2 months since dad, Thanksgiving time and new car – Week 33 (November 2010)

Windsor shopping time, friends from NC, charity work and thanks – Week 32 (November 2010)

All the Christmas decorations are out already in the shops, streets are decorated and its only the middle of November. Praying that everyone remembers the reason for the season………….Christ’s birth. Met some more friends from NC in Windsor, yes more food coming my way with oreo’s! Lovely to see them, just such a shame the weather was wet and cold, but as they said to me they were expecting it as they were coming to England in November!

Gave some of my time to go and help at the local homeless shelter as well as the local Children’s Ward. Truly is a humbling experience to be at both of those locations but the people and children you help are so so very grateful. Got a lovely card hand made by the children in the hospital to say thank you – that really warmed my heart.

Able to spend some quality time with friends over the weekend and it was lots of fun being with the children both outside with the horses and inside in the house nice and warm. Certainly coming time of hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows round the fires.

Out and about, friends in UK and NC – Week 31 (November 2010)

You can certainly tell that winter is round the corner with how cold it has got. Despite the weather mum and I made it out a lot to get lots of coffee (of course!) plus to have some fun looking at cars. Little did we know how much time you can lose while looking at cars, mum enjoyed it though and was lovely to see her smiling.

Still uncovering and finding out more about dad and some of the photos of him have made us chuckle lots. Some of his friends came round during the week which was nice and we all went out – meant no cooking for us! Never thought I would start to say I am getting the hang of this cooking business!

Icing on the cake for me this week was seeing a good friend of mine from NC. Hard to think I haven’t seen her since April, you always know when you have a good friendship because no matter the distance between you both when you talk etc its like you have never been away. Oh and of course I was smiling as some double stuffed oreo’s and trail mix made it over – yeah!

Autumn time, clocks change, charity and uncovered pictures – Week 30 (November 2010)

Lots happened this week. Firstly we are into a new month; also the clocks went back so we gained an hour extra sleep (hooray!) and the beautiful colours of Autumn came out – they were stunning and looked like a picture postcard.

Mum and I had done a lot in the house and took some of my old toys and games to the Children’s Ward at our local hospital. To see the smiles on the children’s and staff’s faces was so touching, we know every item will be used well. Also some clothes got taken to the Homeless Shelter, again the smiles there meant so much – it’s always lovely to be able to be a blessing to someone else. Lastly we managed to take some other items to the British Heart Foundation which can be used to help raise money for their charity.

I continue to learn so much about dad as each day goes on and this week was no exception. We uncovered some of his old diaries from when he used to travel and some pictures of him from being a baby all the way through to his late 20’s and wedding day. They made mum and I smile so, so much, dad truly was and still is a very special person :)

Out pouring of love and dad is always with us - Week 29 (October 2010)

Suppose its not every day you can say your horse sends you a video message to check on his mum, but with me being who I am I did receive one – yes the people at the stables in NC are as horse crazy as me. Must admit the video certainly made mum and I smile lots.

The outpouring of love, prayers and well wishes has been so humbling. It’s amazing how much more I am learning about dad as each day goes by and how he touched so many people’s lives over his 63 years. Mum and I got to enjoy coffee a few times this week with friends which was nice, plus got to play with a 2 year old and a 3 year old when we all went to Bekonscot the model village in Beaconsfield (http://www.bekonscot.co.uk/). I haven’t been there since I was about 7 so clearly I had as much fun as the children did!

Over the rest of the weekend mum got to come with me up to the horses to see Charlotte and Jack which was lovely for her. Then the Sunday Simone and Ryan kindly cooked for us a great Sunday roast dinner – yum, yum! Of course we got to play with Megan lots!

Loving touch of friends and family in UK and NC – Week 28 (October 2010)

October certainly seems to be moving quickly and we know God is right there with us. Sadly mum and I had to go to another funeral this week as a friend of the family had passed away. Even through all the upset we were able to help our friends and I spent time with their daughters as I totally understand what they are going through with their dad having been called home too.

