Two Days With Gill!

When I look around me

All that I see is the work of the greatest artist

Creation sings - reminding me

That you are the greatest artist

- Ayiesha Woods, The Greatest Artist.

After a two hour tube and train ride I emerge from the warm comfortable carriage into the frosty, bitter air.  IT IS FREEZING!!!!! I rug myself up in my four layers of clothing and sit in a café to have a coffee. It is about 11:35 and my host for the next two days will arrive soon to pick me up…

I am in Salisbury – the English countryside. When Gill picks me up in her cute, blue Mini she begins to name the sites I can get a view of for my two day visit and we set down a plan.

The first stop Gill took me to was Salisbury Cathedral, which boasts, Britain’s tallest spire. Construction began on the Cathedral in 1220AD.

                               The Salisbury Cathedral spire stands at 123m/404ft.

As we walked around there was so many small splendors to behold. Gill pointed out the stunning coloured pattern on the ceiling. Every inch of this place was carefully planned and beautifully executed.

After the Cathedral we had some warm toasties for lunch. Oh! And pastries. Gill must have been on a mission to help me keep warm by getting fat! Every meal was served with a pastry or cake! She spoilt me so!!! 

(Sorry Zaz no picture of lunch!)

After lunch we went to solve the mystery of why Stonehenge was built. Unfortunately, our discussion provided no new answers just my amazement. I was surprised how exciting it was to see Stonehenge and stand before it. The audio tour was awesome and offered loads of information. It truly was a breath-taking site. I hope Gill didn’t mind how long I made her stand in the icy cold wind while I stared at this enigmatic scene minutes after minute.

The view driving back to Gill’s cottage is indescribable. Even in the winter the grass is a bright, lush green and tall trees are filled with dark, thriving green folliage. Gill tells me that in the UK there is a Green Belt policy that ensures a ring of country side is not used for urban development but left as an open space for residents to enjoy. 

That night Gill made a delicious vegetarian dinner (of which I noted the recipe) and a scrumptious apple crumble! (Zaz, I swear this was BEFORE you asked for more food photos!) 

Afterwards Gill and I watched the funny, action packed romcom Knight and Day! Gill providing Belgium chocolate with orange oil…I kept saying, “ Only one more piece”, but I did finish my half. 

The next morning we awoke and took Ellie, the German Shepherd on a walk. Another wonderful UK privilige, is the Right of Way, which instructs farmers must provide a footpath for the general public around their land. 

After our walk and a breakfast of porridge…well, and chocolate pastries (of course!) We set off for Bath.

My Aunty Jen always told me Bath is one of her favourite places in the world and I was so excited to see it. Bath truly is a place like none other (and even though I haven’t seen it all yet, I am willing to say the world)! It is magnificent! 

The  architecture is large and yet the details on each building are so small and intricate. The time and energy that must have gone into each design…unimaginable…WOW! It is such a treasure and such an AMAZING place to visit! 

We had Mediterranean vegetable toasties (they were divine!) and coffee and cake (ricotta and sultana cheese cake, YUM!!!) at a charming, quirky café. 
(I swear Zaz from now on I will take pictures of everything I eat!)

Sadly, then our two days were over and I headed back to Essex! I had such a fantastic time with Gill; she made me feel so comfortable and spoilt me so. I didn’t feel the least bit homesick or isolated while I was there. I am so thankful to God for Gill’s kindness and also the extraordinary country and sites He allowed me to visit during this time! 

Those two days I was just blown away with how artistic our God is and the limitless imagination He has. The same God, who shaped the beautiful land I witnessed in the English countryside, gave men the creativity to erect large archways of stone and later gave other man the inspiration to construct large buildings with such delicate features. 

And that same God, created me, knows me intimately and has a perfect plan for my lifr. Why then should I ever feel afraid or get home sick?

 For my God is with me!!!

It was a perfect reminder.  (Now if I could only force my emotions to respond to that knowledge. All in God’s time!) 

As always, I send a smothering amount of hugs and kisses!


Joey!!!!!