February 17th

The Lord is gracious! After weeks of preparation, including getting shots, Sheri & Vanessa finishing their schooling and exams, putting together some modest clothing, ending our jobs, etc., we left on Saturday morning for Toronto and London, England. We planned a day in London before heading on to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf but were told we couldn't leave the airport all day. First we argued, then were angry, disappointed, and finally resigned to giving up our plans. We arrived in London at 6:30 the next morning, tired and sleepy, and the girls tried stretching out at the airport. Then we found out that we would, after all, be allowed to sightsee in London. It couldn't have been a more perfect day - sunny, blue sky the whole time. Not only that but the subway from the airport to London wasn't operating so we got to take the Heathrow Express (First Class!) for the same price! So we did a whirlwind tour - Big Ben, Tower of London, National Gallery, Buckingham Palace - all the things we may never see again. By the end of a day of walking all over the centre, we arrived back at the airport exhausted but thankful, waiting for our 10:30 flight. The Lord is gracious! Thank-you, Father!