Reflections From London....

Day 6

I am sitting in the DFW airport waiting for a flight back to Austin. The last 24 hours have been a little crazy. I got a text in middle of night that because of the weather in Dallas my flight had been cancelled and they were now booking me on an earlier flight through Chicago. Only problem was it left in two hours. Since it is about hour to get to airport and all the customs requirements on an international flights, it seemed impossible that I would make the flight. It was a wild and crazy scene throwing my things in the suitcase and out of the flat in less than 15 minutes. Then I had a taxi ride that will probably scar me for life. But I made it to airport to find out I was actually booked on the flight TOMORROW! The flight was full. But , as always...God is in control and He always has a plan. I was able to get on another  flight to DFW. But, I was told there were no flights to Austin today. I was scheduled on flight for Thursday. I knew in my heart that God would work out the details once I got to DFW.

As I left London it was not quite the goodbye I had envisioned with Krista. Our week had been perfect and I knew it would be hard saying goodbye and emotional. But again, God had a better plan. We didn't even have time to say goodbye and get all emotional. There was no crying, just two women running around like their heads were cut off!  One quick hug while Krista  stood in her pjs on the sidewalk while a foreign cab driver threw my bags in the car all the while shaking his head  thinking those crazy Americans!

I sit here now in this airport with time to think about the last few days. I am 100% percent confident in God's providence.  If there were ever any doubts about Krista being in London I have none now. Through everything and every detail, I can see God's hand in and how His glory is being revealed. I have thought a lot today about a comment Krista made to me over dinner one night...."Mom I miss everyone and Texas so much, but knowing I am in God's will means more to me. " I know she is right. I have wondered over the last few weeks why God would ask a 21 year old girl to get out of her comfort zone and  place her in a foreign country and to work with a people group that as a American she has been taught to fear and even hate. If I have one regret this week is that I did not get to meet the women and children that Krista works with at the center. The center is closed this week because of Easter holidays. But the stories I have heard about the relationships that are being formed, the friendship and love that is shared in that center is just almost too much for me to comprehend.  It is the perfect picture of  showing unconditionally love for this group of Muslims just as Jesus loves them. That maybe by the love and the actions of a small group of missionaries the people that come to the center will be intrigued by these new friends' hope in Christ and they will accept that life saving grace that  only Jesus  Christ offers.

I know.. I know... I have  heard all the talk and warnings about the radical Islam followers in Europe and America. Yes, these people concern  me just as they concern  many of the Muslim people. There are many Muslims who are  angered, frustrated and ashamed  of the actions many of theses terrorists do in the name of Allah. But they are no different than  the anger, shame and even hate I feel for those groups such as westboro baptist  group , and klu klux klan and other radical groups that do terrorists  actions in the name of God.

The only difference is that all these people do not know my Jesus. The one and only one that offers a saving grace and salvation for eternity. I know what Krista  knows....that  statistically the chances that she sees one convert to Christianity during her time here is very slim. But maybe that is not the only reason she is here.

Maybe God wanted her here so her Mother would come for a visit and understand even more that God is in control of all things. It doesn't matter if it is delayed flights, weather, or all the daily frustrations of finding your way in a new city, God is always in control.

Or maybe it was to show this Mother that God sends people everywhere to preach his word. That having a daughter in London is no different than having a daughter in Austin or a son in Elgin. Wherever God has destined  a person to live, He just wants them to be obedient  and share his love.

Or maybe it was to show this year small  town Texas middle age woman  that God has created an amazing world filled with spectacular sights and beautiful people. And if she was being  honest with herself she has limited God in her mind. That she has allowed her own racial prejudices and fears limit what God was calling her to do. That maybe if she was only be bold enough to talk to her neighbor and friends about the life saving grace that Jesus offers she would be amazed of all the things God wanted to show her.

Oh Lord,  I thank you for these last few days in London and I thank you or revealing in me some major areas I need  to  work on in my life. Give me the boldness to tell others about you. Let me be reminded this Holy Week what Easter really means. But most of all let me love all people  as you have loved us.

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35

A Jolly Good Time....

