Well, the title of this post sums up the past week or so with three words. But since there's so much more to it, I must tell you all about it. From my point of view, of course.
Let's start with the maid. She was referred to us by another maid. Her sister-in-law. Two Thursdays ago she came and we showed her around and agreed to pay her R120 a week. That's about $15 and more than we should. But we thought we would anyway. She cleaned, did her thing, and then we took her to the but stop. The next week she came, and this is where the shadiness begins. I had been awake very late the night before and Thursday mornings are my morning off. So I slept in. The maid (Florence) was already cleaning when I got out of bed. Mike had let her in and went off to the gym. I talked to her for a little while and told her that we had to go to do some office work and she finished up. Mike hadn't returned yet and she says, "I need R200". I asked her why and she went on to explain that her children had school fees. So I told her that that would be alright for this week. She continued to tell me that next week I could keep R30 and so on for the next couple week until it was back down to R120 and that would suffice from then on out. So we leave for the office and drop her at the bus stop. I turn to Mike halfway down Circular Drive and say," I paid her R200 today." What? He said that he had left R120 on the table before he left and when he returned he noticed it was gone. So our maid got away with R320 ($45) for one day. So today we weren't at the cottage because we spent the night at the girls' house (see latter part of this post for explanation) and missed her. Lilian (our landlady) calls us and tells us that her husband Michael had let the maid in and that she was now wanting R120. Should she pay her? Mike and I weren't planning on paying her this week and having a talk with her. Michael said she had only done a half-day's work and she didn't do everything that was supposed to be done. So they didn't pay her. If she's going to stay on with us there are going to have to be some very clear standards that will be laid out next week. If those standards aren't what she desires then she's free to go. Perhaps Matthew 6 comes to mind now and again, but I'm over it...
Pressing on to the burglars. On Tuesday morning around 3 AM two men broke into the granny flat off of the girls' house where Tara slept. They put a rock through the window and climbed through, pushed Tara into the bathroom, took her computer, ipod, phone and R6000 ($750) along with the feeling of safety that she had before. In and out within 5 minutes. She was screaming and came into the house where the other girls had already blockaded themselves into a room and had pressed the alarm, called the police, ADT, and Ken and Judy. Sasha called me around 3:30 AM and told me what had happened. Semi-surreal. The first time the phone rang I thought I was dreaming so I ignored it. The second time I picked up and all units were on sight. I was at the cottage the whole time (Mike and I's estate). So before we went to school that morning we swung by Ken and Judy's to comfort and console the girls. The trauma is no joke. It's affected them in some intense, internal ways. It hurts me to see the hurting. Mike and I moved in Tuesday night to stay with the girls until they were feeling a little more comfortable. That may be long after we move back into our place, but they need the support. It's encouraging to me to see them all turning to prayer and the scripture for answers. My faith seems dwarfed in comparison at times. Journaling, praying, reading, and letting out all of the emotions that are within. It's difficult for several reasons, the main one being what I'm about to talk about.
For a long time I've been wanting to take a vow of silence. So, before the incident, I decided that since Ken and Judy were going to take this week for their getaway that we got them for Father's Day, it was the perfect time. Mike and I go to Sanctor High School every Tuesday and Wednesday to work with the math teachers and whatever else we can do. Yesterday we sat in with the Chess Club after school and then watched part of a rugby match. Backyard baby and so much fun. Mr. Kennedy (the teacher I work with and find so humorous and fun) invited Mike, Sasha, and I to have a bite to eat with the visiting coaches. So we went back inside between games and had some fish from a fishery. Good stuff that, especially when it's fresh daily! Pressing on. . . After school at 4 PM I began and plan to end at 2 PM on Saturday. I have written out a vow and signed it with God and Mike as my witnesses. After this exercise in mental discipline, listening, learning, reading, praying, journaling, and contemplation is complete I will write again with some of my thoughts. So as of this moment in time I'm done with speaking, facebook, IM, SMS (text). I am emailing and blogging though. My personal notebook is my way of telling people what I'm thinking and needing. Other than that I'm enjoying, struggling, and wondering all this time. When all one can do is contribute to a conversation in their head it's quite obvious how every person's input affects the direction of thoughts and speech. But I would really like to hone my hearing skills. Not just hearing others, but being able to hear myself a little bit better before I even speak. Something that I already feel happening. Three days isn't a very long time really, and perhaps someday I'll do it again for a longer period of time. We shall see.
