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.