j'aime bien voyager.

My junior year in Paris, France is long over but my travels aren't! A year in London awaits me! This is a space to keep my friends and family updated on my new adventures, in addition to normal tumbling-ness, haha. Bisous, Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

2015, so far

I can’t believe that we’ve almost reached the half-way point of 2015! It’s absolutely confounding! Some days it feels like I just landed at London Heathrow Airport with my two overweight suitcases, carry-on bag, and backpack ready for a new, post-grad journey. Other days it feels like I’ve been here forever (in both the good sense and the bad sense). But, today, it feels like little time has passed. However, so much time has passed and so much has happened, particularly since January, from which point I’ll pick up my story. 

January

Resolving and recharging

So, I made my first-ever New Year’s resolution just before the start of the year. I resolved to exercise three times a week before work, rain or shine, light or darkness, fatigue or energy. After not exercising regularly for longer than I would like to admit, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into. But, I got into a good rhythm of (then) waking up before sunrise to exercise and then continuing with the rest of my day. As with my thesis work last year, I figured that, if I do it in the morning, then it’s already done and out of the way. I am proud to say that I am five months strong in what I am determined will be a full lifestyle change. I have more energy and strength, and less stress than I have had in a long time, and am constantly setting personal bests for myself. 

Staying accountable, even when out of town

I started approaching a plateau a couple of months ago and I got injured, meaning no exercise for a week. Both of these scared me. So I decided to really make this lifestyle change comprehensive and, once and for all, eat clean, ditching junk food except for one ‘cheat day’ a month and letting go of the biscuits and cakes and other goodies associated with English tea culture, which I so enjoy, and general office snacking. I determined to do good by my self, by my body. I can’t say it’s always easy, because it isn’t. Cake is obviously more tasty than quinoa or brussel sprouts, but it’s not what my body needs. Not to toot my own horn (but, then again, this is my blog so I can do whatever I want, haha), but I’m really proud of myself for sticking to my workouts and eating clean. It’s sad to say but I’ve received a lot of criticism on this journey to a better me. Let me be clear, I am not depriving myself. I’m just eating better. If I forgo a slice of cake here and there, I’m not hurting myself. To the contrary, I’m being kind to my body. Anyway, I’m proud of myself for pushing through, self motivating, and finding my resilience. I am also tremendously grateful for those who are encouraging me, teaching me how to effectively swap out certain foods for others while keeping meals delicious and nutritious, and just listening when I’m having a hard day or a hard week. I really feel like I’ve come too far to go back, like actually. Many of you will know that I abhor mornings, so waking up early three times a week for five months is a testament in and and of itself, haha. And, there are results to boot, so I strive to stick with what I’m doing. 

Loch Ness and other sightings

Two weeks after going back to work, following the Christmas holidays, Alexa and I needed another break. This whole go-to-work-every-day thing is exhausting! So, we visited the Scottish Highlands, Inverness more specifically. What a breathtaking place! Scotland is one of those places that just feels right. I’m not sure if this feeling is an inheritance from my parents who lived there in their twenties/thirties, even later giving my sister the middle name ‘Heather’ in fond remembrance of the fields of heather they enjoyed in Scotland, or if it’s just how green and refreshing everything is, reminding me of Claremont, or both. I just love it, and I was happy to experience a different part of the country this time around.

Did I mention it was absolutely freezing!? So glad I brought my parka!

Inverness is quite a small city, but it’s so beautiful and we received every kindness from our hosts and the people we met, including at Inverness Salvation Army. We even got to see Loch Ness, though no monster (darn!).

Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness

I had no idea how much I had missed expansive, fresh, dizzying greenery, and the sound, smell, and touch of water swelling and crashing against the shore. It was just what my soul needed–to be refreshed. And I got to experience it in the company of a dear friend.

The silly, but always fabulous Alexa, taking selfies on my phone instead of pictures of me, haha!

February

Hung(a)ry for adventure

After three trips with Alexa (France, Greece, and Scotland), it was time for a trip with Carmen! I am pretty sure neither of us ever dreamed we would go to Budapest, Hungary. But, we did! It was a relatively short trip, just a couple of days, so we were very diligent about hitting up the sights and learning a bit about Hungary’s long, contested, but fascinating history.

The Hungarian Parliament building by night

Shoes on the Danube – in memory of Budapest Jews killed in the river during the Second World War.

Hungarian Goulash – so worth the hype!

Saint Stephen – the patron saint of Hungary

Inside the gorgeous Parliament building with Carmen!

I really enjoyed Budapest. it was a cool city to check off the bucket list. One interesting thing is that it’s the only place I’ve ever truly felt foreign, like to the point where people are looking at you and not looking away when you make eye contact with them. So, um, yeah, that was weird. But I guess there aren’t that many afro-keeping, American accented black people who visit Hungary. But, then again, the same is true of Croatia but I didn’t get a weird vibe like that there. Anyway, I’ll maybe figure out the reason for the discrepancy one day.

Winter and Spring Theatre

Prior to the New Year, I had seen Julius Caesar at Shakespeare’s Globe and WICKED at the Apollo Victoria. In January, I added Made in Dagenham at the Adelphi to my list. It’s easily the best show I’ve seen in town! So upbeat, exciting, and empowering! I also added The Railway Children at King’s Cross Theatre to the list. 

In February, I added Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And, in April, I added Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre. Thank you to Alexa, Sarah, Eveline, and Carmen for being the best theatre buddies–from committing to waking up early to queue for same-day tickets for Dagenham, to being included in the Rose family theatre trip to King’s Cross, to being Sarah’s office’s free ‘plus one’ at Memphis, to Carmen helping us get our act together to finally see Les Mis, I am grateful to each of you for treasured nights on the town! 

Okay, I’m getting hungry, so I’m going to stop there, haha. Tomorrow is a bank holiday, so I should have more time to write about March, April, and May, so far. 

As always, thank you for reading, some of you for more than two years now. I definitely don’t write as consistently as when I was in France, not by a long shot. But, I still aim to share insights into this crazy life abroad as much as I can.

Until tomorrow,

Gros bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

Life is happening!

I find myself in a very strange position this evening: I have time to catch up with myself and with my writing! 

I can’t believe it’s been almost three months since I last wrote. And, even then, it was about things that happened in November and early December. I guess I’ve been too busy living life to write about it! In this post, I will attempt to fill you in, friends and family, on what I’ve been up to since!

December

~ Greece – Athens and Santorini ~

A few days after my Christmas party with Eveline, Sarah, and Joe, Alexa and I jetted off to Athens and Santorini for an incredible Greek holiday. In Athens, it was amazing to walk where so many global and historical giants trod – Alexander the Great, Themistocles, and the Apostle Paul to name a few. It was also interesting to see where mythology and architecture met/meet. The Acropolis of Athens and the Temple of Olympian Zeus are ready examples. The texts I read in my youth, and even adulthood – of Ancient Greece, of Gods and Goddesses, of autocracy and democracy – beautifully came to life, and I tried to soak in as much of it as possible. 

