St. Edward’s Half-term break!

Browning  (click on this, and listen while you read the post, I don’t know how to make it just play…)

Well, our family got a taste of togetherness by taking the reasonably-priced bus trip to the centre of London, a city that goes back to (and probably before) Roman times with all of us staying in one of the few ”family” hotel rooms at the London Days Inn for four nights and three days.  It really was one room designed for four people.  There were a double bed, a twin, and a double-size futon, also a small closet/built in desk, and one little round table.  The bathroom was pretty large with a couple of ledges to put things on; we had to deal with low water pressure, but everyone made their best effort to forbear the small inconveniences.  So we all stayed there for 68 pounds a night, a fantastic deal for London.  It was truly engaging and enjoyable discovering the city and travelling about via the Underground (or the Tube, as some say).  We saw as many places as it was possible to see in four days (Monday through Thurs. evening.)  Wth the purchase of a “London Pass,” we could do many more things free if we had the stamina for them.  Take my word for it, we got our money’s worth.   

I “girded on strength” and rallied the troops, while John went off to a business conference Tuesday through Thursday.  Still, on Monday, he and all of us saw the Tower of London, a fabulous medieval castle that is still operating today, just brimming with history, happenings, bloodshed, and stories of intrigue.  Each night, we met him for dinner, and we went to see “Wicked,” a really fun musical, that creatively re-presents the story you may know from “The Wizard of Oz”.  On Thursday, we ended up with a riverboat guided cruise from Westminster Abbey (the must-see cathedral that has been a constant place of worship since 1066 and William the Conqueror, a true architectural wonder steeped in living history) to Greenwich, the quaint town where the world and time begin and end.  There is still great deal more to see on another trip some time if we are able.  We will post pics as soon as possible when downloaded to the computer.  (One warning, if a “helpful” salesperson ever offers you discount tickets to the London Dungeons, well, you should be hanged before you do that…)

When we got back, we found the house that we had left in pretty good shape, but a small infestation of hulk-sized house flies.  We are in the process of attempting to eradicate them – with swatters upstairs and downstairs.

The project for the last several days of half-term break – a whopping two weeks long for some odd reason – is to do a blow-out unpacking to get the rest of the household goods out into the open then put into a proper place.  I, Maria, will spearhead the project, but the kids will need to provide substantial help.  It has been 6 weeks since we arrived, and it feels like we need to be finished with this part of the move. 

Prayer requests:  1) wipe out the flies, 2) finish unpacking, 3) really put things away where they should be, 4) get on a good routine of daily work/study, chores, recreation and prayertime!

MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL, WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU.  DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A MESSAGE ONCE IN A WHILE TO LET US KNOW YOU ARE KEEPING UP WITH US.  PRAISE GOD FOREVER!

 

The 27-Hour Move Day OR What Makes Laguardia better than Dulles Anyway?

This weekend, we have had the privilege of hosting Tom and Cathy Johnson, and their 28-year-old daughter, Heather.  They are delightful, interesting folks who are endlessly patient with the vagaries of touring in an unknown country.  We attempted to see Warwick castle and William Shakespeare’s birthplace but due to a variety of reasons, including time crunches and an unexpected carnival-style fair, did not get to see the beauty of the first or tranquility of the other location.  At least the countryside and chatting helped us to pass the time amiably.  And now, installment one of the English Elliott Chronicles.

“Good morning, kids; its 2:40 a.m.!”  That was the way we started off the journey to England.  Maria did not sleep at all the night before due to final backing into approximately 8 suitcases with Jane’s help until about 1:45.  So the ladies in the crowd were pretty bushed.  John, the sensible driver of the group, had left to get some sleep around 11:00 p.m.  We hurriedly dressed and went out to load the 5 person sedan with the granite-like cases and extra “carry-on” bags along with ourselves.  Somehow we barely stuffed the trunk and actually closed it with the biggest ones.  Then we brought remaining items in with the allegedly ample leg room and discovered first-hand how uncomfortably it was possible to traverse the five-hour trip to New York City.  But hey, it sure beat covered wagons and the dusty, bumpy Oregon trail!  We survived!

And what was our reasoning, you may ask, for doing this?  Why, to get to England on Thursday morning instead of Saturday!  You see, the children should have started school in their new country a week earlier and we didn’t want them to miss even more days as we adjusted to the time change and everything else.  So we set off in the dark of the wee hours on time.  John needed to hand deliver all the passports and fingerprint documents to an “Expediter” who would somehow facilitate the British Consulate processing them and delivering visas for us to legally enter and stay in England.

