REFLECTIONS AT THE END OF WEEK TWO-- August 9

Although it seems like many more, I stepped on to British soil only 2 weeks ago. Since that moment time has passed in a blur of new experiences, laughter, learning and smiles. In no way will this article be able to sum up my complete joy in everything I have experienced or my gratitude to each person who has made this trip possible. I have tried, in vain, to capture and keep every detail of each new adventure and the proportionally small amount I have retained cannot be adequately described in words. Thus I must settle with describing for you a few of the most profound experiences.

One of the most fascinating and foreign things I have experienced occurred in London when we visited Speaker’s Corner. What appeared to be a huge crowed of people, a few taller then the rest, was, in actuality, many smaller groups crowded round individuals on stepladders. Many of these individuals had signs, or flags, but each had come to speak freely in a place that for hundreds of years has been designated to free speech. For more than an hour, we wandered individually or in groups to listen to these speakers. Now and again we would interrupt to ask a question or present an opposing view. I personally joined in a religious debate or sorts and by meeting four Muslims learned that we share many more commonalities then it would first appear.

I was likewise moved by the experience of meeting English youth to discuss youth ministry as a whole. I was thrilled to see how many people came to learn about our youth programs, share about their own and talk about how to start diocesan wide youth events within the Diocese of Bradford. During this discussion, I truly felt like I was helping weave tighter the bonds for friendship between our two dioceses.

One of the most exciting experiences for me came as a complete surprise. After we watched "Calendar Girls" at the vicarage, Peter Yorkstone brought in a woman wearing black and a yellow sunflower on her shirt. She was introduced, to my shock, as Annie, the original calendar girl. Hearing her true story was completely inspiring, proving what a big difference a small number of people can make.

Although I have had a multitude of wonderful experiences in these two short weeks, I have been the most touched simply by the people I have met everywhere I go. From friends I met last summer when they came over on the exchange to strangers passing the peace at St. Akelda's on a Sunday morning, each person I have come across has been more welcoming, accommodating, interesting, and wonderful than I can describe. There are many individually I have gotten to know who have truly enriched my life, and many others I wish I had more time to spend with.

In conclusion, I have learned many things on this trip so far, and been touched by many experiences, thanks to all who made it possible. I am proud to be part of something that actively works to make the world a more peaceful place through cultural understanding and friendship with worldly neighbors. At one time or another we could all do with a reminder which I have learned from this trip: our similarities surmount our differences. //