London Surprises

London was full of surprises today (Sunday) as we surprised ourselves at how much you can see in one day. The first surprise was how much we could see with how tired we were from Saturday!


Saturday began at Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the Clock Tower and Big Ben (which is just the bell not the Tower we were told). Lunch, some walking around, then to St. Paul's Cathedral. 532 (I think) steps later most of us were at the top of St. Paul's peering down over the city. I didn't stay long - but I was there!


At 5 p.m. we stayed for Evensong, the evening prayer service with great anticipation of the choir in that magnificent building. They were on holiday - Surprise! But it was still good.


As dinner was over John and I decided we would head off to the Olympic Village and the Swimming venue to see if per chance we could run into some tickets. First surprise was not being able to get into the village without a ticket that could only be purchased online. Not very well advertised. 


Second surprise happened when we were approached by a young couple with 1 extra ticket which they were given and wanted to give to a swimming fan. I had informed John ahead of time that if we found 1 he was going. So off he went with a huge smile on his face. We found each other about 2 hours later and he was still grinning ear to ear. I'm still formulating some thoughts on this experience about the blessing a father receives when he gets the chance to extravagantly bless His son. There's a picture of God that I've not experienced as fully as I did Saturday night.


Sunday morning Kathryn, Brian, John and I got up early to go pick up our tickets for the London Eye and Thames River Cruise. We got off the Tube at Westminster and ran into the Women's Marathon Course - surprise! A few questions and a little walking later we found our way.


The London Eye (the large ferris wheel along the Thames) was great - delightful in British vernacular. Then the cruise took us down to the Tower Bridge and we got some great sites and pictures of it with the Olympic rings hanging down. It was a good surprise as I'd been talking about the Tower Bridge the whole trip and wanting to get to it. A family picture with it in the background came later today.


Lunch, some shopping, some walking, some Tubing (not sure if that's an appropriate term) and we arrived at the British Museum. We knew we couldn't see it all - it would take a week. The Greek area and the Rosetta Stone were of the most interest to those of us most interested so it was a quick trip but well worthwhile.


Our final surprise of the day came on our way back to the Tube for the trip to the High Leigh Conference Center (where we are staying) near Broxbourne. As we approached the Tube entrance we say a truck that said "Hillsong London." This incredible church uses the Theater by this Tube entrance so in we went for some worship in song with about 2500 others, their 4th service of the day. I had heard about this ministry and to get to experience it with my family was a great surprise. We took many pictures and a few videos to share when we get home. They're doing a great job seeking to renew England. Remember to pray for them.


Tomorrow it's a day trip and for the life of me I can't remember where this one goes to. We're all just a little tired.


Tonight at Cornerstone is the end of what I've called a Game Changing Weekend with Mark Mittleberg sharing about how to have a contagious faith. This evening is a gathering for unchurched friends, those with questions about Christianity. I'm praying for a great ending to what I pray was a great weekend.


Good night from London.