May the man be blessed forever!  He, the Expediter (not to be confused with the Terminator), had suggested that John drive and hand-carry the documents to him at 8:30 a.m.  He (the Expediter) would deliver them back finished at 4:30 p.m.  THIS WAS NECESSARY SINCE JOHN HAD BOOKED US A 7:00 P.M. FLIGHT!  So we did as we were told, and the obedience paid off.  The Lord blessed all the proceedings and we were on that flight.  We also had a beautiful day in NYC enjoying a harbor cruise that took us to the Statue of Liberty (she IS beautiful) and Ellis Island.  Sort of ironic to be visiting these spots on our way out of the country…

The Big Apple from the Ferry

Free, free, free, He has set us free...

The plane flight was uneventful (except for one lurking, fretful youngster – thank the Lord!).  Thus it was that on Thursday morning, by 11:00 a.m. GMT (Greenwich Mean Time and 6:00 a.m. Eastern time) we landed at London Heathrow airport – Brittania, our new home for then next couple of years!  Hallelujah!  Customs was lengthy but manageable, and we hurried to the Tube as fast we could, though heavily laden, headed for Paddington Station to catch a train bound for Cheltenham.

We arrived at Paddington despite malfunctioning Tube passes, and John found a train that was leaving in 20 minutes – talk about timing.  Just enough to grab sandwiches and bottled water for the ride and continue to shuttle around ourselves and our tonnage, I mean luggage, from place to place.  In the whirlwind of moving people and trains, we managed to make it.

As a matter of fact, the first whistle blew just as John was returning the suitcase trollies (carts) to their place, and he had to sprint to jump on the train seconds before it left (we had feared he might actually miss it!)  At last we could relax a bit and know that this was the final leg of the journey; we were on our way home….

 

On our way – Yay!

We depart our house in 45 minutes for NYC (New York where the British Consulate is).  Yes, it is only 3:00 in the morning, but that is 8:00 in England, so we might as well start getting used to it.   Tonight at 7:00 we are to fly and arrive at London Heathrow by 11:00 on Thursday.

When we can, we will post again, and try to get up some photos.  But it all starts here.

Cheerio (yawn…)

 

Coming Home / Going Home

Amen!  John is scheduled to fly in tomorrow, Saturday, at 2:18 p.m.  Please pray that Tropical Storm Hanna doesn’t pose any problems.  I hope to find him without a cell phone (how did we ever do it in the old days?) and head directly to Harper’s Ferry WV for an overnight.

If all goes according to plan, John, Maria, and the kids will do their part in the biometric processing on Tues. morning and be able to fly out as soon as the visas arrive.  Pray for a swift turnaround.

Today, we join Maria’s parents, John Ahearn and the Gust family, for Cindy Gust Ahearn’s funeral and tomorrow the Ruskauff and Cameron families for Laura’s mother’s funeral (Kathleen Kelly).  What great opportunities to thank the Lord for the blessing of two lives lived in faithfulness to God!  We must keep our eyes focussed on the prize at the end of the race, as did Cindy and Kathleen, and not become discouraged in the face of pressing difficulties.  Both of these women did not let little things stop them from doing good.  They are a witness to us of how to live well and die in the arms of the Lord.  Praise God!

You may appreciate knowing Cindy better by going to the following website.  (How many of you have a real starfish named after you?) http://echinoblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/tribute-legacy-of-cynthia-ahearn.html

The real sea creature that was named for Cindy A.

Do you think John and I can catch up on a month of life in 24 hours?  We will try.  Also, we hope to pray about what our Father is offering us in the coming months/years.  We want to be open to His still, small voice in the bustle of activity that promises to come.

May we remain prayerful through it all.  Thank you for your love and support.

 

Labor Day and the passing of a good friend

Praise God for the gift of work!  We wouldn’t have this blog if John didn’t have a wonderful job in our great country that the media would paint as beset with many woes.  He has also been working so hard on the essentials that will get us settled when we are able to go. 

Yesterday, the Lord’s Day, our long-time friend passed on to be with the Lord.  Cynthia Ahearn (we called her Cindy), only 55 years old, succumbed to the ravages of lung cancer.  She was supported to the end by her devoted husband John and Hospice with its wonderful emphasis on providing comfort, relief of pain, and a dignified death in your own home whenever possible.  She and John were best friends to Maria’s parents, Carlos and Marijane. 

