Relaxed and at ease, I hugged my parents goodbye in February 2020 after my one and only solo trip back home to Northern California since marriage and having kids. Without any hesitation, I waved goodbye while walking through SFO’s International terminal, as my parents and I optimistically looked forward to seeing each other again soon on our annual summer trip with my husband and our … Continue reading The Long Journey Home
Nervous butterflies filled my stomach as I quickly checked the clock and then squeezed the rest of my practical and precious belongings into eight suitcases. A mixture of lightweight, summery clothes and shoes, not really suitable for the majority of the British seasons, took up most of the packing. This was followed by some favourite books, my journal, a cherished stuffed animal, some photo frames … Continue reading Eight Suitcases & Twelve Years Later
Life can be difficult living in the present; we human beings tend to dwell on the past or strive to jump forward into the future. Today, I am reflecting to the past but as a way to remember all God has done. In a positive way, sometimes looking back to His faithfulness helps me to live a better present season. When my best friend and … Continue reading Back And Forth
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, American Thanksgiving in August? Don’t I mean November? My answer this year is yes to both! We celebrate every fourth Thursday in November, like all Americans I know in America and abroad, but this year we had an incredibly special reason to celebrate a second Thanksgiving: my parents came to visit us! After three long years since experiencing our … Continue reading Thanksgiving In August
This reflection was written the night before my British citizenship ceremony in 2018 and captures so many of my thoughts with submerging myself into my husband’s culture and what it means to gain a new identity. And a Happy Birthday to our Queen Elizabeth II for her public celebration on Saturday! Tonight is my last night to be just American, for tomorrow, I take an … Continue reading Everything British
This morning in my Bible study group, we were discussing the book of Ruth, chapter 4 where Ruth married Boaz and God blessed them with a son Obed. Their son became the father of Jesse, and he then became the father of King David. It just so happens that the five of us ladies are living in the UK but all originate from different countries … Continue reading Where’s The Bin?
There’s a quirky children’s book series by Jez Alborough that I’ve read to my kids, about a duck in his truck. Duck’s driving mishaps are quite funny and I admit that I have often felt like Duck driving in England! Eleven years ago, being a newlywed and having just landed in Charlie’s homeland, there were lots of adjustments to make especially in that first year. … Continue reading Driving… On The Left Side Of The Road
After a gorgeous, sunny Saturday, the weather’s direction has made the autumnal switch with mild but grey, drizzly days throughout this week. Leaves are starting to slowly fall from the trees and as Luke says when the wind blows, “Mummy, it’s raining leaves!” I have this eager desire to bake with pumpkin, apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The weather seems to fit my mood. Ever since … Continue reading Changing Of A Season
Whenever I go to an airport, there’s an eager sense of anticipation. Although feeling slightly anxious until finally boarded on the aeroplane, I carry with me a sense of excitement at going away. Take off is still my favourite part as the aeroplane (airplane for my American spelling) speeds down the runway and then lifts off into the sky. While growing up, my parents and … Continue reading Across the pond… and back?
Joy A. Mead 