Don't Rain On My Parade

My second day in London involved a little bit of rain. But, you know, after every rain storm comes a rainbow. And today proved that to be true.

In the morning my group was scheduled to have a lecture with a professor at the London University, but after waiting for awhile we realized he was not coming. This minor change lead to some free time and we were able to roam about the British Museum and enjoy a lovely lunch at a small cafe in the gardens of London.

As the rain continued on, we headed towards St. Paul's Cathedral and began our bus tour of the city. The rain began to clear up at the perfect time. We were headed to Buckingham Palace. 

Now, if you know me at all you understand my odd obsession with the royal family. So, going to the palace is a big deal. Just as we arrived, the sun came out and the skies were blue. The queen wasn't there, but just being near the building where she resides sent me over the moon. This was just the beginning to a wonderful night. 

After our tour we headed back to the hotel to go to dinner, but I had plans to split from the group with a few other girls to go see Les Miserables.

We managed to navigate the Tube quite brilliantly and found ourselves waiting eagerly for the show to start.

I was really excited to see the show due to my past as a thespian. Let me repeat that for you, THESPIAN. It's basically a fancy word named after a greek god that describes theatre kids. I am a theatre kid, and Les Mis is my favorite show of all time. I had only seen it once before on Broadway, but since then I have YouTubed scenes, watched anniversary DVDs, memorized and performed songs and seen the new movie at least a dozen times since the release. I really loved this show. It carries a beautiful message of redemption. The main character Jean Valjean is considered a thief and sentenced 19 years in prison after stealing a loaf of bread. Long story short through many circumstances and opportunities of grace poured upon him he redeem his name and others, as well. My favorite line in the whole show (and the book) is, "To love another person is to see the face of God." Victor Hugo so eloquently displays throughout the story that love and compassion are tools used for redemption. This is why when the last song rolls around I am always weeping. The story of redemption is always so beautiful, it reminds of how Christ daily and eternally redeems me.

The day ended with a tasty meal filled with giggles and a vivacious retelling of our commentary of the musical at Jamie Oliver's Diner.

See, I told you...after the rain there is always a rainbow.

xoxo,
Claire Marie

Maggie and I staying dry at St. Paul's Cathedral

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Enjoying lunch at a cafe in the middle of a park

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The beautiful view opposite of Buckingham Palace

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We may run, walk, stumble drive or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.  "   
-Gloria Gaither