12C in heavy fog. Damp and dreary out there.
Finished setting up the greens for the haggis then back to bowl after lunch. Full greens with 64 bowlers. We were well represented with Erika as a member and Tucker filling in at the last moment as a spare. Great dinner and a meaningful lowering of the flags at sunset to the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace. The spontaneous singing of O Canada as the pipes ended as we folded the flags added to the event. Home by 9:00.

When he got back to their rooms, he simply said, “We shall rest today and tomorrow and then you and I m’dear shall visit the director of services at nine the next morning. The children can stay here on their own.”

  The next day the family rested and explored the streets near the Inn and the following morning as they were finishing their breakfast, the bellman rapped on their door and informed them that a car and Chauffer were waiting at the curb.

 

  The children were given instructions, the two parents went down to the lobby, out to the curb and some fifteen minutes later they arrived at a squat red-brick building which by an ornate sign over the front entrance was identified as the Church of England, London Diocese Headquarters.

  They were ushered straight into the Bishop’s office and were greeted warmly by the Bishop.  “I am sorry Doctor Pearce and Mrs. Pearce for the problems with your travels and the delay in receiving your advance; these things do happen and unfortunately I had assumed until two days ago that everything was in order. Frightfully sorry.” He smiled affably then quickly offered them a cup of tea.

  When tea had been served and they settled in their chairs, the Bishop went on, “I have your reports of your experience in China and the subsequent years on the Canadian frontier, but perhaps you could relate it for me in your own words.”

  Doctor Pearce cleared his throat and said, “It is quite a long story but I shall condense it and with your permission dwell more on the last two months on which there has no report.” Without waiting for a reply he quickly summarized their escape from China, their trip back to England then on to British Columbia and their years at Pender Harbour. Then in more detail he related the events of their present journey.

  The bishop listened closely and when the Doctor finished he stared off into space for a few moments, then nodding to himself he said, “Doctor I would like you to expand on the adventure in its entirety and be prepared to relate it to a group of our people Sunday next after services. It’s an incredible story and I believe it must be shared and perhaps if an understanding of what missionary service can entail it will benefit the other missions that we have out there.” He waved his arm in a large circle.