My Flat in London

Many have asked about my living arrangement in London.

I am living in a building named London Chambers which is a converted bank. My place is a one bedroom "flat" in what I am told is the "meatpacking district" in "Central London." While it's about half the size of my two bedroom, two bathroom duplex apartment which I occupy alone in Brooklyn, I have come to realize that I do not need alot nor all that I have to be happy and content (sidebar: I am realizing that I live in total unnecessary excess and I am doing some self analysis on exactly what THAT is about).

My neighborhood reminds me alot of the meatpacking district in NYC located around 23rd street between 10th and 11th avenue. Truthfully, I do not know whether they still pack meat in the NYC meatpacking district. Yesterday, I woke up at 3:30am to what sounded like drag racing outside of my window. I got up, looked outside of my bedroom window (you know black folks always gotta see what is going on) and I saw about 20 large trucks driving into the neighborhood . . . low and behold they literally were unpacking meat. I certainly was not happy about all of the noise because it was 3:30am in the morning and every night since my arrival to the UK, I had been having a difficult time sleeping in a bedroom/apartment that is not my own.

Similar to the meatpacking district in NYC, my neighborhood has numerous restaurants, bars, cute litte cafes and clubs. I am told that it is the "happening place to be" and some of the best restaurants, especially steakhouses, are located in area. I am always down for a good meal so I am looking forward to trying out many of the restaurants over the next three months.

My apartment is "cute." It isn't home but I am truly grateful to have a roof over my head. Even though it's not particularly fancy it is very expensive due to the neighborhood and its location. Space does not come for cheap in London so my firm is paying for the "neighborhood" verses the space.

The apartment is fully furnished. It has the basic necessities including a "roof", small kitchen, dining room, bathroom and bedroom. It also has several extras such as a DVD player, VHS player, stereo, phone, washer/dryer, weekly maid service (yeah!), optional laundry service and a personal grocery shopper. The elevator is rather small-- as I said, space in London does not come for cheap. It likely fits only two people, size ten and under. It is the old fashion type where you can see yourself going up the various floors through the window in the elevator.

The management company provided a nice welcome/starter kit which included salad, eggs, milk, orange juice, red wine, white wine, pasta, tomato sauce, various teas, fruit and a few other items. It was thoughtful touch. Of course, on my third day here, I burned the "electric" tea pot because I set it on the stove. The bottom of the pot totally melted and almost caught on fire. If you know me-- that shouldn't be a surprise. I really need to figure out how to replace it inconspicuously because I am sure they will try to charge me about 200 pounds (aka $400.00).

The most wonderful thing about the location of my apartment is the fact that I can walk to work every morning. I have always worked in Manhattan and lived in Brooklyn (where I live now) or Harlem (where I grew up) so I have always had to take the train or bus to work. I can't tell you how lovely it is to have the privilege of walking to work. It's about a 15 to 20 minute walk to the law firm which is located in the financial district. The weather currently feels like fall in October. It's cold enough to cause a little pep in your step in the mornings but not cold enough to wear a winter coat-- a scarf (which seems to be a must in London) and a light coat is fine.

Every morning, my walk to work is very relaxing and calming. It presents an opportunity to clear my head and prepare for the day ahead-- emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is an opportunity "to walk" into all the things that God has prepared for me in that particular day.

I am sincerely thankful that God has put a roof (and that my firm is footing the bill) over my head during my stay in London. I am starting to feel that even though I am in another country and my loved ones feel so far away. . . I am certainly going to be okay. . . in fact more than okay.

While my apartment is not similar to my apartment in Brooklyn, I am honestly grateful that God had chosen this place for me (it took a few days to get to this point but I am there). Everyday I feel a little be more relaxed in my apartment, I sleep a little bit more comfortably in the bed, the fear and trepidation of being in a different country is *slowly* disappearing and it's being replaced by the excitement about all that there is to explore in my neighborhood and throughout London and some parts of Europe (mini vacations to Greece, Italy and Spain (it cost about $120 (or less)) to get to each of these countries from London) are in the workings). I am also excited and thankful for the chance to be one with myself and the opportunity to gain a greater understanding, knowledge and depth as to who I am, what I am all about and where God is leading me to go.

Thank you Jesus.

Above are pictures of my kitchen, living room and view from my apartment.

What I Have Learned in the Last 4 Days

1. Londoners do not add as much ice (or any ice) to their water and/or sodas. You must request ice.

2. Lift = elevator

3. When you order food or drinks they will ask whether you want to "take away" meaning "to go."

4. It's EXPENSIVE as hell out here. For example, Gap jeans cost 68 pounds which means $136.00. Your basic Nine West shoes cost about 100 pounds meaning $200.00. DRUMROLL. . . . .I bought a sandwich at Subways for 10 pounds aka $20.00. Yikes!

