First impressions - Food, rain, church and jet lag!

State Flag of Georgia since 2003

So I have finally made it to Atlanta.  It seemed at points like I may not get here but I have.  It has been hard establishing first impressions as I have only been in the country for just over 24 hours, and most of that has been affected by jet-lag.  Getting up at 4.40am in order to catch my flight and then flying for 9 hours is tiring stuff!

  However, after meeting up with Matthew and Caroline (my flatmates), the first job was stopping off for dinner.  They took me to the Flying Biscuit Cafe in Atlanta (www.flyingbiscuit.com).  Apparently a 'must have' experience.  Sadly, due to the aforementioned tiredness, I didn't enjoy it as much as I would usually enjoy eating establishments - definitely a place to return in the future.  Whilst there I did learn, though, that when Americans speak of biscuit, the British would think of it as a scone.  I suppose this is a twist on the whole scone/scon (I know this isn't the correct spelling!) argument in Britain.

Peachtree Road UMC

  After 10 hours sleep and 3 hours dozing I went with Matthew and Caroline to two church services on Sunday morning - and they couldn't be more contrasting.  The first service we attended was Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (www.prumc.org).  This was (by British standards) a huge church.  It had a predominantly white congregation and a well drilled choir.  The service was structured with a mixture of choral pieces and congregational hymns.  It was most definitely a safe space, where visitors wouldn't be threatened and could participate as much or as little as they wished.  However, it was also possible to walk out of the church without anyone speaking to us.

  The second service was at Ariel Bowen Memorial United Methodist Church (no website).  It was not in as salubrious a setting and the majority of the congregation were Afro-Caribbean.  From the moment we walked in (admittedly we were quite early) everyone came over to speak to us.  There was a set order of service which was followed, but there was a far more relaxed atmosphere.  When it came to sharing the peace, the smaller congregation made it possible to speak to everyone.  There was more impromptu involvement from the congregation with calls of 'Amen', and 'Hallelujah' throughout the service.  While it isn't my style, it does suggest a more active participation.  However, as visitors we were also called upon to stand up.  They had taken our names and where we were from before the service began and this was read out to the rest of the congregation.  While the reception was rapturous it could be a bit daunting for unsuspecting visitors!  There was also a choir, but this made up of the children who were enthusiastic in all they did.  It really didn't matter that one child shouted the songs down the microphone.

  So two very different experiences of church, but experiences I hope to have throughout the year.  Both were most definitely worship and enabling for the congregations who were present.  But more in depth analysis may need to be carried out when I'm a bit more awake!  It has been good to start my time in Atlanta in worship and dedicating the time to God.  But now, the work begins - student orientation begins tomorrow.  On the plus side - they provide lunch!      

  The only thing left to say is that, probably in order to help me settle in, it has rained today.  The only difference being that, unlike Britain, I was able to be out in the rain and not feel cold!