I've began short trips to the UK to try to start acclimating to home. This weekend was the first weekend I was truly home for a while, so I did a lot of catching up with friends. I mean, early August I went to CT instead of home. Later in August, Portugal instead of home. Early September I went to the OBX. Later in September, Spain. Early October, Connecticut. Mid-October, Kate and family visited. I missed Halloween at home which was a big disappointment (I love the kiddies), but I went to a very fun party in London. We had a lot of fun dressing up.
Anyway, it was still a short trip home, but got brunch with Mary and Martine Friday and went to me monthly Prayer Breakfast Saturday. Saturday afternoon I spent with my friend Anne and our friend LaRae who I hadn't seen in many years. It was sensational to get some time with her. Saturday night was Mike Lee's leaving do, so that was a huge bummer, but we had a super farewell of sushi. Then Sunday more time with LaRae.
That night, I "worked" the Internet Campus, now that I'm an official ministry volunteer for that ministry. It was awesome. Sensational representation from all over the world!
Then it was some quick errands and more visits Monday and Tuesday, before heading back to London Wednesday. Quick turnarounds! Ah... this is my life.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Sabbath in London - Oct 28
Sunday was a good but odd day. I wasn't sure how to spend it. I felt God trying to get my attention, so I chose to spend the day with him, to read and write, processing so many of the emotions, about so many things, running through my head. Though the loneliness has been hard, the alone time, has been significant, as I've been able to really step back and think, reflect, with out the distraction of all the responsibilities, activities, and relationships in DC.
I started the morning just reading and journaling in bed. It was refreshing and significant... as I stumbled into all sorts of revelations. I decided to go for a walk and just spend some time in prayer. I felt called to pray for London, the place, the people, the government. There are good people here. Wonderful people here, but even more so than many places in the US, they don't really have a keen sense of God as having much of a role in their lives. Its not that they don't believe, but that he just doesn't seem to have much relevance and there seem to be too many gray areas... too many bits of "religion" that seem to conflict with modern culture and belief. It makes me sad, as, as bright as I am, as much as I love to think and use my mind, I've met a Savior that touches my heart and soul so deeply, that its changed me. I wish all I love would I find, what I have... this relationship with God. Its never been more real than this year, as I've had to rely on him more than ever. He's been my God in the big and the small, and his love is exceedingly profound.
As I arrived home, I began to pray for opportunities to serve. God has done so much in my life this year, yet I feel I've done little in his name. Yes, of course I've lived my faith outloud and had many a great conversation, but wish I could do something more tangible.
Well... be careful when you pray those prayers, b/c they are often answered quickly!
After I returned from my regular church in London, I grabbed some food and logged on to Frontline's new Internet Campus. You see, my church, McLean Bible Church, just launched a live feed for all its services, including Frontline, the service for young adults. Originally, I thought the concept of Internet church was silly and would be impersonal, but it was the opposite! It was wonderful! I was so blessed to connect on line with home and speak in that chat rooms to friends around the world. The service was amazing and was just what I needed.
At the end, they asked for volunteers to help in future services. I was ecstatic! For months I thought it would be neat to minister to others abroad, possibly struggling as I've been. Or for some tool, some opportunity, to share God and church with those not in the DC Area. And then I prayed for a ministry, and found it. I now write blogs for the church website and moderate in the chat rooms during services. I talk to participants all over the world. I've told all sorts of people in London about this online church and some might actually check it out.
Wow.. what a day it ended up being. I guess I'll just end with this... Ever interested in checking out church online? Ever curious about this church I talk so much about? Now you can join us. Check it out any Sunday at 5:30PM ET. http://www.frontlinedc.com/pages/page.asp?page_id=21944
I started the morning just reading and journaling in bed. It was refreshing and significant... as I stumbled into all sorts of revelations. I decided to go for a walk and just spend some time in prayer. I felt called to pray for London, the place, the people, the government. There are good people here. Wonderful people here, but even more so than many places in the US, they don't really have a keen sense of God as having much of a role in their lives. Its not that they don't believe, but that he just doesn't seem to have much relevance and there seem to be too many gray areas... too many bits of "religion" that seem to conflict with modern culture and belief. It makes me sad, as, as bright as I am, as much as I love to think and use my mind, I've met a Savior that touches my heart and soul so deeply, that its changed me. I wish all I love would I find, what I have... this relationship with God. Its never been more real than this year, as I've had to rely on him more than ever. He's been my God in the big and the small, and his love is exceedingly profound.
