England Update - Day 10

Sunday, July 31
I must admit I am writing this blog Sunday night (rather Monday morning) just after I have written Saturday’s blog.  We got back to the hotel Saturday night about 9:45pm and once the kids were settled, safe and sound, the luxurious bed looked too good to me, so the bed won out over the blog.  We still are not lucky getting on the internet and I even took the computer with me today thinking I would have time at the church or bus to write but it didn’t happen.
We started the day with a wonderful breakfast.  Anything you could imagine.  The kids are still liking the chocolate croissants! We left for Wesley Chapel.  We arrived at the church and were greeted so graciously by many people.  The singers rehearsed and one of the ladies told me she checked us out and was so excited we were coming and she thoroughly enjoyed the blog!!  Didn’t know we had people in England following this. The nice woman, Thea,did tell me that I had made a mistake.  I called the flag the English flag I believe in reference to it possibly flying over Windsor Castle and I should have called it the British flag.  I do sincerely apologize!
The minister came to talk to the kids before the service letting them know at what points they would be singing the three songs during service.  He also told them that the last song they would be singing “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” would be the ending of his sermon.  We didn’t realize at the time what he truly meant and how powerful that song would be.  The service was lovely and for the Methodists among us it was very special being in the church where Methodism was founded by John and Charles Wesley. The service had a baptism of a child named Thomas which happened to be the minister’s grandson.  During the sermon the minister referenced a large contingent of a family that was there having just buried one of their family members on Friday.  As it turned out, the 23 year old male member of their family had been murdered.  The pastor was really struggling with how to comfort everyone and was struggling with the understanding of such a tragedy.  Later in the service he brought the family forward for a special blessing and prayer. The service ended with the choir’s song that the pastor referenced as one that would help us understand how we can celebrate new life in Christ through a baptism and yet have to honor the life of a young man in death.  The words of the song fit so well.  “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”.  As the choir started singing the family members knew the song and started to sing along.  I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place at least from all of the chaperones.  So moving and the kids handled everything in such a mature manner.  We were so proud of them.
Following the service, Thea took the Methodists of the group over to Wesley’s home and burial site.  It really meant a lot to us.  In one room of the house there was a chair that was used for men as a form of exercise to prepare them for riding horses.  Since Grace N. is familiar with horses, she let her in the chair and as she did, she was to get in position like she was riding a horse.  She then bounced up and down as if she were riding.  So sweet!
We left the Wesley Chapel and went to the Tower of London where we had arranged a lunch in a place called The Kitchen.  They had set up the garden section of their place with blankets on the ground and it served as somewhat of a picnic for the kids to eat.  They had sandwiches, some of which were something new to try, fruit, and potatoes.  Once they were done they brought out freshly baked brownies that were still warm and some lovely pastries.  Was definitely a hit.
Off to Tower of London.  Gavin took us around a little and explained a lot of the history and showed us the ravens! So intriguing that Bailey and Kyle both bought a stuffed raven in the gift shop.  Most of the singers went to see the crown jewels.  A lot went into the White tower which displays a lot of coats of arms, armor and artillery of the time period.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it.  I personally didn’t enjoy more steps in and out of the towers!!
We got to take some more wonderful pictures along the Thames of the Tower of London Bridge.  We could see the Millennium Wheel or the “Eye” as they call it.  Last time the FWCC was here they were building it.
Back on the bus to head for dinner.  We stopped at Covent Garden and got a little bit of shopping done before dinner.  Again Gavin took us through great little short cuts on streets of the main path.  As we walked around, all of the English pubs are so beautifully decorated with many, many pots of flowers hanging all around and in window pots.  There must have been a sale on white and pick petunias because you see them at all of these pubs and in baskets all over hanging on light poles.  I’m jealous because I could never make flowers grow this huge!
Our dinner was at a place called Brown’s which turned out to be an old court house.  We were in a room upstairs which was a courtroom and still had the main area where the judge and jury would be. We had pre-ordered meals of chicken or salmon and the meal was amazing.  Everyone seemed to enjoy.  Dessert was chocolate or apple tart and I think plates were completely clean!  Once the kids were done and they were getting restless, some of them got up and were showing each other dances starting with the waltz.  We especially enjoyed Jacob’s dancing because he was acting most like a “chap”.  He had bought a book earlier in the week about being a good chap and I think all of the boys are learning together.  There is even a special “chap” hug!
Following dinner we found a bus station and took a double decker bus ride to Piccadilly Circus and found a souvenir shop to let them find some last minute souvenirs.  Allison, Vivienne and Bailey bought the cutest hats. We then took another double decker back to the hotel. It was certainly a highlight of the trip for many.  I’m sure our normal bus driver, Phil, enjoyed the night off!
Once at the hotel it was lights out at 10:30 again because we have another busy day tomorrow.  Do I sound like a broken record?  Every day has been jammed packed and we love it.

Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2011

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