Today
was our first full day at Scargill House in the Yorkshire Dales, and the
weather has finally turned cooler. After a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and hash browns,
the group headed out via our minibus a few miles to the village of Hubberholme.
We hiked about a mile along the river to the where Strand Gill (a ravine) meets
the River Wharle. Starting at the bottom of the gill, we hiked up through the
narrow ravine, climbing rock formations along the way. It was a very strenuous
hike and even at some point used ropes to ascend rock walls of about 30 feet.
At the end of the gill, several of the group transverse through a small opening
to finish the climb. Afterwards we hiked through the sheep pastures back to a church
in Hubberholme which dates back to the 1200's for lunch in a dry location, as
it has rained heavily during the hike. Back at Scargill, we refreshed with
showers and dry clothes and had the afternoon for relaxation and reflection.
All the youth had time set aside to go to a quiet place somewhere in Scargill
House to be alone and reflect on the exchange so far and on this place
where we are now. As you can tell from this blog, this is really the first
opportunity we have had to stop and look back at everything we have done. After
tea (dinner) of honey mustard chicken, broccoli & green beans, rice, and
cherry sponge cake with custard for dessert, the group had the option of a
movie or karaoke with the other youth group that is also here.
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Mid-exchange
reflections by Cole Mattox & Cailin McCool:
I’ve
always wanted to come to England ever since my great grandma told me stories of
when she used to live here. I honestly never thought I would have been able to
come here until I was much older and could pay for this trip myself. It’s been
such a great opportunity and I’m so glad I’m here. I’ve been to amazing places
and seen things I’d never thought I would’ve got the chance to see. My favorite
being London and getting to see St. Paul’s Cathedral. Throughout the whole trip
I’ve felt god. I’ve felt him most however in the people I’ve met and the
lasting bonds I’ve developed with them. Especially when I worked with the
younger kids and I was one of the leaders. I felt like I was actually making a
difference in their lives and I knew this was all because of god. I also felt
god during the visit to the Cathedral I previously mentioned. It felt like god
was there guiding me up the steps to the top of it. I just felt a sense of
happiness the whole time I was there. Overall this week has been the best time
of my life and I can’t wait to see what else god has instore for me during the
rest of the trip. ~ Cole Mattox
The first stop on our adventure in England was London. As soon
as we arrived we felt the familiarity of other big cities in America. A boat
tour and a trip on the London Eye gave us a chance to see amazing views of the
city. Although we were all tired from traveling, I felt grateful to get to
London safely and experience how God brought us there. As well as our group from
Virginia, we met up with the kids from last year’s exchange to America. Even
though I didn’t personally know them before, I made friends quickly. Our last
two days we were able to walk around a bit more and shop before we moved on to
Buckingham palace and the natural history museum. Taking a train from London,
we came to Bradford where we’ve spent most of our time so far. The six of us
lived between two host families right next to the church. On Sunday we went to
two different services in the same church, one more traditional and one more
informal activity based service. The traditional service was very similar to
our own and made me feel connected with my church back in Nelson. We also went
to another church and had tea (dinner) with local members who talked to us and
made us feel right at home. Another experience in Bradford was visiting a
mosque, which none of us had done before. It was nice to see the community
making space for all religions and focusing on the similarities instead of
differences. God doesn’t judge anyone so neither should we. One of my favorite
parts of our trip so far was Whitby beach. Apparently we accidentally brought
the Virginia heat with us, keeping the temperature a steady 85 degrees and
sunny. The town beside the beach was absolutely beautiful too, a whole
different level from our American beach towns.
The next day we helped take a group of kids to Shibden Hall and
to get ice cream. Part of our mission work was working in a cafe run by Liam,
one of the youth workers with us. I had so much fun in the kitchen and just
getting the experience. After working we played USA vs UK games in the park
with another youth group, where I got more exercise than I ever have in my
entire life. Through our time in Bradford, I saw how the belief in God brought
people together who never would have met otherwise. A close, caring community
is obvious in Bradford, and that can be attributed to the church and the other
outreaching programs inspired by it. I can’t wait to see what comes next! ~
Cailin McCool
