England

 Somehow our travels around the world tend to happen in spurts. We go awhile without entering a country aside from Uganda or USA (Michigan). Then, we'll undergo several big trips in a short time. That's what happened when the Shaardas hit 2023. In this post, I'll take you along with me for a recall of the first half of my family's time in England.

Back to the airport! Makai is always an adventure to entertain (and keep track of) in airports. When the internet went off, causing check in for seven people to take tremendously long, Dad found a new source of fun for Makai: a wheelchair.

So precious

I think I might become famous one day for feet pictures! :) My feet tread the ground of West Sussex, particularly in Southbourn. How lovely to feel cold wind against my toes and soft spring grass tickle my feet.

Long Acres, the beautiful residence of our dear friends, the Marsdens.

A view of Long Acres looking out from the house.

Makai was delighted to find dandelions aka "wishing poofs" again.

I know that the bellow scripture is longer than most blogs would post for a picture caption. Yet I challenge you, slow down and read each word. Relate it to the photo above and let the truth speak to you in a fresh, new way.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

The excitement of children, vibrant

in enthusiasm and not rememberent

of worries, only joy abounding as they

prance from one joy to the next, or pay

attention, still before a wonder of God,

their simple faith trusting He who is good.

England presented a unique blend of old and new. Every structure in Southbourn boasted a hundred or more years of history. The streets of cobblestone plucked at my imagination, begging me to wonder who walked there before me. Castles and cathedrals presented vivid images of life in the past. Yet, spring flowers bloomed everywhere, reminding onlookers of the delicate beauty of life. May we learn from our past, building landmarks to God's goodness, while cherishing the precious and fleeting moment that is now.

Walking to the seaside, a harbor feeding into the English Chanel.

On a previous trip, we met these neighbors. Their house was built in the 11th century!

Newness

pouring

spilling

forth from

ancient

wisdom

meeting

clashing

in a

beautiful

dance

now

together

without

tension,

togetherness

The seaside

I loved hearing the Marsdens' stories about their relatives. One snapshot of these recollections is the differences between Mrs. Marsden's grandmothers. One (above) was a proper vicar's wife, depicting the pinnacle of decency for that time. The other grandmother (bellow) was an adventurous spirit who diverted from the norm. She worked as an actress and travelled the world, from Australia to South Africa.

One of the many antiques in the Marsdens' house: a grandfather clock bought by Mr. Marsden's grandfather.

Makai loved the stairs!

The past is meant for

reflection, to pour 

our wisdom applicable

to describe depictable

gladness in now

Day one: visit the Round Tower fortress in Portsmouth while the boys tour a ship.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Don't become a slave again" -Galatians

I read this verse in my morning devotions and was struck by the easiness to return to slavery. Slavery to people pleasing, beautiful appearance or worry prove difficult masters for me to reject. The above photo gives me a visual reminder that slavery is past: I have been redeemed, ransomed. When I return to slavery, the master is using a lie to keep me feeling stuck. Lies are loud, treacherous to overcome. So I return to the verse: Christ has set you free. Already. In the past. I am free. By repeating that truth, I can begin to ignore the lies and make my way towards a free life.

Makai's prize for cooperating for the day: a train ride!

I appreciated this monument built to remind viewers of the suffering of Ukraine's citizens. Let us remember citizens of both Ukraine and Russia in our prayers.

An actual figurehead for a ship.

Afterwards, us girls stopped at a historic church built in the 1100s.

Many of the grave markers surrounding historic churches are so old the date and name have worn away.

Although I do not personally light candles on behalf of a loved one who's passed away, I found the candles lit by others peaceful to watch as they flickered.

Stained glass windows stir awe in my heart every time I stand beneath them.

A castle tower, from the time of the English civil war, stood a short distance from the church. Sadly, it was on private property so we could not visit it.

Day two: we begin in Bosham.

Makai thought the boats were pretty great. His enthusiasm for the common place reminds me to delight in simple blessings. Why do we think we have the authority to call such blessings simple? They are miracles in themselves!

Because of the tides, doors in Bosham are protected with a cement barrier to prevent water from seeping in the house.

The cost this photographer demands: about 30 selfies per picture he must take.

Visiting multiple old churches encourages my faith in a unique way. Today's world overwhelms me with the rampant violence, corruption, exploitation, confusion and brokenness. I often become depressed, wondering where God is amidst the darkness. Standing in churches from 1100-1300 A.D., I felt peace. Christ's body has been worshipping within these walls for hundreds of years. They still worship today, because He is victorious. His victory cannot be threatened.

This tower was built in two stages: the first three floors during the Saxon years, then the top during the Norman rule.

Mutilated and broken, yet

this face we do not forget.

It saw worship and pain,

Unity, fights against disdain;

A watcher, reminding us

God's eye never closes thus

He sees, He knows yet cares

for the various stories we bare.

