I MET THE QUEEN

Just kidding. That would require actually leaving the house!! What a concept! The closest I've been to our girl Lizzie was last weekend when I took a trek to Westminster and eyed Buckingham Palace from down the mall.

Now that we have that introduction out of the way - it's been a minute, friends! My flatmates have been back home with their families since just before Christmas, so it's been a fun time on my own here in Peckham for a good little bit! Thankfully, I've been adopted by some of the best to 'bubble' during this new lockdown, and it has been a really sweet blessing. I've learned about all things Minecraft, played a few garden football matches, and enjoyed lovely tea times over delicious meals (I even ate lamb for the first time. . . look out world!!).

Here's a quick recap of the last few months:

• Tier 4 began on December 20 (basically the start of lockdown three)

• Spent Christmas with the Smiths (my aforementioned bubble family)

• Housed some COVID-displaced friends over New Year's (love ya Hepworths)

• Living that January/February lockdown life since then!

It's been strange to observe how life is in the States with basically everything being open (just add masks) and compare that to life here in full lockdown, where we're still only permitted to leave the house for essentials or outdoor exercise. I have definitely struggled with that, wondering when I'll finally be able to do all the *wild* normal things like church services in person, going to the pub with friends, or spending time in other people's homes. Some folks I've talked to back home have been shocked when I've shared about it being this way since I arrived here in October!

That said, yesterday was actually a big day here in the UK. With the vaccination rollout and R numbers decreasing (praise God for both of those things!), the government has announced a plan for opening things back up. Hopefully the next time I'm writing, I'll be telling of grand adventures with other people to somewhere such as a restaurant with outdoor seating. . .*GASP*

But in the midst of this lockdown life, God has been working in me, as He always has been and always will be (saying it so I'll believe it). I've been learning so much walking through The Bible Recap (big ups for that, more on this below). I've been blessed with an abundance of slow, peaceful mornings to sit with Jesus and really enjoy that. When it's easy to wish for a different pace of life, I want to instead mark this time as a gift and remember the lessons for the time beyond lockdown to come!

Speaking of The Bible Recap, I was initially skeptical when I saw others sharing about it - didn't know if the style was good for me or if I would want to stick with it. But I decided to try it and haven't stopped yet! Here's a few nuggets that have kept me laughing, which I may never have thought twice about if not for listening through the recaps.

After Job has been through the absolute ringer of losing everything, he comes in with the *sass* back to his unhelpful friends who think they know the mind of God. Here's Job 12v1-2: "Then Job answered and said: 'No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.'" Or as the Message translation says it, 'I’m sure you speak for all the experts, and when you die there’ll be no one left to tell us how to live.' LOL get 'em Job.

Then another one from everyone's favorite book, Leviticus. As God is setting out guidelines for all the different types of offerings, Leviticus 3:16 literally says, "All fat belongs to the LORD." If that doesn't warrant an amen, I don't know what does.

Besides that, I've obviously been back in the baking groove. If you haven't caught my Insta story series #BFTP, tune in to observe me making a mess of my kitchen and maybe gain a few tips along the way. I've had more space to cook as well - my recent favorite thing being BA's Best Mac and Cheese. And let me just say, if there was ever a reason one should say, "wife her up," I believe I have earned that with this mac and cheese. Husband application open now.

Now it's time for. . . Meg's Favorite Things!

• The first one is easy: TED LASSO. I am forever loyal to West Wing being the best show of all time, but people, this show is just about perfect. It's so hilarious but also so PURE, and Jason Sudeikis, what a tender soul you are. Every single person I know who has decided to watch it has then been completely obsessed. Soooo do it. Cannot wait for Season 2.

• Candles!! I know, very late to this party, but MAN I love a good candle for lockdown life. I've always enjoyed the thought of candles, but I haven't been invested until I started working and meeting every day from the same table. This table belongs to the candles now. You should treat yourself to one.

• The Bible Recap - As mentioned earlier, I have so enjoyed reading the Bible and listening through the TBR podcast each day. If you're looking to read through the Bible, this is a great way to do it.

I'll close out with a big thanks to everyone who has been in my life from thousands of miles away and also to the community I have now here in London. God is faithful to provide for us in every situation - I hope you can believe that today for whatever situation you may be facing. All the hugs from Meg! (Ugh I miss hugs!!)