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Paris Day One

Dear Someone, 

          Nightmares do come true. Periodically through out my life I have had dreams in which an unknown being is chasing me. Typically I would run to familiar house seeking refuge. DeLaMare’s, Anderson’s, and if all else fails Mrs. Pittams home. (Just a short ½ mile away) Ironically the inhabitants of the home are conveniently away. Leaving me to be devoured by the unknown pursuers. The dream generally ends as I hide under Mr. Pittams car anxiously waiting to be found. The looming presence is felt. Without seeing you know that the foreboding presence is near.  I refer to these reoccurring dreams as the “chase” You never seem to have the comforts that everyday life grants you. People you love and count on are vacant. 

                Welcome to the Metro; home to vermin, and filth. Body odor wafts through out the dank tunnels. We found the underground quite shocking. (That is in comparison to our well-kept tube)  Of course overlooking the grime we continued on our journey. Dinner… or dessert preferably crème brulee, accompanied with a romantic boat ride along the Seine River to catch a glimpse of the night life in Paris.  After exiting the train we piled into an elevator. Four men accompanied us. In the tight quarters a man stoked my peer's arm. In response to our startled faces he asked if we spoke French. I didn’t respond. The elevator door opened I quickly walked out the door only to turn around and see my peers trapped in the elevator with the men. I hastily continued up the stairs. The girls pushed past the men and followed me. I didn’t know where to go. I could hear them running  behind as they hollered profanities. In an attempt to escape, one of the girls ran across the street emerged in a crowd. Quickly our pursuers saw her split away and ran after her. I kept on walking straight with hopes to give off the impression of indifference. After 10 minutes they left us alone. They had had their laugh.  I resented the fact that I felt vulnerable. I was offended by the fact that men who lack such decorum are real. 'Oh la la" rang in my ears the rest of the evening.  It's easy to get accustomed to the false sense of security that London, or even back home provides. We gathered together a bit shaky and enjoyed baguettes with cheese. 

           Paris is stunning. I was taken a back by the beauty of this city. War, fire, and more war have made London a city that is truly a hodgepodge of new and old. Paris has such beautiful architecture. I was astounded by the ornate details. As we boarded the boat the Eiffel Tower started to sparkle. At the top of each hour the Tower glitters. We met up with some other Women from our Party and enjoyed an excellent night seeing Paris's exquisite jewels lit. As we sailed a long the river we passed a group of couples dancing on the riverbank. Lit by the moon, and silhouetted by the Eiffel Tower. A beautiful moment I wish to cherish in my heart. If only you were there to have enjoyed it with me. Perhaps someday I will come back and share the splendor of Paris with you! 

Cheers!

Miss Fin

Home

  Dear Someone, 

         What a wonderful thing to be home. Home sitting in my desk. Home watching the people of London pass outside my six-pane window. In the case of some people, home is a variable concept, which can change depending on the placement of another person or object. What an interesting feeling to becoming home to London. Paris was a rather interesting experience. Unfortunately I am pressed for time. I will have to write you about that adventure later. I find myself wanting to write to you when I really should be writing papers, finishing journals, or reading for class. This week I have my first set of tests. 

Each week we have 2 field trips, a London study and a day trip. Before we went to Paris we went to Bodiam Castle, Rudyard Kipling's estate, and Virgina Woolf's home. Allowing for an escape from the city. I am rather enchanted by the countryside. We are going to read Mrs. Dalloway, and Jacobs Room later in the semester for my Great War and Modernism class. I felt extremely unprepared walking into this significant literary figures home knowing very little about her, and even less pertaining to her classic works. I imagined viewing the estate through my dear sisters eyes. I would like to think that someday her writing desk like Woolf’s will be on display. 

           Each of these authors shared something in common, beautiful gardens. A garden in which the pensive mind can unwind. I’m not partial to roses. In fact I could do without them all together. I would much rather get a bouquet of fresh flowers than a dozen roses. Buttercups, iris, crocus, and Lilly of the valley have greater appeal. It is undeniably true, that the world feels magical when a flower carries a secret message. A message that when deciphered tells you just how much you are truly loved. Roses are too cliché for me. Kipling designed an intricate rose garden. I have never fully appreciated the beauty of rose until I strolled down the row of ruby red roses. Sweet subtle perfume embraced me. I think I would like to have a rose garden someday. Perhaps I was too rash to discount the loveliness of a rose.

               Oh the adventures in London. The weather is quickly changing from summer to winter. I best  invest in some stockings. Along with the Autumn chill I find myself with a wretched cold. The Emergen-C packets I brought with me could be sold at 2 pounds per packet. Plague has found it's way to the center. I requested that we set a dormitory aside for those of us who are infected. (A cough, and sniffle colony) Needless to say they didn't like my idea. I think I'll go nestle up with Northanger Abbey and prepare my debate for class tomorrow.


