Alison’s Adventures in London

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“I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.”

Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland tells the whimsical story of a young girl, Alice, as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland. The quote above is Alice’s response when she is asked, “Who are you?” by the Caterpillar. 

This quote perfectly encompasses my study abroad experience. Four months ago, I was at home, anxious and nervous while preparing to travel abroad. Now, I’m sitting in one of my favorite cafes in London for the last time, reflecting and preparing to travel home! That is CRAZY! Just like Alice, I have gone and changed throughout this adventure. I am still the same person; however, my perspective and appreciation for the world have changed. 

Some of my most notable changes include:

  1. Being an expert travel agent. Over the semester, I have used Google Maps and CityMapper daily. I have also learned to plan all my trips and adventures, which is more complicated than it sounds. There were some late nights when I was figuring out flights, lodging, and all the sightseeing places I wanted to see while also trying to coordinate times and prices!
  2. Learning to adapt. Throughout the semester I have gotten to travel with a variety of people. Some of them were over-planners, while others were carefree travelers. I have had to adjust and adapt to different people’s personalities and travel styles. I have also had to adapt to changing surroundings, for example, my train being canceled last minute, my bus breaking down in the middle of nowhere, tickets being sold out, and unplanned weather conditions! 
  3. Growing self-confidence. I have always had self-confidence and independence; however, when living in a foreign country by myself, that self-confidence and independence changed. I am now used to traveling by myself. Also, doing basic things, such as cooking, going grocery shopping, and eating by myself, is something I had to adjust to. I have also gained confidence in speaking about my faith to others and having conversations with strangers. I have met some amazing people from all over the world. Some of those interactions have been very simple small talk, while others have been deeper conversations. I have enjoyed getting to know and meet so many new people!

One of the saddest parts of leaving is saying goodbye. One of my biggest fears coming into this semester was figuring out who I was going to be friends with. Over the last couple of months, I have made wonderful friends who have joined me on my travels and helped me navigate this crazy journey. I am incredibly grateful for them, and it has been sad to say goodbye. These last few days have been bittersweet. I am filled with a wide range of emotions, from sadness to relief to excitement. I LOVE London! This city is huge and has so much variety in every corner. I haven’t even been able to see everything, and I have been here for months! I am sad to leave this amazing city, but I am excited to return back to the comfort of home! I have missed family and friends from back home, and I look forward to coming back and sharing all my adventures with them! 

Recent adventures include:

  • Trip to Ireland
  • Daytrips to Peak District National Park, York, Canterbury, and Dover
  • Saw Much Ado About Nothing and Henry IV part one and two
  • Enjoying some of the sun that finally decided to come!

Traveling is something I enjoy doing, and I am so glad I have gotten the opportunity to have seen so many places. This semester I have gotten to go to seven different countries. I have also gone to fifteen different cities in England besides London. People have asked me, “What’s your favorite place you’ve been to while abroad?” This question is very tricky for me to answer. I have loved every single place I have been to. Every country and city have its own beauty, quirks, and personality. It is hard to compare the gorgeous rolling hills of Scotland to the vibrant life in Spain. I have taken every journey I have been on as an incredible blessing. Most people do not get the chance to live in Europe for months, and I am so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and chose to do this! 

Unfortunately, there is only so much time and money in this world. There were several countries I missed but would’ve loved to visit while here (Germany, Italy, Greece). However, just because my semester abroad is at its end doesn’t mean that my traveling adventures have to be over. I plan to come back to Europe in the future to see those other countries, and I have many other countries in the world I also would love to visit as well! God’s creation is beautiful. It has been great to see different angles and perspectives from different cultures! 

I am excited to get to go home and to see my family! Luckily with the technology we have today, I got to FaceTime and message my family often, which significantly helped with the homesickness. However, I know that there will be some adjustments for when I do come back to the States. 

