"Welcome To L'Abri"

It is so hard to post here because I'm journaling all the time so when I post its like 2ish days old almost but oh well. At some point I'll have to let go of the promise to Joanie to write about every detail and skip a few days. This one should be full of funny scenarios for all though.
To say that L'Abri is idyllic is an extreme understatement. I got off the train to Liss and walked into a storybook of a land. HA! The walk though- something all on its' own. Two bags worth of 2 months stuff up and down grassy paths, rocky hills, and broken stone roads. I passed small pubs with people sitting outside and beautiful gardens covering truly every home I passed. After the first mile and a half I began to feel the pain of the bruises that later developed on my hip bones and back from my bag and truly didn't think I could make it any longer. Almost immediately after that a man and woman got out of their car and offered me a ride for the next 1 and a 1/2. I WAS SO GRATEFUL! On the ride there they told me of how they actually met at L'Abri (her from Canada and him from here) and are now married and a month away from their first child. Quite the story book ending indeed...
So I get out of their car at the entrance to the "Manor Propterties" and walk under an arched brick walkway into the most amazing land ever. Acres of hills, lush gardens, and small cottages surround the actual manor house itself. I took a huge breath in my astonishment, thanked the couple and began walking p the path to the side door. Hanging on the huge entry was a wooden sign with the words "Welcome to L'Abri, walk on it" carved into it. I opened the door to an extremely large house with more nooks and crannies than any of my nephews could ever get bored with.
After several calls of "Hello" a girl with a shaved head came bouncing down the stairs to welcome me. Eventually I was led by a "helper" to my living quarters -'The Sunken Room'. It is found after a long climb of stairs, through a stained glass corridor, and after opening mybe the heaviest door known to man. Inside are two sets of bunk beds and three other twins with huge windows draping the opposite wall ooking out onto the gardens. There are quaint dressers, armoires, and unique lamps next to each bed.
After setting down my things I was given my spper in the kitchen at an old long farm table and then walked around the house itself and outside. There are roomes filled from floor to ceiling with books- beautiful ones with worn leather covers, ripped pages, and a musty library smell. Comfortable couches, armchairs, round tables, and rocking chairs litter all the rooms. Mismatched silverware, mugs, plates and bowls dress the walls and hutches of the kitchen and after walking around for about 30 minutes I still had not seen all the rooms.
I've met people from Sweden, Belgium, The NEtherlands, South AFrica, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Scotland, Ireland, Korea, and all over the US- California, NY, Seattle, Montana, and two from TENNESSEE!! Again- I've yet to meet everyone. One of my roommates is from Scotland and her name is Joanie. It immediately made me feel the warmth of home and we have since developed a great friendship!