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

Activist and generosity--thoughts from Wendy

One of the things I am falling in love with the English is that they are activists! I love it!

I first encountered this in Kenya when we shared a duplex with a British family. We are actually going to see them next week, Lord willing!

I remember being so impressed out how they conserved water, compost, etc.--it really put me to shame. I have already confessed that I am a total hypocrite when it comes to materialism--I despise it and am a follower. I was outed when we moved and had so much stuff!

Anyway, I love our church! The second week we were there, they had a car free Sunday--encouraging people to walk. They sell and promote fair trade products at the church. There is this great organization called Traidcraft click on the word to check it out. We first heard of it b/c our pastors wife has a brother who works for them. Their family just got back from South American and they went on a mission trip/holiday and part of it was set up as a holiday to support the poor and to visit a Traidcraft factory--they promote fair wages, among other things. Impressive.

Then, the first week-end of October was called Harvest. We brought flowers, candy, fruit and visited the elderly and shut in of the church and heard from a man from the organization A Rocha click on the word to find out more about them. He spoke about stewardship of the earth and we all know that God gave us the earth to tend. Our church has a great vision for the grounds as a place of beauty, peace and binding the community and they are active in community conservation right on the church grounds. They share God's love through this program and it really challenged me to rethink conservation and it's importance.

Even the Bishop of Canterbury has piped in..

see article here

As with everything, now many developing countries depend on exports to developed countries. So, in encouraging one moral response, families should do their own gardening to reduce carbon footprint, it turns out Kenyans rely on income from crops they export to England. Unintended consequences drive me mad!

It seems the whole country is keen on being eco friendly, which is so refreshing. Micah and Emma Shae both can recognize the fair trade symbol and ask for those products and to American credit--Micah said he learned about fair trade at school--go Live Oak!!

The city even picks up composting--wow! Although, our area does recycle plastic or cardboard curbside--but I was shocked and impressed when our landlord fussed about this! Also, it is a common site to see recycling in the "boot" of our friends cars. Most people carry cloth bags for their shopping around--we are getting there in America.

Oh, and they have tons of charity shops--each on supports a different cause--from cancer, to pet care to preservation of the local historic cinema. This is when I realized that I shop as recreation--I found myself going in there just to look and almost always coming out with something interesting. I just don't go in now unless I need to--things are dirt cheap!

I also cannot say enough about English generosity! In one of the charity shops, a lady gave Mallory a stuffed toy--our first week here and Mallory needed cheering up as she missed her brother and sister. Our doctor family friends that I have mentioned before-- met us, invited us over and offered their car, older kids to babysit and now helped us through Micah's asthma attack--more on English hospitals coming soon on Micah's blog. Another friend brought us toys, another had us over all day for Sunday lunch and gave the children books and walked us all the way home. When there are school gatherings and public transportation might be an issue, any of Aaron's colleagues offer to come get us.

They really go the extra mile here. They also call you love -- a lot . I like that! Other terms we are getting familiar with--ta (said tahhhhh--going up high pitched by ladies or tah briefly by the lads) Cheers. Anyone with information, would be greatly appreciated--Ta and Cheers appear to be a way of thanking AND saying good-bye. More on this as we remember to ask someone about it without looking like uptight white people in the grocery store....

Finally, save the red squirrel. This has made Aaron and I chuckle a lot--shows our cruel, American anti animal hearts (just kidding--we love animals). Usually, the squirrel is not something that would move us, but not so around here--it's a BIG deal. You can get a library card with a red squirrel on it and there is a reserve near us in a town called Formby--with pine trees--honestly, I was not excited about this b/c coming from Texas and North Carolina--we have tons of pine trees. But, now I feel bad and my heart is softening....

Save the Red Squirrel.

On another note--we have a friend named Tim Dale and he is from England although has a perfect American accent and demeanor due to growing up in America... Tim Dale is the only squirrel doctor in Great Britain...

Hmmm.... are they the same?! Article If you click on article, you can check it out--too bad there's no picture of Dr. Dale... Red Squirrel click on the red squirrel link if you want to check out the save the squirrels in Formby or donate...

So, well done England!!

Good show, old bean (said in your best, robust English accent)!! This our new favorite phrase our friend Esther taught us and it is appropriate!

Birthdays, sleeping bunnies and other fun stuff

Peter and Tom with a power kite--it was fun to watch, but I was quite frozen on the beach--too frozen to try it!
Esther and Emma Shae tossing the ball!

Our living room with party goers--Esther and Emma Shae and Mallory showing off.
The Party table--kids did the British flag and then friends from U.S. sent a mighty fine care package with brownie mix, napkins, etc! Aaron was very thankful!
Me in my new shirt, also from the U.S. (thanks N and S!!!), but I am so happy to have something fancy because Liverpool girls are fancy!! I saw shirts like this in the shops here, so I feel very up to date!

