Cheers

SUNDAY

What a day. I said goodbye to my most wonderful ward; it was filled with just the best people. So caring, kind, thoughtful, and accepting. I will miss them so much.

Bailee, our primary kids, and me

Primary Presidency

Tonight we said goodbye-to the centre, to each other, and many, to London. We had a delicious dinner, followed by our closing devotional and Christmas party.

MONDAY

Bean and I said our goodbyes then checked into our hostel. We then went to Kenwood House, former home of Dido Elizabeth Belle. After, we walked around Marylebone for awhile, then went Christmas caroling at an old folk's home for family home evening with the Britannia ward.

 

TUESDAY
Happy Birthday to me! Bekah was so great; she let me plan the whole day, choosing all of my favourite things to do. If you want the best birthday ever, spend it with Bean in London. We hit the V&A, Borough Market, south of the Thames walk, Camden Market, Starbucks, the live Nativity at the Hyde Park Chapel, the Science Museum, The Parent Trap house, institute, and cheeky Nando's.

Cast of David, Victoria and Albert

Pad Thai at Borough Market

Are we sure London isn't "The Windy City?"

One of Bek's treats to me...she knows me so well. ;)

Live Nativity at Hyde Park Chapel

The Parent Trap house

We finished off our evening by going to a farewell dinner for our dear friend Ben at cheeky Nando's; love this kid!

WEDNESDAY
After picking up tickets for a show in the evening, Bek and I had a bite to eat at Trafalgar before going to the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House.

Bar at the Folies-Bergere, Manet

Dancer Ready to Dance, the Right Foot Forward, Degas

Two Dancers on Stage, Degas

Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil, Manet

One of our professors told Bek and me that we knew how to not be tourists; he said this in regards to us getting involved with the YSA ward, in meeting new people, forming friendships and having adventures outside of the typical sightseeing experiences; those touristy sites were incredible, don't get me wrong, but the people I met and the time spent with them made my experience what it was, and I am so grateful for that, for them. We met up with one of these said friends, Eliot, to have one last hurrah before leaving; we hit Brick Lane (aka the Curry Mile and home to the best bagels), Oxford Street, Regent Street, Leicester Square, and Byron's. It was decided that we don't say "good bye," but rather, "see you soon."







The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time


After the show, Bek and I walked down to Trafalgar Square one last time, then on to Big Ben to say "see you soon."


THURSDAY

As excited as I am to have alone time and jam sessions in my car, I am really going to miss the Tube. I love hearing all of the different accents and languages spoken, seeing all of the different people from different walks of life wearing different apparel...it is such a work of art.

As difficult as it has been to come back, I am so blessed to have so much to come back to.

I don't think I will ever get over the view from my back window.

Megan loves me so chuffing much

Get ready for a whole lot of cliches and platitudes and triteness, but it's still surreal to wake up in Utah; it feels like nothing has changed in some ways: I have my green smoothie in the morning and look out over the lake and go to work and see the same people and snack on the same foods. But so much has changed and I have learned so much. I have the most delicious after-taste that I don't want to escape; I cannot express my gratitude for the past four months, for the lessons I learned, for the joy found; so I'll leave it at "Cheers, London, my dear home, I'll be seeing you soon."