Day 4 

Today was shopping paradise....we started the day at the famous department store Harrods. Oh my goodness....I wish I was a better writer so I could describe in perfect detail how much I enjoyed Harrods. It was the most beautiful store I have ever seen. Everything about it was heavenly, every display,  every attention to detail, every delightful sales clerk. ...oh i could go on and on. I  had done a little research before we went and I tried to make a strategic plan. The store is over 5 acres and if I'm honest it was a little overwhelming. We almost even talked ourselves out of going because it seemed a little to uppity. I was not that excited to see all the designer clothes and accessories because that really doesn't interest me. I am way too cheap to spend money on clothes. But,  when I read about some of the other departments we decided to take on the crowds and conqueror our shopping fears.  I am so glad we did, everything we saw was delightful! When we got to the gourmet food section I  shed tears of joy !! Y'all may think I'm exaggerating but I even heard angels singing and it wasn't only me....there were grown men weeping from excitement. Yes, it was that glorious!  I'll stop there....I'm getting emotional just  thinking about it now. 

After we pulled ourselves together from  the Harrods spiritual journey, we went to Primark on Oxford Street. Again, I wish I was a better writer so I could come up with the words to explain that shopping experience and give it  due justice. I have never experienced anything like it  nor have I read about it or seen pictures...my imagination could not comprehend that zoo of a shopping event.  It made shopping on black Friday in America seem like a day  in the park. People were nuts!  It was  crowded and  ladies were changing clothes in the aisles,  people fighting over shoes, people buying baskets of clothes, more clothes than a person could wear in a year.  Everything about it was  unbelievable! Yes,  I did buy a few items and  i am still shaking my head how crazy it was and thankful that I have no injuries. The funniest part of the day was when the cashier checking us out said he " dreamed of going to Texas he heard it was so calm and peaceful and much more relaxed" .... "Oh dear man you have no idea. I do pray you get this dream filled. There is no place like Texas!"

The next part of the day was fun. We had reservations for  afternoon tea at the Grosvenor House Hotel. There are so many places that offer afternoon  tea and it was hard to decide which one to choose. But when we heard this is where Kate and her mum would have tea before she married William it seemed good enough for us. Oh y'all it was lovely! Just lovely! I believe I will be bringing that little tradition back to Elgin and everyone is invited to join me each afternoon! I will even comprise and have iced tea!!

Indeed, today was a jolly good time!

A Lovely Palm Sunday Across The Pond.....

Day 3

We woke up bright and early and  had our morning tea. I was excited about the day because today  is  Palm Sunday!  Krista's  flat adjoins a baptist church here in London.  The church pastor and members have been such a blessing not only to Krista, but to Jeff and I also. It gives  me great comfort knowing this church family is taking care of my daughter. I had heard and read so much online about this church and I was excited to meet everyone and worship with them. The morning  service was wonderful! The church is an  older church and I'm guessing very much like the church where the legendary British baptist pastor Charles Spurgeon preached.  Today, the Pastor began  a new series on evangelism and the timing could not be more perfect.  It was truly inspirational and I was encouraged to be more bold in my own walk of faith. When I see where Krista works each day and the work she does with the Muslim people...I feel inspired to be more bold. All the people I met today at the church were so hospitable . There were so many different cultures and nationalities represented. A beautiful glimpse into what heaven is going to look like!  Again, God's timing was perfect because one Sunday of the month the church has a potluck lunch after service. And today was the day !  Oh how I love a church potluck! Food  and fellowship at a church brings me much joy!! Granted , the British could learn a little from their Southern Christian sisters....the potluck was lacking in fried chicken and green bean casseroles and not a deviled egg in sight....but other than that.....the food was delicious and the company even better!! It was truly one of my favorite things from this trip so far.  

After lunch we rode the bus  to the recreation center where Krista's works for a tour.  Believe me when I tell  you that you will not waste one single prayer when you pray for her safety each day. She has been too nice describing the neighborhood. I'm sure even now she would say I'm overreacting. Maybe, it is just because I am a mother....but I was concerned. Anyway, the center was clean and neat as it could be....definitely an oasis in this Arab dessert. The center is surrounded by estate council housing...what we would call government housing projects in America. Most of the residents are refugees from Morocco. The neighborhood also includes other nationalities as well.  But it  is clear the Lord is using this center in a mighty way to reach this neighborhood. The minute I stepped through the doors there was a peace that is hard to describe. 