As I arrived home, I began to pray for opportunities to serve. God has done so much in my life this year, yet I feel I've done little in his name. Yes, of course I've lived my faith outloud and had many a great conversation, but wish I could do something more tangible.
Well... be careful when you pray those prayers, b/c they are often answered quickly!
After I returned from my regular church in London, I grabbed some food and logged on to Frontline's new Internet Campus. You see, my church, McLean Bible Church, just launched a live feed for all its services, including Frontline, the service for young adults. Originally, I thought the concept of Internet church was silly and would be impersonal, but it was the opposite! It was wonderful! I was so blessed to connect on line with home and speak in that chat rooms to friends around the world. The service was amazing and was just what I needed.
At the end, they asked for volunteers to help in future services. I was ecstatic! For months I thought it would be neat to minister to others abroad, possibly struggling as I've been. Or for some tool, some opportunity, to share God and church with those not in the DC Area. And then I prayed for a ministry, and found it. I now write blogs for the church website and moderate in the chat rooms during services. I talk to participants all over the world. I've told all sorts of people in London about this online church and some might actually check it out.
Wow.. what a day it ended up being. I guess I'll just end with this... Ever interested in checking out church online? Ever curious about this church I talk so much about? Now you can join us. Check it out any Sunday at 5:30PM ET. http://www.frontlinedc.com/pages/page.asp?page_id=21944
Windsor Castle - Oct 27
Well, the tide has really changed here. I'm the only American left right now and its kind of odd. Between late work hours, too many weekends of travel, and a general properness of the British (and possibly, in fairness, my own shyness, yes people, I'm quite shy around stranger), its just been extremely hard to make English friends. I've made a few work acquiantances and have gone out with coworkers a few times, but general its fairly shallow... and frankly, those who chat with me in the pubs, virtually ignore me the next day in the office. I don't get it. All this to say... that it was a fairly lonely weekend... but I made the most of it by journeying out to Windsor Castle.
Windsor is quite different than Buckingham Palace because its a real castle and looks like one. The whole area is beautiful and the leaves are turning.
I spent quite a time in the chapel and journeyed all around the castle. I think I'm a bit spoiled from having seen so much around the world, but it was worth seeing. I think I was most astounded however, by Queen Mary's Doll House. I actually went back to see it a second time! Its HUGE and yet small in detail at the same time. Lots of detail. It was incredible!
Finished at the castle and wondered around town a bit before heading home.
Windsor is quite different than Buckingham Palace because its a real castle and looks like one. The whole area is beautiful and the leaves are turning.
I spent quite a time in the chapel and journeyed all around the castle. I think I'm a bit spoiled from having seen so much around the world, but it was worth seeing. I think I was most astounded however, by Queen Mary's Doll House. I actually went back to see it a second time! Its HUGE and yet small in detail at the same time. Lots of detail. It was incredible!
Finished at the castle and wondered around town a bit before heading home.
Kate and John's Visit to VA - Oct 19-21
Without a doubt, my sister is my most favorite person on the planet. Yes, there are many very close seconds (Mom, Dad, Ken, Nana, John, Brooke, Evelyn, Lexi, Nicolai, etc.), but Kate, she's my lifeblood. I'd be lost with out and treasure every second with her (even when we're fighting!). She's like a hero to me.
So as you can imagine, I was soooo excited for her and her family to come visit me in Virginia. To make it happen, took quite a feat. I had a 23 hour chaos-filled trip home from the UK, via Frankfurt and Boston (oh my - though lunch in Frankfurt was a small delight in the midst of the madness). Kate and John fought traffic after traffic and got in at 3AM. But we all made it and were all together at my home in VA.
Kate and John slept in Saturday morning while Evelyn and I went to a park. That was lovely. Well, up until the point where I backed Kate's SUV into a light post! Fortunately Kate and John only made a joke of it and we continued our day. We took Evelyn to the National Zoo. She's been watching the pandas online, so it was so neat to see the look on her face when she got to see them in real life. She loved every moment.
