Day Thirty-nine Free Day

We promised John Luke a free day on Saturday and he held us to that promise. In fact, he stayed in his bed, as snug as a bug, until 3:30 this afternoon. Now, that’s a teen’s dream come true, isn’t it? He’s been reading a book that apparently didn’t get really good until around 1:00 this afternoon, then he couldn’t put it down. (Shhhh..Don’t tell his mom--I even brought him food in bed. After all, it’s a grandmother’s right to serve a grandchild, isn’t it? I’m sure he’ll take care of me one day. :)) He also didn’t feel well this morning. Who knows--it could be from drinking different water, or too many fish and chips, or simply museum overload. It was alarming when Mom made biscuits this morning and he didn’t feel like eating any. So, I gave him some Advil which helped his headache and by 3:30 he was ready to walk to the video store for our nightly fix of Harry Potter. We’re on number four tonight. He also needed some note cards for his homework. We were successful finding HP number four, but not the note cards, which didn’t seem to bother him too much. This HP episode has a scene shot in the quad of one of the colleges we toured, so we’re all eager to see it.
While John Luke read in bed, 2 Papa worked on his computer, mom made the biscuits, took a shower and read her book, and I alternated between the computer and cleaning the flat. We have done remarkably well in our little flat with all four of us pretty much right on top of each other. Mom only had one collapse of the rollaway bed and that was this morning. She recovered nicely from her burrito position and has been quite the trooper the entire week. We have no extra drawer space so she’s had to live out of her suitcase, which made packing tonight much easier (if you’re looking for a bright side). 2 Papa and I have shared one twin bed which means we’ve learned to roll over during the night with the precision of synchronized swimmers. We’ve also managed to coordinate our visits to the one small bathroom with no problems. It reminded me of the old days when all anybody had was one small bathroom. Whoops—that might sound a little like my dad’s stories of walking to school in the snow—uphill—both ways. Sorry.
Back to today--before we realized it the day was halfway over and 2 Papa was still Ashmolean-determined. John Luke was definitely not going to be talked into one more museum, but mom was a willing victim so off they went. It was very crowded, but they both loved the two of the five floors they made it to. I’m sure we will go later when it’s not so crowded and hit all five floors.
We made reservations at The Trout for dinner—our first meal with a reservation this week. The other meals have been great, but on the run. Tonight was nice and relaxing. John Luke had fully recovered and ordered sea bass with a crawfish and crabmeat risotto. (Korie, forget that I fed him in bed. Your bigger worry should be that MacDonald’s isn’t even in this radar anymore.)
Well, the blog is shorter tonight. You needn’t a break!! We’re going to pop Harry Potter in the machine and enjoy our last night together. John Luke just tried to change the TV channel with my cell phone. Maybe he's not well after all. :)
Enjoy a few more photos from our week together. There’s nothing like being with family.
“Blessed be God! He didn't leave you without family to carry on your life.” Ruth 4:4

