southern ramblings

Sunday we took three cabs from the hotel to the airport. I got a little carsick on the way and nearly puked everywhere. After arriving at the airport we made it through check in and had time to wait and do some final shopping. I picked up some chocolate for my family. Heathrow is a really nice airport. The flight coming home was FOREVER - probably because we were trying to stay awake, but still - it seemed to take a million years. We landed in Chicago, got through customs (which was an experience, but nothing like getting into London), and then had time to wait again.
Our flight weighed too much so some of us volunteered to stay behind, we all made it on except Bart. Don't worry, he was compensated very nicely from the airline. The big joke was that Michelle's luggage took Bart's place on the way home. I had the chance to sit and visit w/ Dan on the flight back to Nashville. It was great. I really value the new friends I have b/c of this trip. It is wonderful. Mel's parents met me at the airport w/ my keys along w/ some of our friends from church. That was great to come home to a welcoming committee so to speak.
I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity and I thank God he provided for us all while we were there. The people of the L'boro congregation will always hold a special place in my heart as will all my England Teammates.

Sleeping in was wonderful - my body very much needed it. I slept until 9:30 and then got ready and headed over to Portobello Rd w/ LB for some market shopping. It was great, not just becuase its from one of my all time favorite movies (Bedknobs & Broomsticks) either, but mainly becuase it was fun to look at all the different little shops. LB & I ran into Vick, did a little more shopping and then headed for the London Eye.
The London Eye (a giant ferris wheel basically) was AMAZING!! You can see so many things. It was a really good day to go, even though it was a bit overcast, you could still see quite a bit.
I spent the afternoon w/ one of my teammates - shopping, sightseeing, eating lunch, and just hanging out. It was great - I'm very glad that we were able to spend that time alone to get to know one another better. It was a very pleasureable afternoon. My one saddness for the afternoon was that I never made it to LUSH - the bath store. It is really cool, but that just means I have to come back to London again sometime. We ended our afternoon w/ a walk through Hyde Park and ran across some Englishmen playing football (soccer). I stopped, sat under a tree, and watched for a good long while. I got some amazing pics. It was great. We went back towards the hotel and split to do some chessy soveinour shopping. This afternoon will probably be one of my favorite memories from the entire trip.
So much happened Saturday night, I had some very much needed conversations w/ people on the trip and really started processing through some of the gloomy feelings that have been w/ me the whole time. I think these conversations will be a new starting point for me. We'll see what happens when we get home. I've got to change some things in my life that is for sure - starting w/ making me a priority.