Sunday was the Shenandoah Balloon and Wine Festival. I LOVE this event and have gone every year now for at least the last five. It was neat to share it with Kate and John and Evelyn really got a kick out of the balloons. We met up with Mary, Jon and some others. It was an added joy to see all of them... and to introduce them to Kate. We watched Evelyn on the carousel, tried some wine, got some kettle corn, watched the balloons fill up and take off, and just hang out. It was the perfect day.
So as you can imagine, I was soooo excited for her and her family to come visit me in Virginia. To make it happen, took quite a feat. I had a 23 hour chaos-filled trip home from the UK, via Frankfurt and Boston (oh my - though lunch in Frankfurt was a small delight in the midst of the madness). Kate and John fought traffic after traffic and got in at 3AM. But we all made it and were all together at my home in VA.
Kate and John slept in Saturday morning while Evelyn and I went to a park. That was lovely. Well, up until the point where I backed Kate's SUV into a light post! Fortunately Kate and John only made a joke of it and we continued our day. We took Evelyn to the National Zoo. She's been watching the pandas online, so it was so neat to see the look on her face when she got to see them in real life. She loved every moment.
Sunday was the Shenandoah Balloon and Wine Festival. I LOVE this event and have gone every year now for at least the last five. It was neat to share it with Kate and John and Evelyn really got a kick out of the balloons. We met up with Mary, Jon and some others. It was an added joy to see all of them... and to introduce them to Kate. We watched Evelyn on the carousel, tried some wine, got some kettle corn, watched the balloons fill up and take off, and just hang out. It was the perfect day.
A "Monumental" Day - Oct 10
Nana and I returned to DC Tuesday night and just relaxed. Wednesday we began the day with a delightful breakfast with Mary and Martine. I was thrilled to have them meet my grandmother and her them. Then... we headed downtown.
Nana hadn't meet in DC since the early 70's! A lot had changed. I began a tour around all the memorials. We started with FDR, then walked around the Tidal Basin (viewing the Jefferson, but we didn't go there). Next was WW2.
I'd not yet been to the WW2 Memorial. I was overwhelmed by its beauty... and the significance of seeing it for the first time with my grandmother. You see, my grandfather fought in the Pacific during WW2. He was not killed in battle (we were blessed to have many, many years with him), but the sacrifices he still made... and so many others, killed in battle and those that would survive, really struck me. I too often take our freedoms for granted. Its impossible to do that at a memorial like this.
We spent quite a while at this memorial (see pics below), but then off to others. We went to Vietnam (again quite touching) and then Lincoln. From there we went to the Korean War Memorial. I've always thought that one was a bit creepy, but maybe its because the layout almost takes you back there with them. Yes, for certain that day made me appreciate what our servicemen have done for us... and are doing for us right now.
From there we went back to the car to drive by the White House, The Capital, then over to Arlington Cemetery. We finished our tour at Iwo Jima... and then to Coastal Flats for dinner.
It was a monumental day for many reasons. Of course, it was a day of monuments. But it was also a great day to celebrate our country and remember those who'd fought for it. Possibly however most of all, it was because for the first time, my Nana actually got to come to DC to see me, my home, and the area I call so dear. Yeah!
Click here for a picture review of our day...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21648605@N05/sets/72157603480294522/
Nana hadn't meet in DC since the early 70's! A lot had changed. I began a tour around all the memorials. We started with FDR, then walked around the Tidal Basin (viewing the Jefferson, but we didn't go there). Next was WW2.
I'd not yet been to the WW2 Memorial. I was overwhelmed by its beauty... and the significance of seeing it for the first time with my grandmother. You see, my grandfather fought in the Pacific during WW2. He was not killed in battle (we were blessed to have many, many years with him), but the sacrifices he still made... and so many others, killed in battle and those that would survive, really struck me. I too often take our freedoms for granted. Its impossible to do that at a memorial like this.
We spent quite a while at this memorial (see pics below), but then off to others. We went to Vietnam (again quite touching) and then Lincoln. From there we went to the Korean War Memorial. I've always thought that one was a bit creepy, but maybe its because the layout almost takes you back there with them. Yes, for certain that day made me appreciate what our servicemen have done for us... and are doing for us right now.
