Searching for Snails

Surely days don’t get much better than this.

Another day spent in Sutton, which I’m now convinced is home to the world’s friendliest neighbourhood!! There’s something special about places where strangers greet each other on walks. Like a small but significant way of acknowledging their humanity and their value, even if we don’t know their name.
Had a lovely long walk with Paul(/Bobby) round Rectory Park and beyond to a local farm. He has a gift for befriending strangers. There’s so much of Jesus in the way he sees people as more than strangers.
Got to see Orchard House for the first time! It’s so nice to see in person these places I’ve heard about, and to meet in person people I’ve heard about...like SMG!! Got such a lovely hello, especially for a surprise landing on his doorstep!
Searching for snails and slugs in the garden with Zion and Allegra, for a snail village they’ve made. These kids are amazing in how observant they are. And how gifted they are with people, in how they’ve made me feel so welcome even through this time of social distancing!
Another delicious dinner in the garden with Paul’s family. My stomach feels so satisfied. Good food and good company, it’s hard to beat. Thank you Jesus for this wonderful gift of today.

Gratefuls:

1. The hospitality of Paul’s family, I never go home hungry! The effort they’ve put in to make me feel at home (I even have my very own table to eat at!). And especially more time with his parents before they head back to Portugal. I feel really grateful to have had this extra time with them.
2. Getting a bottle of the much sought after elderflower cordial Zion and Allegra made for their fundraiser! I’m excited for what a force for change they’ll be in their generation.
3. Ice cream in the sunshine for dessert. The season of summer.
4. Then getting second dessert...rock cakes made by Joy!
5. Enjoying nature. Baby squirrels, ascending larks, intrusive frogs, to the tiniest ladybirds...definitely the influence of this family who have such an appreciation for it all.
6. Being so well cared for, and so well listened to, by someone who is trusting in Jesus to help him do that.