Good times with great folks

Last night I had a few friends from the office over for dinner. I wanted for Kit to meet them, but also wanted to see them before leaving for Utah. We had a really nice time. I think it put Kit at ease knowing that I have good people here to look after me, and I think it was nice for them to meet Kit and see a little of where I come from. Michelle spent quite a bit of time telling me that I must stay in England for a few years. She even began to work out the details in her mind. We will see how that all unfolds.
Tonight Kit and I are going to see Les Miserables and the Queen's Theater. I am pretty excited. My first West End show... (equivalent to Broadway)
I am sad that Kit will be leaving Sunday, but I hope that he had a good time here and got to experience the wonderful things that have lead me to fall in love with England. The weather has certainly been a kind relief to him as it has been below 70 degrees everyday. Quite a big difference from the temperatures in excess of 90 degrees back home in Dallas. It's hard for me to believe that in less than I week I will be returning to the US for my mission trip to Utah. Time certainly is flying.
In the mean time I have lots of work to accomplish. Hope this post finds you all well.
Lots of love to you-

'Ello Govna'

Let's see... Not much exciting has been happening in my life lately, so I will tell you about other people...

First off, a big Praise God. James Schuler is a co-worker of mine and around Christmas time his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. They have 3 young children and this was a scary proposition. Just this week results came back that after chemo-therapy and surgery, Leslie appears to be cancer free. I wonderful miracle. You can check out her story at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/leslieshuler

Next, my nephew Wesley hit the run that won his little league team the championship in a baseball tournament. It's wonderful and I am so proud of him.

Finally, I will ask you to pray for me and my team as we make preparations to go to Utah in about 2 weeks. I am very excited about this trip and am praying not only for a great time with my team (who I haven't seen since March), but also some great conversations with mormons. I am sure there will be blogs from that :)

In the mean time I am set for my brother's arrival tomorrow morning. I am sure we will have a wonderful time and hopefully I will have something fun to post about that.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!!

Falling in love

Today I fell in love... Not with a person, but with a place. This morning on my way to work I fell in love with London... Before, when I have come into the city, it has been more of a chore - a drudgery to fight the commuters and make my way into work. Today it was much more than that to me.
I have to admit, it hit me on the most unlikely of days. As I gaze out the window it is raining and cool, there is nothing asthetically beautiful about it, but somehow it captured me in one grand swoop. I think that God blessed me today and allowed me to step outside myself momentarily to see what a blessing he has provided. This morning I wasn't just another harried commuter making my way in, I was an observer of an organism... This place isn't simply a location it is a living paradox. On one hand it is a nursery, giving life to new things and on the other a cemetary, and a place for mourning. It is a place for lovers and a place for fighters... A battleground where men and woman clad in dark pin-striped suits ride subways to defend their worth at a place of business. I think this morning I was able to see the humanity of the city.
I don't know that I have ever been so inspired by one place...
Now I sit and contemplate all of my observations, not only of today, but of my other days here. I am in awe... What an amazing place.
Who would have thought the love of my life would be a city?

Becky and Paris

Becky came to visit me this last week and we had a wonderful time. I was really sad to see her go today. While she was here we took both London and Paris by storm. The first day she was here was a bank holiday so I was off work. We went into London and started by riding the London Eye. It is incredible and definately a must... Next we headed to Westminster Hall (Big Ben) and Westminster Abbey. Our favorite part of the abbey was Poet's Corner. Next we headed to Buckingham Palace followed by a walk to Trafalgar Square. We ended up crossing the river and seeing the city at night. It is absolutely beautiful along the Thames...

This past Saturday we boarded the early train for Paris. 2.5 hours later we were there. It is a dirty, smelly city, but I am glad to have the experience. I am also really thankful for the French classes I took in high school and college. They actually were very helpful. We started at Notre Dame, then walked all the way to the Eiffel Tower... Along the way we say the Louvre, the Musee' D'Orsay, the Place de la Concorde... We then got to see the Eiffel Tower one of my favorite places... It was awesome. We walked up the stairs the whole way, but were really thankful for the elevator down. Next we went to the Arc d' Triomphe and the Champs Elysee. We ended at Montmartre and the Sacre C'ouer. We were totally knackered by the time we finished... It was an amazing experience though. I guess that's about it for now.

Cheers-

Early Birthday Dinner

Friday a couple friends from work took me out to dinner to celebrate my birthday. Picture here are Michelle, David and Sanette. Michelle spoiled the picture because she hates having her picture taken. We went to a lovely italian restaurant and we had a really nice time. Not quite what I am used to at home (missing the mexican food and theme that usually go with my birthday) but a very nice substitute. Cheers-