  1. Culture Shock – Even though the UK is relatively similar in certain cultural aspects to the US, there are still some differences. It will take getting used to driving again since I have taken public transportation everywhere (I am also used to left-sided traffic). My perspective on time is also different. It takes me about an hour one way to get anywhere in London, so it’ll be nice to have to drive only ten to thirty minutes to go somewhere back home. 
  2. Gratefulness – Going home will allow me to take notice and appreciate the small things in life. I never realized how much I appreciate small things, such as sunshine, coffee makers, and 24-hour stores, until it was gone. When I go back home, I will be more thankful for those things in my life! 
  3. Adventures – When I go home, I think I will experience boredom. Not that being at home is necessarily “boring,” but over the past few months, I have constantly been traveling, trying new things, and going out. It will take some adjusting to get used to just being at home in my small town. However, I have learned to experience local culture and events since being abroad. When I go home, I plan on finding local or nearby activities to explore and learn to appreciate my surroundings more. 

I have dedicated two and a half years of my life to planning and imagining what studying in London would be like… and now it is over in the blink of an eye. The most consistent thing in my life, especially over here, is God. God has been with me every single step of this journey. He made sure I was safe and provided me with everything I needed. God blesses us in awesome ways, and this semester has shown me how God’s hand is at work in all things we do! 

My advice for others is to find whatever you are passionate about and go for it! One of the biggest things I do is I have a bucket list. I love having goals and doing everything I can to achieve those goals! For me personally, traveling is a huge thing on my bucket list! I did research and figured out how I could achieve my goals and dreams. So, my advice is to find your passions and dreams in your life and figure out what to do in order to accomplish them! For those of you who love the idea of traveling like me, the most important thing to do is START. Start planning… start researching… start saving… and figure out where in the world you want to go!

I leave part of my heart in London. Studying abroad has been a life changing experience for me, and I have appreciated every second of it!

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

View from Peak District National Park in England

Me with two of my friends, Sophia and Kyara

Chatsworth House – filming location of 2005 Pride and Prejudice

Till we meet again,

Alison Foxen

The Weight of a Conversation

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“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”

A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite author’s graves: C.S. Lewis. Lewis is most famous for writing the children’s fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis spent a good portion of his life as a strong atheist. However, after many serious conversations with his Christian friend J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis eventually came to faith and became a great Christian apologist writer. During World War II, Lewis delivered numerous sermons at church, the most impactful being The Weight of Glory. The quote above is taken from this sermon.

The key point behind the quote is that ordinary people do not exist. Every single person you come across has a soul. The interactions you have with strangers and people off the street may seem boring or ordinary at first glance, but you don’t know the true impact you have on those people’s lives; only God does. Material things fade and disappear, but humans have souls and will live on in either eternal bliss or suffering. People are far greater than ordinary. 

I have gotten to meet many great people from other cultures while studying abroad. Besides getting close to several Brits, I have gotten to know people from Australia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Italy. Particularly with my British friends, I have noticed interesting differences in greetings compared to those in the States. For example, whenever my British flatmates come into the kitchen, they say “you alright?” to me. At first, I was confused by this phrase. I was worried that I looked stressed or tired to them, and they wanted to know if I was genuinely okay. Quickly enough, I learned that the British phrase “you alright?” is the equivalent of saying “how are you?” to someone in the States. Another interesting greeting is in how Brits text one another. The British end almost all their text messages with XX. It is somewhat similar to how people in the States use emojis at the end of their texts. XX is a friendly or affectionate way to end a text, showing that you care about the other person you are texting. 

Throughout my time here at the University of Roehampton, I have gotten to know one of my British flatmates, Holly, pretty well. Holly is in her second year at Roehampton. She lives in a small town about 20 minutes north of Bath, England. One thing that has brought Holly and me together is the fact that we are both studying Education. 

Holly had to decide she wanted to be a teacher by age 16. In the UK, secondary school goes on until the age of 16. After that, students take the GCSEs, the US equivalent of taking the ACT. If students want to continue their education, they go on to A-levels from ages 16-18. A-levels are designed to help prepare students for University. Before going into A-levels, students must pick three areas they want to specialize in. In other words, they have to choose what majors and careers they want for their future. Holly said she always knew she loved kids and wanted to be a teacher, but having to choose at 16 was a little scary and daunting. 

