Good food and goodbyes



Dave (pastor and chef)

Today was bittersweet for the Royal Docks team.  We made our last journey to the west end of London to spend the afternoon with our new friends at Britannia Village.  We gathered at Dave and Sally’s home and then walked down to the green, carrying folding chairs, food, drinks, and a ball and bat.  Soon the air was filled with the smell of a charcoal fire, and the crowd began to gather.

Children and adults joined in a game of rounders, which is similar to baseball.  Others sat in the shade and talked.  We met two new friends: Hector, who is from Colombia, and Freddy, who is from Honduras.  They work on a cruise ship that is being used for housing for people working at the Olympic venues.

Alan Jarrett with Hector (left) and Freddy (right).

Evening worship was at 6:30, and most of the people who attended the barbeque stayed for the service.  A few of us helped with a children’s activity while the adults had a Bible study time.  The childen were sad we were leaving and asked us to come back. As they hugged us goodby, some also stated their intentions of visiting us in the U.S. 

At the end of the service it was time to say goodbye to the adults as well, and we exchanged promises to pray for each other. 

Tomorrow we go our separate ways with lots of great memories and a lengthy prayer list.  Perhaps some of us will return to Royal Docks.  We will certainly keep track of what is happening with Dave and Sally and their ministry.  And we will never forget the time we spent with them.