Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Formal Hall at St.Johns
To be invited to a 'formal hall' at one of the colleges is quite a treat here in Cambridge. Last night we went to St. Johns College, thanks to some thoughtful Tyndale House friends, and enjoyed a lovely meal in a memorable setting.
The fun thing is, we were able to include my folks! Jim went with them to an Evensong before the dinner, where they experienced a service which was partly in Latin. Ask them about it.
Dressing formally is one part of these dinners, and so we all dressed up. If you're a member of the university, you wear your gown over your suit or dress. There's a definite advantage to this--the hall was a bit cold and drafty.
Before the meal starts, a bell rings, we all stand, and the fellows and Master come parading in to sit at a head table. After a Latin prayer (the same one used for centuries, we were told), the first course came. The graduate students at St. Johns sit on one side of their great hall, and the undergraduates on the other.
After the main course was finished, the bell rang again, we all stood, someone prayed in Latin (presumably to thank God for what we had just eaten) and the head table made their exit for a smaller, more intimate room for their dessert and after dinner drinks. We remained for our dessert and coffee (I had tea) and at this point we were allowed to take pictures.
We came with a group of Tyndale House readers, many of whom you see here.
We also had dinner with William Wordsworth...
and William Wilberforce...
...both of whom were St. Johns students, or Johnians (pronounced "Joanians").
Inter college rivalries are alive and well here like everywhere else, so members of some other colleges sing (to the tune of "She'll be coming `round the mountain...")
I'd rather be at Oxford than at Johns
Ohh - I'd rather be at Oxford than at Johns
I'd rather be at Oxford
Rather be at Oxford
I'd rather be at Oxford than at Johns
And the Johnian reply (to the tune of "You'll never walk alone"),
Sign on,
Sign on,
With hope in your heart
'Cause you'll never be at John's
Lady Margaret Beaufort founded St. Johns College in 1511. She was the mother of Henry VII, and grandmother of Henry the VIII. Her picture is seen in the backdrop of the picture below. She was a strong Christian, and she is seen doing her devotions in this painting.
Have you heard of the Lady Margaret's Professorship of Divinity? It was the first endowed chair at the University of Cambridge and is quite a prestigious professorship.
What a fun evening to share with my parents!
On another note, Mom is getting sick, in fact she has almost completely lost her voice. It's never fun not to feel well far from home, so pray for her!
The fun thing is, we were able to include my folks! Jim went with them to an Evensong before the dinner, where they experienced a service which was partly in Latin. Ask them about it.
Dressing formally is one part of these dinners, and so we all dressed up. If you're a member of the university, you wear your gown over your suit or dress. There's a definite advantage to this--the hall was a bit cold and drafty.
Before the meal starts, a bell rings, we all stand, and the fellows and Master come parading in to sit at a head table. After a Latin prayer (the same one used for centuries, we were told), the first course came. The graduate students at St. Johns sit on one side of their great hall, and the undergraduates on the other.
After the main course was finished, the bell rang again, we all stood, someone prayed in Latin (presumably to thank God for what we had just eaten) and the head table made their exit for a smaller, more intimate room for their dessert and after dinner drinks. We remained for our dessert and coffee (I had tea) and at this point we were allowed to take pictures.
We came with a group of Tyndale House readers, many of whom you see here.
We also had dinner with William Wordsworth...
and William Wilberforce...
...both of whom were St. Johns students, or Johnians (pronounced "Joanians").
Inter college rivalries are alive and well here like everywhere else, so members of some other colleges sing (to the tune of "She'll be coming `round the mountain...")
I'd rather be at Oxford than at Johns
Ohh - I'd rather be at Oxford than at Johns
I'd rather be at Oxford
Rather be at Oxford
I'd rather be at Oxford than at Johns
And the Johnian reply (to the tune of "You'll never walk alone"),
Sign on,
Sign on,
With hope in your heart
'Cause you'll never be at John's
Lady Margaret Beaufort founded St. Johns College in 1511. She was the mother of Henry VII, and grandmother of Henry the VIII. Her picture is seen in the backdrop of the picture below. She was a strong Christian, and she is seen doing her devotions in this painting.
Have you heard of the Lady Margaret's Professorship of Divinity? It was the first endowed chair at the University of Cambridge and is quite a prestigious professorship.