Athens from the Sacred Caves on the way up to the Acropolis 

The Athenian Acropolis - The Parthenon

Stunning views from the Acropolis onto the modern city of Athens

It was also great to catch up with yet another one of my Science Po Paris buddies, Emmanouela, who is currently based in Athens and who took me and Alexa around Athens our first full day so we could get our bearings and get the most out of the city.

Me and Emmanouela after a very Greek and very delicious meal

In Santorini, it was lovely to slow down a bit, rest, and take in what I consider God’s most beautiful creation. In the breathtaking town of Oía, I lived out the dream I’ve had since first reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and following Lena Kaligaris’ exciting story of travel, cross-cultural exchange, and even a little romance. I did not meet my Kostos Dounas, however...not this time anyway, haha!

Santorini’s most famous and gorgeous windmill

Oía is hands-down the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited (and I’ve visited a lot of places!)

Alexa and one of her many furry friends. I swear this girl is a relative of Dr Dolittle!

Sunset in Oía – heaven on earth!

My Greek holiday was pretty perfect. And I am so glad to have shared it with Alexa! I think I can speak for both us when I say we would go back in an instant!

~ Christmas ~

After Greece, we went back to work for a few days and then we were off for Christmas holiday!

As you can tell from my little window Christmas tree, this past holiday season was very different, but equally lovely. 

I am incredibly grateful for a wonderful English Christmas spent with the Rose family! I enjoyed beautiful food, laughed with great company, and received lovely presents. My favorite gift was easily the invitation to spend Christmas with them and feel the love and warmth of family, especially when I was away from my own for the first time. I am so, so blessed by their friendship and for this ‘London year’ for making it possible. These are friends for life!

After Christmas came New Years, spent with lovely friends, especially these ladies!

L-R: Me, Eveline, Sarah, and Kat

And just like that, the long-awaited 2015 came! This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of The Salvation Army and the reason I moved to London – to help prepare for and support delivery of the international congress. Boundless is being realized with each passing day! 2014 was phenomenal – my best year to date. And judging by how well 2015 has gone already, and as I always say, the best is YET to come!

I’ve decided that it would be absolutely absurd to try and include my trips to Inverness, Budapest, Los Angeles, nights at the theatre, and other lovely London happenings in this post. So more on 2015 later!

Gros bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

Home, sweet home!

A lot has happened since I last wrote (two months ago – how crazy is that?!), including vacation in Greece with Alexa, Christmas, and New Years. But, I'll write about those another time. For now, I'd like to share 10 things that made me happy in November and early December. 

1. I supported the W1 Community Gospel Choir in a gig at Staines Salvation Army with Staines Band and special guest, Sue Blyth, which was amazing. I was a little bit nervous, as I had only rehearsed once with the group and had to rely on looping the song tracks on Spotify to learn the repertoire. But, everything worked out! We sang well and, more importantly, we felt the Holy Spirit descend on and move in that space. Coming out of my October blues, it was so beautiful and reassuring that there is One greater than I who knows all, sees all, and governs all. I'm in His hands, whatever the future holds.

Post-Staines concert selfie with members of W1C

2. I participated in my first concert with the London Central Division Youth Chorus, CENTRAL, at Hendon Corps, where we also got to enjoy the stirring music of Hendon Band under the leadership of Dr Steve Cobb – Bandmaster of the International Staff Band. CENTRAL is different from Youth Chorus back home – which I miss – but it's a nice substitute while I'm here.

Hendon Band

3. I marched to the Cenotaph on Whitehall as part of Remembrance Sunday with the Regent Hall. I'm from a different place in the world and my relationship to WWI is very different from many around me, but that didn't prevent me from being struck by the collective act of remembering the fallen.

First time rockin' the hat and coat (and poppy!)

4. I found a mentor! Quite by accident, too. Her name is Janet and she works at IHQ as the Children's and Youth Coordinator. She is such a beautiful, encouraging soul and she has a heart for the marginalized and a passion for peace and conflict resolution, just like me. But, I didn't know about all this until I happened to post a photo on Facebook from a panel discussion at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) sponsored by the London Transitional Justice Network (LTJN), which she 'liked'. We talked about it during tea time at IHQ the next day, as well as my time at Pomona, my thesis, grad school, etc. We've since hung out and talked more about law, politics, peace, and global justice, and their intersection with our faith. We went to What have we learnt from war? a discussion with BBC News world affairs correspondent, Mike Wooldridge, and other foreign correspondents at St Martin-in-the-Fields, a lovely church at Trafalgar Square, which was really cool. The correspondents gave frontline views of conflict and commented on the resilience of the human spirit and the continuation of life even in wartime. I think war occurs when we cease to see each other's humanity and it continues when we are desensitized to violence and forget this same humanity. So, it was nice to hear about the other side of war, about those who survive, live and love, about those who go to school, get married, have babies, earn a living, and practice their faith even in wartime, and not just casualties. 

5. I turned 22!

To celebrate, I went on a macaron and cupcake tasting tour of London with Alexa, courtesy of British Airways (yay for frequent flier points!). We visited 6 bakeries in the Covent Garden/Soho area. My favorite would have to be Hummingbird Bakery, inspired by Magnolia Bakery in New York City, which was popularized by Sex in the City and Carrie Bradshaw's obsession with their red velvet cupcake. So, of course we decided to sample the red velvet. It was pretty life-changing, haha!

Hummingbird Bakery, featuring the red velvet cupcake

I also took myself out to the theatre to see WICKED on my actual birthday. It was a stellar evening! The cast was remarkable and the music was out of this world. I would see it again in a heartbeat.

WICKED at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, London

6. Charity carol service celebrating Tomorrow's People – a non-profit that helps people find gainful employment

Members of the Downton Abbey cast (Edith Crawley, Isabelle Crawley, Tom Branson and Mr Carson) read stories and the Regent Hall Songsters sang songs from our Christmas repertoire as well as carols. HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex was also in attendance. It was an incredible, incredible night!

The Rink Songster ladies love Jim Carter

7. Triple Thanksgiving and Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army

The Congress Team shared a Thanksgiving dinner one day early at Toby Carvery, thanks to our lovely friends in the USA Southern Territory who sponsored the meal. The following day, the American contingent of the team went to St Paul's Cathedral for their annual Thanksgiving Day Service for the American Community in London, which was a real treat featuring the St Paul's choristers and U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Matthew Barzun. The service was followed by Thanksgiving Lunch at IHQ, which was such a sweet gesture from our friends at Café 101 to create a bit of home for the American expats.

