A day out in London...

I admit I have had trouble blogging. Lots of excuses, some of them good, most of them not. So here I go.
I have been reading through various Little House books aloud to Ethan. I love all the detail about their daily life, and I think there isn't anything so interesting about our daily life. Maybe there is and maybe you would want to read it, but if you get bored there are plenty other places to go on the internet! I've used initials for our boys, E is 5 years old, T is 2. My other disclaimer is that these pictures are from when we went out to the sciene museum in December. I forgot to charge my camera batteries. Now that I have figured out how to include pics in the blog itself (duh, not that hard afterall!) you can hope to look forward to more!
After a morning of making, eating and cleaning up from oatmeal and eggs, playing chase and hide and seek, looking at books, snuggles and tickles, doing a load of wash and hanging it to dry on the drying racks, getting dressed, changing nappies (diapers), packing for a day trip, consulting the train schedule, visiting the hamster that is residing in the bathroom (the downstairs is too cold right now), shoes and jackets on, debating which push chair (stroller) to bring --ah yes, it will rain this afternoon better bring the one with the rain cover--and out the door in time to make the 9:55 train. E is walking the whole way to the train station, and once we pass our usual bus stop and he realizes he has to walk another 1/4 mile he is waling "I CAN'T WALK ANY MORE" I patiently take his hand and keep walking. We stop for a moment, and I say " I know you are tired of walking, but if we don't keep going and get to the train station we will miss the train and have to wait 30 minutes for the next one." We made it with 2 minutes to spare.
We saw some friends at the train station. In a bustling place, we don't often see people we know, so it was quite pleasant to see them. they were headed to the V&A museum as well, only to meet up with other older home school students for a scheduled outing. On the train E wanted to use the loo, we happened to be in the one coach with a toilet. It was occupied the entire ride, Todd wondered out loud if the occupant might be doing drugs, I don't know about that, but our eldest was crying as we got off the train, because he didn't get to go. We stopped to go at the next station where we had to change trains, by the time he got back with Todd, we had missed the next train.
The following train we got on and the boys enjoyed looking out the windows at the buildings and other trains. When we went through tunnels, T would say "lights off" and E would say, "Who put that baby out there?" (this is a joke in our family, when babies are little and they look out a window at night or into the dark glass of the oven, I say, "Who put that baby in the oven" or "Who put that baby outside?")
We finally get to the south kensington station, and make our way to the museums. I am carrying T and the back pack (I don't let him walk in the train station, it scares me that he could fall in front of a train or that someone else might snatch him, but really he would just be in other people's way a lot) Todd is carrying the push chair up and down the stairs (and there are a lot of them) and E is hustling to keep up with us.
The South Kensington station is big, and there are tunnels leading away from the platforms. We walk through a long tunnel that was built a couple hundred years ago. It has brick work on the walls and arched brickwork on the ceiling. There is a man playing a Duke Ellington song on his saxophone, and the music slides down the tunnel. There are posters for the various museums and upcoming shows along the walls. We pass the exit for the Natural History museum. We have been there before, it is a beautifully built museum with a fantastic dinosaur exhibit. today we are headed first to the V&A museum. We pass by an iron divider with rows and rows of little fans. The fans are about 2 1/2 inches in diameter, with little blades on them, there are about 15 rows, and about 70 fans per row. When you pass the fans they move, and when you stop they stop.
We enter and pass the securuity guard to come into an enormous selection of statues carved into stone. Its breath taking, and this is only one room! It goes on and on! At the base of the stairs there are about 40-50 mirrors. They are small rectangle mirrors are little stands that rotate. If you step close to them, they all move in unison to reflect your face! So if you move from side to side, they move with you!
We go up the stairs and past some galleries to an overview gallery where we see this huge pillar.
(Now before I go further i have to explain what going through musems with a 5 and a 2 year old means to me) For me going to museums has a few purposes. One is that I get to spend the day with my family. Two is that I get to see some exciting things, that especially, living in London, I want to take every opportunity to get to see. Three is that I feel for at least an hour or 4, that there is something bigger happening in the world around me. Fourth is that the kids get sort of exposed to the same idea as number 3. Fifth, they get to let some energy out during these cold dreary months, and even though they whine and complain or misbehave a bit, they are not couped up. So going to museums in this way means I don't get to read much of anything. I may remember a few things about what I saw, but it mostly just leaves an impression. My impressions of the V&A museum is that I want to find a babysitter to watch the kids so I can go enjoy it with Todd! I did like all the carvings and statues. We saw some fabulous iron work, bronze and clay. We saw a huge Chulluly chandelier, which was fun because E recognized it as a Chulluly! Plus its just cool to look at.
