Sunday

This morning i visited a Free Methodist Church. It was good. It was a simple service. In many ways what i was looking for. My friends Thad and Nikki and I have talked a few times about the value of being connected to a global body of Christ - and that the times they've visited FM churches in other countries, there is just immediately a bond - a family type bond. I wasn't necessarily buying it before...but today, when i saw the Free Methodist Church Sign...i felt a little bit of home. (it could also be cause i'd gotten up really early to be there, and had some trouble finding it...so i was glad that i hadn't gotten up so early for no reason!)

The church was really welcoming - and it was good to be there...but it starts at 8:15 and its at least a half hour from my house...so i'm not sure how often i'll make it there. One of my friends has suggested another church to me, so i think i may try that one next week. The nice thing about getting up so early and getting a start on my day is that i get a whole lot more done. After church i went to my favorite coffee shop by hte ocean and journaled and listened to a sermon...it was good.

I think i need that alone time. that time of reflection, that i'm not necessarily disciplined to get on my own in my house (too many distraction). I didn't get to spend alone time last sunday (i went to church with the other interns, and then we went to lunch at a co-workers' house) and toward the end of this week i was just feeling tired. i think part of why i love being down there so much is that its more still - and you see creation - and i know that being in nature is a way that my soul is fed...and i don't get that so much here in my concrete jungle.

all that to say, today was a good day.

Today as i was confidently striding through the train station, i realized how far i've come in living here. i love that i feel confident in the train stations. i love that don't feel confused or disoriented when i step off the train. at first i would step off the train and have no idea how to get out of the train station - which way to walk, where i wanted to go ect. i love that i've figured out this cheaper way of travel...and the buses too. i'm still working on them. theoretically there is a website that gives the bus routes, but i couldn't find the route maps.

Also, on the trains there are all sorts of vendors. you can buy almost anything you want on a train, chocolate, fruits, veggies, sponges, household goods, maps, earring, hair clips. its like the market comes to you on the train. its nice. And here's what i love. I love that the vendors leave their goods unattended sometimes - and no one steals from them. I love that when people take goods from the train vendors (to check them out), and the vendor wanders away, they always either pay, or give the item back. its like this un-written rule that you don't steal from the train vendors. i love that. i think i love it cause its this small piece of justice that i get to witness every time i'm on the train!