Had a great birthday week-end--celebrating with the family and some friends.

Micah got me some cool flannel pjs--Europeans make amazing pjs, let's just say they are not dumpy :), Emma Shae got me a nice bracelet from a fair trade store--she has yet to let me wear it, but I let Aaron work that out with her! and Mallory got me some great Body Shop lotion and shower gel--Aaron is going to let me go on a retreat to Northumbria in November. My favorite devotional is The Celtic Daily Prayer Guide and it's put out by some folks from Holy Island--so, low and behold, we are going! Apparently, there are castles to storm, so everyone will be happy.

Also, it was the most international birthday I have had to date--wish we could have videotaped our friends singing to me-I will never forget the Norwegian birthday song--watch it here on You Tube--our friends said that it is a song about they would do a dance or do anything for you--something like that. I love Norway--quickly becoming a fan, the more I learn! Thank you, Espen and Ingjerd!

I want to highlight some of Mallory's little life now. She is making us laugh so much--last week, she announced at the breakfast table--"I have a funny joke. Someone came and picked me up and put me in the back of the car and took me to England!" Good to know what she is processing and that she can laugh about being dragged across the Pond. We were on the floor with laughter!

Also, we are learning some great new nursery rhymes. She has music as part of a play group we go to on Wed. and then we have been to rhyme time at the local library. While, I don't have her recorded, I did find some good You Tube seconds.

It was hard to choose one video, so do a search on you tube and enjoy. The funny thing is, every group we've been in --I have never seen kids get so still for so long--even Mallory got into it first time and she has gotten into a shy stage here, but instinctively knew it was going to be fun :).

Sleeping Bunnies

Wind the Bobbin Up

An update on Cornish pasties--they turned out fine. Click on the link to read interesting history :)

Superheroes

Right before we left to come to England, the kids started a super heroes game. This has come in handy as we wait for trains and buses, etc.

Micah is any Star Wars character or the Golden Arrow (that's since climbing Snowdon mountain in Wales--he felt so strong an big!)

Emma Shae is speed girl--she has all powers and is super fast

Mallory is cherry girl and turns people into cherries.

Aaron is helper guy and the kids made me Flower girl--I can change people into flowers. Mallory is the most hysterical with it--she really has some cool moves--tried to get her face, but she looks more worried in this picture :).

America - Land of the Free-stuff (Aaron)

Living abroad helps me to appreciate a few of the minor niceties I take for granted in America. The US seems unique in offering a fair amount of things at no charge. For example, you can go to Barnes and Nobles and just sit there without buying a thing. You may even pick up a book and read a little or bring a lab top and use wireless internet for free. All this without ever buying a thing.

It is not easy to find free stuff over here. Bathrooms are for customers only. Plugging in your computer at a cafe usually comes with an extra cost. We even had to pay for a neighborhood play group. I cannot sit in the cafe at my school because I bring my own lunch. We’ve received a letter telling us we’re under investigation for watching television without a license (we’ve hardly turned it on). Not to worry, this can be remedied for a fee. Today, I was surprised to see a cafe charge an extra 30 pence for eating a pastry there instead of taking it to go (maybe they’re charging for the air that you’re going to be breathing).

All together, it is a small and sometimes comical adjustment to make. At most, a minor annoyance. However, I didn’t realize how entitled I would feel, as if I deserve the free stuff. That will have to be put on hold for now.

More differences...

Mallory pleased with her pockets!

OK, so one big disclaimer for our British friends --any offensiveness is purely unintentional and due to American ego-centricness OR our own immaturity :).

In 2 week-ends we have begun to connect with people at church and in Aaron's program--what a blessing! I'll let Aaron talk about his program. We are so humbled and thankful to be here and meeting all of these amazing people. They are inspiring.

We wanted to show a few shots of our apt. inside.

This is mostly Mallory and Wendy's artwork--we are homeschooling Mallory on the days she doesn't go to school and so, we paint. She was pretty down today about not going to school, so we are prayerfully considering adding a day.

Here is the Hob and stove. It is smaller than in a house, but I think typical for an apt. Our apt. is furnished--think beach condo. It is through a company that has many short term internationals coming through, so, we are very happy with them. Two shouts out for the landlords who just rock! They have been so accommodating and welcoming. We are inspired by the handyman who just got back from holiday in Spain--he owns a house there--wow! These guys know how to save and invest. Also, we have been tipped off to Ryan Air and Easy Jet which fly out of Liverpool to various spots for really cheap. We had to look up half the locations--amazing and very tempting... Did you know Jersey is a French island under British control?

Anyway, back to the stove--the top is called the Hob, which I found out from reading directions when I cooked some rice. On the Hob...

Our first electric tea kettle--it came with the house. The French press we bought second hand after we couldn't do instant anymore and didn't want to get an electric one. Back to good coffee, although I am missing flavored creamer--whole milk all the way!

