Surprises!

I think the word surprise just about sums up last weekend!  It turned out so very differently than what I had expected and/or planned for myself.  As of Thursday of that week, I was looking forward to the weekend with no plans in mind, and I liked it that way.  Even though I am in one of the most entertaining and exciting cities in the world, I was content to sit at home and "relax," i.e. soak in the loneliness and boredom.  But my gracious God wouldn't have it; He is just good like that.  He is always turning the mediocre into something extraordinary and beautiful, whether we're ready for it or not.

My initial apathy towards the weekend can be explained; the homesickness started to creep in last week.  I was feeling low.  Not sobbing uncontrollably or calling my parents every five minutes, but a bit lonely.  The Aggie interns I had been hanging out with for six weeks finished their internships and travelled on to see the rest of Europe (y'all have fun and be safe!), so my friend count was low...and so were my spirits.  To be honest, I was all geared up to throw myself a little pity party this weekend, which is why I was content to sit at home alone and do nothing.  Does being alone sound like a good remedy for loneliness?  Hardly.  I'm so thankful for a Father who knows us intimately and has the power to bring us exactly what we need at exactly the right time.

Straight clubbin' in the USA

The first surprise came Friday night.  In the basement of the embassy is a bar and restaurant called the Regal Eagle (that name always makes me giggle), and occasionally they host themed parties to kick off the weekend.  Last Friday was "Caribbean Night," so some of the interns and I decided we'd check it out.  The first hour was predictable - not too crowded, and the music wasn't bad so there were a few people dancing.  By the second hour, the place was PACKED.  Empty bottles and glasses filled the tables, the DJ had his lights and music blaring, and the dance floor was completely full of people jumping up and down in their suits and ties.  In the basement of the embassy!  Me and the interns dancing and having a blast with government people, diplomatic people!  You can imagine my surprise.  I kept thinking to myself, "if the public only knew..."  I didn't realize the budget cuts would allow for a proper party, but what do you know, we actually had a lot of fun!  It was an amazing bonding experience for me and the other interns, and the perfect, blessed cure for loneliness.

New friends!  Mina and Amanda

On Saturday morning came the next surprise.  I woke up to a gorgeous, sunny morning (rare in London) and went for a run.  I ended up in Regents Park, and when I turned a corner I was fronted by some very regal gates.  I ran through them, music pumping in my ears, unaware of where I was going.  As I passed under the gates, I glanced to my left, and my mouth dropped open.  I stopped dead in my pace and stared in awe at all the ROSES.  Hundreds of roses.  Bright and fully opened, unlike any I'd ever seen in the States, all different colors arranged in a garden of concentric circles.  I had stumbled upon what I later discovered was Queen Mary's Gardens.  Completely abandoning my resolve to run farther, I admired God's workmanship and praised Him for the beautiful surprise that He had so lovingly placed in my path!  

Queen Mary's Rose Gardens

Being in much better spirits after my run, I decided to use the day to cross some of London's museums off of my list, and I invited a few friends to come along.  Amanda, an intern with the Department of State, joined me, along with my sweet friend Josh, who I hadn't seen in years!  He is a native Londoner, but he moved to the States and was a Young Life leader in Boerne for my last two years of high school.  We explored the British Museum, ate delicious Thai food, and even saw The Great Gatsby.  Such an amazing reunion!

Josh and I at the British Museum

Yummy Thai food

Very cool exhibit!

On Sunday night, I had another great dinner with the Browning family.  I met some wonderful girls that are studying at the London Academy for Music and Dramatic Art, a really prestigious theatre school in London.  They are all very talented actresses/singers, and they had lots of cool stories to tell about their experiences!  We don't have a lot of acting/singing types at A&M, so it was really fascinating for me to hear about.

This weekend absolutely blew away my expectations.  I went into the next week completely comforted and refreshed.  The Lord really cared for me when I was starting to feel homesick.  He brought friends, dancing, nature, and history all together and artfully crafted a cure for my loneliness.  I am ever so grateful!  Thank you, Father, for a wonderful weekend.

I'm really behind on my posts...the promise to make them shorter and more frequent hasn't really worked out yet.  I'm still hopeful though!  More to come soon on my mom and sister's visit!

Much love,
Hayley

P.S.  Skype me pleeeeease!