A Visit to Norwich

Happy 4th! It's amazing how much more proud I am to be an American when I'm not in America. I'm missing my country and my family today. The parade and flea market in Towanda are probably starting soon. My dad and uncle are driving in the parade, and my cousin helps set off the fireworks, and my aunt always prepares an awesome spread of food. It's one of my favorite holidays and this is the second year in a row that I'm missing it. So yeah... I'm thinking about home a lot today.

Yesterday I visited the city of Norwich, which is northeast of Cambridge. The bus took two hours. I pretty easily found my way to the cathedral, which was the main reason I wanted to go there. Since I've been reading these books that Carrie suggested, The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, I've become increasingly interested in cathedrals. I mean, they are amazing anyway, but what I'm learning from these books makes it all the more intriguing.

My pictures didn't turn out that great, but I don't think any photo could capture how brilliant these buildings are. They are huge and gorgeous. When I walked into the cathedral, I had a weird feeling that something was going on. There were people with collars all over the place (priests). I saw a woman with booklets and asked if something was happening soon. Sure enough--there was service about to begin at 11:00 for the ordination of deacons. I asked her if anyone could stay and she said yes. I stayed, of course. 

What an amazing opportunity it was! I actually found myself getting quite emotional about it. I think it was the combination of everything: the bishop talking about inviting the Holy Spirit into the space at the beginning, the organ music and the familiar opening hymn, the procession of the bishops and the girl's choir and the deacon candidates, the huge congregation, the beautiful cathedral, thinking about the history of the place, just being lucky to have been there at the right time, etc. It actually really felt like I was meant to be there. (I wasn't going to go to Norwich this weekend. I thought the train would be a hassle and the latest bus was at 7:30 am. I'm not a morning person and was just not going to do it--but then I decided yes and booked the bus ticket so that I had to go. And then I ended up at this service that really moved me.) The sermon was amazing--I wish every sermon I heard was like it. It was captivating and funny. The bishop preaching even used the word "constipated" to describe how the congregation looked (when we were supposed to be excited for those being ordained). Awesome. 

After the cathedral, I walked around A LOT. There's a lot of shopping in the area and even though I'm kind of over shopping, it was still a nice town to be around. Everyone is so stylish in England. It's a shame that being fashionable is so expensive.

This morning I went and saw what I've been waiting for since November....

I won't bore you with my entire opinion, but I definitely liked it. How could I not? I appreciate the progression of the characters' relationships. The acting was better, I think, than the previous two. There was a lot more action in this one and, no... not that kind of action. (We'll save that for Breaking Dawn. Hopefully.) It seemed longer than the others and some scenes felt like they took forever to get over. I think I liked New Moon better. I'll have to see it again when I get back home. (And I don't care what anyone says... I'm still on Team Jacob.)

My bank situation has improved. My PIN number came in the mail at home and my dad gave it to me over the phone. I used an ATM and it worked! I must just be having a mental breakdown on this side of the Atlantic, because I think I did just forget the PIN number. At first it didn't sound familiar, but now that I've used it a few times, I think it was always that number. Anyway, I'm so glad that got sorted out. I haven't received my new debit card in the mail, though. It should definitely be here tomorrow and if it's not, I might start getting worried about it. Overall, I'm just relieved that I'm able to withdraw cash. I don't know what I would've done otherwise.

Alright... I think I'm all caught up on the happenings here lately. My last week at the DRC is commencing and a week from right now I'll be with my aunt. So glad.