Thanksgiving at Café 101

After lunch, we headed over to the Royal Albert Hall to help the UK/I Territory's Special Events Team set up for the Army's annual Christmas celebration and, later, enjoy some of the finest music making in the Army and a moving message from territorial commander, Commissioner Clive Adams. 

Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army, Royal Albert Hall

8. I had another Paris reunion with Sara and Victor (surprise!). There's nothing like coffee and long talks with old friends.

Reunited just over two years after we first met on the first day of Bernard Stirn's administrative law class at Sciences Po

9. I went to the Christmas markets on the South Bank with Alexa, Lindsay, and Carmen, which was a lot of fun. Lindsay and I decided to have dinner there, too, feasting on duck confit, goat cheese, honey and truffle sauce on brioche with a side of duck fat fries and truffle mayonnaise. Ah, how I've missed French cuisine!

Me, Carmen, Alexa, and Lindsay

10. The most important and exciting thing that's happened is that I finally found home in London! "Home is where the heart is," they say. Well, my heart was in Claremont via Paris for a really, really long time. And, to a degree, it always will be. But, I've found my people here and I feel so grounded and surrounded by love.

Alexa, about whom you have previously read, is a wonderful constant. We probably have the most similar experiences in the intern group (re: having studied abroad, recently graduated from small liberal arts colleges, and started our first full-time jobs in the booming and buzzing metropolis that is London). She's also funny and encouraging, genuine and thoughtful. She is a joy to have around!

"Cheese!"

Sarah, Eveline, and Joe are also lovely new friends, who also live at WBC. I use the word "new" very lightly because I feel like I've known them for ages. Sarah works at Reliance Bank, The Salvation Army's London-based bank, Eveline is a cadet, and Joe works at THQ. They are goofy, down-to-earth, loving, and genuine. And, we have a lot of fun together – with lots of food, laughs, and good music. 

Joe, Sarah, Eveline, and me at our Christmas dinner

With these four, I've had serious talks and not-so-serious talks, drank lots of cups of coffee and tea, and laughed until no sound came out and my sides were sore. And, it's easy. No self-consciousness, reservations, or inhibitions. I am unabashedly myself and I feel at home.

BONUS: Grad school applications are finished! The application process definitely helped me feel more settled, be more in touch with myself, and better know what I want and I what I don't want from this year. Putting down on paper my experiences, qualifications, dreams, and ambitions was really powerful for me. By "selling" myself to schools, I (re)sold myself on me. I remembered who I am and where I'm going, and took one more step towards making my dreams come true. Few things in life are as thrilling and I am grateful for the experience of applying to schools at this precise moment in my life. I can't wait to hear back from schools! Fingers crossed!

All in all, Kelebogile (I am grateful).

Until next time, gros bisous de Londres,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

Finding my way

So it's been a few weeks since I last wrote. I generally like writing on Sundays as I look at the week behind me and prepare for the one ahead of me. Sundays are, however, quite busy now that I'm settled at Regent Hall, where we have two meetings, a march, and an open air each week, as well as various post-church social engagements. It can be quite exhausting. So much so that I don't feel like writing, even though it's a therapeutic necessity for me. I must try to be more consistent!

The past few weeks have been a bit challenging, but it's been an opportunity to bring my focus back to God, who has been speaking to me in really interesting and very clear ways.

As I sat down to write this post, 'I Know a Fount' was placed on my heart. Like the good millennial that I am, I looked it up on YouTube and and started listening to a version of it by Sue Blyth. Wow, it describes so much of what's been going on in my life these past few weeks.

Say, are you weary? Are you heavy-laden? Burdened with sorrow, weighted down with care? Are you in bondage? Do you want deliverance? Come, then, with me, there is refuge from despair.

I know a fount where sins are washed away, I know a place where night is turned to day; Burdens are lifted, blind eyes made to see; There’s a wonder-working power in the blood of Calvary.

I have been feeling quite weary and heavy-laden. Things in the office are getting busier, grad school apps are moving along, social engagements are numerous, and stillness often evades me. I thought a holiday to Paris would fix this. And, it did... to some extent.

A stunning sunset in good old Paris

I spent a week in Paris meeting up with countless friends, staying with my friend, Dawn and, later, my host family from my study abroad year, and enjoying the sights, tastes, and experiences, which, over the course of one year, became my life, my quotidien. I also had the opportunity to see Paris through the eyes of a first-time visitor, Alexa, which was pretty cool -- it brought me back to those first days of the year that transformed my being.

I could write chapters on each of the wonderful things I experienced in Paris and on each of the wonderful people with whom I experienced them. But, I'll spare you, haha. I think a top 10 list will do just the trick.

1. Seeing my best friend, Maddy, five months after graduation and catching up with her. She knows me and understands me completely...and still loves me, hahaha! Friendships like these are few and far between, and I am so grateful to have her in my life.

From the first to the last day of college, this girl has been by my side!

2. Spending time with Dawn and Sara. They're two of my first long-distance friends of adulthood. They are so dear to me and I'm really proud of us for staying in touch this past year and a half, and seeing each other once again, in both London and Paris.

Tuileries gardens with Sara

3. Staying with my host parents and catching up with my host siblings who were back from boarding school for the All Saints holiday. Also, getting to celebrate Marguerite's 23rd birthday!

4. Going to church at The Army for a big Paris united meeting and seeing some of the saints who loved me and supported me from the moment I stepped into the hall at Cœur-de-Vey that very first Sunday in late August 2012. Also meeting the special guests, Commissioners Bill and Marilyn Francis, with whom the Congress Office is working on a post-Congress heritage tour of Salvation Army and Wesleyan sites in England.

Me and Alexa with Commissioner Marilyn

5. Going to my host family's country home on a beautiful afternoon for lunch in the garden and a walk along the river. For the first time in a long time, I could be completely still, meditate on God, and admire his beautiful creation.

Fall had arrived in beautiful Valmondois!

6. Hokusai exposition at the Grand Palais with my friend from Croatia, Amarys. There were over 500 pieces in the single collection so we made a real day of it.

7. Meeting up with my friend, Adèle! Since working on an exposé together very early in the year at Sciences Po, we stuck together and stayed in touch. She is a gem!

8. Baguette. Fromage blanc. Millefeuille. Chèvre. Tarte au citron meringuée. Berthillon. Need I say more?

9. Warm evenings out

Eiffel sparkling at night

10. Feeling wholly at home and at peace.

BONUS: The mini surprise get-together Dawn arranged for my first night in Paris! It was such a treat to share dinner with her, Joelle, and Kathleen, and talk and laugh for hours!!

-----

Paris was wonderful. It was all I could have asked for and more. During that week, I was the happiest I've been in a really long time. And it's precisely this that brought on a huge wave of homesickness and made going back to London difficult. 