Just a couple thoughts within me, since they can't be without me.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
A bried synopsis of the day...
This morning we all met at Ken and Judy's, combined cars and drove over to Missionvale to the Celebration of Madiba's 90th Birthday. It was an experience and I enjoyed it wholly. It was obvious the ANC was hosting. Potential future president Jacob Zuma made an appearance at the end and spoke briefly. I have to say, from a personal perspective, the highlight of the event was when Christine, a thirteen year old girl from Hellenvale, sang a couple songs and blew everyone away. The sound that came from that little body didn't seem real. It was beautiful. Afterwards Joey and I took a picture with her. We plan on visiting the school she attends next week to deliver the picture and see if we can help with some vocal opportunities for her...
Other than that, Mike and I ran over a duck on the way home... twice...
Other than that, Mike and I ran over a duck on the way home... twice...
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Rock and Fortress, Strength and Stay
July 22, 2008
Today has been an interesting and trying one. Due to some mishaps with printing the curriculum, there has been high tension around the office. But thank the Lord for forgiveness and the ability to move on.
Mike and I started at Sanctor High School today working in the math department. When we arrived we met Reginald (the principal and brother from Fairview) and talked for a minute. Then Mike went with a very nice teacher and I departed with one Mr. Kennedy to assist in the teaching of 10, 11, and 12 grade math. It was quite invigorating working with students so close to my age and being able to help them. Lots of humor and fun learning occurred. I thank God for this opportunity.
To snap back to the sorrowful, but inevitable, side of today. It's Logan Smith's last night in Africa. Tomorrow he leaves at 1:30p.m. for the states permanently. He has some work lined up and is going to pursue a position at Lubbock Christian University and being an assistant with AIM. He will do well. The short, and oh so sweet, amount of time I got to spend with this striving disciple has been such a blessing. He's not a man of many words (so they say) but when he says something it's funny, sensible, and meaningful. Some good memories laying in bed beside him just talking. . . about things. . . He will be missed but his time here is done and he's turning over a new leaf in the story book of his life. God bless you, Logan! You're loved and respected more than you know...
A good friend, student, disciple, and sister in Christ lost someone today. It's hard to explain but the words seem easy. Her sister (by blood) passed away in a car accident: leaving her 10 year old daughter. My heart hurts for her and it's so much more difficult when you can't do anything about it except be there. I say this because she's always so happy and an encouragement to everyone she talks to. Her smile brightens people's day. I ask you to pray for her and her family. She needs it and is going to have to deal with a lot in the times to come. Lord, please bless her and give her peace in her heart. I cannot know what she's going through but it must be devastating.
Something I think about...
"I wish none of this had happened." (Frodo)
"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are others forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides good and evil." (Gandalf)
What forces are these? God comes to mind. Keep Him as our focus, all things for Him, and He will do amazing things...
Today has been an interesting and trying one. Due to some mishaps with printing the curriculum, there has been high tension around the office. But thank the Lord for forgiveness and the ability to move on.
Mike and I started at Sanctor High School today working in the math department. When we arrived we met Reginald (the principal and brother from Fairview) and talked for a minute. Then Mike went with a very nice teacher and I departed with one Mr. Kennedy to assist in the teaching of 10, 11, and 12 grade math. It was quite invigorating working with students so close to my age and being able to help them. Lots of humor and fun learning occurred. I thank God for this opportunity.
To snap back to the sorrowful, but inevitable, side of today. It's Logan Smith's last night in Africa. Tomorrow he leaves at 1:30p.m. for the states permanently. He has some work lined up and is going to pursue a position at Lubbock Christian University and being an assistant with AIM. He will do well. The short, and oh so sweet, amount of time I got to spend with this striving disciple has been such a blessing. He's not a man of many words (so they say) but when he says something it's funny, sensible, and meaningful. Some good memories laying in bed beside him just talking. . . about things. . . He will be missed but his time here is done and he's turning over a new leaf in the story book of his life. God bless you, Logan! You're loved and respected more than you know...
