Day Three

Eastwood Ward

We set off about an hour early for church so we could do a little driving tour of the old hang outs. This is my old house on Highfield Way. I lived here for about 7 years prior to moving to America.

This is called a "style." It's intended for people to be able to pass from field to field, but keeps the animals in. I call this picture the "Gateway to Adventure." This is directly opposite to my house and in the days of my mom saying, "be back by dark," this is where we used to play. Beyond this style are fields and more fields.

This is Shirley Road. At the bottom of this hill is where my school was. It has since been replaced with houses. I took this picture to show you the narrow roads with people parked on both sides. If you meet someone coming in the oppostite direction, you have to parallel park or reverse.

Ripley Market Place doesn't look very exciting during this time of year, but during the spring and summer it's abustle with stalls and vendors selling their goods, like a farmers market I suppose.

The Crocus in front of the church were blooming and beautiful.

This is the church building where I was baptized, performed in numerous Christmas Programs, buried treasure in the dirt (I wouldn't be too happy with my kids if they started digging holes in the shrubs around the church, but oh well!) I recognized about half the people there, and they hadn't changed a bit. The church has been remodeled since I was there last, but the original part of the building was very familiar. My brother went back to England to visit several years ago. I reminded him of the orange plastic cups in the kitchen that EVERYONE used to drink out of. No wonder I rarely get sick, I've been exposed to every illness imaginable. My brother, Paul, actually brought back one of those orange cups for me. I would even go as far as saying he stole the orange cup. I still have it somewhere.

Everyone was really excited to see us. (Thanks Sarah for the kiss warning, I turned my cheek just in time.) The first speaker during Sacrament Meeting got up to speak and I heard an American accent. I did a double take and looked at Brent like,

"Wow, who is this?"

It turns out her husband is working in England on a three year assignment and she was recently called to a position in the Stake Young Women's Presidency. The reason I mention this is because when I heard her American accent I was completely overwhelmed with pride that I am now an American citizen. For years, I felt as though I was betraying the queen or something if I referred to America as home. I love England, but this is home.

I decided to take Britton into the nursery. Even though he's not technically old enough, it sure beats roaming the halls. I wish I had taken a picture of the nursery leader. Her name is Elizabeth Lesley. She is a beautiful Scottish woman with a beautiful accent. I felt an instant bond with this woman. She already had Britton's little craft ready for him to make because my aunt had told her we were going to be there. She taught those three small children that they are a "Child of God." Even though they were so young, I know that they understood. She gave each an instrument (I got one too) and those kids shook their tambourines or moroccas while she sang in her thick Scottish accent,

"Aye yam a chiyld uf God."

She was so determined and she taught with so much love that it was absolutely a highlight of my trip. In that small little room, in that small church building she was serving our Heavenly Father by teaching his children. I will always remember this!!