Maria and Jane were able to visit her after the Harris’ move on Saturday afternoon.  It seemed that Cindy knew we were there even though she was in that sleep-like condition that often precedes death.  She became somewhat restless, her eyelids fluttered, and she appeared to squeeze my hand several times during the visit.  Since we had been told that patients are often aware and able to hear, we reminisced out loud about things that we had enjoyed with her including a hilarious game of “Limerick”(?) that we played once with the Ahearns, my parents, Jane, Kristin, and possibly others.  We all never laughed so hard and it was a terrific memory.  I was able to thank her warmly for loving and caring for my parents all these years and being such a good friend, as well as read her some scripture and pray with her for comfort and peace. 

When someone so vibrant, generous, kindly, and loving passes on, the world can seem for a moment to darken and sadden.  But Cindy created so much good, one person at a time; one work day at a time; one gift, one “adopted” child, one hosted, foreign researcher, and one card game evening at a time!  That good will endure and be spread abroad.  She was an exemplary Catholic Christian lady who talked the talk and walked the walk with Jesus Christ.  We were positively privileged to know her and be among the recipients of her generous and loving life.  An unexpected good outcome of this delay in leaving the U.S. is being able to participate in Cindy’s funeral and help John A. with some of the details.  It is a small way to give back something to my parents’ best friends for over 20 years!

PRAY THAT MY JOHN CAN FLY IN, WE CAN COMPLETE THE OFFICIAL PROCEDURES, AND GET A FLIGHT ASAP.  The children really need to get across the pond as soon as possible to help them start well in a new COUNTRY, HOME, and SCHOOL CURRICULUM.  Although England speaks the same basic language, there are many differences including the accent.  As Seven of Nine would say, “They will adapt.”   But while its easy to say, it is challenging to do well!  (At this point, the earliest ETD [departure] is Sept. 10 but more likely will be the 12th.) 

Thanks for sticking with us during our unintended hiatus in Annandale.  Matt and Mary Beth are working with our being here with total flexibility which is a wonderful blessing for our whole family.

 

Delays

August 28, 2008  (Not)Moving Day

First, we thought we would be delayed in leaving for U.K. because John’s work permit came in.  That was a delay but a good one.  John expected to come home this weekend, we would have done the necessary visa preparation and left within a week with all the proper visa, permits, passports, and very eager to start school.  But now plans have changed and for whatever reason, John must stay an extra week leaving the family in a limbo-like situation, not there and feeling like we are not here either.

Matt and Mary Beth Harris, friends and caretakers of 8331 Toll House Rd.

Matt and Mary Beth move in this weekend.  We will be in “guest spaces” feeling a little funny about watching them move in when we haven’t moved out!  But as John said today, “The Lord is in charge of it all.”  We are confident that we are doing exactly what our Father would have us do, and these circumstances are beyond our control.  Sad feelings need to be brushed aside and gratitude is very appropriate.

Jane's friends restoring furniture

MJ doesn't like the taste of Windex?

We are certainly grateful for all the many, many hands who have made “light work” of the house-cleaning that needed to be done. All the ladies who cleaned and packed, (and men who did other important tasks).  Thanks esp. to Debbie R. who showed us the power of the Magic Eraser to clean off wall stains and scuffs.  The best ever!

So we will help with move in this weekend.  Pray please, that from now on, everything works out to get us to our English quarters ASAP!

Best to you all!

 

The Movers came, the furniture went, but we are still waiting

August 24, 2008

The 40 ft. sea crate

Yesterday, Friday, this huge storage container on a truck loomed outside our house, and four strong, but not huge Latino men popped out of the truck.  Just like the ladies the day before, these gentlemen were exceptionally hard-working, efficient, and professional with our possessions. A great thing occurred, instead of the 20-foot container as we expected, a 40-ft one was brought. Mistake or not, this was a blessing as some furniture we didn’t know we could bring was possible to fit in the container. As it was, we filled up between half and 2/3 of the available space and were able to bring a couple of desks and a recliner!

************************************************

Did you ever consider that a move is like finishing a good book?

You come to the end inevitably and you must close the last page. There is no more to the story, and all you can do is sit reflecting a moment, then get up and move on to the next thing. The moment when the moving van pulls up, everyone gasps with excitement, scurrying about to pick up the last remnants of that lifetime. Rereading a favorite paragraph is out of the question; you can only pause a moment at the plot twist or swiftly savor the surprise ending. With each piece of furniture or box carried out the door, part of that life disappears or rather passes on to the palace of memories.

“That was a really good book!,” you think, “but I am finished now. What else is there to read?”

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE PRAYERS FOR THIS PART OF THE MOVE!

************************************************

We are now in Colonial Heights, VA visiting my sister’s family for the last time in a few years. Only five days before we go…

JT teaching Tia Margarita to play a video game.