Love you all.
Hugs, 2 Mama

Day Thirty-eight Stratford and Castle Day

So much to do and so little time! Mom and John Luke just have one more day with us. I’m already sad! We’ve promised John Luke a free day on Saturday so we’re trying to stick to that promise. BUT, the world’s first university museum, the Ashmolean, opened in Oxford in 1683 and after a year of remodeling to the tune of 104 million dollars, opens tomorrow. So, we HAVE to go to that exciting event in. Other than that, free time, baby!
But, today was no free day. We boarded our tour bus at 9:20 this morning and headed to Stratford Upon Avon, the home of William Shakespeare and then to Warwick Castle. The stop at Stratford was perfect. The weather was a little chilly, but we loved the walk around this charming little village as well as the well-done educational tour of Shakespeare’s birthplace (photo above). My only disappointment was that all the film clips of Romeo and Juliet were of the 1996 version, when I thought the 1968 version was so much stronger. Still, it was a great presentation and tribute to an incredible playwright. We also managed to shop, getting mom some new boots and a few souvenirs.
Next, we traveled to Warwick Castle which is the finest medieval castle in England. The history of the castle is impressive with many defeats and then a major conquest, hence it is still standing. It is amazingly well preserved and the handsome young man (photo above) dressed in period clothing made the tour extremely interesting. He had memorized about 25 minutes of dialogue to give us a true feeling of life in the castle. Also, it is now a property of Madame Tussaud’s of wax museum fame, so the rooms of the castle literally come to life with wax figures in each elaborately decorated room. It’s a little Disney-ish, but still great.
The last event of the busy day was formal dinner at college. John Luke was so NOT looking forward to this, but I wanted him to attend for educational purposes. He admitted as we left that it was way better than he thought. He definitely represented the teens of America with absolute perfection. He politely visited with people from all walks of life, shook hands and smiled at each introduction, put his napkin in his lap without prompting, held his fork appropriately during dinner, made small talk with the people around him at the table and looked fabulous in his new shirt and 2 Papa’s tie. We were so proud of him. Mom did all the above as well, but we kind of expected that.
Our tour guide for the day is so amazing. If you are interested in some of his more informative facts, keep reading. If not, good night and I love you.
• When the Romans invaded England, they asked the name of a certain river. The Celts answered with their word for river which is Avon, leaving the Romans to believe that the name of that river was Avon, hence there are several River Avons in England and they are distinguished by the town they are in such as Avon Stratford.
• Winston Churchhill’s mom was visiting Blenheim and decided to go horseback riding. Now, my gynecologist let me water ski, but not horseback ride. Apparently, Winston’s mom didn’t get this memo, and after falling off the horse, went into labor, delivering at Blenheim Palace.
• The beautiful and elaborate stained glass in the churches was not just for beauty. It was to educate the congregation about the Bible. Very few people could read so having a Bible in their hands wouldn’t have done any good. The vicar would simply point to the stained glass that illustrated the story he was telling.
• 7% of children in England attend a private school (called public schools here), 90% attend a state school and 3% are homeschooled.
• Doctors during the 18th century believed that putting a frog in the mouth of one who has a sore throat would cure it. Hence, the expression when someone has a sore throat, “I have a frog in my throat.” Apparently, the frog has secretions that could help, but I will not be trying it.
• Frances Scott Key’s patriotic poem was put to an existing popular British pub song and then became The Star Spangled Banner. We actually had an Englishman sing us one of the five verses of the pub song today. Cool.
• The home of Mary Arden, Shakespeare’s mother, has been on display for many years because of her famous son. But, nine years ago, when the Shakespeare society decided to purchase the home next to Mary Arden’s home, courthouse records indicated that the neighboring house was actually Mary Arden’s home and not the one that had been on display for a few hundred years.
• Two American Presidents actually visited Shakespeare’s home on the same day in the late 1700s and etched their names in the window glass.
If you continued to the end of this long blog, you’re a real blog-trooper. There is just so much to tell!
It’s almost unbelievable that for hundreds of years people believed what we now know was simply hearsay or, perhaps, a tradition about the true identity of Mary Arden’s home. Yet, many people do not want to believe that Jesus lived, died, and is coming again.
“That's why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.” Romans 14:6
Have a great evening. Love to all.
Hugs, 2 Mama

