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!