The Handover

Well, it's official. We've been handed the keys and, as of tomorrow when we deliver Jim and Lois Bare (previous hosts) to the airport, we are on our own. It is a shame not to be able to work with Jim and Lois longer - not so much for additional training, but for the joy of working with such fine people. They will really be missed here and they have done a wonderful job!

We hosted our first workshop last weekend. Thomas Finger, a theologian from the Chicago area. His topic was Anabaptist, Trinitarian, Socio-economic Spirituality. Pretty "long-haired" stuff (as my good friend Heber would say) We provided lunch for about 25 people and hosted the Wood Green Mennonite Church on Sunday. Everything went very well.

Today we attended our first staff meeting. It was a good chance to get a feel for how the group works together. I got a few marketing related duties assigned to me which I am delighted to do. I will try to increase attendance at the periodic seminars and conferences if possible.

Tombstone of the week: Liston, Robert (1794-1847) Surgeon noted for his speed in amputation. Designed the Liston Splint

We really are in London!

On Saturday we had a chance to get started on London exploration. We purchased our OYSTER cards (pay-as-you-go transportation cards), hopped on the #43 bus and headed to London Bridge station along the Thames river. We took a short boat tour up river to the Westminster stop next to the parliment buildings and the London Eye. It was a gorgeous day and we had a good time. There is sooo much to see!

Our training continues as we meet the different individuals that work here as well as frequent guests of the Centre. We are also gaining understanding of the mission and passions of LMC and the great legacy that has been built here.

Tombstone of the Week - In Highgate where we live there is a famous cemetary where some very interesting people are buried. I'll try to include an example each week. I hope thats not too morbid for any of you. This week: Marx, Karl Heinrich (1818 - 1883) Father of Marxist philosophy

A New Chapter

Greetings from London!Life, as we know it, is now changed! I am writing from our flat at the London Mennonite Center. We are thankful for a safe and uneventful trip and friendly and welcoming folks her at LMC. We have had 2 days orientation already and there is much, much more to learn - but we can already see that we will enjoy our life here. The photo is of LMC - a place of tremendous character - inside and out. Not a lick of snow in sight! 55 degrees+/-

Few Visible Changes at the Moment

I keep getting chewed out if I don't change the picture often enough. So here is a new picture. The electrician is adding lights to the soffit. Otherwise, we have been trying to get all the possible decisions made before we leave town. I am writing this from the Upper Room at RMMC on our last night here. We head for Kansas tomorrow. There are about 35 JYFers and sponsors here for JYF Snow Retreat. Its always nice to hear the noises of having campers here

On the house the electrician and the gas line have passed inspection. Plumbers will be inspected next week. Also next week the framers will build the front deck. They have decided to build a temporary deck support system and wait until the ground thaws before digging the perminent deck piers. From now on Corbin Graber will be taking the Blog pictures for us. We will watch the progress with the rest of you via this Blog. Thanks to all of you for your encouraging support.