Holiday in Devon

This past weekend I spent an absolutely wonderful weekend with two ladies from work. We went to Devon on holiday... On the way there, I was we passed Stonehenge. I was really thankful because I didn't want to leave England without seeing it, but on the other hand didn't want to make a day trip to look at a rock formation. This way I got to see it without actually having to "go see it".

We ended up staying in a holiday park in North Devon. We rented a caravan, or camper trailer, and had a weekend by the sea...

On Saturday we headed to the beach. We walked to Morthoe and walked along the rock beach that is there... It was really beautiful! I have a few pictures taken from there posted above. It was awesome to be by the beach and not be hot. :-) Next we walked further down the coastline to Woolacombe. This is where the sand beach is. We each bought a Cornish pasty and sat on a bench overlooking the ocean to eat it. On the walk back from the beach, we found a rope swing and Michelle and I each had a go. It was really fun and needless to say many laughs were shared there. Later in the day we went to Ilfracombe to get some provisions for the day. While we were there, we ate fish and chips by the harbor. How fun is that? Then we went back to our caravan to chill.

Sunday we went back to Woolacombe and spent a few hours sitting by the sea. It was just really relaxing and nice. We popped over to Ilfracombe for Sunday's provisions and while we were there I got to have a proper Devonshire Cream Tea. (also pictured above) Apparently Devon is known for it's clotted cream served with tea. I have to say that the cream was so thick and sweet, it was wonderful! Then we headed back to camp.

Most of the weekend was spent relaxing and just enjoying one another's company. I had such a wonderful time... I also learned a few things.

1. While driving to your holiday destination, you want the cows to all be standing up... Apparently the tale goes that if the cows are laying down, it's going to rain.

2. I learned that queuing is likely on all roads on a bank holiday weekend.

3. I learned that the beds in the caravans that you rent are smaller than twin size beds and are not really condusive to quality sleeping if you are an adult.

I am sure I am leaving out a lot of details, but needless to say, it was fab!

Desire...

I have been reading a book called, Strong Women Soft Hearts. So far it has been a really amazing book and I recommend it to all of my sisters out there who may be reading this post. In the second chapter the author talks about desire. She talks about how we so easily give up our desires for various reasons and in various ways. It lead me to start thinking about my being in England. It has always been a desire of my heart to live overseas and now I am living it. What an amazing blessing it is! I trusted God with that desire and he allowed me to experience it. Not always do we get to experience our desires, but God knows what they are and I think he wants us to share them with him. Dare to dream with him...
Yesterday I found out that my contract here will be extended until March 2009 completing a full year here in England. I am very excited and look forward to what will be in store for the next 7 months.
Anyway... to sum it up, spend some time today thinking about your desires and then offer them to the Lord. He's the one who can bring them to reality. :o)

Olympic note

I am sitting here watching the Olympics... Men's gymnastics to be exact. Just a quick note to say that it is weird watching it with British commentators... And to hear them highlight and be enthusiastic about all of the events where British athletes are competing is a bit odd. If you ever have the chance to watch the Olympics in another country... do it. Very interesting :)

Sorry it's been a while

Hey everyone,

Sorry it has been so long since I have written anything. Life has been quite busy lately. We are really behind on our work project and so much stress and thought has been wasted on work :(

My mom and sister left Tuesday after visiting for a week and a half. I think that they both really enjoyed seeing England and I enjoyed having them here. I think my favorite thing we did was the day we went to Hampton Court Palace and enjoyed the day exploring the palace and the beautiful gardens that are there.

One thing I have learned while being here is that I think it is harder for the person who is being visited when the company comes and goes... When you are anticipating company, you are anxious for all fo the travel connections to go well... Did they have a good flight? Did they get through immigration without a hassle? Did the car company pick them up? Finally, they arrive and you can relax... Then it comes to the leaving. The people who have come to visit might be sad to leave, but at the same time, they are anxious to get back to their family at home. You on the other hand have only an empty apartment to come home to...

Enough of the sentimental crap...

In the mean time, I had better get back to work. Hopefully once I get over the hump, things will slow down and get back to normal.