Farewell Farnborough - on to Courtenay

Today we leave Farnborough for The Abbey in Sutton Courtenay, about an hour's train ride west. Again, I am unsure of internet availability so do not worry if the blog goes quiet for a few days.

The time here has been peaceful; the hospitality has been completely undemanding and genuine. The pub at the bottom of the hill (Ham & Blackbird) has wonderful fish and chips. I am very glad this monastery time was part of the sabbatical.

Things I have learned in Farnborough:
1) English weather can be spectacular.
2) The offering of real hospitality is not to be under-estimated in its power.
3) Monks are amazing... 8 services a day, EVERY day, in Latin, starting at 3:30 a.m.!
4) High, repetitive liturgy has its own peace to offer; God inhabits all sorts of praises.
5) Chickens are not high on the IQ scale.
6) Cows are your friends only if it is convenient.
7) Check if your electric toothbrush will handle 220V BEFORE you plug it in.
8) Grief travels unhindered across times zones and borders.

In case you couldn't tell, here is a description of today's pictures. On the left side:
--Farnborough Abbey... the brick part is the oldest (1880).
--A pastor needs a flock, right?
--Father Abbott leading a tour of the buildings.

On the right side:
--The South Lodge (our place) as viewed from the Abbey.
--Free WiFi at Costa Coffee... a big help!
--The dirt road leading to our gate.
Onward.