Mum and I are so deeply touched by the love of our friends and family, both in the UK and in NC. God knew what He was doing with giving me an extended family in the US :). We got to Skype with them and always makes us feel we are right there with them in their home :).

We did also get a chance to do some retail therapy this week – well ok I think dad is stopping us buying anything as any clothes we really liked seemed to not be available in our sizes in all the shops in Windsor – thanks dad!!!

No matter what has happened over the past few weeks I know the pure and devoted love of a family is one of life’s greatest blessings. And having such wonderful friends who truly care and provide support and have your best interests at heart is another huge blessing that I am honoured to have.

Dad is always with us – Week 27 (October 2010)

What an amazing Celebration of Life for dad we had. He was such a remarkable person and I am honoured to be his daughter. One Psalm that was read over dad while in hospital and during the service is Psalm 23 – it certainly has a special place in our hearts.

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Mum and I were able to get out an about a bit this week which was nice and enjoyed some fresh air and time together. She is such a strong woman and truly exemplifies Proverbs 31:10-31.

A Celebration of Dad’s Life – Week 26 (October 2010)

The week was a very ‘odd’ one as mum and I kept feeling dad was on holiday, I suppose in some way he is but he is now with Our Lord and Saviour in his new body. While he is physically away from us on earth he is spiritually with us, we can always see him and feel him and have a great peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, that he is safe.

Lots of things to get done this week in preparation for dad’s service, it would be a celebration of his life though. God was directing every path and made all our paths straight and all that needed to be accomplished was. The day of dad’s service was very emotional, there were over 80 people at the Hampden Chapel, it’s a true testimony of all the lives that dad touched.

One at Rest

Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep.
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts for I am just asleep.
The living thinking me that was is now forever still,
And life goes on without me now, as time forever will.

If your heart is heavy now because I've gone away,
Dwell not long upon it friend for none of us can stay.
Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me, I thank you most of all.

And in my fleeting lifespan, as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate, to laugh, to love, to cry.
Matters it now if time began if time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.

God called dad home – Week 25 (September 2010)

Dad’s chest infection had suddenly turned into double pneumonia but he was in the right place and where God had intended for him to be. During the next few days we had many ups and downs with dad’s health and one day the doctor’s prepared us for the worst – but it wasn’t Gods timing then. God gave us 4 more days with dad where we got the see the dad we all knew and loved, full of smiles and finally not in pain.

At just gone 8am on Wednesday 22nd September God called dad home into His loving arms of protection and perfect peace.

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... "DAD”

Mum and I got to experience such special moments with dad just as he passed, they are moments we will never forget – WE LOVE YOU DAD ‘For you have a very special place in my heart’ Philippians 1:7

Back in the UK and then off to Dorset – Week 24 (September 2010)

Touched down late on Thursday evening from Malta but so nice to give dad a massive hug and kiss once we got through the doors home. He looked well and happy to have his girls back home with him :)

Mum dropped Michelle off at the train station on Friday morning and then we all spent time together talking about the holiday – oh yes; of course, I was working a bit too! Friday night dad didn’t seem 100% right so I stayed home that night and set off to Dorset early on Saturday morning for James and Lucy’s wedding. What a beautiful day it was – so wonderful to see God bringing together another husband and wife. All aspects of the service and reception were lovely, truly a day to remember, and yes there was a lot of dancing going on too – my feet were hurting afterwards! Sunday and time for a nice relaxing lunch with people at my Aunt’s house before making my way back to Stoke Green, thankfully I didn’t miss the stop on the train bearing in mind I fell asleep!

Round to another work week, Monday and Tuesday were ‘normal’ as it were but poor dad was not well by Tuesday evening, turns out he has a chest infection. By the time Wednesday came round we had doctors and paramedics out, he ended up needing to go into hospital. It certainly was an emotional time but we knew God was in control and He would protect dad.

