Northumbria by Wendy

Aaron is in full exam mode, so this is more from my perspective

Northumbria is a region in the far NE England, on the border of Scotland. It is also home to a community called Northumbria who are committed to a sort of modern day monaticsm--living like monks in principle, but out in the community, in families, etc. They seem to be largely based on the Celtic spirituality, though they take from modern and ancient sources of Christian teaching.

I first heard about them from a devotion, which is my favorite--The Celtic Daily Prayer. I have been following their rhythm of prayer off and on for about 7 years and just really enjoyed the readings and thoughts. I like the idea of an ebb and a flow to our lives and relationship with God. One of the quotes was how their faith is shaped by the landscape, so it was a real honor to travel that way for a week-end retreat.

Aaron gave this to me for a b-day present, so we all stayed together, but he took the kids!

A friend let us borrow his car and we all went up to Newcastle to stay with his friends in a glorious 7 story Victorian house--we all had a blast and experienced some sweet English hospitality. Our friend took the train home (so humbling to receive such generosity!) and we headed to Holy Island or Lindisfarne. We could only get there between the tides, so we had to be sure to be out by 2:30pm and guess what we mostly did between 3 kids? That's right--the toliet!! aw, man! I was trying to understand what God was telling me as I have waited 7 years to visit this place of lore and history and waiting on my kids to do their business :). hmmmm.... It is absolutely a beautiful and island and much like it would have been in the 300's when many incredible writings and visions came out of this place.

After a quick stop at a nearby castle, we went to the middle of nowhere to find the Nether Springs and the mother house of the Northumbria Community--very simple and yet one of the most hospitable places on earth!

I was there for the retreat, but the kids and Aaron stayed with me and were invited into the rhythm of the house--5:30 evening prayer, 6pm dinner and while we are served, the guests help with the washing up. 9pm compline prayers.

The prayers are said in the chapel-- a bell would ring and then we would scurry to the chapel to the welcoming candles, simple beauty and healing silence.

Friday night I just cried as my stressed out and weary body met the power of saying prayers I had for years said by myself with a community of like minded strangers! wow! God spoke to me of gentleness and purity being what He wanted to work in me.

Then there was the retreat--not at all like I expected, but one of the most powerful retreats I have ever been on--amazing! About 8pm, this crazy man burst into the living room where we met with tea and a cozy fire--he came mid conversation and ended up leaving mid conversation as he had to rush back to beat the tides--he lives on Holy Island.

The topic was Given for Life and on the subject of the motivational gift we are born with. The Bible teaches a lot by groups of 7 and sure enough, in Romans 12, Paul lists these gifts we are all born with--just one each, please :). It's the why you do things. Cool. I had heard similar teaching from Arthur Burk in America, but this had different explanations and examples and personally, God spoke to me about mothering all week-end! It was amazing. The gifts are prophet, teacher/explainer, mercy, servant, ruler/leader, giver and exhorter and really shows how we all need each other and God intends to gift us differently to bless each other. So, we can give and receive--from anybody whether they realized God or not. It was and is such powerful and freeing teaching!

I loved the small group and the way the teacher told stories and was just this profound and normal guys sharing what he's learned and encouraging us to do the same--very much like Jesus. As I think back, the most life changing times for me have been in people's living rooms and kitchen tables as we share with each other burdens and joys. He gave us many answers gleaned from the Bible and experience, but led us to many questions to be pondered and worked out in our daily lives--so exciting. We can't mass produce faith and we can't live on other's faith, we must work these questions out in our own lives and encourage each other--I love the idea that we are on pilgrimage.

On Sunday, Micah joined me for the morning prayers and it was such an honor to be besides him praying and sharing. Aaron joined me for compline prayers at night and we continue to do that at home--powerful and moving.

What an honor.

Aaron is my total hero for giving me this wonderful retreat! Micah took this foto of us at one of the many castles to visit on the North England coast.

Although we all stayed together, I went on a retreat and Aaron was a champ and took the kids out to different sights--storming castles....
Going to Scotland without me (aww, man!)
Playing around....
Hiking....

The North Sea and a michevious windy November day

A visit to Holy Island--that day the tide was ebbing at 7:30 am and flowing at 2:30pm or is it the other way around? This is the view as we were trying to beat the tide at 2:30pm--all over the island, they had pictures of cars that had gotten caught in the tide and we had a retreat to get to...

oops, out of order... The view from our window at Nether Springs....

