Brave New World vs. Brave New Me

“O brave new world that has such people in it.”

Aldous Huxley centered his entire dystopian novel, Brave New World, around this quote. This quote is taken from Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. Brave New World is set in futuristic London, where emotions and relationships take on a completely new meaning. An outsider steps into this futuristic London and changes everything. He embraces this brave new world and faces the consequences placed before him. 

Over the past two months, I’ve had to brave my new world in London. My time here feels like it has been going on for ages. All the friends I have made get along with me like we’ve known each other for years. I also am getting very familiar with London and its geography. Big city life is starting to grow on me. One way I can tell is because I started getting annoyed at how slow tourists walk in the city! Oops! 

On the other end of the spectrum, my time here feels like it has gone in the blink of an eye. I only have two more months left here! I started looking at my calendar, and I can see the weekends winding down. Coming here, I was filled with all these travel ideas and places I wanted to visit. Quickly enough, I learned that seeing everything during my time here wasn’t physically possible. However, I tell myself that I will come back to Europe another time to see all the amazing countries I have missed. 

I have made the most of my time here so far. Looking back at the goals I made at the beginning of the semester, I have already completed all of them!

1. Immerse myself in UK culture and do nontypical tourist things.
   1. I have taken the time to get to know my UK flatmates well. I have also celebrated two holidays (Lunar New Year and St. Patrick’s Day) here in London. I also try to explore unique cafes and pubs that only locals would go to. 
2. Travel within London on my own.
   1. I have taken several opportunities to explore certain areas of London, museums, and parks on my own. 
3. Travel to three countries outside of England.
   1. I have traveled to Scotland, Denmark, and France so far!
4. Gain confidence in witnessing.
   1. I have shared my faith with my study abroad friends and my UK flatmates. I let my Christian light shine and they have taken notice even in the subtle things (such as how I don’t swear and my positive outlook on life).

Heading into the next two months of my time here, I am going to adjust and modify my current goals. First, I am going to continue to find unique and nontourist things to do in London. These experiences make my perspective and time in London memorable. Second, I am going to try and take a day trip on my own. So far, the only time I have traveled on my own has been in London. I want to try and branch out. Third, I am going to try and travel to three more countries besides the ones I have already been to before my time is up. Fourth, I am going to continue to let my light shine and witness my faith. I also have had many opportunities to worship with the WELS mission church here in London which has also been a blessing. 

A few days ago, I celebrated my birthday here in London. It was amazing getting to spend the day in London (plus the weather was actually sunny that day!) It was incredible getting to hang out with all the new friends and connections I have made over here. I also got a little homesick missing my family and friends back home. Luckily, I have had many opportunities to connect with people from back in the States since I have been here. I have met up a couple times with Ben and Abby Hillmer (MLC ‘23), who are volunteering time working with the WELS mission church. I also got to meet up with Lily Zimpelmann (MLC ‘25) numerous times and share our different adventures. Next week, I will also get to reunite with the other MLC study abroad students who are all coming to London over Easter weekend! It has been a blessing getting to see familiar faces while I study abroad. 

I can see myself growing significantly as a person over here. I’ve found a new appreciation for enjoying the little things in life. Since I have more free time here, I have learned to enjoy little moments life has to offer. This could be watching the ducks interact by the pond, seeing the flowers grow over the past weeks, and finding the positive in unplanned events. 

We only are given one life here on earth. I believe we must make the most of the time God has given us. This world may be filled with hardships, destruction, and sin. It is also filled with beauty, love, and joy. 

Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

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Highlights since my last post:

• Trip to Paris, France
• Film tour at the Old Royal Navy College in London
• Celebrated my 21st birthday in London
• Many trips to different coffee shops!

Till we meet again,

Alison Foxen