Sunday morning came and the Westheads were headed to the church. Brian and Julia were the lead guitarist and singer and so they had to arrive earlier to set up the musical instruments. Besides, they just came back from their holiday, so they were really eager to meet up with the other townsfolk. I was kinda surprised that Julia told us that we did not have to come along if we were uncomfortable attending church service. She did relate a bit of unpleasant incidents where previous students who home-stayed felt they were obliged to attend church. However, I was pretty cool about it (even if I am a bit atheist) and wanted to see for myself what church service was like over here. My prior knowledge of church only extended to City Harvest, which I must say I wasn't really too excited...but that was in the past...
Hope Revival Church, a short 5 min drive from the Westhead's residence
A mini-bar counter to serve drinks and snacks...it's really a small place actually
And there's the Westheads setting up their musical instruments...way to go!!
Lydia having a bit of fun with her friend as the adults prepared
A mini-bar counter to serve drinks and snacks...it's really a small place actually
And there's the Westheads setting up their musical instruments...way to go!!
Lydia having a bit of fun with her friend as the adults prepared
The whole session took about 2 hours, with Brian and Julia taking the lead in the worship service belting out Christian songs. I must say their display of their musical talents was amazing. After the event ended, everybody present gathered together and Ben and I mingled with the townsfolk as if we were part of the community.
There was a group of youngsters aged 8 to 16 who were curious of the 2 new faces present. There was Ian who came along and entertained the children with his "Smiling Queen on a pound note" trick, which I responded by producing a Singapore dollar note so that he could make Yusof Ishak smile too! :p
We also saw Simon, Jane and some of the young adults whom we hung out with the previous day at the BBQ. The youths and adults were more involved in community work, which were showcased at their booth, and most touching was their work involved in supporting an orphanage in Uganda.
And there were of course the old folks who came forward to greet us. There was even an aged couple who just returned from Singapore while all the while praising the Marina Mandarin hotel...lol!! And of course the friendliness of Singaporeans. :)
As a whole, I really felt that the townsfolk are very strong as a community and their faith keeps them together. It's as if it was some gathering where people from all walks of life got together, regardless of their background, age and differences.
We bade the townsfolk farewell and headed back where Julia fixed lunch for us. And over lunch, we discussed things about the Christian faith in Singapore (I was so glad Ben was around for this cos he's much much more knowledgable about it than I am) and other things like religious practices in Singapore. (something which I have a bit more knowledge about at least....haha :p)
There was a group of youngsters aged 8 to 16 who were curious of the 2 new faces present. There was Ian who came along and entertained the children with his "Smiling Queen on a pound note" trick, which I responded by producing a Singapore dollar note so that he could make Yusof Ishak smile too! :p
We also saw Simon, Jane and some of the young adults whom we hung out with the previous day at the BBQ. The youths and adults were more involved in community work, which were showcased at their booth, and most touching was their work involved in supporting an orphanage in Uganda.
And there were of course the old folks who came forward to greet us. There was even an aged couple who just returned from Singapore while all the while praising the Marina Mandarin hotel...lol!! And of course the friendliness of Singaporeans. :)
As a whole, I really felt that the townsfolk are very strong as a community and their faith keeps them together. It's as if it was some gathering where people from all walks of life got together, regardless of their background, age and differences.
We bade the townsfolk farewell and headed back where Julia fixed lunch for us. And over lunch, we discussed things about the Christian faith in Singapore (I was so glad Ben was around for this cos he's much much more knowledgable about it than I am) and other things like religious practices in Singapore. (something which I have a bit more knowledge about at least....haha :p)
Our yummy lunch with sausages, carrots, and Yorkshire pudding!!
