Day 9!

My last day in London was spent in a unique way, but I couldn't have been happier with it. I went shopping and picked up a few momentos, but then I went with a group to church. We went to Hillsong, a non-denomentational, Christian church. It was very contemporary in comparison to my church back home, yet I cannot believe how welcoming they were. The second we walked in the door our hands were shook, and we were welcomed. When they heard the accent that came out of our mouths, they were super excited! They asked us all the usual questions about where we were from and what we were doing in London and then asked us to sit with them towards the front of the church and then go out for coffee after the service. Unfortunately, we had to decline do to our small time frame before we had to be back at the hotel, but I was simply amazed at the kindness of these people. They truly made me feel welcome in a very foreign church. The worship was amazing, and I enjoyed the preaching as well. With three services throughout the day, they were doing alot in London. One unique thing was that the building was actually a theatre, which was both cool and strange. However, with it being in the heart of London there aren't alot of real estate options. It actually had some performance by the theatre group happening Tuesday night. Regardless, I will never forget the kindness of the people there and hope to take up their invitation to return one day for another service.

After church, we hopped on the Tube and went over to Kennsington Gardens. We stopped at Cafe Diane and ate a quick lunch as the owners talked to us about our journey. We then walked through the "gardens" which were real just a large park. It was nice though to take a break from the city and enjoy the park. All around us we saw REAL Londoners. Young families that took their little kids to the park to run around. Owners playing fetch with their dogs. Old couples relaxing on park benches chatting and taking in the beautiful day. For the first time since I arrived, I didn't feel like a tourist, and it was very nice. We then caught the tube back to the hotel and prepared for the long journey back to Harlaxton.

Overall, I really loved London and have made up my mind that one day I would be back. I thought at the beginning of my trip that one weekend would be enough for this country girl, especially since it was Bank Holiday weekend (the equivalent of our Memorial Day weekend). But, I was pleasantly surprised. I was told that if you ever were bored with London then you were bored with life, and I feel like this statement could not be truer. Sure, this is definitely no place I could ever live in, but it could easily be a place I go back and visit. I now have a lengthy list of things to do when I return, including seeing a play at West End (think our Broadway), walking across Abbey Road, touring the Tate Modern, National Gallery, National History Museum, and National Portrait Gallery, and seeing Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. This is only the beginning. I also want to add in more cultural aspects like my last day here.

So, it really is "unitl we meet again" London!