The Castle on Lidisfarne, or Holy Island

View from St. Mary's church-- a medieval church, still in use!

updates on TV license

Well, we got another warning letter from the TV license people. wonder if we will meet them before we leave. Actually, got the letter a few weeks ago and today ANOTHER one came--I'm scared to open it!

We ran out of Wednesday trash bags and I called the Council to see how we get more bags. They will come for the new year next week, when it is Nov., but they will give me some green trash bags to hold me over. Next day, the postal workers are on strike, but the council hand delivered a note telling us to recycle more and they might come and inspect our trash bags to make sure we are recycling properly. Although England is really green, our particular area of service does not recycle plastic OR cardboard (hey, even Waco does THAT!). My friend was appalled and suggested that we call them up and explain we are a family of 5 coming in half year of a flat previously rented--who knows what kind of waste THEY were doing?!

Dude, between the Council and TV license, I hope we can make it out of here by Dec.!

One funny thing about the mail--sadly, they have been striking and I guess I make a big deal to hurry and go to the post office in the middle of negotiations... Mallory, who is 100% on board and ready to go for anything has noticed the crown because it is the Royal Mail -- the other day she said, "Has the Queen picked up our mail?!" Definitely!

A surprise Day

After a stretching week, we had a surprise treat marathon on Saturday!

We went to see a movie on Sat morning--our local vintage theatre called The Plaza does a kids movie every Sat. morning where adults are free with a child ticket. What we didn't know is a play time, dance party starts at 9:30 and the movie starts at 10:30--a true culture shock morning. We are all there with our mouths open watching parents reading their newspapers and kids running like Lord of the Flies at the front of the theatre--we finally lean over and interrupt a newspaper reader and get the scoop. Aaron and Micah go home, but I am cemented to my seat in mild horror watching the kids--then the disco starts and the electric slide amongst other dances. This tiny little girl was in a velvet disco jumpsuit--amazing moves! And then I think--you know who would love this? My friend Patricia. I get a crank in my heart and tears in my eyes--she is made for a party and during my years in Waco helped this uptight white girl loosen up!! While I didn't get down there and dance, to my surprise, Emma Shae jumped up and was all over it! I was so proud of that girl! Honestly, Patricia used to say that Emma Shae is her adopted daughter and that rang true Sat. morning!! They were playing relay games, etc. and there was Emma Shae with sheer joy on her face. Mallory and I cuddled-nice. Micah and Aaron returned (wow--he took out the trash and did the dishes!) Then at 10:30am the lights went dim and The Fantastic Mr. Fox came on! Not sure if it's out in the U.S. or if it already came, but it is such a clever movie!

Then we went to McDonald's down town and to a toy store to buy toys.

Treat Fest 2009. whew!

Oh, one more surprise!

We went to the art gallery (which is FREE) on top of it all--celebrating being healthy!! Just as we got there, they were starting this interactive story. This young woman read a book about a mystery in the art gallery and one of the characters was acted out live as the kids went through the gallery. The point was to teach art. Kind of like a scavenger hunt they went through several rooms and upstairs, etc. Before each artwork was a giant sticker and the storyteller would tell the kids to stand on the sticker and they would! I thought I need these for my house--she never once had to say, "Don't touch the painting or sculpture." Go Liverpool art for kids--totally impressed! Click here to see the gallery. The Walker Art Gallery

On top of it all, it was supposed to be stormy and it was so pleasant and sunny--cold, yet bearable. This English weather keeps you on your toes!!

More National Health System (NHS)

After our friends left, we had the unwelcome guest of strep throat. Mallory got it first and had such a nasty rash that they thought she might have scarlett fever! wow. And so began a week of winding ourselves through the NHS....

On Saturday, Mallory and I went to a walk in clinic, only waited for an hour or so, quick diagnosis and end up having to pay for antibiotic- 7.20 pounds. The reception was shocked--had to ask workers for change b/c they are not used to people paying for medicine.

Monday, Micah shows up with symptoms. We call our GP and I am inspired to finish filling out our registry forms, although still kind of scared to do so.... They don't have an appt. We go back to the walk in clinic, wait for 2 plus hours and the nurse would not let us have antibiotics b/c Micah only had half of strep symptoms. Hmmm.. They don't swab for test, so we can only go by symptoms. No school.

