Happy Birthday, Mom

This is the first time that I have been away from my mom on her birthday. I am so sad that I am missing it today. So, on this birthday I'm going to let everyone know just a few of the reasons why I love you. And without further ado, I love you because...

... you laugh so hard that you can't stop

... you always end every conversation with "I love you"

... of your smile

... you always typed up my papers

... you play with my hair

... you helped me make things grow

... of Eskimo Kisses at night

... you disciplined me and made me a better person

... you held on tight when things got hard

... you let me go when I needed learn for myself

... you make my favourite foods

... you make me into a woman of God

... you taught me to cook

... you rubbed my back when I was tired

... you cry through movies, just like me

... of the example you have set

... of butterfly kisses at bedtime

... you made me lemon juice and honey

... you love me

... you are my mom

Happy birthday, Mommy. I love you so much. I hope that your day is filled with love and happiness and is amazing.

Rambling

Today we went rambling. Ron took our group out to Dorchester and we began our day in the beautiful Dorchester Abbey. The Abbey Church of St. Peter and St. Paul was begun in 12th century. It has a very simple interior and my eye was immediately drawn to the wonderful 14th century wall paintings. The church also houses a shrine to St. Birinus, who is mentioned by hte Venerable Bede.

14th century wall painting

We left the church and headed to the foot of the Wittenham Clumps. The walk was beautiful, though quite muddy. I was very thankful for my Gore-Tex shoes. Our journey took us through a hayfield and across the Thames, alongside a flock of geese and beside lumbering cows.

Looking across the field to Wittenham Clumps

Several of our people stopped to participate in a service project, working with the Northmoor Trust. The rest of us began our trek up to the top of the hill. I didn't realize quite how steep the hill was until we had already begun our climb. Unfortunately, my asthma decided to kick in. By the time we reached the crest of the clump, I could barely breathe. I felt like such a burden to my group as they all stayed up there for a good half-hour while I tried to compose myself.

I must admit, I was fairly scared and even sort of panicked at one point. I just got so dizzy, my entire body began tingling and at one point my vision completely blacked out. One girl mentioned that I looked like I was on laughing gas! All that being said, I cut my walk short and went home without completing our ramble. Ron brought me back to the houses and while we waited for our bus we had a lovely chat about medieval monasticism. I'm fine now, breathing a lot better, though my chest is tight and I am completely exhausted.

From the top of the hill

I did have a nice day rambling through the English countryside. The weather was lovely - it didn't rain until I was safe at home - and the scenery beautiful. I really would love to go again.

Beautiful ivy, displaying the colours of fall

Stairway to Heaven

At 9@9 last night we focused on Genesis 28, the story of Jacob's dream of heaven. Jacob lays down on a stone one night and has a dream in which he sees "a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." (Genesis 28:12) God and Jacob make a covenant and when Jacob awakens, he erects his stone pillow to distinguish that holy place.

For Jacob, this was a thin place. His marking it ensures that everyone who might pass by would know of his holy encounter. Just a couple of weeks ago, I happened upon a place that seemed exceptionally thin. I was not able to erect a monument, as we were driving at the time. Anyhow, I don't find that stones make exceptionally good pillows...

We were in Ireland and driving from Dublin to our cottage in Ballyvaughan. Roads are very unclearly marked and we were forced to stop and ask for directions. We were pointed to the road that we were looking for, but the man recommended that we go a different way. We decided to take the road that we had already planned on. This tiny, winding road took us up into the heart of the Irish countryside and we soon found ourselves in the middle of nowhere.

Our tiny road

I'm not sure that our driver and navigator (Mom and Dad) enjoyed the drive quite as much as I did, as they had to work a little harder. For me, however, this was one of the most powerful moments of my entire week. The scenery was stunning, indescribable. We passed a giant waterfall, discolored by the minerals in the rock. It sprung forth from the rocks, falling hundreds of feet. Purple heather and lush grass carpets the hills and valleys. Rocky crags line the road and occasional sheep look up at the rare passing car. I felt as if I were at the top of the world and if I only rolled down the window, I would touch God. I was listening to "Celtic Reflections on Hymns" on my iPod. The beautiful "Father Hear the Prayer We Offer" came on and the lyrics hit me hard.

