My time in the UK is drawing to a close, and after 10 months, there are still some things about life here that I don't quite understand.
1. No Outlets in the bathroom - I don't understand this. I just want to dry my hair with a mirror, is that so much to ask?! (*I have recently been informed this lack of outlets has to do with hydroelectric shock safety. But still...)
2. No light switch in bathroom - it's a string. The first few times I was terrified to pull the strings (in each new bathroom of course) because, well, because I don't know why. I just was. Maybe I thought it was a prank?
3. Separate cold & hot faucets - Many sinks have separate hot and cold taps. Which makes it difficult to wash your hands in warm water. Your choice is cold or scalding. Good luck!
**Found this helpful video 10 months too late.**
4. Driving on the left - I'm better at looking right first, but I'm seriously concerned about my driving skills upon my return to the states. Watch out, Nebraska!!
5. Northern English accent - It's so difficult for me to understand the Northerners. It just takes so much brain power for me. Guess I will just have to return someday so I can get this down.
6. Which side of the pavement do I walk on? - Left? Right? No one knows. Between the number of tourists, and people who just don't want to run into others/are in a hurry, you end up weaving quite a bit while you are out and about. General rule for escalators: Stand right, walk left.
7. Royal Mail: okay, this one is confusing. The deliverer of letters is the Royal Mail, but the letters themselves are called POST. In the States, the deliverer of letters is the Postal Service, but the letters are called MAIL. Who mixed this up?!
8. Welsh... seriously, it's difficult.
9. Town Names: Aberystwyth, Worcester, Marylebone, Edinburgh, Guildford, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and so many more.
I'm sure there are more things that confuse me still, but this is what I could think of at this time.
Does anything confuse you about the UK? Post it in the comments and I'll see if I have an answer!
~Lina
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Jesus is a Scuba Diver
Today was incredible.
First, let me tell you that I was not excited for today. It has been 7 weeks this half-term, and it has been the busiest and longest 7 weeks of my life thus far. Between assemblies, chapels, water sports weekend, harry potter world, other weekend duties, GAP supper at Katrina's, Mocktails, and study leave, I have never felt busier. When I woke up this morning I was utterly exhausted.
Yesterday was Lower 4 (6th grade) Cathedral day. Katrina and I had planned a day of activities in Winchester Cathedral. We, along with 9 other staff, walked 80 girls down to the Cathedral. The girls participated in 4 activities throughout the day, participated in a Compline service in the quire, and then we all walked back up the hill to school.
The girls had:
generic tour of the cathedral (led by myself or Katrina).
St. Swithun activity
Famous people tour
Calligraphy or Illuminations
It was a full day capped with house cover until dinner when I returned. I sat in the office and literally didn't move for 90 minutes. I went to bed early, and actually slept until my alarm went off (I've been waking with the sun recently).
Today was important. Today was the blessing and ceremonial opening of the Jr. School's new buildings. The Bishop of Winchester came and lots of parents - even one of the architects came! I had to wear a dress! *gasp*
I sat and listened to Bishop Tim talk about foundations. Foundations are especially important to Winchester Cathedral. 100 years ago the south east corner of the cathedral started sinking - because some brilliant person wanted to build the cathedral on a bog - and it could have been disastrous. A man name William Walker spent 6 hours a day, for 6 years underwater in complete darkness changing the peat foundations to cement.
I got to carry around part of the centuries old foundation today. I held history in my hand. It got me thinking. Not only is this school community part of me and my "history", but I am also part of the schools history now. in 85 years (around the year 2101), when Swithuns could build a new state of the art building for the Jr. School, I can say that I was at the last blessing (assuming that I'll be alive at the age of 115). That's really cool.
It also made me think about my foundations. Jesus is my foundation. I know that, but I also have questions. After today, I'm pretty sure Jesus is a Scuba Diver. Just when I think my foundations are going to crumble, because something has challenged my faith or my understanding of Christianity, Jesus comes and replaces all my foundations with stronger ones. He keeps me from crumbling under the pressure of life.
1 Corinthians 3:11
First, let me tell you that I was not excited for today. It has been 7 weeks this half-term, and it has been the busiest and longest 7 weeks of my life thus far. Between assemblies, chapels, water sports weekend, harry potter world, other weekend duties, GAP supper at Katrina's, Mocktails, and study leave, I have never felt busier. When I woke up this morning I was utterly exhausted.
Yesterday was Lower 4 (6th grade) Cathedral day. Katrina and I had planned a day of activities in Winchester Cathedral. We, along with 9 other staff, walked 80 girls down to the Cathedral. The girls participated in 4 activities throughout the day, participated in a Compline service in the quire, and then we all walked back up the hill to school.
The girls had:
generic tour of the cathedral (led by myself or Katrina).
St. Swithun activity
Famous people tour
Calligraphy or Illuminations
It was a full day capped with house cover until dinner when I returned. I sat in the office and literally didn't move for 90 minutes. I went to bed early, and actually slept until my alarm went off (I've been waking with the sun recently).
Today was important. Today was the blessing and ceremonial opening of the Jr. School's new buildings. The Bishop of Winchester came and lots of parents - even one of the architects came! I had to wear a dress! *gasp*
I sat and listened to Bishop Tim talk about foundations. Foundations are especially important to Winchester Cathedral. 100 years ago the south east corner of the cathedral started sinking - because some brilliant person wanted to build the cathedral on a bog - and it could have been disastrous. A man name William Walker spent 6 hours a day, for 6 years underwater in complete darkness changing the peat foundations to cement.
I got to carry around part of the centuries old foundation today. I held history in my hand. It got me thinking. Not only is this school community part of me and my "history", but I am also part of the schools history now. in 85 years (around the year 2101), when Swithuns could build a new state of the art building for the Jr. School, I can say that I was at the last blessing (assuming that I'll be alive at the age of 115). That's really cool.