Its fun to people watch too. There are the serious people who bring their sketch pads and are busy sketching the things they see. There are people speaking many foriegn languages! There are school groups in their uniforms. There are a lot of moms with children and I wonder if they home school too. There was a strange woman wanderng around asking for the time, repeatedly.
The bathroom had these funky rectangle sinks that were only an inch deep. The water just ran to the sides. The bathroom attendants were speaking Polish. Oh, and of course it wasn't called bathroom its called "toilets"
We saw some Rapheal work of Peter and Paul, and we saw some Muslim artwork. We left there and walked back through the tunnel to the Science Museum.
We ate lunch in the science museum, this is how cheeky we are about eating lunch in the museums. I bring pack lunch for everyone and a plastic plate, and todd goes and buys everyone water bottles. We eat at the table in the corner of the cafe. I rationalize its because we have food allergies, which we do, but its also just cheaper that way!
Afterwards the boys have more energy and run around in front of this giant circle with a light going around it. We make our way to the lift (elevator) to go to the basement. I get confused because here in England, the ground floor is the main floor. So the sign says ground floor, but there is still the basement. T pushes the up button as well, so we end up going in an up "lift" and ride to the top to get back down. We go use the toilets again. Again people are speaking various foriegn languages, there are swarms of kids from school groups. They all have on their uniforms. I find it so interesting to see them all in their uniforms, and I think of the USA and how the kids all dress for school. I see now how that helps them have their own individuality.
We head to an interactive area for 3-6 year olds called "the garden" Its nothing like a garden, but it is geared for 3-6. First of all it is so LOUD! Kids are screaming and running everywhere. There is a really great water exhibit. The kids put on smocks to keep from getting wet. Then they can go play at any point along the water way. They can push buttons to make bubbles go up through the water, pump water through canals, place blockades to build dams, put boats in and out, etc. T and E play there for 20 minutes or more. T is hoarding all the boats. He tries to pick up 6 boats but can't carry them all. E is facinated with the blockades and controlling the water. There are probably 15-20 other children playing here too, and the adults are watching from the sides. After they are finished we head to the construction area. This area is a bit over run with kids from school groups who have their own plans going. We start to build and dodge their bean bags, helmets and cones that are being thrown from above. I give one boy a don't do that agian look. Todd says, why didn't you say something? I gave him a look! Well, he didn't do it again anyway. We build a huge structure with oversized soft legos and the boys enjoy crashing it down. They play for a while throwing bean bags down the shute, and going though the shadow and sound area. Finally its time to leave and T cries as he's put back in the push chair. A little snack keeps off the whining. On the way back through the museum we glance at the space section. My heart does a little whining cry for missing the air and space museum in DC. E had so many questions last week about space shuttles...Its raining and E wants his buzz lightyear umberella. T is mad that he has to have the rain cover on.
Someone is playing the guitar in the tunnel on the way back.
We just miss the train and wait for the next one. T falls asleep on the train, E is very mellow and is enjoying his snack. He complains and dilly dallies and we miss the next train, but we make it home eventually. Todd stops at Tesco for some salmon for dinner. I like to cook fish on the night the trash goes out.
While I am getting dinner ready, I try to play a game with E. I have him count cards and hide thrm around the room, then I find them. I hide them for him, but he is not so good at finding things. A bit like his daddy in that regard I must say! Could be staring him in the face, and doesn't see it. Todd plays with the boys, until dinner is ready. E had made some place cards for everyone using a pen he made from a feather. His writing is not that steady, but getting better.
After dinner, we clean the hamster's cage out. The boys pet "Conker" (named after the medium sized chestnuts, called Conkers), we put her in her excercise ball and I fiddle with the cage. I do a brief is this worth it analysis in my mind. I suppose it is, but it does seem like a lot of extra work.
The boys have their story time, extra drink of water, pillows situated, lights off, and the day is done!

