Last Day of School

The school did a great job of sending our children off.  We were invited in to watch them "ringing the leaver's bell" - a tradition the school has.  (Because part of the school was built in the 1800s as an extension of the church it still has the original bell tower). Aside form ringing the bell, each child's class had a party for them and their teachers had organised cards for them and presents.  Naomi was given a recorder and the other two were given a (Jubilee) bear.  It was a great end to their year there - we have been very grateful for the way the school have embraced the children and how the children have had an impact there.

First week of Lasts

This week is a series of lasts for us:
Last week at school for the kids.
Last time we return our books to the library.
Last swimming lessons.
Last use of the gym.

farewell party

We had a big farewell party for all the people who have been part of our lives this year.  We had friends from the school community, church and family.
It was a fun barn dance which worked really well as it didn't matter whether people knew each other and what age they were.
It was very successful and we were especially moved when a group of parents gave us a gift voucher as a thank-you for the support we have offered to football and the school PTA.  When I think back to what our prayers were for this year I can see how God has answered them.  We have built relationships with the parents of the friends of our children, established a niche for ourselves at Church.  We are at the point where, even though we are excited about returning to our life in the Philippines, we have become comfortable here, we have made friends.

Sports Days

Sports Days (because between the 3 children we have 2 days) was postponed from last week because of the rain.  Thankfully, it stayed dry and nice - in fact, it was even warm for Josh and Naomi's day!  We were worried it would be perpetually postponed because of the weather but it was one of the things Josh really wanted to do before we leave so we are glad he was able to take part.

The final phase

As we enter our last three weeks in England, the pace of life has picked up to a blistering pace as we tie up loose ends, make sure we have everything we want to take with us, see people for the last time and generally wind up life here.
Monday we had our last official deputation meeting and spent the afternoon packing the boxes which are being picked up tonight.
We are also preparing for our big farewell party on Friday which involves cooking and baking.
Today and yesterday we had sports day for the children and we finally got some decent sun to enjoy the proceedings!

Long Day

We left Claire's house at 6.15 a.m. and caught the ferry back to Scotland at 7.30.  We made use of the special deals on cabin to get ourselves a nice space on the boat.  I even managed to sleep a little.  We arrived in Scotland at 9.45 and ended up being on the road till 8.30 p.m.  Even allowing for two stops it was a very long time.  (Perhaps good prep for being back in the Philippines!!).  It only took us about 6 hours drive the other way.
By the time we got home, we were all very keen to be done.

Chippy

We were going to Claire's local chippy for dinner and it is called the "Codfather".  Steve jokingly said,  "Will we get fried horse head?" 
The kids obviously overheard this because I heard them chatting and saying,  "Will we really get fried horse head?" to each other and Rose said, "I expect that's just for the adults". As Claire said,  "That's a child used to living in a different culture where strange food doesn't faze her!"