Not forever in green pastures

Do we ask our way to be;

But the steep and rugged pathway

May we tread rejoicingly

Not forever by still waters

Would we idly rest and stay;

But would smith the living fountains

From the rocks along our way

Our drive was not classically beautiful, but rugged and harsh. Mist obscured our vision and settled lazily in the valleys. It was not an easy way to drive, especially once the heavens opened and rain poured down. But we must tread these difficult paths and our way is not always easy. Even so, beauty can be found in hardship. The extra hours that we spent on this road wore me out, but I wouldn't do it differently if I had the chance. God touched me in this rugged, rough terrain. To witness this beauty, we had to brave the perilous, twisting road. We have to climb the rocks to see the mountain view and we must brave the storm to see the rainbow.

But the amazing thing is that God is there. He is everywhere, but on this one road in Ireland, He was almost tangible. This road was was a sort of stairway to heaven and I could feel God coming down.

Finally

The fall students are finally here! I was so happy to see the coach pull up in front the houses today. I've certainly enjoyed my alone time, but it has been a bit lonely. I may not be quite ready for classes to begin, but I am glad for things to get underway.

Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs)

I had a fun, yet hectic, week. The Morgans worked me like a slave! Okay, not quite, but we sure did work hard. We had to make sure that every bedroom and kitchen had all of the correct items, and then go and buy anything that was missing.

Thankfully I was payed in food. What a fantastic payment. We had chicken Korma (left over from our International Feast :D) and then us ladies watched Sense and Sensibility. The next evening Jacque and I went to Al-Shami, a Lebanese restaurant in Jericho. My meal, Shish Taouq, was amazing. We came back to houses and put on a cute little movie called Serendipity while we enjoyed tea and biscuits.

I am so proud of myself, because I gave correct directions to someone this afternoon in town. I'm glad I know where the Randolph Hotel is. I am disappointed that the Pitt Rivers museum will not open until 2009. So sad, but I suppose I'll be able to find other things to do here. In fact, I found out today about a horse show that will be held at Blenheim Palace. Hmm, now that sounds like a fun day out.

Monkey gargoyle

Relaxing in Derbyshire & Cheshire

I spent this last week with some family friends at their house in Macclesfield, which is just outside of Manchester. I had a wonderful, relaxing time. Well, as relaxing as a time can be in a house with a three-year old.

I was proud of myself for flying from Ireland to Manchester by myself. My first solo flight, and it was international! Thankfully everything went smoothly and I had a friendly face to pick me up from the airport. My meals during my stay were fantastic. The husband is from Glasgow, Scotland, where his family owns a farm. Our Sunday roast was straight from his farm and complete with potatoes, parsnips, leeks and yorkshire pudding.

On my first day, we drove to Chatsworth, a wonderful stately home that is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The drive up there was lovely as the road winds through the Peak District National Park, amidst fields of sheep and purple heather. We also drove through Bakewell, home of the scrumptious Bakewell Tarts! The interior of Chatsworth is very interesting, though I cannot quite imagine living in such a large house. Wood paneling in many of the rooms darkens the rooms and leaves them with a sort of unwelcoming ambiance.

Chatsworth

Mr. Darcy

The gardens are extensive and quite stunning. The outside of Chatsworth is much more well known to me as it serves as Pemberley in the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice. I feel like a true Pride and Prejudice fan now. I even watched the BBC adaptation of the novel with the McCoulls.

Later in the week we headed to Lyme Park, yet another mansion house. It's role in the BBC Pride and Prejudice as Pemberley drew us in. It is also very beautiful, but dark inside.

Lyme Park

The day before I left we visited the beautiful village of Prestbury. I spent some time praying and reading inside St. Peter's church, one of the oldest Parish churches in the country. I also walked around the church grounds and took advantage of my solitary state to sing a little. There is a Norman chapel on the site and fragments of a Saxon Cross, both very interesting.

