Bits and Bobs
Here are some random notes, some "bits and bobs" (odds and ends) on our progress as we aim for E-Day (England Day) on September 5:
- We have been approved for a government student loan including a study grant, which should cover our basic financing for the year. While this will give us some financial challenges when we return and have to begin paying it off, at this point we are grateful that our basic financial needs for the year will be met.
- I (Michael) will be teaching a course on the Gospel of John at Birmingham Christian College, right close by our flat in Birmingham. This will be a tremendous opportunity to meet likeminded people and to teach in another country, and it will provide us with a little extra cash for our excursions and explorations.
- The biggest logistical challenge at this point is getting all five of us and our baggage from London Heathrow to our flat in Birmingham. We're exploring everything from taking a "coach" (a bus) to "hiring" (renting) a van, looking for the best balance of cost and convenience.
- Even though we're not fully moving, we may as well be! We have to prepare our house for renting, which means packing up and storing everything but the furniture and basic household items, and then cleaning the house, in addition to actually packing what we need for our move.
posted by Michael Pahl at
Monday, August 08, 2005
1 Comments:
Hi Mike & Larissa,
Thought I'd comment on your trip to England. I would rent a van from Heathrow to Birmingham. You will be experiencing jet lag, loss of sleep, and will not be used to driving on the left side of the roads. Plus, trying to read road signs in a different country can be a real challenge if you aren't used to their system. Taking a bus or train will be too hard on you and the family and in the end might be just as expensive as hiring a van with a driver. In France we had always taken the train and bus to Paris until we found out that there was a chauffeur service between Tours and Paris (220km.) Make sure you have enough "English Pounds" with you to buy a snack or meal along the way. If there isn't a chauffeur service you would do well to spend a night somewhere outside of London before going on to Birm. London is very expensive. I would take the least possible of items and plan on buying what you need there. You can always sell things when you leave, and being in a student atmosphere you should be able to find some real bargins. I'm sure Christians you will contact will be very helpful in giving you help and advice.
You seem to be on top of things, I'm really impressed with your planning. So please excuse me if what I said seems stupid. Oh! Actually, if possible, have someone meet you at the airport; the university might have some sort of reception committee that could send a driver to pick you up.
We are praying for you, rejoicing that things are working out for you. Thanks for keeping us posted. Ken
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