Refreshing

Words from today for us:
A maze, and a flagpole in the centre. Having to just walk forward in faith, knowing where we are headed but not knowing the route. An exercise in faith, not being able to see the next step, but having to have faith to keep walking forwards. (Abraham didn't have GPS!) Where it looks like a dead end in the maze, a door will open. Have faith! The flagpole not just a bearings marker, but bearing a Union Flag: significant (not yet understanding the significance). The mist - there is blessing in the mist. Pray the mist into clouds, and the clouds into rain, and receive that blessing.
Continue to model God's heart for family in the way we live our lives.

I'm so so glad we decided to stay that extra night here. When we were on our way up to Gloucester on Friday we wondered how much this weekend would shape us, and as much as I think that our hearts are already in the same place as the Regions Beyond team, God spoke to us individually, both personally and through others, saying the same thing, encouraging and refreshing. Even without all the rest of it, just spending time with Tim and Ana has been a real tonic.

A really good morning at church with our extended church family. I think we'll be visiting Gloucester a bit more :) So many people to talk to afterwards though. And so much to laugh about, and pray about, and encourage about. And then we didn't want to leave Tim and Ana's house, and their little girl didn't want us to go, and I'm going to miss their gorgeous collie-dog and bonkers kitten as well! Everybody lives too far away.....

Still, onwards. To Bath, to meet up with Gordon for food and a catch-up, and to spend far too long there, chasing Charley, chatting, eating. Charley was determined to get behind the bar, flirting with the barmaids, pulling baubles off the tree, escaping his highchair even strapped in, feasting on carrots, bread and soup, and eton mess.

And eventually, after nappy and milk and more chasing and a big cuddle it was time to go and Charley actually managed to fall asleep in the car in the dark with no screaming or being sick, holding onto my thumb for comfort.

It's been a great weekend. Weird not having Ben around (he would've added a whole other dynamic), full of God, life, friendship, family. Looking forward to getting home and giving my big boy a big cuddle now :)

Uploading from a Pizza Hut on the outskirts of Chichester.... stopping for an emergency screaming charley stop.

Sigh. So near, and yet so far...