It also made me think about my foundations. Jesus is my foundation. I know that, but I also have questions. After today, I'm pretty sure Jesus is a Scuba Diver. Just when I think my foundations are going to crumble, because something has challenged my faith or my understanding of Christianity, Jesus comes and replaces all my foundations with stronger ones. He keeps me from crumbling under the pressure of life.
1 Corinthians 3:11
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
~Lina
Saturday, May 21, 2016
I work at Hogwarts...
But seriously, I think I do.
I recently finished reading all 7 Harry Potter books for the first time and am watching the movies for the first time as well (I only have Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 left). I figured since I was living in England, I really had no excuse to postpone reading these beloved books.
Little did I know, how familiar these books would feel after living here for 6 months. I understood the language (it's harder than it sounds), I knew the places, and I understood the school system (OWLs and NEWTs are the real deal friends).
I've had these books floating around my head for a few weeks now and today it hit me.
BAM!
I work at Hogwarts, minus the wizardry. Here's my list of similarities between St. Swithun's and Hogwarts.
1. Both schools have 4 boarding houses. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin - Hyde Abbey, High House, Earlsdown, Hillcroft. (Editor's note: There is a L4 house and U6 house as well but only because not all the students would fit in the 4 senior houses)
2. Each house has a reputation and color. We have a sporty house, creative house, social house, and well, I don't know how to describe the last house. Colors are red, green, blue, and white (i think).
3. The students are sorted into houses. While we don't have a sorting hat (I WISH), the L4 girls are sorted into senior houses based on friendship groups, openings, and requests from parents. Depending on the number of L4s they are sorted into 2-4 of the senior houses.
4. The House Cup. Hogwarts has Quidditch, and Swithun's has so many house competitions. Recently, we had a House Swimming Gala where the 4 day houses and 4 boarding houses competed in 16 races. (8 events with a Jr. and Sr. division for each). Houses have also competed in Drama, Rounders (kind of baseball), Tennis, Lacrosse, Netball (kind of basketball), and Debate.
5. Hermione. We do actually have a student named Hermione. But also great names like: Kitty, Clemmie, Tattie, Izzy, Livi, Jazz, Astrid, and Honor, The girls here, like Hermione Granger, pride themselves on their academic success. A* (read A-star) is the grade to get here. B's are seldom and C's are even more rare.
Note: The grading system here is VERY different to the American system. The system is as follows:
90-100 Pretty much unheard of
80-89 A* (with 85-89 being VERY rare. A* means university level work)
70-79 A
60-69 B
50-59 C
40-49 D
Below 40 F
7. Dumbledore. Okay, so our headmistress doesn't have a beard or a wand. But, she is in charge of all 550 girls at school here. She hires staff, accepts students, gives assemblies, and many other duties during the day. Dumbledore's trademark is his beard, Jane Gandee's trademark is a dress and heels. Everyday.
8. Visits to town. Hogwarts students took day trips to Hogsmeade, the wizarding town nearby. Girls at Swithun's are allowed to walk or take a taxi/bus into town on weekends. There is a school mini-bus (16 passenger van) Monday-Thursday that will take students into town for an hour, but many older girls like to walk into town on weekends with friends to go shopping, eat McDonald's, and meet their Win Coll (Winchester College) boy-friends. There is also a weekly TESCO shop on Friday evenings for boarders so they can stock up on junk food and other necessities.
That's all I can think of for now, but there is probably more. I will update if I think of more.
Hope you enjoyed finding out a little more about St. Swithun's!
~Lina
I recently finished reading all 7 Harry Potter books for the first time and am watching the movies for the first time as well (I only have Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 left). I figured since I was living in England, I really had no excuse to postpone reading these beloved books.
Little did I know, how familiar these books would feel after living here for 6 months. I understood the language (it's harder than it sounds), I knew the places, and I understood the school system (OWLs and NEWTs are the real deal friends).
I've had these books floating around my head for a few weeks now and today it hit me.
BAM!
I work at Hogwarts, minus the wizardry. Here's my list of similarities between St. Swithun's and Hogwarts.
1. Both schools have 4 boarding houses. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin - Hyde Abbey, High House, Earlsdown, Hillcroft. (Editor's note: There is a L4 house and U6 house as well but only because not all the students would fit in the 4 senior houses)
 |
| High House on left - Main School on right |
3. The students are sorted into houses. While we don't have a sorting hat (I WISH), the L4 girls are sorted into senior houses based on friendship groups, openings, and requests from parents. Depending on the number of L4s they are sorted into 2-4 of the senior houses.
4. The House Cup. Hogwarts has Quidditch, and Swithun's has so many house competitions. Recently, we had a House Swimming Gala where the 4 day houses and 4 boarding houses competed in 16 races. (8 events with a Jr. and Sr. division for each). Houses have also competed in Drama, Rounders (kind of baseball), Tennis, Lacrosse, Netball (kind of basketball), and Debate.
 |
| girls playing LAX on a weekend |
5. Hermione. We do actually have a student named Hermione. But also great names like: Kitty, Clemmie, Tattie, Izzy, Livi, Jazz, Astrid, and Honor, The girls here, like Hermione Granger, pride themselves on their academic success. A* (read A-star) is the grade to get here. B's are seldom and C's are even more rare.
Note: The grading system here is VERY different to the American system. The system is as follows:
90-100 Pretty much unheard of
80-89 A* (with 85-89 being VERY rare. A* means university level work)
70-79 A
60-69 B
50-59 C
40-49 D
Below 40 F
6. OWLs and NEWTs. They aren't actually called Owls and Newts but it's the same idea. At the end of Year 11 (10th grade), the girls take GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education). They have been studying 8-10 subjects for 3 years in school and this test serves as a diploma basically. If they pass they can choose to go on to college (11th and 12th grade) or they can join the army, start a trade, etc. College is where they take 3 or 4 subjects more in depth, called A-levels (Advanced levels, I think). A-levels are the equivalent of our First Year of University.
