by Madeline Hohman| Spring 2024 |
Recently, when reflecting on the past four months in Oxford, I have found myself in disbelief that this is the life that I live. My mind takes me back to a few years ago when I was deliberating between universities. At this point, I had never heard of Abilene Christian, and studying abroad seemed like a pipe dream. I can’t explain what initially drew me to it, but I can firmly say that I chose ACU with the hope of one day studying in a different country. It truly is by the grace of God that I am here now, in Oxford, England, having the best semester of my life.
When I first arrived, I was overtaken with adrenaline, which proved unsustainable. I had little expectation of what I wanted to experience this semester and even less of an idea of what to expect. Thus, I went through the motions the first few weeks, thoroughly enjoying my time yet not truly reflecting on the ways I was growing and the significance of my experiences. Study Abroad was not what I had envisioned, and there were some hard moments. Then, somewhere in the in-between, my perspective shifted. A transition occurred. God had been working here the whole time. One day, after returning to 163 Woodstock Road from yet another weekend trip, I felt the relief of returning “home.” This place no longer felt foreign, but rather, it became a home to me. At some point, I learned the art of buying groceries at Tesco and cooking meals for one. I flew on every budget airline under the sun, including an adventurous solo flight to Sweden. The people in the house ceased to feel like strangers but rather dear friends. I began to see God in everything and through everything. God in the blooming spring flowers. God in my temporary church community. God in the ancient cathedrals, house devos, and in the modern Hillsong services. God in the horses frolicking in Port Meadow. Oxford became a sentimental source of comfort amid a busy, ever-changing semester.
Now, I am here, about to head home, and I am full of immeasurable gratitude for my experiences. My excitement for the weeks to come is now tinged with sadness as I grasp hard onto these final moments. Studying abroad in Oxford has changed my life, showing me that God is present even on the other side of the world, providing and fulfilling His promises. I get the sense that there is going to remain an impermeable bond between every single person who chose to make Woodstock Road their home this year. If I could describe study abroad in one word, I would describe it as serendipitous. I’ve made so many wonderful, joyful discoveries by accident. So, while I wish I could tell you why you should study abroad, I cannot give you a specific reason why you should go. Sure, trips to Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and other countries sound compelling, and the Tuesday tradition of cheering on Daisy and Joey of the Bachelor was special. But, truly, Study Abroad is an experience of serendipity. You will make discoveries about yourself and the world and its creator that you can never foresee. It is uncomfortable at times, but I cannot encourage it enough. There are surprising discoveries that await anyone who goes. For me, the discovery that I have built something here worth missing was the most surprising discovery of all.
