The Movers arrive

Yesterday was the day that the first group of movers were due to arrive. I am not taking everything back to SA so have arranged for another group to arrive today to take what is left to the auction rooms.

 There was great excitement when the van arrived spot on time and the packaging wrapping and boxes were brought into the house.

The two men each took a room and started the big pack.

Soon there were boxes and wrapped parcels everywhere.

 The van was filling.

Everyone helped.

I went around checking at everything was packed.

The bed was hardly recognizable.

The second box was opened and it was soon filled as well.

 Owen and Erin checked to make sure all was secure in the van.

Eventually it was time to say good bye to the two packers. They had managed the task in 4 hours. A job well done.

  Good bye contents. See you in South Africa.

Farewell Function

On Sunday afternoon I was invited to a Farewell Tea at the church. We piled into the car and the children found toys to keep them busy while we chatted to everyone.

Eventually we were ushered into the hall where everyone was waiting for us.

The food was beautifully displayed and I was overwhelmed by the number of people there.They had come from all over the Circuit.

The ladies in the kitchen excelled themselves as usual.

I tried to get around to speak to most people but it was difficult as there were so many people there. After a while the speeches started and some very kind words were said. I did not recognize the person they were speaking about and decide there and then that what I had prepared would not be said as I would not cope and then no one would hear what I wanted them to hear. Instead I decided to keep my reply light hearted and told them that they would be able to read what I had prepared in the next Circuit magazine.

I was blessed to receive many cards and some lovely flowers and gifts.

The children also had a good time and so we all went home emotionally drained but feeling loved and appreciated.

Once we got home the children wrapped themselves in the beautiful Prayer Shawl that I had received from the Prayer Shawl ministry group. And then we all fell into bed exhausted. With God's help I had managed to only have one wobbly moment and that was at the end while speaking to Margaret and Andrew Sankey, the minister and his wife who had been here when we first arrived and who had helped us so much.

Southery

On Sunday morning I attended another CFS, this time at Southery. Unfortunately I disgraced myself by having a wobbly when I was asked to speak. I had prepared what I wanted to say but was overcome during the delivery. We had just sung Douglas' favourite Hymn, " This, this is the God we adore" and I had managed to sing without falling apart but as I was speaking the tears could not be stopped.
Everyone was very sympathetic and understanding and so I managed to complete what had to be said.

Once again I took them a picture of Douglas and again he had pride of place on the Communion table.

We visit Legoland

After a good nights sleep and a lovely breakfast we were ready to start the day. Everyone had been looking forward to this day so we were all filled with excitement as we made our was to the bus station to catch the coach to Legoland.

It was not a long journey and soon we saw the little Lego figures alongside the road and of course the excitement built. It was the start of the school holidays so there were many people who decided to visit Legoland and so we had to queue for every ride.

   

 

The weather was good in fact it was rather unpleasantly hot but we had come prepared so had sunblock and hats to protect us from the sun. There were many rides to enjoy as well as many sights to see.

 The Safari tour was popular.

 Owen loved the little train and the level crossing so we spent much time watching the train and even had a ride ourselves.

 

The jungle climbing area was a hit.

Everyone loved the Round About with its gentle horses.

 They also enjoyed a visit to the Legoland Hotel.

They even had a driving school. First was the oral exam.

 Then came the practical part.

A high light was the Splish and Splash area.

 Of course we did have to feed ourselves so Hot Dogs were very welcome.

 We also managed some ice cream.

There was also a live Pirate show which allowed us to rest our weary legs while we enjoyed the antics of the pirates.

Owen and the Mommy braved the submarine ride after standing in a long queue.

 Owen was thrilled to be able to lead the Duplo train around its track.

 He and the daddy enjoyed fighting the fires.

 While we waited for Owen and the daddy we enjoyed the Mini Town cities.

 Eventually it was time to go back to our hotel. Erin was exhausted so decided to take a nap.

The bonus was that the return trip was on a double decker bus much to Owen's delight.