Day Thirty-seven Blenheim Day

Mom and John Luke have now spent five and a half days on the fast moving 2 Papa tour train—actually, tour walk would better describe our adventures. Today’s tour included just one stop, but it was a doozy, as they say--plenty of walking and plenty of standing. Weather wise—it was cold, but no rain, which was much better for sight-seeing than yesterday’s downpour.
We left this morning just before ten to catch the half past ten (as the Brits say) bus to Woodstock. No, we weren’t baby boomers dressed in bell buttoms, beads, and peace symbols looking for a music festival; this Woodstock is quite the opposite. It is the hometown of Blenheim Palace and Blenheim Palace is currently the actual, as in they really live there, home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. It is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, a name a little more familiar to us Americans. It seems Sir Winston was the grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough and his mother just happened to be visiting Blenheim when she got an unexpected surprise delivery she named Winston.
If you were to ask directions to Blenheim Palace and someone tell you “You can’t miss it,” they would be absolutely correct. Heading north from Oxford just before the lovely village of Woodstock, you would only need to look to your left, as the Palace stands majestically about a third of a mile off the road. You can't miss it. Our bus stopped, we departed, and then we stood--staring at this magnificent home as if we were Dorothy and her companions looking at the Emerald City. Judging the walk to the Palace (not a straight shot, I might add), we looked around for the tram to pick us up. But, we soon discovered Disneyworld is still in Florida and our legs would be our only source of transport for the rest of the day.
We followed our imaginary yellow brick road and soon arrived at the Emerald City. Getting our tour tickets took a little longer as 2 Papa (in bargain mode) quickly summed up the best deal—we needed a yearly membership. That required photos and a longer wait, but we will come back later this month with Ryan and Pam so why not save a few pounds. Finally inside, the tour began.
The Palace is room after enchanting room displaying hand-painted walls and ceilings, elaborate tapestries, beautifully arranged porcelain and furniture collections, and two well-place gift shops. In seems the current Duke, John George Vanderbilt Henry Spencer-Churchill, 11th Duke of Marlborough, whose estimated wealth is 185 million pounds (approximately double that for dollars) needs a little help in the upkeep of the enormous home and 2100 acres that surrounds it. If you’ve complained over the summer about mowing your yard, come see the grounds of this home that include impeccably groomed lawns, magnificent gardens, and an impressive lake complete with radiant white ducks.
For a little background history, the land and the money to build a home was originally a gift from Queen Anne in 1704 to the First Duke of Marlborough after his many military successes. There were two minor problems. First, the Duchess didn’t want such an elaborate home, preferring a smaller one designed for comfort, and second, the royal funds eventually dried up, leaving the Duke and Duchess to foot the remainder of the bill. Over the years, there have been more skeletons in the closets of Blenheim, but for the most part the Dukes and Duchesses have used their time wisely and supported many good deeds for England.
After seeing the fourth room full of old tapestries, old paintings and old silver goblets (as a kid sees it), John Luke had seen enough, but this is a huge house—with the end nowhere in sight. He patiently endured the THREE hours it took to see it all, as 2 Papa always insists.
The sleepy, little town of Woodstock was another mile walk, but food was now essential as it was two o’clock, well past our one-piece-of-toast-breakfast, so off we went. A friend had drawn us a map to the best pub in town. It was further away than any of the other eating places in town, but it was downhill—no problem. We arrived to discover it closed at two. Now, a problem. The easy downhill walk was now an uphill climb. Mom says she is definitely well on her way to an exercise program once she gets home.
The day really was great and mom and I even got in some shopping once we got back to Oxford. The stores stay open late on Thursday night. Instead of closing at half past five, they close at six. Woohoo! But, we had plenty of time to pick up a few souvenirs, some groceries, and head home. Tonight was order in pizza and watch another episode of Harry Potter. GREAT FUN!
Looking at that great mansion today, I couldn’t help but think of the mansion being prepared for you and me. One day, we’ll all meet up in celebration in our heavenly homes.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1
Have a great evening.
Hugs, 2 Mama

