Four months ago, I moved to a new country. I left my beloved home in Minnesota and took up the life of a British citizen. It's difficult to sum up in words what I've learned... I've grown so much as an individual from this trip.
Something I haven't mentioned much in this blog is what I'm doing when I'm NOT sightseeing. I've been playing the role of teacher to 29 amazingly brilliant Year 3 children. Year 3 is about 2nd grade. It's been a lot of time consuming work, but seeing their learning take off has been worth it. I've been lesson planning in the evenings and playing the role of tourist during the weekends, which events I've recorded in my blog.
This balancing of work and play AND balancing my life back in the States has been a great time of personal growth. I've learned so much about myself and about life itself.
A Look At the Journey
Moving to Oxted. I lived at a B&B for the first two weeks.
Lots of snow! Unusual for England... Blame fell on the Minnesotan girl.... hehehe
(Sigh) Not being able to cook...
Making new friendships to last a lifetime! Thank God for Jamie!!!
Exploring London! Now it feels like a home away from home. I love this city!
Moving to my flat with the most AMAZING family!!!! They have been such wonderful supporters during my stay here.
Fun at Brighton beach. Such a cool city.
Looking at the school where I teach. It's a Church of England school.
My classroom!
Being festive with the children for Book Day! (I'm a card from Alice in Wonderland. All of the staff put on the show Alice in Wonderland for the children).
My amazing students busy learning!
The teamwork quilt we made as a class. It hangs on our ceiling. I feel like I have learned so much from teaching. :) I will remember this experience for a lifetime!
Stonehenge!
The Roman Baths in Bath, England
A day with the Beatles in Liverpool, England
Dublin, Ireland!
Laughs in Canterbury, England
Massive bling at Windsor Castle
Traditional horse racing at Lingfield Park.
Elaborate gardens and a date with King Henry the VIII at Hampton Court
Paris with Mum!
Edinburgh, Scotland!
Four months brought the changing of the seasons... It is now summer!
Brilliant walks through London parks
Kensington Palace
A reflection trip to the white cliffs of Dover
I went to see the Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre in London. It was beyond AMAZING!!!! Took my breath away!
And people, I can now cook!
I'm really looking forward to seeing my family and all of my wonderful friends back home! My time living in England has been life-changing. I will always hold a place for England in my heart.
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