Merry Christmas!

Sorry for the long break between posts, but the end of term was incredibly busy. I am home now, enjoying 80 degree weather (about 27 degrees Celsius, I think) and SUN!! I'll take a few days off, but I still have work to do. Though it is much nicer reading by the pool in a bathing suit than in a parka in my room in Oxford :)

In the last few weeks in England, I had lots of exciting events, including Christmas dinners with my course mates and with my housemates, a basketball game with a fellow Rotary scholar, and performances by orchestras in the Sheldonian (the great venue of the university) and in the oldest structure in Oxford (a church on Cornmarket Street). Plus, John and Gyll took me to two great events! John and I attended an Oxford Union rugby match, one of the best he's seen in a while. It was incredibly high-scoring (like 50-33 or something), and I loved learning the rules! On the last night of term, all three of us went to "Christmas at Christ Church," a beautiful service in the breathtaking cathedral to benefit a cancer charity. It was truly one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas that I have ever experienced. Famous actors and authors performed the readings, some religious, some about Christmases past and present. My favorite was from the late 1700s, written by the wife of a farmer, who described the joy of family gatherings at the holidays with the same enthusiasm as anyone today (though she did a lot more cooking than us). A great end to the term! (Plus we ate at a great French restaurant with the best raspberry creme brulee :) )

I am only home until December 28th because I have lots of work to do in Oxford, as I present my research methodology at the beginning of Hilary term. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers! I have learned so much in the last ten weeks, and I look forward to keeping you all updated on the next seven months!

Merry Christmas!

Wow, Week 6

So, I officially have a cold...on the busiest week of the term, of course :) But my work is going well! Always more to do, but I do not feel panicked. We have two essays due this week plus I have lots of research to do for my dissertation. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers!

Several things to look forward to: reproductive health in Africa seminar on Tuesday, going to rugby game with John on Wednesday, dinner with my course mates AND drinks with the Rotary scholars on Friday.

This past week, I attended a lecture at the Pitt Rivers Museum with Liz, a Rotarian from Bicester and the club's website officer. The speaker was a zoologist, who related his adventures over the years as he searched for new insect species in caves, jungles, etc - places I would not even want to go. Incredible! Did you know bugs are attracted to the mixture of lager and blue cheeses? Or that the oldest existing bug pinned as a specimen is dated from 1702? It is here in Oxford, and the university threw it a 300th birthday party. Seriously, scholars from all over England came. It was so great to get outside of Africa for a bit!

We also had a great Rotary meeting with the Abingdon Vespers club at a local primary school in an area of Oxford called Blackbird Leys. People think of this city as being primarily affluent and highly educated, but the school actually draws from a population with only a 48% adult literacy rate. The headmaster (principal) related challenges and blessings in working with such disadvantaged children, and I found her passion to be completely inspiring! Plus, the school has links with a Ugandan school, so I enjoyed speaking with the staff about those connections.

Ok, I am going to finish up some work, read a fun book, and then go to sleep early! Love you family!

Election and American Night

Election Night: Literally 200 people from around the world crammed into our common room, watching CNN, and eating Haribo gummy bears. It was fantastic! Such a great memory for so historic a night! I felt very proud to be American (and a Floridian). It is definitely a moment that will make it into textbooks, and I will get to tell my grandchildren I watched it all from England.

Appropriately, American Night with the Rotary Scholars was held on Friday. I helped make fried chicken, sweet potatoes, green beans, and peach cobbler (yes I cooked!), and we listened to country music - quite southern because nearly all of us are from that region. John and Gyll attended too, so I enjoyed sharing a bit of my culture with them!!

Our Sunday trip into London was postponed, but I went to an outdoor, multi-faith service around the WWI and II Memorial in Oxford, just a bit down from the college, for Rememberance Day. It was a beautiful event with moving prayers for all those affected by conflict. It's quite humbling to think of how secure our lives are compared to most.

Now we are into Week 5 - ahhh! Lots of work to do, but I am enjoying almost all of it :) Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts.

