It Flies

It has been a month since I said goodbye to my family and friends and dog. I have napped, eaten Chinese food, and consumed more sweets than anyone should do in a lifetime. In my short time here, I have: seen a parade, taken fewer pictures than I would have expected, been to York, enjoyed being to York, tried new food, tried bad food, sung songs in the streets of London, seen unfortunate souls struggling in those very same streets.

Folks, I've heard about my Damned Soul, seen folks lose control; watched a man get punched in the face, and I have felt out of place. I've waited at the train station for old friends, and gone on runs that have seemed to never end. I sniffed out an undercover cop just by his body movements, and I have begun to see my need for improvements.

Yes, in my thirty-some days abroad I have learned about "pennies for Guy" and William Laud. With my pounds in my pocket (and some gaining on my belly), I've learned to do without PB & Jelly. Oh the food...

It'll be a Big Mac-less several months without a Reese's Cup in sight
Unless I go to Covent Garden and pay a fortune to buy it
No, Brits don't have the same candy, and that's tough for me
But luckily I've found a friend in John Cadbury
I've a craving for Cream Soda and a swig o' Mountain Dew
And if you come to visit, please bring Ranch Wheat Thins, too.

I miss driving to Wal Mart at 1 am for everything I need
And I feel like some strange creature
That thinks about Sam's Pizza
And can't suppress the urge to feed.

But I've traded Netflix for Fish N' Chips; DePaul's nice gym for the River Thames--and I've even picked up "cheers".

And I have learned that I might be able to do that missionary work I have been talking about... from my town back in the States. Yet, I can also go (should I feel the pull) to the places we neglect. I've started remembering that I can choose my path, and I might like to be a teacher--but that doesn't mean I can't be a global trekker in the summer. That is, I can be a jack of all trades if I fancy so, and I have people who will support me. Though I miss my country and all that it means to me, I'm not nearly done here. I hope and I trust that God and I--working together, have a pretty good chance at continuing what has already been a diverse and rich experience.