Oxford, at last

Today I had a moment of realization: I'm dressed like a British student, weaving between double-decker buses on my (beautiful) used road bike, in the center of over 800 years of stunning intellectual and architectural achievement. Just like that, I've arrived in Oxford.

Since my last post it's been nothing but go go go, and my post-breakfast nap today was a harsh reminder that I'm still sleeping off the nine hours of jetlag that I've racked up since leaving San Francisco. I definitely have a new respect for international students after this week. Since arriving last Thursday I've had to negotiate paying rent with the housing office (they've been extremely accommodating), move in to my new place, buy winter wear and sub fusc attire (dark suit, gown, white shirt, white bow tie), figure out the most economical way of feeding myself (cooking, it turns out, though it hardly feels like I have the time!), set up a bank account, research a cell phone plan, find out when choir auditions and first rowing practices are, plan a trip to Rwanda this winter, register with my department, pick up my preterm exam, and connect with the other new grads in my MCR (graduate social hub of each college). No surprise it was only today as I pedaled my bicycle through the city center that I finally began to experience a sense of "settledness."

The pace of life is insane this week, and if there is one word of prayer that you throw up for me in the coming days please pray that I have the discretion and discipline to not schedule my time in such a way that things never calm down. There is SO much to be involved in. More, if you can believe it, than at Stanford. Here at Oxford, where graduate students belong to the social as well as academic mainstream, 2/3 of us hail from outside the UK, and the rest of Europe is just across the channel, the possibilities for staying occupied are truly endless. The trick is filling the space with the right things. I know that I want to try rowing, though I confess that my heart grows faint at the prospect of 6am practices! I'm also planning on auditioning for choir, though whether or not I get a spot if far from a sure thing. And then there's languages to learn, societies to join, socializing to do, and perhaps most importantly, community service opportunities to plug into.

How easy it would be at this juncture to turn inward and dedicate 100 percent of my time to self-improvement. Yet what vain way to spend one's time. Coming in as a close second to not over-scheduling myself, please pray that I would be blessed with the sense that this time is building towards something purposeful, even as I revel in the joy of being here.

The Lord has also been faithful to provide fellowship. Following the advice of a friend who studied here during her junior spring quarter, I headed over to St Aldates Church this past Sunday for service. What a vibrant community! In America we often say that the European church is dead, yet at St Aldates the Body of Christ is certainly alive and well. They pray, they worship God in spirit and in truth, and there is a tangible presence of joy throughout the sanctuary. I suppose I could check out some other places, but I think that this is where I'm landing. I sent out an email that day to the Rhodes 2008 list inviting my friends to come along, and three guys responded. One of them came with me and seemed to enjoy the service quite a bit. Another, who is also reading for the MSc in Applied Stats, was unable to come, but hopes to next week. The third was also unable to come, but wants to start reading C.S. Lewis and meeting in the Eagle and Child pub on Sundays for small group fellowship--kind of an "Inklings 2.0." I think it's likely that all of us will end up at St Aldates eventually...

God is good. Whether or not I am blessed or broken he is good, but what a joy to now receive such gifts!

I should turn in soon, but feel free to check out some much-delayed photos of the time I spent at home with the fam. I haven't been snapping too many shots since arriving at Oxford, since I don't yet trust myself to wander about with my camera without losing it. Give me a couple more weeks to "get sorted" and I'll post a virtual tour :)

Oh yeah, and Worcester College is not only one of the most beautiful collegs on campus, but also has some of the best Hall food, which is only marginally more expensive than if I cook on my own time. Yessss!

Abrazos,
Aaron

PS: Mom, "Z--" not withstanding, my housing situation is great. I'm located right next to the college in a six bedroom house with shared bathrooms and a kitchen area. My room is clean and spacious enough, and I have a great view of the garden out back. Best of all, I'm saving at least 150 pounds a month here, which will buy a lot of time abroad if you add it up over three months :)