At the end of 6th form, the girls can apply to no more than 5 universities. All universities are on the same online application system. A student may apply to Oxford OR Cambridge, but not both. Then they wait. A university then sends out offers to students. Acceptance into the University is solely based on their A-level test results.
ie: Aline gets an offer from Cambridge of 2 A* and 1 A. Aline gets an offer from Loughbrough (pronounced Luffbruh) for 2 As 1 B. Aline scores 1 A* and 2 As. Aline will not be accepted into Cambridge, but could attend Loughbrough.
7. Dumbledore. Okay, so our headmistress doesn't have a beard or a wand. But, she is in charge of all 550 girls at school here. She hires staff, accepts students, gives assemblies, and many other duties during the day. Dumbledore's trademark is his beard, Jane Gandee's trademark is a dress and heels. Everyday.
8. Visits to town. Hogwarts students took day trips to Hogsmeade, the wizarding town nearby. Girls at Swithun's are allowed to walk or take a taxi/bus into town on weekends. There is a school mini-bus (16 passenger van) Monday-Thursday that will take students into town for an hour, but many older girls like to walk into town on weekends with friends to go shopping, eat McDonald's, and meet their Win Coll (Winchester College) boy-friends. There is also a weekly TESCO shop on Friday evenings for boarders so they can stock up on junk food and other necessities.
That's all I can think of for now, but there is probably more. I will update if I think of more.
Hope you enjoyed finding out a little more about St. Swithun's!
~Lina
Monday, April 25, 2016
Global Community
This past week and a half has been really hard. I'm completely knackered.
As many of you know, Ecuador suffered a massive 7.8 earthquake on the 16th of April. Those of you who follow my blog might remember that one of the other GAP assistants here is from Ecuador. Juliana is from Cuenca in the southern part of the country.
It might surprise you to know that the Earthquake was not covered by the media here in the UK (not sure of the coverage in the US). This broke Juliana's heart. The girls that she has been getting to know didn't even know that her country, which she loves SO much, was hurting.
Juliana has been in contact with her family often (they are fine, as they live south of the affected area) and I have been receiving constant updates on her country. I've heard about the aftershocks and subsequent 6.0+ earthquake/aftershocks that continue to damage an already hurting country. Juliana bravely stood in front of 500 teenage girls last Friday and told them some stats about the damage from the earthquake.
500+ dead
100+ missing
Thousands injured
Her voice broke, but she kept speaking. She asked the school community to help her raise money for earthquake relief by having a bake sale, which happened today - Monday.
I am pleased to share that the support from the St. Swithun's community was astounding and overwhelming. I learned fairly quickly that this school was a special place, but I had no idea until today. Here are some numbers about the day:
3 - tables full of baked goods donated by staff and students
5 - kinds of cookies/bars
6 - people to sell goods at morning break and Lunch 2 (because we had SO many items donated)
9+ - kinds of cakes/cupcakes
£40 - the amount given by ONE student for 2 cupcakes
£195 - (~$300) in bills at the end of break. FYI: break is only 20 minutes. (I didn't count coins, and we sold more during lunch)
I hope to update the total as soon as I know. The girls and staff here have completely blown me away. I am so proud to call this school home, and I am proud to call Juliana my friend.
Heavenly Father,
Please watch over the people of Ecuador. Give them the strength to put one foot in front of the other. Be with the rescuers and other aid organizations as they begin to discover the amount of work and help that Ecuador needs. Hold the people in your loving arms and help them to feel the amazing power of your love. In your holy name. Amen.
As many of you know, Ecuador suffered a massive 7.8 earthquake on the 16th of April. Those of you who follow my blog might remember that one of the other GAP assistants here is from Ecuador. Juliana is from Cuenca in the southern part of the country.
It might surprise you to know that the Earthquake was not covered by the media here in the UK (not sure of the coverage in the US). This broke Juliana's heart. The girls that she has been getting to know didn't even know that her country, which she loves SO much, was hurting.
Juliana has been in contact with her family often (they are fine, as they live south of the affected area) and I have been receiving constant updates on her country. I've heard about the aftershocks and subsequent 6.0+ earthquake/aftershocks that continue to damage an already hurting country. Juliana bravely stood in front of 500 teenage girls last Friday and told them some stats about the damage from the earthquake.
500+ dead
100+ missing
Thousands injured
Her voice broke, but she kept speaking. She asked the school community to help her raise money for earthquake relief by having a bake sale, which happened today - Monday.
I am pleased to share that the support from the St. Swithun's community was astounding and overwhelming. I learned fairly quickly that this school was a special place, but I had no idea until today. Here are some numbers about the day:
3 - tables full of baked goods donated by staff and students
5 - kinds of cookies/bars
6 - people to sell goods at morning break and Lunch 2 (because we had SO many items donated)
9+ - kinds of cakes/cupcakes
£40 - the amount given by ONE student for 2 cupcakes
£195 - (~$300) in bills at the end of break. FYI: break is only 20 minutes. (I didn't count coins, and we sold more during lunch)
I hope to update the total as soon as I know. The girls and staff here have completely blown me away. I am so proud to call this school home, and I am proud to call Juliana my friend.
Heavenly Father,
Please watch over the people of Ecuador. Give them the strength to put one foot in front of the other. Be with the rescuers and other aid organizations as they begin to discover the amount of work and help that Ecuador needs. Hold the people in your loving arms and help them to feel the amazing power of your love. In your holy name. Amen.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Frohe Ostern!
School is on break for Easter, so I took the opportunity to do a little travelling in Europe. My friend Shauni (another GAP from New Zealand) and I traveled to 7 cities in 10 days. There was little sleep, lots of walking, and a ton of fun.
The highlight of my trip was our 2 days spent in Leipzig with Laura (the German GAP). Laura asked months ago if I would like to spend Easter with her and her family, and I happily accepted the invitation. I was really excited to spend time with Laura and her family and was also extremely nervous because her Mom, Oma, & Opa don't speak English.
