Parsha Beshalach

Last night, my family led services once again. I decided to record the Torah portion live.

General Overview: The Children of Israel depart Egypt. Pharoh's heart is hardened and he decides to lay chase to Moses and his people. The Israelites are trapped between Pharoh's army and the sea, so G-d tells Moses to raise his staff over the water and the sea splits. The Israelites cross to safety and sing praises of gratitude (Mi Chamocha). The Jewish people move on towards Sinai, where they will receive the Torah. The people soon begin to complain about thirst and hunger. In anger, Moses strikes the rock to receive water. Manna and quail fall from heaven. The Jewish people are attacked from the back by the Amalekites, who are defeated by Moses' prayers and the army that Joshua assembles.

Below is the d'var Torah, I gave:

Parshah Vayishlach

Tonight, Joshua and I led services at synagogue.  It was a really nice evening and we were so happy to those that came out and joined us. Below is my D'Var Torah, which I really enjoyed putting together. Special thanks to my mother, for telling me about the final (and incredibly true) story I used in my sermon.

General Overview: In this week's Torah portion, G-d instructs Jacob and his family to return to Canaan. Jacob is fearful of meeting up with his brother Esau, as it has been 20 years since they last met (when Jacob tricked Isaac into giving him the first-born son's blessing - meant for his brother). Jacob wrestles with an angel, and his name is changed to Israel. Jacob's daughter Dinah is abducted by the prince of Shechem. Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi destroy the city of Shechem and liberate their sister. Rachel dies while giving birth to Benjamin, her second son with Jacob. Isaac dies and is buried by Jacob and Esau.

To hear my D'var Torah, click the Play button below.

Day 23: Troop Was On the Telly

Last night, KSL, a TV station in Salt Lake City, ran two news stories about the scouts being in England.  It was very exciting for us all.  Apparently the reporter, Alex Cabrero, was on assignment in London covering the Olympics.  He decided to do a story about the troop, which required taking the train from London to Ashford and then back again.

Here is the complete story:

American Boy Scouts in England
August 3, 2012
By Alex Cabrero

LONDON — One thing that a lot of people don't know about England is that it is the birthplace of the Boy Scouts, and one troop from Logan, Utah came here to see some of the sites of England.

The scouts got to see the sights, sounds and play some of the games. While in London the Boy Scouts of America were hosted by counterparts from Great Brittain, and had the chance to spend time together.

They played a sport that each team was familiar with. The American Boy Scouts did well playing football but their British counterparts got revenge playing cricket.

Ryan Martin is one of 11 Boy Scouts from Logan who visited Europe, stayed with host families, and spent time with Boy Scouts in England, but wasn't a big fan of cricket.

"Not the greatest," Martin said. "It's much different than baseball."

The trip was to show them different cultures and different ways of doing things.

"This is a life changing event," said Tom Hogan, who is Scoutmaster of Troop 1. "This is one of those things that they get off the ranch and discover that the world is really just that big."

Of course, they did more than play sports. They saw the Olympic Torch as it went through London.

"So cool," Hogan said. "It's just… no words to describe it. It's the Olympics. Been around since forever."

The trip also included a visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Stonehenge in England, and Normandy, France.

"Not a lot of people get to be here in real life and get to see it live," Hogan said. "It's like, wow, I get to see this and I'll probably never be here again."

Unless he comes in 3 years. You see, this trip is a tradition for these two troops. They've been visiting each other for almost 20 years.

"We learned a different type of English over in Utah, which was good fun," said David Breeching, a scout leader for the Ashford District in England. "And just the size of the place. Around here it's really flat. We love the mountains and love the fresh air. We didn't life the grizzly bears quite so much, or the bugs. The bugs were bigger as well."

Bugs and bears in Utah is all part of getting to know each other.

"We're in England." Hogan said. "I mean how many troops get to go to England?"

Next year the troop from England will head over to Logan to enjoy some of the sites of Utah. Then there is a year off, and three years from now the troop from Logan will be here in England.
 

Alex Cabrero has been reporting for KSL TV-5 since 2004. During his time in Salt Lake City, he has covered several high-profile stories, including the St. George floods, the Crandall Canyon mine collapse, and the Trolley Square shootings.

Day 22.5: Back Home

In the wee small hours of the night/early morning, the boys arrived home.  We met up with the group at the Park and Ride, around 1:00 am.  Devon and I were just thrilled to see Joshua and David.  A big thank you to Pam & Tracy for meeting them at the airport and bringing them back to Logan.

While the boys were dead tired from the very long journey (complete with a 6 hour stop-over in Houston) they were excited to be back home.  Arriving home, they dogs saw them and went ballistic.  Max and Coco both cried like the nutty and insane dogs they are.

Once we got in the door, the suitcases got plunked on the living room floor and they started showing us all their cool souveniers.  Joshua bought lots of great momentos and even a little something for me.  A tea light that says "Gillian".  That is something that could ONLY be found in England.  So pleased that he got that for me.

David came home with the largest bar of chocolate I have ever seen.   It's going to take him a month to eat it.  He said that he will go through his bags and show us his souveneirs today.

By 2:30 am, Devon and I were exhausted.  Both Joshua and David declared that they were too awake to go to bed.  We insisted they at least give it a try... even if it meant just laying down for a few hours in their room with a book to read.  I think that once they crawled into their beds... they were fine.

Joshua has already surfaced and is on his computer.  No surprise there.  But he at least came down and said "Good Morning" before disappearing for the day.  David is still asleep.  I am not planning to wake him any time soon.

