Farewell Cambridge - Hello Pulborough via London

Tues 14th March – the day that most of my work in Tyndale House finished. First draft of the major essay written and an outrageous 3 months before it needs to be handed in. Most essays are handed in after the first draft, racing for the Post Office in Orange at 4.45 PM to get that essential post mark to confirm that it was in the mail on the due date. If you miss the 5.00 PM close at Orange, the dash to Orange East which closes at 5.30 PM is frantic. With a few days to spare I thought seriously about getting a cheap flight over to Ireland to see St. Patrick’s Day in on Friday the 17th of March. I had to be back in London on the Saturday, so it was all pretty tight. In the end no cheap flights were available, which is probably just as well! St Patrick’s Day in Dublin ... could have been interesting. Settled into the notion of bidding farewell new found friends and those who have helped along the way. Thanks David and Amelia, thanks Barry and Alison, thanks Will, thanks Ian, thanks Eric and Donna... thanks especially to Richard, Helen, Jack and Tom! (pictured above)

Wed 15th March – had lunch at the Hohne’s. David and Amelia helped in getting such excellent accommodation with the Powell’s. Great to have spent some time reacquainting. Thank you. This extra time also gave Richard & Helen and myself time to finish the first series of 24 which I began to watch around at the Morgan’s on Monday nights in 2002. It seems so long ago. Only saw three episodes then so it was good to pick it up a few years later. We’re on the verge of the climactic end. Two episodes to go.
Thur 16th March Shopping in Cambridge. Buying farewell gifts for all and sundry. Picked up a few things for others along the way. Figured I’d been Freddy Free Loader at the Powell’s for nigh on a month, the least I could do was to splash out and buy a few gifts, an Australian – English Dictionary, a bottle of Little Boomey Shiraz, they stock it over in Sainsbury’s one the supermarkets over here, some tea (Helen likes her tea, English Breakfast in the morning, Afternoon to in the arvo and Earl Grey in evening), the boys got chocolate Easter eggs kits, and a few other bits and pieces as token of gratitude and friendship. I really felt at home here. We had a last supper and settled into the last two episodes of 24. Who would have anticipated the turn! Goodbye to the Powell's hello Pulborough via London Town...

Fri 17th March On the train to London and to Hampstead Heath Youth Hostel. My South African friend Karen had spoken about this place where she used to live in London that had ponds that you could swim in. Women Only ponds and Men only ponds (which apparently have been hijacked by ‘those who have jumped the fence’) and a mixed pond. It turns out that the Youth Hostel is right next to the heath where the ponds are. Decided I would go for a run in the morning and investigate, maybe even go for a quick dip. Dropped off my gear in an old boarding school type place which is now the Youth Hostel and set out to explore London. Went to Covenant Garden, the Transport Museum, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum. By this stage I’m over museums but sit in on an interesting lecture at the Natural History Museum by one of Britain’s leading meteorologists, seems like we’re doomed to global warming and wild weather from here on in. He reckons we need to cut down on energy usage, shorter showers etc. I thought the English had the upper hand in this battle, their reputation for not tubbing regularly surely should put them in good stead for this fight. They’ll be taking a bath once a month (even if they don’t need it)! Later on in the arvo caught up with a mate who is working over here in Wimbledon, Ben Shaw. He said the English are so proper. He’ll have people around for dinner and they’ll suit up, tie the whole kit! Then they’ send ‘Thank You’ cards the next week! What happened to Friday night; a pizza, a few beers and Friday night football! Speaking of which, go the Hammers in the FA Cup! Also found out recently that I didn’t get tickets for Australian verses Croatia in the World Cup over in Germany! Sod it! I’m going to see Spain verses Saudi Arabia which will not be quite the same but better than a…

Sat 18th March meeting Amanda Paterson (originally from Orange, Roger and Glenyce’s daughter today for an outing with her fiancé and his mates. Got up early and went for aforementioned ran. Didn’t go for the swim, forgot the towel, which sounds like a feeble excuse but it’s as cold as a witches wardrobe over here, I would have turned all the colours of the English flag, red then blue then white.
Great to see Amanda, she is working MTS style with a church in London, Christ Church Mayfair. She gets married to a fellow called Andy Martin mid year. Andy is at Oakhill College training for the Anglican Ministry and is eventually hoping to return to Africa where he grew up as a missionary kid. Great bloke! We went for a walk in Wendon and then down into the town for a great pub lunch and sitting around reading. Very civilized! Went back to Oakhill and watched Ireland beat England. I couldn’t let on too much but was going for Ireland.

Sun 19th March Went to Mayfair church with Amanda. Great meeting, pretty similar style to what over in Australia. They do preach a lot slower and more formally then we do, but very easy to listen to. Preached from Ephesians 2:1-10 about being ‘with Christ’, his resurrection, his place in heaven and receiving God’s kindness as a result. Felt feed and uplifted. Headed off to Pulborough in the afternoon for the next phase of the adventure.
Found my way to Church Side, an old cottage next to the church on the hill and met Joanna Benson. This will be the place of my abode for a week (see photo’s) where I’ll be doing and intensive foundations course (see article).