In Paris -- which is really an extension of my home and life in Claremont -- I felt wholly at home, understood, cherished. Unfortunately, I haven't quite gotten to that point in London. In Paris and at home, I'm not self-conscious nor do I hold back on being my nerdy, political, quirky, slightly awkward, but hilarious self. I'm not sure if it's just a function of being in a new place and having to get settled, or if it's a function of not being a student anymore and not being surrounded by like-driven people, or if it's a function of this being a decidedly transitional phase of my life. I want nothing more than for London to be 'my city' and for me to feel completely and unreservedly myself, and wholly at home.

But, in all this, I am grateful to know a place where night is turned to day and burdens are lifted. Lord, thank you for the wonder-working power in the blood of Calvary and for the reminder that I need only look to you in times of disquiet. I'm not where I want to be but I'm finding my way with your help.

Until next time!

Bisous,

Kelly

P.S. Cheers to new friends and selfies on public transport!

[kellyaimebienparis]

Two months already?!

That's the question I keep asking myself. How has time passed this quickly?! It feels like just yesterday that I was gearing up to take the GRE and doing a lot of online shopping for the big move, seeing as I had exactly a week between my exam and my departure, and couldn't really make it into actual stores. Yet, here we are, two months in and less than nine months until BOUNDLESS.

At the office, we've been given more and more responsibility and autonomy on our projects, which I really appreciate. It was always my intention for this gap year to be a 'year on,' as opposed to a 'year off,' so this is great. As I've previously shared, one of my main responsibilities is communications (communiqués, newsletters, news features/reports, etc.). I really enjoy writing, so I was happy to be assigned to this side of the Congress preparations. One thing I hadn't considered, however, is how important it is to stay in shape with my writing. Now I'm not preparing an analysis of the narrative structure of Madame Bovary or something like that, like I used to in college, but I am writing on a consistent basis and bringing stories to light and to life, like the spotlights I'm doing on sponsored territories and their delegates. So, work life is good and has great post-London applications/impact!

But, that's enough about work. (I'm learning to develop my non-work self as much as, if not more than, my work self because, as I recently learned, you are not your job!)

As much as I enjoy work life, I do miss being a student and engaging in challenging, rigorous discourse over a multiplicity of political, social, and economic issues. For the first time in my life, the friends with whom I spend most of my time do not have the same priorities/life plan that I do, so, for a moment, I was without direction, motivation, and enthusiasm for preparing for the next step in my life: graduate school. That is, until I met up with my dear friend, Zuzu, who just moved to London to do a Master's at the London School of Economics. This girl and I have shared ups and downs. Tears and victories. But mostly victories ;) She has supported me through so much and we've shared mountain-top experiences, like being awarded the Outstanding Delegates prize for our representation of Guinea at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York and, just a few days later, meeting and speaking with the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and, of course, graduating from Pomona and moving to London! As always, Zuzu came to the rescue, helping me to screw my head on right. The fire in me is back! I know where I'm going and I'm charging there!

Grad school applications recently opened up. I am applying for PhD programs in Political Science and I am currently putting together my personal statement, statement of purpose, updated CV, writing samples, etc. This week, I was getting in touch with graduate program advisers and directors, so they get to know me a bit prior to reviewing my application. I've also started reaching out to potential advisers and mentors within the programs, so that I really have a foot in the door. It's a little bit tricky trying to live in the moment yet having to constantly think about and prepare for the future, but the Lord is seeing me through.

-----

Now to exploration updates!

A few weeks ago, the Boundless 8 and ten other young Salvationists, on a service gap year throughout the UK and Ireland, did a tour of the East End of London, where The Salvation Army was born. Our guide was a really sweet, passionate, encyclopedic elderly gentleman, Colonel Sandy Morrice, who's pretty much the area expert.

We saw the Old Quaker Burial Ground, where William Booth held his first tent meeting on Sunday 2 July, 1865, now known as Founders' Day.

The Old Quaker Burial Ground

I say Founders in the plural because Catherine, his wife, was as critical to the new holiness movement as he was and it's Catherine that made a lot of initial financial investments in The Army possible, thanks to her social graces and the (then) novelty of being a female preacher, which attracted the rich London intelligentsia of the mid- to late-nineteenth century.

We also saw The Blind Beggar, the site of the first open air meeting, Mile End, which honors Booth in numerous ways (bust, statue, mural, bus stop, etc.), and Abney Park Cemetery, the final resting place of the Founders.

The Blind Beggar

Bust of WB

Mile End Mural, featuring historically significant personalities in the area, including our very own WB

WB statue, made from the mould of the one at WB College. There's also one at Notintone Place, where he was born and which I visited when the TAB Youth Chorus was in the UK two summers ago. In the background, the bus stop reads 'Booth Memorial' - a beautiful gesture from the community.

Abney Park Cemetery, WB & CB, united in love, ministry, and promotion to Glory

Other Army heroes, including George Scott Railton, the first Commissioner in TSA and who began the work of TSA, together with Eliza Shirley and family, in the United States.

These are just some of the sites you can see if you attend BOUNDLESS next year!

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As you've likely surmised, the Boundless 8 keep pretty busy and are constantly here, there, and everywhere, so much so that some of us have been under the weather at one point or another. It's a struggle when there's so much to do and see, but, as I mature, I am learning more and more the importance of self care!

Bumper cars at Highbury Fun Fair with Suzanne and Alexa

First live football match: Arsenal vs. Southampton at Emirates Stadium

Welcome of Cadets, Messengers of Light, at WBC

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Yesterday, I finally visited the Tower of London - which currently hosts one of the most impressive and beautiful war memorials I've ever seen. Each poppy represents a fallen soldier during WWI. Poppies will be added daily until Armistice Day (Nov. 11).

The Tower of London

I also got to see a cool subway gallery near the Tower, featuring many past and present London icons, including royals imprisoned in the Tower, namely Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, who was later beheaded there, and her daughter Queen Elizabeth I, whose older sister Mary had her imprisoned for fear of her ascendance to the throne.

The Gallery included this depiction of the Norman Conquest led by William the Conqueror, who founded the Tower to control London and protect himself from attack:

I thought the painting looked oddly familiar, then I realized it was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry in Lower Normandy, which I saw on a trip there during my year in France. I gotta admit, I felt really cool and cultured after this discovery! It's so weird seeing the same depiction of an event with totally different meanings for the English and the French, almost exactly two years apart!

Here's part of the original tapestry in Bayeux, Basse Normandie:

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I had another great Sunday at The Rink today. This time, I went to both the morning and afternoon meetings, marched down Oxford Street and participated in the open air meeting, and rehearsed for this week's big gig, 'Expressions,' featuring the Band and Songsters, Len and Heather Ballantine, and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist, Charlie Green! It's gonna be a blast :) 

In formation, ready to march back the Hall after the open air

To sum it all up, blessings abound and I am grateful.