I had a wonderful week, and had a ton of fun playing with little Rhianna. I am so thankful for this family and their willingness to put me for a week (and put up with me for a week).

Now I'm back in Oxford, waiting for the fall student to come over. I'm a bit lonely right now, but this freedom has been very relaxing. I'll spend this week helping to get the houses ready for everyone. Thankfully, I'm already all settled in.

The Emerald Isle

What a time I've had in Ireland! It was a wonderful week, though I must admit parting with my family was difficult. I know I am doing this later that many people, but it's all new to me.

We flew into Dublin in a slight drizzle, and the rain barely stopped from that point onward. We spent the next day touring Dublin. This included a visit to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. I absolutely love tis illuminated manuscript. We saw bog bodies at the museum and P45 and P46 in the Chester Beatty Library. Papyrus 46 is one of the oldest New Testament manuscripts known to exist and contains Paul's letters.

We spent the next day driving to our cottage in Ballyvaughan. We stopped at Glendalough, a monastic complex, and saw its round tower, which is unique to Irish monasteries. Unfortunately the rain slowed us down, even forcing us to turn around at one point because the road was flooded. Upon our arrival at the cottage we discovered that the caretaker had lit a lovely peat fire for us. This was a welcome warmth and we proceeded to light fires every night of our stay.

Sunlight on the Burren

Our cottage was in the heart of the Burren, a barren rocky landscape in the west of Ireland. Monday was spent driving around the Burren - visiting megalithic tombs, old stone circle forts and high crosses. The day was rainy, but the historical monuments we viewed were well worth it. In Kilfenora, a village with several high cross, I had the best chowder I have ever tasted. The seafood all around was delicious, and I even had mussels once!

Sky Road, Co. Galway

We spent another day up in Connemara. This drive included some of the most beautiful scenery of our entire stay. Thankfully the rain let up enough for us to hike in Connemara National Park. I was joyful to see some Connemara Ponies inside the park. Later in the day we went horseback riding along some beaches. It was amazing! The beaches were gorgeous, and I had so much fun with my horse Monty.

Wednesday we went out and watched the enormous waves crash into Doolin Point. That evening we went to Monks, had amazing desserts and listened to live Irish music. 

On Thursday, we ventured out to Cork and Blarney Castle. The day began without a cloud in the sky. Heavy mist in the valleys gave the country a surreal, sort of magical feel. I kissed the Blarney Stone, which is supposed to give me the "gift of gab". It was an interesting experience, anyway. We ended our day with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. These majestic cliffs plummet drastically into the ocean. Unfortunately we didn't see any puffins at the Cliffs of Insanity.

The Cliffs of Moher

Ireland was so beautiful, like a place straight out of a fairy tale. The rain was a bit annoying. We knew Ireland would be rainy - hence it's green expanses. But leave it the Childers to be there during one of the rainiest times in history (it was reported. that the floods in Dublin were the second worst ever recorded).

The Oldest College

I cannot believe that this month has gone by so fast! Tomorrow is our last day of class. Thursday we leave Oxford at 7:00 am and head to London to board various planes. My family will be off to Ireland for a week, along with the Rankins. Most of the group, however, will be flying back to Dallas. I won't see any of them again until December. I've had a lot of fun these past few weeks, and I'm thankful for the friendships that have been forged. I, for one, am not ready for this to end.

I'm thinking Treebeard

On to more fun things, today my family toured the Merton library. It was fantastic! The library dates back to the 14th century. It is the oldest continuously functioning library in the UK. Dad and I decided that Yankee should make a "musty library" scented candle. The grounds are beautiful and the chapel is lovely. Perhaps of interest is the fact that Merton is J.R.R. Tokien's college (I'm sure that's why Dad chose to study there).

Merton Tower

Yesterday, we ventured into the Botanic Gardens. This is an interesting conglomeration of native and exotic plants. Interestingly, the exotic plants include cacti! I've been doing a lot of reading and writing for my classes, and now I'm looking forward to a few weeks of break. I presented my final project for the Symposium today, and I think it went nicely.

Botanic Gardens