Laura has been giving me German lessons since January - just for fun. These lessons became very important very quickly when I decided to join her family for Easter. My knowledge is very basic and I definitely don't know many verbs or vocab in general. I was prepared with some basic phrases:
Danke - thank you
Bitte - please
Entschuldigung - excuse me (sorry)
Ja - yes
I used these phrases over and over in Germany before we arrived in Leipzig, but for some reason I was so nervous to speak in front of Karola (mom). The car ride from the bus stop to their house was silent in the back seat, but full of conversation between Laura and her mom. Laura was wonderful and translated everything for us. Then, Karola looked backward at me and asked me a question in German. I stared at Laura waiting for a translation, and then I realized that I knew exactly what she asked! So I answered. Laura's eyes lit up like a proud teacher. It was that moment where I realized, I would be okay for the weekend and that I would be able to communicate.
Saturday was spent with Laura's Oma & Opa (grandparents). We had a wonderful meal and some one-sided conversation (I understood very little without translation on this day). Her grandparents were incredibly sweet and welcoming. We ate a wonderful meal, and had our Kinder eggs. Then, I learned we would get to search for Easter baskets! I wasn't expecting it at all, I mean I had my Kinder egg already! My bag was labeled "Amerika" and Shauni's was labeled "New Zealand". It was full of German chocolate and a pretty mug. It was so thoughtful and sweet!
The next day we had another Easter with Laura's mom. Again, we discovered that we would need to search for our basket as well as another gift. I searched and searched. On the bookshelf. Behind the couch (I saw something but didn't think it was mine). Behind the pictures. FOUND IT! A pink basket full of chocolatey wonderfulness. Shauni and I struggled with our second gift so we played hot and cold. Went behind the couch and there it was! I clearly didn't read very well the first time.
I am now the proud owner of a copy of Goethe's "Faust"! I have the German on one side of the page and English on the other. My work is cut out for me.
I am completely floored by the love and hospitality I was shown in Leipzig. It was a wonderful holiday even through the misunderstandings and language barrier.
The highlight of my trip was our 2 days spent in Leipzig with Laura (the German GAP). Laura asked months ago if I would like to spend Easter with her and her family, and I happily accepted the invitation. I was really excited to spend time with Laura and her family and was also extremely nervous because her Mom, Oma, & Opa don't speak English.
Laura has been giving me German lessons since January - just for fun. These lessons became very important very quickly when I decided to join her family for Easter. My knowledge is very basic and I definitely don't know many verbs or vocab in general. I was prepared with some basic phrases:
Danke - thank you
Bitte - please
Entschuldigung - excuse me (sorry)
Ja - yes
 |
| My adorable Kinder egg |
Saturday was spent with Laura's Oma & Opa (grandparents). We had a wonderful meal and some one-sided conversation (I understood very little without translation on this day). Her grandparents were incredibly sweet and welcoming. We ate a wonderful meal, and had our Kinder eggs. Then, I learned we would get to search for Easter baskets! I wasn't expecting it at all, I mean I had my Kinder egg already! My bag was labeled "Amerika" and Shauni's was labeled "New Zealand". It was full of German chocolate and a pretty mug. It was so thoughtful and sweet!
The next day we had another Easter with Laura's mom. Again, we discovered that we would need to search for our basket as well as another gift. I searched and searched. On the bookshelf. Behind the couch (I saw something but didn't think it was mine). Behind the pictures. FOUND IT! A pink basket full of chocolatey wonderfulness. Shauni and I struggled with our second gift so we played hot and cold. Went behind the couch and there it was! I clearly didn't read very well the first time.
I am now the proud owner of a copy of Goethe's "Faust"! I have the German on one side of the page and English on the other. My work is cut out for me.
I am completely floored by the love and hospitality I was shown in Leipzig. It was a wonderful holiday even through the misunderstandings and language barrier.
 |
| My Easter Love |
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Meeting Rudi...
Today, I met Rudi Oppenheimer. Well, I didn't actually speak to him, but I listened. Rudi is 84 years young. Rudi is German. He's also Jewish (by ancestry not religion).
Rudi was born in 1931 in Heidelburg, Germany. He moved multiple times during the pre-WWII years. Heidelburg to Berlin to London to Heemstade (Netherlands) to Naarden to Amsterdam. He, along with his parents, older brother, and baby sister (with British citizenship - it's important) were eventually sent to a Transit Camp called Westerbork.
Most families only stayed days or weeks at Westerbork before they were moved East to Bergen-Belsen, Auschwitz, or other concentration camps. The Oppenheimers stayed at Westerbork for 7 months, mostly due to baby Eve's British birth certificate. The Oppenheimers became part of a group of Jews called "Exchange Jews". My understanding of "exchange Jews" is a family that had one or more British or American born children who could then be exchanged for German citizens being held in Britain, if needed. They were generally treated better than other Jewish families. For example, the train that took the Oppenheimers and other exchange families to Bergen-Belsen was a regular transport train with seats instead of the cattle cars used for others.
For 70 minutes I sat captivated by Rudi and his story. He lost both parents to illness in Bergen-Belsen and was taken on a train across Germany with his siblings 5 days before Belsen was liberated. Eventually he and his siblings were liberated and returned to the Netherlands.
Rudi will tell you that Eve's birth certificate saved their lives. He will also tell you that he isn't religious, but for some reason "God still watches out for me."
I found that statement most interesting. A self-proclaimed agnostic (he told us he wasn't religious but believed there was a God, of some kind) boldly claimed multiple times tonight that God watched out for him, took care of him, and other statements.
After hearing his story, it was time for questions. I sat for 30 minutes before I finally got the courage to raise my hand. (I was in a room of 13 & 14 year olds)
Finally I was called on. "If you could share your story with the world leaders of today, what do you hope they would learn from it?"
His answer - "Don't be a bystander." He told the room to speak up when we see something that isn't right. He told the story of Jewish men with non-Jewish wives being imprisoned during WWII. The women weren't having it so they protested outside of the jail. Soon they were joined by many others and the Nazis let the Jewish men go.
