End of Kidsgrove, Liverpool, and Scotland

I had a good day on Saturday in Kidsgrove just finishing up with some of the things I wanted to get done before leaving. Emma (a friend/neighbor) was delighted to see me again and came down to Dave and Annette’s in the morning. We were able to hang out until 2:00! The Victoria Hall – Kidsgrove’s Town Hall – had a Victorian Christmas Market bit on and so we had a browse around – found a cute Union Jack purse!  And she found brand new Dockers with the certificate and everything! Both purchases were really good buys and under $10!

After the market we headed back to her house. I got to meet her fiancé and see her Dad and Grandad. She agreed to walk up to 30 St. John’s Wood Rd with me – I had decided that I really did want to see our old house again! The couple we sold it to are still living there and remembered my parents and were more than happy to take me on a ‘tour’  ! I really do like what they’ve done with the place. They have opened it up a little to let more light in and put banisters up at both stairways. So even though some of it is completely different; quite a bit is the same. The cabinets in the kitchen still have the red and white checked curtains that Mom put in when we had the house, and they have kept the beautiful Victorian tile in the hallways downstairs (which is a relief because we spent HOURS scraping many layers of paint off the tiles when we had the house!).

Emma and I then headed back to her place for a proper British fry!!! AmAzing! I think this is going down as the best meal in England! I felt a part of the family – they welcomed me in with open arms, and then made room for me at their table – it was like enjoying a Hobbits Elevenses!

My old youth leader, Barry, picked me up from Dave an Annette’s at 2:15. I went to his house and played my OMS DVD and then we were able to walk Kenny (the dog that they are looking after for a friend) at Bathpool park!

 It hasn’t changed that much since I was last there. Although they do have little training equipment along the main path that you can work out on – here is Barry on one of them :D

We had time to even to see the canal before my train departed!

The train ride to Liverpool was uneventful and not too long - though as I’d caught a bit of a cold - I was exhausted. I think the trip was beginning to catch up with me. Thankfully the interior was a nice, relaxing green. I find that green above all other colors seems to soothe and calm – for me it does anyway ;D

Doug met me at the station and after we’d had a little bit of tea we had some visitors! Norman and Maureen Wade came over!!! so good to see them again. Norman was the pastor at the church my parents attended in Croydon, years ago. He dedicated me as a baby and Maureen used to babysit. She was with Andrew when I was born and with the two of us when Tiffany was born – so very special to see them.

I spoke at Trinity Evangelical Church the next morning and Doug preached. We had few minor technical issues – but the DVD did play in the end ;) I was able to meet Doug’s parents, his brother, and a volunteer that has worked for OMS in mailing for over 20 years whom I knew when we lived here before. It was a good service – odd to hear Doug preach – he brought a good message from the Sermon on the Mount. He focused on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. I had never before thought about it in this particular light – but hunger is a sign of health – those who are ill are not hungry. Oh that we would be spiritually healthy, would realize our deep hunger for righteousness and the Word and so be fed daily. I have been amazed how the book 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp and my devotions in the morning have so perfectly lined up – all about thanksgiving – eucharisteo – daily giving thanks back to God and worshiping Him in it!

When I arrived in Scotland Lillias Anderson picked me up from the train station. As my train had been delayed by 15 minutes – someone had panicked at one station because the doors weren’t opening and so she pulled the emergency handle by the door. And as the conductor stated: “The perpetrators weren’t even kind enough to hang around and apologize.” Since Bill Anderson was leading the service he didn’t come with Lillias since they weren’t 100% sure when my train would be getting in – turned out that we were at the church before he was! The service went really well, although because the lights would take too long to turn back on after they are off the DVD was shown with most of the lights in the church still on – so I was disappointed because I was barely able to see what was going on and I know the thing from beginning to end :)

Bill informed me at the end of the service that he would be interviewing me on Revival FM the next day – Live! I was able to call Mom and Dad in the States before I went on so they were able to listen in online! I am trying to figure out a way to get it into a format that can be loaded onto this blog. Bill is a great presenter and even though I didn’t quite know what to expect he was very good at presenting a subject, before asking the question so I wasn’t stumbling over how to answer. After the interview Lillias took me to the David Livingstone memorial – I didn’t have my camera with me but here is an online pic of the statue that is just outside the museum. The whole experience was truly amazing.

