I am currently sat in the business class lounge in Abu Dabhi. This is a very pleasant experience as ever, the only down side is that I susposed to be in the air!
All was going very well and then the captain came over the radioto tell us that they had identified a fault. Unfortunately, they were unable to rectify it so we are now waiting for a replacement aircraft from Bangkok!
I am looking on the bright side though, they could have found the fault after take off and we could now be taking an unscheduled dip in the Arabian Sea!!
This now means that I won't arrive in Karachi until 4.30am PST and I have been up since 5 am BST so I am not sure how sleepy I am supposed to be!!
I have heard from those already in Karachi that it has beeen raining again, so there maybe flooding and what is far worse no electricity when I get back!! Welcome Home...
Monday, 31 August 2009
Sunday, 30 August 2009
When I look back upon my life...
... it's always with a sense of shame, I've always been the one to blame. So sang the Pet Shop Boys.
I on the other hand,when looking back, only feel shame for some of the things I have done. I would be lying to say otherwise. On this my 39th birthday, I have to be honest and say that there are things in my past of which I am not proud and which I regret with all my heart.
But I can also look back on my life with a sense of thankfulness for all the good thinks that God has given me. I am particularly grateful for this last nine weeks of holiday here in the UK.
A particular verse of scripture has been going round in my head and it is John 10 v10 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' Now some Christian will interpret this verse to mean that God will give us big houses, large cars and vast fortunes. I am certain that this is not the case.
What I think it means is that, what ever we are doing, we will know the presence of God with us and that he will sustain us and bring us joy in that situation. I have known the fulness of life over these past few weeks, whether travelling in business class, or cooking three meals a day for 60 people for a week. Whether sitting in an expensive restuarant in Prague, or cleaning the loos. God has blessed me greatly in the last few weeks, have had the chance to catch up with my family and friends, some times planned and sometimes by 'accident' by the checkout in Sainsburys or by the milk fridge in Tesco! I've had chance to work, rest and play over this holiday and I am very grateful to God and to all my friends and family for the wonderful time I have had.
I really thankful for all the people that God has brought into my life and the love and support that I receive from them, I am only sorry that I haven't been able to see you all this time, 9 weeks just isn't long enough!!!
The car comes to collect me in just under 7 hours so I had better head to bed and catch a few hours sleep. So what will my 40th year hold, I just don't know but I know a God who does!
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown.
And he replied:
Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.
So let the adventure begin...
I on the other hand,when looking back, only feel shame for some of the things I have done. I would be lying to say otherwise. On this my 39th birthday, I have to be honest and say that there are things in my past of which I am not proud and which I regret with all my heart.
But I can also look back on my life with a sense of thankfulness for all the good thinks that God has given me. I am particularly grateful for this last nine weeks of holiday here in the UK.
A particular verse of scripture has been going round in my head and it is John 10 v10 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' Now some Christian will interpret this verse to mean that God will give us big houses, large cars and vast fortunes. I am certain that this is not the case.
What I think it means is that, what ever we are doing, we will know the presence of God with us and that he will sustain us and bring us joy in that situation. I have known the fulness of life over these past few weeks, whether travelling in business class, or cooking three meals a day for 60 people for a week. Whether sitting in an expensive restuarant in Prague, or cleaning the loos. God has blessed me greatly in the last few weeks, have had the chance to catch up with my family and friends, some times planned and sometimes by 'accident' by the checkout in Sainsburys or by the milk fridge in Tesco! I've had chance to work, rest and play over this holiday and I am very grateful to God and to all my friends and family for the wonderful time I have had.
I really thankful for all the people that God has brought into my life and the love and support that I receive from them, I am only sorry that I haven't been able to see you all this time, 9 weeks just isn't long enough!!!
The car comes to collect me in just under 7 hours so I had better head to bed and catch a few hours sleep. So what will my 40th year hold, I just don't know but I know a God who does!
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.
So let the adventure begin...
Saturday, 22 August 2009
The lazy days of summer...
The last couple of days have seen some rather late starts. In fact this morning we didn't get out of bed until after 11 am which is almost unheard of for me, but thanks to the very thick curtains and comfortable beds of the Marriott, sleeping in does not seem to be a problem!
