Last Thursday marked the end of term for Oxbridge students and since then a quieter spirit seems to have settled in the town. End are the extravagant Christmas parties and end-of-year festivities. The MCR's and JCR's are littered with lost belongings from the weekend. An earring here, a soiled pashmina there. Lost bag. Over there.
I had a lot of trouble settling in a few weeks ago as I found it quite difficult to adjust myself to the school system here. I had moments of wanting to put on those running shoes. Those moments of self-doubt and self-projection, suddenly wanting to chew the grass on the other side. Without going into a lot of detail, God held me close to Him during those times and in passing through such moments, He taught me to learn how to wait on Him and to just be obedient. A life of obedience is still hard to come by but I think we learn over time. His grace is definitely that which sustains us.
Though this week has only started, I've had a taste of real graduate life. Gone are the undergrads (walking to church yesterday, I saw so many suitcases and cars and parents in and around the colleges) so us grads are now left to our own devices. The town is quieter and cleaner (haha). It feels nice and for the first time since I arrived, I feel like I can do this. This British-learning bit. I guess this is what true academia is like. This is what an art life is like. And it's kind of nice.
I'll be flying home in just over two weeks. I can't wait to see my family and friends. There's so much I want to share but more than that, there's so much that I want to do with them. I had the privilege of attending an advent carol service at St. Mary the Great last Tuesday. The speaker was a viscount of England and gave us the most raw and real message I have ever heard. Christmas changed for me that night. I hope I listen more to the Spirit of God here. There's so much to be learned. Good night Calgary. Will see you soon.
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