Next day Trevor and Irene May picked me up and we drove to their house – I got settled in and then as it was quite rainy rather than take a drive through the countryside (which I wouldn’t have enjoyed just knowing that gas is $10/gallon!) we went instead to the Kevingrove Museum and Art Gallery – I kick myself buy my SD card was left in my laptop – so the only pics I have are postcards and some by phone that are a bit dodgy! One of the main exhibits is Dali Salvador's painting: Christ of St. John of the Cross – a very interesting painting. He said when he painted it that he wanted to capture “the Christ God and make his Christ as beautiful as the God that He is” – so there is no crown of thorns, no blood, no nails in His hands and feet.

Wednesday day Irene took me to Stirling Castle. It is a fascinating place – where once the royal families of Scotland lived. It is built on a mountain and so is practically impregnable – much like Masada in Israel. I loved seeing the beauty of how this castle probably looked in its heyday. It was also the set for the film BraveHeart.

Painted mural above one of the fireplaces

Mary Queen of Scots tutor when she was a little girl

Robert the Bruce

Unicorn tapestry - I've seen this in my ABEKA history book!

There was a tribute to the KJV since it was the 400th anniversary

Through the archers keyhole

I spoke at their church on Wednesday evening. It went really well – it was set up almost like a coffee house – with chairs around tables and things. And I was asked a ton of questions at the end but it was very delightful. And I believe I answered well :D

Before flying out on Monday, Irene took me to Falkirk Wheel - an engineering feat that allows canal boats to go from one canal to another without a system of locks.

Then it was to the airport and a short flight to Manchester.



Kidsgrove - Part 2

Thursday was just as busy as Wednesday had been! I didn't say, but Dave and Annette had a home meeting for me on Wednesday evening with a few people from their housegroup!

In the morning I went up to Maryhill. I was able to go on a tour of the school - it really hasn't changed all that much in the eight years since I was a student. There were about a half-dozen teachers who were still there. I knew them and they recognized me! All were very interested in what I was doing now - shared with them about God's call on my life to be a missionary nurse - that will keep them talking in the Staff Room for at least six months ;)

Me and Mrs. Charnley - Biology teacher

Me and Mrs. Moore - my old Form (Home Room) Teacher

As I was leaving Annette called to ask if I would be down for Mums and Tots? It was already quarter to 11, so I only had 15 minutes to get down there. But I walked briskly and managed to make it in time for a quick cup of tea and a few hello's. I was able to arrange a morning get together with the Shemilt's for late Friday morning.

Alan

I went back to Dave and Annette's to get my prayer cards and DVD before heading back to the church for a meeting with Alan and Sylvia, Dave, Pauline, and Val. I'd known all of them from our time here before, accept Pauline. So it was lovely to catch up with them all - and show them so pictures from Nate's wedding.

Val

Sylvia

Dave and Alan

Before

 Had a bit of a rest in the afternoon, got to Skype with Mom and Dad and then one of the ladie's from the meeting at Dave and Annette's the night before, came over with her little girl who is quite interested in Haiti. She'd saved all of her snack money for a year and donated to a project for Compost Toilets in Haiti - the money she sent provided two of these toilets to the Haitian people. And then it was out to eat at a nice restaraunt called The Counting House for a curry - I liked it...just a bit ;)

After

Friday was exciting! I got to meet up with Richard Wiseman (as stated in the video) - a guy I knew back in HS. We met just after my meeting with the Shemilt's - it was good to have a one-on-one with them. Wiseman met me at the Kidsgrove library and then we walked to a little cafe that the Methodist church have sponsored called Taste and See - it is a very cute little cafe. We talked and caught up with each other and re-lived some memories from 12:30 til 2:15 (the cafe closed at 2:00 ;P) Then we continued our conversation and decided the library was a nice warm, dry place to hang out at. Which we did til 3:00 - when he had to go to a gig he was having, and I decided to see if a neighbour was in. I was able to right at the end share some testimony with him. He had been friend's with my older brother Andrew and had come to the youth group ages ago - but I don't know exactly where he is in his search for truth. So I was praying as we were talking that God would give me the opportunity and the courage to share with him my testimony - He did and I did! It was great. Rich was very accepting and listened very well, I thought - thank you Jesus!

After catching up with Richard I was able to meet up with Alison - a friend's Mum - she'd just got back from work and shopping and we were able to enjoy a cup of tea, some biscuits, and catch up on family news! So much fun!

