Happy Thanksgiving Back

Thanksgiving is a different sort of celebration this year. I am in a foreign land that doesn’t observe the American holiday. I am apart from my family. Many of the traditions will not take place today. Lectures took place as normal. In many ways, it feels just like another day.
This divergence from my usual festivity is difficult, but it is also good. The change and lack of traditions makes me think more about the reason to celebrate. I have so many reasons to be thankful.
Especially this reason:

Capernwray Panthers

I never thought I could like a sport more than Ultimate Frisbee, but Cricket may be that sport.

Bat and Ball

I am officially on one of two school teams, the Capernwray Panthers. We lost the match last night to the top team in our league, but did win our first game.

The Wicket.

Clock Towers of Edinburgh

This is for you, Lady Greenleaf. Every time I see a clock tower I think of you.




Actually, just about everything makes me think of you. Tea, knitting, slippers, houndstooth coats (and goats), detectives, swords, cowboys, squirrels with accents, firearms, castles, books, boots, Texas, etc.

Morning and Evening

The castle I live in technically isn't a castle--it's a manor. This, however, is a real castle.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.

Where I Need To Be

There is a Gary Allan song entitled something along the lines of “Right Where I Need To Be.” Today, that is exactly where I am.

If ever I doubt God’s plan for my year at Capernwray, I have simply to recall “the wondrous works that He has done” (Psalm 105:5).

It was about a year and a half ago that I really decided I wanted to attend Bible School at Capernwray Hall. The idea had wandered on the outskirts of my mind for some time before then, but I’d never seriously considered it could happen.

Ten months ago I applied, asking God that if He wanted me to attend, He would allow me to be accepted. In January, I received the response.

All through the next months, I was uncertain if I would actually be able to go. It simply did not look possible. I considered whether I should wait a year. I spent many nights wrestling with what would be the best decision. Continually, I had to refocus my attention.

Even two weeks before my flight was scheduled to leave, I did not know if it would be possible. The 26^th of September, I knew would be an important day. Either I would be in England, or I would be wishing I was.

In the end, God arranged every detail. And here I am.

Honestly, I don’t think there is any place in the world that I would rather be. There is such joy in knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

A Lot Of...

My English teacher told me not to use the phrase 'a lot.' But I am going to anyway. A lot.


Here in England, there is a lot of grey sky. We have a lot of rain. We also have a lot of sunshine. Sometimes we have a lot of rainbows. Compared to many, I don't have a lot of roommates. Above are two-thirds of them. They are from Canada. There are a lot of Canadians here. There are also a lot of people from the US.

There is a lot of green here. There are a lot of hills. There are a lot of stone walls. There are a lot of sheep. And a lot of cows. But mostly a lot of sheep.

I like this place a lot.

And I'll Dedicate This One To...

...the Lady Greenleaf.

You are welcome to come visit me in this very green place (and write a novel under a tree).

Let's visit English castles and wear Texan boots.