During our concious moments we have been seeing the sights of Prague. As I mentioned in my last update, Wednesday, was spent wandering around the city and included lunch by the river. What I forgot to mention was that with lunch we had a bottle of water, which came in a very nice shaped bottle and tasted like, well, water! You can imagine my surprise when the bill came and I realised we had just paid £6.50 for the water, which was more than I had paid for my rissotto!!
Back across the river we ascended the tower overlooking the Old Town Square, which thanks to the marvels of modern science is equipped with a lift! More ancient monuments should have these facilities in my humble opinion, spiral staitcases being over rated! The views were stunning but sadly the sun was behind the castle which has meant the photos we took were not that great.
Yesterday, we bought tram tickets and headed out of the city to Divorka Sarka, which is a national park containing an open air pool. The sun was very hot which was a blessing as the water was very cold! As not only is the pool unheated but it is feed by a stream that runs down the mountain. Andrew tells me the temperature is similar to the Solent, in October, in which he paddled with his girlfriend Imogen.
After lying in the sun for a couple of hours (minus socks!!) we headed back into the city having committed the cardinal sin of the tourist, by purchasing a drink from McDonalds. Our only defence being we were parched and there really was no alternative.
After dinner on the Old Town Square, we were treated to an hour of classical music by an ensemble from the Prague Royal Orchestra, Pachelbel's Canon in D, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and some bits by Mozart!! The Smetana Hall was very imposing and the music was excellent.
After our late start this morning we returned to Prague Castle to 'do' the inside bits. I always find ancient places fascinating from the point of view of the ordinary people. I like to imagine what might have been going on in Prague Castle in say, 1781, which, as far as I know was a fairly ordinary year. Yet the the walls of the Castle and Cathedral have stood for over 600 years and have seen many things in their time, if only they could speak!
Tomorrow is our last full day, though the weather is forecast to change to rain, either way our plan is to hire a pedalo on the river, there will be more news after that, Inshallah...
During our concious moments we have been seeing the sights of Prague. As I mentioned in my last update, Wednesday, was spent wandering around the city and included lunch by the river. What I forgot to mention was that with lunch we had a bottle of water, which came in a very nice shaped bottle and tasted like, well, water! You can imagine my surprise when the bill came and I realised we had just paid £6.50 for the water, which was more than I had paid for my rissotto!!
Back across the river we ascended the tower overlooking the Old Town Square, which thanks to the marvels of modern science is equipped with a lift! More ancient monuments should have these facilities in my humble opinion, spiral staitcases being over rated! The views were stunning but sadly the sun was behind the castle which has meant the photos we took were not that great.
Yesterday, we bought tram tickets and headed out of the city to Divorka Sarka, which is a national park containing an open air pool. The sun was very hot which was a blessing as the water was very cold! As not only is the pool unheated but it is feed by a stream that runs down the mountain. Andrew tells me the temperature is similar to the Solent, in October, in which he paddled with his girlfriend Imogen.
After lying in the sun for a couple of hours (minus socks!!) we headed back into the city having committed the cardinal sin of the tourist, by purchasing a drink from McDonalds. Our only defence being we were parched and there really was no alternative.
After dinner on the Old Town Square, we were treated to an hour of classical music by an ensemble from the Prague Royal Orchestra, Pachelbel's Canon in D, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and some bits by Mozart!! The Smetana Hall was very imposing and the music was excellent.
After our late start this morning we returned to Prague Castle to 'do' the inside bits. I always find ancient places fascinating from the point of view of the ordinary people. I like to imagine what might have been going on in Prague Castle in say, 1781, which, as far as I know was a fairly ordinary year. Yet the the walls of the Castle and Cathedral have stood for over 600 years and have seen many things in their time, if only they could speak!
Tomorrow is our last full day, though the weather is forecast to change to rain, either way our plan is to hire a pedalo on the river, there will be more news after that, Inshallah...
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
I must remember I am not in Karachi...
I am typing this sat in Coffee Heaven in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Now my brain knows I am not in the UK, and so I keep thinking that I must be in Karachi. This has two problems, one is that I have answer questions a number of times in Urdu, though this only usually, Ji (yes) or shukrea (thank you), so not a major problem.