Betsy (I think) with Alison

I headed home for a little bit of a break before heading out to a couple's house - Adrian and Margaret who were interested in seeing my DVD and having a bit of a chat! Wonderful tea made up of a conglomeration of delicacies - cold fried chicken, olives, salad, cold cuts, delicious quiche, and for dessert stawberry trifle ;D Then it was off to Choir practice - I was invited though I tried to demur especially as I don't sing very well - but it was a community choir, I was pressed upon to attend and it was a real joy to be there! And so much fun! Especially the song they sang about making a Christmas pudding - put to an old tune: Funiculi Funicula

(VeggieTales used it in Silly Songs with Larry: High Silk Hat)

CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Alan Titchmarsh

To make a Christmas pudding you need patience
And lots of time
Chorus And lots of time

The recipe is long and very ancient
With barley wine
Chorus With barley wine

First, you take a basin and some muslin
To seal the top
Chorus To seal the top

Once you start the mixing it is tiring
You never stop
Chorus You never stop

Grapes, sultanas, half a pound of plums,
Chopped bananas, nuts and lots of crumbs,
You stir it left, you stir it right,
You need to stay up half the night,
Taste the dish and make a wish
To keep your Christmas bright!

My mother bakes a pudding, it is tiny,
It's very small
Chorus It's very small

My brother bakes a pudding, oh, cor blimey
It fills the hall
Chorus It fills the hall

Granny takes her time and uses honey
It's very thick
Chorus It's very thick

Sister's is like slime and very runny
It makes you sick
Chorus It makes you sick

Tame it, flame it, with whisky made with malt,
Suet, cruet, don't forget the salt,
With milk and peel and eggs and spice
It s bound to taste most awfully nice,
Deck'd with holly, very jolly,
It's my Christmas vice.

Boil, it, broil it, cook it till it steams,
Coat it, float it on custards and on creams,
With lemon and lime and lots of time,
To make your recipe in rhyme,
Make it merry with a cherry,
Christmas pudding time. Oi!

Pauline and Margaret



Kidsgrove - part 1

As I said - it was great to be back in Kidsgrove - and obviously it "didna" take very long to get 'me' accent again ;) - Don't worry I sound pretty 'normal' again now. :D (P.S. If you have trouble understanding me I can post a 'translation' :D)

I arrived with Mark via car on Tuesday (a week ago from me writing this blog post - ahhhh) We were a little delayed because of heavy fog - visibility was only about 8 metres (just over 26 ft). But we made it in before 1pm anyway!

I was staying with Dave and Annette at the house that they built just a few houses down from St. Thomas' which was our 'home church' when we lived in Kidsgrove.

Annette took me to the outlet mall Freeport Talke - which has grown a bit since I was last there and had just opened up a new shop called Home Bargains - amazing place! I was able to get all the chocolates that my family had requested at a really good price :D

Tuesday night I was invited to a house group in the next town over - Audley. With Shelly and Lee Gregory. They look pretty much the same - but their daughters who were only about 9 and 6 and are now 13 and 16? Changed quite a bit!

Maddy and Immy

Lee and Shelly

The meeting was lovely! I had my third mince pie of the season - and such good fellowship with these dear people and the ones they had invited. By the end we were sharing Christian songs which have meant so much to us.

On Wednesday in the morning I met with Jane (the vicar's wife - when I knew her she was single and was one of my youth leaders). She was leading a small women's Bible study. I was able to share a bit with them about what I was doing and what God's done in my life. Afterwards, Jane and I hiked up to St. Thomas' Primary School to pick up their oldest daughter Ruth (4ish). Back home, I became reacquainted with her Mum and met her other daughter, Hannah, just 18 months :D. Unfortunately she was suffering from a chest cold and an ear infection. We had 'dinner' - tea cakes with butter and jam until we were full.

Emily and Lucas

One of my few high school friends, Emily Snape, came over with her 3 y.o. son and we headed back to Dave and Annette's. It was good to catch up. Walked her to the bus station - had left a note for Annette saying I was going to the school. But plans changed.

I walked through the woods - same roots, same tree branches, same little bench, same wooden steps. After seven years I was surprised how familiar everything still was. The world is ever changing and yet I felt as though I'd found a place that had remained untouched by the years.

Was going to stop in at our old house - but the gate was shut with an ominous "Beware the Bull Terrier" sign on it's front. I stopped off at Stan and Iris's - who lived right at the bottom of the hill. Of course they remembered me and welcomed me with open arms, warm tea, and fresh biscuits. We talked the afternoon away - I had some pictures from Nate's wedding with me - they can't believe how grown up he is! They showed me pictures of their 60th wedding anniversary from this summer! They had quite a few in attendance! And many cards, one from the Queen! (Apparently once you are 90 y.o. or married for 60 years she will send you a card!)

