On our final touring morning in England, we stepped out of the centrally located hotel into the crisp, cold morning, walking along the River Thames. We headed towards Shakespeare's Globe Theatre where we were educated about the history of the famous author's successful beginnings. A formal alumni, Danny Durbin, came to visit us because he goes to the university in London. He wasn't the only former Santa Clarita resident that we saw; we also had Adam and Dana Waller, who pastor a church here in London, visit with us for the afternoon. It's lovely to connect with people from home in another country.
 |
| Another wonderful breakfast at the hotel, fueled us for the day's activities |
 |
| Meeting together to get the day's instruction before we head out |
 |
| After a rainy night, we set out on the wet streets, that would soon dry up, as the sun made its way out to shine upon us |
 |
| Waiting on the steps of The Globe Theater for it to open so we could get our tour |
 |
| Some found a familiar site to relax while we waited for the Globe to open |
 |
| Inside the Globe |
 |
| We were the first tour of the day so we had the place to ourselves |
 |
| Alumni Danny Durbin joined us for part of the day |
Speaking of church, we were able to attend a morning service at Charles Spurgeon's original church, The Metropolitan Tabernacle. The pastor that spoke this morning gave a solidly amazing message about "fleeing" from sin, while referencing scripture in 1st Timothy 11. We also learned what it meant to really pray for our leaders and pray without ceasing.
 |
| Group picture on the front steps of the church |
 |
| Amazing to worship together with a body of believers, so many miles from home |
Another blessing of the morning was that we "happened" to meet a lady, Maxine, who has been listening to the Grace To You broadcast ministry every day now for 6 years. It is through this ministry that she came to the saving knowledge of Christ, and led her to attend The Metropolitan Tabernacle. She asked one of the members of our group where we were from, and when we responded California, she immediately asked us if we knew about Grace Community Church. Not only did we know about Grace Community, but one of the students she was talking to (David Webb) attends Grace Church. Through amazing conversation with her, she knew so many names of people through the ministry and had heard David's father, Phil Webb, sing beautifully so many times before. Another student was AJ Caldwell who also attends Grace. It was amazing to see the providence of God, for Maxine to "happen" to talk to a few of our students. The Lord used this encounter this morning not only to encourage a fellow believer in Christ across the pond, but to emphasize to our students how small our world can be in the Body of Christ.
 |
| A few of our students with Maxine |
After being refreshed with fellowship at church, our group of 44, (remember the new fiancé, Ethan?) headed over to Covent Gardens to enjoy lunch on our own in small groups, watch street performers, do any last minute souvenir shopping, or sit and enjoy a cup of tea at one of the many quaint little restaurants.
 |
| The bustling area known as Covent Gardens |
 |
| It's never too cold for a shake...right? |
 |
| Phone booth fun |
 |
| One of the coolest 2 story Apple Store's ever! |
 |
| And of course a Cath Kidston!! |
We walked back to the hotel to have our last formal meal in the Margaret Thatcher room of our hotel. The eating table was as long as you could imagine to fit us all. Here is where we literally broke bread and talked about what was most impressed upon our hearts from this non-stop adventure. It was a beautiful time as we recalled good memories and gave honor to Mrs. Wyllie as this was her last literary tour with SCCS.
 |
| Also known as The Library, this room was a beautiful setting for our last dinner together |
 |
| Some wonderful starters |
 |
| A nice array of main dishes |
 |
| Lovely desserts - as always! |
 |
| And tea, of course! |
 |
| It was a fun meal together reminiscing about our adventures together |
 |
| We weren't kidding about the breaking of bread together...all 16 pounds of it |
 |
| Ending our time together around the table in prayer |
 |
| Nothing like a hug from your momma, with Big Ben in view |
To the many places we had visited, the locals were always friendly and would ask us about our travels. Once we would tell them, their eyes would widen and they'd say, "I've never even been to that many places, here, and I live in this country!"
Finally, there is one more event the group partake in before we head out the next day. It's a ceremony that we have to reserve tickets for a year in advance, and it's closing the the Tower of London. As a group, you walk with the Queen's guard and "help" them lock up the tower nice and safe to keep England's Crown Jewels secure.
 |
| The Tower of London at night |
 |
| Getting ready for locking up the Tower |
 |
| Walking back to the hotel |
Once the Tower was locked and the city was safe, we spent the last night at the hotel enjoying our time together, not wanting to pack up for the return flight home.
