the best day ever...

Yesterday was the best day ever! I spent the whole day by myself. It was good for me. Most of you know how time doing things by yourself can be great. If you don't know, you should take a day and be by yourself. And don't just sit at home go walk around town, through a park, around a castle. Stop and experience life and all that God's done in your life.

I woke up. Spent time with my host family over a cup of coffee. Got dressed and headed to the bus stop to meet Robert and Josh. There was no Robert or Josh, so I sent them text messages. Then came the replies that I had misunderstood the plan. Since I was already up and dressed I decided I'd just go to City Centre and walk around. On my way to town I saw Josh. After talking for a bit he decided that he would go to library and possibly go on the tour of the castle with me after my LTG with Kellie. Onward I went. I love "people watching," and the best place to do that here is in City Centre.

I was going to go walk around on the grounds of Cardiff Castle, but on the way there I saw this park. It was right next to the castle and appeared to have at one time been a part of the castle grounds. I walked in, took a little path to the right, and just let my imagination run wild. I really love the renaissance era! So of course I was imagining being Lady Stella on her morning walk through the woods. After spending some time there Lady Stella decided to go check on things in the castle.

The city of Cardiff had its' 100th birthday yesterday. (I think Cardiff has been on this earth for a lot longer, but it was officially declared a city 100 years ago.) Because it was Cardiff's birthday to walk around the castle grounds was free. You only had to pay for the tour, which took you to places inside the main building that you're not allowed in otherwise.

When I entered the castle I can't tell you all the things that went through my mind. It was almost like the feeling of being home. (I'm such a sap!) I starting walking toward the Keep and noticed that a little faint rainbow was starting to form on the left side. By the time I took my camera out it was beautiful. There sat the keep, which as normal keeps go, sat up on a hill and encircling behind it was this beautiful rainbow. Can you see it? It was picture perfect. It felt like God was telling me, "Good morning and welcome to My kingdom." As soon as I get the film developed I'll put them on here. I spent two hours all together walking around the park and the castle. Me and God did some talking during those two hours.

Then it was time for LTG at Kellie's flat. She had cooked lunch (yea for me! something else free). We talked over lunch, and I really got slapped in the face with the fact that she's not going to be here next week. Her two years here are finished. I'm really going to miss her. We have really bonded in the seven weeks I've been here. I have to find another girl to have LTG with. I want to ask you all to pray for Kellie. Unless you've been on mission you may not fully understand what it's like to come home after, but you can still pray.
God, help Kellie not to become bitter with her home church. I know she's going to have a lot of things that are going to hit her all at once. I pray that You would give her the strength to deal with them. Ease her culture shock of being in the states again. Help her to find her rhythm quickly. I pray that she would turn to You during these times and keep You as the centre. Don't let her get swept away. Give her family understanding. Let them be willing to give her comfort when she needs it. I pray that they would be an encouragement to her and not a hindrance during this process. Keep her safe and near You always! Thank You for the time I got to spend with her. Thank You for using her in my life. I love You, Father! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

After LTG I talked to the guys and found that they were not coming, so I went back to the castle and took the tour. Since it was Cardiff's birthday everyone got special rates to take the tour. For students (like me) it was £4. Once inside the castle, I really fell in love. The last owners of the castle decorated most of the rooms with a mediaeval/renaissance flair. I was not allowed to take pictures inside, so if you want to know details ask me when I get back. Don't worry, I don't think I'll ever forget what those rooms looked like. After the tour I headed into the Centre to the bus station.

On my way to the station I got the urge to see a film. So off I went to see what was playing. When I got to thecinemaa it was 3:50pm. There was nothing showing at that time that I wanted to see. I decided to see a film called Nanny McPhee. It didn't start till 5pm so I walked down the street a bit and got a sandwich till time to be back. When I got in the theatre I was amazed at the seats we got to sit in. They were like seats taken out of someone's car (the backseat, cause they don't recline)! The film was pretty funny, I liked it! Emma Thompson starred in it and she also wrote the screenplay for the film. I was highly impressed to find that out. After the film I went by the ticket counter and bought three tickets to the 12:05am showing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!!! Here all the (car) seats are numbered/lettered like in a real theatre. And the lady at the counter told me that on the night of the HP film everyone will be shown to their seats. I can't wait!!

Anyway after all that I headed to GBC to see Robert and Josh. I met Josh on my way, he was headed back to his church for his weekly youth group. I got to the church and saw Robert, checked my email, and reviewed our plans for tomorrow (today). Then I headed home. I got home and Andy, Sharon, and I watched Hitched. Then I took my worn out self up the stairs and off to sleep. It was a great day! And now I've been blessed with today!

I love you guys! And I miss you all very much!
~Stella