What a fun evening to share with my parents!
On another note, Mom is getting sick, in fact she has almost completely lost her voice. It's never fun not to feel well far from home, so pray for her!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Orchard
There is a rather famous orchard located a short walk from Tyndale House in a little village named Grantchester.
This apple orchard was made famous by the young Rupert Brooke, when, as a recent graduate of Cambridge he moved out to Grantchester to escape the hectic social life there, but in vain. He was so charismatic he drew a constant stream of visitors and the life of "Tea under the apple trees" was born. He fell in love with the idyllic life of Grantchester and several of his poems reflect this in lines such as
This apple orchard was made famous by the young Rupert Brooke, when, as a recent graduate of Cambridge he moved out to Grantchester to escape the hectic social life there, but in vain. He was so charismatic he drew a constant stream of visitors and the life of "Tea under the apple trees" was born. He fell in love with the idyllic life of Grantchester and several of his poems reflect this in lines such as
"Stands the church clock at ten-t0-three
And is there honey still for tea?"
or
"Grantchester! Ah, Grantchester!
There's peace and holy quiet there"
Sitting out under the trees~
In the summer this place is packed with people, all reading, writing, talking, drawing, etc. It is also beautiful and fragrant with the apple blossoms!
the Rupert Brooke museum is on the property~
A lovely morning~
And is there honey still for tea?"
or
"Grantchester! Ah, Grantchester!
There's peace and holy quiet there"
Knowing the C.S. Lewis used to have tea here as well, I knew that my folks would enjoy a trip out.
My Mom loved the restful quiet of the place~
Sitting out under the trees~
In the summer this place is packed with people, all reading, writing, talking, drawing, etc. It is also beautiful and fragrant with the apple blossoms!
the Rupert Brooke museum is on the property~
A lovely morning~
Looking out our kitchen window~
A sunny day. Clothes on the line again. Birthday flowers on the windowsill. Smile.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday events
Walking into church this Sunday, we found three homeless strangers and invited them with us.
Michelle looking lovely with the daffodils at Newnham College~
Dad asking "How to you punt on the Cam River without water?"
Wimpole has a used book section~and here Andrew is checking out the quality of the merchandise~
Dad sneaking in on a sisterly hug~
Lots of sheep~
A lovely afternoon together~
The "Folly."
Dear friends~
A beautiful day~already a great memory~
Michelle looking lovely with the daffodils at Newnham College~
Dad asking "How to you punt on the Cam River without water?"
* * * * * *
After church we headed to Wimpole Farm with the Powells for a fun afternoon~
Wimpole has a used book section~and here Andrew is checking out the quality of the merchandise~
Dad sneaking in on a sisterly hug~
Lots of sheep~
A lovely afternoon together~
The "Folly."
Dear friends~
A beautiful day~already a great memory~
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Hungry Grandchildren~
Jelly donuts are only 12 pence a piece at Sainsbury's. We walked into town this morning for Papa to buy some for his starving grandchildren~
Nanna had a belated Valentine's party at lunch for her starving grandchildren. Lots of chocolate for all~
We also finally took a ride on a double decker bus today, all around town and did a bit of shopping to boot. Dad also bought ice-cream for his starving grandchildren.
Our poor children, so neglected~what would we do without Nanna and Papa?
Nanna had a belated Valentine's party at lunch for her starving grandchildren. Lots of chocolate for all~
We also finally took a ride on a double decker bus today, all around town and did a bit of shopping to boot. Dad also bought ice-cream for his starving grandchildren.
Our poor children, so neglected~what would we do without Nanna and Papa?
40th Birthday Festivities
A lovely breakfast greeted me yesterday, and look at these beautiful faces who brought it to me!
Jim and I walked into town for lunch~
Before
now a change for my fortieth birthday!
missing a little hair
Wonderful dinner with my family~
I am getting old enough that we don't need overhead lights on when I blow out my candles!
Did I happen to mention that 40 is the new 30?
Surprise birthday flowers from Fiona~
Guess who won at cards tonight!?
Ending the day with cutting someone else's hair, unfortunately, well, that is another story~ (sorry Mom, but it will grow!)
