As most of you probably already know, I'm headed back across the Pond on Monday, a scant three days from now. I can't quite believe it! I've been stateside for six months. I'll have an entire new adjustment to the UK again. To top it off, I had been staying at a friend's flat while she was out of the UK. Now, she and I arrive back on the same day. She graciously doesn't mind if we share her room for a few days, but in the meantime, I'm looking for a place to rent with another friend. We've thus far been unsuccessful. I'm praying we'll find the right place with the right price in God's time. It's actually not stressing me out too much, which is a reminder to me that God has been teaching me about trusting Him for my provision while I've been here in the USA. It's a lesson I'll continue learning in the UK.
Things I will miss when I leave? (in no special order other than the first!)
- my loved ones :) You are all so special to me. My parents have recently arrived from Africa. Although I'm sad to be leaving them so soon, I've still had almost two weeks with them that I would have missed had I returned to the UK when I planned.
- the convenience of a car!
- pets
- as I mentioned, free coffee from Sheetz!
- having so many good friends in such close proximity
- knowing how to do most things without needing to ask for help!
- Wegman's grocery store
- chocolate with peanut butter....yummmm
- fires in the fireplace
- a Christmas tree at home
- Monkey bread
- Pennsylvania countrysides
- the church I've been attending
- my weekly gatherings with two dear "sisters!" (Marleen and Meredith!)
- dryers!
- clothes warm from the dryer!
- a back yard
- nights just relaxing on the sofa watching a show with my family snuggled close
But the bright side is, there are also things I'm excited to go back to in the UK! I need to remind myself of these things to keep my perspective balanced. Here's a sampling of what I'm excited to go back to....
- my friends in the UK
- being able to (eventually) unpack my suitcase
- knowing (eventually) where I will be living for a set period of time
- not needing to put fuel in a car!
- being able to get back in my job and my life in the UK
- Cornish Pasties.... um, amazing!
- seeing the Christmas lights in London
- lots of recycling options! (Ok, tangent. I know that seems silly, but recycling is important to me! London makes it very easy and in rural PA...not so much!)
- Corner shops
- walking as my main method of transportation
- being able to use my UK iPhone again
- getting into a routine! (again, it seems silly, but the last six months have not had much of a routine. It's draining to try to be planning for your days and weeks not knowing when you are leaving the country! It does not allow for long term plans at all!)
- the Tube
- Sticky Toffee Pudding from Whetherspoons
Again, just a sampling, but I know there are good things waiting for me in the UK. I am filled with anticipation about what the coming year holds.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future, says the Lord.
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