Riding Through the Roundabout (Megan Guinther)

Today I embarked on a new adventure: biking to get groceries. I have a bike here thanks to the generosity of those around me. Kaitlyn bought the bike from the Van Lieres and is graciously allowing me to share it, as I was experiencing some foot pain. Although biking to the supermarket may sound like a simple task, it is far more challenging in a place where people drive on the opposite side of the road, bikers are not permitted to bike on the sidewalk (a.k.a. pavement), and supermarkets do not provide free bags. As I was down to my last breakfast biscuit and container of leftover pasta, I determined today must be the day I embarked on my journey to the store.

I am gradually becoming accustomed to cycling next to cars, on the left side of the road, but until today I had yet to conquer the roundabout, the intimidating traffic circle that is the most common kind of intersection here in England. Even though I gained more confidence with each rotation of the wheel, I was still intimidated by the unfamiliar, fast-moving clockwise intersection—on the bike no less. Instead of blindly hoping for the best, I opted to pause and observe other cars, pedestrians, and bikers as they continued on their paths through the roundabout, like clockwork. After a few minutes of observing I finally felt confident enough to stay in my bike lane, pedal feverishly, and turn around the center of the intersection. By the grace of God I made it through the roundabout to the other side! I reached the supermarket and was free to roam the isles to find inspiration and nourishment for the week.

I had made my previous few visits to the supermarket with a small group of other Calvin students. This communal grocery shopping experience provided comfort and security as I searched for items that were once familiar disguised and hidden in unusual places. Together we figured out that dishwashing soap here is called “washing up liquid”, and band-aids are “plasters”. Entering the supermarket alone, I momentarily wondered: “How can I do this on my own when I still feel so new in this place?” As I looked around the store, though, I found other people, just like me, some wandering with a list in their hand and others striding purposefully toward the shelves. Once I found the well-hidden baby carrots on my own, I felt more confident and self-assured.

This may be the most detailed account of a trip to a grocery store that you have ever read, but I think there is truth in the details. Far too often I am intimidated by unfamiliar tasks such as biking in a new place or going somewhere alone because of all of the details. However, once I confidently stepped out of my comfort zone and just went for it, I was rewarded with joy and newfound confidence. I tried something new, and I learned that I am capable of living an independent life, and frankly I enjoy the freedom to go grocery shopping alone. Today I challenge you to try something new: maybe something with details that scare you away (such as biking through a roundabout). Even if you are unsure of what to do in this new area, just wait, watch, and wander into the new territory unafraid of the unfamiliar turns that lie ahead.

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