Michael and Margarita Noyes

Oh, incidentally! Kristin and Kathryn left for Minnesota in the Toyota Corolla driving behind the Brands.    They arrived (Saturday afternoon)!  Now we can focus on the only travelers left – Maria, Jane, J.T. and Brad!

 

So today we felt like “packing it in…”

The old homestead at 8331 Toll House Road just didn’t look the same. It could have been so easy to get discouraged. But right at 8:00 a.m., “Pam and Kris” arrived smiling at the door. “We’re your packers!” they announced cheerfully. Finally, after a full day (till 6:30!), the industrious women were finished putting what we were taking in their boxes.

Now it seems like we are half-way to the U.K. Things look empty, but after all the L O – O – N – G hours sorting, giving, and boxing for storage, it is SUCH a blessing to see these big old boxes and empty shelves. The place is just crying out for a thorough cleaning so it can say good-bye to one family and welcome Matt and Mary Beth and their Claire!

Empty master bedroom

Empty front bedroom (was J.T.'s)

With the kids in bed since 10:00, I think it’s time to turn in myself.  Kristin and Kathryn, my two stalwarts , buzzed about like worker bees keeping me and the packers on our toes; now they are getting ready to pull out at 9:00 a.m. (!) tomorrow for the U. We all need a good nights sleep.

God bless us, every one! And you, too.

 

OVER THERE, OVER THERE…

Over there, over there,
Send the word, send the word over there -
That the Yanks are coming,
The Yanks are coming,
The drums rum-tumming
Ev’rywhere.
So prepare, say a pray’r,
Send the word, send the word to beware.
We’ll be over, we’re coming over,
And we won’t come back till it’s over
Over there.

Hi, there!  Just found this song, and it seemed appropriate.  I got home a little while ago from dinner out with the girls.  These “girls” were my high school chums from Bishop O’Connell (or DJO as we used to say.)  Terry, Vicki, Amy, Liz, Michele, Suzanne (see below) took me out to Clyde’s of Tysons, a very nice seafood place.  Patty E. was present also, but had to leave before the photo.  Some brought me thoughtful going-away gifts like Understanding British English and a world journal with a great map.  Suzanne wrote a poem for going away, and it was so sweet!

While I was gone, the People of Praise really came through for our family again!  Three men’s groups converged on our current residence and unscrewed things from the wall, disassembled selected furniture, organized the work bench and shed, and power washed the deck.  What more could a girl ask for than being served at home and “abroad” before being at home abroad?  Praise the Lord!

Speaking of girls, my three daughters are working up a sweat like many of the women of the POP, doing projects large and small all around the house.  Even the boys are getting in the act with shopping, purging, storing, and selecting some of their prized possessions to go “over there.”

Jolly good is what I say!  Oh yes, I got a call from the actual packer man saying, “Hello, Mrs. Elliott, just a reminder that we are coming tomorrow to pack you up.”  I gasped and grew light-headed as I squeaked out, “Oh no, you must be kidding.  You’re not supposed to come until Aug. 21st.  That’s what I was told.”  He said, “Right that’s tomorrow.”   I began to feel sweet relief as I pointed out, “But tomorrow is Aug. 20.”   He agreed that he made a mistake and jovially signed off with, “See you on Thurs. at 8:00 a.m.”  Well, now you and I all know when to ramp up the prayers for the Elliott Move.

Have a great day, and keep those prayers and notes coming!  Thanks to all who took the time to comment on my last entry.

 

“Is anybody there?”

In the musical, 1776, John Adams sang a song at the end in which he mused whether or not anyone else had the same vision for the ideals of independence as he had.  The beginning of the lyrics goes like this:

Is anybody there?
Does anybody care?
Does anybody see what I see?

Sometimes, I feel like John Adams, who according to the musical had very few friends in the Congress, even among those who agreed with his political views.  At the moment he sang this song, he felt alone.   Praise the Lord, I am not alone; I am surrounded by my family, friends, and brethren/sisters.  So if you are reading the blog, let me hear from you so I know we are in this together.

I wanted to mention that you may leave a comment (or a message for us) after you read a post.  Below each post is the word “comments,” you click on it and follow the directions.  It will prompt you to register, giving your name and email address, etc. for safety/informational purposes.  After you register, you should be able to leave comments very simply.

Thanks so much.  The next three days will be huge in getting ready to receive the packers.  That day, we, like John Adams, would be able to sing:

For I have crossed the Rubicon
Let the bridge be burned behind me
Come what may, come what may
Commitment!

God bless you all today and everyday.  Much love…