Tuesday, we get an walk in appt. for our GP and still can't get antibiotics b/c only half the symptoms of strep. I (Wendy) start getting symptoms....Dr. swabs, but no lab on sight--it will be sent to hospital and I can call tomorrow about 4 pm to get result. No school.

Wed. no school. I call and it hasn't come back yet....hmmm...

Thus. send Micah to school with sore throat, but no fever, poor guy.I go to walk in clinic--no wait at all and nurse gives me antibiotics right away b/c 4 people have died this week of some kind of rare strep. Great. It was a different nurse, but he mentioned that he is taking sore throats more seriously this week... I get my medicine--have to pay 7.20 pounds--they don't have change, but a patient does, I almost said "Ta"--because I was so happy to be getting meds so quick! (earlier story about phrases here--Ta can mean thanks, good-bye, hello, etc.) I call again for the test results for Micah , it hasn't come back yet! I lose it, mildly. "what? this is so different, in America, we can do this in 10 minutes and get meds right away!!" Great, so now I am a jerk on top of it all. But I did talk to the Dr. and after babbling about deaths, 2 of us having strep and Micah always gets it bad, wah, wah, wah, she said, "ok, come at half past 4 for the rx. So, we did and took it to Higgins pharmacy and did not have to pay for it!! wow. Thank you, God, Micah got on antibiotics--cleared up right away, as did I!

so, an interesting journey. I kept thinking as I was lugging kids back and forth --taxi sometimes and sometimes walking half mile to train station to save money--at least we are not refugees in a war--those moms have it hard!! praying for you guys--honoring YOUR struggle!

Getting this off my chest!

Ok, one of my favorite things is reading the paper. Since having kids, I have not done that so much, BUT in coming here, it has been reinstated.

Can I just say, I am totally a revolutionary wanna be--I found a funny post card here that says, "I wanted to save the world, but I couldn't find a babysitter" So, true!

Anyway, I find myself ranting and raving through paper and I was reminded of when in college, every Sunday, I would splurge and get The Washington Post ($3!) I would just fuss and fuss and cry over various pictures and for a long time kept a file of photos what would impact me--usually having to do with war or natural disasters and the affect on families.

So, it was in there, buried deep and I find myself ranting, raving and praying through the paper, having since put my faith in the original revolutionary--Jesus!

Ok, so even as I am mad at Disney, China, various corrupt gov't around the world--I realize how hypocritical it would be to even post what I am ranting about--as if the U.S. Gov't doesn't have it's own corruption and problems...plus, I'm scared of liability as a true American past time!

But, it has made me aware again of what IS going to change the world? What is my role? I do think it comes back to as simple as loving your neighbor as yourself--that I can handle. If we all kept tabs on each other as neighbors, then wouldn't the world be a nicer place and there would be less room for the atrocities that are happening in Ohio, Ft. Hood, Congo, China, England, etc???

We are giving over to trying to buy more Fair Trade. My friend Helen who was just here is always such an inspiration to me--she goes to great length to be ethical in all buying and eco in all living and makes it look easy!! She was telling me about how Cadbury started as a group of Quakers back in the day who made chocolate for milk as an alternative drink to beer to combat alcoholism and they paid fair wages, etc. They are not marked fair trade b/c it's just built into their ethos--all out of a Christian conviction to love your neighbor... Then I was recently at an art gallery from the soap giant Lever--apparently from the Wirral (a peninsula near Liverpool)--who knew?--anyway, he went to great lengths to lobby for shorter working hours, built housing for his workers and gave an incredible amount of money back to the community. He built this free art gallery and believed that art was for everybody and all could profit! Click here for the Lady Lever Art Gallery. Pretty cool way to be a millionaire.

So, viva la housewife, viva staying current in news and viva somehow changing the world with it all!

A visit from Nick, Helen, Alex, Ben and little Micah

Well, after Gammy came, we hosted an English family that we first met in Kenya. Wish I had those pictures with me--Micah was 18 mos., their Alex and Ben were 3 and 11 mos. respectively. Now, we have added a Micah to their family and Emma Shae and Mallory to ours.

The kids got a long great--it was hard to say good-bye, but generously, they are hosting us as we leave England via London.

Some highlights from the visit

-hearing Alex read the night time Bible story to all the kids

--Hearing the Lord of the Rings read in proper accent by Nick--wow, that was totally awesome!