A good friend, student, disciple, and sister in Christ lost someone today. It's hard to explain but the words seem easy. Her sister (by blood) passed away in a car accident: leaving her 10 year old daughter. My heart hurts for her and it's so much more difficult when you can't do anything about it except be there. I say this because she's always so happy and an encouragement to everyone she talks to. Her smile brightens people's day. I ask you to pray for her and her family. She needs it and is going to have to deal with a lot in the times to come. Lord, please bless her and give her peace in her heart. I cannot know what she's going through but it must be devastating.
Something I think about...
"I wish none of this had happened." (Frodo)
"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are others forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides good and evil." (Gandalf)
What forces are these? God comes to mind. Keep Him as our focus, all things for Him, and He will do amazing things...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
There's no SHOCK in culture-shock...
Today has been an interesting one. From what I hear, there's all kinds of culture shock. The amusing thing about it to me is how some people think it won't happen to them. Like me. Now, I'm not experiencing extreme depression or anything like that. But I've been wrestling with some very important questions concerning who I am who God is. It's far to complicated to put into words; even with verbal inflexion I find it hard to express myself on this topic. God is it though . . . I find nothing else. What do these questions that linger at the forefront of my mind mean if God isn't a part of the answer in some way? In my opinion . . . nothing!
Allow me to tell you all about what's been happening recently. Well, yesterday Neysia, Sasha, Mike and I went to Sancor High School in Galvendale to see if we could volunteer. Reginald Jacobson is the principal and he's also a very dear member of the body that assembles at Fairview. Previously stated, this is where Mike, Neysia, Sasha, Carolyne, and I now attend regularly. When we walked through the gate the lights were off. A black out. They happen fairly often here. No big deal, we just sat in Reginald's office and talked about our potential and what we had in mind for assisting the school. One thing mentioned was in class tutoring. Much like a "TA system" (teacher's assistant). Now we're committed to two days a week. Mike and I are going Tuesday and Wednesdays (sports practice is on Tuesday and competition on Wednesday). Here's the doozy. Neysia and Sasha are TAing English. Mike and I are TAing mathematics. This entails the high school range of algebra through physics. Mind you, we've only been out of school for a year, but my mind is reeling for remembrance already. Right now algebra and trigonometry is being taught. Hyperbolas and compound angles. Lots of funny curves and formulas. Truthfully, I'm very excited and intimidated. I haven't only thought about math recently in the sense that I wish I did it more. And now God has decided to let me help teach 'peers' what I just learned. So, with the three textbooks Mrs. Bruce gave us we're going to review and get back to math. Pray for us.
The last two nights we've been hosting Matthew Martin in our cottage. He's Stuart and Cecilia Jones' grandson from York, NE. They're from Lubbock, TX and work with the Senior AIM program in the school. Very cool people. They lived in South Africa from 1966-1982. Their stories and time difference has allowed them to see drastic changes in the country. Back to Matt, since he got here we decided we would have a Risk night. I had never played before two evenings ago. 8:30 p.m. and we set up the board. I placed my armies in Europe for the first game. The ONLY game of that night. I held Europe strongly throughout the game and waited for everyone else to pick away at each other. Let it be known, the first time I ever played Risk I won! It was so very fun and epic. Last night we played again. The fatigue was so extreme that I eventually just spread myself out for the taking and lost. It was entertaining to play with four other guys though. Matthew, Mike, Johnathan, Logan and I. Tonight Mike is over at their place playing and Matthew left to return to Cape Town with his grandparents and mother before departing on Monday for the states. For all of you who like to play board games, remind me next time we cross paths and we shall play Risk. Or Star Wars Epic Duels. Another ridiculously fun game!
