Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

“Remember, remember the fifth of November.” That is a phrase sometimes used here to describe the day that Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the parliament building but his plan was thwarted and he was executed. It is a very patriotic holiday here and resembled the 4th of July back home, except it was a lot colder (although I have some moral objections to the effigies they burn of Guy Fawkes and sometimes of the pope because it dates back to a time when the conflict was between Protestants and Catholics). We joined some of our friends at Ravenscourt Park on Saturday for the festivities and witnessed #1 the largest bonfire I have ever seen in my life (the tops of the flames reached about 100 feet (no joke), and #2 the most impressive fireworks display I have ever seen in my life (although it was a close second to Eveleth). They really love fireworks here, but nobody has a yard, so teenagers set them off in the streets (kind of scary). In fact, we hear fireworks on most weekends, not just this special occasion. London is a huge city, but we never worry about the loud bangs being gunshots, nobody carries guns here. So, along with the noise of all the buses and cars, we’re learning to tune out the sound of random fireworks.
Later that night we went to a house warming party. It was great and after most of the guests left, we pulled out the guitar and ukelele and sang songs until 4:00 AM! It was amazing because one of our new friends from India was singing these beautiful Hindi chants along with us.
We continue our spiritual quest here in London. On Sunday we tried out the Hillsong Church that meets in the Dominion Theatre. It was a lot like The Upper Room in Minneapolis. Then on Monday, we went to a meditation class. I think I’ve been tainted by church work because now I’m hyper-aware to all that goes into a worship service and it is more of a formula than an experience. But, I know that we will find a community somewhere.
Good news – I have a job offer for full-time massage starting in January. Still thinking about what to do and how to do it, but at least I’m moving forward on finding employment. In the meantime, we still like our jobs at the opera and I had a second interview tomorrow for a really great company that does homeopathic/organic products and services.
We are enjoying the company of a houseguest right now. One of the students from LISPA is still looking for a flat, so she’s crashing on our couch for a little while. Kat is from Denmark and we’ve had some great talks with her and we’re glad for the chance to get to know her well.
We pray that all of you are well and blessed.
-Mandy