sights in hyde park

new idea.

One of my favorite things about traveling is getting to meet new people. Since I will be here a little over three months, I will have many opportunities of doing just that. I want to document these experiences as well as share them with you! So I will have a series called, "Cultural Spotlight" (since there are so many different people from different cultures here) where I will write about some of the beautiful and interesting folks I meet here in London. Cool? K, updates soon!

- SM

i'm here!

In the words of Kanye, "Just touched down in London-town." Can't wait to tell you all about it! - SM

cause i'm leaving on a jet plane.

I recently mentioned how I'm anxiously awaiting my departure to London. I haven't written much about this, but I will be participating in a semester long study abroad in London, England. I can't tell you how excited I am for this! I honestly can't wait to get out of my little bubble here and go explore the diversity, experience, and history London and its surrounding places have to offer me.

Being quite the free spirit, I feel as though I have very little tying me down here. There's just one small thing I'll miss: people. I have been very blessed to be surrounded by beautiful, kind, and inspiring people. The friends I have made here have greatly influenced my life, for the better, more than they will probably ever realize. They've truly become my family. Spending a great deal of time with them on a weekly basis, it will be quite the lifestyle change when that suddenly drops to zero. It's been a subject of discussion lately (as it gets closer and closer) and as much as I try not to think or worry about it, it does slightly freak me out. 

Saying "goodbye" has always made me wonder how much will have changed when "hello" is said once again. However, I read something on a friend's blog the other day that made me feel a lot better about this whole idea. He said: "In this day and age of blogs and facebook, there are no true goodbyes." It's true - technology has made it so that we can be on opposite sides of the world, but still see each other face-to-face. So cool.

Of course I realize that I'm in a stage of life where things are changing constantly, people are continuously coming in and going out of my life, and when I get back, certain things will be different. So I guess I just wanted to say now to all those in my life: thank you. Thank you for being the inspiration you are and the kindness that you have shown me. And if for some reason we don't meet again, thank you for the powerful impact you've had on my life.

xoxo, 

sarahmaines

the concept of opposition.

My dad shared a thought with me a few weeks ago that I think (and hope) will benefit all of you.

The concept of opposition.

It often feels as though opposition is a negative thing. Any force that goes against you, making your life that much harder, seems negative. Oftentimes when we experience opposition, it leaves us feeling weak and down on ourselves. However, I've come to believe that opposition is one of the best things that can happen to us.

My dad reminded me of an important fact: opposition is a principle from God. In all things there is opposition (hot/cold, good/bad, etc.) To know one, you must know the other. Sometimes we don't notice these little opposing forces. Other times we do notice them, so much so that they seem to swallow us up. 

We will all face hard times. There will be times when the world seems to fall apart around you, and you will feel that it is all you can do to get back up. But I believe that it is in those hardest, even pain-seering moments, that if humble, you will receive the greatest down-pouring of strength from on high. It is in those darkest times, that light will shine forth, and perspective will be shown.

Understanding may not come immediately. Sometimes we must just trust in the Lord that everything will turn out right in the end. But at some point, we must try and figure out what lesson we are being taught. We must take it as a growing experience. And once we experience goodness again, we will be able to better appreciate it, and be a stronger person for it.

Thoughts?

i am here for a reason.

Sometimes in my tears I drown

But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know some day it'll all turn around
Because all my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
They'll be no more wars
And our children will play
One day

Still love this song.

miles davis has my heart.

Listening to this song makes packing so much more enjoyable. Thank you kindly, Mr. Davis. :)

introducing: the band perry

So in love with this song & video. And this brothers & sister band. Isn't their sound beautiful? Here's the story behind the song.