Cheers!
Miss Fin


P.S. This is Bodiam Castle. The only Castle left in England with a moat.... that has alligators.  :)   

Castle Number 2!

The Watch Tower
(notice the BEAUTIFUL countryside?)

Bon Voyage

Dear Someone,

         I'm off to Paris. I will be unable to write until I return. Enjoy your week. Know that you are in my thoughts! Church was delightful. It turns out that I am not the sunbeam teacher. I'm the teacher of junior primary. That gives us about 4 children to teach. It was a bit of a struggle today. My roommate is my team teacher which makes the whole ordeal rather comical. We will have to figure out how to structure things for next week. The children are delightful, but being reverent is definitely something we need to address. Surely I have earned the right to a Sunday nap followed by a stroll around the park.  I have the week off to just enjoy. I consider my homework brushing  up on some french. Terms of endearment, and good night phrases will only get me so far.

I would like to be writing you for always

(I saw this little charm necklace in the market. I thought it was quite fitting.)  I'll look forward to writing you about my travels. A bientot!
Cheers!
       
      Miss Fin

P.S. The Candy Bar of the Week was  Carmel KitKat. Delicious!

Lessons

Dear Someone,

            What a beautiful day in London town. We’ve been fortunate enough to only have one grey day. The ocean of Umbrellas was a bit overwhelming, and brilliant. The Pope is in town so the streets have been congested. We leave for Paris on Monday! One essay down and two to go before we leave for the coach. Homework is bit of an obstacle. I would much rather be out and exploring than writing an essay about Erasmus, and Luther’s argument on free will. Homework was always apart of the package. So in all reality I shouldn’t complain.
             I don’t like knowing that my family is together without me… It’s a Finlinson disorder. Not one Fin child likes to not be apart of what is going on.  It’s not very ideal to be sad at the centre. For a moment take into consideration the proximity in which we live with each other. One girl starts crying…  and everyone knows. I find my thoughts wandering to what’s going on at home as I lay in my bed. My covers are my only barrier from the rest of the world. To remedy my thoughts of home I played Santa Clause at Camden market this morning. I love the market. Oh what fun trifles I will have to bring home. :)
            Initially I was terrified to make friends here. Being under the weather emotionally surely was in relation to feeling extremely lonely. It was much easier to be shy, then to jump into what seemed to be established groups.  I have felt trapped in my thoughts with no one to really vocalize how I have been feeling about things. For ages I’ve been fortunate enough to have some patient lad listening on the other end.  As I rambled on about who knows what. It’s been good to take the time to sit and listen. It’s been humbling for me to sit back, and to not always have to be the leader here. Going with the flow is relaxing.
             Each day I have made the effort to meet a new girl. It’s wonderful! I’ve needed to be less egocentric. Shocking. I’m not the only one who misses home, and worries about boys who are far away. The more willing we are to break down our masks of who we wish we were, and are able to accept what have we will find true happiness. It is easy to find that common thread that that binds us all together. We stay up for hours just talking about life. I love these dear women whom I associate with. Everyone has a story, and everyone wants someone to listen. Not a day goes by in which I am not astonished at what various trials people have had, or are going through. Everyone has something to give, and from that we can all learn. So really life is lovely.
                I am writing you from McDonalds (home of the broader broad band.) So that I can upload some photos! I hope you enjoy them! I promise all is well here. I have things to learn, and that learning and growth is not necessarily always embraced with grace, and poise. I best be off to write those lovely two essays. Enjoy your day!

Cheers,

                            Miss Fin

As Far as I'm Concerned it's a Lovely day

Dear Someone,

        I hope all is well! I have enclosed some photos from the previous week. Enjoy!

Cheers!
Miss Fin

 

1.)St Pauls Cathedral! Do you recognize this lovely spiral staircase? They lead to Dumbledore's office I assure you.  We trekked up 513 stairs to show you this lovely overcast day in London town. The doors, which I was standing in front of, are where Princess Diana made her grand exit as a Bride. St Christopher Wren renovated this building after the great fire.  He crafted the building with the intention of letting people hear, and see the good news.

 2.) Happy Birthday Lisa! Portabello market, Les Miserables, Cupcakes. What a Birthday Extravaganza. Les Miserables was beautiful! It was my first time seeing this amazing Musical. I was on the verge of tears the entire performance. The lovely ladies in this photo set are the girls I share my dormitory with! (the glasses photo vaguely reminds me of my closest sister in age. I feel as if I have scene this facial expression on her before.)

3.)Our first day trip. My first castle! Followed by St. Augustine's Abby, and Canterbury Cathedral. Dover castle has quite a tale to tell. It has underground tunnels that were used in the Great War. They built an underground hospital. The took us through the operating room. Can you imagine preforming a surgery with flickering lights? We then went to the Abby. The Abby is only ruins at this point. King Henry VIII destroyed it along with everything else. Canterbury Cathedral is known for the Pilgrimage to St Tomas Beckets relics. Becket was martyred within the Cathedral. 3 Nights came in and cut open is scalp.. and smeared the goo.. across the alter where he was kneeling.  Very Icky. This Gothic Cathedral is breath taking!

