You'll be missed, London

London is a magnificent city.  I'm positive that one could live here for a lifetime and still not experience everything the city has to offer.  I've seen history, art, and architecture beyond comparison, and I've tasted the whole range of delicious ethnic foods that barely even exist in Texas!

Here are the things in London that I will miss the most, in no particular order...

• The markets.  On any given Saturday, as you walk through the boroughs you'll run into tents upon tents of freshly-cooked food, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, etc.
• The theatres.  London is home to so many of the most famous productions in the world.  I just saw Les Miserables last night and it blew me away!!!
• The parks.  No other city does green space like London.  Every few blocks, there is always a lovely, well-manicured square of grass and trees where children are running and people are having picnics.  Not to mention the massive Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Primrose Hill, and Hampstead Heath!
• Thai food.  We've got plenty of Mexican food in Texas, but we run a VERY short supply of good Asian food!  Thai is my favorite; I eat it all the time here and it will be hard to find good places when I'm home!
• Hillsong Church.  This place has been a home to me during my time in London.  Brothers and sisters in Christ surrounded me with love and encouragement as soon as they met me on my first week.  I had so much fun serving on Host Team while I was there!  
• Walking into an embassy every day.  It has been an honor to work for my country abroad.  I have never felt more patriotic, and I have such an appreciation for the Foreign Service Officers that devote their lives to serving at posts in the best and WORST parts of the world for our country's prosperity.
• My friends.  I've really connected with some of the interns at the embassy and the friends I've made at Hillsong.  It's heartbreaking to think that I may never see some of them again!  But I'm ever thankful for the memories we've made :)

On the other side of things...there are some things in Texas that I CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN TO!!!  Going home is sure to result in an epic indulgence of everything I've missed over the last 3 months.

• MOMMY, DADDY, KELSEY, AND AVERY (and the kitties).  When I get back, we'll be spending the weekend in Houston watching Kels kick ass in volleyball!  My family is my greatest joy; I honestly can't wait to be crammed in a hotel room with my favorite people in the world!!! :) Can't wait to snuggle with my sissies!
• MEXICAN FOOD.  If you're from Texas, you understand.  There are two food groups for us: 1) Mexican and 2) everything else.  Queso, guacamole, enchiladas, margaritas...my mouth is watering!!!
• MY CAR.  I haven't driven in ages!  And the only driving I have seen in the past 3 months has been done on the left side of the road.  This should be interesting...
• The Promised Land - College Station, TX.  The home of the Spirit of Aggieland.  Can't wait for football season and reuniting with all my friends, the most important of those friends being...
• MY ROOMMATES.  I am BEYOND EXCITED to live with Amanda, Bailey, Jessie and Morgan in our new house in the historic district (along with honorary roomies Emma, Loren, Lindsee, and Emily).  I hope that each and every one of you reading this comes and visits us - our door is always open!  Adventures and baked goods are guaranteed upon entry :)
• RUDDER LOVE.  I spend nearly every waking moment with my Young Life team back in College Station, so it's been really weird not seeing them for this long!  I can't wait to get back to my team to serve the Lord and hang out with high school kids together.

I depart London at 10:25 am tomorrow!  Tonight I'll be saying goodbye to friends and celebrating the time I've spent here (and finishing up my packing...bleh).  I can't wait to see you all when I'm finally home!

Much love,

Hayley