Until next time, gros bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

One month in!

Members of the 'Boundless 8' with General André and Commissioner Sylvia Cox

I can't believe it's been a month since I left home with my overweight suitcases headed for London – a city I'd only ever briefly visited but that would soon be home. And I can't believe how quickly I've settled in, both to the city and my job. It's an exciting time... sometimes a little too exciting. With so much to see, do, and learn, I need to keep reminding myself to breathe, relax, and check in with myself. 

Grad school applications have opened up and I'm struggling to find the right balance of enjoying where I am and what I'm doing, and preparing for the somewhat intimidating future of doctoral studies. I want to be out and about and exploring London, or simply enjoying a cup of tea and a dark chocolate digestive biscuit as The Big Bang Theory shows on television. I want to be here, now, in the present. But the future beckons, accompanied by a chorus of its associated fears and anxieties. Will it always be like this? Is this adulthood? In any case, I need to remember to take things one step at a time and, above all, pray and trust in God's divine plan for my life.

As previously mentioned, we're getting into a good routine at IHQ. We're getting to know people both on our floor and throughout the building, which is really nice. And, the General and Commissioner Sylvia regularly chat with us before or after IHQ family prayers, department devotions, and lunch, which is pretty cool. Commissioner Sylvia even requested the above selfie, which was super cool! A few minutes after that one, we took this picture with General Shaw Clifton (Ret.), who had come to IHQ for the launch of his new book, 'Something Better'. I got a signed copy but haven't gotten the chance to start it yet...whoops, hahaha.

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Since my last post, quite a bit has happened in addition to IHQ life!

Last weekend, I went to my cousin Li's wedding in Essex, which was a blast! In addition to getting to know him, his wife, and their families a bit, I got to be reunited with so many aunts and cousins I haven't seen in years. We sang, danced, laughed, ate AMAZING food, and celebrated the privilege of family and the special gift of joining two families.

Li and Thuba:

Gogo Maureen, Sandi, Gogo Nomusa, and me:

Khulu and Gogo Nkala and me:

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This past week, I met up with Michaella before she went back to Lincoln for her second year at Uni. We discovered this super charming Italian restaurant, Caravaggio, just down the hill near Camberwell Green. There really are gems around every corner – you just have to go looking!

On Thursday, I had a wonderful first rehearsal with the Regent Hall Songsters. The fellowship was wonderful and the music was phenomenal. One of the pieces we'll be working on this year is a Malcolm Westwood-Richard Phillips collaboration, called Anastasis, which was originally commissioned for the International Staff Songsters. Wow. What a song. I mean, wow. Whoo, it is so beautiful. And difficult. Like woah. I mean, yeah. If you've heard the song, you know! Anyway, I'm really happy to be part of this ministry and also to be able to further my musicianship.

On Saturday, I met up with my lovely friend Sara for a day of catching up, with a little tourism thrown in. Sara and I met on the first day of our law lecture when we were studying at Sciences Po in Paris and have been friends ever since. We've stayed in touch over the last year and a half and were so happy to be finally reunited, this time in London.

We had a wonderful lunch at La Maison Paul, which is a nice French bakery chain. It will definitely hold me until I go back to Paris to visit my host family and countless friends. As always, I got a coppa sandwich, which was super tasty! The cappuccino was also really good and the lemon tartelette (not pictured because I gobbled it up so quickly) was superb!

After lunch, we went to the Royal Academy of Arts for a special exhibition, 'Dennis Hopper: The Lost Album,' which was pretty cool. Hopper captured a good portion of 1960s America, which, as the exhibition description notes, was a decade of "progress, violence, and enormous upheaval." Here's a video to give you an idea of the exhibition:

Dennis Hopper: The Lost Album from Royal Academy of Arts on Vimeo.

After the museum, we took a walk through Green Park to Buckingham Palace. The flag was up, meaning the Queen was in, though she didn't make an appearance ;)

Buckingham Palace:

We then took a nice stroll through St James's Park, which is stunning. Photos don't do it justice, but here's one I liked taken from a bridge over one of the ponds:

Sara!

We rounded out the day with some tea sampling at Whittard in Apple Market and a stop at Bill's café. 

It was wonderful to catch up with Sara and I'm so happy to be in the same city again! I look forward to many more adventures together :)

Today, we went to the Catford Corps again, where we had a wonderful service and fellowship. I spoke with the Corps Sergeant Major after the service and found out he's from Zimbabwe, too! There are quite a few Zimbabweans in the Army in London, which is really cool - it's a nice opportunity to stay plugged in and in tune with my roots. And, there are a bunch of francophones, which is awesome. I was worried about how to keep up my French post-graduation but there's been no shortage of people with whom to speak French at IHQ, Regent Hall, and elsewhere. Winning!

After church, we went to the Hobgoods' for a huge and delicious roast dinner. I think we might have overdone it - I know I did hahaha - but I guess that's what the gym is for ;)

Now my day is wrapping up and I'm looking to a new week at work, during which I will be putting the finishing touches on the Mind the Gap sponsorship appeal relaunch and working with IHQ Communications on some special features, so stay tuned. And, if you are willing and able to give and 'mind the gap,' please do so at http://boundless2015.org/boundless/mind_the_gap, where you can also find more information on the programme.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading!

Bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

The exploring continues!

So it’s been two weeks since my last post – I am finding that it’s difficult to write weekly now that work has picked up. This year is definitely going to be an interesting balancing act of work, church, time with friends, exploration, and self-care. Oh, and grad school applications...

For the most part, life here has been a joy. Transitions, especially a major one like this, are always challenging but I think I’m taking it all in stride, at least for now haha. I must, however, admit that adulthood, with all its demands, is a bit exhausting. I don’t know if anyone out there can explain it to me, but why does it feel like something always needs to be washed, laundered, or vacuumed? I feel like so much of my time is consumed by chores. But, I guess that's the way it goes.

In other news, I’ve had to become a morning person. From getting up to showering, putting on makeup (yep, that’s a thing now – yay adulthood), dressing in fancy work clothes, preparing and eating breakfast, and getting to the Overground for the morning commute to IHQ, I’ve never accomplished so much before 8AM. And to think that’s only the beginning of the day!

As previously mentioned, I’m in charge of the relaunch of the Mind the Gap international sponsorship programme to bring to the international congress 1,500 Salvationists from the developing world. While I was honored and excited to take over this massive project, I was (am) also really nervous. The internationalism of the Salvation Army is a really big deal for me and I desperately want us to not only reach but surpass our fundraising goal so that the congress is truly representative of the richness in culture, diversity, and ministry of the Salvation Army. I’ve pretty much been given free reign to create the relaunch strategy, drafting all of the necessary proposals and materials to present to the powers that be for approval, and, once approved, execute it. So, here goes nothing!