One girl asked if he hated Germans. (My friend Laura, the German GAP, was sitting near me) I glanced over to Laura, scared of his answer. He said that he hold nothing against the people who were born after the war. They committed no transgressions. He also said that he cannot forgive the Nazis, but not because of hatred, because he felt it should be his parents' generation that did the forgiving, for they were affected far more than he was.
Today was an eye-opening day. If I could tell Rudi one thing, I'd tell him I would try not to be a bystander.
~A
P.S. If you'd like to read more about Rudi's story check out his brother's book : From Belsen to Buckingham Palace by Paul Oppenheimer
Rudi was born in 1931 in Heidelburg, Germany. He moved multiple times during the pre-WWII years. Heidelburg to Berlin to London to Heemstade (Netherlands) to Naarden to Amsterdam. He, along with his parents, older brother, and baby sister (with British citizenship - it's important) were eventually sent to a Transit Camp called Westerbork.
Most families only stayed days or weeks at Westerbork before they were moved East to Bergen-Belsen, Auschwitz, or other concentration camps. The Oppenheimers stayed at Westerbork for 7 months, mostly due to baby Eve's British birth certificate. The Oppenheimers became part of a group of Jews called "Exchange Jews". My understanding of "exchange Jews" is a family that had one or more British or American born children who could then be exchanged for German citizens being held in Britain, if needed. They were generally treated better than other Jewish families. For example, the train that took the Oppenheimers and other exchange families to Bergen-Belsen was a regular transport train with seats instead of the cattle cars used for others.
For 70 minutes I sat captivated by Rudi and his story. He lost both parents to illness in Bergen-Belsen and was taken on a train across Germany with his siblings 5 days before Belsen was liberated. Eventually he and his siblings were liberated and returned to the Netherlands.
Rudi will tell you that Eve's birth certificate saved their lives. He will also tell you that he isn't religious, but for some reason "God still watches out for me."
I found that statement most interesting. A self-proclaimed agnostic (he told us he wasn't religious but believed there was a God, of some kind) boldly claimed multiple times tonight that God watched out for him, took care of him, and other statements.
After hearing his story, it was time for questions. I sat for 30 minutes before I finally got the courage to raise my hand. (I was in a room of 13 & 14 year olds)
Finally I was called on. "If you could share your story with the world leaders of today, what do you hope they would learn from it?"
His answer - "Don't be a bystander." He told the room to speak up when we see something that isn't right. He told the story of Jewish men with non-Jewish wives being imprisoned during WWII. The women weren't having it so they protested outside of the jail. Soon they were joined by many others and the Nazis let the Jewish men go.
One girl asked if he hated Germans. (My friend Laura, the German GAP, was sitting near me) I glanced over to Laura, scared of his answer. He said that he hold nothing against the people who were born after the war. They committed no transgressions. He also said that he cannot forgive the Nazis, but not because of hatred, because he felt it should be his parents' generation that did the forgiving, for they were affected far more than he was.
Today was an eye-opening day. If I could tell Rudi one thing, I'd tell him I would try not to be a bystander.
~A
P.S. If you'd like to read more about Rudi's story check out his brother's book : From Belsen to Buckingham Palace by Paul Oppenheimer
Monday, February 22, 2016
My Daily Life
It's taken me a really long time to post this... Sorry! Here is a glimpse into what I do each day. Each day is different so stay with me.
* denotes part of daily schedule, does not change.
MONDAY
*8:20 Assembly - Whole school. We sing a hymn and then the Headmistress, or Katrina, or students, or other teachers speak for 15 minutes on a world issue, or something else they find interesting. (AC/DC and Charles Foster definitely make the cut)
*8:45 Morning Prayer - Usually with Katrina and Tansley. We follow the lectionary and Prayer book. We read a Psalm, OT, and NT then discuss and end with prayers.
9:15 Coffee - because caffeine.
9:45 House Meeting - I meet with the Housemistress, Karen, and the Asst. Housemistress, Eve, to discuss house matters. We discuss girls and rules and consequences, etc.
10:15 Chat with Katrina about everything we need to accomplish during the week. We start planning Chapel with Tansley and try to find time to discuss Christian Union and Junior School Assembly
12:30 Lunch and Break
2:20ish Continue the previous conversations and have some coffee (maybe a biscuit or two)
4:20-5:30 Christian Union - I have a group of about 6 girls that are able to come every week. We take turns leading a bible study and then end with fun chats. The girls are currently in the midst of making CUkies (CU cookies) for all the year groups throughout the year. They are doing a wonderful job! This week we have CUBE, Christian Union Big Event, where we invite students and chaplains from other schools to hear speakers and mingle with each other.
6-10 On duty in house. I'm around to answer questions and help with random things. If it's during prep time (when the girls have to do homework in their rooms) I sit and read.
TUESDAY - DAY OFF
WEDNESDAY
9:15 Coffee and finish up plans for Junior School Assembly
11:05 Meet with Tansley and further brainstorm ideas for chapel
12:00 Lunch and Break
1:30 - 4:00 Walk over to Junior School and help out with Year 1 (Kindergarten) music classes.
430-6 Cover house until Tutor arrives
7:15 I usually go to a Home Group in town with Tansley. We have bible studies and socials.
THURSDAY
8:20 Junior School Assembly - Katrina and I head over to Junior School and share bible stories with the 7-11 year olds.
*8:45 Morning Prayer
9:15 Coffee and reflect on how Jr. School Assembly went. Finalize Chapel plans.
12:30 Lunch and Break
Thursday afternoons are flexible time. If we need more time to flesh out our plans for Chapel then I stay otherwise I have some free time.
6-8 Cluster Suppers - Small groups of girls in the house who have to cook their own meal. I supervise and converse
FRIDAY
9:15 Coffee and reflect on week.
11:05 Meet with Tansley and run through chapel plans.
12:30 Lunch and Break
Friday afternoons are flexible like Thursdays.
WEEKENDS
I work every other weekend. Most weekends I help with the TESCO run - where we take the girls to TESCO (alot like Walmart) and they have 30 minutes to stock up on snacks, buy shampoo, and whatever else they think they need. I also supervise the Art Workshop, where girls can come to the Art department to work on art projects for school.
