Sharfield-on-Loddon fly fishing

On Friday, Jared had the great privilege of going fly fishing with Dr. Ian Borton. He rode down south of here to a little village where a beautiful stream full of trout flows through it. He said that it was just a wonderful day where both he and Dr. Borton caught many a trout, shared a few laughs, and absorbed the sun. I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.

We have a confession to make....

Ok, well we have a confession to make. We secretly bought a Triumph Bonneville motorcyle several weeks back. We had been trying to decide how would be the best way for us to celebrate the coming of spring and to really enjoy England before we leave in just 8 weeks. A motorcyle of course was the answer! Jared took a train down to the southern coast of England to Bournemouth where he purchased the bike and then drove it home. Since then we have had a few trips around the English countryside enjoying the adventure, the wind, the sun, and even the soaking of the rain showers that we drive in and out of. Practically, it has help to get me back and forth to work so not to have to require the Brandfoots' come to pick me up at the bus stop. Those rides to their village of Beckley are some of the most scenic. Jared has said his favortie part of having the motorcyle is that he gets a constant hug from me as I hold on tightly to him. We love it. Mom and Dad....well just pretend that you didn't see this post. Cheers!

Maya's Circus Party!!!

For those of you who do not know, I have had the great privilege to be a nanny for the amazing Branfoot family. Chloe and Crispin have three wonderful children...Maya, now 6, Leila, 3, and Wilford (Wilf), 7 months. It has been a real treat to be a part of their family day in and day out. I have learned more than I could ever put in words and I am sure I will be a better mother because of this experience. The Branfoots will surely be a part of our lives forever.
Today was Maya’s 6th Birthday Party! She requested to have a circus themed party and I was asked to come and be the face-painter. I don’t know how well I faired as far as my artistic abilities, but all the kids loved it and so did I. Here are a few pictures to enjoy. Lots of love, Meg

A Greek Affair

Last night we gathered for dinner at Michael Ramsden's house, RZIM European Director, with the whole of Jared's program for great Greek food and fellowship. Jared and I arrived early to help Michael and his wife Anne prepare for the dinner. The great passion of Michael's, who is Greek, is to grill these amazing chicken breasts that have marinated for days in a special Greek family recipe. Well, it seems to have been raining for days now here in Oxford and the wind has been fierce. After quick contemplation, Jared and Michael proceeded to construct the family patio furniture into a sort of protective hut over the grill so to still be able to grill the infamous chicken. The two had a great time during the intermittent rain talking, skewering meat, and smoking a stogie. The food all ended up great in the end and the time spent with everyone was very enjoyable. As the term draws to a close and good-byes are just around the corner, the time last night gave everyone a chance to laugh and reminisce of the year that has been. Of course, everyone left before I remembered to take a picture of the group. Oh well. Bye for now. Meg

Spring has sprung!

Last Tuseday, Jared and I awoke early in the morning so to celebrate May Day. We walked through the the dew covered fields of Christ Church over to the Magdalen Bridge where at the top of tower of Magdalen College, one of the oldest in Oxford, the young boys choir sang beautiful hymns in Latin praising the Lord for rebirth and His majestic creation. As the sun rose at dawn from behind Magdalen tower, the eloquent and angelic voices rang over the spires of Oxford and a huge crowd listened in silence from below. This tradition is hundreds and hundreds of years old.
Jared and I stood there overwhelmed with the sheer beauty of it all and our hearts were and are grateful to the Lord for this new season. We are reminded of the verses in Song of Solomon that says "11 For, lo, the winter is past; The rain is over and gone; 12 The flowers appear on the earth; The time of the singing of birds is come, And the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land;" We are not convinced that the rain is over and gone, but praise to the Lord for He is good!

Above is a picture at dawn of Magdalen Tower while the boys are singing.