A trip to see the queen and get a prize!!

Well how would have thought it. We got an invite to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on the 18th July! It was a bit of surprise and we were not too sure if we could make it, because it clashed with Nathan's school leaving and prize giving service. However, we were assured that it would be OK to leave the party early and so we could do both!

But what about hats??
Caroline needed one and so we went trawling through Bluewater shopping mall - they must have hats!! Having dismissed the hats that cost a small fortune we eventually found one in "Tie Rack" of all places. This centre dedicated to the needs of the consumer was almost bereft of hats suitable for the occasion.

The next person to worry about was myself. Do I wear a hat? (which meant either uniform or morning suit with top hat) Both seemed ridiculous, but I had a uniform so I decided to go for it!!.

We drove to the palace on a scorching hot day, parked the car on The Mall. We joined the back of the queue of guests at the front of the palace only to be told by a police officer that those in uniform did not queue and so we were escorted to the front! (the power of the grey uniform struck again!).

The garden was more like a park! And having had tea, cake and sandwiches we went for a stroll. For the first time I fitted in wearing a uniform! There were loads of men wearing a vast array of uniforms! Brass bands were playing and Caroline saw the Queen!!. We left the party early, through the front of the palace. It felt weird being on the other side of the railings, but hey!! As you can see from the photograph, Caroline is looking good (shame about the dodgy geezer next to her!)

We managed to get to see Nathan get the music prize at school . It felt strange knowing that he would be leaving this school community which has helped and supported him to become the amazing boy that he is. Going to secondary school will be a big step as he makes his own way there on two buses, we have to trust others to look after our lovely boy. But we have trust in him and in our God who we know travels with all of us.

Caroline
Caroline continues to put on weight, which is great and she is well on the road to feeling more human. Please pray that she will continue to do so, especially when we are on Holiday, where we are dependent on others cooking for her.

Nathan
Nathan is away at Scripture Camp in the Quantock Hills in Somerset. Please pray for all the young people and staff at the camp. That they will all be safe, have fun, good weather and discover more about the love of God.

Bethany
Bethany is at home with us and we are trying to make this as exciting as possible for her. She also won a prize at school for Challenging yourself and striving for excellence every day. She is hoping to spend her prize soon!

Ray
God is continuing to call more people into the ministry of Church Army and today two more applications came in. I am trying to arrange 2 placements for volunteers, please pray that all would go smoothly.

We are so grateful for your prayers and support. We still feel the cool breeze of God blowing gently on our lives, refreshing and sustaining us.

We are deeply troubled at what is happening in the middle east and especially for the disproportionate numbers of children and women whose lives are being torn apart by the ugly stench of war. Please pray for the people and nation of Lebanon; for peace and justice for all in that troubled region. Our desire is that they would know the security and peace that our family has here in the UK.