From there we went back to the car to drive by the White House, The Capital, then over to Arlington Cemetery. We finished our tour at Iwo Jima... and then to Coastal Flats for dinner.
It was a monumental day for many reasons. Of course, it was a day of monuments. But it was also a great day to celebrate our country and remember those who'd fought for it. Possibly however most of all, it was because for the first time, my Nana actually got to come to DC to see me, my home, and the area I call so dear. Yeah!
Click here for a picture review of our day...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21648605@N05/sets/72157603480294522/
Visit to CT - Oct 5-9
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...
Welcome to the Flemming clan, Nicolai Matthew!
My first nephew was born on Sept. 24th. Ken and Brooke could not be happier parents and Lexi is thrilled in her role as big sister.
For my next trip home, I knew I wanted to go meet the little tyke, but decided to make it an extra special trip, by making it a surprise to my mom on her birthday. Not only that, but as a further surprise, I'd fly in my grandmother from Indiana.
Well, the surprise went off w/o a hitch. Mom was definitely surprised and completely thrilled. So was Ken! We didn't tell him we were coming either.
Nicolai of course is completely precious. I just couldn't get enough of him. We spent Saturday morning visiting with him and then kidnapped Ken and Lexi for some sailing. Then back to Kate's house to celebrate Mom's bday.
Sunday was full of Fall fun. We took the whole clan to Jones Tree Farm (love this place!). The girls picked out pumpkins, went through a corn maze, and just enjoyed the weather running around. It was an especially balmy, yes balmy, October day.
Monday and Tuesday we just relaxed with the family before Nana and I drove to VA.
Instead of yammering on more, check out the pics of my wonderful little ones...
Welcome to the Flemming clan, Nicolai Matthew!
My first nephew was born on Sept. 24th. Ken and Brooke could not be happier parents and Lexi is thrilled in her role as big sister.
For my next trip home, I knew I wanted to go meet the little tyke, but decided to make it an extra special trip, by making it a surprise to my mom on her birthday. Not only that, but as a further surprise, I'd fly in my grandmother from Indiana.
Well, the surprise went off w/o a hitch. Mom was definitely surprised and completely thrilled. So was Ken! We didn't tell him we were coming either.
Nicolai of course is completely precious. I just couldn't get enough of him. We spent Saturday morning visiting with him and then kidnapped Ken and Lexi for some sailing. Then back to Kate's house to celebrate Mom's bday.
Sunday was full of Fall fun. We took the whole clan to Jones Tree Farm (love this place!). The girls picked out pumpkins, went through a corn maze, and just enjoyed the weather running around. It was an especially balmy, yes balmy, October day.
Monday and Tuesday we just relaxed with the family before Nana and I drove to VA.
Instead of yammering on more, check out the pics of my wonderful little ones...
St. Paul's - Sept 29th
This weekend, I stayed local and low key... especially as I'm still recovering from my whirlwind spin of Spain. Started the day at Borough Market. I love the Market... your traditional European market. Ran some other errands and then met Scott and Christine back at the flats. We were booked to take a tour of St. Paul's.
Ironically, by now, I'd been in London, living across the street from the Cathedral for six months, but only spent about 15 minutes inside. It was time.
The tour lasted over an hour and we heard amazing history about it. For example, the dome is fake. Its really a cone, with flying buttresses, and a dome overlay. And the way its designed, creates a whispering gallery, where you can whisper on one side and be heard on the other. Wild.
We went all the way to the top and the view from outside is spectacular. You can see throughout the whole of central London.
After our tour, I went and just sat to stare up into the dome for a bit. It just about takes your breath away. So majestic. Its as if you can feel all the presence of God's glory, his power, his awesomeness, his might.
Scott and I decided to stay for the Saturday night service. It was lovely.
Ironically, by now, I'd been in London, living across the street from the Cathedral for six months, but only spent about 15 minutes inside. It was time.
The tour lasted over an hour and we heard amazing history about it. For example, the dome is fake. Its really a cone, with flying buttresses, and a dome overlay. And the way its designed, creates a whispering gallery, where you can whisper on one side and be heard on the other. Wild.
We went all the way to the top and the view from outside is spectacular. You can see throughout the whole of central London.
After our tour, I went and just sat to stare up into the dome for a bit. It just about takes your breath away. So majestic. Its as if you can feel all the presence of God's glory, his power, his awesomeness, his might.
