Back to School!

Have arrived at ANCC a beautiful 18th Century manor house and done 'freshers week'. Pete enthusiastically joined in with a football game and pulled a muscle (he had been warned by Jane). We have an comfy student room with an Emperor sized bed (well 2 singles pushed together do the job). The luxury for us is being in one location for 13 weeks, and just having the time (or not) , to spend that time looking at our relationship with God, our world, the people we meet. I am relishing the opportunity because I don't know when it will come around again. There are no major responsibilities and no academic expectations. The pressure is off! My biggest stress is can I get up in time for my cooked breakfast at 7.50. I think somehow I will! J

20 times in 7 weeks

As we pack our suitcases and rucksacks in preparation of our move to college, we reflect that this is the 20th move in 7 weeks - no wonder Jane wakes up wondering where she is. We are looking forward to living in one place for 3 months. P

Birmingham

We have just had an enjoyable weekend in Birmingham. We stayed with P & L (also celebrated L's 50th) and used them as a base for our visits to churches that are going to support us. The financial support that people give to us is very humbling. It is also incredibly encouraging to know that there are people all over the UK who are praying and supporting us. Our training over the next few months will take a lot of our funding, but CMS spread the cost over 3 years which makes the budget easier to balance. Off to college next week - we'll update you as soon as we get a connection -http://www.allnations.ac.uk/ - we're going to an 'ac.uk'. P

Book Review

'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' is a brilliant little book. Although it was originally written for children it is thought provoking for all ages. The theme is relevant for us as we prepare to return to Is, but I also found that it raised questions about how we perceive others in light of our own circumstances. I was also struck about the barrier/fence that separates the two innocent boys, and the similarities to the situation in the Holy Land at the moment. I usually like to read the book before seeing the film, which has just been released in the UK. If you want to read it before you see it then there is still time because it is a very, very short read. P

Long Novels

Why do good novels have to be so long? They don't. I'm reading 'The boy in the striped pyjamas' by John Boyne which is a 'small wonder of a book' (review in the Guardian). It was recommended by a friend we were visiting in Glastonbury. Whilst we were there we checked out the charity shops, which is becoming a bit of a custom as we stock up with things to go to college & the ME. J bought some clothes - no comment (actually I suppose 'no comment' is a comment) and I bought another small novel: 'The five people you meet in heaven'. We're off to Dawlish for a short break, we choose anywhere on the train network for our holidays! Book reviews to follow. P