Uni (or University) is only three years for UK students, while in the US, it is typically an average of four years. While at Roehampton, Holly takes many methods courses on teaching. She also has to spend several weeks at her placement. Placement is very similar to MLC’s early field experience or clinical. Holly spends time in a classroom teaching, observing, and planning lessons. The only difference is that UK placement is more frequent and lasts longer than MLC’s clinical. Holly is given a placement every year at Uni. For her first year, she spent three weeks at placement; for her second year, she spent six weeks at placement; and for her third year, she will spend three months at placement. Every placement is with a different age level. Currently, Holly is with Year 4 students (third grade in the US). After Holly graduates Uni, she will go on to teach in a school. However, she must teach for two years after graduation to become a teacher “officially.”  

Holly also loves to travel, just like I do. However, the travel philosophy is slightly different in the UK compared to the States. In the United States, most people go on vacation and travel to a different city in their home state or a different state. In the UK, people go on holidays (vacation). Brits tend to get longer holidays than people in the US. Holly has traveled to the US, France, Greece, Italy, and many other European countries. She is also planning a trip this summer to Tanzania in Africa. Whenever I ask Holly about cities in England or tell her about my day trips, she seems less familiar with those areas. She has hardly traveled to many of the cities in England, even though they are only a few hours away. Most people in the UK spend holidays in other countries and spend less time focused on traveling to their own country. This is due to the fact that Europe is so close and other countries are only a cheap flight away. 

I love sitting down and having cultural conversations with Holly. Even though we are of a similar age and are going on the same career path, there are so many differences in both of our cultures and societies. After asking Holly numerous questions about the UK, she responded back with many questions about the US. I spent 20 minutes explaining the US healthcare system to her. She was baffled! In the UK, healthcare is essentially free. Citizens only have to pay a small tax fee every year, and they can go to the doctor and get medicine without having any extra charges. 

I am grateful for the relationship I have formed with Holly. These cultural relationships I have formed here have opened my mind and perspective on the world around me. Sometimes we get closed off to thinking the world is only seen through our own eyes and viewpoint. Sharon Salzberg stated that “Life is like an ever-shifting kaleidoscope.” Billions of people live in the world. Billions of people have experienced different joys, pains, and journeys. Our own journey is a small fraction of the world’s kaleidoscope. 

Highlights since my last post:

  • I took a day trip to Cardiff, Wales
  • I took a trip to Madrid, Spain
  • I took a day trip to Oxford
  • I saw Les Misérables at London’s West End
  • I went to a Queen Park Ranger’s football (soccer) game 

Cardiff Castle in Wales

Street view of Madrid, Spain

I went hiking in Surrey Hills National Park in England

University of Oxford

Till we meet again,

Alison Foxen

Fearful, Faithful, Forgiven

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John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This bible passage gives us comfort in our lives. This world is full of sin, evil, and despair. Every single one of us goes through our own hardships and trials in life. However, peace can be found despite all the chaos in this world. Jesus is that peace. Only through Him can we find comfort in our lives. Jesus carried the weight of the world so we didn’t have to. What an immense blessing and relief in our lives!

My day-to-day faith life has taken a different shape than it did back in the States. While at MLC, I am blessed to have the opportunity to worship in Chapel twice a day. I am constantly surrounded by other like-minded Christians who are all preparing for the public ministry with me. Religion classes, bible studies, and Sunday worship are all other parts of my life at MLC that I used to participate in on a weekly basis. Having that aspect of my life disappear while I am abroad has been an adjustment. 

I used to take the blessings of attending Chapel, bible studies on campus, and being surrounded by like-minded Christians for granted daily. It was something that I had been used to and exposed to my whole life; I didn’t know anything else. I appreciate the blessings of fellowship and group worship now more than ever. 

While abroad, I have continued to grow in my faith. I strive to do my personal devotions every morning when I can. Once in a while, I stream church or chapel services online. I am also blessed with the opportunity to worship at the WELS mission church, Holy Word, while here in London. Worshiping with Holy Word has given me a different perspective of ministry actively at work. During my time here, I have watched part of the behind-the-scenes work Holy Word has accomplished and continues to plan out. Rev. Dr. Michael Hartman and Rev. Conifer Berg continue to work daily to help this mission grow. I love seeing that every person in the congregation works together to develop plans and supports one another through this process. 

