Over the last couple of days we’ve had a
memorable time here in London. Whilst yesterday afternoon was a very real
reminder of why most forms of travel are not suited to being done with small
children (or their parents’ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
gentleness and particularly self-control), since then things have gone up considerably and we’ve had a great
time here.
It was awesome to be able to catch up with
the Joseph family again yesterday morning in Greenwich Park. Sharon had the
perfect picnic box packed with scones, cake and lots of other yummy morsels. Zeke had a great time playing soccer with the boys too. We
were then able to make our way to our accommodation at the Highbury Centre
– which has been a home away from home for missos since the late 1890s!
It’s a beautiful, grand old building in the suburbs quite close to the centre
of town – and has been a pleasure to stay in.
Later yesterday afternoon, we were able to take a ride on the London Eye – which gave fantastic
views of the city. Then today we’ve had a cook’s tour of much of London, taking
a boat trip down the Thames (seeing a number of the landmarks), a walk past the
Parliament buildings and Big Ben, a tour through Westminster Abbey, a stroll
past Downing Street, followed by St James’ Park, the Royal
Guard (with band practicing), Buckingham Palace, Green Park (ice-cream stop
included) and finally Hyde Park before a bus trip home. Needless to say we’re
wrecked, but have had a wonderful day with many special memories (and hundreds
of photos!).
Walking through Westminster Abbey, it was
fascinating to see all the memorials and tombs for centuries worth of royalty,
the wealthy and famous. Many of those honoured are deserving of their
accolades, however there were certainly others whose lives did not deserve this
sort of recognition. For me it rams home a couple of points. One – we all die.
The very good, the very bad and the in-between are all buried in Westminster Abbey. Two – I want my life to count. For me,
I’m reminded and challenged again by Hebrews 12:1-3. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you
will not grow weary and lose heart.” D
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| Mary and her boys in Greenwhich Park |
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The Eye
Zeke had a blast saying "boing" every 15mins! "Uncle Benny's clock" |
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| Westminster Abbey |
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| Zeke after briefing Downing Street on the Eurozone crisis! |
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| Zeke was totally freaked out by this poor harmless guard! |
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| Zeke listening to the Queen's band practice - he had trouble deciding which he preferred - the brass or drums! |
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| The mandatory family shot in front of the Queen's place |
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| Toby trying his best to get through the gate at Buckingham Palace "did someone say afternoon tea?" |
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| This is our trip to the bus at the end of a very long, but extremely enjoyable day! Zeke was still standing on the buggy board...fast asleep. Not a bad effort! |
