Greetings from snowy Alaska.  This is just a quick blog to inform everyone of our latest news.  Yesterday morning, Carole, Alaura and Karina were in a major car crash on the way to Anchorage.  Carole hit a patch of black ice and skidded out of control.  The Expedition hit the burm, which was frozen ice, and flipped and rolled into the median.  Windows were shattered and the roof was partially caved in above Carole's head.  The truck did not land on the side the girls were sitting on so they are okay except for some bruises and stiff muscles.  Carole suffered a fracture of the C1 vertebrae and is in a soft neck brace for the next 4-6 weeks and is experiencing some pain.  The vehicle, needless to say, was totaled.  We are so very thankful that the injuries were not more serious than they were.  The next 4-6 weeks will be a time of adjustment, but we know it could have been a lot worse.  We are surrounded by a supportive community and will be provided with meals for a while.  We would appreciate your prayers during this time.
The Scherrers

You'll have to indulge us in some brag time.  Out of over 500 auditions, Alaura was selected to participate in the annual All-State music festival in the treble choir.  She was so excited and had a fabulous time!  The concert consisted of 2 choirs, orchestra and band.  It was a wonderful night of music.  Those of you from South Canaan may remember Alaura's first singing performance when she was 3.  She's grown a bit since then!  The other kids have been busy enjoying the good ice skating this year.  The lakes froze before the snow, so we were able to skate the entire lake.  Below are pictures of our community skating party.  We have had a dusting of snow since then, but not much.  It looks as if it might develop into a bad winter for frozen pipes without the insulation the snow offers.  We hover in the single digits now.  Nose hair freezing temperatures!!  Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Alaura after the All-State music festival.

Clint at the community skating party.

Karina on the ice in her Green Bay cap!

Winston Churchill War Rooms

Our last day in London was spent at the Winston Churchill War Rooms.  A fascinating view of the underground rooms that Winston Churchill and his staff used during World War II.  Westminster Abbey was also on the agenda for the day, but we had a sick child so had to eliminate it (seeing the abbey, not the child).  As we think over our trip, we are amazed and thankful at how easy it was.  There is nothing we would change.  We are slowly adjusting to the 9 hour jet lag.  Santa came while we were gone and delivered 4 brand new 4 wheeler tires in our boot room.  What a blessing as ours had worn out the tread.  Mother Nature also delivered a present while we were gone.  As a result of the heavy rains, our basement had a lot of water in it.  We lost some grain and beans and the carpet in the girl's room was unable to be saved.  It could have been much worse.  It is still in the process of drying out.  Even though our grand tour is over, we still plan on keeping our blog current, so check in every once in a while to see what we're up to.  Hope you enjoyed the trip!

500 lb German bomb.

Secretary's room.

Churchill kitchen in underground war rooms.

Original map used in map room.

Winston Churchill's underground bedroom.

Underground meeting room.

Can anything be more British?

Big Ben (though Big Ben is actually only the bell).

Paris

The Louvre Museum.

Notre Dame from the Seine River.

From observation deck of Eiffel Tower.

Greetings to all.  It is hard to believe that our 3 week journey is over.  It has been an incredible time and we are so thankful for all of your prayers and support.  We fly back tomorrow, so will do a more detailed update on our blog when we return.  Yesterday we spent a wonderful day in Paris, France.  We arose early and took the train through the English and French countryside and reached Paris 2 hrs and 15 mins later.  The weather was warm and sunny.  I think we even got tanned, in October of all things!  We went to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower and then ate our ham baguette on a boat sailing down the River Seine while listening to Ave Maria as we watched Notre Dame go by.  We then explored the Louvre Museum and saw the Mona Lisa.  Today was a trip to Winston Churchill bunker and underground war rooms.  Absolutely fascinating!!  Got to go now and pack.  We'll have to admit to being ready to eat a full meal.  I think sandwiches are off the menu for quite a while after we get home.  We'll post more in a few days after we get home.
Carry On.

Greetings from London!!

This will have to be brief.  We only have access to internet at a neighborhood McDonalds, of all places.  Just wanted to let you know we still have 6 kids and everyone is hanging in there.  We have had our bus tour of London, walked in Hyde Park, visited the British Museum, National Gallery and the London Zoo.  All in 2 days!!!  Looking forward to the 2 hour train ride to Paris tomorrow.  More when we can and we will try and include some pictures.

Workday

Aerial view of the grounds.

Summer at Drewstown.

Drewstown House from across the lake.

Stained glass window in main house.

Picture of the courtyard from roof of main house.  

Rainbow over the courtyard.

It is difficult to believe that our time in Ireland is drawing to a close.  We have spent the past few days relaxing and visiting with friends.  Yesterday also included a quick trip to Kells to see where Matt went to school.  Today we had a blast doing some outside projects at Drewstown House.  The kids have adapted very well to Ireland.  They have enjoyed learning new terminology and trying new food.  Biscuits have been a hit, of course, but we have also enjoyed Polish bread, cheeses from Ireland and Germany (red cheese and edom are the favorites), Belgium chocolates, German salami, corned beef and the ever popular fish and chips with red sauce.  Visiting with people has also been fun.  In Ireland, there is no such thing as a "quick question".  Every conversation is at least 20-30 minutes.  Matt went to drop in on a local farmer and I'm sure he won't be back for at least an hour or more.  The kids enjoy the fact that every visit always includes tea and a biscuit!  It has been refreshing not to see everyone talking on a cell phone.  Conversation is much more spontaneous. Tomorrow will be spent worshiping with the fellowship in Navan, having dinner with John and Robin and taking one last walk.  Monday we will be off to London.  Culture shock!!  We're not sure about internet access there, but imagine there should be access at our Bed and Breakfast.  We'll post when we can.

Edging in the courtyard.