Well, it has been a month since we began this adventure. I must say that there are some things that have not been too pleasing and others that have been great. Before you jump to conclusions, I will say the hardest thing has been living out of suitcases in rooms about the size of our bathroom and that is with a Queen sized bed in the middle. But we are in our flat now and even though it is small it seems like ample room. Perhaps when we get home we will just live in the bedroom and rent out the rest of the house.
Yes, I have done some decorating and cleaning and rearranging. We ventured to IKEA today. It was a successful adventure. We took the tube, and even had to change lines at Picadilly Circus. Coming back with our purchases was even okay. Everyone is either pulling a suitcase or a stroller or a large backpack so we just fit right in. But at some of the stops it is tricky getting on and off because of the crowds. You would never have recognized us or believed that we could do this but everyone does. It is amazing how few people own cars here. It is amazing to see the cars that people are driving--lots of BMW's, Mercedes--even Mercedes mini-vans and BMW black, slick looking panel vans. Most of these cars are parked in front of the embassy's--we live in an area where there are many--even countries that you would never think about them having--like Bangladesh.
At the Employment Center things are kind of up in the air. The church building committee is closing down the Hyde Park building for about 7 months in order to do a total renovation. It is in a prime location right across the street form the Science and History museum and and beside the Victoria and Albert museum. The street is being repaved so the construction is all around us so now this building is going to be updated, hopefully in time for the Olympics. ~So our office, the mission office and the wards (3) are going to be moved to other locations--but at this time no one knows where or when. They want to start the renovation by September--so they are trying to find spaces. So at this time we have no idea where we will be and how far and how long our commute will be. So much for living close to the office.
Living without TV is even okay. But we do need to get a radio. We need some contact with the outside world. The London newspapers are on the order of the STAR. So at this time we have no idea what is going on in the world. On Thursday we will have our internet available in our flat. After that we will be able to get a Vonage line that will enable you to call when ever you want with no charge. Or if you don't want to call us we will be able to do the Sunday check-ins whether you like it or not. The only problem is having me figure out what time it is everywhere. Trying to count backward 5 or 6 hours is tricky for me especially here where all the time is given in military numbers. I know I am slow.
Know that we think of all of you all the time. I would love to ask questions--how did Aubrey like EFY, is Burgess standing or crawling, etc, etc, etc,--I haven't changed. Dad is loving being here. He is making a list of all of the museums that he wants to go to. I have already been to Harrods. We love all of you and hope that all is going well for you. Keep us updated of your lives we are interested.
Love, M & D
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