Bradford, Day 6

This morning I jolted awake with sun shining into my window so brightly that I thought it was noon! I was mistaken, though, it was only 6:30am. We are far, far north here. Knowing that rain and clouds were in the forecast, I decided to take advantage of the early morning sunshine and do my running before breakfast.

I had such a great time! I went back to the Manor grounds, and since I now know the paths somewhat, was able to run much farther along it. A ways in I came upon a ruin which looked like part of a castle wall, although I'm not sure what it was. I had a great time exploring it! I know, I'm a kid with stuff like that. It was a really fun run.

The other highlight of my day was as a girl gave me a hug in greeting she told me that I smell like America! It was one of the most funny things I have ever been told:-). Since I wasn't quite sure what she meant, I didn't know how to respond. She clarified that it smells "sweet" and that she likes it, so I took it as a compliment. Really, as much as I try not to stand out as an American whenever possible, I am glad to be identified with my country.

Bradford, Day 5

Hi All,

Another rainy, but good, day in England. This morning I went to church with some friends and then did some various things with Bob and Kathryn in the afternoon. We went to their church at 4pm and then to another friend's house for dinner, where we ate Jordanian food which was brilliant!

I continue to enjoy my time here. It has been a pleasure to see some new friends in more than one venue, so I am feeling more and more acclimated here. I continue to learn a lot from Bob and Kathryn -- they are heavenly people and it is a pleasure to get to follow them around as they so naturally influence others in such a positive way -- just through living genuine lives.

I am looking forward to this next few days, which will be more relaxed than the ten days starting Friday when we will be joined by other Americans and I will jump into a much more rigorous schedule (although this weekend has been quite busy in its own right).

I hope you are all doing well also!
Laura

Bradford, Day 4

Today was great. After breakfast Bob and Kathryn and I went downtown to visit a team which was praying for healing for people on the streets of Bradford. It was very cool, and great to meet some new friends!

Before praying with others, we prayed together.

Then we headed to the Mela -- a cross-cultural festival in the heart of the city. We had some wonderful lunch. I think I have a new favorite food in this city, which I will take a picture of and talk about soon. After eating, Bob and Kathryn worked at a booth while I walked around on my own. When they finished their assignment, we walked around with some friends for half an hour.

A poster for the Mela

Saying Hi.

Kathryn and me walking into a huge mass of people!

I spent the evening having dinner with some friends who used to work with my parents. It was another great dinner with wonderful people. After finishing, we went to watch the US-UK World Cup game. Although I wish the US won straight-out, a tie was the next best thing! It was a fun game to watch, and it's always fun to be in the obnoxious minority cheering for the underdog!

Bradford, Day 3

Today was another good one. I woke to brilliant sunshine, got a lot of work done, went for a run, helped in the garden, went to an immigrant community and met some people, and then had a lovely (and yummy) dinner at the home I'll be staying in for the second half of my time here in Bradford.

Before working in the garden I had some fun taking pictures of some of the beautiful flowers:

Bradford, Day 2

Today was really nice! After sleeping for over 13 hours, I (reluctantly) got myself out of bed and had a nice breakfast and time of Bible study. I then went out for a run, which was wonderful! Thanks to mapmyrun.com  I had a route in mind but I ended up following a random assortment of foot paths onto the grounds of Cottingley Manor (http://www.cottingley.net/manor.shtml) which has beautiful woods and many, many paths throughout! It was cloudy and cool -- great running weather and a wonderful introduction to Northern England.

Bob and Kathryn and I had a lovely lunch and then went into Bradford. It is a really interesting place, which apparently was most prosperous during Victorian times where it was a center of mills. We met with someone, walked around, visited the town hall building (I can't remember what it's called here), and then went to a gorgeous bookstore and then to the Starbucks which shares it.

After getting back to the house we made a quick turnaround and drove to Manchester (about an hour and a half away) to meet with a pastor about an upcoming conference. The meeting was over dinner at a curry place :-). The drive was beautiful -- the sun peaked out for part of it, which was very exciting!

Here are some pictures of views from the house:

Bob and Kathryn's amazing garden. I'll get out there and take some more pics soon.

The view from the front of the house. It's foggy, but still beautiful!

I'm in the UK!

Hi Everyone!

I arrived in the UK today for a three and a half week visit. I will be in Bradford with friends for almost three weeks and then traveling on my own -- hopefully into Scotland.

The trip went well. All flights were on time, etc. However, I ended up sandwiched between some big guys and as a result was unable to sleep at all until my little puddle-hop from Amsterdam to Leeds this early-afternoon. It was fun to meet up with Bob and Kathryn. Needless to say, I am exhausted. Now, at 8:30pm, I am going to bed. I'll keep you all posted on my adventures in the UK!

Laura

Final Catch-up: Jesse’s BASIC Graduation

 A few weeks ago my mom flew into BWI and then drove with me to Columbia, South Carolina to go to Jesse’s graduation from basic training. I am so glad I went! Jesse knew mom was going, but had no idea that I would be with her or that my dad would also fly into town for the event! When my mom and I got into town, we met up with our friend

The morning after we arrived, I dropped mom off at Ft. Jackson and then as quickly as possible went to the airport to pick my dad up. His flight had been so delayed that he made it in the morning after his intended arrival. We got to the base about a half-hour after the start of the event, and were thankful that the start had been delayed due to some problems in the sound systemJ. Jesse was an honor grad, so we sat in VIP seating right in the middle. Just as my dad and I scooted into our seats, Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue came over the loud speaker. I can’t describe how emotional the environment was. None of the families had seen their loved-one for about 10 weeks, and the music was perfect for that environment. As the song began to climax, green smoke bombs were set off on the far side of the field we were on. And then out of the smoke ran the new soldiers. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

The rest of that day was spent with Jesse on the base. We went to lunch, did some shopping, took a tour, played in a gym prepped with games for family day, and in the late afternoon Mom and I went to Starbucks and brought a drink back for Jesse. It was great to see him and the life he’d been living.

Instead of going into the details of the rest of the time there, I want to say thank you to Jesse and to all of our country’s soldiers. I think you all are amazing!

And here are some photos of my little bro: