I feel bad for not having updated in awhile. My internet has been splotchy the last couple of days since moving into Jesus College, and during the weekend I was Didcot and too busy to think about updating. On Friday night the youth meeting was cancelled, so we had a going away party for three girls leaving for the A-team. We met at the Jacobs and had a really nice, informal gathering. The weather complied as well, so we spent part of the evening outside, and then headed inside for dessert and a round of games.

Saturday was spent with a couple of the Didcot girls (Lillian Lindberg and Lorraine Hall) at Blenheim Palace, the place where Winston Churchill was born. The place was absolutely incredible. It was especially interesting to learn about Winston Churchill's ancestor, John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, who inspired Winston when he was a boy. The grounds were beautiful and spacious as well, complete with a lake, rose garden, waterfall, and many other features. I found out that parts of many BBC productions have been filmed on the grounds including scenes from Pride and Prejudice. Exciting! Lillian and I were inspired to watch a Jane Austen production, but unfortunately the movie stores didn't carry any of the movies we were after, so we had to settle for Casino Royale (at least we got the British accents:-)

Church on Sunday was followed by lunch and activities for the children and young people. We all enjoyed watching old and young struggle through a donut eating contest, followed by a wet sponge in the face competition. Other games ensued throughout the afternoon, the afternoon concluding with an invigorating game of Rounders (a modified form of baseball).

Upon arriving back at Oxford Monday morning, I went straight to Jesus College, where I found my luggage waiting for me, having been transfered from the cottage where I stayed last week. I have my own room here which is lovely, complete with a nice big window and window seat, where I currently sit typing out this entry.

I have found out since arriving at Oxford that much of Hogwarts is derived from public school and university life in England, and that many of the scenes in the Harry Potter movies were actually filmed at Oxford. The dining accomodations certainly looks the same, and it is exciting to have the opportunity to eat in a Howarts style dining room:) The breakfasts here are plentiful and include just about everything you could imagine including eggs, bacon, sausage, baked tomatoes, sauted mushrooms, yogurt, fruit, toast, baked beans, and the list goes on. Anyway, I will conclude my entry for now but am finally posting a few pictures of my time here during the last week. Cheers!