Hornsey, Hyde, and other activites

I completed the first week of my internship at Hornsey School for Girls and absolutely love it. Their school system is very different from ours in America and I am learning something new every day. One of my favorite differences is that they take a 20 minute tea break at 11 every day. How awesome is that? Everything is much more relaxed, but so much work is still done. I don't feel the same pressure to rush around, that is predominate in American high schools. I had mentioned before that this school is very diverse. It is not uncommon to hear multiple languages spoken as you walk down the hall and see religious head pieces worn by many of the girls. My American accent and white skin make me stand out drastically from the rainbow of brown and black skin around me. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or out of place, I am finding myself very comfortable and thrilled. The school is taking very good care of their interns and I am able to see a broad range of classes and out-of-class activities. I am so excited about knowing these girls well and feeling apart of their everyday lives. We have so much to learn from each other! I was able to sit in on a 7th grade English class on Friday. They are the youngest girls in the school and all so eager to learn. They were discussing autobiographies and I was able to go around the room and help them brainstorm ideas for their own autobiography they will be writing. One girl had been absent the class before so I spent some time helping her catch up. I found out she was from Germany and had moved here two years before. It is just her and her mom at home and she told me that she missed all her friends in Germany very much. It made me realize that every single girl in that room had a pretty incredible autobiography to tell. They are all from so many different cultural backgrounds, family lifestyles, and most have traveled from other countries. I would love to read their autobiographies when they are finished. Outside of assisting in classes, I have been helping the English Department get ready for an Open House that happens next week. I have been able to put  my creativity and organizational skills to use by creating displays in the hallways for the parents to see, as well as tidying up their very cramped English office. I can tell that they are very appreciative of having an extra set of hands willing to help and it brings me a lot of joy to know that I am making a difference in their stressful lives. I am excited for next week now that I have a schedule and the teachers and students will recognize/know me, rather than being "the new intern".
Hyde Park. There's no place like it! I went running yesterday in the beautiful weather and as I enjoyed the breeze and tall tress, I was also able to observe humanity at it's best. There are families everywhere! Parents play in the trees with children, carry them on their shoulders or push them in a stroller, huge smiles on all their faces. There are quilts and blankets everywhere with people enjoying the sunshine. Couples hold hands walking down the street (both young and old). Soccer practice on a field in the middle of the park. People feeding the swans and ducks that swim on the shimmering ponds. Every species of dog romping around in the grass, always within eye-shot of their master. Bikers wiz by. Couples sit on benches. Toddlers walk unsteadily and plop down on the soft grass. And then of course there a fantastic monuments and statues throughout the park. Steeples of nearby churches pierce the horizon as you look over the trees. Yes, I thought to myself, I could get used to this! Hyde park is home not only to miles and miles of trails, but miles and miles of human activity as it should be. It seems basic, but no matter what race or background you come from, all people love to spend time with their loved ones, their children, their pets, their friends and all people love to get outside and enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon. What an amazing escape from the crowded sidewalks, streets, and tube stations.
In other news:
The Pope is in town this week, although I probably won't see him. The crowds to see him are crazy and 8 people have already been arrested for trying to assault the poor guy. He's drives around in the "Popemobile" and I think that's pretty awesome.
Dr. Westmoreland (President of Samford) and his wife were in London this week for a conference and came to visit our group. They took us all to dinner and it was by far the best meal I've had since I've been here! They are such sweet, down to earth people and it was an all around fun night.
We went and saw Swan Lake on Wednesday, with an all-male swan assemble. I have never seen more talented dancers in my life! It was a truly incredible ballet and I am so glad I was able to see it. 
A group of us went to Camden Market yesterday. It is 10x bigger than Portobello and even after spending 4 hours there, there was so much more to see! It is a very funky market with crazy clothes etc, but there are also some great finds! One of the highlights was eating Mexican food! My first in 3 weeks. It is very hard to find any Mexican food here, so I took advantage of that. :)
Today is Sunday. And I am treating it as the day of rest that it should be. With how busy this week has been, my body and mind are ready for a little break before the week begins again.
God is so good. And He is revealing Himself in so many ways while I am here. I am trying to keep my eyes open so I don't miss what He has to say!
I'm off for some tea, reading, and a nap. Love you all so much!