Palm Sunday

Today I went to an Anglican Palm Sunday service at the local parish church. Growing up in very non-traditional Protestant churches, this was an intriguing experience for me. First we "processed" from one small room back to our seats after having our palm branch crosses blessed. Apparently these are supposed to be burnt after the service at some point and then the ashes are used on Ash Wednesday. Quite a logical idea, actually. We were supposed to go from the church offices about ten minutes away, but the icey conditions made that impossible for the many older people who can't walk quite as well. So we happily sang the hymns and processed around the small church, quickly finding our seats.

Then the priest (or the priest's minion - I don't know the proper names, ok?) filled the air with incense as he honoured the palm crosses, the communion table, and the priest reading the Gospel of Luke. This reading took the place of the sermon as we listened to the several chapters of Christ's passion - possibly the first time I have heard it read aloud in church all at once. Communion was the same, however, creating a sense of continuity. Even though this is the holiest week of the church calendar, it is still a part of our ordinary lives with God.

The traditions, the liturgy, the hymns, and the respect for scripture made me think about the benefits about both types of churches I have attended here. Both are valuable and I do not understand why some are so determined to reject the other. The Nicene Creed that is recited every week in this Anglican Churches says that all who ascribe to it believe in "one holy catholic church" and I wish that this could be seen in Christian life.

My Week in Timezones

It's been a while... Sorry for my lack of posts! I just finished Oxford's 8-week term, so I am done with my tutorials. However, I am still here for another 4 weeks while I take classes with the program I came with. It's rather confusing, but basically, I am done with my official Oxford education and now I am taking two different classes: British Landscapes and a History Seminar. You'll be hearing a lot about British Landscapes because we go on field trips to various historical sites around the country - starting with Stonehenge and Sailsbury tomorrow! I get to see one of the original four copies of the Magna Carta. Eeeeeeeeeee!!!!! :D I'm a tiny bit excited. Just a little bit.

Anyway, because we just finished term, we all got five days off for our spring break. I went home to Finland with my Finnish friend and we had a lovely time relaxing and freezing in 20 degree weather. Pictures and stories to come!

But to give you an idea of the craziness of my life, here are the changing times I had to deal with:

On Thursday I was 8 hours ahead of my family in Seattle.
On Friday I went to Finland, then I was 10 hours ahead.
On Saturday America (but not Europe) observed daylight savings time, making me 9 hours ahead.
On Wednesday I traveled "home" to England and am currently sitting at 7 hours ahead - until Saturday, then it's back to 8 hours.

This is the craziness of my life right now. Places have become home in a way I never could have seen several months ago. I am doing things that I never imagined being able to do and I'm growing because of them.

I think the timezones of this week demonstrate this very well. I'll get back to stories and pictures tomorrow.

Easter

I'm excited for Easter. It might be my favorite holiday of the year. As I learn more and more about the world, the church, and just people in general, I find it so hard to find hope without an undercurrent of fear or shame. Except on Easter.

Easter is a day when families gather together.
When Jesus rose from the dead.
When I can celebrate God's power instead of stuggling with my sin.
When Christianity shows its best face to the world: hope, joy, love reflected in Christ.

This is a day when I can be unashamedly happy. Jesus rose from the dead and I can celebrate that with believers all over the world without worrying about denomination or practice. Because, on Easter, the focus is on my Lord, not on the world's arguements.

On a less spiritual note, I love Easter because I don't have Easter traditions. My family and I rarely do the same thing for Easter twice in a row, so anywhere can feel like home. I don't have to wistfully wish that they are around me, I can celebrate with my friends without an awful gloom of homesickness.

I love Easter and its just around the corner!

Dinner

The past weeks have been so busy. But I'm down to one more week of term, then off to Finland for five days! Then I come back and do... things. I'll explain that in another post. Basically I'm almost done with my official Oxford classes, then I will take two more seminars with my program (SCIO).

But, enough of the boring academics. I had a lovely dinner tonight and, while there are no photos, I wanted to share my joy with you :D

1 fresh, warm, organic baguette from Tesco
Fresh cucumber
Mild cheddar cheese (a smooth, heavenly cheese that just dissolves in your mouth)

Now, these three things are boring on their own. But I can't cook. So, my solution was to buy balasmic vinegar. Combined with a simple oil olive, it turned my bread and cucumbers into a happy delight. The cheese was just there because, well, when do I not want cheese?

Later tonight will come tea, scones, and chocolate. Also probably more bread...

All in all, a wonderful and simply meal. Especially since I can't cook.