These are links to the museums we were at: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk, www.vam.ac.uk

Look at all this!

8 miles from our home we drove over a "temporary" bridge (built over 50 years ago) with our friend, driver and tour guide Liam. The bridge felt paper thin and as though it might collapse at any moment, it all added to the excitement of going on a tour of the city of London at night. I cannot describe how surreal it was to see the sights of London this way! From the stately and impressive, the garish and modern, the ancient history, the culture, I was entranced (sorry, so entranced I didn't take any pictures!) Liam made it seem so easy to zoom around the city, as he told us about all the sights! Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, the bank of England, St Paul's Cathedral, St Stephens Tower (with the famous Big Ben bell) the 1,000 year old Tower of London, the London Eye, St James Palace, the financial district with its skyscrapers, Prince Albert's hall, the US Embassy (hmmm...not so impressive, but it was nice to see the stars and stripes) Harrods, and on and on and on....Over the River Thames we could see the city all lit up, it was breath taking! Liam also showed us the church John Newton had preached, the church where George Whitefield preached (and Shakespeare worshipped at) a statue of David Livingston, and much much much more.
Back to the day to day life today, my kids were watching Mary Poppins, which of course takes place in London. Bert says of the view of London, "Look at all this, and who gets to see it, but the birds, the stars and the chimney sweeps." I never imagined that I would be here and able to see these sights...my cup runneth over!
Even in the midst the bustle of the city, there are so many opportunities to be surrounded by nature! Today we were visiting with a family in Teddington, and afterwards we made our way to Bushy Park for an afternoon outing with the boys. The boys ran through green spaces with nearby grazing deer, enjoyed lunch and relaxed by a stream with ducks and swans. I truly enjoy these times with them, being free to explore and enjoy (without fear of them being run over!)

Heavy Plant Crossing

HEAVY PLANT CROSSING reads a sign on the bus ride home. What? Is a heavy plant crossing the road? Might it sit on me?
Another piece of life that I am trying to understand here in the UK!

Culture shock for me is like being trapped in a children's picture book--where all the pictures have hundreds of things that are not the way they are supposed to be. A car with three tires, a tree that's upside down, a dog walking a person. There is still so much that I don't understand! Everyone else understands everything, but it is all so new to me. Of course the hilarious part is that I am the odd one as I stare at the 5 X7 sign that reads: People who allow their dogs to foul pavements are bad tempered, unhygienic and ill mannered--will be fined. Does it really say all that? Yes, and I wanted to take a picture of it to prove it.

These are the little daily issues, but some issues are bigger. As I try to adjust to this, and help my children adjust I can feel quite overwhelmed. Until I remember my savior who left a beautiful glorious home, where he enjoyed perfect togetherness to come down into our lonely world and take on a body that can get tired, hungry, sick and die. He came to a place where he would feel lonely and would one day be rejected and die for the purpose of one day bringing me back to his home. I find strength knowing that the one who called me here, will give me strength. My home country wasn't perfect, this country isn't either--but we are being strengthened for this task!

As we continue to adjust to our life in the UK, the highs and lows are beginning to calm. We continue to be perplexed at how we ended up here, but we are thankful.

This past week our family visitied Kew Gardens and explored this lovely retreat away from city life! We enjoyed being apart from city life (except for the jet engines roaring overhead as the planes fly into Heathrow airport). The morning sun, the autumn colors, the perfect weather...what a splendid day!
First off, the kids wanted to see the Xsterra walkway, which is 18 meters above. Timothy and Ethan gladly left the stroller behind and climbed up 6 flights of stairs to walk the walkway around the trees. What a spectacular view! Tim and Ethan threw Conkers off the side. We could also spot the green Richmond Parakeets, which are as "British as Curry" . They came from the Himalayas for a theater presentation and escaped! We also loved exploring the temparate house, the children's play area, the lake and walkway. Ethan played under different trees while Timothy slept in the stroller. I was amazed at all the different trees thriving there--palm trees, a California Redwood, "monkey puzzle" from Chile, London Plane trees, and Sweet Chestnuts. There was a Sweet Chestnut tree that was over 300 years old, the sign read "survived 9 monarchs and bombing raids from World War II, please don't walk on its roots!". There was also an enormous Cedar of Lebanon. We all enjoyed it and stayed all day!

We are getting used to some things about living here---we call the toilet, the loo. Our stroller is a push chair. Ethan used the term "lovely" today. Seeing the cars on the left side of the road. Not giving eye contact and smiling as much to everyone we see. Realizing that everyone knows we are American before we even open our mouths.

