And on to Wales....

Early Saturday morning 21st July, we loaded up the little black machine fired up the GPS (now we were using our own unit that fitted on our hand computer and set off for Usk in Wales. It wasn't a very long journey and we wound through the well signed motorways and found our way to the home of Paul and Ruth Bullivant. Their home is a beautiful little house that once served as the coach house of a fine home but has been transformed into the sort of house one sees in 'Country Living' magazines. Their daughter and so-in-law and family haibitate the large dwelling and together they enjoy their delightful homes overlookng the the English (or should I say Welsh) country garden where birds of every desription hold conventions and where even on the wettest day the beauty of the area gives joy to ones soul.

Paul and Ruth exercise leadership in a local fellowship in a chapel in a village nearby. We had the joy of meeting with the folks there on sunday morning. It was the holiday season but there will still a good number, young and old, got together. It reminded us of some time we remember warmly in the life of the church at Hawthorn. We sang some songs that we knew and heard some we didn't. Val found the music and words for a song she had been searching for for ages. Kevin spoke at the service. The fellowship was sweet.

In the evening about 30 of the leaders gathered for reflection time together. Once again it brought back memories. Kevin shared a picture that Father had given about the way Father is taking His church back again. It was a good time! We felt real joy being able to visit with Capel Ed, a most unlikely Presbyterian Church! But then it is really God's Church isn't it!

Last night we feasted together with a meal fit for a king with our hosts and the elders and wives of the Capel Ed. We laughed and talked and shared and prayed it was indeed a great night.

Our days with the Bullivants have been restful and recreative. We haven't done lots of activities but we have enjoyed these two old saints heaps!! Of couse we have know these guys for a good few years now and have visited them before on a number of occasions and they have visited them on occasions also. In fact we hope to see them early next year all over again.