But this morning started off weird, and that's where the title to this post comes from. I woke up to an extreme Risk hangover and drove Matthew over to Ken and Judy's place so he could rally with the family and hit the road. At half past eight I returned to the cottage and was about to go back to bed, because of the stress and questions on my mind (I've been tired and a little messed up the last couple days), and someone knocks on the door. It was the maid. Here's how we got a maid. Patricia (the maid who did the Summerstrand house that we stayed at upon arrival in the country) has a sister-in-law in the cleaning business as well and she's not very far from where we live. So Mike and I decided we would 'hire' her. It's cultural. I say this as a disclaimer so people don't think we're living too high off the hog and splurging. It creates jobs... (see later paragraph (~*)). So I showed her in and around the cottage and got out the cleaning supplies for her after settling on a fair wage and schedule. She will now be coming every Thursday morning around 8 for R120 a week. This covers her cab fare and services. So, the half-expected meeting went well and we established everything. She jumped right in and started doing what she does. I went into my room and fell back asleep with this added thought checked in my mind, after reading a little. Awakened by a phone call I realize it's past noon and we have office work today at 1. Off Mike and I go, getting ready for the day and making calls. Mike took a shower, I just rolled out and went-a difference in approach to the day. We took off and got Johnathan from across PE and headed back to Ken and Judy's. I started printing and was making good progress when Joey, Lindsay, and some other cool peeps showed up to pick up "the kids" (Joey and Carolyne are watching the children of a head teacher at their small school for the week while she's away at a funeral) from Carolyne. Carolyne shows up and they swap and we press on with the printing. A little while later I realize that I've printed 600 pages with pg. 80 on one side and pg. 82 on the other. I skipped pg. 81. Well this just about set me off. That's a mistake that costs and today was not a good day to make a blunder like that one. But I did and things began to engulf me. After we finished everything Mike and Johnathan went to play Risk and I went to go paint at the school. Turns out the putty that was on the cupboard we were planning on priming was still soft. Therefore we couldn't sand and prime, wasted petrol.
This is where I tell you something about me that hasn't happened in a long time . . .
I cried. And I needed to. We all need some release at some point. I'm an inward person when it comes to certain emotions, but this had to come out. God used it to soften me just that much more, as well. If we didn't feel, what would be the point? But feel for others, not just yourself and you're living as He would have. Someone said recently that we spend a large portion of our lives trying to fight what we feel. Trying not to be sad, not to be mad, not to be too happy in a somber situation. We shouldn't have to though. Let it all go. Be what you are, when you are, where you are . . . in the appropriate way. Approach things sensibly. We feel because we love...
On the way home I was talking about how I'm not sure exactly who I am. Values, characteristics, God . . . and it hit me. All of the relational issues that have come up recently can be traced back to me. And yet, it's not always my fault. I find it easy to get on myself about things that should change. I expect immediate results and we live in time. Things take time. Patience - God's working on me. As I awkwardly sat there thinking about God, my friends, my faults, and this purpose driven life I'm living, a famous quote came to mind. It may not be famous to all, but for me it means a lot. Victor said it the first time he preached in chapel in Lubbock. Before we even thought about being on a team together.
"I'm sick of giving God my mediocrity."
- Victor A. Howard II
That hit deep. I needed it to though. And God used Victor to help me realize some things. My eyes are dry and sore now, but after reading some of the notes given to me by the AIM Assistants and Kris and Pat, I feel better. A new favorite for me is Psalm 13. Please read it... for your sake.
"Love is all we need. . . " - "God is love . . . "
All I need is God. All YOU need is God. Cherish the given...
Keep Christ King
I sign off with this on every note I write. It's an important reminder to me as to why I'm where I'm at and what I'm doing about it right now. Lord, King, Savior, Teacher, Brother, Friend...
Allow me to tell you all about what's been happening recently. Well, yesterday Neysia, Sasha, Mike and I went to Sancor High School in Galvendale to see if we could volunteer. Reginald Jacobson is the principal and he's also a very dear member of the body that assembles at Fairview. Previously stated, this is where Mike, Neysia, Sasha, Carolyne, and I now attend regularly. When we walked through the gate the lights were off. A black out. They happen fairly often here. No big deal, we just sat in Reginald's office and talked about our potential and what we had in mind for assisting the school. One thing mentioned was in class tutoring. Much like a "TA system" (teacher's assistant). Now we're committed to two days a week. Mike and I are going Tuesday and Wednesdays (sports practice is on Tuesday and competition on Wednesday). Here's the doozy. Neysia and Sasha are TAing English. Mike and I are TAing mathematics. This entails the high school range of algebra through physics. Mind you, we've only been out of school for a year, but my mind is reeling for remembrance already. Right now algebra and trigonometry is being taught. Hyperbolas and compound angles. Lots of funny curves and formulas. Truthfully, I'm very excited and intimidated. I haven't only thought about math recently in the sense that I wish I did it more. And now God has decided to let me help teach 'peers' what I just learned. So, with the three textbooks Mrs. Bruce gave us we're going to review and get back to math. Pray for us.
