We made it on the train and Danny ran out of energy. Our goal for the day was to help them learn how to use the train, subway, and bus system. We had a great time experiencing the different modes of travel and seeing a few sights as well.
Danny brought family file cards with them so they took in a session at the temple on Wednesday before heading back into London. We arranged for other missionaries to take them to the train on Wednesday and Thursday while we were at work. They enjoyed the outings and then in the evening we planned the following day.
Entrance to Westminster Abbey. The statues of 10 Christian martyrs of the 20th century above the Great West Door of the Abbey. Elder Christopherson mentioned one of them, in his talk in April 2015 Conference. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a brilliant German theologian, was born in 1906. He was imprisoned for his active opposition of the Nazi dictatorship and eventually executed in a concentration camp. Bonhoeffer was a prolific writer, and sympathetic guards helped him smuggle some of them out. Elder Christopherson quotes one to his niece before her wedding, quoting significant insights on marriage.
Danny brought family file cards with them so they took in a session at the temple on Wednesday before heading back into London. We arranged for other missionaries to take them to the train on Wednesday and Thursday while we were at work. They enjoyed the outings and then in the evening we planned the following day.
On Friday and Saturday they did two sessions in the temple while we worked and then we played when we were all home. Friday, we went to Brighton and they were amazed at the 'pebble' beach and the sights of the town. We rode the wheel for a bird's eye view of the coastline and the English Channel.
We had fish and chips at Harry Ramsden's. Bob chose a burger and chips.
The wind was cold so we were very happy to be seated in the warm restaurant. I had a cup of hot chocolate with a massive dollop of cream on top.
Saturday was our day of adventure. The weather was rainy and very windy. We finished up in the temple and then made our way to London to see Wicked. We got to Lingfield train station to find the office closed but a ticket machine outside.
Bob
paid for parking and then he and Dan tried to figure out the ticket
machine. During this time we watched
the schedule board and it showed no trains were going to Victoria but to London
Bridge. Bob wasn’t going to have
that, so we loaded up in the car and headed to Three Bridges Station, catching a few curbs on the way. While in the car, I looked the station up on
the Internet and saw that no trains were going from there to Victoria. Bob decided since we had already
paid for parking we would turn around and go back to Lingfield.
The
issue with the ticket machine started all over again as it would not take any
of the credit/debit cards any of us had. We were unable to get a concession or group rate as well. We pooled our cash together and got the tickets purchased and went to
the platform.
Who should we see when we walked around the corner, but Sister Nelson, a periodic worked on our shift. We greeted one another and she said she was headed home and would get off at Clapham Junction to catch another train from there. Brother Searle, a periodic worker, had brought her to the station. She got on the train without a ticket because she did not realize there was a ticket machine!
We plotted out our course in that we would catch the underground from London Bridge to get to Victoria Station. The Theatre was just across the street. While discussing what we would do, Danny noticed that Clapham Junction was not one of the stops the train was making. He pointed it out to Sister Nelson and she said: "Oh my, I guess I will have to figure out something else." In the end she decided she would get off at East Croydon and catch another train from there. So merrily we all went!
We arrived at London Bridge, checked for the last train home for the night (11:23 p.m.), caught the underground to Westminster and then for Victoria. We arrived in time to find dinner and make it to the play. We were all very happy we had decided to leave for London right after shift. We ate at Franky & Benny's, where we enjoyed a family meal for four that included pizza, pasta, and all the salad we wanted. We could not believe all the food they served us.
We arrived at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, picked up our tickets and went in. We purchased popcorn and water and waited until we could go to our seats. We were seated in the circle, front and left of its center. Bob and I found it a different experience from the first time. We preferred the seats in the stalls and Savannah's understudy was playing Glinda.
The play was over after 10 p.m. and we headed out just as it ended. We wanted to be ahead of the crowds. In Victoria Station Bob thought we should go west and Danny said East. West won out at first until we realized it was the wrong way. We asked for directions and then went up and down stairs going the other way.
We made it back to London Bridge Station and boarded the 10:53 p.m. train, ahead of schedule and happy to be on our way. We broke out the cards and played Hearts. The journey went well until at one stop there was an announcement from the engineer that if there were any problems from the passengers that just boarded, the train would not go until it was dealt with.
We continued on until the next stop. The engineer was good to his word and announced the train would not go any further until the situation was taken care of. A security agent boarded and it was about twenty minutes later a group of loud young people came walking through our car and we guess they got off the train because it wasn't long before it started moving again.
We arrived safely at Lingfield in time to be back home before midnight. As the train pulled into the station, Dan and Cheryl got up and moved to the door. I made a move to get up to put on my coat. Bob, who was sitting ahead of me, said there was no hurry the train had not stopped yet. He waited until it had completely stopped before he got up. I got out of the seat and put my coat on. As I got to the door it started closing. I pushed the 'Open' button and nothing happened. I continued to push it all the while watching the it close. I could not get off the train! I sat back down and called Bob to inform him he would have to come to East Grinstead to pick me up.
I sat there looking at the other passengers on the train and thought: "I am all alone in the world." When Dan was walking across the bridge he saw Bob on his cell phone and wondered: "Who would be calling him this time of night?" When Cheryl caught up with them and asked where I was she was shocked to hear I was still on the train as she watched it pulling out of the station.
