Last Tuesday I attended a Christmas Carols service at the cathedral. The University Choir, Chamber Choir, and
Gospel Choir all performed, along with two interpretive dancers. We reserved our tickets ahead of time online,
and I’m glad we did. The cathedral was
packed! I only saw about a third of the
choir because a massive column prevented me from seeing the entire stage. You think they could’ve moved that 1400
year-old column so I could actually see the people singing? Is that too much to ask? ;)
So the carol service was lit completely by candlelight,
which, as you can imagine, was pretty cool.
At the beginning of the service, there was a general welcome given by
the bishop and then all of the electric lights went off at once. Kinda gave me the chills! It was so neat to be in that old cathedral
with the lighting exactly how it would have been 1400 years ago.
In between each carol, various student representatives stood
up and read passages of the Christmas story.
Although the event was officially sponsored by CCCU, the entire
Canterbury community seemed to be present.
What a great experience to see everyone together in one gigantic space,
all in celebration of the true meaning of Christmas! It was such a beautiful event. It’s so refreshing to not have to worry about
political correctness. The Christmas
season is all about Jesus coming to earth.
To see the entire Canterbury community singing “O come let us adore Him…”
was a really special moment.
Anyway, on to more uninteresting things…
Let’s see. This past
Friday, my housemates and I attended a Christmas dinner held by the CU. It was a great night and I wish I could’ve
helped out in preparing it. The food was
quite good and many of my fellow Americans commented that this event felt more
like Thanksgiving to them than the celebration the International Office planned
for us. And I am inclined to agree. After the food, a student spoke on the true
meaning of Christmas. Although it was essentially
an outreach event, I’m really glad I went and it was so cool to see the CU
loving on all of us. They are the best!
Lately, my right wrist has been irritating me again. I believe it’s the cold weather that has put
it out of sorts. It seems to happen
consistently around this time of year. It’s
unfortunately affected my piano practice and it’s started to hurt when I type,
which is a real pain considering I’ve been writing a lot of final essays these
past few weeks. I think I’m experiencing
the musician’s equivalent of writer’s block.
Nothing I play is making musical sense and I feel really frustrated and
generally just uninspired. Whatever is
wrong with me, I will never know. Maybe
I’m just restless to get home. It’s as
if my creative juices have suddenly evaporated.
Gross.
This weekend was relatively uneventful. I have one final essay to finish and it’s due
next Wednesday. I’m analyzing Thomas
Shadwell’s Restoration play “The Libertine” from a feminist perspective (you
never saw that one coming, did you?). It’s
a disgustingly fascinating play about a misogynist pig who rapes and murders
women for fun. I know you’re all rushing
to get a copy of this play now, so I won’t continue my summary and spoil it for
you all.
OH! Almost forgot – this week I had the pleasure of receiving
a package of Christmas goodies from Georgia’s mum. HOW COOL IS SHE?? Apparently, Georgia told her about how upset
I was because I hadn’t received any packages from home. So Mrs. Hirst sent me some Christmas chocolate
and some cute little decorations. I am
liking this woman more and more. I must
write her a thank you note.
Well, we're getting down to the end of it. I am spending as much time as I can with the awesome people that I have become friends with over the past three months. This last week is going to be really weird. I keep having dreams about being home and being here and generally just being confused and emotional. I have to make sure I say all of my goodbyes because everyone seems to be leaving at different times throughout the upcoming week. A lot of people are headed home starting Wednesday of next week, which is several days before we leave. It's going to be SO WEIRD being in this city without all of those cool people! It makes my heart hurt a little.
That is all I have to report, friends. What the heck. I’m going home in a week. Eeeeeeeeeee!!
:) :( :/ :D :’(