Malta and holiday time – Week 23 (September 2010)

No sooner had I got back from Paris it was off to Malta where mum and I would be going for a week holiday. Dad has a lovely nurse called Michelle looking after him so we knew he was in safe hands.

Once we touched down in Malta (www.visitmalta.com) we could sure tell it was hot! So lovely to see the sunshine! Malta has sooooo much history to it; it’s like stepping back in time thousands of years. We were staying at the North of the Island where we also had a view of Gozo and Comino.

Mum and I got to relax a bit and enjoy the sun as well go an tour the island. We saw so much during our time there the list is endless: Valetta, Silema, Mdina, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, all the stunning bays – experienced the local food and so much more. Yes there are plenty of pictures but as yet I haven’t had a chance to upload them – they will follow!

One thing that shall truly stay with us was the stunning sunsets which we were privileged to see – God’s beauty is stunning. Week went quickly and time to head back to the UK.

Bank Holiday Weekend in Paris – Week 22 (August/September 2010)

So here we are at the end of August moving into September. This weekend is the UK Bank Holiday and I was off and away to Paris for the extended time – hard to think I had never been to Paris up till now. So here we are at the end of August moving into September. This weekend is the UK Bank Holiday and I was off and away to Paris for the extended time – hard to think I had never been to Paris up till now.
Pretty early start had to catch the ferry from Dover to Calais, now I remember how I don’t do too well on boats………… thankfully the Channel Crossing wasn’t too bad and my sea legs didn’t take too long to get rid of. The second we arrived in France it was switching over to driving on the other side of the road then a long ish drive to hotel in Paris. Gradually my French came back to me but I sure could tell it was rusty!

Sunday morning and after a Continental Breakfast it was off to see all the sites of Paris. So many to name they would take up too much room! One of the major highlights was making it up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, the views were amazing. Of course I had to eat crepes, lots of cheese and bread oh and ice cream! The tour of Paris was breathe taking, check out the pictures by clicking the link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=494695&id=898345077&l=1aa107b3fa

In the evening it was a cruise up and down the Seine River before finally crashing back to bed in the hotel early on Monday morning. On route back to Calais we stopped at Mont-Martre and got to see the stunning Sacre-Couer and was blessed enough to be part of worship service then made our way back to Calais. Time had gone very quickly and the icing on the cake (as it were) for the weekend away was a picture perfect sunset over the Channel.

West End, Sister Act and horses – Week 21 (August 2010)

Have I said before how much I love having Skype?!!! Makes so much difference being able to see everyone I miss so dearly. Would prove to be a VERY wet and rainy week – roll on the sunshine in Paris and Malta soon! But the rain is a sign of God’s love too and He truly was shining down on me all week.

Got to meet up with Allyson and Archie in London, went shopping but I was pretty well behaved – well ok I only got 1 item. Then we headed to the West End to go and watch Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. I truly enjoy the West End, Sister Act was great, a lot of messages in the lyrics and overall storyline. One line that really stays with me is “It’s the Lord’s word, why are we whispering it?” Its true with all God has done and continues to do for us why are we not bolder for Him?

Sunday was a great day spent in some sunshine (finally!) and up with the horses. Simone and Ryan bought little Megan up for her first EVER ride on a pony – totally adorable when she got on Tanner, she is only 18 months and took it all in her stride – watch out Megan’s mum and dad she might want a pony when she is older!

Able to witness God calling another person to bring His word and become ordained as a Minister – its been a great week.

Fellowship and family time - Week 20 (August 2010)

After my travels last week this week was spent closer to home. Got to spend some lovely quality time with friends and shared in some wonderful fellowship too.

Even though we are nearly 5 months into my time, I am finding it harder right now being away from NC, however God is providing me the strength and comfort I need. Got to worship with my Mt Zion family, certainly miss not being there in person but God is with us wherever we go. Truly enjoyed seeing my NC family and I know I will see them again soon.

Week was one of running errands and trying to keep dry as the weather was yuck! Managed to spend sometime with the horses in between dodging the rain showers, being in the fresh air was much needed.