5. I like half and half with my coffee but I don't think they have half-half in London. So when I ask for half and half, they respond "milk?"

6. When ordering coffee or tea they ask "would you like it white?" otherwise known in the states as "light" or with "milk."

7. References to someone "bump" means the "butt."

8. TV really really sucks. The only shows that come on are American Idol (12 hours today) and Flavor of Love (6 hours today), even the Oscars were not on. UK shows are too heavy. Over the last few days I watched a program that talked about a cult that molested kids, another program about the fact the women go to Malaysia to get breast implants or reductions, another program about spotting ghost and how you can spot one and another about a battered woman whose husband ripped her nails off in a rage. I enjoy dealing with real issues but most times, I like "light" television. Stuff that you could watch and not really think about it (The View, Oprah, My Super Sweet Sixteen, Grey's Anatomy and CNN) but the UK programs are too serious for me. I can see this is going to be a major problem (I do hear my friend Michelle telling me that I need to be reading the bible which of course, I intend to do).

Above are pictures of the telephone booth (you can find one on almost every corner) and black cars which are the equivalent of yellow taxis.

Three Days In. . .

It's Saturday at 2:30am and I just woke up. At first I thought that I was suffering from a severe case of Jetlag but now I am realizing that it is more than Jetlag. Every day I wake up about 2:30am not only because of the 5 hour difference but also because I am in a completely different surroundings. It's going to take some time to get use to living and sleeping in an apartment that is not my own.

Overall I had a pretty decent day. I fought the temptation of staying home and watching television all day by venturing out into the unknown. I have decided to accept the fact that every time I venture out, I will get lost and that's okay. Worse case scenario, I can always hop in a cab if things get pretty bad. The decision to venture out was easy in light of the fact that television out here SUCKS. If you know me, you know that I love watching television. Nothing brings me more delight on any given weekend (when my schedule is not filled with church activities or work obligations) but to stay home and watch everything that my TWO Tivo boxes have recorded. So over the last few days, it has been heartbreaking to discover that I have limited TV options out here. There are about two stations that show American television shows and it's nothing to write home about. I will say that one station has showed 12 hours of American Idol for the last three days. . . .

While preparing for my trip I realized that at the bare minimum, I only needed two things to make it out here in London for the next three months-- a place to take dance classes and a good church. Several weeks ago, while in the States, I did extensive research and found both. So this morning when I woke up I decided to head over to the dance studio to check it out. My UK friends who live in the States said that I would love this particular dance studio as well as the area that it is located so I was looking forward to checking it out.

I ventured on the tube which is not as simple as the train station in the states. I finally got off on Covent Gardens-- the neighborhood where the dance studio is located. I noticed that about 200 people were waiting to take the "lift" from the train station to the streets. I figured that I would out smart them by taking the stairs-- "Gosh" I thought "That is silly, no one in the states takes the elevator to the street level from the train station." As I made my way up the steps, I noticed a sign that said "200 steps to go." 5 minutes later I realized that 200 steps is like 15 NYC staircases. I had reached a point where I was too far to go back down to catch the lift and although I wasn't sure how far I had to go, I honestly did not know how I was going to make it. When I looked around I noticed that I was surrounded by tourists and each of us stopped every few minutes to take several deep breaths. I was sure that the Londoners were laughing at us as we, the tourists, walked so confidently to the stairs only moments earlier. But anyway, finally I made with to the top and I was thankful to Jesus!

When I made it to the street level, Covent Gardens was indeed beautiful. If I had to describe it, I would say, "the West Village meets Times Square" It had the character of the village but the millions of people and the theaters that you would find on 42nd street. There were tons of stores and the familiarity of The Gap, Nine West, Swatch, Evelyn and Crabtree, etc provided comfort.

After being pointed in several directions, all of which conflicted with the other, I finally found Pineapple Dance Studio. While I hadn't bought my dance clothes with me, I felt very comfortable and I am definitely looking forward to spending alot of time there taking lessons. The style is very familiar to Broadway Dance Center-- my school in the states so I know that I will be right at home.