Scott and I decided to stay for the Saturday night service. It was lovely.
Cordoba and Seville - Sept 22-24
Jennifer and I met up with my parents in Cordoba. It was so good to be with them. It had been a tricky month, with constant back and forth as to if I was finishing in London or continuing to the end of the year. I had so many mixed emotions. I wanted to go home. I wanted to stay in London. I was lonely in London. But I LOVE London and have mixed feelings when I'm home in DC these days. Anyway... it was good to be with my parents and what an amazing opportunity to travel with them in another country.
We got into Cordoba late, so hung around the hotel a bit, strolled through town briefly and then went to dinner. We had a delightful dinner. The off to bed. We were sure to have a busy next few days!
Cordoba is most known for its Moorish monastery with a cathedral inside. It was amazing! I'll let me pictures tell you more about that.
Late in the day, we traveled to Seville. It was late afternoon when we arrived, so it was brilliant to get photograph's of the Seville Cathedral and other key sites. We ended up having dinner down by the cathedral and then back to the hotel. It had been a VERY long day so we were ready to CRASH!
The next morning my parents wanted to attend service at the cathedral, but Jennifer and I wanted to check out this other church, actually called Church of the Macarena, where supposedly is a weeping Virgin Mary. It was a lovely church and though Mary was nice, most moving to me was a piece of art, kind of statue like, or Jesus.
As we were leaving the church, a wedding was beginning. It was great fun to see the bride show up, with glowing eyes and all the family gathering around excitedly.
We met my parents back in the center of town and toured the cathedral. It was fantastic. We walked to the very top of the clock town, which had brilliant views of the city. It was an interesting tower to go up. Instead of stairs, it was all ramps, as they used to have to take horses up.
Next, we went to an old fort with these gorgeous gardens that I loved. They were the most magnificent I've seen in quite a while. I mean, I'd seen so many cool things in Spain (Dad has us hit EVERYTHING), but there was something peaceful and special about this place. Evidently others thought so too... b/c the bride and groom from Macarena were there taking pictures.
Dad had a work meeting in the afternoon (they were there for a conference he had), so us girls just spent some time at a cafe and doing some shopping. We went back to the hotel to clean up and meet Dad, and then off to a night of flamenco. It was interesting, but not at all what I expected. Kind of strange in fact, but we had a nice time. To close the night we walked around some other sites, including the bull ring, walked along the river, and then home.
Monday Jennifer left and Dad had meetings so Mom and I had a relaxed start and then went out for some shopping. We were looking for ceramic tiles, but sadly took a wrong turn and missed the area all together. Oh well. We had time to take a tour of the bull ring and grab an ice cream, before we had to set back toward the hotel for my departure.
The whole trip was such a whirlwind I hardly remember details, but who likes blogs longer than this anyway? :) Enjoy the pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21648605@N05/sets/72157603484326091/
We got into Cordoba late, so hung around the hotel a bit, strolled through town briefly and then went to dinner. We had a delightful dinner. The off to bed. We were sure to have a busy next few days!
Cordoba is most known for its Moorish monastery with a cathedral inside. It was amazing! I'll let me pictures tell you more about that.
Late in the day, we traveled to Seville. It was late afternoon when we arrived, so it was brilliant to get photograph's of the Seville Cathedral and other key sites. We ended up having dinner down by the cathedral and then back to the hotel. It had been a VERY long day so we were ready to CRASH!
The next morning my parents wanted to attend service at the cathedral, but Jennifer and I wanted to check out this other church, actually called Church of the Macarena, where supposedly is a weeping Virgin Mary. It was a lovely church and though Mary was nice, most moving to me was a piece of art, kind of statue like, or Jesus.
As we were leaving the church, a wedding was beginning. It was great fun to see the bride show up, with glowing eyes and all the family gathering around excitedly.
We met my parents back in the center of town and toured the cathedral. It was fantastic. We walked to the very top of the clock town, which had brilliant views of the city. It was an interesting tower to go up. Instead of stairs, it was all ramps, as they used to have to take horses up.
Next, we went to an old fort with these gorgeous gardens that I loved. They were the most magnificent I've seen in quite a while. I mean, I'd seen so many cool things in Spain (Dad has us hit EVERYTHING), but there was something peaceful and special about this place. Evidently others thought so too... b/c the bride and groom from Macarena were there taking pictures.
