Men's Adventure

  The last Saturday of each month we have scheduled a Men's Adventure Club day. The weather was off and on but the men still seemed to have a great time. Aiman (in the middle) jumped off the branch and broke a bone in his foot so after the long hike back to the train station we went for a long visit to the hospital!

On with October

It's hard to resist blackberrys

The bushes turn first

The busy introduction weeks are over at the University and now it's on with October. Bryan has a birthday today, Barb has started a new Bible Study on Fridays, I'm teaching two guitar classes for beginners, my British drivers test comes up Oct 22 (I'm a little nervous about tests), and half term is at the end of the month (this means Betsy and the girls will come visit). I'm now thinking "what am I forgetting?" as the damp Autumn air gives you the feeling of wanting to enjoy those few remaining sunny afternoons.

New Term at the Tree House

Guitar Students

The Chaplain's space at the University of Bedfordshire is called the Tree House, a place where students can hang out in a welcoming environment and make friends.  Our first welcoming social was packed with over 20 students from Bangladesh, a dozen or so from Vietnam and many Chinese and Indian students also.  We offer all sorts of activities at the Tree House such as game nights, education about our faith, outings, and this term I am going to offer guitar lessons for beginners. There are many students interested and I have my lesson plans completed, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Looks to be an exciting year!

Labor Day

Baby Betsy

Thirty one years ago today Barbara was in another kind of labor and we were pleasantly surprised to find that we had a baby girl! This was after the ultrasound pictures seemed to indicate a boy. (They were not very clear back then) At any rate Betsy has been one of the best surprises we've had, and she continues to put a smile on our faces. Happy Birthday!

Back to Buzzard

Boats passing the Lock

The Globe Inn

A very pleasant way to get away on a sunny day is to go to Leighton Buzzard and take a hike along the Grand Union Canal up to the Old Globe Inn for a bite on the terrace. Today, the last day in August, we brought the boys.

Typical Canal Boat

Six boys on a Lock Lever

Barbara and Jackie

Ayman and Ashraf

Jolly Holiday

Sophia on Woody

 One week on the beach in Devon and we are spoiled. The weather cooperated and we spent time in the heated pool, building castles and a BBQ on the beach, playing in the parks, and when it rained the last day we went to the Library and watched Chuggington Videos. One highlight was our steam train ride to Dartmouth where the Mayflower set sail in 1620. For a little port it has quite the history. One night Barb and I had a seafood evening overlooking the harbor which reinvigorated my love for the sea. The only drawback was the Medieval couch we used as a bed. :-)

Harbor View

Yea for heated pools!

Low Tide

Beach Beauty

Dartmouth History

Scenic Walk

All Aboard!

Engineer

Park on the Sea

Steam Engine

Junior Olympics

Book Binge

Chariot Climb

The Olympics are in full swing and last weekend we had the girls up by themselves in Luton. In honor of the games we had our own sort of Junior Olympics, with a trip to the Discovery Center at Stockwood Park followed this week by Sophia's swimming lessons.

Copter Chase

Rock Race

Swim Session

Tractor Tug