I ran a half-marathon yesterday!

Yes, I know I am crazy, but it seems like everything here is about leaping and never looking back, about learning to believe in your own thoughts, ideas, judgment, ambitions. And I finished! My friends and I did 13 miles in an hour and 44 minutes - pretty good for not training, and there were even hills. Miles 7-9 were rough mentally, but once I made it to 10, I felt like we were on the home stretch, and crossing the finish line was such a thrill! By the way, this all happened in Barns Green (http://www.barnsgreen.com/), a lovely little town about an hour south of Oxford. After the race, we went to a friend's home nearby to shower and eat food made by mom, and then enjoyed the ride home, reflecting on a great day.

I feel so much more relaxed about all of the work now - it was great to get out of Oxford for a bit. I am still super busy, but I think I am finding a balance. And I get closer to my classmates all the time! Plus, there is such an energy here surrounding the election!! Is it really tomorrow? I am nervous/excited! The whole college is going to stay up for the results, so Wednesday might be a coffee day for me :)

Lots to look forward to this weekend: American Night (John and Gyll are attending!) and also a Rotary trip into London on Sunday for Remembrance Day. Most people have poppies on their coats; I am going to get one tomorrow from our porters in the lodge.

Love you all!! Thanks for the emails, cards, and prayers.

Into Third Week

The term is moving so quickly! I am busy all the time, but classes are going incredibly well. The work is really starting now - my friend and housemate, Marbre, and I were just talking about how we are over the "Wow, we're at Oxford" phase and are now thinking "Wow, we actually need to do Oxford work." But everyone is in the same position, so the free time is that much sweeter. And we definitely still have fun! One of my favorite things about the collegiate system is the small community; someone is always around to talk or hang out.

And Friday night was absolutely fabulous! It was Rotary Italian Evening, so the three Italian students cooked a gorgeous meal for us (pasta has never tasted so good), plus they did a slide show and performed a monologue describing the Italian family. I love my fellow scholars!! They are just such great people, and I feel so connected to them because of the Rotary link. I am glad we have so many events planned for the year. Next is American night, but I am not sure how we can top the Italians....

And there is such excitement here about the election! It is ridiculous how much people know about American politics - puts me to shame sometimes. Everyone knows FL is a swing state, so it is great fun answering questions. Needless to say, if the world could vote, it would be a landslide for Obama.

The weather has gotten very cold in the last couple of days. I hear it is pretty cold in the panhandle too, but please send me warm mental vibes!

And I have a meeting with my dissertation supervisor this Friday, along with a presentation. Thank you all for your prayers! I feel like it is all falling into place, as much as it can at this point.

Also, family, you will be happy to know that my housemates and coursemates are very considerate of my allergies. It's actually quite endearing how concerned people are when I tell them! :)

In Birmingham by the canals with Margaret and Sandy

Punting - I was not terribly good

Some of the girls from my college

In the Rose Garden at Blenheim Palace - For Nins

Matriculation and More

I am officially a member of Oxford University! On Saturday, we all dressed in sub fusc (black and white with gowns and bows), marched to Exam Schools in rows of three (six of us African Studies students were together, so it was a fun walk), and listened to a few phrases in Latin. It was a quick ceremony - maybe only 10 minutes - but I loved the tradition and ceremony of it all! I felt like I was part of the great history of this university and the long line of students who have gone before. Plus, we had a fabulous brunch in college, though I still am not used to having beans with breakfast instead of grits :)

Afterwards, ten of us went punting (sort of like a gondola boat) near Magdalen (pronounced Maudlin) Bridge. The sun was out, the leaves were falling - it was perfect! A very Oxford day, indeed.

On Sunday, eight of us Ambassadorial Scholars got together for an informal brunch (two brunches in one weekend = happiness) and to discuss our group project for the year: we are going to try to work on raising money for lapdesks for children in South Africa - more to come!! I am enjoying getting to know the other scholars because we all have a deep interest in public service and share a lot in common.

