London: There and Back Again

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J.R.R. Tolkien wrote this famous quote, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” This quote is from one of my favorite book series, The Lord of the Rings. At the beginning of the series, Frodo finds out he must go on a dangerous journey to save Middle Earth. Frodo responds as most individuals would to this news… with fear and doubt. Gandolf, Frodo’s wise wizard friend, reminds him that even though we cannot control the events around us, we can control how we respond to them. 

This quote popped into my mind when preparing for the upcoming semester. Now, I understand that traveling from Wisconsin to London isn’t the same life-risking journey Frodo took. Frodo also didn’t choose to have this task on his shoulders, whereas I have chosen to take on this adventure. However, the similarity lies with learning and accepting the journey before me. J.R.R. Tolkien’s quote reminds me to make the most of every opportunity and to use my gifts along the way. 

As I get closer to studying abroad, I feel like I am in a type of dream sequence. I have dreamt of traveling the world ever since I was younger; the first occupation I ever wanted was in first grade. It was to be a “teacher around the world.” Fourteen years later, I am on the path to becoming a teacher, and now the traveling around the world part will finally come true. I am excited to fly across the ocean to explore new people, food, and cultures. However, I won’t believe this is actually happening until I get on the plane. 😉

Right now, I am in this in-between phase of studying abroad. I am not in London yet, so there is this anxious anticipation in its place. I am planning and getting excited for the upcoming months. I also realize that everyone around me, including my friends and family, will continue their lives while I’m away. There is this bittersweet feeling of being happy to go abroad but also sad to miss out on things back in the States. 

This semester, I will take Tolkien’s advice and make the most of the time given to me. I am a fairly independent person, but this experience will help me gain independence in more specific areas, such as figuring out how to cook for myself or learning public transportation. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am also an organized planner. I like to be aware of what is happening around me and have a sense of control in most situations. Through this experience, I hope to slightly relax my need to plan everything out and learn to go-with-the-flow more frequently. 

Going into this semester, I have created a list of things I want to explore. Some main themes on my list include:

  • learning more about famous British authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen
  • discovering the hidden beauty of nature through hikes (especially in Lake District Park!)
  • finding out the fascinating history behind many customs and traditions in England
  • uncovering new foods to enjoy (like haggis, toffee pudding, and most importantly…TEA!)

I want to spend a decent amount of time abroad focusing on London and England. I want to immerse myself in their culture and find nontypical touristy things to do. I want to get comfortable enough to travel within London or nearby areas alone. That being said, one of my goals is to travel to at least three countries besides England while I am there. I also want to gain more confidence in witnessing or talking about my faith in front of others outside my “WELS bubble.” 

In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo makes his journey despite the fear and uncertainty he has along the way. I feel anxious and uncertain going into this semester. I’m nervous about whether I will get along with my flatmates and am afraid I will somehow end up lost in the big city. But I also feel joy and excitement toward learning about new cultures and seeing the world through a larger lens. Most importantly, I know God will be by my side the entire journey. He will be there during my happiest experiences and moments of sadness. 

Lately, I have been reading through the Psalms. One Psalm I read recently that has comforted me about my upcoming travels is Psalm 91. My favorite verses from this Psalm are verses 9-12.

“If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’

    and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,

    no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

    to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

I might not know exactly what I will discover overseas in the upcoming months, but I know with confidence that God loves me and will always be with me no matter what comes my way. 

 

Till we meet again,

Alison Foxen