The second problem is the bigger one, as it involves currency. The general rule with the Rupee is to divide by 100, so RS500/- is roughly £5. However, to convert Czech Crowns to Sterling requires you to multiply by 4 and then divide by 100, hence 500 Crowns is roughly £20!
Prague is lovely and warm and dry, which is an improvement on Lancaster last week! I was in Lancaster fo rmy second Scripture Union holiday of the summer, THe Great Adventure (TGA) where I am chief caterer. This is my fourth year on TGA and it is great fun. It is very different to SUbmerge as I have a complete different role, but enjoyable just the same. I have to confess that I find providing 60 meals 3 times a day far less stressful than running the programme at SUbmerge. This year my food was so popular that I was awarded a pair of oven gloves signed by all the guests on the last night, which was very kind of them.
Andrew and I are enjoying Prague, we were slightly delayed on our way here, but it didn't cause any real problems for us. On MOnday, we had a wander around the city, including a rathere large detour, on our way to Wenceslas Square, which is a little worrying as he has an AS level in Geography and I teach it!!
For there we continued our wanderings punctuated with stops in various tearooms and bars and with a swim in the hotel pool and a laze in the Jacuzzi.
Today has been more energetic with a 6 hour walking tour around the city, seeing all the highlights of Prague. This also included a trip on the river and luch so we weren't on our feet
for the whole six hours. We have also had another swim in the hotel pool and are now availing ourselves of the free wifi in Coffee Heaven.
Tomorrow, the plan is to go to the open air swimming pool and mix swimming with some sun bathing and reading. Thursday, we have booked tickets to hear the Czech Royal Orchestra, with a programme of Pachabel, Mozart and Vivaldi. We are here until Sunday, so there will be more news to follow...
The second problem is the bigger one, as it involves currency. The general rule with the Rupee is to divide by 100, so RS500/- is roughly £5. However, to convert Czech Crowns to Sterling requires you to multiply by 4 and then divide by 100, hence 500 Crowns is roughly £20!
Prague is lovely and warm and dry, which is an improvement on Lancaster last week! I was in Lancaster fo rmy second Scripture Union holiday of the summer, THe Great Adventure (TGA) where I am chief caterer. This is my fourth year on TGA and it is great fun. It is very different to SUbmerge as I have a complete different role, but enjoyable just the same. I have to confess that I find providing 60 meals 3 times a day far less stressful than running the programme at SUbmerge. This year my food was so popular that I was awarded a pair of oven gloves signed by all the guests on the last night, which was very kind of them.
Andrew and I are enjoying Prague, we were slightly delayed on our way here, but it didn't cause any real problems for us. On MOnday, we had a wander around the city, including a rathere large detour, on our way to Wenceslas Square, which is a little worrying as he has an AS level in Geography and I teach it!!
For there we continued our wanderings punctuated with stops in various tearooms and bars and with a swim in the hotel pool and a laze in the Jacuzzi.
Today has been more energetic with a 6 hour walking tour around the city, seeing all the highlights of Prague. This also included a trip on the river and luch so we weren't on our feet
for the whole six hours. We have also had another swim in the hotel pool and are now availing ourselves of the free wifi in Coffee Heaven.
Tomorrow, the plan is to go to the open air swimming pool and mix swimming with some sun bathing and reading. Thursday, we have booked tickets to hear the Czech Royal Orchestra, with a programme of Pachabel, Mozart and Vivaldi. We are here until Sunday, so there will be more news to follow...
Monday, 3 August 2009
Fresh Expressions...
I had a great day yesterday, with more new experiences.
I am now the proud owner of an Oyster card and have used on both buses and underground. This again is an everyday experience for thousands of Londoners but I am enjoying the novelty. I can't actually remember the last time I was on a bus, it must now be several years ago. Buses are, in my opinion, something to be avoided in Karachi, both whilst driving and also as a means of transportation!!!
The number 4 bus carried me from the end of Aberdeen Park, all the way to St Paul's and it was then a short walk over the Millenium Bridge to the Tate Modern where I met David. We then went on a wander round the gallery, but I have to confess that we spent more time reminiscing and catching up than we did looking at the artwork, so my knowledge of modern art is not that much greater than it was before I went. Though I do now know that the Futurists were, and I'm quoting, ''a bunch of facist b******s''!