In London, I have been exposed to many evangelism opportunities. Most of the friends I have made during my time here are not Christians and do not take part in any religious practices. I have shared my faith with them and explained my religious beliefs. I have also noted the differences between MLC and all the public Universities they attend back home. They are always fascinated by hearing how the WELS call system works. Though none of them have expressed a huge interest in Christianity, they all respect my beliefs and continue to let me talk about it. They also take note of differences in the way I live my life as a Christian, such as my views on swearing, drugs, and dating. I am glad to see how my Christian light is being noticed. The most I can do is share my faith and the gospel with them; the rest is up to the Holy Spirit. 

It is also fascinating to see the religious practices here with the Londoners. In general, religion is lost in many people here. Most people don’t know who Jesus is and have little background knowledge on what the Bible teaches. People focus their time and energy on their personal lives and jobs instead. The people that do attend church mainly attend the Anglican church. Two of my British flatmates attend this type of church. The Church of England focuses mainly on the joyful feeling people receive while being Christian over the accurate biblical truths in Scripture. The Bible is completely lost in most services. Many Brits even believe that parts of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games reflect biblical truths from the Bible. I am aware more than ever of how lost people truly are. Jesus is the only path that leads to true peace and hope. 

Prayer is an excellent tool I use daily. God hears and answers our prayers. We have to trust Him and His will. Everything will work out according to His timeline and plan. I continue to pray for strength while I am here, and that God will work His way into the hearts of those who are lost. This study abroad experience has prepared me more for ministry and sharing the gospel. At MLC, we talk a lot about what to do in evangelism and mission situations; however, nothing can prepare you for how to share the Bible in real-world situations until you actually experience it. Experiences teach us our strengths and weaknesses, and help us reflect on what we learned. I am thankful for the past few months here, and I pray that the rest of my time in London goes smoothly.

Easter Sunday at Holy Word

Holy Word is using this location in Central London for worship

Till we meet again,

Alison Foxen

 

Brave New World vs. Brave New Me

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“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.”

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!

Evenings in Paris

Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich (Les Misérables and many other famous films were filmed here)

Getting coffee and pastries has become one of my favorite pastimes!

I love exploring all the beautiful artwork in all the London museums

Till we meet again,

Alison Foxen

“Fiftieth Night” in the UK

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“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” 

The quote above is a well-known phrase that is used in many films and TV shows today. The phrase is typically associated with someone giving an inspirational speech to a group of people. This quote comes from the Bard himself, William Shakespeare, who wrote it in his play Twelfth Night. Shakespeare is one of the most quoted English writers of all time. He wrote 38 plays and invented around 1,700 words that are still used today in the English language. As an English education major at MLC, I am fascinated by all things literature related 🙂

I have now been in London for almost two whole months. During these two months, I have had opportunities to learn and grow in a number of ways… whether it be with the friends I am around, the traveling experiences I take, or the academics I am studying. 

While in London, I am studying at the University of Roehampton. I am lucky to be taking only three modules (British term for courses) while here. I only have class three days a week (Tuesday-Thursday). This leaves my timetable (British term for schedule) more open than it usually is at MLC. Here is a brief rundown of the modules I am taking…

Perspectives on Children’s Literature (Tuesdays from 2-5)

This class focuses on adolescent literature. We read and discuss novels such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Giver, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and The Hunger Games. The class size is only about thirteen people; however, most of the time, four or five people skip every week. Attendance isn’t required here; only completing assessments is required. About half of the class is filled with British students while the other half is comprised of study abroad students. 

Shakespeare in London (Wednesdays from 11-2)

Based on the name, this class focuses on Shakespeare. Throughout the semester, we read some of Shakespeare’s tragedies, such as Hamlet and Macbeth… and then we also get the opportunity to watch the plays in person. We discuss the differences between performance styles and how the plays are read versus how they are performed. This class is filled with only study abroad students, and about eleven of us are in the class. 

Language Acquisition (Thursdays from 1-4)

This class focuses on learning how babies and children develop their native language. It is fascinating to discover the psychology and linguistics behind language learning. This is my smallest class, with only six of us in the class. I am the only study abroad student in this class. My other classmates are all linguistic majors, so I sometimes have to work harder to catch-up and understand the content. 