I got up way too early this morning, but I guess the rest of the team did as well. Could make for an interesting day. Jason took us (Les and I) to the train station this morning where we met up w/ everybody else. I have two words for you - Curses Michelle!! Her few bags we were supposed to bring back are huge and way heavy!!! I can't imagine living in another country for five years and then coming back to the US, but holy cow her stuff is heavy. I'm pretty sure the guys are going to kill her on sight when we get to Nashville! We caught the train w/ little to no problems. We actually stayed on the same train instead of changing so it made things much, much easier. We had an uneventful ride into London - which is what we all needed for so early in the morning. I rode w/ Tracey, Angie, & Tiffany. We all journaled talked, finished primping for the day, etc. It was very nice. I got to bond a little w/ Angie too - I'm really going to miss her when we get home. After we got to London things got a little complicated (as they often do when traveling in a large group). Some people took Michelles monster bags and took cabs to the hotel. The rest of us took the tube to the hotel. As we were walking to the tube station we ran across Platform 9 3/4 - Yep that's right - there are pictures of me at Platform 9 3/4!!! I couldn't believe it - it was great. Those of us on the train had to change trains a few times, but we eventually made it to Bayswater (the tube stop for our hotel in London). By the time we got off the tube I was pouring sweat. Exactly how I wanted to walk around London for the day - but we made it to the hotel and I used a hair dryer to attempt to do something w/ my hair. It actually didn't do too badly, but I still wish I'd had time to shower. OH well - who cares - I was finally in London!!!
Friday was probably the longest afternoon EVER! We did so many things. We were starving, but needed to sight see on the way to lunch. We went to Buckingham Palace, where we were able to see some "minor members of the royal family" go through the gates in carriages. We then headed to Leicester Square for lunch at the world famous Wagamama. It totally lived up to the name - I loved it. Les' cousin from NYC was able to meet us for lunch as he is studying abroad w/ one of the universities. He is great, so polite and kind. Thanks for lunch Ben!! From there Tiff, Ang, and I went to get Ang's Les Mis ticket - thank goodness we did, cause the production had changed theaters. Better to find out now than tonight when we might be running late. From the ticket booth we met back up w/ everything in Leiscester Square and headed for the Tower of London. Somewhere between the Square and the Tower my mood changed drastically. I was done - I became very withdrawn and quite - almost depressed. I've been struggling/fighting these feelings since Wednesday night and really though the alone time at Chadsworth would have cured it, but I guess not. By the time we got the the Tower of London all I wasnted to do was curl up in a ball and cry. Instead I sucked it up and put on a semi-brave face to go through the tour of the tower. I wish I had been in a better mood b/c it is full of history(which I love), but there was no shaking the gloomy mood that had come over me. I did walk through the crown jewel exhibit which was beautiful - but you can't take pics so I'm really glad I went through. After that Mel, Bart, Chris and myself were ready to head for the hotel and some quiet time. We went to find the exit and stubbled upon the tower bridge. I got really excited and started skipping which I haven't done since I was little. It was really funny. We took some great pictures so I can't wait to see those. We ran into Angie & LB who were leaving too so we all headed back to Bayswater.
I was very, very glad for the alone time when we returned from the hotel. It was great. I laid out my outfit for our big Les Mis and dinner outing tonight. Took my time getting ready. LB and I ended up rooming together cause Vick and Les weren't back yet. Getting to Les Mis was such a headache. Our group can't be on time if our lives depended on it - even though some of the tardiness wasn't our fault, it still kind sucked. So most of the group left for the production, got to the tube station in a single file, wave of people and got on the train. I was towards the back and Mel didn't make it through the turnstile - she had grabbed the wrong tube ticket. While waiting on her to get that sorted out the rest of the group left us. So it ended up Mel, Bart, Dan, and myself were going to the show on our own. Unfortunately the tube line we were on had problems and we got delayed just enough that we were late. I really, really did OK until my watch hit 7:30p (show start time) and then I started to cry. I just knew in my heart of hearts that they wouldn't let us in b/c we were late. I would have been ok, but my favorite parts of Les Mis are the opening scenes and first couple of songs. When we finally made it to the right tube stop and got off - we ran right into LB, who apparently got split off from the other group. So all five of us showed up about 25-30 minutes late. They did let us in to the theater which I was very greatful for. The show was OK, but not the best performance I've seen. Part of it could have been I was too drained to get into the show, I never really emotional engaged in the show, but it was alright. It was great to talk to Bart and Tracey during intermission though.
After the show we went to eat at this amazing Lebanese resturant. It was priceless and wonderful. Dinner took three hours becuase it comes out course by course - it was so great to have that time to visit and joke w/ everyone, but we were exhausted. When we finally finished around 1 am - we took the buses back to the hotel. The food was something I would never have eaten at home and I'm so glad I could share this experience w/ my team. Tomorrow is another full day of sight-seeing and shopping, but first I'm going to sleep late!!

Chadsworth is BEAUTIFUL!! The house is full of all kinds of history (British of course). It is so ornate - I love it. I can't imagine living during a time when things were that big and extravagant. The art work is amazing inside the house. It is someplace you could come and go through several times to read and learn everything. We had lunch at the stables restaurant - it was so good. I had a scone w/ clotted cream for the first time and I even put jam on it. It was amazingly delightful.
We all spent the afternoon going through the gardens. I spent a majority of the day w/ Mel and Bart - it was great. I took some great pictures of flowers - I can't wait to see how they turn out. I love my new camera. I'm very, very, very glad I spent the money to get it.
After Chadworth we went back to L'boro church and had some quiet time. I went down to the store to get water and coke and came back. The group had decided we should have fish & chips for dinner, so they kindly ordered chicken for me. I do love my group - they are so caring and considerate. They couldn't get it boneless, so I had to pull the meat off the bone. I did OK except it took me forever b/c I got really queasy a few times and had to walk away. We were eating in the back room of the church and Kinsey was having a rough evening (she's four after all). She got a bit better and wanted chicken, but I had finished mine, so Mel passed her remaining chicken to Sheryl, sadly she ended up showing me all the bones on the under side. I immediately went pale and started getting sick. I ended up getting sick and pretty much parted w/ most of my dinner. It was OK, even comical, except it made me cry - which I hate.
I came back to dinner and tried to finish my chips (French fries), just so I'd have something in my stomach. Then did the dishes until Bart started making fun of me - so I let him finish the dishes.
We had a game night w/ the young adults. It was great, but I was exhausted and all I wanted to do is go to bed. I tried to be engaged, but it was very difficult. We finally left for home around 10:30p. Paul took us home and it was wonderful to spend that quiet time w/ him and his girls. They are a wild bunch for sure. Les and I laughed and talked w/ them the whole time. I will truly miss this part of the trip - just spending the time w/ the members of the congregation. When Les and I arrived home both Jason and Debbie were still awake to thank us for the books we had gotten for the kids. Both kids really liked them. We talked about Chadsworth and then how excited we were about London. We didn't get to bed until nearly 2 am and tomorrow we have to be AT the train station at 7ish. It's going to be a long day tomorrow!!