The train was faster than the car and I got off in East Grinstead in the pouring rain. It was good I had my rain coat with hood to stay dry until they got there. We all had a good laugh on the way home about the whole situation and that we did not make it home before midnight!
We went to church on Sunday and Dan and Cheryl enjoyed meeting some of the British Saints and participating in the meetings. We had a meal when we got home and prepared to go to Stratford Upon Avon after the Hi & Bye. We also walked the temple grounds and took pictures.
The Hi & Bye was for us. Sister Russell leaves the day after us so she spoke also and then the Fitch's told about themselves as new missionaries. There were many missionaries present and we will miss them. Our time here is coming to an end and it has truly been an amazing experience. I never could have imagined this opportunity in my life.
We made it back to London Bridge Station and boarded the 10:53 p.m. train, ahead of schedule and happy to be on our way. We broke out the cards and played Hearts. The journey went well until at one stop there was an announcement from the engineer that if there were any problems from the passengers that just boarded, the train would not go until it was dealt with.
We continued on until the next stop. The engineer was good to his word and announced the train would not go any further until the situation was taken care of. A security agent boarded and it was about twenty minutes later a group of loud young people came walking through our car and we guess they got off the train because it wasn't long before it started moving again.
We arrived safely at Lingfield in time to be back home before midnight. As the train pulled into the station, Dan and Cheryl got up and moved to the door. I made a move to get up to put on my coat. Bob, who was sitting ahead of me, said there was no hurry the train had not stopped yet. He waited until it had completely stopped before he got up. I got out of the seat and put my coat on. As I got to the door it started closing. I pushed the 'Open' button and nothing happened. I continued to push it all the while watching the it close. I could not get off the train! I sat back down and called Bob to inform him he would have to come to East Grinstead to pick me up.
I sat there looking at the other passengers on the train and thought: "I am all alone in the world." When Dan was walking across the bridge he saw Bob on his cell phone and wondered: "Who would be calling him this time of night?" When Cheryl caught up with them and asked where I was she was shocked to hear I was still on the train as she watched it pulling out of the station.
The train was faster than the car and I got off in East Grinstead in the pouring rain. It was good I had my rain coat with hood to stay dry until they got there. We all had a good laugh on the way home about the whole situation and that we did not make it home before midnight!
We went to church on Sunday and Dan and Cheryl enjoyed meeting some of the British Saints and participating in the meetings. We had a meal when we got home and prepared to go to Stratford Upon Avon after the Hi & Bye. We also walked the temple grounds and took pictures.
Dan & Cheryl, Barbara & Bob
16th Century Manor House. Home to the temple presidency and single sister temple missionaries.
Watching an airplane fly overhead.
The Hi & Bye was for us. Sister Russell leaves the day after us so she spoke also and then the Fitch's told about themselves as new missionaries. There were many missionaries present and we will miss them. Our time here is coming to an end and it has truly been an amazing experience. I never could have imagined this opportunity in my life.
Elder & Sister Brown, going home to Yuma, Arizona. Sister Russell, going home to Morgan, Utah. Elder & Sister Fitch coming from Vancouver, Washington.
We headed out on our trip and had a safe journey in spite of the wind and rain. We learned the next morning it was Storm Katie and had felled trees causing damage in some of the towns in our area. At the temple it blew down a huge limb off a tree. The gardeners were on it come Tuesday and were able to clear it and all the debris by the end of the day.
We enjoyed being together and we wound up stopping at the same Welcome Break we had been to with Halie and Jason. We took them to Stratford Upon Avon when they were here so many of the places we went were reminders of their visit. We stayed in the same Holiday Inn as well.
Monday morning was windy and rainy. After a delicious breakfast we went to Shakespeare's birthplace. We took the tour and learned more about him. It was interesting to be in the 15th century home and imagine life as it was then.
We enjoyed a walk through the gift shop and then out onto the street and all the shops there. Cheryl was having fun going in one shop and then another. The Christmas shop was fun, again! I love it each time I go in.
It was nearing 1 p.m. and our parking ticket was running out so off we went, headed for Windsor Castle. The sky started cleaning and we had sunshine for the afternoon. It made for a nice drive and then a great time to be at the castle.
Monday was a bank holiday so the streets and sidewalks were packed with tourists, families, and others with a day off. Bob dropped the three of us at
the castle and went in search of a place to park. it
took him half an hour to find and then met up
with us in the castle as we were coming out.
Waiting in line. It wrapped around the wall for some distance and took about half an hour to get in.
A perfect day for picture-taking.
The old with the new.
Stunning architecture.
St George Gate. Cheryl is leaving on the left.
Norman Gate. Cheryl is in the tan coat to the right taking a picture.
After we came out we caught sight of the horse-drawn carriage.
The day was coming to a close as we headed to the car. The rain began to fall again and we were so happy the afternoon had been sunny. We headed to the airport and stopped at Toby Carvery (Another place we took Halie and Jason) for an English meal.
We arrived at Gatwick, parked, and walked Dan and Cheryl to their ticket desk. It had been a fun week and a great time being together. We were so happy they had come.
What a wonderful visit!
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