We got to pick our family portrait pictures up as well – all we could say is wow, they came out really well! Mum, dad and I all spent time together; you can never replace family time and memories. Next few weeks sure are going to be busy so it was nice to have a quieter weekend.

Bath and Longleat time – Week 19 (August 2010)

Still very happy having seen people via Skype, least they don’t seem as far away now with the technology that we have in the 21st Century.

This weekend I headed of to the historic city of Bath in Wiltshire (http://visitbath.co.uk/) for a weekend away and also a trip to Longleat house and safari park. Amazing how you can take so much for granted when you live in a country and don’t experience the history of it, yet when you come back for a year you want to see as much as possible! God’s beauty is everywhere you look :)

After a 2 hour drive arrived safe and sound in Bath. I was completely blown away when I stepped inside the Bath Abbey, the stunning architecture as well, beautiful stain glass windows and all the details that date back thousands of years – managed to take a video of it. The whole city of Bath was lovely, I got to visit the ancient Roman Baths, and the history there was amazing, wondered around the city, saw The Circle and so much more. All of the pictures taken can be accessed by this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=480904&id=898345077&l=b746332758
Next stop was Longleat (http://www.longleat.co.uk/). Totally enjoyed myself, went on safari then headed for the boat safari, butterfly house, the Maze and so much more. Finally home by late evening - think I need a day off to recover from everything!

Shopping, cream tea time and a quiet weekend – Week 18 (August 2010)

Wow, we are into August already. I got a lovely surprise as I got to see all the Bethea family via Skype-so happy to see them, and yes, I did shed a tear when we all hung up. The boys are growing so quickly, least I will be back to see them next year - yeah!

Week was a busy one in work, at least the weekend wasn't quite as hectic. Went over to Wycombe on Friday to spend sometime with Simone and Megan, she is another little one growing so quickly! On Saturday mum and I ventured into Uxbridge to check out a new shopping center, yes ok, we both spent money and actually got the same jackiet, best not wear it at the same time :)

Sunday would be when I took mum and dad out for a typical British Cream tea at Stoke Park (http://www.stokeparkclub.com/). The grounds are beautiful and we throughly enjoyed our time, lets say we didn't need too much for dinner that night. We will be certain to come back again and next time sit in the gardens.

So another week down and August is a busy month with travel, looking forward to it!

Dorset weekend and a busy week – Week 17 (July 2010)

This weekend saw me heading off to Dorset for a weekend with my Aunt and Uncle in the countryside. 2 hours later on a train I pulled into Gillingham, Dorset (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gillingham,_Dorset). It’s the first time I have seen my Aunt at her home and each moment was special. With all the beautiful and stunning countryside we got to go on stunning walks with Ginny (their dog), felt as if I was on holiday!

Saturday night saw us heading off to one of the National Trust’s Heritage homes, Stourhead (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead/) where we got to enjoy an evening picnic set in stunning scenery with an amazing firework display all choreographed to music to send the evening. Many memories from that night. Next morning was off to the airfield to watch some of the micro light planes and see the beautiful countryside that God has created. Eventually after a lovely bbq for lunch I gradually made my way back to Stoke Green.

Work was busy to say the least this week, so pleased I had a relaxing weekend to cope with the hours this week would bring! Oh and of course coffee and chocolate helps to keep me going!

Time out, summer sales, technology and girls nights - Week 16 (July 2010)

Middle of July and that means summer sales galore in UK – had fun doing some bargain hunting over the course of a couple of days. Got to meet up with Allyson and Archie for their first trip to Windsor, great fun had and a nice dinner well lets say when we eventually got our food…….. Perhaps there is another reason why the place we ate at is called Ha Ha Bar and Grill!

This week I was also out with some of my old friends when we had a girlie get together. Laughed so much our sides hurt :) Lovely to see we are all still friends, some of us have known each other for over 10 years, yes time really does fly. We can also tell we are a little ‘older’ as going out during the work week for dinner a couple of times in one week left us all tired!