In other work-related news, my first international news release was published on Friday. It’s currently featured on the home page of the Salvation Army International website, which is pretty cool. It’s an introduction to the 8 international congress interns, our backgrounds, the projects we’ll be working on, etc. Here’s the link to the article if you’re interested: http://sar.my/hello2. I’m currently lining up a few more articles, mostly related to Mind the Gap, so stay tuned :)

  But that’s enough about work. Let’s talk about exploration!

  For my third weekend here, one of the other interns, Carmen, and I went to Chelmsford in Essex to visit my home church pastor’s parents, Derek and Robina. They are some of the kindest and most hospitable people I have ever met and I feel so lucky to have had such a special weekend with them. Some of the highlights of our visit were exploring the city center, Chelmsford Cathedral, the Tiptree Jam Factory, Derek and Rob’s backyard – which has a Narnia-esque door leading into beautiful woods – and great food shared with great company, with lots of laughs to go ‘round. On the Sunday, we visited their home church, Romford Corps, which I’d heard so much about and which I enjoyed. I was sad to say ‘goodbye for now’ to Derek and Rob because the weekend had been just what I needed: some time away from the hustle and bustle and stress of London, and some time to rest, be refreshed, and enjoy wonderful people. But, I know I’ll be seeing them again some time soon :)

Chelmsford Cathedral:

Chelmsford Flower Market:

 Coronation Turkey lunch at Tiptree:

Going into Narnia:

We had a bank holiday the following Monday, so there was more time to rest, although there were so many chores to be done (surprise, surprise!). It was back to the grind on Tuesday and I continued to work on my projects. On Wednesday, we visited The O2, where we took an exhaustive tour of the backstage areas and stadium seating, and got a better idea of how to best use the spaces for visiting performers, speakers, and other special guests, as well as the delegates.

The O2:

Yep, Beyoncé performed where the Congress is taking place!

Friday, in addition to ushering in the weekend, meant my first visit to Shakespeare’s Globe, where I saw Julius Caesar, which was absolutely brilliant! The story is epic and the play excellent, but the acting and the directing took the production to the next level – I was so, so impressed, like wow! One thing about the Globe, which I kind of forgot, is that it’s only a semi-covered outdoor theatre so you are exposed to all the elements London has to throw at you. I’m so glad I decided at the last minute to bring my scarf and windbreaker. And even then I was a little chilly, but the show must (and did) go on!

Shakespeare's Globe:

Post-show walk along the Thames:

I spent the rest of the weekend with friends. On Saturday, I reunited with one of my childhood friends from Zimbabwe, Michaella, who I hadn’t seen in over twelve years. It was really cool to meet up, catch up, hang out, and explore the Victoria and Albert Museum, where we saw a variety of exhibits, including one dedicated to dresses, one to subversive works of art used in various social movements around the world, and one to Raphael’s cartoons. It was a pretty fab day!

Reunited and it feels so good:

'Disobedient Objects' Exhibit, Anti-apartheid pins: 

'Paul Preaching at Athens' by Raphael:

Dresses, dresses, and more dresses - I love dresses!

Yesterday, Sunday, we visited the Catford Corps, where our bosses, the Hobgoods, go to church. They were pleasantly surprised and put Jeremiah and Alexa straight to work playing in the band!

Mejee, Jodianne, Alexa, and I later went on the London Eye and enjoyed spectacular views of the city on an uncharacteristically sunny and warm day.

From the London Eye:

Some of us later went to Hillsong in the West End for their evening service, which was both electric and moving. For me, London is absolutely unmatched when it comes to accessible, cool and varied assemblies, exhibitions, monuments, and shows. This is going to be a great year!

It was back to the grind today but I look forward to working on communiqués with the congress coordinator this week, as well as attending a family wedding weekend and meeting much of said family for the first time. There’s nothing quite like big African families – wherever you are, whoever you are, you are always welcome and included.

Wow, okay, that was long, haha. If you read all of this, kudos! I hope you enjoyed it and got a glimpse into my new crazy London life.

Until next time! 

Bisous,

Kelly

  P.S. For more pictures, check out my Instagram @kzvobgo. 

[kellyaimebienparis]

Just the beginning

So it's been ten days since I arrived in London. I've seen, done, and been blessed so much that it feels like I've been here for much longer.

Settling into London has been a bit easier than settling into Paris. Within 48 hours of arrival, I had started a phone plan with O2, purchased a year-long Oyster travel card, been inducted into beautiful William Booth College, and successfully navigated my first trip to the International Congress Office at International Headquarters via the London Overground. I guess the more you live abroad, the easier it is, which bodes well for my future :)

My first 48 hours in cards:

My first weekend here was mostly spent with the other interns. On the Saturday, our bosses, the Hobgoods, invited us for a barbecue at their gorgeous home in Beckenham. It was a stunning day mostly spent around the table enjoying the flowery backyard, the delicious spread, and the great company.

Post-barbecue chez Hobgood:

After I got back to the College, I continued my efforts to make my new flat feel like home, bringing out the many photos, paintings/posters, and keepsakes I brought from home. I was very pleased with the result and next looked forward to my first Sunday in the city.

We went to Regent Hall, a corps that had been recommended to me by countless friends, and were immediately and warmly welcomed - so much so that I found myself singing with the Songsters (choir)! We later went out to lunch with a new friend, Josh, who also lives on campus and who took us to the corps and showed us around. While we were strolling around Piccadilly Circus and chatting away, Josh and I found out we have a mutual friend, Katie, with whom I shared a university year abroad. It's a small world after all - even smaller in the Salvation Army!

Post-church escalator selfie:

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Next thing I knew, it was Monday morning and my first day of work! Our first week was pretty gentle, which was great. Still jet-lagged and a bit on information-overload, I was happy for a gradual introduction to the Office, IHQ, and the surrounding area. 

Here's my desk:

And a few iconic shots of the city from our walking tour:

Westminster Palace and Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben is the bell inside the tower, not the actual structure):

Millenium Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral:

I can happily report that we were not overcome by Death Eaters. If you got that, you're awesome! I should also probably mention that IHQ is right across the way from St Paul's so we're really in the center of everything.

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After a week of orientation, we extensively discussed the projects we'll be working on to prepare for and execute the Congress, some collectively, others individually. So far, I have been assigned to work on external communications (e.g. correspondance with the 60+ territories of the Army), translation services (making sure the aforementioned communications are accessible to all interested in coming to the Congress and recruiting translators for the event, among other things), and the 'Mind the Gap' international sponsorship appeal to bring under-resourced Salvationists to the Congress. These three areas align with both my previous work experience and my interests, so I'm really pleased and excited! I also hope to later help with the training of local volunteers to develop both my leadership and organizational skills. 

