All My Love, Gennavieve

It seems that at the same time I think Oxford is becoming smaller and smaller, it also becomes bigger and bigger. For example, the other day, while doing some errands, walking around the city, I recognized three familiar faces. It feels comforting to share a smile with someone, acknowledging one another and enjoying conversation. The masses of people and crowded streets are now an opportunity to run into a friend or professor. I am, also beginning to try new routes to reach my destinations. Backstreets and passageways show me much better paths. Recognizing people in a crowd and finding that certain streets connect make Oxford smaller. On the other hand, Oxford becomes bigger each day with new discoveries I make. Just the other day, I went to University Parks to find some glimpses of Autumn. I was stunned. The park was enchanting, lined with massive oaks and other trees beginning to showcase their beauty for Autumn. The parks consist of about 70 acres to enjoy. Some sections

Today, I toured Hampton Court Palace, an official historic, royal palace. Following are some of the sights I saw, history I learned, and favorites I enjoyed. The guard chamber of King William III. The magnificent display of 2,871 items of armor and weapons displayed a message that William was a great soldier and peacemaker. William's Presence chamber. Only high-ranking individuals were permitted into this room. William would be distinguished by sitting on a Chair of Estate. Those who entered his presence were required to remove their hats and make three low bows to the King, or even his empty chair. I'm grateful to serve an accessible King, who is with me wherever I go. William's eating room. He was expected to dine here on occasions "in front of persons of good fashion and good appearance," in order to display the sumptuousness of his food and to reassure everyone he was in good health. He was served by three servants on bended knee. William's P

The name of the little street I am blessed to call home for the next four months. Located close to the city center, this street provides an ideal site for student living. Above Walton lies a street called Little Clarendon. At night, this street comes to life illuminated by a string of tiny lights, the humming sound of conversation, the incredible aroma of freshly made garlic bread from the little Italian restaurant, and the laughter streaming out of G & D, a cow themed ice cream cafe. Nestled on the south corner of Walton, hides a delicious Lebanese restaurant called, Al Shami. A secret restaurant dangerously close to home. This street provides perfect people watching, which I have a perfect view from my bedroom window. It is one of my favorite homework break activities, peering out as the world passes by. I catch glimpses of fascinating interactions. Elementary boys biking by, yelling jokes. Mums and their babies out for an afternoon stroll. A fisherman knocking door to do

This weekend I was blessed to visit my friend Kelly in Grimsby Town. I met Kelly four years ago on a high school student exchange program. I went with a few teachers and other students to England and lived with Kelly. Then, Kelly came to America and stayed with me and my family. When we said goodbye, our cheeks were tear stained. Never did I imagine I would see her again. Now, here I am, four years later, enjoying time with her and her family. I arrived on the train from Oxford, warmly welcomed to see Kelly's lovely, smiling face as she wrapped me in a big hug. I felt as though I was in a dream. The first evening, we stayed at a house with a miniature dash hound puppy that was a 12 week old. Her name was Luna and she was precious. The next day was delightful. I visited a village called, Loath. An old fashioned, English town with many cute shops and home to Daniel Craig. From Loath we went to Cleethorpes, a seaside town where we enjoyed a proper dinner of fish and chips

This weekend, Oxford had an Open Doors Day, which means that nearly everything in Oxford was open to the public for free. Colleges, gardens, museums, churches, etc. I took full advantage of the open doors and was overwhelmed by the incredible places, stories, and experiences I just happened to stumble upon... Lovely gardens, Open meadows, Intricate ceilings, Stained Glass windows, and buildings that hold the memories of many, many, many years. There is something so freeing about being able to simply let my feet lead me to my next destination. I never know where I'll end up. On Sunday, I entered the city hall and found myself looking at a flyer that read, Country Dancing 1:30-3pm. I took a look at my watch, 1:26. Country dancing? In England? This was most definitely not the country dancing I had in mind, with cowboy hats, boots, banjos, and a "Yee Haw" every now and then. Nope. This dancing was 17th century, English countryside dancing. So, picture t

This morning, with a cup of Yorkshire tea, the smell of a blackberry scone browning in the oven, the view of the pavement outside becoming darker with the morning rain, I sat reflecting God's faithfulness. Let me take a step back to describe my journey to Oxford. My initial fears for traveling alone seemed absurd after considering how God continually revealed His presence. He brought me safely to Oxford, providing me with an interesting character to meet each step of the way. When I left the arms of my Momma, I walked through security in the San Francisco International Airport. I turned, waved goodbye, and walked forward to begin the process of removing shoes and unzipping bags. I was now on my own, but not in reality. God was by my side. I passed through to my boarding gate in plenty of time. While waiting to board, I met a friendly, old man with a thick Italian accent. After learning a bit about me, he began slyly attempting to set me up with his son. I sort of laughed

Oxford University itself does not have a campus. In fact, that is one telltale way to pin point a tourist. Oxford has 38 different colleges, which means there are 38 separate campuses. The colleges function independently from the University; however, their relationship is essential. A similar parallel, which can hopefully give you a better understanding, would be the relationship between the US Federal government and the separate States. Just as each state governs, they are also united under the federal government. And just as each state clings to their independence, so does each college… with fierce pride I might add. Therefore, as a student, your college affiliation determines much of your identity in Oxford. Your allegiance lies with your college. My college happens to be New College, properly titled, “The College of St. Mary of Winchester at Oxford” but referred to as New College to differentiate from Oriel College, which was also dedicated to St. Mary. New College is far

On March 4th of this year, I discovered my acceptance to Oxford University for a fall study abroad semester. Once I opened the email, I was in shock and slightly horrified. I applied expecting a denial and instead received a wonderful surprise that was both thrilling and frightening. Throughout the summer I avoided thinking about Oxford because I was so nervous. Eventually, I was forced to think about it as my departure date approached. I have been blessed to be covered by the prayers of loved ones, knowing my God is with me every step of the way. The entries to follow will give a little bit of insight into my adventure while in Oxford and the incredible miracles of God. As you read, may you be inspired, humored, intrigued, and filled with more knowledge of the wonder of God. All my love, Gennavieve