I tried to make Cornish Pasties tonight. I substituted ground beef for the stew meat and didn't have a rolling pen and just didn't get the dough thin enough. But, thankfully, they have prepackaged veg (that's a common term) AND just what I needed--carrots, leeks, swede (turnip, I think?) and potato. Simply value is the brand below the store brand which is Somerfield. That is a small supermarket chain where we can walk to and we just love it. They have great specials, esp. when you are picking up things every one or 2 days. So far we haven't gotten sick off any of the meat that is expiring that day :). We have made eggs, bacon and toast for quite a few meals while I am still getting used to planning ahead.

Here are a few other favorites--I think that's a honey monster... Apple and Elderflower juice and black cherry yogurt--yea!
OK, Aaron is super into the biscuit (cookie) and sweets specials--he is always coming home with something he got dirt cheap--go Cadbury on the chocolate Brunch bar and we did find tiny salad dressing bottles--even something like ranch, though not very thick--probably more like homemade. And then I accidentally bought the family of 12 Irish Catholic sized porage--it is so good! I love the picture. Oh and black currant jam for under a dollar! Food prices are pretty good--esp. with the clearance and Simply Value :).

One thing that tickles Aaron is the sinks--this is true almost everywhere. 2 faucets--one hot and one cold and the spicket is right up next to the edge, but then there is a large bowl--what is that about? He noticed it more than me, I guess bigger hands. I just notice it at night when I am trying to wash my face and I fill my hands up with cold and then hot water trying to get warm :). You have to put your hands right up against the back of the sink to get any water--then there is all the room in front of it...
This is the recycle bag for papers--I just love the please and sorry--they are so polite. I called to get one of these bags because our recycling didn't get picked up the first time. First of all, got a person right away (wow) and secondly, she asked, "Did you present it well?" I replied, clearly not :). I love these people. I later found out that they don't recycle plastic bottles, so we must have grossed out the recycle dudes.

OK, so this is cute--bags with the day of the week that we put our trash out--so, awesome. Of course I had already asked my neighbor, but he never said a word--they have def. not seen Napoleon Dynamite.
We are learning all kinds of things about outlets and voltage, which is great, b/c Uganda is the same, being a former British colony. Another reason to buy local. One trick is you have to turn on the outlet first--I was so proud of myself for remembering to charge our phones one day, but Aaron gently pointed out that I didn't turn on the outlet....
Here's the one outside of the kids bathroom--Emma Shae quickly caught on to that and she taught me about it--the red one turns on the heat (she's a good little survivor!) and the white is just the light.
Ok--this is so dumb of me, but hey, let me just put myself out there anyway--I totally bought man sized tissues just b/c it made me laugh--nice purple box, too. Manly

We have a compact washer in our kitchen, like where a dishwasher could be. I think this is a small space thing, b/c we went to a friends and they had a dishwasher in their kitchen and I didn't ask where the washer/dryer was. I guess typically they must double as a dryer, but our doesn't. So, our landlord bought us a compact dryer b/c he had mercy on the family of 5! It is so damp here, that 3 days later, our clothes were still a bit wet and we didn't bring that many! It is a condenser one, so we didn't have to cut a ventilation hole. You have to empty water out and clean a separate filter every 10 loads. What tickles me here is the settings--bone dry, extra dry, cupboard dry, iron dry--hee, hee
Here's our row of appliances--dorm size--we do have a freezer on the other side of the kitchen. We brought magnets from home :).
Our bedroom and yes, Virginia, laundry purgatory is in every country. I am terrible at laundry, which is a shame b/c my mom is so good at it. She did tell me recently that they don't make clothes like they used to and even she can't preserve them. Her secret--she reads labels! what a concept! I do like to read labels here, but it hasn't transformed my bad laundry.

Here is our dining room. I can't get away from mirrors--there is a floor to ceiling one here--so unfair b/c this is where I have coffee and read my Bible first thing--I even look like Keith Richards in the morning :) and I have to look at myself.

Here's our living room and play room. We put all the TVs away b/c there is a TV license here. We got a notice that we were under investigation, but if we would call and either pay or let them know that we weren't watching the TV, we could end the investigation (come to think of it, sounds like a hazing joke...hmmmm). So, Aaron called and it was too expensive for our short stay here. We are not TV watchers, although Aaron would get a kick out of watching soccer--he is a true fan. Now, he HAS to go the pub. We have to disconnect the TVs b/c they will come around to check on us and if they can tell we were watching TV, then we would be fined. wow.

Kids bathroom.
Our beautiful front room and gorgeous windows looking out to the street. Our landlord was really sweet and put 1 double and 2 singles in for the kids! It's pretty sweet and they are used to sharing a room, although this is bigger than the one they had in the U.S.