The last two nights we've been hosting Matthew Martin in our cottage. He's Stuart and Cecilia Jones' grandson from York, NE. They're from Lubbock, TX and work with the Senior AIM program in the school. Very cool people. They lived in South Africa from 1966-1982. Their stories and time difference has allowed them to see drastic changes in the country. Back to Matt, since he got here we decided we would have a Risk night. I had never played before two evenings ago. 8:30 p.m. and we set up the board. I placed my armies in Europe for the first game. The ONLY game of that night. I held Europe strongly throughout the game and waited for everyone else to pick away at each other. Let it be known, the first time I ever played Risk I won! It was so very fun and epic. Last night we played again. The fatigue was so extreme that I eventually just spread myself out for the taking and lost. It was entertaining to play with four other guys though. Matthew, Mike, Johnathan, Logan and I. Tonight Mike is over at their place playing and Matthew left to return to Cape Town with his grandparents and mother before departing on Monday for the states. For all of you who like to play board games, remind me next time we cross paths and we shall play Risk. Or Star Wars Epic Duels. Another ridiculously fun game!
But this morning started off weird, and that's where the title to this post comes from. I woke up to an extreme Risk hangover and drove Matthew over to Ken and Judy's place so he could rally with the family and hit the road. At half past eight I returned to the cottage and was about to go back to bed, because of the stress and questions on my mind (I've been tired and a little messed up the last couple days), and someone knocks on the door. It was the maid. Here's how we got a maid. Patricia (the maid who did the Summerstrand house that we stayed at upon arrival in the country) has a sister-in-law in the cleaning business as well and she's not very far from where we live. So Mike and I decided we would 'hire' her. It's cultural. I say this as a disclaimer so people don't think we're living too high off the hog and splurging. It creates jobs... (see later paragraph (~*)). So I showed her in and around the cottage and got out the cleaning supplies for her after settling on a fair wage and schedule. She will now be coming every Thursday morning around 8 for R120 a week. This covers her cab fare and services. So, the half-expected meeting went well and we established everything. She jumped right in and started doing what she does. I went into my room and fell back asleep with this added thought checked in my mind, after reading a little. Awakened by a phone call I realize it's past noon and we have office work today at 1. Off Mike and I go, getting ready for the day and making calls. Mike took a shower, I just rolled out and went-a difference in approach to the day. We took off and got Johnathan from across PE and headed back to Ken and Judy's. I started printing and was making good progress when Joey, Lindsay, and some other cool peeps showed up to pick up "the kids" (Joey and Carolyne are watching the children of a head teacher at their small school for the week while she's away at a funeral) from Carolyne. Carolyne shows up and they swap and we press on with the printing. A little while later I realize that I've printed 600 pages with pg. 80 on one side and pg. 82 on the other. I skipped pg. 81. Well this just about set me off. That's a mistake that costs and today was not a good day to make a blunder like that one. But I did and things began to engulf me. After we finished everything Mike and Johnathan went to play Risk and I went to go paint at the school. Turns out the putty that was on the cupboard we were planning on priming was still soft. Therefore we couldn't sand and prime, wasted petrol.
This is where I tell you something about me that hasn't happened in a long time . . .
I cried. And I needed to. We all need some release at some point. I'm an inward person when it comes to certain emotions, but this had to come out. God used it to soften me just that much more, as well. If we didn't feel, what would be the point? But feel for others, not just yourself and you're living as He would have. Someone said recently that we spend a large portion of our lives trying to fight what we feel. Trying not to be sad, not to be mad, not to be too happy in a somber situation. We shouldn't have to though. Let it all go. Be what you are, when you are, where you are . . . in the appropriate way. Approach things sensibly. We feel because we love...
