Day 60-Part II

Thursday, June 4, 2015

London, England

So thankful I found the mother ship!  God is good!

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

St. Paul’s Cahtedral                                                    High Tea at Harrod’s

Day 60-Part I

Thursday, June 4, 2015

London, England

Today was a full day. We had several items on our to do list. Mary skillfully mapped out our travel route by way of the London Underground.  Our first stop was the famous BBC.  We wanted to visit the building because it was there that C. S. Lewis broadcast his famous lectures on Christianity which he eventually published as the book, Mere Christianity.  In front of the BBC building is All Soul’s Church where John Stott served as rector from 1850-1975.

From there we took the Tube to St. Paul’s Cathedral.  This is the church where Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer.  The building was designed by Sir Chrisphor Wren.  The dome that crowns this house of worship is a London landmark.  The distance from the floor of the nave to the top of the dome is exactly 365 feet.  Wren designed the cathedral this way because he believed Christians should honor the Lord Jesus Christ 365 days a year.   The art work is magnificant.  It is grand in every way.  Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures.  However, we did climb the 257 steps to what is known as the “Whispering Gallery.”  From this height you can see the art work that lines the ceiling.  Mary went farther than I did.  She climbed an additional 271 narrow steps to reach the very top of the dome which is outside.  There she had a breathtaking view of London and a unique view of cathedral floor.  I enjoyed the rest.

After our time at St. Pauls, we got back on the Tube and headed for Harrod’s Department Store. This is where the extremely weathy shop.  We enjoyed looking but we could never afford to buy.  We rounded our day off with High Tea in Harrod’s Georgian Room which was our total food budget for the day!

The words of Psalm 96:4 are written on the ceiling in the cathedral: “The Lord is great, and greatly to be praised.”  I am thankful for talened men and woman who praise God through music, art and architecture.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

John and Maisie Ripley and Mary          The London Eye

Day 59

Maidstone Kent and London, England

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Mary and I left our hotel extra early and headed for Victoria Station where we caught the train to Maidstone, Kent.  We were on our way to visit her Aunt Maisie and Uncle John.  The last time Mary saw them was in 1987.

We were greeted at the door with a hug and kiss.  Both commented that Mary had not changed a bit since they last saw her.  The Ripley’s treated us like Queens.  In additon to delicious lunch, Aunt Maisie had gifts for Mary and me.  Her daughter, Katherine had selected lovely silver necklaces for us..  Aunt Maisie, an excellent knitter, had handmade us both a beautiful white shrug. We rounded out our afternoon with a good hot cup of tea and a lovely chat in their backyard garden where her roses were in full bloom.  Their hospitality was a gift I will always remember.

When we got back to Victoira Station we decided to take a taxi across Waterloo Bridge and ride the iconic London Eye.  The London Eye is a large “ferris wheel” with glass capsules that hold about 28 people each. As you slowly go up around, you have a magnificent view of the city.  This only my third day in London and I find myself falling in love with the city.  We are making the most of every moment.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 58-Part II

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

London, England

Today was indeed a Royal Day.  It begin in morning shortly after 9 a.m.  Mary and I boarded the double decker bus and headed for Buckingham Place to see the Changing of the Guard.  We arrive in the nick of time.   Although the “official” ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m., things started to happen at 11 a.m.  We arrive early enough to have a spot in front of the iron gate that surrounds the palace.  By 11 a.m. the crowd was so large you could not move.  No one does pageantry better than the British.

The ceremonial Changing of the Guard begins with the Royal Horseguards parading through the streets and on to the palace grounds. Then the Royal Guard marches out and performs a series of military excerises.  There is a second parade of the Royal Band.  Followed by a another division of the Royal Guard and more military on horseback.  The Royal Band played two songs for the crowd.  The first was Aaron Copland’s Rodeo and the second piece was the music from..are you ready..the movie, Frozen.  I couldn’t believe and the crowd loved it!

I enjoyed every moment of the this time honored tradition.  However, Mary and I were a little disappointed that Her majesty, the Queen did not invite us in for afternoon tea. (LOL)   However,  after lunch we notiuced MANY women lined up to go into the palace.  These women are part of the WI (Women’s Institute) . They were all in lovely dresses and  beautiful hats.  How I wish Frances and Emma coukld have seen this sea of woman in their hats.

From Buckingham Palace we went to Westminster Abbey.  We did not realize it at the time, but today is the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation which occurred on June 2, 1953.  She was crowned in the Westiminster Abbey.  This is also the place where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married.

There is so much rich hsitory within these hallowed walls. In additon to Kings and Queens, so many famous people are buried in the Abbey.  Isaac Newton, Lawrence Olivier, George F. Handel, Wordsworth and Longfellow, just to name a few. We also saw the Coronation Chair which is used when a King or Queen is crowned monarch.

Mary and I attended a prayer service in the chapel of St. George.  We also attended the Evensong Service.  We sat in the choir loft next to the choir of men and boys which is world reknown for their music.  We enjoyed listening to the magnificent pipe organ.   We experienced so much, I almost could not take it all in.  It was truly a Royal Day!

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 58 Part I

Tuesday, June  2, 2015

London, England

Today my nephew, Andrew Thomas King, graduates from Liganore High School in Mt. Airy, Maryland.  I want to say congratulations to Andrew and to everyone who is part of the class of of 2015!  I wish each of you a bright future and I pray that you will always be rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus and his unfailing love.

