It’s now the night before we are to leave tomorrow.
I have very mixed feelings. I did not know what this experience would bring me. I tried to be as open as I knew how to allow to emerge whatever was going to emerge.
I come away with an appreciation for heritage. In American we think things are old at 50 years. In the British Isles, you have to get a few hundred years under your belt before you are talking about some serious history.
I have an enhanced appreciation for social conventions and customs. Having tea is a civilizing process as much as it is taking a break.
I have learned that you do not always have to be in a hurry at break neck speed.
I have learned that you simply cannot do everything, but you can do some things, and that is sufficient.
I have learned on the whole how polite the English people are to each other, and how effusive they are in greeting one another. I have also experienced their generosity—not in just a monetary way, but also of their time. Time has always been extraordinarily precious to me, and they willingly share it with you. That is a luxury that stupefies me. I need to learn that lesson better than I have.
I have learned how very different the polities and customs are of the Methodist cousins across the sea. I can see that the United Methodist Church operates far closer to how the Church of England does things, than to how British Methodism does things.
I remember thinking as I walked around from time to time that I may be seeing people who are distantly related to me. I have roots in England with the Gifford and Anderson and Taylor names.
I have learned how differently at times we use the same language.
I have also learned that I want to come back some day and experience more than I possibly could on this trip. Maybe get into Scotland and Ireland and France as well.
I have loved the weather as much as these people may want to complain. At least it was not 100° F with 100% humidity like Houston. I think our entire range in England was 78° maximum, and 48° minimum!
I will never, ever, ever forget these wonderful English.