After the tour we walked to the Portobello Market in Notting Hill. On Sundays they have a huge street market with vendors offering everything you can imagine. It was fun and I did make a few purchases.   One day in Krista 's travels  she had noticed an English pub called The  Elgin Pub and Music House.  We were feeling adventurous  and decided to check it out. After walking for awhile,  we did find it and went in and had an afternoon snack. It was a really neat place. I tried to purchase one of the cool t-shirts  the waiters had on with the Elgin name....but no luck...I didn't understand it all but something about "you crazy American! No you can't have my shirt!"  Oh well.... It was fun and a place I intend to take Jeff to when we come to London again. I'm hoping he will have better luck on getting me a t-shirt!  

It has been an awesome day!

Smittten By Britain

I'm using this blog to keep a brief travel journal, mainly for me to remember everything we did on this trip. My memory is not what it use to be! Besides, I'm thinking Jeff might want to know what  I spent all the money on. If  a few other people read along with me that is ok too!  Anyone  is welcome to tag along. When it is gets too boring or I start wearing you out with my rambling...just stop reading...you will not hurt my feelings. I wear myself out most of the time!

Day 1

After a 10 hour flight I arrived in London on Friday at 10:30am London time. There is a 6 hour time difference between Texas and London. The flight was fine, but when I arrived there was a really long line to get through customs. Krista and her friend were picking me up at airport. My phone did not work at all and I had no way to get ahold of Krista to let her know where I was or that the terminal number had changed. There is really no way to explain how all  the details got worked out except to say God was in control. When I finally got through customs, and claimed my luggage at the largest airport in the world, Krista  and LeeAnn were waiting for me. Nothing but a miracle that they found me!  Anyway after a crazy drive, (the whole drive on wrong side of street is a little freaking to me) we made it to Krista's flat. It is your typical London flat.....Small! But it is cute... If you ever saw the movie "Notting Hill".... Krista flat looks just like Hugh Grant's . Except  smaller!

Leeann left us so we could settle in and after a quick change of clothes...off we went to explore the  neighborhood. We walked a lot. But I have discovered it you don't like walking you shouldn't come to London. That is the major form of transportation. We walked through several parks and got to the Putney area. We found a really cool looking pub and went in and ate fish and chips. The food was delicious.  I definitely know now why London is famous for their fish and chips!  We walked to a unique retail area and spent the rest of the afternoon shopping/dreaming. I chose to limit my purchases because it was a long walk back. However, I did manage to buy several boxes of cadbury chocolates.  After toting what seemed to be about 5 pounds of chocolate, I was ready to stop and eat them along the way because I am so out of shape....oh the irony...anyway....We made it back to the flat around 7 pm  the chocolate still in the package. I was beginning to feel those 6 hours that I lost somewhere over the ocean so we visited a little more and I went to bed.

Day 2 

We woke up early....still adjusting to time change. After my morning tea, which Krista has become an expert in preparing,  we went to breakfast at a neat little cafe in the neighborhood. Krista had planned a big day of sightseeing  and the  day did not disappoint! We rode the bus to central  London. At the Westminster station we bought tickets for one of the local tour buses. The tour bus took us all around central London. We saw all the famous sites....Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, and Kensington Gardens. It was a super fun day! One of the cool unexpected sites was the Texas Embassy. Right in the middle of all the action is a restaurant that used to be the Texas Embassy back in the early days when Texas was its own country. It has now been turned into a great authentic Tex-mex restaurant. I do believe this discovery  may make Krista's  next few months here much easier. The food was wonderful. We  were the only Texans  in the place. We know that because  everyone in there thought our accents were hilarious. Anyway it was a fun experience. After taking  pictures by the Texas A&M sign and  UT flag, we were on our way with a smile on our face and full of the best tex-mex  in all of Europe! We did more sightseeing  on a river cruise down the Thames, then a bus ride back to flat.  I am told that 12 million people live in the London area. It seems like we saw most of them today. It is very crowded! But, I'mdisappointed that there was no Elizabeth, William and Kate sightings. They must be on holiday too. Perhaps, we will run into them later in the trip. In the evening We watched a futbol  game at a sports pub next to Krista's house. Ate some more, which does seem to be theme of this trip, then we went to bed!

