A question (at the end), a description and a nymph

Spring seems to come earlier here in London than anywhere else. It is hardly February and yet the change of season can be felt in the air. It is barely visible, a not-quite-yet tangible reality. I feel as though if I took the time to just stand a watch a tree, I could see it coming to life, stretching its limbs, slowly awakening to a new year. Bushes, nomal and bland to the impartial observer, at closer examination reveal a world of green mist, slowly filling in the gaps between the once again wick branches. Rain has returned to London, bringing with it the much needed source of life for the beautiful shoots of flowers sprouting out of every available patch of green.

Spring brings surprises around every corner, especially in a new city. In Leipzig, I knew exactly when it would begin to show its face. The face of a playful little girl, ready to play, awakening the old grandparents, reminding them of their childhood. The crocuses, taking in more territory every year, suddenly appearing as though God had snapped his fingers and there they were, a beautiful carpet of purple, blue, white and yellow, weaving together in some divine pattern. I saw some today for the first time in London, resplendent in white-purple glory. There were only 5, seen through a fence, a glimpse of God’s artistry, perfect and serene.

Why is it that Spring always makes me feel so alive? The sun, not quite warm, but shining out pure anticipation for the days when it is allowed to shine in its full brilliance. Walking down the street today I could feel myself almost turning into the fabled nymphs of the forest, celebrating the beauty that God has put on the earth, just for me. I managed to suppress the very real urge to dance and prance and leap for joy, although I did spontaneously burst into song occasionally. Ah, I love Spring.

p.s Does Spring turn any one else into a ridiculous poetic?

A Summary, a List and a Promise

I was away for the weekend. It was a long overdue leave of London and out into the green (albeit a very fake feeling green) I had been looking forward to going to Center Parcs since before Christmas and was so excited that I couldn't sleep until 2 in the morning. It was refreshing to know that I could still get that excited.

It was a great weekend, basically put. I was really blessed and learned loads. We also grew closeer together as a group and had a great time learning about each other.

Funny/odd things that happened:
1. Emma managed to spill wine (all from the same bottle) about 8 times. All over Splem's shirt.
2. After being handed Gemma's bathing stuff (which was in a plastic bag) in case she accidentally threw it away while taking out the garbage (my suggestion) I managed to throw it away.
3. Hi fives. They are funny, trust me.
4. Making friends with Stuart and Stuart. They both work at the boat house/mini golf house, they both worked together in Spain and they live together now. Possibly the coolest people at Center Parcs.
5. Emma almost falling into the lake after being rammed by the peddle boat.
6. Mike asking for a towel, Telf throwing him Splem's, which says "arse" and "face" on it, and it subsequently being held up and shown to all 400 people attending the conference.
7. All of the video's that were taken, I just make myself laugh...

Things I learned:
1. Don't leave anything liquid near Emma unless it is to help her practice cleaning it up
2. Don't come too close to Emma on a slide (she did some damage to someone)
3. Don't wake up early with Gemma unless you know she is a morning person
4. Gemma likes hugs
5. Anything is funny if you are tired enough
6. Telf is a youth worker through and through
7. Youth Workers away are every bit as geeky as doctors when it comes to jokes etc.

(If my compadres from the weekend want to add anything to these lists, leave comments, for a better, more lengthy, understandable summary, see Splem's blog www.daveleeman.blogspot.com)

I have another weekend away ahead of me. I'm teaching at a youth weekend. I think that it will be good. I'm just ill and feeling unprepared, although I am. I don't think that I will do two weekends away tight after each other again. Well, I'm off to bed and then a little lie in tomorrow. Pictures of both weekends with follow.