Yesterday our Study Abroad group enjoyed a lovely early Thanksgiving meal together. It has become a Study Abroad tradition, prompted primarily by the fact that most of us are traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday. Our plans went slightly awry when Jacque sent me a message in the morning that she tested positive for Covid. Her case is mild, but she was unable to join us for our celebration. Each of us prepared a variety of dishes for the meal (though to be honest, Tara did all of our cooking, creating 4 vegan sides for the feast. We missed you, Jacque!
The end of the semester is fast approaching; one month from now we will be returning to the States. Reflecting on the semester so far, there is so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for 24 amazing students who I have watched grow and thrive in Oxford. I am thankful for Tara, my lifelong companion who has brought great joy to our family for over 28 years and has been so fun to share time with in Oxford. I am thankful for reconnecting to places where I have been before, and discovering unexpected treasures in places I have seen for the first time. I am thankful for Jacque’s capable leadership in Oxford, and the opportunity that ACU Study Abroad has given me to teach in Oxford this Fall. I am thankful for my kids back home who have taken care of our pets, dealt with some frustrating repair issues, and kept my parents company during an especially difficult time. I am thankful to return home.
I am also thankful for the days ahead, our last month in Oxford. Beyond the weekly coursework, we still have so much to do. This weekend our group travels to London for a weekend of exploration. Next week will be Thanksgiving break. Students will be traveling all over; Tara and I will be journeying to Dublin, our first time in Ireland. The following week we have a day trip to Portsmouth scheduled. For me, this Thursday is momentous. I am planning to hike the last 10 miles of my Thames River Ramble. It’s hard to believe the ramble is almost over.
It’s hard to believe the semester is almost over too.
Return home…