A New Adventure, London

When I made my plans to visit friends in England, I told them that I wanted to be a tourist 20% of the time. Today was my London day! The weather was very cool and overcast. It was perfect for running around a large city. Luke was my tour guide for the day. We traveled into London on the train with Sarah. Less than an hour later, we were at Paddington Station. Sarah went her way, we went ours. 

Since I wanted to ride in a double decker bus, we toured the city from the top of an open air bus, alighting at various places that we wanted to see close up, spending time at each one. It was amazing to see so much history in one spot. Plus, mixed in with centuries old buildings such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, there were modern buildings, such as The Shard and The Gherkin.

With all the places we visited, my favorite was...not Buckingham Palace or Marble Arch or Big Ben or Five Guys Burgers, but St. Paul's Cathedral. (Although, I was a bit disappointed that the Bird Lady from Mary Poppins wasn't there.)

Luke and I spent hours there, thanking God for giving mere humans the ability to create such a beautiful place. It inspires worship. We visited several areas of the Cathedral learning about the history of that particular spot. Then, we did it. We walked up the 528 steps to the top of the dome. Luke was concerned about me. "Will Maakum's knees hold out? Will she have a heart attack?" He was so sweet. All was fine except wen we were coming down and I was reading something on the wall and didn't watch where I was placing me feet. I only missed one step! The view from the top was incredible! 

After a rest, we continued on our touring. My legs were like jelly for quite awhile! God is good, and He gave me the strength to keep on going. We walked over to the bus stop and enjoyed the view for awhile before alighting again. We ended our day at The Mad Bishop and Bear for sustenance before we met Sarah and returned to Ramsbury. It was an exhausting day. It was also a day given to us by God to enjoy. And we did.

A New Adventure, Day 3

The sun was shining. The birds were singing and the brook was babbling. God was, and still is, in His heaven and all was right with the world. Another day had begun. Today I would go with Sara to the Methodist Church of Ramsbury for their coffee hour. Sara goes once a month with her greeting card business. (Not to be confused with ATE's Sarah, although Sara is an ATE volunteer.)The church is a lovely one, small, with lots of character. I found out that there are only a handful or so people who attend worship services there. (Maybe I should be a missionary to Ramsbury!) Sara unpacked her cards, setting up a nice display. We sat and chatted with the ladies of the community and a few men, too. Plus, I went shopping! There were a few items of clothing and some household items, gently used, for sale. I ended up buying a bright pink sweater to wear in this cooler, damper weather. It cost me £1, a vet good investment! Afterwards, I walked to the Post to buy a couple of items before returning to Pip's house. 

Tonight was the big night, the London premiere of the Action Through Enterprise film. We wanted to get an early start to make sure everything was set up and ready with time to spare. As Pip drove into London, her and Sarah talked about last minute details and thought of a zillion little things that needed to be done once we arrived at the venue for the evening.

Chairs, clipboards and brochures were put in place. Luke was in charge of setting up the refreshment table! Refreshments were set out. Now, to wait! My job was to direct people to the room where the event was being held.

At 6:30, everything was a "go." People enjoyed refreshments, Sarah greeted people, Bex Burch played the traditional xylophone from the Lawra area and it was time for the film. Even though I had previewed the film, I got teary eyed watching it again. It is such a good portrayal of life in Lawra and the work Action Through Enterprise - ATE is doing there. The folks at Epiphany Productions filmed this in Lawra in January of this year, and did the entire project pro bono! What a gift! It was very well received.

After everything was over and done with, cleaned up, put away, we went out to celebrate at a pub that was named after me...The Angel!

We did eventually make it back to Ramsbury, after midnight! I was one tired person. But, it was a wonderful day and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I am grateful that I have had this opportunity!