-Alex, Ben and Little Micah (he's 5) introduced Micah (and sort of Emma Shae) to the wonderful game and hobby of Match Attax--the football (soccer) player collecting game. It has now become a family favorite--I just want it to be know that even though I had no idea what I was doing or even what a striker is--I slaughtered Micah on the first and last time I played the game!! No wonder the kids are so competitive :) A pack of cards is 50P or pocket money as they like to say and you can pick them up in most news stands--they are very popular and we actually have only been able to buy them once, even though we are trying to follow our friend's tradition of once a week pocket money purchase... hmm... at least we are trying If you can click on Match Attax, you can take a peek at what we are talking about!

--Visiting Anfield, the Liverpool Football Club stadium

We also took a great hike and relaxed on the infamous Red Squirrel Reserve--did not see any red squirrels, but had a great time!

Mallory, Little Micah and Emma Shae after a picnic--the reserve is on the edge of a beautiful beach.

Big Micah, Alex and Ben plotting to take over the world!

Little Micah and Mallory building sand castles.

Emma Shae and beach rope extensions--lovely!

Helen reading to the girls--she is a GREAT reader as well as Nick and it was funny to hear her reading ballet books right when she is used to reading "boy" books!

It was such a good visit--Nick and Helen also introduced us to our first Balti--when the English are getting Indian take out--they say something like, "shall we go for curry?" So, we went for curry and found a new love--Indian take out!

It has been so great to keep in touch with these guys over 8 years! and to see them in their home culture --like specimens.... ha! Just kidding, but it was one of the "extras" we were really hoping for in coming to England! They are some of our heroes and still are!

November and resurfacing

Well, last we wrote, it was the day before Aaron's mom came--and we have had quite a bit of excitement since then!

I keep trying to get Aaron to write, but I guess he has a good excuse, like, learning life saving information to use in Uganda! He's off the hook!

So, here are the things we did to enjoy Gammy's visit--it was so surreal to have her with us and so nice to share with Mom!

We had high tea at the Maritime museum--it was a GREAT museum, but for some reason did not hold the attention of the kids. They did enjoy all the sweets with the tea and we had a good view of the famous Mersey River.

Went back to the Chatsworth because it's that cool and got to go with a classmate of Aaron's--Dr. Peter. Wendy and Mallory did not get to go b/c Mallory was sick and we ended up missing the excitement of Emma Shae getting car sick :). Gammy reported she was impressed and relieved that Peter and Aaron jumped to the clean up and took care of it all--way to go, guys! Doctors with a heart.
Betty and I got a half day out--so much fun. We had a good time going to a free art museum, but the main exhibit was Rothco, which I grew up with in Houston. It was pretty fun--we also enjoyed tea and scones at a fancy dept. store with a good view. A rare treat!
Day one, we took Gammy to the Crosby Beach with the famous Iron Man--check out the artist website and def. look at the pictures. I have at times been able to run on the beach and feel thankful for artists and how they invoke things from us--it's powerful!
Emma Shae's teacher surprised us and pulled Gammy into the classroom for a great big welcome--she was so sweet and generous--I got red cheeked and I know Gammy was pleased and surprised, as well. She had the kids welcome her and then tell what she should see in Liverpool. They almost all said the art museum, with a few votes for the fair :). We didn't get to go the art museum until after she left--hard to do it all!
We took Gammy back to Chester because it was awesome! We went while Aaron was in school, but had a good time anyway! Thankfully, the weather held off. On the train....
On the wall, knocking on history's door...
Under a store--Roman ruins!
We took her to Llangollan, Wales (yes, we did do SOMETHING different) I took 40 millions pictures of Thomas--I think Micah being the first born--Thomas must have been a true partner to this first time Mom :). I wanted to go hug him!!!
Yes, a beautiful rainbow in Wales and sheep--this is in front of Chirk castle in Wales.
We were so excited about this one--a REAL, in use aquaduct--we walked alongside for a bit. They travel on this--can go all the way up to Liverpool. In Llangollen, where Thomas was, they have these horse drawn barges that you can go on -- very narrow canals-- they also go up to Liverpool. Too bad we drove!
Oh, Chirk Castle--from 1310 when King Charles or was it Edward? was doing all this fortifying to fight the Irish. This castle is amazing on the inside--it looks like the Halls that we love so much because up until 1980 a bunch of nobles have lived in it--now it is with the National Trust.
Eating at a wonderful, historic Corn Mill on the banks of some river in Llangollen, Wales