Sunday evenings we have two chapel services at 5:30 and 6:00. There are so many boarders that we can't fit them all into our chapel at once, so we do the same service twice. After I am taken to Christ Church in town to attend their Sunday evening service. Then I come home and sleep!
Hope this helps you understand a little more about what I do everyday! Thanks for reading the very long post.
~Lina
* denotes part of daily schedule, does not change.
MONDAY
*8:20 Assembly - Whole school. We sing a hymn and then the Headmistress, or Katrina, or students, or other teachers speak for 15 minutes on a world issue, or something else they find interesting. (AC/DC and Charles Foster definitely make the cut)
*8:45 Morning Prayer - Usually with Katrina and Tansley. We follow the lectionary and Prayer book. We read a Psalm, OT, and NT then discuss and end with prayers.
9:15 Coffee - because caffeine.
9:45 House Meeting - I meet with the Housemistress, Karen, and the Asst. Housemistress, Eve, to discuss house matters. We discuss girls and rules and consequences, etc.
10:15 Chat with Katrina about everything we need to accomplish during the week. We start planning Chapel with Tansley and try to find time to discuss Christian Union and Junior School Assembly
12:30 Lunch and Break
2:20ish Continue the previous conversations and have some coffee (maybe a biscuit or two)
4:20-5:30 Christian Union - I have a group of about 6 girls that are able to come every week. We take turns leading a bible study and then end with fun chats. The girls are currently in the midst of making CUkies (CU cookies) for all the year groups throughout the year. They are doing a wonderful job! This week we have CUBE, Christian Union Big Event, where we invite students and chaplains from other schools to hear speakers and mingle with each other.
6-10 On duty in house. I'm around to answer questions and help with random things. If it's during prep time (when the girls have to do homework in their rooms) I sit and read.
TUESDAY - DAY OFF
WEDNESDAY
9:15 Coffee and finish up plans for Junior School Assembly
11:05 Meet with Tansley and further brainstorm ideas for chapel
12:00 Lunch and Break
1:30 - 4:00 Walk over to Junior School and help out with Year 1 (Kindergarten) music classes.
430-6 Cover house until Tutor arrives
7:15 I usually go to a Home Group in town with Tansley. We have bible studies and socials.
THURSDAY
8:20 Junior School Assembly - Katrina and I head over to Junior School and share bible stories with the 7-11 year olds.
*8:45 Morning Prayer
9:15 Coffee and reflect on how Jr. School Assembly went. Finalize Chapel plans.
12:30 Lunch and Break
Thursday afternoons are flexible time. If we need more time to flesh out our plans for Chapel then I stay otherwise I have some free time.
6-8 Cluster Suppers - Small groups of girls in the house who have to cook their own meal. I supervise and converse
FRIDAY
9:15 Coffee and reflect on week.
11:05 Meet with Tansley and run through chapel plans.
12:30 Lunch and Break
Friday afternoons are flexible like Thursdays.
WEEKENDS
I work every other weekend. Most weekends I help with the TESCO run - where we take the girls to TESCO (alot like Walmart) and they have 30 minutes to stock up on snacks, buy shampoo, and whatever else they think they need. I also supervise the Art Workshop, where girls can come to the Art department to work on art projects for school.
Sunday evenings we have two chapel services at 5:30 and 6:00. There are so many boarders that we can't fit them all into our chapel at once, so we do the same service twice. After I am taken to Christ Church in town to attend their Sunday evening service. Then I come home and sleep!
Hope this helps you understand a little more about what I do everyday! Thanks for reading the very long post.
~Lina
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
I am Katniss Everdeen!
Okay, I'm not. But I got your attention, didn't I?
I'm exhausted. Physically and emotionally exhausted. January has been an incredibly busy yet amazingly satisfying month.
I came into this new term ready and willing. I knew what my routine was, I felt comfortable with the people around me and I was ready to tackle the new year with vigor. Everything was going well at first. I helped plan the first Chapel service and took a fairly big role in presenting it. I was confident in my place at school.
Then it was time for the BIG conference in Wales with TfG. I was excited and nervous and terrified all at the same time. BIG is the mid-service conference held by Time for God where all of their volunteers for the year get together in one place. There were about 75 of us, as well as a handful of January starters.
After a 5 hour bus ride with a few YAGM friends (and many other volunteers) we arrived at Cefn Lea in Newtown, Powys, Wales. I found my name tag, checked in and headed off to find my chalet for the week. I arrived to find 2 of 4 beds already taken. I pondered who's stuff it might be. Turns out I was rooming with 3 girls I had never met before. It's all right. It's good for me. I unpacked and made my bed and headed up to the main building to find my YAGMs.
Soon it was time for supper - which was delicious and home made by the family who owns Cefn Lea. After supper meant it was time for Worship Band rehearsal. I felt a lot of pressure with us being the first band, and only having 30 minutes to practice 4 songs half of us had never heard before. Worship wasn't perfect, but looking back, I'm glad it wasn't. God doesn't care if we mess up a song as long as the intent behind it is all for him.
The first night I woke up in the middle of the night in a sweat. It was like a freaking sauna!!! I didn't want to open the window in case one of the roomies didn't like it so I opened the door to the toilet (the room was FREEZING) and it cooled down the area by my bed enough so I could fall asleep. In the morning, we all complained about how hot it was and vowed to open the window and turn down the heater. (Turns out almost every room was a sauna the first night).
That was the first of many nights I didn't sleep well. I didn't really sleep the whole week at Wales. I just couldn't get comfortable, or I couldn't turn off my brain. I hiked a really tall hill (sometimes I call it a mountain because I feel better about how much I struggled) and my quads hurt for days! I left the conference early to get back to school in time to pack up and head out for a weekend away with the Christian Union girls and some students from Lord Wandsworth College.
