I believe my desire to travel to London started when I woke before dawn as a nine year old to watch the Charles and Diana wedding on TV. That dream finally became a reality this summer when I traveled with thirteen other people as part of the St. Meinrad World Church Program. The rest of the group had traveled together previously or had known each other in some capacity. These people had traveled to many places in the world. Then there was me. The stranger. The person who had only flown on two trips in her lifetime, both times after the age of fifty and to Florida. I have been on many road trips, but it's a little difficult to road trip from the USA to the UK.
Now you may be wondering if the title of this blog post is "My favorite place to be in London", why is there a picture of me sitting on a bench? The bench is in London in Bloomsbury Square Garden. I discovered this garden just a short walk from my hotel the morning before our official tour started. I sat on the bench enjoying the weather and reading a book. I was a little nervous about being such an inexperienced traveler joining in with such seasoned travelers. However, I felt such peace and joy sitting in that park that morning. I returned a few times over my stay to sit and reflect. My favorite place to be is not a physical place, it's a state of being.
Finding peace and happiness as a widow is a process. To be at peace, you learn to accept that sorrow and joy can exist at the same time. Branden and I had hoped to travel in our retirement years and London was one of the places on our bucket list. It was a tad bittersweet to plan this trip without him. But, mostly I had to quiet that voice in my head that told me I wouldn't be going on this trip if Branden were alive.
Because of Branden's participation in the deacon formation program, I had a connection to St. Meinrad. Because of his death I decided to enter the Master of Arts (Theology) at St.Meinrad program now rather than in a few years when we both would be retired. Because I was a student, I received an email about the London trip. Because Branden believed in buying extra life insurance, I am financially stable and could consider a big trip.
I had randomly applied for a passport the year before just in case an opportunity presented itself and now here it was. I had to remind myself, "Where you are is where you are." Everything that has happened in my life, not just Branden's death, has led me to where I am now. It's a good place.
So, I took a chance on traveling with a group of strangers and they took a chance of letting me join. I am truly blessed that all the pieces fell into place for this trip. I spent nearly two weeks with an incredibly kind group of people who embody faith, hope, and charity.
I saw so many amazing sights while in London! I can't pick a favorite place. However, I will treasure feeling total peace sitting on a bench in Bloomsbury Square Garden in London.