HBC closed today. It was great!! The kids had so much fun - which is really what matters. I really hope that we have made a difference in the kids lives. The women who washes Jesus feet lesson did not go well in talk time today, but we had fun singing wonderful songs that remind us of the love of Jesus. So all in all I suppose it still served its purpose.
After lunch the group split up, some went to a nursing home/assisted living facility to visit w/ the residents, while the rest of us stayed behind to do some organizing and cleaning at the church building. Some of the things we found were gross, some disgusting, but many more were amazing. The amount of history represented is phenomenal to me. I worked w/ Les, Mel, Vick, Dan and Bart to get the cabinets finished. Some of the conversations were hysterical - we are all very tired. It was great to have serious conversations w/ a few group members too. It was nice for them to share their observations w/ me - I truly appreciated their kind words.
Wednesday night was church. Phil lead an awesome discussion in which many of the home congregation participated. What a wonderful thing to witness the interaction! The singing was pretty good - one of the older couples from the congregation requested this absolutely great hymn. (I have no idea which one, but it was priceless). It had this really high soprano part - it was great b/c all the American girls stopped singing and looked down the row to our "all star soprano" Tracey. Sadly she figured out we had all dropped out and was a little intimidated, so she backed off, but it was still amazing.
After church Jason (our host dad) was nice enough to take Les and I over to Mark's to use the computer. Sadly it has gotten a virus, so I will truly be out of touch for the entire 10 days I'm gone. Oh well - maybe it is for the better anyway. This way I have no distractions, thankfully.

HBC went much better today as far as talk time is concerned. The rest was about the same. I'm thinking of re-writing tomorrow's talk time to be a more interactive story like today's - the kids really got into all the sounds and animation. We told the story of Gideon using actions, motions, and sound effects such as "flap, flap" for the angel and "squelch, squelch" for winepress. It was really cool to watch the kids get into it.
I took some time right after lunch today to go out alone - well nearly alone-Mel came w/ me. But since we live together and are pretty much used to sharing our quiet time it wasn't a big deal. I had to go change more cash and was in need of fizzy water - my new favorite drink. It's like seltzer water BUT so much better. It is less carbonated so it is smoother, if that makes any sense at all.
Tonight we spent w/ the Young Adults. It was great. They are very much a group of observers so it was interesting to listen to some of them come out of their shells a bit. I hope that we are making some difference in their lives w/o imposing too much of our own thoughts. This is actually a topic Bart and I spent some time discussing tonight. The singing has been WONDERFUL - much better than I thought it would be. I was worried before we left, to be honest, but it continuous to improve.
We also visited Bradgate Park - home of Lady Jane Grey. We took some pictures, it was so very English. Dark, overcast sky, brisk wind, and just a dull day. It was wonderful. I could very much move to this country. We also visited an abbey today. We all took some great pictures, so I'm very excited to get home and get them back.
On a personal note: I've been dealing w/ a lot of different things in my personal life and it is getting harder and harder to keep my emotions in check while I'm here. I'm having to fight back tears more often than I'd like, and my stress level has started to show to other members of the group. I have to constantly remind myself that I must keep it together - we are NOT here for ourselves, but for the wonderful members of this congregation. I hope I can keep it together for the remainder of the week.

HBC was AWESOME!! The kids are so cute. We have a bunch of wild little boys - much love to lunatic Lew and pscyho Sam (nicknames given by the children themselves). Talk time - the part of HBC that I'm in charge of - totally flopped today w/ the little kids. It went a little better w/ the oldren ones. I really hope that tomorrows more interactive story will go a bit better.
After HBC, we did a walking tour and some shopping in Loughbourgh today. They have this amazing shoe shop that I'm going to try to get sexy shoes at for London. We'll see what happens.
We had women's bible study tonight at the church. Can I just tell you how wonderful Sheryl Wilson is - she did a great job. And Tracey Dean - holy cow can the girl sing. It was beautiful. The lesson was on the woman at the well and Jesus. The ladies of L'boro really had some good discussions following the story. I feel so lucky to get to be on a trip w/ such amazing women, only to go meet more amazing women.
My favorite moment: At the end of the Bible Study some ladies requested to sing more songs - Kinsey climbed up in my lap to sit. She ended up holding the song book and sang alone to the tune, even though she can't read the words. It was 'ohs' 'ums' and 'uhs' but is was ADORABLE!! It was absolutely precious. I nearly started to cry.

Eleven and a half hours of sleep - Praise the Lord!!! I would have gotten more, but it was extremely necessary to shower prior to church - two days of travel funk washed away. Bless running water. Les and I are staying together w/ Jason & Debbie Hill and their two children Calum and Loren. They are really sweet and have opened their home and lives to us both. The kids are adorable and were very excited when we arrived last night.
Church was a million miles away from Otter Creek. It reminded me of attending church w/ my grandmother in small town Middle Tennesse, except that Bart was doing the song leading. Following service we had a potluck fellowship luncheon. This congregation can cook - that is all I have to say. After lunch we spent the day preparing for Holiday Bible Club (Vacation Bible School). I painted the "time shed door" and helped w/ the back drop. It was good.
We had evening service and then went home w/ our respective hosts for another good night of sleep.