And lastly……SKYPE – yes ok a lot of you probably have used this technology well before me but I am finally there now! It was wonderful and mum and dad got to my family in NC for the first time face to face, let’s just say we are all still smiling about it :o) Who knows perhaps one day we will get Guto on Skype and then we will see him in person doing this..... (thanks to everyone at Chadales I miss him so much)

Race for Life 5K, horse time, London trip and rest! – Week 15 (July 2010)

No sooner did I recover from the half marathon it was time for mum and me to join over 2500 other women for the Windsor Race for Life in aid of Cancer research. Something mum never thought she would participate in but I was so proud of her finishing the 5K – we both had a lovely time and decided we deserved some ice-cream afterwards!

Horses were around a lot this week for me with checking on my friends horses and helping out at the RDA and continuing to train a horse which shall hopefully be used for RDA come September.

Work was a busy, busy one this week and I had a trip to London mid week. Guess who managed to get lost…………eventually found the correct street I was looking for but think I walked miles to get to my destination! Nice to be in London, the hustle and bustle does remind me a lot of NYC.

Had aimed to start going back to the gym more as I finally have clearance from my doctors after my bike accident in May – praise God. But it seems like I needed to rest as on both occasions I should have gone to gym in the evening I fell asleep early………. Whoops!

July, dad’s birthday, half marathon time (!), portrait pictures – Week 14 (July 2010)

Here we are in July and sure was a busy start to the month. Got a chance to carry on with my volunteer work with the homeless, God truly does allow you to let His light shine; we have to be willing vessels though and be prepared to step out of our comfort zone.

Got to enjoy time with Jenny from NC which was nice, I do like showing people round England and of course the typical country pub setting and food :) Dad’s birthday was on July 5th, the weather was nice to us so we all went out for the evening plus were still in amazement that the portrait pictures that we taken of us all turned out the way they did! Anyone who is looking for that something extra and memorable to go to Venture (http://www.venturephotography.com/uk/), they looked after us so well and dad can finally look at a picture and feel as if he isn’t in a wheelchair.

Big event this weekend was the Wycombe Wander Midnight Half Marathon. Yes Simone and I managed it in just over 3 hours, there were a total of 700 people who took part and raised over 55K. Kids in Sport raised 10K, wonderful to be part of an event like that, you could say after 48 hours of being up and doing a half marathon at night I sure slept well the following day!

Oxford fellowship and another month nearly gone already – Week 13 (June 2010)

After all we did last weekend this week/weekend was taken a little slower. The weather is being really nice to us right now and allowed us all to have lots of cups of tea in the garden.

Also the time of year for Wimbledon, (http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/index.html), so dad was happy watching his tennis while eating strawberries and cream – after all it’s a Wimbledon tradition! Mum and I had a girlie shopping time in Windsor which was nice and whoops we managed to stop and get a traditional Mr Whippy ice-cream, yum yum!

On Sunday I was in Oxford all day fellowshipping with Ridgeway Community Church (http://www.ridgeway-church.org.uk/) and bringing God’s word in their service. A lovely day had and being set amongst the countryside and seeing nature in its element was perfect.

Jenny from NC was over too so we got to go out and she kindly bought me some more oreo's!!!

Royal Ascot, Father’s Day and portrait picture time! – Week 12 (June 2010)

After a busy week last week this week was no exception, all good as time is moving! This weekend would all be about family and also my dad for Father’s Day. Started on Friday with a treat for us all, heading into Marlow to get some family portrait pictures taken. We had a really fun time (despite none of us like having pics taken!), will be back for the preview of them in July and see if there are any shots we will buy.