What's for supper.......

I love to eat!  It is close to the top of my list of favorite things. Actually, if I am honest, it may be my favorite thing ....besides loving Jesus and my family.  So, early on in my life I figured out that I would need to learn to cook in order to satisfy the whole eating habit.  Honestly, I don't remember ever a time when I didn't know how to cook. I was entering  cooking contests long before there was a food channel and cooking contests were cool. I was blessed that cooking always came easy for me, I guess because  I come from a long line of great cooks. My Grandma Mathis and Aunt Theresa were legends.  I am not exaggerating either...truly either one of them could have taught Paula Deen a thing or two about southern cooking. My Mom also had a quite a reputation as a good southern cook. After I got married, I discovered there were a lot of other types of foods beside just southern cooking. I know...it was shocking....Who knew there was a world out there beside biscuits, gravy and fried chicken?

Today, my style of cooking is still mostly good ole southern favorites. But occasionally I do branch out....Below is one of my favorite Tex-Mex meals.   

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

1 package (12 count) corn tortillas 

1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying tortillas 

1 to 2 cups diced cooked chicken ( I use HEB brand seasoned chicken in the green package)

3 cups shredded Queso Blanco Cheese (I use the HEB brand – without the jalapenos.  It can be found in a blue box next to the Velveeta)       

1 can (10 ounces) green chili enchilada sauce (I use the HEB brand)

Directions:

Place oil in a medium size skillet and heat over medium high heat.Fry one tortilla at a time for 15 seconds on each side.Place on paper towels to drain. Fry all tortillas and set aside.

Heat oven to 350 degrees .

Spray a 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine, chicken and cheese in a large bowl. 

Add half of the green chili enchilada sauce and stir. 

Spread 1/3 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla and roll tightly, one at a time. 

Place in prepared baking dish in a single layer, seam side down. 

Combine remaining cheese mixture with other half of enchilada sauce; pour over enchiladas in pan. 

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly on the edges and tortillas are golden.

Mexican Rice

1 small  onion, chopped 

1 green pepper, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup cilantro 

1 cup long grained rice, uncooked

1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon salt

                              

Directions

In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and rice. Saute until rice is  light browned, stirring often.

Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, cilantro and salt. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Mexican Salad

1 head lettuce, chopped

2 chopped tomatoes

1chopped onion

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Mix together. Just before serving, add package of Fritos. Pour over all 1 bottle Kraft Catalina dressing. Eat it all the first time….not good leftover. (Fritos get soggy)                                

Bacon Cream Cheese Jalapeno Peppers

10 jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded (I use canned whole jalapenos)

1 8 0z pkg. of cream cheese

1 pkg. bacon – cut into halves.

Stuff each pepper with cream cheese and wrap a half piece of bacon. Cook in oven or on grill at 350 degrees until the bacon is done.

Soapilla Cheesecake

2 - 8oz pkg. cream cheese

2 -8 oz pkg. refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup butter, melted

½ cup cinnamon sugar (combine about ½ sugar with 1 Tablespoon cinnamon)

1. Using a 9X13 baking pan, unroll one pkg. of crescent rolls and line the bottom of the pan.

2. Flatten.

3. Mix together the cream cheese, sugar and extract.

4. Spread over the crescent rolls

5. Unroll the other can of crescent rolls and place on top of the cheese mixture.

6. Pour one stick of melted butter over the top and sprinkle with about ½ cup of the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

7. Bake at 350 degrees over 30 minutes.

I never met a dip I didn't like....

I am very excited about the Super Bowl this weekend. However, I am more excited about my snack options for the game. I do appreciate a good dip!! Below are a few of my favorites that I will be enjoying with family and friends. Happy Snacking!!