Keara's Prayer for Donna

Below is a prayer that my "little sister" Keara sent me shortly after I left the states. She is fondly referred to as "Keke." God has anointed her with such wisdom that often times she is the one actually walking in the role as the big sister. Matthew 18: 19-21 states "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

In continuance with Stephanie's prayer

We just thank you even now for all that you have done. From the beginning of allowing her to receive her J.D. to a great position in a firm to this great opportunity. Her steps have been ordered by you since day one and we thank you and praise you for all that you have done thus far for the opportunities that you have set before her. I just pray that God you show yourself mighty in Donna's life, like you have never done before. As she travels to London for the purpose of work, Lord, I ask that you be a comforter and consoler to Donna, and ease all of her confusion and weariness. We know that your plan is bigger than these current moments of doubt and uncertainty, as you have said in your word Isaiah 40 "They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not get weary they shall walk and not faint" Lord we believe and trust you for everything even now. She shall spread her wings as an eagle oh God and serve you and give you glory for all she does and become a great representation of her company, she shall spread her wings of knowledge in addition to running and being diligent in all that she does while in London and while she will doing it all of God we know that you are one step ahead of her leading her and we know that your angels follow right behind her being the support that she needs. Lord as she is in London I pray that she will find balance of life and not work too hard, that she will be happy in well doing Lord, that she will not find any reason to cry or to be homesick. Even now I ask you God to make a way for her friends to visit, financially and through time management. We give all concerns to you and we praise you for the opportunities and we celebrate for each other the great and mighty things that you are doing in our sister's lives. We thank you for this friendship and we know that as you build us individually in the different places of the world wherever we may be, we thank you because you are building us collectively as a group of God fearing sisters. We give you all the glory and the honor because you alone are worthy. In your precious and holy name I do pray Amen.

P.S. I can only imagine what Donna is feeling (because I have never moved out of my home). But I charge all of us as a unity of friends to pray verbally and through these emails for each other during the week and it must be once a week. If we dont help to build each other who will.

Stephanie's Prayer for Donna

Below is an email that my friend Stephanie sent me several days before I left the states for London. I read it several times on my flight and continue to read and meditate on it since my arrival. The Word tells us in John 5:17 "The prayer of a righteous (wo) man is powerful and effective. "

Everybody bow your head for prayer....

"Lord, I just ask that you cover your servant, Donna, with your blood as she travels tomorrow to London. We don't know why you have decided to send her there, but we know that there will be a mighty move of God on her life and the lives of people around her. By going to London, she has chosen to step out on faith, despite the frustration and homesickness. I pray that you continue to guide her life with a good Word daily. Wake her up every morning, allowing her to know that she is blessed to be in a new place, touching lives in London and being touched by the many Christians she will come to meet and encounter on her Sundays in church. There is a reason you have chosen for your vessel to leave her comfort zone to travel to the unknown. We know it is her job sending her there, but we also know that you are sending her there to fulfill whatever purpose that is set for her to fulfill without her or us even knowing how great that purpose is! Do not allow her to be anxious or frustrated, but allow your strength to rest and abide in her at all times, especially when it feels so tough for her to be away from home. Lord, 4 months are going to fly like 4 weeks, 4 days, 4 minutes, 4 seconds. Allow her to cherish the time that she has there in England and also to know and trust in you Lord that she will have a safe homecoming. I thank you Lord God for allowing Donna to be a good friend to us all and I pray that in these 4 months, we do remember to take a second to email Donna to make she is ok. We love you Lord, we honor you Lord, and we give you all the praise and glory. In Jesus' precious name, Amen!!"

Take a minute to mediate on these scriptures: Exodus 15:2, Psalm 28, Psalm 139, and
Philippians 4:4-9,

I MADE IT

I am here. It's really hard to believe. I am hanging in there. Generally I am in good spirits. I only get really sad when I think of my mom and my friends and everything that I left in NY so I try not to think about it. :-) Plane ride was okay. I slept through most of it. Felt excited when I landed but then when I got in the cab, I started crying and couldn't explain why. Ultimately, I know that this is a good opportunity and where God wants me for some very odd reason. I have only had one other experience where I made a decision that I didn't really want to make but did it because that is what God wanted me to do-- ultimately, that decision saved me from being in the World Trade Center when the airplanes were flown into it. So, even though I would have preferred to stay in the states and continue with the things that bring me comfort and predictability, I know that God has me here for a divine reason.

On my way to work today, I did not see any black people. After walking about 15 blocks, I finally saw that the man cleaning the streets was black. Thankfully he stopped and helped me figure out where I was going. I had a huge map (and probably looked crazy) along with large dark sunglasses to hide the look of fear and trepidation.

I am at work today and recovering from jet lag. Everyone here is quite pleasant. I am currently staying at a hotel and will be moving into corporate housing tomorrow. I am looking forward to settling down a bit.

Several of my friends emailed me prayers over the last few days. I have printed them out and will continue to turn to them for strength with the knowledge that I have family and friends who love me and a God who not only loves me but promises to never leave me or forsake me.

The photo above is a picture of a beautiful castle right outside of my hotel named "The Tower of London." The Tower of London is mainly perceived as a medieval place of imprisonment and execution. Nine hundred years of history are embraced within the thick, turreted walls. Even though the Tower's violent years are long gone, they say that an aura of death and medieval torture remains.