Visit from Gianna Jessen

Yesterday, we were delighted when Aiden Mackey (G. K. Chesteron scholar) brought over a friend who was entertaining Gianna Jessen.  We learned about Gianna years ago and were very honoured to have her with us.  She has been befriended by the lady on the left of the picture, Amanda, who was here with her four-year-old daughter, Grace.  Sweet little girl.  Amanda works diligently for pro-life concerns here in Oxford.  You never know who's going to show up.

To learn more about Gianna, you can watch her testimony below.

Another letter for Professor Lewis

A great C. S. Lewis trip

A couple of weeks ago, we had C. S. Lewis scholar Will Vaus to visit with us for a few days.  He had with him Russ Head from Thomaston, GA.  Russ is the owner of The Travel Connection.  He and Will were touring the UK for the purpose of putting together a tour about C. S. Lewis that would include both Ireland and England as well.  We spent a good bit of time talking to Russ about this and some of his other tours, and I'm certain that his tour (which should be next year, I believe) will be one of the best C. S Lewis tours anyone could go on.  If you think you may be interested, you can contact Russ at www.russhead.com. 

Lots of visitors

We've really been having the visitors lately.  We had a couple from the States to visit for a few days; she was here to visit a Rhodes scholar from her school and he was here to take pictures - in Morocco!  We had Archbishop Foley Beach of ACNA and two other bishops to visit for a day.  I put the Archbishop up in Lewis' room!  We've had more tours, of course.  There are more people walking around just looking at the house.  Sometimes they peer in the window!  Amazing.

We also had the Buntings from our home church in Chattanooga visit for a few days.  Neither of us had ever been to Stratford and, since it's only an hour away, we went up to visit Shakespeare country.

We got a new scholar-in-residence today named Jacob.  Sadly, our Italian, Maria, will be leaving tomorrow.

Needless to say, we're a bit tired, but thankful.  We have two tours tomorrow, but thankfully our tour-guide, Myriam, will take care of them.  The one in the afternoon is some officers from the Salvation Army! 

Sheila and the Buntings at Shakespeare's birthplace.

Sheila and the Buntings in John Shakespeare's leather shop, inside his house.

Current Budget Shortfalls

Hey, Folks.  A few months ago, we told you that, based on how our monthly giving had been going, we were on average $400 short of our budget each month.  A few more months have passed and they have been lean.  Our current monthly shortfall is $719.  We really need some help!  If you can help us financially, please see the bar at the right.  Thank you so much!

I got through it

Well, Trinity term has finally wound around and I was able to address the Oxford C. S. Lewis Society. I spoke on "Debriefing Letters to Malcolm." The thing was recorded; perhaps I can get a copy of you want one. The Society meets in Pusey House. Afterwards we went to Compline and had hot chocolate and conversation after that. Up past our bedtime last night! :-)

Our Weekend Retreat

Well, we've still got some people hanging around here somewhere, but the retreat is now officially over.  We had 15 folks attend last night, 7 stayed over and we had a total of 10 today.  Seems like everyone had a good time.  We had lots of good things to talk about in Letters to Malcolm, and, of course, everyone was really excited about being able to study a Lewis book in Lewis' house!

I kept meaning to get more pictures, but it didn't happen.  I should have delegated that.  When we walked down to the Six Bells for lunch, I did get this shot, at least.

Sheila just counted up everything and said the retreat came in short 5 pence!  :-)  Ha!

The Glennies just showed up for tea - I've got to run.  More later.