the white cliffs

Jan and I did a lovely walk on the weekend. We saw the white cliffs, many sheep and made some new friends. The weather was perfect and it was all very beautiful.

I’m settling in. Missing home a lot at the moment. I’m lucky to be in contact with many friends from all over. I’m halfway through the adventure now, I guess that’s just difficult to process with uni at the moment. I’m still finding joy in each day. And Jan and Joel shaved my head. I needed a change << x

bussing to Durham

thinking on the bus. it’s 6pm and raining and starting to get dark. I’m travelling up through the country to see a friend and hopefully make some new ones. I’m tired and comfortably going to sleep half the way.

I called Isaiah today and it was so special hearing his voice. I’ve been lucky to maintain contact with some of the most important people in my life since making it to England. I’m still making new friends on campus, and our study lodge is a safe haven of tea, biscuits, trips to the pub and hugs. I’ve landed myself in a very lucky spot, and I’m not taking this for granted.

I’ve been missing home, more specifically my people back home. it’s been over two months already, and we’re getting close to the halfway point of the adventure. each day brings new challenges and blessings, many of which I’d never imagine encountering back home. fair to say this has been an exercise in growth in many ways for me already. for this I’m grateful.

I’ve been sketching faces and taking photos and listening to music, reading as well. just need to get back into writing and I’ll be really happy with myself. most importantly, I’ve been spending time with wonderful friends. I feel genuinely cared for here. and I have so much to be thankful for.

nerves and excitement on being in Durham this weekend. I’m lucky to be keeping the adventure alive on my breaks from uni. and I feel really good about this visit. hope you’re well and safe << x

thoughts

I’ve now been away from home two months. whilst I’ve been enjoying every new experience and friend I’ve made, it feels as though I’ve been far away for much longer. looking back on moments just two months ago - saying goodbye to friends, final meals, final hugs - I’m somewhat confused. it feels like a completely different timeline, perhaps a lifetime ago. I’m lucky to stay in touch with friends, and occasionally hear the familiar joy of their voices on the phone. but even the most vivid memories of the past year seem to have ingrained themselves as far more distant.

I am safe and surrounded by some wonderful new friends. we share meals and laughs and play UNO in the common room until ridiculous hours. we visit the Lansdown Arms down the road, have checked out a movie at the Depot (our local cinema just a two minutes walk away), and go on regular pilgrimages to TESCO and back.

we love our uni. though having just completed our first week of official classes, I think we’re all excited for a weekend off. hoping to explore Brighton a little more, but I’m already spoiled enough as it is in Lewes. this town is simply one of the most beautiful places to live, and with a non-existent language barrier, right now I’m very tempted to pack up shop and see what a life out here could do for me.

the town is charming. I go for walks down the lanes at night, listening to music and thinking about my friends and family, most of whom are waking up as I look at the stars. I have just over two months until I head home. I’m happy here, and whilst moods change with the weather (which is pretty unpredictable here), I recognise how lucky I am to be here << x