Norfords' Ramblings

Sunday January 11, 2009

Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, 1 Thess 5:17-18.

Some days just don’t seem to go so well. Interesting that the last blog suggested a down day after some good accomplishment. Cleaning up after the last visitors to Winchelsea House, was a long drawn out process, one that made us wonder of our plans for the coming few weeks were somewhat ambitious. Admittedly, some of the work was catching up on a time of neglect as the house had been out of use for a few weeks, but waltzing around England with our family while guests come and go will be a challenge!

Let me give you some pictures of life here at Winchelsea. It is a rambling house with eight bedrooms, some sleeping four or even eight, two huge lounges, a dining room, three kitchens and a complement of several bathrooms. After guests leave, beds must be stripped, bedding and bathroom linen laundered in two washers and dryers, ironed and replaced. One washer and dryer is located in the house, the other in a laundry accessed from outside—so far in weather that has rarely been above freezing since we arrived. Vacuuming takes at least half a day, plus cleaning kitchens, bathrooms and supermarket trips to restock fridges for the cold breakfasts included in the overnight charge.

We have an office, workshop and two garages with supplies, all accessed from outside. Then of course, we have our own separate residence to keep clean. Good reason to “pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”! Prayer is one of the sources of strength for the work, especially the days it appears overwhelming.

But we come because the benefits are worth it. The opportunity serve, yet at the same time to connect with dozens of family members Ann and I have here, nostalgic trips to our old haunts, and forays into the English countryside make it all worthwhile. The house is sometimes empty for several days, and frequently has only one or two guests giving us occasions for some free time, but we have little time to for worrying about the uncertainties ahead. We are only too glad and thankful for this opportunity.