FMI on 'Mind the Gap,' check out http://boundless2015.org/boundless/mind_the_gap

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The awesomeness didn't stop with the weekend! Yesterday, Saturday, we went to Hadleigh Farm with the Hobgoods. The Farm - the realization of Salvation Army founder, William Booth's vision in 'In Darkest England and the Way Out' - provides marginalized people, particularly adults with special needs, the opportunity to learn practical life skills and gain work experience in a sheltered and loving environment. It's a really special example of how the Salvation Army meets human needs in His name without discrimination today. I couldn't be happier or more proud to live and serve in this global holiness movement with a social services twist!

Hadleigh Farm:

We also got to see the ruins of Hadleigh Castle, which stand on the huge Army property:

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Finally, today. As I mentioned on FB, Alexa and I decided to visit a small nearby corps this morning called the Camberwell Corps. I looked up the service times yesterday - 9:30am, 11:00am, and 6:30pm - and we decided to go to the 11:00am worship service. We went to the corps only to find it closed and discover that the worship service starts at 2pm. It turns out that my information was on the wrong Camberwell! Apparently there's a corps by the same name in Australia. Whoops! But arriving mega early did give us the opportunity to help the corps officer, Lt. Col. Carolyn Allemand, make lunch for the congregation prior to the service.

Lunch: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes (from scratch!), mixed veg, and salad:

Carolyn and the rest of the corps family welcomed us so warmly I couldn't help but be moved. We later went to a Hillsong London worship service with Carolyn, her daughter, Katherine, and Sarah, a visiting soldier (church member) from Papua New Guinea. Talk about a blessed day! 

Post-Hillsong with our new friends:

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It's only been ten days but I know this is going to be a terrific year, and I thank the Lord in advance for it! I speak into existence life, love, joy, peace, and power. I claim boldness, faithfulness, and steadfastness. I step out into the light and declare that this is just the beginning!

Until next time!

Bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

London Calling

One month after leaving Zagreb, Croatia, I find myself ensconced in a gorgeous flat in London, England and ready to serve a one-year term as an intern in the Salvation Army's Office of the International Congress. I keep pinching myself and asking myself, "How?" The only answer I can come up with is that I am blessed and highly favored, and so, so stoked for this year!

Here's the entrance of William Booth College where I'm staying:

I'll be posting more on London soon but need to rewind a little. Three weeks after my last post on my final weekend in Zagreb, I find that I never quite finished the story of my last day so I'll piggyback on this post and quickly share it here.

I spent my last full day in Zagreb walking around and enjoying the unique city and gorgeous weather. I mailed postcards that I'd been carrying with me since my time in Cres (everything is slower on an island, haha) and collected souvenirs for my family. I also ate really, really well :D

I went to a pizzeria near my hostel and had the second-most delicious pizza I've ever had the joy of eating! (The buffalo mozzarella margherita pizza I had with Maddy, Sophie, and Alena on our last day in Rome still takes the cake! Or should I say, "Pie"? Hehehe.) 

Here it is in its bacon-spinach-mushroom glory:

I then went to this famous Zagreb bakery-confectionary, Ivica i Marica [Ulica Ivana Tkalčića 70], also known as Hansel and Gretel. 

It looked just like a gingerbread house!

I ordered a Šeherazada torta (super rich chocolate cake of sorts) and, of course, a cappuccino. So indulgent, so glorious!

I then walked around for a bit to work off the torta and bumped into one of the program leaders and his family who were visiting - what a small city, what a small world!

After a good night's sleep and some last-minute packing, I said goodbye to beautiful Tkalciceva and hopped on the tram to Autobusni Kolodvor, where I took the Croatia Airlines shuttle back to the airport and started the long journey home, complete with a layover in Munich, albeit super short, and another in Toronto.

My trip to Croatia was spectacular. There were surprises and hiccups every now and then but I had a terrific time. The country is stunning, the people are so kind, the history and culture is fascinating, and the food is divine. I earnestly hope to return some time soon. 

Bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

Last Weekend in Zagreb

Self-guided walking tour

Zrinjevac Park --> Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts --> The Art Pavilion in Zagreb --> Trg kralja Tomislava (King Tomislav square with Academy of Sciences and Arts in background) --> Hotel Esplanade (built in 1925 as an accommodation for passengers of the famous Orient Express!) --> Glavni Kolodvor (central train station) --> Zagreb Botanical Gardens --> Trg bana Josipa Jelačića (Ban Jelačić square, home to live concerts, football match screenings, hang-outs)

[kellyaimebienparis]

4th of July in Zagreb

After settling into my hostel and freshening up, I met up with my roommate and some friends for a beautiful sushi dinner at Akamaru [Bogovićeva 3] near the main square. I usually take photos of pretty dishes but I was so hungry and the food was so good that my plate was clean before I even thought about instagramming my dinner, hahaha. Oh well!

We later met up with more friends from the program for an evening garden party at a popular expat spot, Beertija [Pavla Hatza 16]. We had such a good time!! We relived hilarious moments from the trip and laughed until our ribs were sore. I haven't laughed so hard in quite some time. It was the perfect (group) ending to a beautiful trip!

We left Beertija around 2am. Starving, we sought gastronomic refuge at this great 24-hour sandwich bar, Pingvin [Ulica Nikole Tesle 7]. So what does one order at 2am in the morning when it's still the 4th of July back in the States? The Pingvin American Hotdog, of course, complete with cheese, bacon, and scrumptious Croatian mustard. I suppose I must retract my earlier statement. THIS was the perfect (group) ending to a beautiful trip.

Here's the gang at Pingvin:

It was hard saying goodbye to these brilliant, beautiful women but I am certain our paths will cross again (hopefully very soon)!

Stay tuned for the last installments of my Croatian adventure!

Bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

Back to Zagreb

My second (and final) weekend in Zagreb began on, what was for me, an odd note. I took the tram from the central bus station, Autobusni Kolodvor, with my roommate and two other girls from the program, with whom I had travelled from Cres. We got off at the main square, Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, and decided to meet back there for one last hurrah later that evening.

I was fairly certain of where I was vis-à-vis my hostel, but I was too hot and too tired to risk getting lost and expending more energy or time. So I stopped outside a store to carefully examine my map of the city and plan my next steps. A minute didn’t go by before a slightly disabled guy limped over to ask me what I was looking for. Panic mode level orange kicked in. In Paris and in other places I’ve lived or visited, I learned to be suspicious of nice, helpful people in tourist spaces, especially if they seem non-threatening. Counterintuitive, right? I tried to discretely dart my eyes around me, looking for a potential accomplice ready to snatch one of my bags the moment I let my guard down with this person. I calmly responded that I was looking for my hostel but would figure it out in just a moment. The guy pressed me for the street name. I reluctantly told him. He offered to show me where the street started. Ever suspicious of the situation and unsure of how to get out of it, I acquiesced, following him a block down the street with my hands tightly clutching my bags and my eyes jumping around. The square was teeming with people so if things took a sour turn, I would scream my head off. But for now, I didn’t want to aggravate my potential assailant. 