On the way home I was talking about how I'm not sure exactly who I am. Values, characteristics, God . . . and it hit me. All of the relational issues that have come up recently can be traced back to me. And yet, it's not always my fault. I find it easy to get on myself about things that should change. I expect immediate results and we live in time. Things take time. Patience - God's working on me. As I awkwardly sat there thinking about God, my friends, my faults, and this purpose driven life I'm living, a famous quote came to mind. It may not be famous to all, but for me it means a lot. Victor said it the first time he preached in chapel in Lubbock. Before we even thought about being on a team together.
"I'm sick of giving God my mediocrity."
- Victor A. Howard II
That hit deep. I needed it to though. And God used Victor to help me realize some things. My eyes are dry and sore now, but after reading some of the notes given to me by the AIM Assistants and Kris and Pat, I feel better. A new favorite for me is Psalm 13. Please read it... for your sake.
"Love is all we need. . . " - "God is love . . . "
All I need is God. All YOU need is God. Cherish the given...
Keep Christ King
I sign off with this on every note I write. It's an important reminder to me as to why I'm where I'm at and what I'm doing about it right now. Lord, King, Savior, Teacher, Brother, Friend...
Monday, July 14, 2008
Continuing the story...
I've come to realize the commitment I've made by setting up this blog. You, as the reader, expect things to read. And I, as the writer, should be continually coming up with fresh posts. There's just so much to say. Here's another tidbit.
Last week I spent the latter part painting at the school Joey and Carolyne work with (Island Forest). Despite what some may say, even water-based paints are ridiculously aggravating to get out of one's hair. I personally did not experience this, but Carolyne did. I hold no position on who's fault it was either. It was nice to do some physical work. Painting isn't the most vigorous of activities but it really felt like I was accomplishing something. It's been Joey and Carolyne's pet project to paint and "renovate", on a minor scale, the school. I see the work they've done there and how much of themselves they've invested into the children, teachers, and buildings that it saddens me to know they'll be leaving. Then I come to the reality that I'm not here for that long. And this makes me want to dig in. If there's only so much time, then the effort put into that time must be intense. To utilize one of my father's fad words before I left, BALANCE. Where do we find it? How do we apply it?
I'm learning.
Our team. Now before I say anything I'd like to say that anything I say will strictly be issues from my perspective and are subject to change and develop. I'm not going to reveal anything about people's personal feelings or views that would be potential gossip. That being said I would like to tell you about each and everyone of my teammates.
Starting with the girls:
Neysia: The oldest member of our team. She brings a sense of reality and strength to situations. I admire her strong study habits and sense of fun.
Diana: A true servant. She's always doing something behind the scenes and constantly shuffling towards those unclean dishes that need to be done. I admire her humble outlook on life and modest gestures.
Tara: Filled with thoughts, she brings a new perspective to certain situations. I admire her views and knowledge filled comments.
Sasha: She's got flare and is willing to step out boldly in any situation. I admire her ability to stay true to herself and look for the good in things.
Now I come to Mike. I must tell you about Mike. He's a man I've come to admire so much more than I thought I would. When deciding on who 'I' would like on my team, God considered Mike, and I didn't. Not because we didn't get along or because we didn't click, we just had different interests and never really hung out much. But being his roommate and comrade, I've come to learn that our personal interests aren't so different. We both enjoy the nerdy side of life, and are both eager to be led. I see in Mike a warrior attitude. He would like to pursue Christian video-game making. I think there's so much potential there. His ideas are bold and original. In many circumstances I find myself talking with Mike about how we would react as soldiers, or knights, or Spartans. It's fun, and it also brings a spiritual focus to the table. When we get off on these tangents, I think of how we should be warriors with a purpose. Mike is funny, jovial, and willing to talk. Oh how we've laughed since being here. Never saw it coming, can't imagine it going. That's how it is between Mike and I.