Iris

Ranskill

Mark Scott picked me up from the train station in Retford - I got off a bit earlier than my ticket said just because it was easier to be picked up from Retford than Doncaster. From Retford it is only a short drive to Ranskill, the little town where he and Olivia and the boys live.
Hung out Friday night - they had pizza and a movie - a family tradition they'd picked up from our family. :D

We kicked around a few ideas for Saturday and finally ended up with taking the 14 foot Canadian canoe with Tim, Ben, Mark and myself for an outing on the Calder River near Wakefield. The day dawned beautiful and sunny and not too cold.

We had a look around Roche Abbey - it looked pretty exciting from the road, so we stopped to have a look. It was beautiful!

Then since Mark ignored both myself and Sarah SatNav (GPS) we ended up going the wrong way - got back on the right way and there'd been an accident up ahead - so maybe God saved us from being involved with that?

The trip on the canal was amazing - smooth, crisp, and a good day out. We passed a group of young people who were involved in a timed fishing tournament at one point! Followed a 'map' that told us the different sites that could be seen off to the right and left. Saw three kingfishers in resplendent colours of blue and orange flit around the banks of the river and canal. At Bingley Arms Pub we took the boat out of the canal and crossed over into the River Calder. It had some rapids but wasn't bad at all - was quite enjoyable - and then we got to the weir. We back paddled and stowed our cameras in case we should capsize on the way down. But it didn't look too difficult so we went for it. At first we got stuck on the rocks but were able to get over the 'hump' and down without any problems. Unfortunately the split we had chosen had a low hanging branch that came at us - I was in front paddling and as it was about to decapitate me I reached up and tried to shove the branch over my shoulder - but my head came out of the middle of the canoe and over we went! Capsized! (I am now 50/50 for capsizing on canoe expeditions). We righted the canoe, we were all alright, apart from our cameras not being sealed in the waterproof compartment. :( Alright, but cold and wet. Ben was in a little bit of shock, but both Mark and I spoke directly to him, assuring him he was safe, and that he wasn't going to freeze to death. Managed to do the rest of the trip without incident - was only about 10 minutes. We got into the mini-van and CRANKED the heat up!!! We all took hot showers/baths when we came in, put the fire on in the living room and snuggled into warm, dry clothes! Ben commented on the drive back that they were never taking me canoing again and Tim agreed saying I was bad luck ;)

Sunday I had two speaking engagements one at a church that has supported Mark and Olivia for almost 15 years! I was due up second after Olivia was to minister in song - but at the last minute the order of service changed and I was up first! The pastor had asked that I make it slightly applicable for the children as they were not to be dismissed for children's church until later. I was a bit more nervous than usual - especially with all these little kiddies staring out at me from the front two rows :D but it went well and I felt I was still able to share my heart and not 'lose' them in 'grownup' talk.

The second meeting was at a small fellowship that is just getting going. There is no 'official' pastor at the moment. From what I understand 5 couples have sort of formed together this fellowship and are the governing body.

I had approximately ten minutes in each service. Both, thanks to Jesus went fantastic. Both leaders said they would be looking to support financially in some way. Many took prayer and response cards.

Monday Mark and I walked the boys to school and when Olivia returned from a Dr's appointment we went SHOPPING! Hit all the charity shops in Retford! Way too much fun! ;)

Tuesday ended my time with this lovely family and though I was excited to head to Kidsgrove I was sad to say goodbye. Especially as I had overheard Tim telling a school friend on Monday that I was 'unfortunately leaving tomorrow'.

Re: Our cameras and Mark's phone: We set them in a bowl of rice for 2 1/2 days and then had them warmed in their cases on the radiator - not sure about Mark's camera but with new batteries 'R2D2' is almost as good as new! A few dirty water marks on his screen are the only remains of the dunking he endured. Hallelujah! The SD card wasn't damaged either so I was able get back all of the fantastic pictures I had taken whilst on the Saturday trip.

That's it for right now - it's almost 2 AM!

London, Cambridge, and too many pictures!

Well! It has been a very busy two weeks! Very, very busy! Which means of course that I want to:

But I must of course:


So, I think I need to back up...way, way up!

London was fantastic!

Although I was by myself I managed to do and see quite a lot! I took the 194 from Croydon to the East Croydon train station. Got a train to Victoria. Took the Tube (subway) from Victoria to South Kensington and thus the adventures began!

I was able to catch a bus to the Natural History Museum. Too many things to see but I did have a look at the dinosaur exhibit - I couldn't do anything but look as I had to walk through it in order to get to the Mammals! Apart from the 'millions of years' bit it was quite good.

