Days 89 & 90

Saturday was a trip down a crowded Portabello Road, a pretty picnic in the park, platform 9 3/4, and dinner at Tortilla. Perfect day.

Portabello, so crowded.

Cupcakes!

Picnic!

I am going to Hogwarts.

Sunday was the last time I'd visit the Wandsworth Commons Ward for awhile. I have never loved a ward more than the Wandsworth Ward, their faith and service touched me so deeply. They are some of the strongest members of the church that I have ever met, and I feel so grateful and blessed to have met them. I'll miss those sweet little kids, the excruciating hymns, and Marta. Marta is great. After church we took a trip to Spittafield Market. It was such a pretty Sunday.

Funny kids.

Days 14 & 15

No pictures this time, sad I know. But Saturday was just so cold I forgot to pull my camera out. Won't happen again, I promise. We made a visit to Camden Market on Saturday and it is easily the coolest market we have been to so far. Don't get me wrong, I love Burrough Market and ostrich burgers, but Camden has vintage clothing shops, handmade trinkets, and waffles. If you've ever been to Canal Street it's kind of like that...but one hundred times better. However, if the lady selling scarves tells you that they're one of a kind, and that Top Shop sells the exact same scarves, don't believe her....the scarves are everywhere. We found a cute little shoe shop where Macy got some great boots, and the owner was adorable and slightly insulting haha. Finding a tube station proved a little difficult because they closed chalk farm down. The tube is fantastic and totally unreliable all at the same time. We ended up freezing our behinds off waiting for the world's most crowded bus. The bus driver was a little snappy, but I could tell he had a little crush on Audrey. Later that night we tried to go see the Woman in Black again, but there were only three seats available and five us. I guess the third time has got to be the charm. We ended up at the Waffle House by Queenway station and I am overjoyed and wary of it's proximity. They were the most delicious waffles in the world. Better than Whitley's and better than Camden Market. I can't stop thinking about them. I want to take a picture of my waffle and put in my wallet so I can brag to everyone about how fantastic it tastes.

Thanks to the awesome/unreliable tube, we were a few minutes late to church today. It's quite the journey to get out to Wansworth Commons though. I found out I am also a primary teacher, and I didn't end up playing the organ. I got the key to open it, but it just wasn't working. I seriously need more lessons. If you know anyone that could help a sister out with organ settings, I'd be forever grateful. The piano that I got to play on was beautiful though, so it all worked out fine. After church we had a linger longer and got tricked into eating haggis. It was so funny because there was chow mein, a corn and chicken casserole, and haggis all sitting side by side. It was quite the collection. Even though the food was very different and we knew only a few of the members, it still felt so homey. Running little boys were scolded(by a scottish woman named Martha who is really the ward grandma), there wasn't enough food, there were basketball lines on the floor, and it just made me so grateful that church is so constant. The doctrine, the people, the testimonies, they're all the same no matter where you go to church, it's wonderful. I'll never fall for that haggis trick again though..

Days 8 & 9

I can't believe I've only been here for a week! It feels so much longer than that, which is great haha. Sunday we took a bus and then a train out to Wandsworth Commons to go to church. Katie, Kierra, Brittany, and I have been assigned to a little ward out there. It took about 45/50 minutes to get there. Our Bishop is from Ghana, married an American woman from Utah, and has two of the most adorable little kids in the world. The ward was expecting us, and they kept calling us the BYUs haha. The ward members were so friendly, we even introduced ourselves during sacrament meeting. Since we'll be in the ward for a few months, and since they could use a few extra members, we've all been called to various positions. I've been called to serve as the ward music director, organist, and primary pianist haha. Sister Simmons had been playing the piano for the past couple of months, and yesterday was her last Sunday. I think it's safe to say that Bishop was pretty happy hear that I play the piano. I haven't touched the organ since I was was 13 though, so next Sunday is going to be a real treat. I really should have paid more attention when Sister Kelly was trying to teach me... I kind of have the feeling that the first few Sundays are going to be a little rough, before Sister Simmons the ward didn't even have a pianist and so they've kind of just made up their own melodies to the hymns. Correct melody or not, they sing with so much gusto that I'm sure we'll be just fine. I do need to pack a lunch next time though, because my stomach was seriously making the loudest noises I have ever heard. Today(Monday), I went to class, and we roamed around Knotting Hill for awhile. I finally bought some stamps, so if you want a postcard, birthday card, valentine's day card, or love letter leave your address in a comment or email me(caitlinstolworthy@gmail.com)! There are a ton of cute little vintage shops all over, and if you haven't ever tried a cinnamon dusted, chocolate-covered hazelnut...you should. They are so delicious. We had enchiladas for dinner tonight, and I just want to take a moment to talk about how tasty they were. Honestly, it was the best meal we have had at the centre so far. I wish we could eat enchiladas every night. Homework tonight, class tomorrow, and Stonehenge Wednesday!

Ps-On Sunday I saw the sun, hallelujah!

Pps- This video is from last week. If you don't recognize the bridge, it's the twisty one that gets destroyed in Harry Potter 6! Haha, also I really am sorry for the terrible camera job...