england 09.

on that first monday over a month ago, after hours and hours of traveling, our gracious hosts drove us up to this - our final destination for the next several nights. i was thrilled! look at the rustic charm and beauty this place has to offertheir back garden and my view from my loft roomat moments it feels like yesterday i was sitting cozy in an over-stuffed chair writing about what this place meant to me. on tuesday, april 28 my journey journal recorded this:

'i am simply elated and in awe of just being in this beautiful country. we're staying at the cudham court farm at church approach in orpington. and i will just say, i feel like i'm at a mini garden of eden, a retreat place of lush greens, songful birds and valley views. the "lane" to come up to our family's home is country quaint, but not the type of country i'm used to waking up to. it's something of exotic sorts, a dreamland if you will that is hard to picture in words. our 3 days here will rejuvante my weary spirit and enliven my creative side like only God's creation can. i love when places inspire within me something holy. something that is God-breathed. His hand on every vibrant stem. His glory in every twittery chirp. His love in every lovely detail. it is a place set apart.'

the beautiful church and graveyard on the other side of their gatethis headstone was beautiful - carefully covered in moss over time, its date read 1712
london city
admiralty arch where gumpa old worked during the war decoding enemy messages in the basement
at the mews - the golden carriage that queen elizabeth rode in during her enthronement and what i believe princess di rode in for her wedding to prince charles
tower london - very cool!