Tonight is my last night in Battersea. For 27 years it's been my home. It's everything I know. It's where my family is, my memories are and where my church is! Leaving Battersea is going to be incredibly difficult. It turns my stomach but I know it's the right thing.
I'm moving to Chessington to set up a new life with my wife to be. An exciting new chapter in my life however a very scary one. I've been a visitor to Chessington for 10 years, but visiting somewhere and living there are very different things. There was a lot of prayer, discussion and arguments over the move to the suburbs. Both Kristin and I are committed to solid Bible believing churches in our respective areas, have families and friends etc etc. It was so important for us to pray about such a big decision. We believe God wants us to start married life in Chessington so its bye bye to Battersea for me.
What will I miss?
Ethnic diversity for a start! I love the cultural mixing pot that is London and Battersea certainly fits into that! I have loved growing up around people of different colours, religions, nationalties and languages. I'll miss the diversity for sure.
Tower Blocks! The Heathbrook twin towers have dominated my skyline for 27 years. Easily identifiable on the train into Waterloo seeing them on the new commute will raise a smile!
Morleys. £1.99 for 6 wings and chips or a Triple M for 99p. If you know you know! I'll miss seeing a Morleys in every shop terrace. The smell of cheap fried chicken is a growing up essential!
Battersea Park. Mine and Marshall's regular spot. Battersea Park holds too many childhood memories to mention. Playing rival estates on the astro, run outs, those big slides in the adventure playground you'd slide down on a bit of old carpet! And as an adult a place of solitude and quiet. Walking Marsh and praying. Highlight!
Lastly though and on a more serious note I'm going to miss my church and it's Sunday School. I love my church so much. The people there played a huge part on my upbringing. And as an adult and born again Christian they have been a great blessing and encouragement to me. They are true people of God determined in Gods strength to bring the Gospel to the people of Battersea, particularly children. I have headed up the Sunday School here over the last 2 years and I will miss seeing those kids each week. 35 odd kids from non Christian homes every week. Singing praise and learning the Bible and about Jesus. Ridley Hall Evangelical Church is a truly wonderful place. Full of Godly people who love me and care for me. And I will miss it immensely. I am so thankful to God for every single person in that church and for God using Ridley Hall to grow me spirtiually.
I look forward to what the future holds! But I'll always be a Battersea Boy!
Bye Battersea.Time for KT9.
