6/16 - Where do I go? What do I do? A Journey Through Sheffield

What I did:

I woke up and made it in time for breakfast. I came back and got ready for the day. I knew I had a meeting with one of the tutors (similar to a professor?, I don’t really know the difference) here at 10, but I did not know where to go. So I found out and met with him. It was a good meeting. He tends to think much more critically about the emerging church scene than the people actually in it, and had some refreshing perspectives on how it may not be the best thing to happen. He wasn’t completely pessimistic, but did have some pretty serious and set opinions on emerging churches and trends in church in England in general. I was very glad to have met with him. I wandered around a little, then went back to my room.

While I was typing up our conversation, I heard a knock on the door, and it was a guy who works here at the college. He was American too! And he was really nice in saying I could come hang out with him some when I have too much free time. It was good to finally meet someone that isn’t specifically linked to my research in some way. I hope to spend more time with him.

Then, it was about time for me to scarf down some lunch and head off to the bus stop to try to make my way back to Stockport. I was going to meet with Lou again, the leader of c3. So, I missed the first bus I could have taken (of course, what day would be complete without me messing up at some point with the public transportation), but I caught the next one and made it into Sheffield where I was going to catch my train. I realized as soon as we got into the city that I did not know where to get off at. So, I just got off at a random spot (someone else got off there and it was a place where there were a lot of other bus stops, so I figured it was a good bet). Then I had to find the rail station. It took me a while and I was almost jogging through the city, but I finally got there (again, thanks to maps at bus stops) and actually got on the train that I needed just a few minutes before it left. Perfect timing. So, I made it to Stockport and found Lou.

We tried to go to a Christian coffee shop she knows, but on the way realized it would be closed when we got there, so we found another coffee place and had a great chat. I don’t know which part of this project I like better, the observations or the interviewing. I learn so much in each one and find each very meaningful. We finished our tea and then headed to her house. She and her husband were going to a photography exhibit later that evening, and I had nothing to do the rest of the day. So, we hung out a little. And I found another Firefly fan! Of all the things we talked about and that I now know about her, that will probably be the most memorable thing. Haha.

She invited me to go to the exhibit, and I really wanted to, but after checking train/bus times realized I would not be able to and make it back on time. That was probably the first time I have really felt sad/disappointed while being over here. But, that’s how things go, and I just look forward to what comes next. So, she took me back to the rail station and I am very grateful for that whole time.

I got on a train and headed back to Sheffield. Now, this part gets a little interesting and is probably even rated a little closer to PG-13, just fyi. So, I got out of the station and saw one of the coolest water fountain displays I have seen (although it may not come across in the photo since it was big and a lot of it had to do with the sound too, but that whole silver thing in the back had water running down it). Then I decided to find some dinner and hopefully a bus that would take me back. I had no clue where to go, so I figured I would start by back tracking where I went earlier. Not a minute after I set out a lady approached me. I figured she was going to ask for money, so I prepared myself to say no, but was thrown off immediately by her conversation style. Usually it is either straight to asking for money or setting up a dramatic problem that is heartwrenching. Instead, she complemented me on my eyes and teeth. Then she said I could have her for just a little amount of money. It hit me that she was no mere beggar. She proceeded to ask me if I was gay and then offered a freebie. As nice as I could I kept refusing her saying that I really did not want to. She followed me a little bit, but eventually left. Ironically, that was the worst part. After she left I couldn’t help but feel that there was something else I could have done for her besides brush her off, some different way I could have handled that. I realize that the phrase is now corny and cliché, but I just really felt like that was not what Jesus would have done. But what could I have done? What would He have done? That really haunted/haunts me for the rest of the day. I was just so startled when I realized what she wanted I didn’t know what to do. I know that by the time it happens again, though, I will be better prepared to deal with it in a Christ-like way.

Well, that kind of set a different tone for the rest of my night (not to mention the rest of this post), but I eventually found a stop and made it back. Time for a peaceful evening/night.

What I learned:

Sheffield is a more confusing city than I thought it would be (in more ways than one).

The confidence needed to really flag down a bus.

All the undergraduates are away right now on mission for the week. So that is why the campus is so empty and quiet. But they will be back next week.

I really wander what all this travel would have been like before internet/cell phone/etc. I have relied so heavily on it in all my public transportation dealings and have still had some problems. And I know that the solution to not getting lost is right in my pocket on the other end of a phone somewhere. Is public transportation so much faster and used morebecause of the rise in technology? Or has it just gotten easier and easier to use it? I would like to go back in time and experience it then.

All the best shots for beautiful photos come while I am riding in a train or bus and unable to take them. It is both really frustrating and really beautiful at the same time.