I have gotten used to having three-hour classes now. All my professors give us a thirty-minute break in the middle of the class. This is a nice time to stretch, eat a snack, or get a coffee! One challenging aspect of classes here compared to MLC is the assessment differences. At MLC, I would have homework assignments every day. Here, I only have two assessments per class for the entire semester. That means my assessments are worth around 40-60% of my entire grade. Having a paper worth that much of my final grade sometimes seems daunting. Participation and class discussions are encouraged, but don’t count as anything towards my grade. Also, I can see a lack of motivation in other students around me. Most other students skip classes, don’t do the readings, and barely participate in discussions. It is difficult for me to see this since I am someone who loves to learn and loves school. 

Having class only three days a week leaves me with a four-day weekend every week! This has been awesome! I use my four-day weekend to travel and explore the surrounding area. London is a huge city… I haven’t even had the opportunity yet to see all its amazing areas. 

Some days, I decide to go into the city by myself and explore. I usually end up walking in parks and going to some free museums. I have learned how reflective it can be to spend time alone, which helps increase my intrapersonal skills. I also travel often with friends I have made here. We will plan trips into London, day trips to nearby cities in England, or trips to other countries. Just this past week, I had a week off of school and decided to go on a trip to visit both Scotland and Denmark!

I spend more of my time here exploring the UK than I do on my actual academics. However, I have found that traveling and exploring unfamiliar places is a learning experience in and of itself. I am constantly outside my comfort zone and putting myself in new situations. I have to learn to navigate where I am going in the city, socialize with people from different cultures, and gain an understanding of the country that I am living in. Every time I step outside my door I face a new learning experience. 

Some people believe that learning consists only of reading textbooks and listening to lectures. I believe that learning is something that can happen anywhere; it is all about the motivation and the mindset that the learner has. I am trying to keep a positive and open mindset while studying abroad. I want to gain the most I can during my time here. I am excited so far about everything I have learned and have been through. I cannot wait to see what these next couple of months will have to offer!

Highlights since my last post:

  • Day trips to Stonehenge and Bath
  • Traveled to Scotland and Edinburgh
  • Saw the Shakespeare plays King Lear and Macbeth
  • Watching the flowers and trees begin to bud outside

Views from the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Nyhavn Canal in Copenhagen, Denmark

The Pulteney Bridge in Bath, England

My friend Sophia and I in Denmark

Till we meet again,

Alison Foxen

American Pride and British Prejudice

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“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” – Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice remains one of my favorite novels of all time! Austen’s novel continues to be a worldwide favorite for generations with its memorable characters and controversial themes. The two main characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy quarrel with each other throughout the majority of the novel. The primary theme throughout the novel is focused on the prejudices the main characters have toward one another, and how their pridefulness gets in the way of seeing what’s really in front of them. Hence comes the perfect title, Pride and Prejudice.

Living in London for the past month has allowed me to further understand the concept of American pride. Going away from home shows me what I miss and appreciate about living in America. However, living here also highlights differences between American culture versus the different cultures I am being exposed to. Being a study abroad student means I automatically stand out in some form: whether it be in my flat, on campus, or on the streets. As soon as I speak, I immediately stand out with my accent! It is evident in the way I talk, dress, and behave that I am an American. The tiny little details that make me American (like using a 12hr time clock or using Fahrenheit over Celsius) are something I have never really noticed or thought about differently before. Also being around other American study abroad students has shown me two other things: Americans are loud, and everyone is here for different reasons.

On the first point… Americans are loud! This isn’t necessarily a negative thing. In my experience, the Americans tend to be more friendly, and outgoing compared to the British students. However, it does mean we tend to stand out more in public. In general, British students tend to be more reserved in their personalities and their tone of voice. My professors speaking in class tend to talk with a more quiet, reserved tone compared to my professors at MLC. This has taken time to get used to.