Day Thirty-six Stonehenge and More Day

Where do I begin telling you about today’s adventure? It was so full of historical happenings that I will be forced to leave some of it off for fear of losing you.
2 Papa (he’s such a good man) hired a private tour guide to take us to Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Avebury for the day. His name is Phillp and he picked us up at our door at 9:45. How cool is that??? The weather continued on the cool side, but the sun was shining as we headed out to the south of Oxford. Our drive time was about two hours so we enjoyed the incredible English countryside with Phillip telling us little tidbits of information along the way. He’s very English and very entertaining. He was a teacher and then a school principal before changing directions and becoming a tour guide. He said it’s not quite as stressful as being a principal. I’m sure Bobby Stokes would agree, but tours of Monroe are not in high demand.
Tour guide, Philip, was a walking Google-man and we learned so much from him. I talked about thatched roofs in another blog, but today’s lesson from Philip concerns two inventions the invention of the thatch roof was responsible for. While a thatch roof was and continues to be a brilliant solution for keeping homes warm or cool as needed, they have a way of attracting birds, rats, bugs and more. At any time, day or night, these little critters could lose their footing and join the family living below. The solution, at least for the night, was a four-poster canopy bed which provided a roof under a roof. The fine folks below could then get a good night’s sleep (I’m sure the mom was still awake checking on all the kids). You may have heard some version for the origination of the expression raining cats and dogs, but in England the credit also goes to the thatch roofs. It seems the cats and dogs would also settle in for a cozy and warm night of sleep tucked deeply into the thatching. This solution was fine for most nights, but on a rainy night, the thatch would get soggy and weak and down came the cats and dogs. Hence, it rained cats and dogs. Today’s thatches are covered in a mesh to keep the birds from making a nest. It also keeps the critters out. A thatch roof will survive around twenty-five years, but are very expensive to have these days.
After our two hour drive, we arrived in Salisbury and were ready for lunch. We went to our first real true pub. At a pub, you order at the bar and then sit down and the waitress brings you your food. The food was good, but was definitely English. Mom had chicken pie and JL had fishcakes and chips. John Luke has been very adventurous with his menu choices. Tonight he had lamb and ate every bite before he said he would not order it again. I’m proud he’s trying everything. I think he’s definitely a growing boy.
Salisbury claim to fame is the Salisbury Cathedral. We have already seen our share of Cathedral’s, but this one is the top of the line in the Cathedral showroom. When walking through it you soon begin to feel as mom said, “I’ve run out of words.” Dazzling, exceptional, incomparable, beautiful….are just a few descriptors for this amazing Cathedral. It was built between 1220 and 1315 and houses one of only four remaining copies of the original Magna Carta. The spiral is the tallest in England and the second tallest in Europe.
Next, we headed further south to see the ancient remains of Stonehenge. Along the way, we went through the chalk hills. Literally, chalk is about six inches below the surface for miles and miles of rolling hills. One of the most beautiful sights is the hill carvings, some of which date back well before Christ. The one we saw today was an elegant white horse (Joneal, you would love it—see photo). The carving is done by removing all the topside above the chalk leaving the desired shape. Amazing! Stonehenge wasn’t our best stop as the rain was now of Louisiana proportions and it was very cold. We managed to get out, snap a picture, and head back to the gift shop. The last stop was Avebury, which is Britian’s largest and most extensive stone circle. Stonehenge has taken over in popularity, but this ancient monument is just as impressive. While indications prove that Stonehenge served as a burial ground dating back to as early as 3000 BC, Avebury looks to be a monument of sorts to fertility, dating back to 4000 to 5000 BC. Can you believe it???
Lots of history today so I hope you weren’t bored. JL and I went on another adventure tonight to find a video rental store. Success! A little home schooling was required first and now, he’s ready to pop in Harry Potter so we can see some of the places we’ve visited in another light. I guess I better go. You know how demanding this grandma job can be!One more thing, I gave John Luke the camera for five minutes. Guess which photo is his.
Prehistoric times, Medieval times, Victorian times, Modern times….we’ve seen it all since we’ve arrived in England. How amazing to think of the one thing that never changes—Jesus, the Same; Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Love you all.
Hugs, 2 Mama

Day Thirty-five Tour Day

Our first full day in Oxford with visitors! Just one comfortable night and John Luke declared he is sold on sleeping under a duvet. In fact, he was so comfortable, we couldn’t get him fully awake until 10:00 (awake was debatable even then). I have to admit that I’m sold on duvets as well and will definitely purchase one when we get back. Duvets have tried to make an appearance in the US and have for some people, I’m sure, but generally we still try to turn them into a bedspread. Actually, they are really used as the top sheet. Like a pillow, a duvet has a cover that is the same fabric as a sheet. It is threaded on the duvet and the duvet then takes the place of a top sheet. The duvet is made of insulating materials to replace layers of blankets, quilts, and comforters. And, trust me, and now, John Luke, they are comfy warm and feel fabulous.
After a few slices of toast (not enough butter for JL though), showers, and one final layer of clothes, we headed out. Our luck ran out in the great weather department and today was raining and cold. We took the bus to City Center and joined the herd of umbrellas making their way through the city. After we had walked about half a block I looked around to make sure we were all together and, WE WEREN’T! No mom in sight. A slight panicky feeling hit my stomach and I yelled for 2 Papa to STOP. We had lost Mamaw Jo! Following the rules for lost behavior (as 2 Papa defined early in our marriage) John Luke and I stayed where we were and 2 Papa went back to the place we last saw Mamaw. A few minutes later he rounded the corner with Mamaw close behind. Sigh of relief! Mamaw said that after we got off the bus she looked up and all she saw was umbrellas. Who was under those umbrellas was a mystery. She then realized she had no money, no idea where we lived, and no working cell phone. Scary! When we suggested pinning the information to her shirt: IF FOUND, RETURN TO 119 BANBURY ROAD, she decided to find a money machine and memorize our address. Good thinking, Mamaw.
Finally all together, we started our day of walking and going up and down stairs, walking and more stairs, more walking and more stairs. With the exception of lunch at the college, we walked until four o’clock when Mamaw declared she was ready to cry, “calf rope.” John Luke had no idea what crying “calf rope” meant, but if it got him back to the flat, he would cry it also. Ever the slave-driver-tour-guide, 2 Papa tried to show our visitors everything we have seen in five weeks in one rainy day. They were both great sports until four o’clock and enough is enough!
Our day took us to Oxford Castle with its 101 winding steps and gruesome prison stories, Magdalen College with its Harry Potter cloisters and deer park (around 50 deer today), the Natural History Museum with all the dinosaurs, the Pitts River Museum with the shrunken heads, and our own Regents Park College with its beautiful quad. Keep in mind these places are not across the street from each other, but include a five mile hike. Mamaw said the last time she walked five miles at one time was 58 years ago with Papaw Shack on a date. I would guess that was a very important five miles.
Poor John Luke. As if crossing the street with three old folks isn’t bad enough, we went for fine dining tonight at a French restaurant. After Mamaw gave him a lesson in bread-eating and I gave him a lesson in fork-holding and 2 Papa gave him a lesson in eating everything in sight, he was probably ready for the cafeteria at OCS—no rules required.
I included a picture of the best part of our days—talking to family from home. Korie and Jesse were telling us all about Halloween and the high water in Monroe. Fun! Well, not the high water in Monroe, but talking to them.
Part of today’s adventure included meeting Patrick from New Zealand. Every day we meet such interesting people and, most often, we meet someone whose goal is to spread the gospel to other parts of the world. Patrick speaks Arabic and his plan is to go to North Africa, where he was a missionary kid. It’s such an honor to meet people so single-focused on sharing God’s word with the world.
“People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son.” Romans 1:8
Have a great evening.
Hugs, 2 Mama

