This weekend I got to do something I'd been wanting to do for a while--go hacking. Hacking, for those of you who aren't British, is the English equivalent of trail riding. It was really fun! I went with the whole family here, they went on a different ride that was slower and through the village. Caroline's one request had been that she could ride a white horse. Lo and behold, the stable girl produced a white pony for her. I was happy for her.
The lady in charge then asked me if I was an experienced rider; I said yes with some secret trepidation. (I have never had proper riding lessons, despite the fact that I ride alot. I don't know all the intricacies of English riding form, but I don't fall off very often). She then cheerfully led me over to an ENOURMOUS 17.2 hand gelding (his back was level with the top of an average doorframe) and indicated towards mounting block a few feet away. The horse was lovely and very well trained, and I didn't fall off or get too many funny looks from the guide. We rode through the village and the fields for about an hour, trotting and cantering every once in a while. I have been missing my horse, and it was nice to get to be around horses again. The girls are talking about wanting riding lessons now.
Today marks the one month point till I fly home! I am really looking forward to it, despite the fact that I love the people here. The one thing about travelling around and making friends all over the world is that no matter where you go you miss someone. Heaven will be wonderful.

Last night I went with the Hamiltons to the Guy Fawkes (hope I spelled that unfortunate individual's name right) celebrations. Guy was a guy who tried to blow up the houses of Parliament in 1604 (around then, anyway): he was caught, hung, drawn and quartered and dragged though the streets. The British have celebrated the day for over 400 years now. Huh. Kind of bloodthirsty.
We had a very fun time. We went for pizza and then walked to Midsummer common. The fireworks were lovely, and Mr. Hamilton bought Sarah and I ice cream cones while we watched. Later I had a good talk with Ian and Joan about how God guides us, the Sovereignty of God, and obedience. A good quote from Augustine via Ian: "Love God and do what you like." If we love God, our chief goal is to please Him. Our likes will reflect our goal.
Tonight I am going to a formal hall at Sydney College with someone from church. I am really looking forward to it!