Iceland

Iceland was the first stop on our adventure. I don't think any of us knew exactly what to expect, and Iceland blew us all away. The scenery is stunning and surprisingly diversified. It felt like we were in a different country everyday. We did way too much to go into much detail, but here are some of the favorites:

Dyrholeay:

Dyrholeay literally means “door hole island.” I believe we were the first Harding group to visit, and I think everybody agrees that it should become a tradition! From this peninsula we had an excellent view of the mainland, the black beaches, and the ocean. I know I say this a lot, but it was stunning!

Glacial Lagoon:

It is impossible to take a bad picture at the glacial lagoon. We had a perfect day to visit, which only helped the pictures. While here, we got to go on a boat ride through the icebergs, and we even got to taste some of the ice! For how old it was, it tasted surprisingly good!

Foss (waterfalls):

It is impossible to talk about Iceland without talking about the waterfalls. Everywhere you turn there is another gorgeous one! My favorite, though, was Seljalandsfoss. This was probably my favorite because we were able to get a different view of it by walking behind it.

Thorsmork:

Thorsmork literally means Thor's valley. The trek out to it was quite intense. I think we forded twelve creeks. I was very impressed by our driver, DeeDee. He never lost his calm. It was definitely worth the hike. We were able to explore this narrow valley with a stream running through it. It was almost impossible to make it without getting your feet wet because we had to hop from rock to rock, and, at one point, we had to climb the side of a three-foot waterfall. Luckily, there was a chain bolted to the rock to help us with the short climb. I know I say this a lot too, but the wet feet were worth it. At the end of the valley there was another waterfall. Even though this one was not as big as the other ones we had seen, it had the special quality of being isolated. This little valley gave the illusion that it was our own personal beautiful place in Iceland.

Landmannalaugar:

If we thought the trek out to Thorsmork was exciting, we had an even greater surprise in store. We got to ride in a super-van! This things are massive! Before we got the mountain, a lot of tourists stopped and took pictures of the super-van. It was just that impressive. Because of this van, we were able to go up in the mountains and swim in some natural hot springs. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the hot spring, but we also took a gorgeous hike.

Northern Lights:

We were fortunate to see the northern lights on our second night in Iceland. We stood out in the freezing cold wind just staring at the sky as the green lights danced across. Words and pictures cannot do it justice. However here was my attempt at capturing the beauty.

Reykjavik:

Even though Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, it still has a small town feel to it. This might be because it only has 180,000 people in it. It had the cutest shops and the cutest houses. I am so glad we were given some free time to explore!

A goal winning tradition

 The smell of hot dogs, the excitement from the rowdy fans, and the tears of joy after your favorite player scores the game winning goal! These are all things that make football a tradition that the English do not take lightly. While leaving in London I had the opportunity to go experience this tradition for myself. I went to the England vs. Mongolia World Cup qualifier match. 

Mind blowing, this would have to be the word that best describes going to a football match. That night England won 4 to 1, I can still feel the excitement that was pumping through each fan, with each one of those goals. 

England's tradition with football started way back way back to the 15th century in Brittany and Normandy. Back then they did not play the game football like we understand today, but it was a game with very similar rules and structure. The first modern global game was first codified in London in 1863. Because of England's long history with football they can boast that they are home to the oldest football clubs in the world ( dating from 1857), the world's oldest competition ( the FA cup founded in 1871), and the first ever football league.No wonder 363,000 fans showed up to the game I went to, They have a reputation to uphold!

England even has tradition inside the tradition of Football. During every or most home games the fans hold up white or blue papers during the national anthem. This is a great way to involve the fans and in my opinion was beyond cool to see. This tradition just makes me think how separate we are nothing, but together we can make extraordinary  flags out of paper. 

If you are ever in England I highly suggest taking time in to enjoy this tradition, you won't be disappointed!

- Stephanie Kight 

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, a palace of fine extravagance nestled away in the small town of Woodstock.

The building of Blenheim started in 1705 and ended in 1722. The palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1^st Duke of Marlborough, as thanks for defeating the French and Bavarians at the battle of Blenheim. Walking in through the front doors immediately brings out your inner princess.  The drawing rooms bring history to life in a beautifully elegant way.  On the way out to the immaculate gardens you pass through the most exquisite library, gifted to the maker of the place by Queen Anne 

When you are out in the gardens, after you have explored the fountains, statues, and shrubbery, you can take a walk by the scenic lakeside. On this walk, you pass through what seems to be many fantasy worlds. There are trees big enough to make you feel like a hobbit, and canopy branches that make you feel like a fairy.  There are waterfalls and breath taking landscapes everywhere you look. You could choose to have an afternoon stroll or an all day walk around this large and majestic body of shimmering water.

If you choose to engage yourself in an activity less strenuous, you may opt to go to the quant water terrace cafe. It has seating that overlooks the beautifully up kept gardens, where you can relax and enjoy a nice cup of tea or a lovely baked good.

Now that you know all of the joy in store for you at Blenheim palace, you too can enjoy this historical gold mine.

- Stephanie Kight 

There's No Place Like Home

Wembley Church of Christ

   Have any of you ever been guilty of church hopping? I know personally how it goes: you go from church to church and nothing ever fits what you’re searching for because there is no church exactly like your home church. That is a really bad mindset; I had become the critic of all churches while at Harding, and nothing was ever good enough for me.

                Luckily, while I lived in London, I was fortunate enough to discover a church that welcomed me with open arms. The first Sunday I visited Wembley Church of Christ. So many people approached me so they could introduce themselves and get to know me better. Everyone was so excited to meet me, and there were some that came up to me multiple times just to give me a hug. I can honestly say that when I went to Wembley, that was the first time I felt truly at home.

                The following week when I didn’t return to Wembley, I immediately regretted it and wished I had. I felt a longing for it that I didn’t realize I had for Wembley. Each time I go there, the people are all very eager to talk to me. Before worship begins, they always have tea ready for anyone who wants some. One thing I love about Wembley that really stands out is their singing. I actually know most of the songs, and they sing a lot!

             The people at Wembley are genuine and impossible not to love; they show the true meaning of what a church family is, and it is the members of the church that makes Wembley so great. Through the week, I always looked forward to when Sunday would come back around. Even the beautiful gothic chapels with the stunning stained glass windows that I visited do not compare to this humble church. Although Wembley Church of Christ is small and not much to look at, it is very cheerful and welcoming.

 Wembley has become my home away from home. 

 Megan Neill