For the past year, my friend and a previous homeschooler, Nathan Law, who is a sophomore at Pepperdine University, has been studying abroad in London, England. Recently, I interviewed him about his experiences.
Alyssa~What prompted you to go to live in London this past year?
Nathan~To be honest, Pepperdine encouraged this program for sophomores. It was something I hadn't thought about until the deadline. I just thought it would be cool. I thought I would apply before I actually made the decision.
A~Where did you go in Europe?
N~The main trips we went on were: Dublin, Ireland; all over France and Italy; northern Spain; Holland; Belgium; Salzburg; Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; and Scotland. These trips were taken over Christmas vacation, Spring break, and weekend trips.
A~What was the place you enjoyed the most?
N~My favorite place was London, because I lived there, and it was the most familiar. My favorite trip was when I went to northern Wales and visited three castles.
A~What culture or event impacted you the most?
N~The way people eat in France and Italy is different; they sit and eat for about three hours. It is like their entertainment. They have a few courses and talk.
A~How was the food?
N~I never had bad food, pretty much, if you like meat and potatoes, you can survive. They also have McDonald's, KFC's, and Burger King there. There was a big variety of foods.
A~In what ways is Europe different from the U.S.?
N~England is more traditional, and in the U.S. we are more open to new things. England is pretty similar, though. The young people are into the same things, like music, for example. They have pretty much the same movies, but they come out a little bit later.
A~How were the people different from the people in the U.S.?
N~The people's accents and the way they pronounce things. The people on the street are not as friendly and acknowledging as Americans. They won't just smile at you. They are very private individuals.
A~How have you grown spiritually from this past year?
N~Well, it was pretty apparent when I got there that God is everywhere you go. One thing that came to realization is that as a Christian, we are residents of heaven. We are not of this world. That became more real to me. I knew I was going to be in London temporarily, and whatever God had me there for, it was only for a short time. Just like this world isn't my permanent home. This helped me to try to see things from God's perspective.
A~What has the Lord spoken to you through this experience?
N~He is constantly trying to tell me to stop relying on my own strength, your flesh is weak, rely on God's power and not my own. That doesn't mean to slack off, but to do your best and do everything for His glory. He is there to help us.
A~How did homeschooling prepare you for college and life?
N~Homeschooling taught me to be self-motivated and self- disciplined. It also helped to instill a solid Biblical foundation and just my outlook on life. It also helped to reinforce Godly values, which are so important to life. I wonder how non-Christians can go through life, doing things, and making decisions. How they find happiness when they are not following Christ, they are always in search of something.
A~Any advice for college-bound students?
N~I don't know if I'm qualified for this yet! Colleges like to see you active in different things, try new things. Stay disciplined.
Thank you, Nathan, for being willing to share about your year!!
John 18:36~Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."
Proverbs 3:5, 6~ Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
This year, God was always faithful to give me a topic for each month's article. Sometimes, they would come easily, and sometimes I have a really hard time coming up with something to write. Even through all that, I am thankful for the privilege to write in the newsletter, because an opportunity doesn't come like that all the time. Thank you to all the people who encouraged me about writing. It was really nice to hear, "keep up the good work", or "that article really blessed me."…It was a blessing to write for you, have a great summer. Alyssa