Due to our car breaking down on the first day of school, I bused the kids for a week or so. I'd walk home then back to collect them (about 40
minutes each way, with Danny in a borrowed umbrella stroller, not great on cobbly streets 🤨) but the silver lining, besides forced exercise, was finding different routes back each time. The charming restaurants, neighborhoods, gardens, parks, playgrounds and
churches I've discovered have been delightful and food for the soul.
(And despite its reputation, the English weather hasn't been a bother. I'd
heard the Cotswold had a tad more sunshine, so we've enjoyed that, but
even the light drizzle on overcast days has been refreshing.)
I must document some striking little miracles that occurred during that time though. It was a rough week. Lots of emotions from both bigs & littles - the nerves and newness and early rising of the first day, then anger at me for being late to pick up (a short but gridlocked drive between the prep and senior school)...so the second our car sputtered and jolted to a stop, about a mile from home I thought "Honestly, NOW? Really??" But then, before the murmuring could start, I recognized Miracle #1:
1. So, our car broke down, but immediately I was overwhelmed with the thought that "It could have been SO MUCH WORSE." Cars break, happens to all of us. But we had barely turned off a major road onto a one way street, rolling just past the driveway of a friendly man who was literally just returning home. He was able to help me troubleshoot and confirm that yes, this was indeed a serious malfunction, and helped us grab our gear and kids quickly when it started filling up with smoke. Then he and his teenage son helped us push it to the side, and even offered me and the littles a lift home while the bigs walked. Sure, Dad was temporarily unreachable at the three numbers I had for him, and a child or two was grumpy/mortified to be walking home in their uniforms, but no one was hurt! We weren't in a roundabout, or a village an hour away. It was rush hour but we were going slowly so, no one ran into us. And Mr. Good Samaritan was already on the scene! We were so seriously blessed. And I'm so proud to say that most of the children were quite helpful. To complete the story, Darren was able to use our U.S. insurance to tow the vehicle and despite a 6 wk prognosis, they were able to find a used part and fix it in ONE. Prayers answered. (Addendum: it worked for ONE day, but it was Moving day into the new house, literally breaking down at the bottom of the driveway after a bunch of round trips, errands and collecting kids from school - with our friendly neighbor towing us up the rest of the way within an hour! Again, could’ve been so much worse, packed to the brim in a busy roundabout or something...miracle. Took another month to get it working again, but understanding work friends allowed us to borrow their cars in the meantime. So grateful.)
2. On my walk home the next day, pondering our circumstance and feeling quite lonely and unmoored, I wandered off where my map was pointing and found ourselves at a cool fountain Danny started playing at. Remarking at the beautifully peaceful setting, I popped my head in to ask “What is this place?” Lo and behold, it’s Maggies, a Cancer Support Center for patients and carers of those affected in any way by cancer. A volunteer told me later they all got goosebumps as I broke down right in the doorway explaining to the director that I’d just lost my second parent to cancer before our recent move here. I was totally overwhelmed at the tender mercy it was to wander upon such a place of loving support at the very point I needed it most. It literally reminded me of The Huntsman Cancer Center where my parents were treated for so many years. The artwork, zen vibe, kindness, enrichment activities, services and counseling have been an emotional oasis for me as I’ve realized I really haven’t processed my mother’s death yet, with the estate pressures and big move right on its heels. Being alone in a foreign country with none of your belongings, friends or family to buffer you, (and the first time in 16 years you’ve had all the kids in school a couple days a week) will bring up a lot of stuff! I feel I was guided there. As if mom and dad were watching over me and lovingly meeting a need I didn’t know I had.
3. Also that week, I stopped a lady walking by to ask which direction something was and noted her American accent. Sarah, a lovely minister from Idaho, became an instant friend over coffee/cocoa and even prayed for me right there in the car park after I’d divulged some of our struggles. My best friend in high school was a Sarah, as was my best friend in Australia, so the irony wasn’t lost on me that I’d found another friend with the name right during one of my loneliest weeks.
4. Two days later, I was an idiot and left my phone behind on the chair of a cafe. I’d had a lovely chat with the owner saying how much I’d appreciated the food and ambiance, and when I turned around in distress five minutes down the road, I saw him running across the green after me. Left his shop completely, no one manning the register, to come searching after me. Such goodhearted honesty.
5. That evening, as I jogged back to the school in the rain, I tried a shortcut but missed a bridge and didn't have reception so wasn't sure how to get there for the parent meeting I was to attend. I hadn't seen a soul (due to the rain) but then a head popped up over a back fence and I queried the man. Crazily enough, he had an American accent, and I learned he was the actual American liaison faculty member at the kids' school. There, out in the rain while dumping his cat litter, we chatted for 10 minutes, answering some questions I'd had about the school system before directing me back on the path to school. The perfect person in place, right at my point of need. Seeing a pattern? I could not believe my repeated good fortune and was beginning to feel very humbled.
6. Another day that week, Danny was acting up as he was sick and tired of being wheeled so many miles back and forth between school and home each day...I saw an old church with the door open. I popped in just for a peek and Danny discovered a Thomas the Tank Engine train table in the corner, where he happily played for over thirty minutes (we have only the toys I brought on the plane so this was a real treat!) while I had tea and cake with the volunteers who were giving tours of the church as a community outreach. Little tender mercy for this tired mama that day.
None of these were change-your-life miracles, but each one was balm to my soul. And such a series in just one week - I could not help but acknowledge a higher power at work. It is my testimony that God works to bless us with little miracles, especially at our low times, whether we choose to see them or not. And something about these left me with the distinct feeling of comfort and watchcare from my deceased parents, who I'm confident are smiling down on the hard, brave life choices we are adjusting to at the moment. Feeling very blessed to feel their presence in this way rather than disappointment at knowing they aren't able to come visit or share in our new adventures personally this time.
The short drive into the countryside is just a delight with rolling green hills, grazing sheep, wooden/stone fences and thatched roof cottages. The Cotswolds are living up to their reputation so far. Truly remarkable beauty all around. There really are picture postcard scenes tucked away in each unique village we happen upon.
