Visit Every City

11th February 2026

Saffron Walden, a medieval town in Essex, is associated with the historic saffron trade in the UK. The Cross Keys Hotel dates back to the 16th (maybe even 15th) century and is associated with Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War. Legend has it that it was originally built around a large oak tree. I heard some of these details and forgot many more (and looked some up later) on the tour of Essex the day before. There is so much history that has been well preserved in this part of the world. So many details also lost to time. As an American everything old seems “very old” to me sometimes. And yet when compared to the history of the world even old things don’t seem that old. And compared to eternity…

“In the beginning…” This biblical phrase is used to describe the creation of the heavens and the earth. It is also used to make it clear that Jesus Christ, like His Father, have always existed together. The divine duo worked together to create all things that have been created. The things that mankind have created don’t go back that far. Just like our Father and Brother we are creative. The difference is we have been created to be creative, and the things we create will one day be gone. The only lasting things we could possibly take part in creating are our relationship with the God family, and the godly character which we only help create through the choices we make to follow the lead of God in our life.

Just a few thoughts that came to mind as I sit inside on a drizzly morning sipping my second macchiato, watching English school children walking to school, ladies in their winter jackets heading to the market, cars driving by carrying people on their way to work, reacquainting myself with various accents as I overhear stories from the next table over, music from the past playing in the background. It will soon be time for Len and Sandra to pick me up and take me to the nearby Audley End train station so I can catch the train to the London Liverpool Street station. I’m packed in such a way that, if needed, I can ditch my second suitcase and transfer everything over between my two backpacks. For some reason I wasn’t able to add a second suitcase for my flight. I’m probably overthinking things and it will work out just fine. At the same time my old suitcase has seen better days. I’ll update you later.

… 9:40am …

I decided I’d relaxed enough in the quiet of the room and I didn’t want Len and Sandra to have to wait on me longer than necessary so I grabbed my bags and headed down the narrow stairwell towards the lobby/entrance to the restaurant. I made sure and handed over my keys, then took a seat near the makeshift work desk where the lady who served me breakfast was sitting. We chatted a bit about how lovely the town is. I mentioned that I’m a pastor and that I live in NYC. She said, “You must enjoy your job.” I do. She also mentioned she’s always wanted to visit New York in the winter. Of course she’s imagining Rockefeller Square at Christmas time, not the frigid snow covered wasteland I imagine the city is currently. I checked my watch and she asked if I’d like another coffee. I said yes but like clockwork there were Len and Sandra at the door. I think the lady anyway and headed out, bags in hand.

The Parkers dropped me at Audley End station, just a few short miles drive from Saffron Walden. The large houses, fields, quaint neighborhoods and gardens all looked familiar from the day before but I definitely hadn’t seen the train station until this morning. We pulled into the parking lot, I said goodbye to Sandra, Len walked me into the station, and I waited at Platform 1 for the 10:17 train to London.

It’s still cool around here, cloudy and about 50°F. Still no sunshine. I’m glad I didn’t leave my coat in my suitcase. A few announcements came on the loudspeaker. Since this was supposed to be a direct train it would make minimal stops along the way and arrive into London in less than an hour. Each of the stations that could be accessed were announced. And then another announcement…the train would be three minutes late. It arrived almost exactly at the updated time. I boarded the train and we headed off. The trained went a while and then slowed down. We stopped just before reaching Bishop’s Stortford. A further delay announced due to signal issues. Another announcement…we pulled up to the next station (Bishop’s Stortford) and all got off the train. Now what? Will there be another train on the next platform that will still get us all to London in a timely manner?

I sent an update to Dave. Then waited for each successive announcement which I couldn’t really hear over the gaggle of girls nearby, all speaking in Spanish, some recording reels for social media, seemingly without a care in the world other than to enjoy the moment with their friends. Another announcement…there would be a train arriving in less than 10 minutes and should get us to London Liverpool Street at the top of the hour. The train arrived. The crowds were reminded to use every available door. Thankfully no one was pushy as we loaded up and headed off again. I’ll be praying for no more delays.

As the train moved along the countryside towards Londa, I noticed some of the canals that run through various parts of the area. These canals are often filled with narrow boats. There are some people who live on these boats almost full time, traveling from place to place throughout the country wherever the canals lead. While I’m not sure I could exactly live on a boat, I think there could be something very peaceful about quietly drifting through a calm waterway through peaceful towns and villages. I managed a quick video of my view from the train that included some of the canal boats we passed.

I did finally arrive into London, just about fifteen minutes late. Not too bad for all those delays. I found my way out and there was Dave just where he said he’d be. We headed to Mediterranean restaurant in the financial district of the City of London. We had a nice conversation about life, the family, the Church of God, the future of the world. The time passed quickly and soon Dave had to be back in the office for a meeting. But he did have time to show me around a little bit including walking through Leadenhall Market. I snapped a quick photo of the two of us (or rather I thought I did but it’s not in my camera roll), said goodbye, and headed off to find a coffee shop before jumping on the tube to the airport.

I made it to Heathrow airport in plenty of time to check my bags (I was able to check both bags easily), make it through security, walk around a while, grab a bite to eat, figure out where my gate was, and then board my flight home. While I wasn’t thrilled about sitting on a plane for another eight hours, I couldn’t complain much because my entire row of four seats was completely empty! The flight was uneventful and I landed sometime after 10pm into JFK. It was cold on the ground but not that cold. The temperature had risen above freezing, maybe just for my arrival.

This trip is over, but I’m already planning my next one. Some of my plans for future trips will hopefully involve youth camps, women’s weekends, visits to villages, and of course returning to see all of my brethren in Malawi and Zimbabwe. As always I appreciate your prayers for safe travels and guidance that only God can provide. I also appreciate those who read this blog. I hope it helps give a glimpse into the lives of our brethren in various places who we are connected with as God’s people all filled with His Holy Spirit.

-Lewis VanAusdle