I haven't seen David in 7 years so it was great to catch up and see what he is up to at the moment. He is currently waiting and working for his big break! He has done some set designing for smaller productions in London and is now working freelance on a variety of projects and waiting to make the connections necessary to progress in the theatre world. It was great to have the chance to go back over his time at school and catch up with news on other members of his class. It also reminded me of one of the reasons I love teaching so much. I looked at David and saw a young man brimming with possibilities and I had, if in only a tiny way, contributed to making him the man he is today. It is one of the greatest joys, but also biggest responsibilities, that my job entails.
After a delicious dinner at the British Film Institute we went of to church at St Mary's, Wolnott. This is the church where John Newton wrote Amazing Grace and is currently the home of Moot, which is an experiement in new expressions of church by the Diocese of London. After a week of teaching the guests at SUbmerge that we cannot put God in a box, it was interesting to be with a community of christians that are trying to live that out on a daily basis, trying to find new and different ways to worship God through all their actions and words. They are currently in a state of flux with many exciting possibilities ahead of them, so I will interested to see how their ministry grows.
Today, I will be making my third theatre trip in 5 weeks, as Kirsten and I head of to see Billy Elliot at the Victoria theatre. We are also planning to have dinner in China Town before hand, and if possible I would like ot squeeze in dessert in Hagan Dars in Leicester Square, but in the past it has always been very busy in there.
I am also thinking forward to my trip to Prague in a couple of weeks and was looking yesterday for a church to attend onthe Sunday morning. A little later I overhead a conversation nteh lounge and it turns out that a couple staying here at the Highbury Centre, are members of the International Church of Prague! So I have collected information from them and will hopefully, be joining them due my trip. Just another example of the goodness of God...
I am now the proud owner of an Oyster card and have used on both buses and underground. This again is an everyday experience for thousands of Londoners but I am enjoying the novelty. I can't actually remember the last time I was on a bus, it must now be several years ago. Buses are, in my opinion, something to be avoided in Karachi, both whilst driving and also as a means of transportation!!!
The number 4 bus carried me from the end of Aberdeen Park, all the way to St Paul's and it was then a short walk over the Millenium Bridge to the Tate Modern where I met David. We then went on a wander round the gallery, but I have to confess that we spent more time reminiscing and catching up than we did looking at the artwork, so my knowledge of modern art is not that much greater than it was before I went. Though I do now know that the Futurists were, and I'm quoting, ''a bunch of facist b******s''!
I haven't seen David in 7 years so it was great to catch up and see what he is up to at the moment. He is currently waiting and working for his big break! He has done some set designing for smaller productions in London and is now working freelance on a variety of projects and waiting to make the connections necessary to progress in the theatre world. It was great to have the chance to go back over his time at school and catch up with news on other members of his class. It also reminded me of one of the reasons I love teaching so much. I looked at David and saw a young man brimming with possibilities and I had, if in only a tiny way, contributed to making him the man he is today. It is one of the greatest joys, but also biggest responsibilities, that my job entails.
After a delicious dinner at the British Film Institute we went of to church at St Mary's, Wolnott. This is the church where John Newton wrote Amazing Grace and is currently the home of Moot, which is an experiement in new expressions of church by the Diocese of London. After a week of teaching the guests at SUbmerge that we cannot put God in a box, it was interesting to be with a community of christians that are trying to live that out on a daily basis, trying to find new and different ways to worship God through all their actions and words. They are currently in a state of flux with many exciting possibilities ahead of them, so I will interested to see how their ministry grows.
Today, I will be making my third theatre trip in 5 weeks, as Kirsten and I head of to see Billy Elliot at the Victoria theatre. We are also planning to have dinner in China Town before hand, and if possible I would like ot squeeze in dessert in Hagan Dars in Leicester Square, but in the past it has always been very busy in there.
I am also thinking forward to my trip to Prague in a couple of weeks and was looking yesterday for a church to attend onthe Sunday morning. A little later I overhead a conversation nteh lounge and it turns out that a couple staying here at the Highbury Centre, are members of the International Church of Prague! So I have collected information from them and will hopefully, be joining them due my trip. Just another example of the goodness of God...
Sunday, 2 August 2009
New Experiences...
I am glad to report that at nearly 39 there are still new experiences to be had!!
