Shane is here!

Shane is here:)
Tuesday we packed all our luggage and left it at the hostel (so we could be ready to grab it and get Shane on our way to the hotel by the airport). We went straight to The Tower of London which we all really enjoyed. We say a ton of different things like history of the tower, crown jeweles (good stories from here) and the armor museum. It took us about 2+ hours (I think) to see it and after we grabed some sandwiches and coffee from this cute little local coffee shop, Starbucks. It was very good - I recommend it!

Then off to Westminster Abbey where we got free audio tours with admission (do you like how they phrase that) which made the experience even more interesting. We spent about an hour wondering on our own listening to the guide as we went. There were some beautiful parts of this massive church but unfortunetly we weren't allowed to take pictures.

After that we jammed back to the hostel to get our luggage and then on the tube to get Shane. I was so anxious because we didn't leave our station until 3:50, which is when Shane landed, and it takes an hour to get to the terminal. Cell phones don't work on the tube either so I was even more nervous that Shane would be sitting at the airport trying to figure out why I wasn't answering (that is the big sis in me). At last, we made it and I left my luggage with Bruce, Mandy and Josh and ran to the arrival gate where I waited about 10 minutes for him to come through (It was 5 p.m. and I am so grateful that he didn't have to wait). I pulled out my camera to take a picture but was too busy crying to actually take one. I was so happy to see him. We caught up on our way to meet Bruce, Mandy and Josh back at the tube station where we continued to get a taxi to our hotel.

We did a quick check in and then off to the tube station to ride it for an hour into the City - worth it though. I bought a jacket at H&M since mine was too big to come with Shane. Then we ate at O'Neil's where we all got burgers and the four of us nearly finished off a bottle of ketchup - can you say "Americans"?! We stood out for sure. We were so hungry though that we hardly cared.

An hour back on the train where Mandy and I talked the whole way. I feel like God lead that conversation because we got a little closer and realized how the Lord had been working in both our lives leading us here, to Bible School in England - a dream come true. The time flew by for us but the boys were very quiet and Shane feel asleep (not surprising as he didn't sleep on the plane ride over. We finally got to our hotel around 11:30 and off to bed around 12:30 for my room - we were talking, packing and drinking tea (mandy and I have a tradition of tea at night - it's so good!).

The alarms and wake up call came all too soon at 4:30 a.m. and none of us moved fast enough as we all snoozed our alarms for an extra 5 or 10 precious moments. Then up and dressed to meet Josh and Bruce at 5 p.m. It was a quick taxi ride and we were there. Check in was almost smooth except for Josh getting in trouble for trying to check Mandy's bag - he was escorted over to Mandy and they asked who the owner of the bag was. So, lesson, don't check a friends bag - they have to check it (Mandy has two bags to check so to avoid any fees that they might charge Josh just took it to check in). We got some coffee/juice/water and muffins at the airport, boarded and were off to Scotland. I was alseep before we took off and couldn't believe how quick that flight was:).

Scotland is so beautiful. We did a free walking tour today that lasted 3 hours. We learned our way around as well as some fun history and town stories. We nearly froze before we made it back to the hostel for some rest. Shane slept for about 2 hours and Mandy and I caught up on the computer (we didn't have internet for much time in London). Before Shane slept we were able to Skype with dad - so fun! I took a snapshot of him and the video was fuzzy - very funny - and sent it to mom at work. She was so bummed that she had just missed us but hopefully we can connect with her soon!

After resting we went out for dinner. Mandy and I had Salmon (Grandma, can you believe it!) which was really good. Shane and Josh had a burger but neither enjoyed it very much. Bruce tried a local favorite (I forget the name but it starts with an "H"). After dinner we called it a night. I re-packed with Shane so that all my stuff is in the large suitcase and he has the smaller one (with the busted wheel) and the duffle. I gave him some nyquil and he was listening to music last I checked.

I am off to bed now as I need to get some sleep! Don't have to get up until 9 p.m. though so hurray for that!

My love to you all,
Nat Marie