Gifts of Life

This year, more than ever, I am enjoying preparing gifts of life for giving - gifts of goats, mosquito nets, relief food, and even latrines. Call me a slow learner - but it has taken me this long (62 years!) to truly appreciate the opportunity to give in this way.

Merry Christmas world!

TIS THE SEASON

What's it all about? Shopping? Getting? Eating? 


Compassion? Relationships? 


Here is a thought provoking video ..... 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkTyPzRzuwc



What if we all took it to heart?  What if ? 


Christmas blessings to you and may your Christmas be made fresh and new... 


May I be changed. 

Everyone can do something #1

As I continue to try to grasp - at least in part - the circumstances and tragedy of global poverty I think a lot about old question "what we can do about it?"

As I pray and meditate further I sense that I might share some of what I am finding / learning ... not that we personally do all these things but simply for consideration .... because everyone can do something.

Speaking of simply, we are attempting to live more simply in order to have more to give and for the sake of this beautifully created world. There is a saying - Live simply that others may simply live. Rings true to my ears!

Here is the first little find for sharing - it is a micro finance site at www.kiva.org which facilitates funding from the general public which can be assigned to a designated individual for business start up.

One must use their own judgement of course but it seems that enabling an individual to have a livelihood is worth some consideration. We heard about this at the Leadership Summit we attended last week.

We are grateful to have had 2 past opportunities to serve some of the neediest of the needy in Africa in 07 and in 08/9. One cannot help but see not only neediness, sickness, hunger, and poverty but also the incredible strength, persistence and determination among these very capable, community oriented individuals and families. We have given some of ourselves but received and learned so much more. Such opportunities are to be deeply appreciated.

I hope the kiva site is of interest to you.

Blog Fever

Sometimes I forget things - such as "I don't have to leave the country to blog"! Summer on the island is noteworthy in itself !

The simple things are often the best - a walk on the waterfront listening to an amazing youth choir, bumping into friends and breathing in the salty sea air.

I love this place ....... Nanaimo is home.

From here there is easy access to so much out doors - trails, beaches, kayaking spots, picnic places and so on...

The city's downtown core just keeps getting better and better and the waterfront holds fascination for us with its boat basin and sea planes and walkways, enough coffee shops to fill your boots!

Most of our needs are easily met within walking distance of home and there are many opportunities to serve others in both organized and serendipitous ways. And you meet lots of interesting people along the way ... I am so thankful.

To be honest however, I do tend to have "itchy feet" to head off again with CRWRC or Mission Builders .... to serve where needed .... I surely do miss Africa ! It gets into you somehow and it does not care to leave! But for now we are here We are blessed,

Nanaimo

Pipers Lagoon



Ron, Annabel and Brigitte



The music conservatory just up the street from home

Casey, Cassidy, Jo and Rudy!

Cambridge photos

The river runs alongside Marty's Dorm building!


Marty's dorm room window is the largest one.




Annika and Martin

RE-ENTRY

We have been home for almost 2 weeks and are readjusting to what ‘normal’ daily life looks like. It is a bit of a wrestling match – like trying to fit the pieces of a jigsaw without the photograph of what the finished piece should look like. Perhaps we will never know the ‘answers’ for places like Kenya but we feel privileged to assist in some small way.

In the meantime we had an amazing time in Australia and then in Cambridge before arriving back home on the coast we love so dearly.

Backtracking to Australia – the day to leave came far too quickly with Jonathan just a week old. Pete and Shirl (Caleb’s amazing parents) joined Caleb, Jen, Thomas, Jonathan and Ron and I at the airport to see us off – to visit, bless, pray and say goodbye. You can probably imagine my complete melt down in tears going through security….. and the thanksgiving in my heart for such a precious visit.

We flew to Singapore and on to Heathrow. From there we took a bus to Cambridge which stopped a block from our B&B. Marty and Anni met us and we walked, wandered, listened, talked, photographed and soaked up the history and beauty of the area. M and A are great company anytime and anywhere! We ate in a couple of pubs, visited a botanical garden, browsed the book stores, museums, colleges etc. What a beautiful place! History enfolds you everywhere you turn and the weekend flew by all too quickly.

Before we knew it we were heading back to the airport for a Heathrow to Vancouver flight …and then onward to Nanaimo where Don and Joan graciously drove us home despite the time of day!! It was wonderful to see them and to start connecting with friends and family here…..

Adjusting to the comforts of home and the affluence of life in Nanaimo takes time but readjusting to people takes only micro seconds …. Just cannot get enough of them! As for sliding into routines like housework … well that is another story!!!! Some things I honestly don’t miss when I am away from home! But I am thankful to have a home to care for …. I just need to get a rhythm going!!

The most frequent question we hear is ‘what’s next?’. God knows the answer to that one and we will know in due time. Whatever and wherever the adventure continues.