good to be back in the UK

we arrived at Heathrow airport safe and sound...with no problems through immigration, we were on to make our currency exchange. that's when we found the rate had jumped about 20 cents away from our favor. that may not sound like much, but it may have cost us a lot multiplied over the entire trip. but, no worries, off into the city...

we found our hotel in a nice part of down town London--even though we made arrangements with the hotel staff in advance to let our large group use only 2 rooms, this was apparently against fire codes. but since we had already paid, they willingly gave us a 45pound upgrade to one of the rooms to better accommodate us--that was quite the blessing.

we parted with our luggage and went on a quick tour of London--first to Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Cavalry yard, Nelson's Monument and Trafalgar Square--back on the Tube and to the South Bank of the River Thames, where we walked up on the London eye and took in an evening view of all we had just seen. a walk back across the river and the Tube back to the hotel made for a quick, memorable and exhausting trip. just what we needed to get to sleep and get onto this new time zone's schedule.

there was so much more i wish we could have shown my family & Cheryl, but that will have to do for this trip. early this morning, Keli went walking to get me some Starbucks--we were able to sit together before i went out to get everyone doughnuts and pastries. everyone else slept till 9 am or later, local time--we took our time eating, repacking and getting ready for the trip back into London.

we were able to get on the Tube and up to north London without much trouble, just a lot of walking. we made our way to the Community (Tottenham) Church of God--sister Theresa saw us and informed us that we just missed the early groups going to the conference, but we knew we were to ride at 2:15. she informed us that the next group (due to a minibus breakdown) wouldn't be until around 4. so, we got lunch nearby and returned for a picnic lunch on the side of the church.

Pastor Mascall came by to let us in; helping him in the process as he needed to go get Pastor Jim Lyon--we could stay and let others arriving for the conference trip. while we waited, we were entertained by a family of foxes that came into the church's back courtyard. really quite amazing to see them so large and so close. the time also gave us the opportunity to meet and reacquaint with several members of the church.

Pastor Jim showed up eventually, and we were able to reacquaint with him [pray for the family of one of Pastor Jim's friends (Howard) who came for this convention, but now has to go back tomorrow as his father passed away this morning. the rest of Jim's group will join us after they get him to the airport.]

sometime after 5, the bus arrived and we were off to the conference--crammed into the minibus and into Pastor Mascall's car. but--not so fast--it was rush hour through town, then the Motorway (similar to our interstate) had a traffic jam, then we got lost, and lost, and lost. sometime after 9:30pm, we arrived at the conference center.

the ride was draining--the arrival was invigorating--everyone eager to greet our groups with smiles and hugs, and a wonderful reunion with all our UK brothers and sisters--they were so glad to meet Keli, Cheryl and the kids. we were served a tea (dinner) and then plenty of sweeties (cadbury chocolate an a variety of gummies) and lots of laughter as we quickly caught back up. though all were glad to see us, Janet and Linda did not like my new hair and beard combo ;)

now, most are in bed--but i know i needed to get in this entry. check back and i will post some pics with this article

early tomorrow, we'll participate in prayer meeting and business meetings. the groups are eager for sharing and inspiration.