The second point… noticing everyone studying abroad is here for different reasons. Some people are here for academic and career purposes, while others are here to travel and explore Europe, and some people are just here to party and have a good time. It is interesting to ask people’s different reasons for studying abroad and specifically choosing London. That being said, I have tried to surround myself with a group of people who have similar purposes for being here and have similar interests when it comes to traveling. It is hard to balance remaining true to who I am as a person, while also branching out and getting to know a variety of people.

While studying abroad, I get to live on campus in a flat. In my flat, I have six flatmates. Four of my flatmates are British (Holly, Evie, Maya, and Harley), while two of them are other American study abroad students (Grace and Sarah). It has been nice getting to know other students who actually live in the UK. Two of my flatmates (Holly and Evie) are also studying to be teachers! It’s nice to have that in common. We all ask each other questions about each other’s countries and discuss differences in areas like schooling, climate, and food. One day I spent fifteen minutes explaining to one of my flatmates, Maya, the beauty of ranch dressing! Apparently, ranch is something that doesn’t exist here in the UK!

My flat has now become a place I am comfortable in and can call my “home.” In my flat, we each have our own bedrooms and bathrooms. This has been extremely nice to have my own private area where I can relax and reflect on my day. It isn’t the largest room, but it does the job… especially since I wasn’t able to bring loads of items from home to begin with. The kitchen and living area are a space all my flatmates share. I like being able to socialize while making meals and having this common area together. We have parts of the fridge and cabinets divided up evenly, so everyone has their own space to store their food and utensils. I enjoy getting to go grocery shopping and figure out meals on my own. The grocery store I go to is called ASDA. It is a 30-minute walk or a 15-minute bus ride away.

Three things I’ve noticed that are different here compared to the U.S. grocery stores:
1. Bags are something I have to provide or else I get charged extra
2. Items such as produce, or bread go stale quicker because they have fewer preservatives in them
3. Eggs are not found in dairy since they are not refrigerated here

I have also grown close to the flat above mine. This flat has several ISA study abroad students who I befriended and travel with. Part of the reason we have grown close is the fact that we are all American. We are all in the same boat and are trying to travel and figure out everything along the way. Despite all being American, we also notice many differences between us. Many of us are from all over the U.S. and come from different backgrounds and schooling. For example, two of the girls (Shaan and Grace) live in California and go to a film school there. Both of them plan on having careers in the Hollywood industry. It is fascinating meeting people I normally wouldn’t come across outside of this study abroad setting.

One factor I didn’t think of before coming here was sickness! I got sick with the flu around two weeks ago. I did bring American medications with me, so that was helpful. However, being sick and exhausted constantly made me think of home. I wanted nothing more than to sleep in my warm bed at home and eat chicken noodle soup! On top of not feeling well, I also decided to travel and go into the city numerous times the entire week I was sick! While it was fun to travel and see places, it was also doubly exhausting! Fortunately, I am feeling much better now, and am glad the worst is behind me.

I love the University of Roehampton and the beautiful walks I get to take to class. I also have been taking lots of time to go and walk through many of the gorgeous parks found all throughout London. I cannot wait until Spring comes, and the parks become filled with flowers and sunshine!  Looking at all the beauty around me makes me stand back and reflect on God’s majesty. He created everything in this world. It is mesmerizing getting to appreciate His creation and His love more and more every day! Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Highlights since my last post:

  • Daytrips to Cambridge, Windsor, and Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Celebrating Lunar New Year in Chinatown
  • Exploring many of London’s free museums
  • Worshipping with the WELS mission church in London

King’s College in Cambridge

Saw Wicked at the West End Theater

Daytrip to Windsor Castle

Lunar New Year in Chinatown

Till we meet again,
Alison Foxen

A Tale of Two Countries

/in

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

This is one of the most iconic opening lines in literature. Charles Dickens opens his famous novel, A Tale of Two Cities, with this quote. The novel compares two contrasting cities, London and Paris, during the dreadful time of the French Revolution. Readers worldwide have connected with this story and used this quote to describe situations that are made up of both good and bad aspects. 

Instead of comparing two cities, I will compare two different countries: the United States and England. These two countries have many similarities, the most obvious one being that they speak the same language. Other similarities I have noticed is in body language, having a monochronic schedule, and most notably, their love for American music (particularly Lady Gaga!). At every restaurant and pub I have been to so far, at least one or more Lady Gaga songs will play while I’m sitting there!

