Ninth Week

Not many Oxford students experience ninth week, but we in SCIO are dedicated. Over the course of the term all good little SCIOers are to have been working on research for "the long essay," which functions as an introduction to a grad school thesis paper. Most of us have spent the past several days diving into the primary and secondary sources we should have cracked open over a month ago, and frantically typing up those 4000 words. And at long last...it is finished.

Lest you think too highly of my scholastic endeavors, I will share all of the "other" things I've been doing this past week.

When last I reported I had returned from the King's Arms following the Oxford University Choir's performance of Handel's Messiah. Friday saw me doing some research and heading off to St. Andrew's Centenary Barn Dance (which took place in the sanctuary). In order to procure a discounted ticket (and a substantial amount of elderflower cordial) I served behind the bar for a good poriton of the evening. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed making basic drinks and serving wines and beer and a LOT of orange juice and lemonade. I also enjoyed watching and taking part in the dancing. The patterns were akin to American folk dancing, but the music had more of a scottish nature. Several men were wearing kilts and David, a member of my Bible study, spent some time on the bagpipe. It was really a great night, sort of key moment in my time at St. Andrew's. I saw many of the people I've worked with and for, as well as a number of Discuss members. It's both timely and a bit sad that I'm beginning to feel I am really a part of this church family. Sunday evening I felt much the same as I attended my last Sunday evening service at my English church. Walking through the sanctuary at the close of the service and seeing so many familiar faces was quite a different experience from my first week at St. Andrew's. What a difference a term and a little involvement can make.

Saturday was more paper writing and a shopping trip to find a gift for junior dean Jonathan from his loving household. A fun time. Unfortunately, when Marisa and I went to pay for the St. John's cufflinks I noticed the absence of the two 10 pound notes I had stuffed in my pocket. Apparently they had been washed away by the rain. Oh sad sad day when $40 just disappears. I think God is still trying to teach me to let go of liking money. A difficult lesson in a material world and consumerist society.

Sunday morning consisted of a run through City Centre in all of it's Christmas decor (twinkling snowflakes and the Baliol Christmas tree) and my first Advent service at Mary Mag's. That night we had a combination Christmas and Birthday party among the 24 members of Crick. There was much fun and food to be had including Marisa's amazing homemade salsa, some decadent cakes, mince pies, pomegranate delight (ie. fluff) and chocolate. We also cut snowflakes and made and baked dough ornaments for the Crickmas tree. I am proud of a job well done. The tree has succeeded in easing all the stress brought on by essays.



Monday night I joined Jonathan and his food group for dinner. What fun to be a part of this "family" and their dinner together. All it required was my washing the dishes. Not a problem when it meant free food. The night was made complete with watching It's a Wonderful Life.

Tuesday Bethany and I finally made a long intended pilgrimmage to the Kilns, former home of C. S. Lewis. We enjoyed tea, the tour and a walk through the nature reserve and nearby Shotover Hill, thought to be the inspiration for the Narnia series. We continued on to Holy Trinity where I showed Beth the grave and peeped at the Narnia window in the church. Then we had lunch at The Six Bells Pub. The tinsel-decked tree inside reminded me of a nursing home or a bar that had it's hey day in the '70s. Charming, but quite corny. That night I went to my first church choir rehearsal. All that I have ever heard about makeshift church choirs proved correct. It was delightful. I really look forward to the service on the 16th. How fortunate that my last day in Oxford is the Sunday of the carol service. I got home just in time to go out for hot chocolate with a dozen other Crickers. I think we used up every fancy latte glass in the establishment.



Wednesday saw me finishing my Austen essay, going to a Latin mass at the Oratory and making spaghetti carbonera with Jonathan. Delicioso! Today the essays were turned in and celebrated with Simon's last tea. Also quite tasty. Following tea was a walk through Magdalen, a bit of Christmas shopping and coffee with my Roma bellas! What fabulous freedom to be done with all reading and writing of the term. And yet I now find myself a bit anxious as I prepare to travel, head home and readjust to so many things.