One day in Peterborough...

So ever since Mike and I came back from Asia we decided that we would take every last Saturday (or Sunday) of the month and go off on a one day retreat to meet with the Lord.

Today was our first trip out into the 'ends of the earth', the unknown, the 'far, far away' - of Peterborough.

Initially we wanted to leave in the morning but ended up having doc appointments to go to. Afterwards, we met up with my parents, Pat and Josh for lunch at our favorite Coconut Island. Then, having our bellies full of Malay/Singapore scrumptious goodness, the two of us were headed into Peterborough.

I love leaving the city sometimes. The drive is always so serene and beautiful. It's nice to look out and see nothing but rolling hills, large fields, farm animals and the changing colors of the leaves in the forests. Getting away from the city lights always seem to put me more in the 'focus and think' mentality. It's nice.

We listened to Switchfoot and talked about everything under the sun until we reached his family friend's house (very cottage like). Mike had to run some errands with his family's boat i.e. putting concrete blocks under it so that the tires wouldn't deflate in the winter time. Meanwhile, I was in the house getting acquainted with Auntie.

This older couple owns this beautiful house in the middle of 'far, far away' land as their place of retirement and retreat. It's rather large for just two people which is why they open their home to many churches and people looking for personal retreat. They're a really sweet couple :) After giving me some background info on their lives, she asked me how Mike and I met and how long we've been dating. Then she asks me the 'M' question!! Goodness... hahah We got a good laugh outta that one afterwards!

Once we were done with the errands we drove to Lake Seymour and found the most perfect spot to park. We crossed this small bridge and found this dead end with one bench looking out into the lake. Perfect for an afternoon/evening of quiet time.

At this point, the temperature had dropped quite a bit and it was slightly drizzling so I decided to stay in the car (which was parked right in front of the lake!) Great view AND warmth! There's not much else I need in this world! :) Mike stayed outside closer to the water and on the bench.



It was nice to be away to seek the Lord, read His Word and sing His praises. I read through 2 Kings and parts of 2 Corinthians. Listened to Hillsong's 'Inside Out' and Starfield's 'Shipwreck'. Although each aspect are not related in the most obvious of ways - He always has a way of meeting me in the random.

As the sky turned dark we met up again and drove off looking for a place to eat. We drove up to this really nice restaurant called 'Rolands: Fine Dining'. No room - there was a wedding. We kept driving and found this really quaint historical mansion called 'Burnham: Family Restaurant'. No room - there was a wedding. We drove on to find 'Congratulations Sally and Ben' signs everywhere! It seemed like everyone was getting hitched today in Peterborough!

We finally found another nice family restaurant and settled. Thankful for warmth and the smell of food we ordered quickly. Not the healthiest choices...but man, no regrets! The food was awesome :) Roast beef sandwich smothered with gravy, mash potatoes and carrots. Fried and battered cod with chips and the best coleslaw I've had in a while. Yummmm!

*Tangent*

When we walked into the restaurant, every eye looked up. It's not every day you see a young Asian couple walk into a highly populated Caucasian town. It felt a bit odd. I guess it's been a while since I've felt the 'minority' title. Everyone was very friendly. But just the slight awkwardness of it all reminded me of something I heard at CCOWE, Macau.

Phillip Jensen (amazing Bible teacher from Aussie) pleaded with us in the English Track to see the Chinese pastors and leaders go into cross-cultural missions back to the Western world. He spoke of the popularity of seeing non-Asian pastors serving in Asian churches but the rarity of the opposite. He implored and challenged us to step out of our comfort zones in ministering just to Asians and to reach out to minister back to the people who first brought the Gospel to us, the Chinese.

"Wouldn't it be grand to see a Chinese senior pastor of a Caucasian church?!" he exclaimed.


*End Tangent*

In any case - after a long day of driving around, I was looking forward going back into the city. I'm a city girl on most days - I definitely can't live without the big lights and buildings. But I also crave and need the serenity of the countryside from time to time.

I'm definitely looking forward to our next day retreat to another small city or town.