We got to the right street, and I quickly thanked him and said goodbye. He didn’t leave my side. He asked me for the street number of where I was staying. I ambiguously replied, “Oh, it’s just up the street. Thank you for your help. Goodbye.” He pressed me for the address and insisted he accompany me. Panic mode level red kicked in. He made small talk as we went up the seemingly endless ulica, or street, Tkalčićeva. Tkalčićeva is one of Zagreb’s most popular streets. It’s lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars, and also teeming with people. ‘Okay, cool,’ I thought to myself. ‘If things get weirder, I’ll just park myself at a café and stay there for as long as I need to.’ As we walked up the ulica, I kept saying that he didn’t have to accompany me all the way; I would surely find it from here. But, he just kept walking with me. This couldn't be just being just nice. Why would someone with a disability that impairs their mobility walk up one of the longest street in Zagreb to show a stranger to their accommodation? This was just too weird. I felt relieved when I saw my hostel and tried for the last time to get rid of this guy. Before he would leave, he recommended a few restaurants and a popular bakery on the street. He asked if I needed anything and, when I said, “No, thank you,” he left. Just like that. 

I mulled over this strange happening once I was in my room. I’ve heard about and experienced the kindness of Croatian people but that was something else. I remained uneasy. Had I been unreasonably, unforgivably even, suspicious of a genuinely nice person who went out of his way to welcome me to his city or had I dodged a bullet? I’m still not sure. But there’s something to be said about not expecting the worst of people.

Bisous,

Kelly

View of Ulica Tkalčićeva:

[kellyaimebienparis]

Summer School, Days 8, 9 & 10

Written yesterday, July 4

After ten days of discussing numerous parts of and approaches to transitional justice, long conversations about our work, hopes, and dreams for the future shared over equally long (and delicious) meals in Cres City harbor, and forging friendships sure to last, the Summer School on Transitional Justice and the Politics of Memory in Cres, Croatia is officially over. Wow, what an experience!

Group photo of the Summer School:

I decided to stay an extra day in Cres which I spent saying goodbye to new friends and colleagues, enjoying more good food, and hanging out with my roommate and some of the locals who befriended us at our official spot, Hambi. As I walked along the coast towards the harbor and the bus station on Friday, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by this experience. It is one that will not be soon forgotten and from which I will draw inspiration in the years to come as I apply for and pursue my doctoral studies.

I am now back in Zagreb—two weeks after my arrival—for a couple of days of exploring, but I will permit myself some time to rest and stave off a cold that threatens to make my journey home a nightmare. Anyway, that's all for now.

Bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

Summer School, Days 5, 6 & 7

The past few days have been incredible! On Friday, I presented the research I conducted for my undergraduate thesis to the Summer School on Transitional Justice and the Politics of Memory. I was nervous, hot, and oddly thirsty (I had to keep stopping to take a sip of water), but I nailed it! I received great feedback from the conference organizers; they appreciated the originality of my work, the rigor of my methods, and the depth of my analysis. And, I got excellent questions and comments from the other attendees :)

Later that day, we watched the second installment of the School's film series, Three Buddies—a striking documentary, also by Anna Ferens, on Poland's communist period and the breakdown of trust it engendered across the country, necessitating transitional justice.

On Saturday, we had our first excursion to Cres island's famous blue caves, which we swam in and explored. After our swim, we lounged on the white beach and looked into some of the bluest waters I've ever seen. It was really a remarkable experience.

Yesterday, Sunday, we took a day trip to Rijeka, the home of the School's Croatian partner institution, where we visited various sites commemorating Croatia's struggle for independence, autonomy, and peace, and hiked up to Tersat lookout point, where we got an amazing view of the city. 

I always believe that the best is yet to come so I can't wait for what this week has in store!

Until next time!

Bisous,

Kelly

P.S. The internet is a little spotty today so I can only include one photo. I hope to add more tomorrow.

[kellyaimebienparis]

Summer School, Days 2, 3 & 4

The Summer School is off to a great start! After a reintroduction to transitional justice on Monday, we delved into domestic approaches in the field on Tuesday, namely the use of criminal courts. On Wednesday, we started tackling more difficult issues in transitional justice, including the legal framework(s) in which international courts like the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), the International Criminal Court (ICC) operate, and their strengths and limitations. Yesterday, Thursday, was all about restorative justice. We studied truth/fact-finding commissions—looking more specifically at a proposed seven-country regional commission for the Yugoslav successor states—and remembrance projects and commemorative politics in the Balkans, which resonate with my own research, though in different regions.

Between sessions, many of us have been exploring the island and sampling dishes at its many bistros and restaurants. 

Here's a gorgeous stone church we bumped into on our way to the less touristy part of the island for dinner on Wednesday:

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The Summer School launched its transitional justice film festival last night, with a screening of Where Do Wild Strawberries Grow?—a documentary by Polish award-winning documentarian and director, Anna Ferens, who has joined us in Cres for the festival. The documentary follows a Polish woman and man's search for the final resting places of their fathers, who were taken from their homes in the late 1930s by Stalinist forces, executed, and likely buried in what is now Ukraine. It was a very tough, but important story of love and loss, truth-seeking and truth-finding, and we appreciate having Anna here to share yet another mechanism of truth/fact-finding after conflict, occupation, and/or authoritarianism.

Discussion with Anna Ferens after the screening of Where Do Wild Strawberries Grow?:

After a rather intense evening, some of us went out for gelato, which is the real deal here, to decompress.

I headed back to the villa early to prepare for my research presentation. More on that soon! :)

Bisous,

Kelly

[kellyaimebienparis]

A Walk Through Historical Cres City - Summer School, Day 2

[kellyaimebienparis]

Summer School, Day 1

The Summer School on Transitional Justice and the Politics of Memory is officially open! We had our first sessions yesterday morning, during which we were introduced to the mythologized and somewhat contested history of Croatia and its fellow Yugoslav successor states. We discussed issues of construction, deconstruction, and reconstruction, with respect to race, religion, borders, and national identity, among other topics. We also considered and challenged traditional paradigms of transitional justice and their policy implications. I know this all sounds really jargon-ey but I'm totally geeking out and enjoying every minute. 

On the way to the school:

We had a free afternoon, as we will every day, which I spent napping (I'm still suffering from jet-lag) and reading for our sessions today. 

Here's the view from our room:

Our evening session wasn't so transitional justice related. We joined the residents of Cres to watch the Croatia-Mexico World Cup match. The city, and I imagine the country too, was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Christine and I before the match:

Sadly, Team Croatia lost and is now out of the running for the prized Cup. Better luck next time, I guess.

More about the summer school and Cres later!

Bisous,

Kelly