In the evening, with a few friends from my house, I attended Evensong - an Anglican service famous for boys' choirs. A few colleges have it, but we attended Christ Church, where Harry Potter was filmed (and other - arguably - more important events have occurred, I am sure). The atmosphere was incredible, and the choir soothing.

And Monday evening was my first presentation to a Rotary Club! The Haddenham members were incredibly welcoming, and the environment was relaxed and intimate - we met in the back room of a great little pub. I had a blast! Everyone even participated in my interactive lesson in southern phrases! It was a truly great place to give my first presentation, and I hope to see some of the members again at other events. Plus, I loved seeing John and Gyl! They give me such a great feeling of warmth and of being at home.

And, of course, I have been attending class and doing lots of work. My preconceptions are being challenged every day!

In case you can't tell, I love Oxford!!

End of Week One

Wow! What a great week! I was busy everyday, all day - with schoolwork, seminars, social events. The days have just flown by, and I know it will be the same for the rest of the semester (except even busier!).

My classes - just ten people led by a professor - were incredibly thought-provoking; I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the opinions of my course mates and dissecting our readings. On Thursday, in Researching Africa, Dr. Helene largely allowed us to follow our own conversation flows, focusing primarily on ethics. Today, Professor Anderson gave more directed points, but we still interjected our opinions and brought out different points in the material (I actually was the first to speak in both my classes!). We discussed colonialism, so it was important for him to provide a base of knowledge. I am learning so much!!

And not just in classes - also in informal conversations with my peers and in seminars. For example, I attended a great lecture last night on negotiating statelessness in Somalia. It's almost impossible to process all of this information!

Plus, the weather has been very mild; I've kept my window open almost all week and had some great running experiences. As I write, the sky is a vibrant pink, much deeper than a beach sunset.

I am so grateful for these opportunities!

First Lectures

Today I had the first lectures for my two core classes (Methodology and Social Themes). As St. Antony's houses African Studies, the seminars are held in the building literally next door to my residence. It was typical lecture style - the professor talks while we write very quickly! Both teachers, especially for CC2 (Core Course 2), structured their lectures clearly, and I enjoyed the material so much. I'm eager to have class discussions in smaller groups on Thursday and Friday! Though I have a lot of reading to do before then....But first most of us are going to a seminar tonight in the History Faculty on a very interesting topic I cannot directly recall right now. Haha - so much information in one day!

A great first day, I think! I can't believe there are only eight weeks in a term; no wonder we do so much work over the breaks.

Am I here to attend school? Oh yes, I am.

Tomorrow I start classes, but this weekend felt like a vacation!

Ali, a former Ambassadorial Scholar, invited four current scholars to spend Saturday night with her family - an American husband and three beautiful young children. The four of us - Elizabeth, Josh, Kate, and me - caught a bus and met Ali outside of Oxford. Then we drove to a gorgeous National Trust site called Cliveden (http://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/), where we strolled through the gardens and enjoyed another day of sun! Gary, Ali's husband, took Josh and me to a quaint pub on the river for a "swift half" [pint] - learning the lingo haha. Once in their Marlow home, we baked brownies, watched American football (OU vs. Texas on a special channel), listened to country music, and ate a delicious dinner!! It was a fabulous evening!

This morning, after a leaisurely breakfast, Gary drove us scholars on their boat down the Thames. It was still misty and cool, and I enjoyed seeing all the old English mansions. Plus, we went through a lock and a swan tried to eat my coat! Exciting.

We arrived fashionably late to the Rotary event in Harleyford. All the scholars in District 1090 introduced ourselves to members of the local clubs, and then we had a nice finger lunch. Again, the weather turned out to be just perfect! Phillip and Linda Bobby, my ride back to Oxford, took three of us on a lovely drive through the countryside, with everything glowing in the sunlight.

Then I went for a great run through city centre, and my house just finished a pot luck dinner ( I did not cook - just brought grapes, but the other food was fantastin)! I am really enjoying meeting and living with so many interesting people!

