The scenery was nice but quite similar to what we’ve become used to. There were quite a few fields of bright yellow--canola oil. Seems like we used to call it mustard plants.
We arrived in Banbury only 15 minutes later than we would have on the other train and called Br. Joliffe as we had been instructed. He said he had sent “Graham” wearing a blue jumper to get us. Fortunately we already knew that jumper means a pull-over sweater.
As Graham drove us to the church I looked out the window hoping to see Banbury Cross, but never did spot it.
“The original medieval cross was destroyed by the Puritans in the early 17th century. The well-known nursery rhyme refers to the cross - ' Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross to see a fine lady upon a white horse'. It is thought this rhyme referred to a visit by Queen Elizabeth I”
There were about 20 couples already in the chapel. There were 8 couples from our mission. The other 2 missions had a few black badges but mostly service missionaries. The discussions were informative and helpful to us. It re-emphasized how different the centres are from each other. And that we all have challenges in common, but many unique ones too. (We also saw a couple that had been in the MTC with us)
Br. Joliffe talked about when he became a stake president and the one counselor was ready to tell him all about the members. But he didn’t want to know the old drama. He said that as soon as we turn and face the Savior that he has his arms out and is ready to forgive us.
We had some drama of our own when I couldn’t find our mobile phone. It had fallen out in Graham’s car we found out after the meeting. Whew!
Elder and Sister Clark took us back to the train station where we were to meet a classmate of Bill’s.
A couple of weeks ago we got an email that said one of the classmates from Bill’s high school had passed away. We wrote back with condolences and mentioned that we were in England. Someone wrote back and asked if we had been in touch with Diane H. since she lives in England. The night before we were going to Banbury Bill called Diane and low and behold she lives 10 minutes from Banbury! Some coincidence since we will likely never be back to Banbury.
Diane has been in England about 15 years and has picked up a bit of the accent. She insists that we haven’t seen enough museums while in England and plans to rectify that. Hopefully we will be able to meet up with Diane and her husband in London one of these days.
Our train arrived and we hopped on. The reader board inside said it was going to Birmingham so we hopped off. Then got back on because it really was going to London. Whew!
It made an extra stop on the return trip at Wembley Stadium where a soccer playoff had just finished. Excited fans in droves boarded the train where it was standing room only. That was bad enough but they started singing! “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” and a variation on a Mary Poppins song. The normal passengers just gritted their teeth and hoped for a quick journey to Marylebone station.
1 comment:
My dad always said it's a small world, and the Air Force and Church make it smaller...such a blessing with the timing of meeting up with Bill's school friend!
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