The best 40th birthday!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Having fun with Papa~
Papa's first time to our home has been quite fun for us all. Here are Sarah and Andrew, thoroughly enjoying his fun spirit. Andrew has attached himself quite securely to Papa, rarely leaving his side today.Dad and I had a fight today, however. I noticed that he was reading a Max Brand (one of my favorite western writers, and as I am sure you'll agree, even the best Brit's can't write a decent western) and I stole his book from him~
My sister then walked into her room and brought out a suitcase of books for me, see below. We all just laughed and laughed~
I was so happy, now I am set for a long while with some fun reading material! Notice my Dad is quite happy to have his book returned to him as well!
It is so great to have them all here!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
SURPRISE!
My heart cannot take any more surprises. I am absolutely numb with amazement because of two things that have happened within 12 hours of each other. And, since I am almost 40 (as of Friday) I need to be careful of what shock can do to my system!
Last night, my friend Rahela asked me to come over and check out something in the flat my folks would be staying in today. After she showed me what it was, she stopped in the common room of Tyndale House for some coffee. I paused at the door with the intention of waiting for her, and instead heard "SURPRISE" and there were so many wonderful friends I almost passed out. A surprise 40th birthday party is what I found waiting for me! Can you believe it?
I was shocked, plain and simple. What dear friends God has given me here! I sat looking around the circle so thankful for how the Lord more than abundantly has cared for me here in England. He is so good! Each one of these women has touched my life and has shown Christ to me, and I know that I am better because of it.
Look at these desserts! This picture doesn't do them justice, they were phenomenal! The best chocolate cake I have ever eaten, and then, my dream dessert, a pavlova, and some wonderful brownies and biscotti. Thank you dear friends, I will never forget my 40th birthday.
And then, another surprise~while waiting for my folks this morning I hear the doorbell ring. Thinking that it is them I run to the door to discover,
My SISTER!!!!!!!
She bought her ticket on Friday, and leaving all four children with her saintly husband and in-laws (thank you so much Richard, Harriet and Glenn) she was able to fly with my folks here.
I saw her through the door, started bawling, and fell down on my knees! I was so in shock I didn't even open the door. Fortunately it was open and she walked in!
My folks are here too, and I am absolutely overwhelmed with happiness. Thank you, Jesus.
Last night, my friend Rahela asked me to come over and check out something in the flat my folks would be staying in today. After she showed me what it was, she stopped in the common room of Tyndale House for some coffee. I paused at the door with the intention of waiting for her, and instead heard "SURPRISE" and there were so many wonderful friends I almost passed out. A surprise 40th birthday party is what I found waiting for me! Can you believe it?
I was shocked, plain and simple. What dear friends God has given me here! I sat looking around the circle so thankful for how the Lord more than abundantly has cared for me here in England. He is so good! Each one of these women has touched my life and has shown Christ to me, and I know that I am better because of it.
Look at these desserts! This picture doesn't do them justice, they were phenomenal! The best chocolate cake I have ever eaten, and then, my dream dessert, a pavlova, and some wonderful brownies and biscotti. Thank you dear friends, I will never forget my 40th birthday.
And then, another surprise~while waiting for my folks this morning I hear the doorbell ring. Thinking that it is them I run to the door to discover,
My SISTER!!!!!!!
She bought her ticket on Friday, and leaving all four children with her saintly husband and in-laws (thank you so much Richard, Harriet and Glenn) she was able to fly with my folks here.
I saw her through the door, started bawling, and fell down on my knees! I was so in shock I didn't even open the door. Fortunately it was open and she walked in!
My folks are here too, and I am absolutely overwhelmed with happiness. Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Nanna and Papa are coming!
Now we are in the tropics! Sarah and Andrew felt strongly that they could clean better in their swimsuits. They worked hard, and then took a bath, with swimsuits of course!
Jim took this picture of me talking on the phone while cleaning the tub. We have to get it all done BEFORE my parents come, because I want to have fun enjoying them!
We were able to procur another flat for them to stay in here at Tyndale House. This is a minor miracle, and allows us easy access to each other. Praise the Lord!
We can't wait to see you Mom and Dad!
Look carefully~
Snow in Cambridge? Yes, it's true! We won't be breaking out snowpants and ski gloves, however, it was gone within minutes. But, we had snow! (Just in time to welcome my parents from frigid Minnesota!)
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