My English "Angel"

Angela Leeding at one of the regular Friends International Graduate Fellowship lunches at the exotic Sainsbury Centre on campus.







It was really sunny today and I was almost fooled into thinking that I was home...but alas! By the time 3 pm came I was in no doubt as to where I was...England!!

I got to thinking how blessed I am. Even though I am here and greatly missing the family and the comforts of home, God has sent some really nice people to help me along the way. Meet 1 of my "english angels". She is Angela Leeding. She works for an organization called Friends International. It is a christian group which helps to integrate international students in the UK. I met her the day I got off the train in Norwich on September 20, 2007 (I remember it like yesterday!!) She gave me a warm welcome and some literature about life in Norwich. Well, as it worked out, one document had her mobile number and that night, when I was all alone in 'the rabbit hutch', really homesick and hungry, that was the only person in Norwich whose # I had. Remember, this lady did not know me...but I gave her a call and without hesitation she came to my assistance. She brought me some food and paper cups! We have been in touch ever since. Thank you Angela! It also shows that I do not have to worry abount my welfare, after all if God takes care of the birds... He will surely provide for me!

More about Norwich

One of the many churches/cathedrals in Norwich City

View of a part of the old city wall.

Norwich is an old medieval city which dates back to Norman times. Some of those old relics remain intact which gives the city a rich 'old' feel. Parts of the original city wall are still standing around the city a reminder of its ancient roots. It is quite quaint to see that sight juxtaposed against the modern architecture of the city. One can only imagine where the moat would be!!! There is also an imposing Cathedral and Castle, which unfortunately I have not yet had a chance to visit. There are also various splendid examples of old architechture to be seen around the city... take a look!! Find out even more at www.visitnorwich.co.uk

University Accomodations

Inside my room....or the "Rabbit Hutch!"



The spacious kitchen!!


Outside Hawthorn House

Well folks, I have lived on campus in two different countries, but nothing prepared me for this. It appears that living accomodations in the UK are generally small ... apart from Buckingham Palace maybe. I live at Hawthorn House in the University Village which is about 15 minutes walk from the campus centre or "The Plain". I share a "flat" with 7 other students sharing a kitchen (the saving grace of the place). I have what is called an "Ensuite unit" which means that I have my own bathroom... but trust me the only good thing about it is that you do not share it with anyone. The size of the room has done wonders for my "God and I" experience!

English weather

It is true what they say about the weather...it is cold, wet and at times quite rainy. You do get sunshine sometimes... but don't let it fool you, because it is still very cold.

For me the worst part is the darkness. It gets dark at about 4pm... and the sunrise does not arrive until sometimes way past 8am!! Here are some shots of sunset at 3:30pm and what it looked like at 8am this morning.

Modes of Transportation

I now share with you what I have discovered about the transport system in Norwich.

Sure there are cars , but the are predominantly small, perhaps because of the space constraints...here is an extreme example which is not as rare as you may think.

Although not having the distinctive red colour they have in London the double decker buses figure just as prominently!

Being a University town, bicycles are a big hit! In fact "covered parking lots" are provided for their safety and security. Bicycle users are often told to 'lock it or loose it!'. Yes.... people steal them here too.


But as my friend Lisa used to say in Cave Hill (UWI) ' I only have my 10 toe puma to take me around'... my feet I mean! And believe me getting to everywhere is a walk.

Norwich Law School - UEA

For those who were not too sure, I am attending the University of East Anglia, Norwich Law School. I am reading for an LLM in Employent Law (and I do mean reading!). The lecturers are great with an open door policy so that you can discuss issues first hand. My class is also quite small... about 6 persons full time and another 10 pursuing part time studies. The school is a bit away from the main campus and is housed in an old mansion called Earlham Hall. Here are some views.

Welcome Back Norwich!

Happy New Year everyone! After a relaxing and eventful 2 week stint in wonderful Jamiaca, (where I managed to get involved in a motor vehicle accident on my 3rd day home) its back to the books! My family are all good ... everybody has grown especially Nathan! What changes 3 months can make! Here are the boys and Dad... heading to church!

I must admit, that I did miss the UK just a bit, not the weather though!