A Place to Call Home (FINALLY!!!)

 I am overjoyed to announce that I have finalized and booked my housing arrangements for this summer!

I will be living in a studio flat in the very center of the city.  The studio is located in a modern student apartment complex owned by UNITE Student Living (similar to Callaway in College Station - with a concierge, study spaces, etc.).  At first, I wasn't thrilled with the idea of going back to living in a dorm, but I've come to realize that this will be perfect for me.  Since I'm going so far away, completely on my own, I'm very thankful for the 24 hour security setup (as are my sweet parents).  Most importantly, the student housing will give me the opportunity to meet a ton of other students from all over the world who are working/studying abroad just like me!  I can't wait to meet my flat neighbors and to explore all the neighborhoods in London!

As I said before, this process was a nightmare of worry and doubt.  God was so faithful to point me in the direction of student housing, and my worry has now been transformed to a perfect peace.  I received so many encouraging words from those who were praying for me, so I want to thank everyone for all of their prayers and support!

Last matter of concern: getting my visa approved!  It has been received by the British Consulate in NY and it is awaiting clearance...As you could guess, this is no short process, so pray with me that my visa will clear before I have to leave (16 days!!!).

Much love,
Hayley

Seeking Security

In exactly ONE MONTH from today, I will be arriving in London!  The approaching departure date brings plenty of stresses and joys, but unfortunately, the stress has been particularly overwhelming at this point.  I am confident that the Lord has a beautiful plan for my time there, but right now the most important part of my stay remains a mystery...my housing!

First and most importantly, I want to ask for your PRAYERS.  Pray that I will be able to either settle on student housing or find a safe flatshare (British-speak for apartment share).  Also pray that I don't have an emotional breakdown, because to be honest I'm pretty discouraged.  I have been searching for, Skyping, and calling potential landlords in London for more than a solid month, with the help of my wonderful friend in London, Mary Nell (THANK YOU!!!), but nothing has worked out yet.

As I said before, this brings both stress and joy.  If you know me at all, you know that I am a planner.  I love to know exactly when, where, and with whom I will be way in advance.  The fact that I don't know where I will be living in 4 weeks is definitely upsetting my perfectly-planned world!  Nothing stresses me out more than the unknown, but the way to bring peace to that stress is to focus on what is known.  I know that my Father has gone before me to prepare a place for me.  I need to trust that He has everything figured out, even though I don't!   I am secure in His plan for me.  On the other hand, joy comes from knowing that this has been a great exercise in subduing the natural control-freak in me, and I am thankful for the way my faith has grown through this challenge.

GOOD NEWS: my background checks cleared, my flights are booked, and my visa application is in progress!  Once I have my visa in-hand and my housing is booked, I will be completely finished with pre-departure planning.

Thank you for your prayers, sweet friends.  I'll keep you all posted!

Much love,
Hayley