After finally making it on the right train we headed to the South Kensington stop. Only problem was once we got off the stop we had to find exactly where the church was. Streets are definitely marked different here than anywhere else I have been. So after finding what we thought was the right street we finally found exhibition Road which is where the church is located. As we are walking up the street there were tons of people because there were tons of museums. We kept walking and looking at the map and I realized that it should be right where we were and then we looked up and saw the church. We were pretty late by then but happy to make it there. Here is a picture of the chapel. It is also a visitors center so it was fun to see the design!
The lineup for sacrament meeting was very interesting because it was full of people from many different places and countries. The first counselor was from what sounded like france to me and then we had a lineup of missionary speakers. The first missionary who seemed to be on his way home, was from northern England so he was very enjoyable to listen to. The second missionary speaker who seem to be just arriving in the area was from Hong Kong. Then the third missionary speaker was here for her first Sunday in the mission field and she was from Poland. It was so interesting to hear all of these people speak English and yet have their own unique spin on how it sounded. Then the closing prayer was by an American.
Then we discovered what the differences between the ground level and a first level as we were told that Sunday school is on the second level so after we finally found that classroom we really enjoyed a wonderful lesson by a British member of the ward. Apparently there were a lot of Americans visiting that day as well. We did meet one traveling buddy named Charles who then spent the rest the day with us. Relief society was very fun and much like many Relief Societys I have been to before. There were a lot of different cultures there and yet we could all understand the lesson that was taught.
After church we decided to explore some of the museums we passsed when we came in with our new friend Charles. It was all very quick so I didn't get to take any pictures but we got to see the Victoria and Albert Museum and the natural history Museum. We then went to St. Paul's Cathedral. And when we finally made it to the front we were informed that since it was Sunday it was not a day to visit as a tourist, but we could participate in the Eucharist which was also known as the first communion where they partake of the sacrament. So before the services started we ate our sack lunches on the front steps and then hurried in to experience this other form of worship. Ever since my mission I've always wanted to attend another church's services. I'm very glad I had the opportunity to observe this different religious practice yesterday.
Then we just decided to explore by walking, we walked around and around and around. Then one of the locals suggested that we visit Spitalfield. This a very interesting part of town to see real life right before our eyes without any tourist around. It was interesting to see more of what normal life is like. One street, the last one we walked on, that was very busy with tons of interesting restaurants mostly Indian was brick Lane. As we were on our way down we saw all different types of shops. Then by this time it was getting a little late so we headed to the nearest train station and got off on our tower Hill station stop and said goodbye to our exploring friend Charles. I was definitely glad to have him on the way for fun conversation and for a sense of community and of comfort in these slightly interesting places we were visiting.
It is sent to rain most days this week so I'll be interested to see what we can can't into these rainy days. I love you also much! More to come soon.
Love,
Sarah
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