My first seminar is at 11am tomorrow. I can't believe it is really here! Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. Love you!

Sunny Days

The past two days have been sunny and crisp! Beautiful autumn days! But I do not want to get tricked into thinking this is the norm :) Though it is a fabulous way to start the semester.

I met today with a professor from the African Studies department, and tomorrow the entire staff will gather to assign dissertation supervisors. Please pray I am matched with a great instructor! I will work with him/her on narrowing my topic.

This afternoon, another student, Judith, and I explored the Social Sciences Library, which actually makes sense because it is very similar to FSU's. We are even able to check out books and browse the shelves. Judith and I agreed that we both feel much more comfortable with the entire library system.

Plus, I finally have access to laundry facilities and internet in my room!

Blenheim Palace and African Studies Orientation

On Saturday (aka my last free day, according to people in the know), a group of students from my college ventured eight miles north of the city to see England's Greatest Palace, given to the First Duke of Marlborough by Queen Ann for military service in Germany against France. Quite stunning! We spent nearly eight hours exploring the palace and the grounds; it was cold, windy, and rainy, but the paths and flowers were beautiful, especially by the lake. Blenheim - a World Heritage Site - offers an guided tour, a multimedia program, and a special display on Churchill, who was born in the palace. Being the nerds that we are, my friends and I did all three, and we even hiked to Bladon to see Churchill's grave. Then we walked through the adjacent town of Woodstock - a perfectly English town. I wish you all could have been with me!

I found the reality of aristocracy sort of difficult to grasp, betraying my American roots. The 11th Duke of Marlborough is still living on the greatness of his ancestor. However, I can appreciate the ceremonial role he might play in England, and the house is a pretty sweet place to spend Christmas. Overall, a very fabulous day! (Though I did miss FSU beating Miami :) )

On Sunday I went with a few friends to church at St. Ebbes, an Anglican church. I enjoyed seeing families and getting a sense of fellowship - feeling connected to home. Plus, church is always a great way to get to know a culture. I plan on exploring more services, including student options in the colleges.

Over the past two days, I attended Orientation for MSc in African Studies. At first I felt overwhelmed (understatement) by the information, but today I am mostly very excited (though I know I will be busy for basically the next nine months)! The last session today allowed us to speak with former students of the program, which grounded the experience and made all of us current students feel like we are capable of making it to the end - there is a way through! Plus, the topics seem incredibly interesting, and I know I am going to learn a great deal from my classmates (only 2 Americans out of 31!). I actually just had an informal meeting with my peers who are both in my college and in African Studies; we are planning on having weekly study groups. It makes me feel so good to have so many support networks - Rotary, African Studies, St. Antony's, and of course family!

Farmers' Market

Just a quick post to say I love the art of living in Europe! I found a Farmers' Market today, where I bought homemade butternut squash soup, sunflower bread, brie cheese, and raspberry and peach jam. More fun and a better quality than Publix, that's for sure!

First Day of Orientation

Hundreds of international students met at the Examination Schools - beautiful structures built in the late 1800s where all pupils take exams over several weeks (I got a little nervous just thinking about being there for exams in June :) ). The university seemed well-prepared, with handouts on everything from IT to bicycle safety. The most useful seminars were on the library system (hopefully the first of several introductions) and on adjusting the the structure of Oxford - for example, the role of the collegiate system. It was so great to be with other new students who are adjusting just like me!

I am starting to know a lot of people in my college, including a couple from African Studies, and I will see all of the Rotary students again this Sunday for a walk around the city.

And I spent yesterday evening with my English 'family'! John, Gyl, and I attended an evening meeting with Bicester Rotary Club - so relaxed and leisurely. The speaker was the diretcor of an organization called Oxford Inspires, a group that creates and highlights cultural events in Oxfordshire, including events like cooking classes for kids and light shows on the mains streets of Oxford. A very wonderful evening! Plus, Gyl gave me an extra blanket, so I was nice and warm last night...finally!

