Sunday, April 01, 2007
Dover, Canterbury, and Cambridge
Today was beautiful! The bright sun warmed up the green hillsides with tiny yellow flowers. It was very exciting to see after so much cold and rain. We could even watch little white fluffy sheep grazing as we drove to Canterbury. Today we went to the cathedral for a morning service and “look around.” Leaving the Dover hostel last night was bittersweet because the girls enjoyed sharing a Snow Retreat-like room all together. Our laughter was a continuation from dinnertime where many stories and jokes were told. Before dinner, we had found a gem of a grocery store where we bought mints and chocolates. But, back to today:On the way to church, everyone looked quietly out the window or took a quick nap before the service. It felt good to be dressier as we visited such a historical place of worship. Temporarily saying goodbye to our driver, John (he had to return to Dover to pick up some forgotten electronic devices), we enjoyed the brick houses with ivy crawling up the side amid vintage windows. Walking down cobblestone paths leading to the cathedral, we heard the echoing bells calling the town to the service. We attended a short Matins prayer session in honor of Lent and repeated truths after hearing Scripture read. The Old Testament passage was from Hosea which we had just read at devotions the night before. The New Testament passage was 1 Corinthians. Afterwards, we wandered around the nave and then the grounds, admiring the stone-and-brick-inlay walls and bright English daisies and daffodils. Both Saint Augustine and Thomas Abeckett were honored in the main part of the cathedral.
Eventually, as we looked at inscriptions and architecture in the cloisters (outer walkway/court), a donkey was led by. The church was preparing for a singing procession in honor of the Triumphal Entry. We watched the congregation walk by and then entered the Chapter House where the “quire” had been. The stained glass windows were once again, beautiful. Next, we explored the crypt with many tomb markers and chapels for saints. There was even a French Protestant church that met in the Black Prince’s room in the crypt. After Mr. Lugg picked up a guidebook, we continued our “tour” and admired the Romanesque and Gothic architecture styles. As we made our way outside to the crumbling arches of the former hospital, we saw the still unfinished tower from the 10th century. We all carried our little palm crosses (a Lent pilgrimage gift from a priest) across the windy courtyard to explore the gift shop. If not everyone, most bought something. J We got back on the road again to head for Cambridge.
The town was magnificent, as was our tour guide, Mr. Macaulay (son-in-law of Francis Schaffer). He led us on a tour beginning in the Round Church. Each of the colleges we successively visited had its own unique background and famous alumni. Some were Puritan (Emmanuel and Sussex), while others were from wealthy benefactors or kings. The chapels contained ornate wood carving, statues, memorial plaques, and stained glass windows to honor God and the notable fellows of the colleges. Along with us on the tour were three German tourists, one of whom had been studying English at Cambridge. It was a sweet time of fellowship.
Mr. Macaulay often mentioned the “two cities”: the mindset and focus of one way as compared to the modern mindset and focus. The University used to be God-centered and –honoring, but with the Age of Reason came questioning and doubt. Men did all they could to use science to deny and explain away God even though brilliant and famous men before them had done otherwise (C.S. Lewis, Newton, Bacon, etc…).
We also were able to attend part of a service for a martyr, John Hullier. The Presbyterian church of the area was honoring him with a plaque to be placed on a tree where he had been burned at the stake. His testimony was amazing and singing a hymn on that grassy knoll was unforgettable.
Bicyclists flew by us as we enjoyed the River Cam. As the tour came to an end (already being wonderfully longer and more detailed than usual), our charming guide asked us to have tea with him. Mrs. Frisk and we all eagerly agreed and headed back to the Round Church. It was delicious! Mrs. Frisk also bought a book Mr. Macaulay suggested called “For the Glory of God.” He was a special resource- we were all impressed by the old university town and mourned the lack of spiritual fervor of its people.
Back on the bus, we traveled down the road to our next hostel. Finally, we could do some laundry. Next, we met up for a delicious dinner and devotions. After a rich and full day, each set of 2-3 in a room found rest enough to begin “Week 2.”
Mr. Sarr: "If you can find me a dog that poops ice cream, I'll take it!"
Me to Kim: "How you feel about sheets is how I feel about thongs." (HATE)
Angela: "I don't want anymore one-nighters!" (regarding hostel stays)
Labels: Cambridge, Canterbury, Dover, England
NatNannyNad at 11:01 AM