Well we're back from the good ole US of A. And what a time we had! I have been to the states quite a bit, but never to the south and never to rural America.

So this was an experience.
We went to stay with Ham and Lizzie (some of life's good people). They live in the town of Sumter, South Carolina. Basically an hour and a half from places you would rather be. Ham is the assistant rector in the town's Episcopal church.

But we also travelled around, visited Charleston, went to a place called Myrtle Beach (imagine Blackpool on speed), to see Rob and Steph (he is the curate there). And we also went to Charlotte to visit Al and Nikki and the latest St Mary's church plant.

It was great, things I loved...

Being welcomed to America! As we went through customs the officer asked me what I do. 'I'm a minister of religioon, a pastor' I replied. 'God bless you sir, in the name of Jesus God bless you and welcome to America'. Now that is a welcome!

The fact that Hardees smallest burger appears to be a third of a pound!

The exchange rate. Nearly $2 to £1.

The people. America is a place where, for some, anything is possible and so everyone is welcome. So everywhere we went we were welcomed like longs lost family. Landing back at Gatwick and coming face to face with customs officials (you know the look, someone just slapped me with a wet kipper and now I have to deal with you!) was quite sad.

Country and Western. I now own The Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson!

Pick-up trucks. We know a Revd who even drives one!

Sun in the winter!!

BUT

America is, of course, not all good and there were some things that challenged me, saddened me etc. Another post on these to follow.