Dad had a work meeting in the afternoon (they were there for a conference he had), so us girls just spent some time at a cafe and doing some shopping. We went back to the hotel to clean up and meet Dad, and then off to a night of flamenco. It was interesting, but not at all what I expected. Kind of strange in fact, but we had a nice time. To close the night we walked around some other sites, including the bull ring, walked along the river, and then home.
Monday Jennifer left and Dad had meetings so Mom and I had a relaxed start and then went out for some shopping. We were looking for ceramic tiles, but sadly took a wrong turn and missed the area all together. Oh well. We had time to take a tour of the bull ring and grab an ice cream, before we had to set back toward the hotel for my departure.
The whole trip was such a whirlwind I hardly remember details, but who likes blogs longer than this anyway? :) Enjoy the pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21648605@N05/sets/72157603484326091/
Parliament and Buckingham Place - Sept 15&16
Being in England for so long, it only seems proper to take advantage of the late summer opportunities to see the inner workings or the country. For August and September, both Parliament and Buckingham Palace are open to visitors.
Saturday was my tour of Parliament. It was full of deep history... and it was so cool to hear the details of how English lawmaking occurs. Its not entirely dissimilar from the US, but there are some very special traditional ceremonies that mark the start of the season and session. Acts of the Queen, special gavels and other instruments, and how they vote. And each story of what occurred on those premises, such as the hanging of William Wallace (Braveheart). Fascinating.
One of the most memorable parts of this day however, was at the end, where there was a special exposition around the abolishment of the English slave trade. The actual document William Wilberforce submitted to Parliament was there in a casing. The stories, the pictures, were all very moving. And the fact that slavery still exists in many areas of the world today, is terrifying. I have a friend working in Thailand helping to rehabilitate woman escaping sexual slavery through jewelry making. Her ministry blows my mind. www.wonderfullymadejewelry.com
So Sunday, Dominika and I set up to visit Buckingham Palace. There are actually many components of the palace... the horse stables, The Queen's Gallery, and then the Palace itself. It was all breathtaking... and again astounding to think of all the important people who've walked those halls. I wish we could have taken pictures, but they weren't allowed. None the less, we breathed in every bit and tried to take mental pictures. I remember most ALL the different china sets! Very cool.
After leaving the palace, we strolled out through the grounds and just sat to chat for a bit. We met these lovely two older women who we ended up talking to for about a half an hour. For whatever reason, I've spent the majority of my time with my American team. It was a treat to chat with these English women and hear all about their lives and travels as they asked us about theres.
It was a more low key weekend than some of my others, but a great one it was.
Saturday was my tour of Parliament. It was full of deep history... and it was so cool to hear the details of how English lawmaking occurs. Its not entirely dissimilar from the US, but there are some very special traditional ceremonies that mark the start of the season and session. Acts of the Queen, special gavels and other instruments, and how they vote. And each story of what occurred on those premises, such as the hanging of William Wallace (Braveheart). Fascinating.
One of the most memorable parts of this day however, was at the end, where there was a special exposition around the abolishment of the English slave trade. The actual document William Wilberforce submitted to Parliament was there in a casing. The stories, the pictures, were all very moving. And the fact that slavery still exists in many areas of the world today, is terrifying. I have a friend working in Thailand helping to rehabilitate woman escaping sexual slavery through jewelry making. Her ministry blows my mind. www.wonderfullymadejewelry.com
So Sunday, Dominika and I set up to visit Buckingham Palace. There are actually many components of the palace... the horse stables, The Queen's Gallery, and then the Palace itself. It was all breathtaking... and again astounding to think of all the important people who've walked those halls. I wish we could have taken pictures, but they weren't allowed. None the less, we breathed in every bit and tried to take mental pictures. I remember most ALL the different china sets! Very cool.
After leaving the palace, we strolled out through the grounds and just sat to chat for a bit. We met these lovely two older women who we ended up talking to for about a half an hour. For whatever reason, I've spent the majority of my time with my American team. It was a treat to chat with these English women and hear all about their lives and travels as they asked us about theres.
It was a more low key weekend than some of my others, but a great one it was.
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