where am I going? "Running in circles and chasing tails"
That's what it feels like.

I’m a You-follower, or at least I try to be. I really do, but I’m fighting something everyday. Have you noticed? Remember what happened today, yesterday, the day before, a few weeks back, the year before?
Big jump forward. Five gigantic steps back.
I need consistency. Please take the cup. I can’t anymore.
They tell me I won’t succeed. They tell me to grow-up.
What does that even mean?

I ran away. I ran away to hear you speak more clearly. Isn’t that silly?

It’s been awhile since we’ve spoken, you and I.