Lost in Translation

     I've been here for few days since I've been here and the weekend is already gone! Tomorrow is a Bank Holiday (which is something like Labor day) so classes for us start on Tuesday. It feels like I've been here for a long time though! I don't know if that's good or bad, but I still have another 4 months to go so I need to hang tight. The first 3 days consisted of our UC EAP's orientation which we basically went over what will happen in the next 4 months and going around on tours to get familiar with Central London. It hasn't even been a full week yet, but I definitely already faced a little bit of struggle. I wouldn't say I'm homesick yet, but what I do miss is GCEM and my koinonia and basically being around friends who know me and are somewhat similar to me. This is obviously something everyone here is struggling with. We're all trying to get to know each other, enjoy London to it's fullest, and just really learn to be out of comfort zones. I've always been SUPER blessed with the people God placed to be in my life as roommates/suite mates in terms of being somewhat alike and having similar interests, but I think God is blessing me in a different way (HAHA) with the girls I live with. Because drinking/clubbing here is pretty much legal for everyone on the program, that's been kind of the main focus/plans once it gets dark. I know that going to pubs/drinking is completely normal here and something you do to just socialize with one another but, for those who know me...well..it's not my thing. The second night I stayed back in my room all alone because pretty much everyone I knew in my left to go out. I'm not going to lie, I felt so alone and so discouraged to find people I clicked with. Even though I was home alone, I knew God was reaching out to me to seek after Him during these times of loneliness. After talking to a few people from home and being reminded that I'm not here to conform, but to be the light to those around me..really encouraged me.

It's only been 5 days since I've been here, but God has really shown me so much and provided me with just so much! I can't even imagine how much I'll learn during the next 4 months. Thanks to Gary I got connected into a church here called CCIL (Chinese Church in London). After being here for only 2 days (bc they responded so quickly!!), I got plugged into a small group or what they call, DCG (District Care Group) Friday night. I didn't know how to expect, but at that point I was so excited and yearning for something familiar here which was a family. It's my first time being in a co-ed small group so it was definitely something new, minus the fact that they're all English and have accents that are so hard so me to actually understand (even if they are speaking in english to me). Sometimes I just nod along or laugh (when they started laughing) because I don't understand and I don't want to be rude and ask them to repeat what they said. I basically saw them 3 days in a row and it IS a blessing, but I can't help but MISS MY KOI! Koi, I'm thinking about you guys so much and praying for you! :')

As of now, I am excited and determined to learn why God brought me here. To be honest, I'm not really interested in exploring London too much. Maybe it's because I was here in March and felt like I saw and experience it with Gary, but I am grateful to be here. I've been getting used to the Tube system here and I am just in love with it! I feel really confident now to just go out on my own and get to places with out fearing I'll get lost. Also, I am SOSO thankful that our program gave us an unlimited oyster card for us to use because I know how expensive it it to just get on once! I've also been seeing a loot of korean restaurants/markets near by so I'll be looking forward to going when I get homesick. :)

okay. enough talking!

first lunch with my flatmates

I AM SO EXCITED TO GO BACK AND GET THE BEST FELAFEL I'VE EVER HAD :') Gabby <3

Our program took us to the national gallery for afternoon english tea :o)

Venturing out at night to find Big Ben

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walked towards the london eye then found these pretty lights at Alice and wonderland themed carnival :)

SOSO crowded at Notting Hill Carnival

I had no idea what ^ was, but it's a huge carnival they have ever year. I told my flatmates I would meet them after church, but never found them in this crowd! Ended my weekend by going to Hillsong London's last service and what can I say..it was amazing. When I went in March with Gary, I don't think I really REALLY saw how amazing it was. Today was the first time I praised with all my heart. Arms up and tears rolling down and not carrying who was around me :'). 

Anyway, this was a long post! wanted to say thank you to those who have been praying for me because your prayers are definitely being answered!! :') I really appreciate it...

To be continued..:)