Saturday was time for Royal Ascot Races – we were all so excited, it’s something we have all wanted to do but just never done, well God has given us that chance with me coming back to the UK. Every moment was special and people were so accommodating for dad which was lovely. We got to tour the grandstand, watch the Queen arrive in the Royal Precession, get close to the horses and watch races. My heart was full of joy and mum and dad didn’t stop smiling the whole day – thank you Lord :)

Sunday was Father’s Day and we took dad for a lovely brunch (no pancakes though!) at a golf course nearby. Again we got to spend quality family time together; its moments like these that I shall always treasure and the time will never be taken away from us.

Church fellowship, RDA show and the World Cup – Week 11 (June 2010)

Weeks are starting to tick by now, something which I didn’t think I would be saying after only a few weeks of being back. God has certainly be protecting me and keeping me every moment. Got to fellowship with Slough Baptist church on Friday evening where we shared testimonies while eating Krispy Kreme’s and drinking coffee – yummy!

I was honored to be able to volunteer at the RDA South East Regional show being held at the RDA location where I help every week (http://www.rda.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do). A memorable and humbling day had by all. It was a pleasure to be part of the experience and see how children with disabilities (both mental and physical) receive delight in riding horses, the smiles the children had were amazing J And yes we had 8 people qualify for the National Championship!!!!

This week saw the beginning of the World Cup 2010 – while I am not a football fan this is the one time I will watch a bit and support our England team. Saturday was their kick off game and I headed to a football party where it was wonderful to catch up with some of my friends. We have known each other for 10 years now, lovely to see everyone and enjoy their company, good food, oh and of course watching a bit of the game!

Family time, Savill Gardens and a hint of summer weather – Week 10 (June 2010)

For a few days this week it seemed as if summer had arrived in the UK, yes we actually had blue skies and sunshine! However it lasted for the weekend and turned cloudy during the week. That was ok though as it meant mum, dad and I were able to get out a lot.

Wonderful family time had where we all went out for coffee (sadly not Starbucks) and met some old friends who hadn’t seen me since I was 17. You might want to say they were reminiscing on my childhood and telling me things I used to do, yes I wanted to hide!

Mum, dad and I had a lovely trip to Savill Gardens in Windsor (http://www.theroyallandscape.co.uk/). We all love the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Got my work out pushing dad around and up/down lots of hills – clearly that meant I had to have a cream tea afterwards J While the move back to the UK has been hard to leave everyone in NC, it has given me a chance to spend a lot of quality time with mum and dad – its time like this that will always stay with you and can never be taken away.

Memorial Day weekend, shopping fun and into June! – Week 9 (June 2010)

Each day you wake up is truly a gift from God – on this Memorial Day weekend we couldn’t lose sight of the reason for the long weekend. We give thanks to the people who fought and fight to this day for their country.

Mum, dad and I were able to enjoy a day out in Windsor this weekend where it was a girlie shopping day – poor dad!! Was lovely to be out with them and the fact the weather was nice was even better. Of course I had to get my favourite snack, warm sausage roll; America really needs to adopt them!!

Blink and we are into June already, pretty busy month coming up with Royal Ascot and bringing God’s word to a church in Waddingford, Oxford this coming weekend. Looking forward to seeing what else God has in store for us this coming month. I still miss my extended family, my friends and of course my baby Guto in NC, now 2 months closer to coming back to see everyone :)

4 Years on, RDA, Flat Stanley cont., on road to recovery – May 2010 (Week 8)

We are into the last full week of May already, it’s true that time does move quicker than we think it will. May 21st marked the day that 4 years ago my life changed, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, since that day I have never looked back – He does so much for us all every single day. Thankfully I am well and truly on the mend from my accident and all signs of the injuries have nearly gone – Praise God :)

Flat Stanley sure has been keeping me busy with taking him places to allow children in America to learn about different places in England. The weather has also changed to suddenly being very hot for this time of the year – perhaps Stanley bought some of the nice weather from NC to us in the UK!

This week I received my green card from Riding for the Disabled (RDA) which now means I am an official and licensed volunteer to work with children and adults at RDA. The joy and therapy the horses give is amazing to witness and be part of and puts into perspective what I take for granted with having full use of my body and mind. Looking forward to being more active within RDA over the coming months.

