Autumn Sundays

The damp, autumn weather of South London may have me chilled, but it seems to be warming my heart.

I love this season. I'm just so thankful that I arrived back in time from the Mediterranean to experience it for the first time in Britain.

The leaves that have fallen aren't the crunching kind, but they still give off that tired but contented glow. Walking through the little township of Horley I figured it was the best time to find a warm jacket.

Being strictly budgeted right now, I scoured several charity shops that line the town centers, brick lain square. I overheard the conversations of numerous white haired charity shop keepers who volunteer their time to keep the doors open. 'Ohhh hello love, how's Peter keeping?'

'Oh well ya'know he's still waiting for his new knee.'

After an afternoon of searching and eavesdropping I found it. It looks brand new. This grey, wool and nylon blend made for GAP by someone in India will be a good friend to me I'm sure. These next few weeks in Britain will certainly be chilly.

This morning was no exception. I was happy to bundle myself up for a walk to church.

My sister left during the dark hours of the early morning to catch her flight to Ireland. So I was feeling a bit restless. At that time I still had all day to wait for Brandon's arrival.

It's then that it occurred to me that it's Sunday and that it's been far too long since I sat in a pew at church.

Walking through the church yard with 200-year-old gravestones that were inching deeper into the earth with every passing year. These church sites are images straight out of a Jane Austen novel, that's where my imagination is taken to.

The church, St. Bartholomew stood in amongst the gravestones in a striking way. Its history was written into every inch of the building.

I pushed my way through the 10-foot double doors just as the bells of the bell tour began to ring. Looking up and to my right the bell choir were repeatedly tugging at the several ropes to create the chime.

I was embraced by the friendly smiles of strangers who before long felt more like good friends.

After a song filled and rather liberal hour long service I felt spiritually fulfilled and ready to carry on.

I strolled along the cemetery path with a bit more of a bounce to my step; feeling even more thankful for the friends, family and the love in my life.

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Brandon should be here in any minute and I'm buzzing with excitement.