Holidays - Part 1

Well, I am home, and behind me as I speak, are my 2 sons and my daughter-in-law. Talking about blogs. My last post was actually WRITTEN IN AN INTERNET CAFE. Be impressed. I went into one for the very first time, and then the officious little man tapped me on the shoulder and said...3 minutes left, and I got into a flap and hit the publish button and then had to ask how to delete the history stuff etc etc etc. Oh well.... something new I have learnt. How to use a computer in an internet cafe. In Skegness. Where the wind is VERY VERY cold.

Spring Harvest is an annual Christian event, and there are 3 weeks available in 2 places in the UK, and we go to the Word Alive week, which has the student stream. There are seminars, talks, workshops, and main events, Christian rock bands, huge worship meetings with the most amazing music, and speakers. This year, Charles Price from Toronto did the main talks in the morning, and Jeff Lucas, who is based in Colorado, did some of the evening ones. He is one of the organisers. I met him and had a chat on the last night. 7 000 people all there to listen, learn and take part. And the bookshop. Sigh. I could have done with a lotto win, and a lorry, but had to make do with one or 2 great new books.

David turned 18 on Tuesday, and had to suffer the humiliation (to an 18 year old boy) of having the entire diningroom singing to him. He loves going to SH, and was with his friends, and having such a wonderful time. (My baby is 18. How did that happen???)

I spent a lot of time walking on the beach. I went to some things, but not to others. It was a strange time, in a way, as it was the first time I have stopped and done nothing since last summer, and of course, predictably, the waves rolled in, but I had some space to think.

Now we have a few days at home, before we go to Switzerland, and my boys are both home. The washing machine is on, and the house is a tip, but it doesn't matter. If I had stayed home, I would have worked. It is good to get away completely. And to be with my family.. And to walk on the beach a while.

Spring Harvest

I said it was windy. I said it would be cold. I did not say it would be perishingly cold or that I would have neglected to bring any Arctic gear with me. As in no thick coat or hat or scarf or gloves. The duvet is the closest to warm gear, and I am not up to wearing it around the site. I have, however, discovered where the main heating blowers thingys in the Big Top are, and so help me, I am first in the doors to appropriate a seat where I will not turn into a popsicle.

I have walked on the beach. I have collected stones. I have paddled in the water, and yes, I still have 10 toes. I checked. David turned 18 yesterday,and had a great day. I hardly saw him. He was off doing things with his friends.

Spring Harvest

David and friends on the beach



Well, I have just got back from my first trip to Spring Harvest in Skegness. 7000 people at Butlins, and 1800 of them students. It was an uplifting and challenging time, and yet it is amazing how easy it is to find time and space to be alone in a crowd as well. I loved my walks on the beach even though Skegness is not known for its tropical climate. Bracing (that is such a British word!) is more like it. A large group from our village and Wellingborough Christian Youth Centre went together, and we all met for coffee and chats though went our separate ways to different talks and seminars. Some were outstanding and some not that great, but it was all fascinating, and the music led by Kristyn Getty and her husband Keith was stunning. The noise the Big Top produced was awesome. David had a great time, and it was good to see him with all his friends. There were days when I did not see him at all because he was happy and busy. I stayed with the Elvin family and we enjoyed doing kiddie things too with their 3 little ones. The week flew by, and it is back to reality now............ there is no food in the house!