Mississippi Sin Dip
1 loaf French bread
8 oz. Container of French onion dip
4 oz. Can green chilies
1 Pkg of bacon bits
2 cup grated cheddar cheese
8 oz. Pkg of cream cheese

And yes, all the cheese makes it seem very fattening, but think of all the calcium!

Cut off the top of French bread and scoop out all the insides. Mix all the other ingredients together in a large bowl. Put the dip inside the loaf. Wrap in foil and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. Serve with frito scoops or tortilla chips.

Sausage Dip
2-8 oz. Pkgs cream cheese
1 can of Rotel tomatoes
1 pound Jimmy Dean sausage

Sauté sausage. Drain. Add cheese and tomatoes. Chill before serving.


Buffalo Chicken Dip

1 pkg cream cheese
1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce
1 cup ranch salad dressing (can also use blue cheese dressing)
3 cans of chuck white chicken, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all together. Spread in baking dish and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.


Corn Dip

2 cans mexican-style corn
4 oz. Can of green chilies
5 green onions chopped
1 jalapeño chopped
8 oz. Container of sour cream
1 cup of mayonnaise
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Mix well. Chill before serving.


Chili Con Queso

1 can of cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup evaporated milk
7 oz. Can of green chilies
1 jalapeño pepper chopped
4 oz. Jar of pimentos, drained
1 pkg of ranch dip seasoning mix
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 pound Velveeta, cut into cubes
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Combine soup, milk, green chilies, jalapeño, pimentos, dip mix and ROTEL in medium saucepan. Cook over low heat. When bubbly, add cheese and cilantro, stir until cheese melts. Be sure to keep heat low and stir constantly to prevent scorching. ( I have also combined all in a crock pot and this works well also) Serve with tortilla chips.

Cookies and Friendship

Last night I hosted my favorite event of the year…a cookie exchange party.  This was the 16th year of celebrating the Christmas season with cookies and friends. But, this party is so much more than cookies. A reporter from the Austin American Statesman came to last year’s party and wrote a story about it. I believe she did a good job of trying to explain that the party is more than just cookies. But, even so, I felt like she missed something. Something that is hard for even  me to put in words because I am overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude.....I will try to explain.

I am not good at showing  people how much I love them. In fact, I am really bad at it.  I don’t give cards or  write thank you notes. I forget birthdays. My friends joke that until recently I didn’t even know how to give a decent hug. If there was one thing that I wish I was better at it would be in this area. I want to be better at  expresing appreciation, to extending grace, and admiration. I want to be more generous with my time and resources to my friends. I want to be bold enough to speak out and eloquently convey how much I am blessed by their friendship. I am a work in process......

But, I can cook pretty well. So one night of the year, I prepare a meal, bake a few cookies, clean my house and welcome old and new friends to my home. Last night as we gathered in my dining room to exhange our cookies,  I looked around at each of the women and I was reminded of the bible verse: 

 Philippians 1:3….”Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”

God brought each of these women into my life. He handpicked each one of these beautiful ladies to be my friend.  I love these women so much. Each one is picture of God’s faithfulness. Through the years, this group of women has experienced life together. We have rejoiced at the births of children and grandchildren. We have celebrated new marriages, new jobs, graduations and successes. But, we have also grieved together over the loss of husbands. We have buried children together; we have suffered together through illness, through financial hardships and heartbreak.  We have been together through good times and not so good times. But, in all of that God never left our side. Last night, I was also reminded of those women that were not there for various reasons. Even in their absence, they are so very  special to me and I longed for them to be in at that room. I celebrated that God sent new friends last night, some that I met for the very first time. I believe it was a promise to me that there is still good times to come, new friendships, and new memories to be made.  And through it all….He is faithful. He works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.....including friendships. 

I know this small guesture of hospitality can not begin to convey how much I love and cherish my friends.  It all seems so inadequate…even this silly blog post. But my prayer and hope is that my actions and even something as simple as hosting a cookie party will reflect my gratitude and love , to not only to my Lord and Savior who has blessed me with dear friends....but also to those sweet dear friends. I love them all so much!