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!