Interview with Amy Boucher Pye

In her spiritually infused memoir Still Finding Myself in Britain, American Amy Boucher Pye recounts how she navigated the culture shock of life and faith as she made her home in an English vicarage. As you consider various quirks and customs in Britain through Amy’s eyes – from plumbing to accents to tea and queuing – you’ll sense God’s gentle and loving invitation to find yourself in him. 

Amy, can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I’m a writer, speaker, spiritual director, and I’ve lived in the UK for over 25 years! 

Still Finding Myself in Britain is the tenth anniversary edition of your original memoir Finding Myself in Britain. Can you tell us what is different about this edition? 

We have a wonderful new foreword by Paul Kerensa with some telling stories of his time in the States, a new introduction and afterword, and updating within…  

As you have looked back on the original book to revise it for this edition, how did you feel? Were there things that surprised you / had changed about yourself since you wrote the original? 

To be honest, it was hard looking back! I think for a lot of us, the past ten years have been challenging, with the pandemic, cost of living crisis, and more global changes of people becoming more suspicious and fractious. Our own family has had its fair share of travails, so I sought also to remember how God has brought us through those times, and how he never abandoned us while we were in them. I continue to find myself in Britain! 

Who have you written this book for?  

For anyone who wants to think about themselves, their lives (wherever they live), what they believe and why – and how they can find themselves in God.  

You talk about finding your home in Christ, no matter whether you are physically around loved ones or not. What advice would you give to someone who feels a bit out of their depth or lost in their current circumstances? 

Trust God! God always runs towards us when we even turn towards him in the tiniest way. He will really make a way where there feels like there’s no way. As we pour out our thoughts, feelings, fears, and joys to him, he receives those feelings as a gift. And he gives us our true home in him.  

You include lots of great recipes for an authentic taste of America. What would be your favourite and why? 

I think it depends on the season, as they are grouped by celebratory event! So wild rice for Thanksgiving, almond cookies for Christmas, and corn salsa for a barbecue! 

Is there still something that you really miss from America (apart from family and friends)? 

Ranch dressing and everything-but-the-bagel seasoning.   

What was the most challenging element of writing this book?  

Having to revisit painful memories of those times I felt ‘too much’ or ‘too other’, or the tough memories of family life and hardships we faced.  

And what was the most rewarding element of writing this book?  

Seeing how God brought us through those tough times, and how he’s solidified my identity in him. How I’ve really found myself in Britain! 

What do you hope readers will most get out of reading this book? 

A deep reassurance that no matter our cultural attachments, that God is for us. That we can find ourselves in him. 

In one sentence, how would you describe Still Finding Myself in Britain?  

A through the year look at life in the UK from an American’s point of view, focusing on faith, home and true identity.  

Is there anything we can pray for you? 

That I would make some friends in this new location!