Wanna guess how much I slept over the weekend? If you answered "not much", you would be correct. I survived on coffee and the beauty of the place we were staying. God sustained me using other means that weekend. Coffee, S'mores, and lots and lots of sweeties! I also had my first big bought of homesickness. I thought for sure that the holiday season would be full of tears, but it wasn't. Who would have guessed that making s'mores and singing a couple fun-campfire songs would have set me off?? I went to my room and cried and thought of all the amazing summers I spent at Carol Joy Holling Retreat Center in Ashland, NE. I remembered all of the amazing friends I made there and how much I truly missed that place.
Finally, when I had no more tears to shed, I wiped my eyes, took a big breath, grabbed my fuzzy blanket, and headed back to the lounge to be with everybody else. Pete (the Chaplain from LWC) and Katrina were in the kitchen making hot chocolate, so I joined them. Jokingly, Pete asked if I had had a meltdown and he was a bit surprised when I honestly answered, "yes." The three of us talked about what triggered it and after discussing it I felt a huge weight lifting from my shoulders.
The weekend was full of amazing discussions about some controversial topics (death, LGBT, does God exist, and others) and some much needed time to relax and think of all the ways God is working in our lives. We also had some fun. We did archery (hence, the title), a low ropes course, table tennis, foozball (how do you even spell it?), and many group games: Empires, I like my neighbor, and others.
I returned to school hoping to catch up on sleep but my brain still wouldn't shut off at night. I finally fell asleep quickly on Wednesday night, only to be abruptly awoken at 4:30 am when the house fire alarm went off. It was not a drill, but luckily there was no fire. It turns out that our fire alarms are very sensitive and can be set off if there is a lot of dust. I was worthless on Thursday morning. My brain was mush. During morning prayer I explained my state of being to Katrina and her response was, "Maybe God is trying to prepare you for less sleep." It wasn't the most comforting thought to think that God wants me to be really tired for some reason, but she had a point. I did my best to make it through the day (including taking a nap at lunch time) and I survived.
I don't foresee any circumstances that would require lack of sleep on my part, but if something happens I will let you all know. Until then, I'm going to enjoy all the sleep I can get this weekend.
~Lina
I'm exhausted. Physically and emotionally exhausted. January has been an incredibly busy yet amazingly satisfying month.
I came into this new term ready and willing. I knew what my routine was, I felt comfortable with the people around me and I was ready to tackle the new year with vigor. Everything was going well at first. I helped plan the first Chapel service and took a fairly big role in presenting it. I was confident in my place at school.
Then it was time for the BIG conference in Wales with TfG. I was excited and nervous and terrified all at the same time. BIG is the mid-service conference held by Time for God where all of their volunteers for the year get together in one place. There were about 75 of us, as well as a handful of January starters.
 |
| Hailey, Me, Mackenzie, and Bryce on the bus |
Soon it was time for supper - which was delicious and home made by the family who owns Cefn Lea. After supper meant it was time for Worship Band rehearsal. I felt a lot of pressure with us being the first band, and only having 30 minutes to practice 4 songs half of us had never heard before. Worship wasn't perfect, but looking back, I'm glad it wasn't. God doesn't care if we mess up a song as long as the intent behind it is all for him.
 |
| Me on top of the 'mountain' |
The first night I woke up in the middle of the night in a sweat. It was like a freaking sauna!!! I didn't want to open the window in case one of the roomies didn't like it so I opened the door to the toilet (the room was FREEZING) and it cooled down the area by my bed enough so I could fall asleep. In the morning, we all complained about how hot it was and vowed to open the window and turn down the heater. (Turns out almost every room was a sauna the first night).
That was the first of many nights I didn't sleep well. I didn't really sleep the whole week at Wales. I just couldn't get comfortable, or I couldn't turn off my brain. I hiked a really tall hill (sometimes I call it a mountain because I feel better about how much I struggled) and my quads hurt for days! I left the conference early to get back to school in time to pack up and head out for a weekend away with the Christian Union girls and some students from Lord Wandsworth College.
 |
| Reflection time |
Finally, when I had no more tears to shed, I wiped my eyes, took a big breath, grabbed my fuzzy blanket, and headed back to the lounge to be with everybody else. Pete (the Chaplain from LWC) and Katrina were in the kitchen making hot chocolate, so I joined them. Jokingly, Pete asked if I had had a meltdown and he was a bit surprised when I honestly answered, "yes." The three of us talked about what triggered it and after discussing it I felt a huge weight lifting from my shoulders.
 |
| Archery |
The weekend was full of amazing discussions about some controversial topics (death, LGBT, does God exist, and others) and some much needed time to relax and think of all the ways God is working in our lives. We also had some fun. We did archery (hence, the title), a low ropes course, table tennis, foozball (how do you even spell it?), and many group games: Empires, I like my neighbor, and others.
I returned to school hoping to catch up on sleep but my brain still wouldn't shut off at night. I finally fell asleep quickly on Wednesday night, only to be abruptly awoken at 4:30 am when the house fire alarm went off. It was not a drill, but luckily there was no fire. It turns out that our fire alarms are very sensitive and can be set off if there is a lot of dust. I was worthless on Thursday morning. My brain was mush. During morning prayer I explained my state of being to Katrina and her response was, "Maybe God is trying to prepare you for less sleep." It wasn't the most comforting thought to think that God wants me to be really tired for some reason, but she had a point. I did my best to make it through the day (including taking a nap at lunch time) and I survived.
I don't foresee any circumstances that would require lack of sleep on my part, but if something happens I will let you all know. Until then, I'm going to enjoy all the sleep I can get this weekend.
~Lina
Thursday, January 7, 2016
I am spoiled...
but I'm not talking about the spoiled where a little child gets everything they could possibly want. I'm talking the rotten fruit type of spoiled.
Spoil: diminish or destroy the quality or value of
I am spoiled by technology.
I returned to work Wednesday after a long Christmas Holiday (a little too long actually) ready to hit the ground running. I woke up at 7:00 - okay 7:15 - and got ready for the day. I ate breakfast, waffles and toast, and packed my bag for the day.