I want to sent a shout out to the New Kent High School Class of 2015.  They will gradaute next Friday, June 12th.  Please know how proud I am of each of you.  May God bless each of you.

W2G Class of 2015!!!!

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Mary and me in our “hotel” lobby with a copy of the The Times

Day 57

London, England

Monday, June 1, 2015

We arrive at Heathrow Airport this morning shortly after 6 a.m. (London time).  It took an hour to go through immigration where I received my first Passport stamp!  After claiming our luggage, we took a taxi to our hotel which took another hour.  We were told we could not check in until 2 p.m.

Our “hotel” room is very tiny..two twin beds, a desk and two chairs and a desk.  There is very little room to turn around.  There are no wash clothes and there will be no maid service.  ( I had more room and amenitis at the monastery.) We have one towel each and that has to last for our entire stay.  However, we are located in the heart of London near Hyde Park,  It is lovely spot and the grant is paying for location, location, location!

Mary and I, both sleep deprived, checked our luggage at the hotel and headed for the Underground (London subway) and then we boarded a double decker sight seeing bus.  This took us to all the well known places in the city.  We stopped off at the Tower of London where we saw the Crown Jewels.  After lunch in the cafe we complete the bus tour and headed back for dinner and some much need rest.  We are both so thankful for this wonderful opportunity.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 56

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Dulles International Airport

May and I worshipped this morning at the Washington National Cathedral.  I was a beautiful service and an outstanding sermon.  We drove into Washington and then back to back to our hotel which is located near the airport.  The commute to and from was over an hour each way.  We barely had time to eat lunch.

We are now at Dulles at Gate C7 waiting for our airplane.  If all goes according to plan, we will arrive in London at 6:20 a.m. London time.  The trick will be to stay up to avoid jet lag.

This morning as we leaving for church, Mary noticed the two conference rooms in the Embassy Suite.  One was named Heathrow and the other was name Charles de Gaulle.  It’s a sign!

I have purchased a Global phone plan however the internet data is very limited.  I will blog when wifi is available.

My love to all,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 49

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Clarendon, VA

I did something today I rarely get a chance to do. I visited a church where I once served as Associate Pastor. When I was on staff at the church, she was called the First Baptist Church of Clarendon. Today she is known as the Church at Clarendon. The church has changed dramatically since I was there. The building above the church is now an apartment complex that offers affordable housing to residents who qualify. Their worship service is different too. It is more comtemporary than traditional. This was Pentecoste Sunday. A young woman was baptized. It is always a joy to witness a baptism.

I was recognized as a former staff member during the worship service. Afterwards, a group from the church joined together for lunch at the Olive Garden. We were 17 in number. It was so precious to visit with my dear friends. I felt like a Queen for the Day!

I learned about their children who were once a part of the Youth Group. All have now graduated and are married with children of their own. Where does the time go?

After lunch, I visited in the home of my dear friends, Jim and Vivian Guynn. We relaxed and talked. They are always so gracious to me. They practice the spiritual gift of hospitality better than anyone I know. How grateful I am for their friendship. It was so nice to go back to a place of service and see how God is at work.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 48

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Mt Airy, Maryland

Today was my day to spend with my niece, Olivia.  She is a freshman at Liganore High School in Mt Airy.  Olivia is a very talent gymnast.  She has won local, regional and state competions.  She is also working part time as a dance instructor whcih gives her a little pocket money.  She is very pretty and well mannered.  She is also somewhat shy.  She is the one in the family who favors my mother.  Olivia was born after Mom had been diagnosed with cancer.  I remember the last time my mother held her.  She was only three months old.

Olivia and I went to see Perfect Pitch II. We both enjoyed the movie.  After the film, we walked over to Macaroni Grill and enjoyed an Italian supper.  I loved sharing time with my niece and getting a view into her world.  Our day together was pure delight!

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 47

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Silver Spring, Maryland

I got up early to meet Dean for breakfast. We met at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Aspen Hill.  I wanted to meet him there because I had a date with our Aunt Patsy.  She is my father’s only sister and one of only two living aunts. She lost her husband, Uncle Bill, several years ago.  She lives in the house where they raised their family.

I got to her home a little before 11 a.m.  I was early  She was shocked.  We sat and talked and caught up on family news.  I promised to take her to lunch.  We decided to go to her favorite place, The Apollo.  This is the place where Uncle Bill and her had lunch almost everyday.  We sat in her booth.  I had pork chop and she had turkey.  The food was good and the portions were more than generous.  I ate all of mine but she needed a box.  The remaining food would be her supper.  When we arrived back at her home,  I asked her if she needed me to do anything for her.  She told me she had an ant problem.  I told her that when I have ants, I use terro.  So we got back into the car and headed for Kmart.  I was not familar with the store.  After wandering around, I realized we were headed in the wrong direction and I told her we needed to turn aorund.  She looked at me and said. “Your bossy!”  I told her she was not the first person to tell me that.  LOL

We purchased the terro and came back and set the traps.  I checked in on her a couple a days ago.  The ants were still present.  She and Nifa (her helper) had gone back to Kmart to purchase more terro.  I hope it works.  It was a joy to spend the day with Aunt Patsy even if she does think her niece is bossy!

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie