Discovering London - Whit Emerson

My home is London, England. I've had to pound that in my head multiple times a day since stepping off the plane, overwhelmed by the awesome fact that I'm living in such an amazing and eclectic city. I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity to do so many cool things, and I'm so thankful that these "cool things" are pulling me out of my comfort zone so I really can experience a diverse and intricate "Londoner" culture.

After walking off the plane, I feel like I didn't stop for the first week. From visiting the bustling Borough Market next to the River Thames to eating some "proper" fish and chips at Poppies in Camden, I felt blindsided by so much culture (in a good way). Like a Rick Steve's disciple, I personified the word tourist, and attempted to soak in London all at once. London was not home, and it wasn't until 3 days ago that London showed me another side of herself.

I really love to run, and I was looking forward to keeping up the habit while in London. While running down Oxford street, I came upon what I thought was a discovery of great importance. Hyde Park, in all its glory, appeared before me and I found a ton of beauty in it. After running through the park, I felt like I was apart of London, rather than a tourist disrupting the peace.

Another key discovery for me was an awesome church, St. Helen's Bishopgate, where I really felt home at. St. Helen's and its pastor, William Taylor,  challenge the perception that Christianity is "dead" in England, and I'm excited to grow in my walk.

London is beautiful, but the people really make the place what it is. I feel so blessed to be apart of
an incredible GLS class and look forward to the memories we'll make.





Talk to ya'll soon,
Whit Emerson