Thursday morning we all woke up bright and early to start the bus ride to our first field trip. There was much anticipation about getting out of the city for a day to experience a more calm, less populated area. We had a 3 hour bus ride in order to get to the Coventry Cathedral. We learned about the rich history of this cathedral through a guided tour and were able to participate in a reconciliation service at noon that day. Their history involves much violence and destruction of their cathedrals. Ruins still remain to remember what has happened, adding up to a total of three cathedrals. Below is the cathedrals mission:
“Our vision for the Cathedral reflects the overall vision for the Diocese of Coventry: Worshiping God, Making New Disciples and Transforming Communities. Our specific vision for 2014-18 is to restore the calling to peace and reconciliation to the heart of the Cathedral community and to see this flow out across our city, our diocese, our nation and across the world.”
Here is the website to read more: http://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/wpsite/
Their whole mission revolves around reconciliation, fitting well within the Goshen College core values! The newest cathedral was filled with stained glass, tapestries, and other significant artworks.
After some warm soup and bread, we all loaded the bus again to Stratford-Upon-Avon. It began raining more and more reaching it’s peak point when we got off the bus. At this time, we had 6 hours of free time. There was much to see involving Shakespeare’s life- his grave, his birthplace, wife’s house, etc. A group of us braved the weather and did a long trek over to his wife, Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Even though I had puddles in my shoes by the time we got there, the beautiful flowers and quaint cottages made the trip worth it.
That evening we saw a play entitled, “A Merchant in Venice.” By the time we all loaded the bus, we had had enough rain and cold- we were ready to head back to our new home at St. Athens.
I am continually amazed at all the things to do and see in London. Today as I’m doing homework (yes, we are working hard!) and writing this blog- I’m overhearing others talk about their plans for the day- an orchestra concert by candlelight, a tour of street art around the city, an acrobatic dance and a Bollywood performance! How are we to choose?!
Before I close, I just want to acknowledge that today is in fact a very special day. Today we are celebrating Doug’s birthday. He is the professor of theater, one of three professors leading this trip, and he just so happens to be my goofy uncle. I included a picture to both embarrass him and enlighten you on his goofy-ness. Happy Birthday Doug!
Cheers!
-Emma Caskey
