Paul Preaching on Paul

Wasn't so bad getting up at 5am; the bad part was not managing to sleep at all before that... so, am beyond tired, and so much has happened in those hours; it's hard to process...

Flight from Faro to Birmingham was great, then train to our daughter's in-laws, who gave us lunch and some time with the grandkids - the parents have been overnight at a wedding down in Sevenoaks. It was hot; we ate in the garden - see Allegra in extra.

Then, beyond good to be back in our own church tonight, and the added bonus that it was our son preaching - proud mama here, but he really was very good. 

And then, the Kings Arms, chatting to folk. The terrible news is that Rob, the landlord, is leaving - he has done such a brilliant job with that pub, but he's exhausted...don't blame him, just sad for the community. 

Amazing end note... thought I'd seen a guy who was in the pub in the passport queue on our flight - went and spoke to him, and it was! He's our close neighbour here, and has a flat in the Algarve - much laughing and exchanging of addresses in Portugal, and a big hug to end - what a coincidence.

Two striking first impressions of England as we arrive - what a beautiful country - the green fields as we came in to land... and the affluence - both are quite a contrast.

Oh, and a girl I'd never met before came up to me in church and says she follows me on Blip! Hello, Laura, if you see this!