With suitcases in hand, we walked a few blocks from our hotel and boarded the bus back to Oxford at around 9:30 this morning. The bus system in this country is amazing—easy and affordable for most. And it has WiFi!! Poor thing—it was as if John Luke had been operating with one hand tied behind his back all weekend with no WiFi access. But, he wasn’t the only one; we are all quite attached to our attachments with friends and family. We looked truly American on the bus. All the Brits were calmly enjoying the countryside, while we facebooked, emailed, and googled our way back to Oxford. Oh well, it’s a tough job depicting Americans as the busiest people in the entire world, but someone has to do it.
We arrived safety and quickly made our way to our hometown bus and headed for home. It was fun showing Mom and John Luke our new stomping grounds. The city looks beautiful as over the weekend a large assortment of fall colors arrived to Banbury Street. No time for rest on this tour, though, and off we went to a walking tour of four different colleges. Even though we have now heard several tour guides, we still heard things today that we didn’t know. One piece of new information was the reason for the quad design of each college. The quad shape (a beautiful shot of one above) was needed to protect the students from the townspeople. Apparently, students in the 13th century were much like today’s students and were a tad rowdy. The townspeople weren’t terribly patient with them and instead of calling the local dean of students took matters into their own hands. Not a bad idea.
Next, we boarded the tour bus to give Mom and John Luke a look at the entire city. We had such a beautiful and warm (well, 60 degrees) weekend in London, but today has turned colder. The sun was shining, but the air was colder. John Luke and I sat on the top deck while Mom and 2 Papa went the smarter route and took to the much warmer lower level. Seeing all of Oxford isn’t quite as difficult as seeing all of London, so one hour later we had seen it all and headed to the grocery store. We don’t plan to cook, but some things are essential—juice, fruit, water, milk, bread, humus, and Pringles. You can decide who picked what. Mom brought Jif from home, so I’m good to go.
Mom and John Luke got the look-both-ways system down in three days—only one near miss with a bicycle-er today and that was me. We keep hanging on to JL at all the street crossings scared to death he’s going to run out like an undisciplined three-year-old. I’m sure he really appreciates three old people holding his coat. Fortunately, he’s a nice kid and hasn’t complained. Mom is holding up to all the walking and stair-stepping like she’s been a mall-walker for years and I don’t think she’s ever walked a mall except to really shop. She noticed that not many people her age are out and about and finally concluded that people her age have “been there, done that” and are at home taking it easy. We’re glad she didn’t go that route and came on over.
We did go back to the flat for an hour to unload groceries, let Mom drink some coffee, and give John Luke time to chow down on Pringles. Then-- you guessed it-- time for more food. It was suppertime, so we went to one of our favorite Italian places (I think the count is up to fifteen favorite Italian places). Lunch was French so tonight warranted Italian. Fantastic as usual.
The day ended with some much-needed relaxation and TV time. It was a great day!
Another incredibly interesting part of Oxford is the small portion of the original wall (1100 something)that protected the city from outside enemies. Interesting how the city needed protection and then the students needed protection from the city. Feeling safe is a need we all have and we built walls to protect us from outside harm. How comforting it is when the wall we build is built by God and nothing else.
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Love you all.
Hugs, 2 Mama