Now I must move on to tell you one of my fears. God has shown me a lot about myself lately and I've seen something on our team that could be potentially dangerous. Since Mike and I live a ways from the girls, and the other teammates, it's not always going to be easy to just "pop in" and say hey. I don't want us to become a team of girls, and a team of guys. We will all go our own directions, whether that be alongside another or not, but Mike and I both know that it's not healthy to just do our own thing. I haven't always had the most optimistic outlook on this situation. In fact, I've embraced the idea a couple times and thought how "Nice it would be!". Oh how that's not right. I would like to petition to anyone reading this to pray for unity. It's a simple prayer. It's so very necessary though. The affects of a division would difficult to correct. Thank you for listening, praying, and considering.
On a lighter note. Mike got a gym membership and I get to go a week for free as his guest. It's nice. The facility is clean, and open. I quite enjoyed myself. I feel as though I'm on the upward swing, physically. Felt so good to run, lift, and take a hot shower. I encourage anyone willing to go to the gym. It's healthy, fun, and relieving.
And now I must bid you well. Enjoy the given...
KCK-ILY
Cheers
Last week I spent the latter part painting at the school Joey and Carolyne work with (Island Forest). Despite what some may say, even water-based paints are ridiculously aggravating to get out of one's hair. I personally did not experience this, but Carolyne did. I hold no position on who's fault it was either. It was nice to do some physical work. Painting isn't the most vigorous of activities but it really felt like I was accomplishing something. It's been Joey and Carolyne's pet project to paint and "renovate", on a minor scale, the school. I see the work they've done there and how much of themselves they've invested into the children, teachers, and buildings that it saddens me to know they'll be leaving. Then I come to the reality that I'm not here for that long. And this makes me want to dig in. If there's only so much time, then the effort put into that time must be intense. To utilize one of my father's fad words before I left, BALANCE. Where do we find it? How do we apply it?
I'm learning.
Our team. Now before I say anything I'd like to say that anything I say will strictly be issues from my perspective and are subject to change and develop. I'm not going to reveal anything about people's personal feelings or views that would be potential gossip. That being said I would like to tell you about each and everyone of my teammates.
Starting with the girls:
Neysia: The oldest member of our team. She brings a sense of reality and strength to situations. I admire her strong study habits and sense of fun.
Diana: A true servant. She's always doing something behind the scenes and constantly shuffling towards those unclean dishes that need to be done. I admire her humble outlook on life and modest gestures.
Tara: Filled with thoughts, she brings a new perspective to certain situations. I admire her views and knowledge filled comments.
Sasha: She's got flare and is willing to step out boldly in any situation. I admire her ability to stay true to herself and look for the good in things.
Now I come to Mike. I must tell you about Mike. He's a man I've come to admire so much more than I thought I would. When deciding on who 'I' would like on my team, God considered Mike, and I didn't. Not because we didn't get along or because we didn't click, we just had different interests and never really hung out much. But being his roommate and comrade, I've come to learn that our personal interests aren't so different. We both enjoy the nerdy side of life, and are both eager to be led. I see in Mike a warrior attitude. He would like to pursue Christian video-game making. I think there's so much potential there. His ideas are bold and original. In many circumstances I find myself talking with Mike about how we would react as soldiers, or knights, or Spartans. It's fun, and it also brings a spiritual focus to the table. When we get off on these tangents, I think of how we should be warriors with a purpose. Mike is funny, jovial, and willing to talk. Oh how we've laughed since being here. Never saw it coming, can't imagine it going. That's how it is between Mike and I.
Now I must move on to tell you one of my fears. God has shown me a lot about myself lately and I've seen something on our team that could be potentially dangerous. Since Mike and I live a ways from the girls, and the other teammates, it's not always going to be easy to just "pop in" and say hey. I don't want us to become a team of girls, and a team of guys. We will all go our own directions, whether that be alongside another or not, but Mike and I both know that it's not healthy to just do our own thing. I haven't always had the most optimistic outlook on this situation. In fact, I've embraced the idea a couple times and thought how "Nice it would be!". Oh how that's not right. I would like to petition to anyone reading this to pray for unity. It's a simple prayer. It's so very necessary though. The affects of a division would difficult to correct. Thank you for listening, praying, and considering.