The Mammals exhibit was very interesting as was the Whales and Dolphins. I must be honest I only wanted to get there to see the Sperm Whale for Jessica ;) ("It is important to note that suddenly, and against all probability, a Sperm Whale had been called into existence, several miles above the surface of an alien planet and since this is not a naturally tenable position for a whale, this innocent creature had very little time to come to terms with its identity." Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).

I then went across the street to the Victoria and Albert Museum. Fascinating. So many amazing things to see: hand embroidered tapestries that were more than six feet wide with gorgeous colours and attention to detail.

Not to mention the floor mosaics!

The Medieval exhibit was beautiful.

I did not stop and have a cup of tea and scone - which I have since learned is the thing to do in this particular museum. To my defence I was alone, and I did walk through the cafe area ;)

I then took the bus to Baker Street. Walked along 'til I got to 221b. There was a bobby guarding the door, but once I'd bought a ticket to the museum I was allowed in!

Absolutely fantastic! The flat is set up as described in the stories. With the violin out of it's case as if Sherlock were to come back at any moment.

There are eleven figures on the one level from different mysteries. Here is just one of them.

There was a plaque behind or to the side describing each one. The artifacts were also quite interesting. As were the letters that had been written to Sherlock over the years - especially the ones from children.

From 221b Baker Street I took the Tube to Minster, hoping the walk to West Minster Abbey wouldn't be too long? It wasn't. The following sight met my eyes as soon as I came up from the Underground:

I walked across the Thames Bridge and saw the London Eye - didn't want to go on it - I've been before and I wasn't sure how much it would cost, how to get down to it from where I was, and if I had the time to do so as it was already 4pm. A sign for the Florence Nightengale Museum caught my eye instead. Who knew?!? It was very nice. I only had an hour - although it is small, an hour is no-where near enough time to see and hear all that there is to see and hear!

By this time it was dark and so back across the bridge to the Tube for a ride to Victoria station which at this point was quite busy! Glad I'd come through before and knew my way around! Got on the train to East Croydon, and then caught 194 back to the house! Perfect. No random wanderings :D

The next day I was bound for Cambridge. But before leaving I stopped by to see if my old neighbours still lived in Davidson Road - they did, and were thrilled to see me again :D

Arrived in Cambridge and was met by Auntie Sue with Uncle John just behind.

Had the new experience of "travelling" on a 'guided bus'. It has it's own specific road with guide rails and wheels that are stuck on sideways so as to allow the bus to 'drive itself'. It is sort of a hybrid between a bus and a tram, I'd say.

Got into 'trouble' at Waitrose - (pronounced Wait-ross) a very posh grocery store - when I took a picture of their electronic checkout - all was smoothed over when I simply explained to the manager that I was American and thought that their system was very interesting :D

It's a bit complicated to explain, but you can get a credit card from Waitrose, then whenever you go you swipe your card at a place that has Bar Code scanners. One lights up and you are on your way!

Everything that you want to buy you scan. Then when you are finished shopping you simply take the scanner to the front where there is a sort of docking station, and credit card reader. You stick your credit card in it downloads from the scanner what you are buying and Bob's your uncle, off you go. It's a very nice system actually - except for the cashiers who are now out of a job. :(

It was wonderful to be with Uncle John and Auntie Sue. Auntie Sue was lovely and sweet as always and Uncle John let me know he loved me by his nagging and bullying ;)

Remembrance Sunday they took me to the US Cambridge Cemetery - very sobbering.

Anglesea Abbey - wonderful wander through winter gardens.

Went to Cambridge the one day and all around the different colleges that make up the University. Then onto Charity shops (thrift stores).

Had a day of rest. Before speaking at a home meeting with their son and daughter-in-law. Was a lot of fun, especially as I felt accepted by their daughters, 14/15 and 18/19 and a college student - so much silliness, so much fun! The meeting went well and Jonathan called later to say everyone was 'enchanted' :D

 In case you were missing the good pictures of dinners ;)

My last day we visited The Orchard where poet Rupert Brooke used to hang out - sad life story, but brilliant writer. The following is one of his poems, which is engraved at his grave site on the island of Skyros, Greece.

If I should die, think only this of me:

That there's some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England. There shall be

In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;

A dust which England bore, shaped, made aware,

Gave once her flowers to love, her ways to roam;

A body of England's, breathing English air,

Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,

A pulse in the eternal mind, no less

Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,

In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

 I shall stop here for now, my friends, as the hour is late (after 1:00am). I shall endeavour to quickly return to chronicle the events of my journey ere too long. ;) God Bless, a very tired, but very contented nurse.