Shortly after graduating from high school, I moved to London from a village in upstate New York where I could see the Catskill mountains from my window. Now I am suddenly plunged into this great city with its millions of people from every walk of life. What will I find here and what will I learn?

London, the biggest city in all of Europe, serves as the epicenter of England's business and financial worlds. Thousands of people traverse through here every day, many trying to make ends meet, while others continue their already prosperous careers. When most people hear the word "London" they immediately think of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey or the London Eye. What they are not aware of, however, is that there is much more to London than these well-known tourist attractions that mark the grey skyline.

My first glimpses of London out of the taxi window made my head spin. Suits and ties running everywhere, rushing onto trains ("tubes") that constantly enter and exit the city – conversing on their latest cell phone or listening to music, oblivious of anyone else around them. Everyone is constantly on the go, trying to keep up with the newest fashions and technological gadgets. But what are the results of this fast paced life? Not only acquiring the latest and greatest, I am soon to find out, but also emptiness and stories of broken families. Little did I know that soon I would come to know and love quite a different face of London.

"Seven mangos for one pound, fresh, sweet juicy mangos, come and buy them." With this phrase ringing in my ears, I make my way down Green Street to Queens Market, where Asian vendors sell their fruit and wares. Moms with their children running behind them make their way through the thick crowds of people. The smells of raw meat, fish and Indian spices wafting through the air mark the unmistakable scenes of East London.

It is a different culture. Unique in its diversity, the atmosphere of this area is leisurely and welcoming to newcomers. Though it is one of the poorest boroughs in London, Newham is home to many cultures and religions. Why do they choose to live here? Are there other motives for their moving in? And what about the obvious poverty and hardship that is everywhere? I asked myself these questions when I moved here, and they are still churning in me.

On a cold December afternoon, across the street, I hear the familiar voices of Sikh friends calling my name, "come in to our house for a cup of chai!" They invited us to make curry with them, and we returned the favor by having them over for pizza. Another couple, Alonzo and Gabriel, like to come with their wheelchair-bound teenaged daughter. They tell me nonstop about their life together and how their daughter, although handicapped, keeps them going and gives them a purpose for each day. As Gabriele puts it, "she makes me a better person." Alonzo tells his favorite story of how they met, when both were new immigrants to the U.K. and each spoke a different language. He proudly says "we have been married for 25 years!" The joy they have together is no secret; the smiles on their faces explain it all. For many, this idea of helping one another and having joy in life is what keeps them going and gives them the motive to "live, work and stay" in such a place as Newham.

Living here provides great opportunities every day to help and care for those around me. Mondays I walk to the Baptist Church and volunteer at the play group for toddlers. Playing with the children and conversing with their moms is a lot of fun. As a newcomer, I am totally accepted and loved by the children.

Tragically, just before Christmas my neighbor's wife across the road fell from a window and died. They had lived together there for about 30 years and he was devastated. In an effort to support him, some of my friends and I brought some baked goods and sang to him. It drew us together as neighbors. Isn't this what life is all about, caring for those around us?

In July of this year the already congested city will be invaded by thousands of people coming to the Summer Olympics to be held here in Newham from July 27th to August 12th. For three weeks the entire world will gyrate around this one small borough of London, where at least 205 nations are expected to take part. The estimated cost to fund both the games and regeneration of this area is £9.345 billion. In the wake of these extensive preparations the problems of society, such as homelessness and unemployment seem to be neglected. Is this really what we want for our neighborhood? Is this glamour and glitter really worth its weight?

I don't plan to attend the Olympics. I prefer to spend time with my neighbors, and friends to the lights, noise, and fame of the Olympic Games. It is true that the Olympics display a certain degree of collaboration between different countries participating in events that encourage teamwork, sportsmanship and self-discipline. But is this all there is to life?

I am seeing that it is not all. It is in caring for the people around me, with their joys and sorrows, their needs and hurts, that makes my life here in London truly rich and rewarding.

 

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Your Turn. Tell us what you thought about this article:

Responses

It's always so helpful and spiritually healthy to read the LOVE of God is still shining, bringing others into the warmth and circle of goodness and abundant living through acting on what is simply choosing to do unto others as you'd have another do to you.

deborah
Los Angeles

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Maureen, thank you! Your life is our life too! "Heavenly God...the Spirit of Truth...present in all places and filling all things, come and dwell in us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O Good One!"

David
Minneapolis, MN

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:a wonderful article. it's so true what maureen says.  caring for and loving all those around us is far more important than any event in the sports world--and it's a COMMAND from God.  thanks for what you wrote, it's a very timely message.

ted
New York

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I thank God for Maureen Seldomridge for her compassionate heart, for that servant heart, a heart which is ready to lay down everything for the sake of her neighbor to the extent of deciding to abandon the Olympic games...when God begins to plant people with big hearts like Maureen in Newham, then I believe within a short time His will and His kingdom will be manifested in Newham and this is our prayer in Africa and other parts of the world facing similar challenges.

Michael Ssebbaale
Kampala, Uganda