I’m sitting in one of the most appropriate places to reflect on the power and influence of writing; under the shadow of two of the greatest writers of the last century, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Overjoyed to find an empty table in the Rabbit Room at The Eagle & Child, I am enjoying a cup of tea and reveling in this place.

“He’s someone who cares ridiculously much about the intimate details of our lives.” I overheard this statement from a girl sharing her faith with a friend at The Eagle & Child. Her expressed confidence in God’s concern for our best interests made me feel even more at home here at Oxford.

This place feels wonderfully familiar. Oxford is perhaps the closest place that I have to a home overseas. Flying across the Atlantic, bussing to Oxford, then walking down St. Giles Street to have tea in the Rabbit Room at The Eagle & Child all feels quite natural. I’m sure this is largely due to how long I have been here. I’d like to think though that it is linked to how long I have desired to someday study and live here. Meanwhile, I am thrilled to be here in a most fitting place to prepare my heart and mind for my upcoming time in Africa!

I was walking along Headington Road toward the city centre when a drunken man said hello and struck up a conversation with me. Amidst laughing my head off, here are a few of things that I remember him saying:

When I finally made my way through the long lines at customs, I walked through the welcoming area at London Heathrow right into a Starbucks. I guess we have globalization to thank for that and in this particular moment drinking an Americana in London was most welcome. So I guess the culture shock will have to wait for another day.