Despite these numerous similarities, many differences also come into play. While I was leaving Heathrow Airport I immediately got my first look at the city. This was automatically paired with my realization of the opposite flow of traffic. I knew beforehand that countries in Europe drove on the left side of the road, but it is completely different when you experience it in front of you. Since I have gotten here, I have ridden the bus almost every day. Mixing the opposite flow of traffic with fast-paced city driving was an initial shock. However, I am now more comfortable and confident when taking public transportation into the city. 

Being a study abroad student puts me in the weird in-between phase of being a typical “tourist” and being a “Londoner.” Right now, I am leaning more toward the tourist side of the spectrum. I’m still learning the layout of the city and how to get from one place to another. Luckily, there is this amazing app called CityMapper. It’s similar to Google Maps, but it tells me the exact bus or tube route to take so I don’t accidentally take the wrong one. It has been a lifesaver this first week! 

Another “tourist” moment I had was at a restaurant. I was with a group of friends, and we were waiting to get our check and leave. Our first mistake was that we assumed that our waiter would come up to our table and hand us our check. We waited and waited as our waiter walked past our table multiple times without stopping to ask us if we were ready for the check. We were trying not to be impatient, rude Americans by flagging him down, but we learned quickly that that is actually what is expected over here. Waiters don’t just come up to the dinner table multiple times to check on the food because they view it here as rude to interrupt dinner conversation, whereas in America that is normal and viewed as polite customer service. Lesson learned. 

Every experience is not one-dimensional. Instead, it is a two-sided coin. One side of the coin consists of the joys, beautiful moments, and happy memories from the experience, while the other side consists of the trials, hardships, and sadness from the experience. Both sides are still a part of the same coin and are essential to growing from an experience. 

This two-sided coin model best describes my initial week while abroad. Going abroad consists of an array of emotions that are nearly impossible to describe unless you have experienced it firsthand. Every day feels like the greatest day ever mixed with feelings of loneliness and confusion. Every morning, I wake up and pinch myself because I am still processing the fact that I am living in a different country! Some of the friends I have met here are also American study abroad students. We have created a unique bond because we are all in the exact same boat. We are going through similar joys and trials at the same time. One of my biggest fears coming into this experience was trying to find friends and meet people. These friendships have helped me adjust tremendously going into this first week because a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. 

The hardest part so far is when I am in my room alone. I am no longer surrounded by the exciting scenes around me or friends to laugh and talk with. This is when the voice in my head begins to question or doubt everything. I ask myself “What am I doing here?”, “Am I making a horrible life decision?”, or “Am I capable enough to live in a different country?” These questions also mix with feelings of loneliness or FOMO (fear of missing out) on things back home. What I have been doing to get myself out of that slump is I find ways to distract myself. I will either write in my journal, read a book, or even watch a TV show to feel more comfortable and back in the right mindset. 

The most important thing I do is pray. I have been keeping a prayer and gratitude journal. I write down my prayers every day and three things I am grateful for. It helps me put my life into perspective. Even though difficult things may come into my path while I’m here, I still have so much to be thankful for. Pain and hardships are only temporary in this lifetime. Even when I feel uncomfortable or sad at times here, I force myself to go and talk to others and see some magnificent sights. It almost always makes me feel better and makes me appreciate studying over here. God’s creation is amazing. It has been incredible to see some beautiful parks and stunning architecture so far in London. I cannot wait to see what other awe-inspiring views this country has to offer!

Highlights of my first week in London:

  • Walked around Oxford and Baker Street
  • Walked around Westminster
  • River Thames boat tour
  • Visited the Tower of London and Natural History Museum
  • Walked around Kensington
  • Started classes at the University of Roehampton

 

Friends (L-R Andrea, Shaan, and Sophia) at the Natural History Museum

Classic Telephone Booth

Study Abroad Friends in front of Buckingham Palace (L-R Kelly, Sarah, Sarah, Shaan, Grace, Sophia, Me, Margaret)

Tea at The Muffin Man in Kensington

Till we meet again,

Alison Foxen

London: There and Back Again

/in

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