This is the mini-me size version of Yorkshire pudding...the authentic one is actually really huge, about that of a plate....but I had that at Toby Carvery, so it was really interesting to see mini sizes of it! :)
And when the meat gravy sauce goes over it...absolutely fabulous!!! :p
This is the mini-me size version of Yorkshire pudding...the authentic one is actually really huge, about that of a plate....but I had that at Toby Carvery, so it was really interesting to see mini sizes of it! :)
And when the meat gravy sauce goes over it...absolutely fabulous!!! :p
Brian then introduced us to his caravan, parked in his backyard, where the Westheads use it for their road trip. It's something which he is very proud of, and it's according to Julia, something like "a home away from home". I must admit it's the first time I stepped into a caravan. And the thought of travelling in it sounds quite cool!
Foldable sleeping quarters and a kitchen counter
Foldable sleeping quarters and a kitchen counter
Brian then took us to Lyme Park, a large and famous park nearby. It was used as one of the site locations for the shooting of the drama version of Pride and Prejudice. (Hmm....not really too excited about this, bet it would interest the literature arts people who like Jane Austen novels) Anw it was a 10 min drive there.....where along the way.....caught this interesting sight....
Tada! See the banner? According to Brian, when there's an important birthday (like a 18th or 21st), the relatives or friends of the birthday boy/girl will decorate and hang out a banner for everybody in town to see....sometimes well wishes are written on it...as well as probably an invitation to a party....haha....so this corner of the street is something like a noticeboard! Well I wish that I had such a banner too!! LOL :p
Another sight that greeted us upon entry to Lyme Park, an 18th century hunting lodge by the kings where they used to hunt deer here
A closer look
Lyme Park is also known for having a deer park where heards of deer roam....but we did not get to see any on that day...
The Lyme Hall, an Elizabethan manor house, which is another highlight of the park
A group photo taken...but we seemed to have forgotten somebody....
Oh it's actually Millie!!
Into the Lyme Courtyard
Brian then took us to another route into the muddy terrain....
Where we caught the south front of Lyme Hall along the waterfront
We then headed down to the lake where something caught Lydia's attention...all this while it seems like we are the ones following her arnd in the park....lol..
So what could it be that caught her attention?
THIS!!!!
Hmm......ducks......
Lydia was really curious so she went up.....
Stared........
And forced the poor duck into the water!! LOL
This lady was nice enough to give Lydia bread to feed the ducks
Which she happily did so....
An obviously excited Lydia ignoring us as she chased after ducks and feeding them...:p
And soon it was time for us to leave. We had to catch the train in the late evening and so Brian drove us back, but of course not forgetting to take a group photo with the Westheads!
And so we were back to where it all began.....
A small parting gift for Lydia...I gave keychains from Singapore to each member of the Westheads, but Lydia got the pink Merlion one cos it's her favourite colour!
Another sight that greeted us upon entry to Lyme Park, an 18th century hunting lodge by the kings where they used to hunt deer here
A closer look
Lyme Park is also known for having a deer park where heards of deer roam....but we did not get to see any on that day...
The Lyme Hall, an Elizabethan manor house, which is another highlight of the park
A group photo taken...but we seemed to have forgotten somebody....
Oh it's actually Millie!!
Into the Lyme Courtyard
Brian then took us to another route into the muddy terrain....
Where we caught the south front of Lyme Hall along the waterfront
We then headed down to the lake where something caught Lydia's attention...all this while it seems like we are the ones following her arnd in the park....lol..
So what could it be that caught her attention?
THIS!!!!
Hmm......ducks......
Lydia was really curious so she went up.....
Stared........
And forced the poor duck into the water!! LOL
This lady was nice enough to give Lydia bread to feed the ducks
Which she happily did so....
An obviously excited Lydia ignoring us as she chased after ducks and feeding them...:p
And soon it was time for us to leave. We had to catch the train in the late evening and so Brian drove us back, but of course not forgetting to take a group photo with the Westheads!
And so we were back to where it all began.....
A small parting gift for Lydia...I gave keychains from Singapore to each member of the Westheads, but Lydia got the pink Merlion one cos it's her favourite colour!
In short, what a great weekend with our wonderful and hospitable hosts! Really have to thank them for the great experiences we had!
For more pics, go http://picasaweb.google.com/eicko2000/NewMills
For more pics, go http://picasaweb.google.com/eicko2000/NewMills
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