Golden Days

Oh the air is full of singing

The fields are full of fruit

With a song that is not a name

The leaves are falling too

Songs so high they can’t be played

I know I don’t have to say

Look around you

It’s a golden day

-          The Blackthorn Project

I have had a month of golden days, truthfully. When I arrived in England, the whole land was bursting into springtime. The air was full of light scents of blossoms; playful breezes darted here and there; every hollow brimmed over with the sound of birds in song.

The best part, as with every country I have visited, was being reunited with old friends. It was a delight to see Gemma again. Actually, it felt like just... normal... to be there. I mean ‘normal’ in the sense that we both adjusted as if I just belonged there. We spent some time catching up, and Gemma acted as a wonderful tour guide of north England. We spent many days driving to the surrounding area – to Bakewell, where we picked up a Bakewell pudding (twas delicious!); to Castleton, where we climbed all sorts of hills and probably broke a few laws with all our scampering about the hills and fields; to Lake Windermere in the Lake District, where we walked for a couple hours to find a bookshop that ended up being closed; to Capernwray Hall, where Torchbearers began... you see how many adventures we had?

Journal entry from April 20^th:

My time here has been interesting to observe. When we are busy, we are actually VERY busy (and outside a LOT)... and when we’re not busy, we’re very lazy. The TV and I have declared war on each other, and it got the best of me for a few days. I am rubbish at ignoring it, and I can’t sit in the living room without someone coming and turning it on. I am determined to be creative while I am here, and the TV simply sucks my creativity dry. Suddenly I feel lethargic and uninspired; my ideas grow wings and fly out the window; then I pick up my computer and click on Facebook, and the next thing I know, the day is gone, I haven’t walked or written or imagined – I’ve just sat in front of the Tele and Facebooked all day long. It’s a rubbish way to spend a day. Plus, after a day like that, I feel fat as a hog.

The days were gorgeous. Constant sunshine! Who would’ve thought that I’d be in England the one time when it’s possible to get a tan! Fortunately, I eventually learned how to fight the TV, and Gemma’s housemate, Erica, wouldn’t let me waste my time inside. J I often walked in Graves Park during the day. It was just down the road. Otherwise, Erica dragged me outside into the garden, “Christy, come outside! We want to see you! Don’t waste your time inside!” (Thank you, Erica. I spent SO much more time outside than I would have without you.)

I did indeed watch the Royal wedding. I thought it would be silly to be in England for such an historic event and not watch it! Then for Easter weekend, Gemma and I visited her family, went to Capernwray Hall to spend a night (thanks to Mrs. T for getting us a room!), and visited Lake Windermere the next day. Then we spent a night at Adam’s house and headed back. It was definitely good to see Adam after three years. We played Dutch Blitz and it almost felt like old times. It felt so normal to have Adam and Gemma and I all together. Even though they were at RC different years, there is some sort of link in my mind that insists that all RCers OUGHT to know each other. It actually feels quite strange to me when RCers don’t know each other.

Gemma’s housemates were all lovely. Alley explained to me how incredible the burping process is (I have thought of her every time I’ve burped since) and I loved Erica from the get go (who else would have shared their bed with a complete stranger?). Ruth from Oregon works at The Oakes and does not live at the house, but we saw her lots and I adore her. It is such an encouragement to meet a woman who is delighted with her single status. That’s quite rare, and very valuable. Also, Dora from Hungary stole her way into my heart (it wasn’t hard – she’s delightful) and Jenni from America made her way in as well. What an encouragement to meet other Christ-followers who are intent on knowing Him more! There was also Dave from Liverpool (who stole my hoodie and nearly kept it), and Ben – Alley’s boyfriend (most of our conversations turned into arguments, but it was all in good fun), and a whole bunch of Johns and Matts who added to the general wonderfulness of the atmosphere. Many of us watched the first three seasons of The Office during my last week there.

Overall, I was blessed so much to see Gemma and meet her friends and housemates. I learned and was encouraged by my time there, and spent hours upon hours getting headaches in the sun (but it was all worth it). I miss Gemma so much, but look forward to seeing her again next year when she comes to visit me! J Yay!