On a lighter note. Mike got a gym membership and I get to go a week for free as his guest. It's nice. The facility is clean, and open. I quite enjoyed myself. I feel as though I'm on the upward swing, physically. Felt so good to run, lift, and take a hot shower. I encourage anyone willing to go to the gym. It's healthy, fun, and relieving.
And now I must bid you well. Enjoy the given...
KCK-ILY
Cheers
Monday, July 7, 2008
Ridiculous Ketchup!
Well, here goes nothing. This will probably be the most outrageously long blog post in my history thus far. I haven't written in over two weeks and for that I apologize. It's been hectic but you should know what's happening in my life. There's so much to tell and so much I'd like to write and yet words will never be enough to do justice to the experiences I have had since I've arrived here in PE, South Africa.
Allow me to begin with where I left off. Joey, Johnathan and Logan had moved out of the house in Summerstrand. Well, now everyone is moved out of the house in Summerstrand. no one resides at 44 Southport anymore. Lindsay and Carolyne live together in Humewood close to where Joey, Johnathan and Logan reside. Brittney, Liz live with the girls on my team. Neysia, Diana, Tara, and Sasha share that house with Liz and Brittney in Mount Croix. So that leaves Mike and I. We live in Lorraine, a good 15 minutes from anyone. It has it's pros and cons. It's nice to be able to go home and have space. But it presents the petrol issue with seeing everyone regularly. I have to say God really provided this cottage. It's fully furnished and has extra room if someone needs a bed to sleep in. There's plenty of space to have people over and have a good time. I love it.
The car that sits in the driveway is pretty nice too. It's small and economical which is exactly what we need. It's a 1997, white Opel Corsa. It's got a radio, four doors, tyres, a boot, and doesn't burn oil. What a perk! If anyone ever comes to visit they may get the privilege of a ride. But only if they ask nicely.
Here's where I cover all of the things that haven't been discussed yet. Like daily life, team issues, Ken and Judy, Fairview Church, aunties and uncles, friends, foes, and spirituality. It's glorious having these things in my life. I cherish everyday I have. Sometimes it's hard to keep focused, but whose fault is that? Mine. I have to take responsibility for my actions. Reality checks, they happen often. If they didn't, where would we be? Well, I am going to renig on my introductory statement and cut this into two, possibly three, blog posts. But for now I must return the movies we rented for guys night to Mr. Video. And Kuda is over with me and he looks bored watching Kingdom of Heaven while I blog. So, see you soon... or rather, you'll be reading me soon.
Allow me to begin with where I left off. Joey, Johnathan and Logan had moved out of the house in Summerstrand. Well, now everyone is moved out of the house in Summerstrand. no one resides at 44 Southport anymore. Lindsay and Carolyne live together in Humewood close to where Joey, Johnathan and Logan reside. Brittney, Liz live with the girls on my team. Neysia, Diana, Tara, and Sasha share that house with Liz and Brittney in Mount Croix. So that leaves Mike and I. We live in Lorraine, a good 15 minutes from anyone. It has it's pros and cons. It's nice to be able to go home and have space. But it presents the petrol issue with seeing everyone regularly. I have to say God really provided this cottage. It's fully furnished and has extra room if someone needs a bed to sleep in. There's plenty of space to have people over and have a good time. I love it.
The car that sits in the driveway is pretty nice too. It's small and economical which is exactly what we need. It's a 1997, white Opel Corsa. It's got a radio, four doors, tyres, a boot, and doesn't burn oil. What a perk! If anyone ever comes to visit they may get the privilege of a ride. But only if they ask nicely.
Here's where I cover all of the things that haven't been discussed yet. Like daily life, team issues, Ken and Judy, Fairview Church, aunties and uncles, friends, foes, and spirituality. It's glorious having these things in my life. I cherish everyday I have. Sometimes it's hard to keep focused, but whose fault is that? Mine. I have to take responsibility for my actions. Reality checks, they happen often. If they didn't, where would we be? Well, I am going to renig on my introductory statement and cut this into two, possibly three, blog posts. But for now I must return the movies we rented for guys night to Mr. Video. And Kuda is over with me and he looks bored watching Kingdom of Heaven while I blog. So, see you soon... or rather, you'll be reading me soon.
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