Upslope

Dear Somone, 

Happy Tuesday! The bandwidth at the center has been a bit temperamental the past few days. We have a rule here that you cannot use video skype. Imagine telling 35 girls that they can’t skype their boy friends in the wee small hours of the morning. As I’m sure you could deduce rules just don’t apply to those who are “in love.” As a result when people do it causes the wireless to crash.  Sadly it has delayed me from writing to you. I send my love to my family at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

On a lighter note I have been anxious to tell you about my Sunday adventures. 2 weeks ago I was given my Church assignment. The Stake President pulled me aside to warn me of the difficulties I would have getting to church. He asked my small group if we would be willing to still serve. Right now in London they are doing serious construction on the Transportation system gearing up for the Olympics. On the weekends they close down a majority of the tube. After which he handed me a little slip of paper with directions. 

Take tube to Victoria, then Train Victoria to Streatham Common. Then tram to Mitcham, one stop, then walk up slope, building looks like a large old house.

  

How funny is that! Let alone vague. Who would have thought it would take threes modes of transportation to get to church? Not to mention I would say that most things in England look like an old large building. I found the directions quite comical; I couldn’t help but chuckle after reading them.  Needless to say it took us two hours to get to church last week. To top it all off we walked in to the meeting late, very late. Unlike at home you can’t walk in to the meeting inconspicuously. There was not a back door to slip in through. We had the opportunity to waltz past the entire congregation and perch ourselves on the front row.  As we sat down the Bishop stood up and invited the lovely BYU girls to bare their testimonies. I haven’t ever really been in a situation like that before. I was caught off guard. Yet as I walked up to the podium I was overwhelmed with a recognizable sensation of peace. I have never felt so at home, in such an unfamiliar circumstance.

The Mitcham ward is predominately from Ghana at least 80%.  75% are of the members are converts. My ward has about 55-70 people who attend church regularly. We weren’t surprised to find that we are a minority.  It was a moving sacrament meeting to hear of the trials these members have been facing. 2 women were investigators in Relief Society. They love music but they aren’t familiar with the hymns. So I think we are going to start up a ward choir. They were thrilled about the prospects. I was immediately called to serve in the Primary. I am the new sunbeam teacher. Sunbeams seem to be my area of expertise at this time in my life. There are 4 teachers in Primary, 2 Women from the Ward, and 2 BYU gals. We are preparing the children for the Primary Program. We have about 12 children. I am excited to see what I can learn through my new assignment. We were welcomed in to the ward immediately.  In fact a family is having us over for dinner sometime next week. 

The commute to Church is not by any means convenient. Yet I can’t complain. It was extremely humbling to walk into that church. To feel the immediate sense of acceptance and love from the ward family was brilliant.  It’s a good change of pace to get out of the city. The flats are smaller, and less compact. The little town easily could have been Harry Potters stomping grounds. I am happy to report that this past Sunday we cut down the traveling time in half. Our tube route was not canceled so we weren’t pestered by the tremendously sluggish bus system. We were even fifteen minuets early. (A feat that R Fin should be proud of)  One of the missionaries in my ward plays basketball for the U! What a small world. Anywho, It’s time for class. I love you!

Cheers,

Miss Fin

Happy Birthday!

Dear Someone,

         Today is my dear brothers Birthday. I can only imagine the great cakes that are waiting to be eaten at home. My brother truly is a wonderful man. As one of our family friends would say. "He's kind of a big deal." We love and adore him. I can honestly say that I have looked to his example my whole life. It's strange to think that he held me as an infant. I can't remember a time in my life without him. Some of my earliest memories consist of playing hide and seek, and dancing in the living room while he played the piano. I can attribute my love for music to my dear brother. I am so grateful for the influence he has had in my life. He has always been wonderful at taking care of his family. It has been so sweet to watch him establish his new family.  I love him very much. So today we celebrate! Happy Birthday!

            Yesterday I was walking around Kensington Gardens with a friend. We were talking about out various family dynamics.  He happens to be the oldest of five children. It was fascinating to compare our very different places with in our families. He said something that struck me.  He explained that he considered himself blessed to have had the opportunity to help raise his 4 younger siblings.  I often wonder if the older children realize what impact they have in the molding, and shaping of their younger impressionable siblings... I know that I personally have looked to the council of my sibling’s countless times. I think all to often in life we forget to stop and take the time thank those who mean the most to us.  I love my family. I am so grateful for their support, and there confidence in me. I truly wouldn't be in London if it weren't for my dear siblings encouragement. Well I best be off. I love you all.

Cheers,

Miss Fin.