Perfect weather, and a perfect LOVE

I now have proof that sun does actually shine in London!  The weather this weekend was absolutely gorgeous.  We couldn't have had better luck with three days off of work.  My first ambition - sit in a park and read.  Enjoy nature.  Lay in the grass.  Look local.  Smile at the children and the dogs.  I am proud to say that I accomplished my mission.  I was even stopped a few times by tourists in need of directions, so I might even have the "looking local" part down ;)

First I meandered over to Russell Park, which is quite close to where I'm living (I can't believe I just used the word "quite").  It was crowded - clusters of families and friends sitting together on the grass, which is bright green due to all the rain, enjoying picnics and books and each other.  It's amazing to me that such beautiful, peaceful sanctuaries can exist right in the middle of a bustling city.

Russell Park

Next, walked over to King's Cross station to meet up with my Aggie friends for more sightseeing.  This is the station where scenes of Harry Potter took place.  There is actually a Harry Potter exhibit somewhere inside, but I have yet to visit it...yet again, sorry to all my HP-crazed friends (Emma) for my lack of enthusiasm.  The building is beautifully constructed, for those of you who haven't seen it.

King's Cross Station

For our sightseeing we decided to do a city river cruise.  It's quite touristy, I know, but it's one of those things that just has to be done.  We had some great views of the major sights, and we didn't feel so goofy taking pictures because everyone else was too.  Meet the MSC interns from A&M (and a friend from t.u.)!

From left to right: Colby, Kaley, me, Lesli, Jackie, Jay, Abby, and Cowboy (t.u.)

Aboard the river cruise

There's no better way to end this post than with a JESUS STORY!!! Prepare to be amazed...I sure was.

Sunday was a day of rest, as it should be, and my first chance to go to church since arriving.  The Lord blessed me more than I can say when I arrived at Hillsong Church London that morning.  It seems like a sort of megachurch at first, as it's housed in the Dominion Theatre in the middle of Central London.  However, it certainly didn't feel that way when I walked in!  I expected to head to the back, sit by myself, and possibly meet the two people on either side of me.  Instead, I was reminded that the Lord cares for me more than I know, and He loves to surprise His children.  As I was lost looking for the bathroom, a girl about my age offered to show me the way.  We got to talking, and when she found out I was new to Hillsong, she immediately exclaimed, "Oh no way!  Follow me, let me introduce you to all my friends!"  She did just that, and I was overwhelmed by the kind and welcoming nature of the people I met.  As I talked and laughed with my new friends, I had to use all my strength to choke down tears of joy and relief.  By the time we started worshipping, I couldn't hold them back anymore.  I just cried and lifted up my hands in praise and thanksgiving.  Seriously, the girl next to me was handing me tissues.  As embarrassing as it was to bawl my eyes out in front of these people I had just met, I think they understood perfectly how our Father had used them to comfort and refresh me.  When we feel lost and on our own, He wraps us in His arms.  He even blesses us by sending people that will physically do just that, even if they don't know us, so we can truly feel the touch of His unconditional love.  Thank you, sweet Hillsong friends, for being Christ's light to me just when I needed it!

If you haven't yet made room for God's love in your story, please just invite Him in.  I promise He's right there waiting for you, ready to love and bless and transform.  You won't regret it.

Much love,
Hayley