"You don't reach serendipity by plotting a course for it. You have to set out in good faith for elsewhere and lose your bearings ...serendipitously." -John Barth"Pleasant" surprises are those unexpected, beats your expectations, kinds of serendipity. Paige experienced one this month in London.
The BYU students are divided into multiple wards to attend while living abroad so they don't descend upon the Hyde Park London Ward in droves, overwhelming the members.
Paige was hoping her stars would align to be assigned to the convenient Hyde Park Ward. So, she was disappointed (initially) to learn that her church records would be in the Mitcham Ward which happens to be the furthest distance from the BYU center. While she could have walked to the Hyde Park Ward she now takes the Tube, a train and tram to get out to Mitcham.
But what a change of heart, from a little Saturday grousing to rejoicing on Sunday! It turns out that the Mitcham Ward is inconvenient and a lousy time slot (2-5 pm) BUT Paige gets to teach Primary to adorable black British children.
Paige went from initial frustration over her ward assignment to realizing what a unique experience had come her way. Lessons like this are a big perk of traveling and being willing to stretch out of our comfort zones.
Tourist sights can often be a let down. They may be overcrowded, over hyped or overpriced. On trips it's usually when I get lost exploring that I find the hidden treasures! Those unexpected joys in a different culture are the moments I adore (and remember most) in my travels.
So, as Paige opens her heart to embrace the kids in the Mitcham ward etc. , the more good travel karma should come her way. She's delighted with her opportunity to teach primary and hopefully Paige will have other great adventures in the UK that come about serendipitously!