God’s Loving Arms of Protection, 31st Wedding Anniversary and Flat Stanley! – Week 7 (May 2010)

May 19th is when my mum and dad celebrated their 31st Wedding Anniversary!

This week started with the arrival of ‘Flat Stanley’ from America. Flat Stanley is part of a geography project for children to learn about different places round the world, he is staying with me for 3 weeks and I keep a journal and take pictures of all the places he goes.

My weekend turned out to be not as planned. To cut a long story short I was riding my mountain bike on Saturday morning and a car knocked me off onto the pavement. 2 complete strangers who were Polish stopped, everyone else kept driving by no one else stopped, it’s a testimony right there that I was totally in Gods arms after the accident. God’s love was all around and I walked out of the hospital about 4 hours after my accident with only a concussion, cut to my chin which was glued together, minor grazes, cuts and bruises!!!!! GOD IS AMAZING, no words are enough to explain all He did for me on Saturday, and not just on that day but all He does for us each and every single living moment.

US Mother’s Day, Africa details and Guto’s birthday – Week 6 (May 2010)

Lucky mum gets to have 2 mothers days as the UK one is in March and US one is in May. Dad and I surprised her and took her to the Compleat Angler in Marlow for a lovely traditional English Cream tea with all the trimmings – and yes I even cooked for her that night – don’t faint at that!!!

God has been moving in a mighty way, as He always does, and this week I found out that I had been accepted to go on a Missions Trip to Cape Town, South Africa in November with Launch Out Ministries http://www.launchoutministries.com/. Know this will be an amazing experience as we will be helping out in orphanages, teaching in churches and helping to re-build homes and create water supplies. Truly makes you realise all we take for granted in our lives.

As the week came to an end it was my baby Guto’s birthday – he is 14 now, where have the past 10 years gone? I know he is so safe and happy in America; he got some extra special carrots on his special day :) He is also being ridden more and some muscles are now appearing!

Into May already and May Day holiday – Week 5 (May 2010)

Wow I wouldn’t have believed how quickly the month of April came and went; we are now into May so soon. It was lovely to have people from the US visit and I had one last trip to Ascot with them for some typical English Pub food before they headed back across to slightly warmer climates!

This week was a short work week as its May Day holiday in the UK, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day), sure could get used to a 3 day weekend………. I took myself off to the Windsor Races, a great time was had and just the fact I was in the fresh air and round horses made me smiles lots J Oh and I made sure to eat a good amount of ice cream too!

Must admit I had a bit of a ‘wobble’ during this week, certainly am missing everyone in NC, especially my extended family and my little Guto. However through God’s love, grace and comfort He bought me through it and I know all will be AOK. Time now to begin planning more outreach activities to be part of and some travelling to see the sights of Europe as time is ticking.

Royal Mile, London and NC - Week 4 (April 2010)

The weather sure has been nice for me so far, still not as warm as America but not too cold either. Thankfully this allowed me to take mum and dad out to Windsor where we went for a wonder, shopping and then we had a picnic on the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle – they didn’t stop smiling which was great!

Yippee my desk has finally arrived at home so now I have an office set up which is perfect, put all of my personal touches on it so now I can always see the people dear to me when I am working :)

I just love how God puts people in your life; He always knows what He is doing. Just before I left NC I met some people who were neighbours of some very close friends who were also happening to move out to the UK for sometime – small world – right? So off up to London I went to meet up with them. First time I had been in London for a long time but will certainly be going back especially to go shopping! We had a wonderful time together and am thoroughly looking forward to seeing them again and more sites of London.

The ash cloud finally left the UK air space so that meant that people could at last get back to their homes. It also meant that Kerryn and Jenny from NC could touch down! Was wonderful to see them and I got to be a bit of a tourist guide heading back to Windsor to go for a walk down the mile, round the castle and then enjoy a typical British dinner of fish and chips. And yes I got a goodie bag from people in NC – see the pic below!