One Week!

One week ago today I set out on this new journey of living in the UK and it has been a delight and that week litrally (that is how it sounds when the British say it.) flew by. This week will be filled with introductions, training, and hopefully some more adventuring. Everything I need is close to where I am staying. The train is at the end of the street along with shops, restaurants, open markets, and beautiful buildings all within walking distance.

Yesterday, Sunday, I attended church and met some wonderful people. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints no matter where I go in the world I have found instant family. That is a huge comfort and blessing when you are far from home. The congregation (or ward) is fairly small so I met a good number of the members who come from various backgrounds and parts of the world. It is amazing to walk into a place, like church, and feel welcomed, peaceful, and at home instantly. Initially, those feelings stem from the spirit touching my heart and my love of God and a desire to worship Him at church. When members of a congregation reach out to greet you and engage in conversation those feelings blossom. I will be honest here, each ward has a different dynamic and I do not always connect quickly with the people and sometimes not at all.  My experience here in the Kingston ward is that I feel like I already have instant friends.

Over the past few days I have wandered, sometimes a bit aimlessly - okay mostly aimlessly, around Kingston to familiarize myself with the area. I ate Lebanese food one day, found a French patisserie (of course) on the next day, wandered the open markets and purchased fresh, locally grown produce that tastes amazing! I also wandered through shops and along the footpaths on both sides of the Thames. It has turned a bit chilly the past few days with highs in the low 60's and lows in the 50's. My kind of weather! They use Celsius here for temperatures and there is a learning curve while I adjust so when someone says it's only supposed to get to 14 today, I will know what they mean.

It was also incredible to Zoom with my family yesterday! I am grateful for the many different tech options that allow us to stay in touch. It is a great time to be on this earth no matter where you are.

PICTURES:
I do have a bit of a fetish with doors so this will not be the last door but it is a stunning gothic arched beauty on one of the churches here in Kingston. The rooftop is the view from my window and I keep thinking I will catch a glimpse of the chimney sweep or at least Mary Poppins! The view of the Thames differs, on the one side it is busy with shops and restaurants while the other is tree lined and quieter. Can you guess which side I prefer? Rooftop gardens can be spotted on several boats docked on the Thames which gives a whole new meaning to the term - rooftop garden. English gardens can be found in the tiniest of places. The front approach to the homes on Canbury Park Road (the road where my Airbnb is located) and other residential areas are often as small as a 10' x 10' square but people put it to use and many are beautiful while others are not. I will only show you the pretty ones unless I find something else you must see.