All in all... it looks like they had a great trip.  They said that the people were great, they loved their host families, British scouts and leaders, and all the interesting people they met on their trip.  However, at the end of the day, is so nice to come home!

David holding what he loves & Joshua holding what he loves!

Day 22: On the Way Home

The scouts were up early, meeting at the Tesco at 6:00 am, to begin the long way home.  With the 1.5 journey to Heathrow and fears of traffic congestion due to the Olympics... they needed such an early start for the 11:40 am flight.

Expected time to arrive tonight at the Salt Lake City airport is 10:55 pm.  Then there is the 1.5 hour trek up to Logan.  Long drive on both ends.  Bummer.  We are figuring they won't be back in their own homes until about 1:30 am.  I think they are going to be exhausted and want to sleep for a week!

But, knowing Joshua, he'll doze for a few hours and be on his computer by time I wake up tomorrow.

Parting words from the UK Leaders:

David Beeching

11 sleepy scouts and their leaders safely deposited at Heathrow. Have a good journey home. Massive thanks to all those who made this years exchange such a great experience. Hope to see many of you next year for the return leg :)

Mark Silvester

Just left Ashford on a damp morning to start the long journey home, have a safe journey!

Now at terminal 4, thank you for coming, you'll be missed. Thanks for coming! :)

Last shot before hopping in the van to go to Heathrow.  They are all wearing special Olympic Scout Neckerchiefs.

 

With UK Leaders - David Beeching & Mark Silvester.

One last shot.  Cameron's mother wished he'd have taken off those sunglasses!

Day 21: Last Host Day & Leaving Party

Today was the last day that the group got to spend with their host families.  Everyone did different things.  Alison took Josh, Matt, and her kids to the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.  She said it made for a very busy day and they arrived at the Leaving party at 5:00 pm on the dot!

At the end of the day, everyone got together for the "Leaving Party" which was followed by a game of American football and then Cricket.  Apparently, Joshua and David have a knack for Cricket... must be in their genes.

It will be hard for everyone to say good bye.  The group is scheduled to meet at 6:00 am to head to the airport.

Tom:

Brilliant leaving party, thanks all! Alex Cabrea was a great addition. This program always makes me so emotional. I showed it a bit tonight, I'm just so pleased with you all!

On the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

On the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Snoozing.....it's been a busy 3 weeks :)

On the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Tom handing out Troop 1 neckerchiefs to all the British scouts.

Farewell speeches.

Must be football because Cameron is telling everyone what to do.

Boys all playing a good game of American Football.

Day 20: Leeds Castle & Go Ape

After the night on the HMS Caviler the group went on to Leeds Castle & the Go Ape Exhibit.  From what I can tell, the Go Ape was a zipline thingee in the forest.  But I haven't seen any photos from that.

Three successful monkeys having completed the Go Ape course in the grounds of Leeds Castle.

Garrett bowling the ball to DB, David ready deep in the field

Sometime, before leaving Chatham, it looks like Mark Silvester took the boys to see the War Memorial that commemorates Joshua & David's Great Great Grandfather - Able Seaman Robert Grist.  I was so glad that the boys got to visit a bit of their family heritage.
 Here was my request to have someone take the boys to see it: 

A British "heritage request" from an American mum. If the group's travel itinerary takes you to the Chatham Dockyards, would someone please help my boys (David & Joshua Whitney) to see the World War I Memorial. Their great great grandfather (Robert George Grist) went down with his ship - H.M.S. Aboukir - when it was sunk there by a German U-Boat in 1914. I have heard the memorial "overlooks the town of Chatham and is approached by a steep path from the Town Hall".

The "Chatham Naval Memorial" overlooks the town of Chatham in Kent England. It was unveiled by the Prince of Wales in April 1924. The memorial is said to contain the names of over 8,500 sailors. On September 22, 1914 - a German sub sunk 3 British ships. Josh & David's great great grandfather was on one of those ships... the H.M.S. Aboukir.

Joshua & David in front of the Chatham Naval Memorial.

David pointing out Robert Grist's name.

Day 19: Chatham Dockyards & HMS Caviler

Today was spent at the Chatham Dockyards, where the group had lots of tours and got to spend the night on a battleship.

Randy Martin

As all have probably guessed, internet access was limited the last couple of days. Monday morning we we headed over to Chatham Dockyards (where they've been building ships since the early 1600's) - we toured around there all day - seeing an old sailing warship, a diesel submarine, a museum of old Coast Guard rescue boats, a musuem describing the old sailing ship construction techniques, a ropery (John and Matt got to help make some rope the old fashioned way), and then we overnighted on a WWII destroyer, the HMS Cavalier. The following morning (today - Tuesday) we went to Leeds Castle and did some high wires and ziplines at a place called Go Ape. Then it was off with the host families.

The Martins, as well as Ian and David, were treated to a cricket lesson on the village green with David Beeching - followed by a "proper curry dinner".

Chatham Dockyards

HMS Cavalier, WWII destroyer which we actually spent the night on. What a thrill.

Cap'n Matt aboard the HMS Cavalier

Playing Battleship on a destroyer.....raise your hand if you have done that before....

The Ropery at Chatham Dockyard. This building is 1/4 mile long. All of the rope for the Royal Navy ships built here was made here in this building including HMS Victory.

Torpedo tubes on the HMS Oscelot. Pretty wicked.

Check out the portion size of that fish-n-chips. Tasty but I think I an having heart trouble now. I think I will carry an AED for a while..... scouts, I'm glad you all are CPR Certified...

David finding there wasn't much head room on the old submarine beds