Crosses etched in the cement by crusaders. The sight of them caused me to reflect on misplaced zeal. In Galatians, Paul tells believers, "It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you" (4:18). The crusaders were zealous to recapture the Holy Land, without considering the impact this would have on souls living there. Division and destruction ensued, rather than success. Zeal is powerful; take care what you make the object of your zeal. God desires we be zealous for truth, good, justice and righteousness.

Life beside death

sweet smelling

paradox, embracing

togetherness, no 

focus upon tension,

rather eyes fixed

towards renewal

and memory.

Later that day, we hung out in Chichester. Like every other town during our visit, flags hung above the streets, waving happily in expectation of the coming royal coronation. Additionally, shop windows boasted patriotism to country and king in a variety of artistic and humorous ways. The togetherness of folks I saw in celebration was a blessing.

Town square clock tower

The famous Chichester Cathedral, founded by St. Wilfrid in 681 A.D., then built in 1108. A series of fires damaged the building in the 1110's, and Parliamentarians ransacked the place during the civil war. However, reconstruction after each devastation maintained the artistic, massive building. 

Quaint neighborhood streets proved a joy to this photographer! I especially adore classic English chimneys.

"A city on a hill cannot be hidden"

This certainly made one want to fix their eyes on Heaven in worship.

On our way home, we stopped at a stone age fort. Although no walls remain, the basic structure of the fort can be seen in dents and rises on the hilltop.

A lovely surprise

What happened here? Well, let me introduce you to a funny story. The girls wanted their photo taken. Their photographer, Luka, didn't look where he was stepping. So, we had to shift locations with the photographer leaning on one man while another man cleans the dog poop out of Luka's shoe!

On the way home, Mr. Marsden stopped at a forest loaded with bluebells I had amply praised that morning. What a treat to walk around the forest, the scent of fresh flowers filling my nose!

Some neighborhood scenes...

One of my favorite things in West Sussex was the lilac multiple people had growing over their door or along a house wall.

One evening, the Marsdens fed our history interest by opening their garage. What fun! This is a kerosene powered street lamp.

Bangles or cuffs worn by slaves brought from Africa. As one living in Africa who considers herself half Ugandan, it breaks my heart whenever I come across the reminders of slavery. Yet even more grievous is the ongoing racial tensions and sexual/labor slavery continuing today. I beg you, a child of God, to advocate for unity and justice! "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8

Trunks used by Mrs. Marsden's actress grandmother when she travelled to South Africa.

An old record album

An old car Mr. Marsden bought years ago with the intention of restoring... something that has yet to happen :) I give credit to him, though; he still has all the parts!

I love the English taste for tea. Every morning with breakfast, when we got back from our excursions, and before bed we'd partake in tea time. How lovely to stop for moment in restfulness.

How magnificent is the Lord!

Glory and honor to Him!

He calls forth beauty from the earth,

He knows each grain of sand,

every drop in the oceans He created,

He knows the movement of every creature.

How powerful, how righteous, how holy,

how good, how loving is He!

Let all creation praise His name!

People of God, those who fear Him,

those who walk in His steps and

desire His word: praise the Lord!

As a huge Agatha Christie fan, my excitement skyrocketed when I heard that Agatha's grandfather funded the building of this house! Additionally, he provided the west window for our friend's church!

(If you haven't read Ms. Christie's works yet, I highly recommend doing so!)

Day three: Arundel Castle.

Makai loved the Marsdens!

Twisting, turning, branches diverting

following paths confused, inserting

interruptions into the other's space;

not one seems to mind, shifting pace

turns to the side a bit then moving on,

such is life, tangled yet resilient dusk 'til dawn

The ample palace gardens were filled with flowers, lush bushes and lovely trellises. 

In the palace chapel, I found this intriguing monument. What a stark comparison between the fullness of life's peaks and the devastation of death's finality! I can't help but restating the comparison in the following two verses: "I came that they may have life, and have it to the full" and "the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy".

The palace chapel

Arundel Castle

The view from the Keep doorway. The Keep, the oldest part of the castle, was built as a last resort if an enemy should invade. The royal family often lived here.

Makai sitting in the kitchen oven.

Light might

seem small

but brilliant

is its

effects

The main castle is still occupied by nobility. However, multiple rooms are open to tourists. We walked through an armor room, chapel, main hall (with a real lion skin carpet!), dining room, parlor, bedroom and library.

Kiss me, cowgirl!

As you will see by the next few pictures, my favorite room was hands-down the library. The shelves filled with ornate books behind golden cages enthralled me.

Onwards to the Arundel Cathedral!

The ornate, circular stain glass window took our breaths away.

A telephone booth!

Fields of a crop with vibrant yellow flowers covered multiple acres of the countryside.

Our last morning, my mom, sister and I walked to the nearby village of Emsworth, established around a mill.

Coronation mail!

How wonderful our time was in West Sussex! I am deeply grateful to the Marsdens for their hospitality, chauffeuring, history lessons, and prayer over our family.

Stay tuned for the next post, about our time in Northampton, England!