Day Thirty-three London Update Day

I’m sorry about the blog-break we’ve had for the past two days, but Wifi was out in the entire area of our hotel in London. You guys probably needed the break, but it drove me crazy not reporting the news of the day. I’ve gotten kind of used to it, you know, even if it’s just for me, myself, and Irene, plus a handful of faithful supporters.
We expected Mom and John Luke around 2:00 on Friday, so around 2:45 I started the pacing process. I remember having that same nervous anticipation as I watched out the window for mom to come to Monroe when my kids were babies. At 3:15 I finally spotted a van, but as it got closer I discovered it had tinted windows that would rival a member of the drug cartel of Mexico. Also the name on the outside wasn’t what I expected so I just kept alternating between staring-without-staring at its dark windows and looking down the street for another van. Inside the van, John Luke was laughing so hard at me, as they were waving and carrying-on trying to get my attention and I completely ignored them. Soon the van stopped and out they came; heaven had arrived in London!
Time is money, so to speak, so quick hugs for all, then to the room for a suitcase drop off, and off to board the London double-decker tour bus. In spite of a cool afternoon, we headed straight for the top—the breezy open-air top deck. We were rewarded with the most incredible view of London. It wasn’t long before darkness spread over the city, but London was prepared for that and the most remarkable lighting on each historic building made the tour even more magical.
As if that wasn’t enough excitement for the first night in London, it seems we had more fun yet to be exposed. The next morning when 2 Papa said he didn’t sleep well the night before, John Luke mentioned he didn’t either. But 2 Papa claimed JL slept great. Apparently 2 Papa slept better than he thought as JL confessed that he had gotten up, thinking it was morning, and took a shower. After he was squeaky clean, he discovered the time was 11:58 pm. He had only been asleep about one hour before the ill-timed shower. We all laughed so hard, but I’m ashamed to say, I doubted him, thinking maybe he dreamed the whole episode. If his mother, a deep dreamer, a sometime sleep walker, and frequent sleep talker wasn’t my daughter, I may not have doubted him, but past experience got the best of me. For proof JL calmly took 2 Papa over to their room and pointed to the wet towels. It was all true—the wet towels were the proof I needed.
Other activities during our London visit included Madame Tussauds Wax Museum where we partied with Audrey Hepburn and taught Albert Einstien the finer points of a cell phone; Ripley’s Believe it or Not where were got lost in the mirror maze and gagged at the woman with a face like a mule; The Tower of London where a delightful guide made us feel like we were there when the expression “lost your head” really meant that you lost your head; the Aquarium where we tiptoed through the walk with nothing but a piece of Plexiglas between us and some very large sharks; the subway where 2 Papa held up his end of the man-thing by never asking directions; the musical Wicked where singing and dancing and a incredible script can even hold the attention of a fourteen year old boy; the Eye of London (huge ferris wheel built to view the city) where we found an amazing city looked even more amazing; restaurants and more restaurants where 2 Papa proved to the sharks that size doesn’t matter—in teeth, that is as he devoured his prey quite successfully.
London is a city of eight million people and unlike any city in the world that we have ever seen. Its history is so deep and complex, its attraction so extensive and plentiful, its areas so extended and diverse, that we hardly made a dent in it. Yet, we loved every minute of acting like tourists with “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” and flashes of our camera. Then we loved, almost as much, sitting in the hotel room watching a movie together proving that there’s no place like being with family from home.
Tomorrow we board the bus for Oxford and we’re excited to show our loved ones our home away from home and a quieter side of England. Coming to London and never seeing Oxford would be like going to New York City and never seeing West Monroe, well, West Monroe or Nashville or Kansas City or Billings. Anyway, the large cities are fantastic to visit, but it’s in the smaller cities, towns, and villages that the heartbeat of a country can truly be found.
“Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." Mark 1:38
See you back in Oxford. Love you all.
Hugs, 2 Mama