Wrapping Up

As we began our last few days in London we attended Christ Church Kensington for the last time. The message was so good. We have not been in town to attend every week, but everyone at the church has made us feel so welcome each time we have gone. We have met some great people and would really recommend this church for anyone who finds themselves in the area.

We just walked down the street to the King’s Arm pub, which was one of the first pubs we went to when we came to London in January. We had a great meal. I tried a Sunday Roast for the first time and the meal here was great. All the doors and windows were open to allow the fantastic spring air flow through. After lunch we just headed out for a walk and went to Holland Park. I have said it before, but there are just so many large parks all over the city and people really use them. Again, so many people spread out on the green grass in the shade of trees and have picnics and enjoying just being in the sunshine.

We ended this day by attending another of our favorite pubs, the Duke of Clarence. We went with several students and Tom as we had to do our last Sunday night Quiz night. It always brings many laughs and frustrations. For some reason they really like asking a bunch of questions dealing with British culture, especially British sports. Our table did not do well, but the other of our group came in second. These Sunday nights have been a great deal of fun. We are really going to miss the pub culture.

The next day was an early morning for everyone. This was the day that Jo and the DH host a two-hour open house for the student’s internship supervisors and co-workers. Not everyone can attend, but 3/4 of the students had someone come. It started at 9:00 and everything had to be setup and then people started showing up. It was a great time and some great conversations. It was wonderful to hear how the people loved working with these amazing students.

After everyone had left, we all gathered on the front steps on the DH and got a final group photo. Tears have begun to flow around the house over these past few days. Everyone is really feeling the end. Everyone is ready to move on and also would love to stay, it is really a mixed bag of emotions. It is so hard to believe we are at the end of it all.

I had to have a quick meeting with Tom and Jo to begin to wrap some things up. Becky made a quick trip to Primrose Hill and then we met up at Hampton Heath and climb up on Parliament Hill and just enjoyed talking, reflecting, and enjoying the view. This whole experience has been beyond either of our hopes for this trip. God has blessed us in so many ways, and we are so amazed that we have had this opportunity. We will not be leaving the country for many more weeks, but living in London and living with these students will be deeply locked in our hearts and minds.