I love my college!

St. Antony's has been wonderful so far! Last night, the entire college had a welcome dinner in our dining hall (quite good - I had salmon and veggies), then went to a pub in an area of town called Jericho, just a couple of streets away. All of the students are so welcoming, and we are definitely the most international graduate college, which is perfect for my studies. Students who also did their undergrad at Oxford say St. Antony's is known as one of the best places to be a post-grad. I feel so fortunate! I want to buy a sweatshirt with our crest.

And I am exploring the area during my runs - so many interesting sites, quaint cafes, beautiful art shops....and of course old buildings. I feel like I am starting to really get my bearings. In fact, this morning I gave correct directions to a Portuguese student who had just arrived!

Tonight, John is picking me up for a Rotary meeting; the speaker will discuss the future of the town of Oxford. I am looking forward to seeing my counselor and Gyl!

Tomorrow, the International Student Orientations begin. I hope to learn lots of good info!

Back in Oxford

The Link sessions this morning were mostly about how to make successful presentations and how to adjust to culture shock. A fellow scholar and I remarked about how good it feels to be in a program where we are able to admit homesickness and recognize the need to adjust to a new culture. Rotary has provided such a valuable network of support, on both sides of the pond! And I am so grateful to have so many new friends. I am already planning a trip to Bristol to see my friend Margaret; we want to visit Bath in the spring.

Arriving back in Oxford, I felt a pang of loneliness after growing accustomed to the warmth of Rotary. But most students are now in residence at my college, and I have met several interesting people. Tomorrow we have an all-college dinner! In addition, I discovered great leads for good deals on a phone and bike, so I feel like I am adapting well. For the first time, I felt comfortable walking around the city and thinking, "I am a student at Oxford." Quite exciting!

Barn Dance in Birmingham

Here I am at Link Weekend, an Orientation for all the Rotary students studying in Great Britain and Ireland. It has been a fantastic day! First, we had a walking tour of the city. I appreciated the variety of architecture - something modern right next to a Victorian home. And the remnants of the industrial warehouses are now trendy lofts. Next, we went on a canal boat trip! B'ham actually has more miles of canals (35) than Venice (25 or so), though over a greater geographic area. I found the city full of character and quite beautiful, especially in the old downtown near the canals.

But the best part of the day was the barn dance from 7-11pm! A live band called out dance instructions - square dances, promenades, etc. It was so much fun to get to mix and laugh with the other scholars! We started out tripping all over each other but ended up doing pretty well. Plus it was a good work out.

Tomorrow we have seminars about Rotary events and programmes in Great Britain and Ireland. And then it's back to Oxford to finish settling in.

Such a nice way to be officially welcomed to the country!

England!

I am finally here! Over the last couple days, I've been staying with John, my wonderful Rotary counselor, and his wife, Gyl, in their beautiful cottage in Kirtlington. We drove around the countryside, ate in an English pub, and attended Bicester Rotary Meeting (John's home club), where everyone was so welcoming.

On Wednesday, with the Bicester Club, we spent a fabulous day in London: a special tour of Parliament and meeting with Bicester's MP, a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Globe Theater, and dinner on the 8th floor of the Oxo Tour overlooking the city skyline. I was so impressed by the history and traditions of Parliament, and the play was absolutely hilarious (I cried from laughter). It was an incredibly memorable day, and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the trip. Gyl said that many Britons will never do these things, and I did them in my second day! And, I have even been somewhere the queen hasn't (she is not allowed to enter the House of Commons)!

Today, I moved into my small but nice college accommodations. And tomorrow all the Rotary students leave for Link Weekend in Birmingham (a sort of orientation for all the students in the UK and Ireland)!

Welcome to my blog!

Hi everyone. This blog is about my year as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar at the University of Oxford, England, where I will be reading for a Masters in African Studies. I leave in exactly one week! Thanks to all of my friends and family for their support. I'll miss you all, but I look forward to sharing my experiences!