Things that I still am not used to: the ease with which people unabashedly use words that in America would be considered curse words, the co-ed changing area at the swimming pool, people calling strangers "luv" (even men call men luv.) Knackered means tired, not something else...Paying with a debit card that you insert instead of swipe, and don't insert it until the cashier is finished ringing up your order!

We feel we are starting to make some connections, though we still are just beginning. I try to remember what it was like saying good bye to all our loved ones in America before moving here, wondering who of the people we are now meeting will we part with and miss dearly? I wonder for what reason have our lives come into contact at this point, what is happening in their story and my story that is all part of a bigger story?

We do feel that we are starting to relax and settle into a routine. We didn't realize how living in transition and the stress of the last year had affected us. We didn't realize how much culture shock would hit us like a wall in our face! So, I know that it will continue to be hard for the next few months but we do feel better, and we are truly thankful for all the ways God has provided and led us.

A very full week! We have been busy getting to know as many people as we can, and this has been so much fun. I have had conversations with British, Irish, South African, American, Norwegian, and Polish people. Having the boys with me has been a very natural conversation starting point. We are trying to understand the cultural differences while also recognizing the similarities in humanity. A tremendous amount of activity is going on at the church, reaching out to the community and offering moms and children a chance to connect with others. We've enjoyed play dates, music class, MOPS, Little Laughs ( a free play time for children and mothers/carers). In the afternoons, we have been busy exploring Richmond and walking along the river. The weather has been unusually pleasant and we have soaked this in--letting the housework take a rest while we have explored.
Todd has been busy getting settled into his new position. This has kept him very busy, and is very exciting as we have glimpses of what the future holds for us here.
Our boys have been very happy. Ethan says, "I love England!"
We are truly thankful to be in this place at this time. It has been a difficult road, but life is settling into a pattern and routine. Its getting easier to do the shopping (a friend from church has offered to take me so I don't have to struggle with the bags and the stroller). I am finding more of the special food items that we need, (but I did send Trader Joes an email requesting they open a location here :)
I have been teaching Ethan a hymn, and this weeks lyrics really underscore how we are feeling...
"Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things so wonderously reigneth,
Shelters thee under his wings, yes so gently sustaineth.
Has thou not seen, how thy desires have been
Granted in what he ordaineth."

We have been in England for 13 days, and though we still feel disoriented and disconnected we are beginning to find our way. Understanding simple things have really helped to lay a foundation to move out into the adventure of life here--things like internet access, figuring out how to operate a dishwasher that has had its decals completely worn away, unpacking and settling. We are becoming more familiar with the local supermarket, library, post office and playground. It has been an adjustment for us to begin to use public transportation. This has been an exciting taste of life--getting to be in very close proximity with people that I never would have been near before. Of course it has been interesting helping our sons process all this--people shouting at their children, speaking in different languages, etc.
There is so much to take in--new street signs with messages we don't understand, new ways of communicating--even though it is English, customs and mannerisms that are unfamiliar to us. It feels in some ways like we're 5 years old and don't know how to do simple things--crossing the street, handling currency, saying the date (its 29 September, not September 29th), telling the time (half eight means 8:30), interpretting the weather (22 degrees is really a nice day, because they are speaking in celsius). All this shows us we can not rely on our own knowledge, skills or natural inclinations. We have to trust that God is caring for us, and will lead us in everything! We are so weak apart from Him, but that is okay because He gives us strength to do new things. It is wonderfully reassuring to know that his timing is perfect and that he is completely in control. This land is not foriegn to him. He knows every detail, and has had many surprises for us . We truly enjoy the playground near our house--it has a zip line, loads of climbing aparatus, slides, swings. It is a great place to be with other children and families. We have been truly surprised at how friendly and open people are at the playground--we had not expected this! The area is beautiful with lovely homes and front gardens. Richmond is really fantastic with the bridge over the River Thames, the Richmond Green, all the store fronts and restaurants. Even if we can't afford them, its lovely to see.
Todd has been working at Duke Street Church for almost a week and is still trying to get a handle on all that is happening. We are enjoying getting to know people, and we are excited for all that God is doing here.
We are praying for God to help guide us, remove obstacles for everyday life, give us patience and grace to handle the changes in culture, give us wisdom and strength to love others with the love given us. God is so good to us!