3 Harry Potter Books + another book that I needed to return to the library
My new Youth Bible
Calendar
Notebook
Hymn book
Pens/Pencils
Chocolate (just in case)
Water bottle
Ready. I walked over to the main school building, set my bag on the floor, laid my coat across the sofa, grabbed the hymn book and set off towards assembly. It was a little chilly, but I didn't have time to go back for my coat.
After assembly, I went to morning prayer with Katrina, and I felt very much at home in my routine. The new school year seemed to be off to a fairly good start! After prayer, we walked upstairs to the Staff Lounge, poured ourselves a cup coffee and headed to Katrina's office to begin planning the Junior School assembly for Thursday morning and chapel for Sunday. We started tossing out ideas right away (it helps that we had a basic plan before we started) and our assembly quickly took a slightly different direction. How would we tell 7-10 year olds about Epiphany?
We sifted through some old assemblies and decided to focus on the star. What is a star?
"The Lion King!" I interjected with gusto. "The scene with Mufasa and Simba and the kings of the past."
So we went on Youtube and found the scene. It wasn't quite right for what we wanted to convey to the Junior School. So I mentioned the scene with Pumbaa, Timon, and Simba. We found it and were interrupted by a phone call. At the end of the call, we went back to the Lion King. We were greeted with this message:
page not available
Seriously? I can't even play Solitaire without the internet!? This is ridiculous! I settled for the Sudoku calendar I purchased before Christmas - I was a few days behind anyway.
Spoil: diminish or destroy the quality or value of
I am spoiled by technology.
I returned to work Wednesday after a long Christmas Holiday (a little too long actually) ready to hit the ground running. I woke up at 7:00 - okay 7:15 - and got ready for the day. I ate breakfast, waffles and toast, and packed my bag for the day.
3 Harry Potter Books + another book that I needed to return to the library
My new Youth Bible
Calendar
Notebook
Hymn book
Pens/Pencils
Chocolate (just in case)
Water bottle
Ready. I walked over to the main school building, set my bag on the floor, laid my coat across the sofa, grabbed the hymn book and set off towards assembly. It was a little chilly, but I didn't have time to go back for my coat.
After assembly, I went to morning prayer with Katrina, and I felt very much at home in my routine. The new school year seemed to be off to a fairly good start! After prayer, we walked upstairs to the Staff Lounge, poured ourselves a cup coffee and headed to Katrina's office to begin planning the Junior School assembly for Thursday morning and chapel for Sunday. We started tossing out ideas right away (it helps that we had a basic plan before we started) and our assembly quickly took a slightly different direction. How would we tell 7-10 year olds about Epiphany?
We sifted through some old assemblies and decided to focus on the star. What is a star?
"The Lion King!" I interjected with gusto. "The scene with Mufasa and Simba and the kings of the past."
So we went on Youtube and found the scene. It wasn't quite right for what we wanted to convey to the Junior School. So I mentioned the scene with Pumbaa, Timon, and Simba. We found it and were interrupted by a phone call. At the end of the call, we went back to the Lion King. We were greeted with this message:
page not available
what?! *Refresh* Still Nothing.
Katrina checked her email.
We quickly found out they were investigating the internet outage. Great. We moved on and figured we would come back to it later.
There was no later. At the end of the school day, there was still no internet. Have you ever been around 40 teenage girls who don't have the internet? Add in there, a small group who are taking mock exams and need the internet to study so they can do well. It was a bit chaotic.
Finally my long day was over. I headed upstairs to my flat and collapsed into my desk chair. I opened up my laptop, tried to open my email and remembered, "oh yeah. No internet." Then I made a checklist of the things I needed to do before Thursday morning.
1. Email Christian Union about weekend away
2. Email potential speaker for event
3. Find Lion King Clip for assembly
I was feeling productive so I looked back at my list.
1. Email Christian Union. Can't do that. No internet.
2. Email speaker. Can't do that either. No internet.
3. Find Clip for assembly. Seriously. No internet.
The moment of productivity passed quickly. I guess I'll just play solitaire for 15 minutes until supper. I received the following message:
Unable to sign-in to Microsoft
I debated going to Tesco to pick up a few things, but realized I couldn't check my balance before I went, and I didn't want to get all the way there and discover I didn't have enough, because that would be incredibly embarrassing!!
So, I went to a friends room instead and stayed until I was ready for bed.
I woke up today (Thursday) and still had no internet. It's fine. I didn't leave myself enough time to check email before breakfast anyway. I'll check them later. Went to assembly (luckily Katrina had the DVD of Lion King) and everything went well.
At lunch today, I learned the internet was back. HOORAY! The internet was back after 25 hours. I was ecstatic, probably more so than I should have been.
Over those 25 hours I realized just how dependent we are on technology, not just for leisure, but for work, research, banking, everything! I never thought about the fact that the majority of my daily tasks involve the internet in some way. The internet and technology are woven into my life in a way where I barely even know when I'm using it.
Need the time? I'll check my phone.
Need to know where to find a bible story? I'll look it up on Bible Gateway.
Using a video for chapel or assembly? I need YouTube.
Making sure I have enough money on my debit card? I need the internet.
Games to pass the time? Need to sign-in over internet
It's endless. And it has spoiled me as a person. The past day has opened my eyes to just how dependent on technology I truly am. It made me cringe a little knowing that my gut-reaction to lack of internet was, "What will I do with myself now?"
When I was little, I didn't need nor have internet.
I remember playing with my Barbies for hours upon hours.
I remember playing Kick the Can in the street with the neighbors, and Don't fall in the Lava with my brother in the living room.
I remember Magna-doodle and Etch-a-Sketch
I remember playing baseball and kickball in the backyard.
I remember riding my bike to the school playground.
I remember covering the driveway in sidewalk chalk.
I miss that little girl sometimes. I miss having endless possibilities contained in my imagination. Technology has spoiled it. And worst of all, I let it.
~Lina
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