I spent last week at SUbmerge in Salisbury, which is the Scripture Union Camp for 11-14 yaer olds. This is my 19th year as a team member and it was a sobering thought to think that all the guests and some of the team had not even been thought of, when I first joined the team.
I am also sat typing this inthe lounge of the Foreign Missions Club, Highbury, which is where my SU adventures started in May 1991. We used to use the club as a base for our team training, so it is nice to be here again. I would recommend the FMC if you are ever looking for accomodation in London. It is very reasonably priced and has easy access to the city centre, and it even comes with free parking!! It exsists as a place for missionaries to stay when they are here on fulough, but is happy to let rooms to anyone when they have spare capacity. Check it out if you need a place to stay in London www.thehighburycentre.org
SUbmerge this year was fantastic, the guests were amazing and the team were outstanding. As ever it was a tiring week, lots of late nights and early mornings but God was at work and we had a great time. We had a couple of visitors during the week including the Chief Exec of Scripture Union (ie big white chief) and of course he was there when I was leading the session on the last full day! He was very complimentary which was encouraging.
The new experiences that I speak of started yesterday thanks to the directions I was given by the AA routeplanner website!! So fo rthe first time ever I found myself driving through central London. Now I am aware that for many people this is a way of life, but for me, it was something new. Idid get lost a couple of times, but thankfully, Kirsten was on the end of a phone with her A-Z and was able to direct me accordingly. I have to say that I found the driving very easy and it was nice to be able to switch back to Karachi style driving again. ThoughI did have to remember that although cutting people up is required in London, so is stopping at red lights!
After a couple of detours including a short drive in Hyde Park, I successful navigated to HIghbury and had a quick shower and then headed of to Islington High Street to meet James and have some dinner. We strarted in Sampler which has a system by which you can sample a variety of different wines. Sadly, my knowledge of wine is about as extensive as my knowledge of the Ukranian film industry, so it all just tasted of wine to me. That being said, in one of the red wines I did detect the 'overtones of cherry', unfortunately, the 'hint of nutmeg and woodsmoke' completely passsed me by!!
Today I am meeting David, who is one of my ex-pupil, who has just graduated with a 1st in Theatre Design, and he is going to take me on another first, tour around the Tate Modern. Again, my knowledge of modern art is in the same catergory as wine, and Ukranian films, so I am hoping that David can act as my teacher and I will come out filled with a new understanding!!
Then tomorrow after a day of lounging I will be meeting up with Kirsten so that we can head of the to the theatre to see Billy Elliot.
As I wandered along Islington High Street yesterday I thought to myself what a wonderful life I have. I have a job that I love, and it gives me the time and money to enjoy my time away from school. I do know that I am blessed adn I thank God, fo reach of those blessings, and I am looking forward to the rest of my time in the UK. More news later...
I spent last week at SUbmerge in Salisbury, which is the Scripture Union Camp for 11-14 yaer olds. This is my 19th year as a team member and it was a sobering thought to think that all the guests and some of the team had not even been thought of, when I first joined the team.
I am also sat typing this inthe lounge of the Foreign Missions Club, Highbury, which is where my SU adventures started in May 1991. We used to use the club as a base for our team training, so it is nice to be here again. I would recommend the FMC if you are ever looking for accomodation in London. It is very reasonably priced and has easy access to the city centre, and it even comes with free parking!! It exsists as a place for missionaries to stay when they are here on fulough, but is happy to let rooms to anyone when they have spare capacity. Check it out if you need a place to stay in London www.thehighburycentre.org
SUbmerge this year was fantastic, the guests were amazing and the team were outstanding. As ever it was a tiring week, lots of late nights and early mornings but God was at work and we had a great time. We had a couple of visitors during the week including the Chief Exec of Scripture Union (ie big white chief) and of course he was there when I was leading the session on the last full day! He was very complimentary which was encouraging.
The new experiences that I speak of started yesterday thanks to the directions I was given by the AA routeplanner website!! So fo rthe first time ever I found myself driving through central London. Now I am aware that for many people this is a way of life, but for me, it was something new. Idid get lost a couple of times, but thankfully, Kirsten was on the end of a phone with her A-Z and was able to direct me accordingly. I have to say that I found the driving very easy and it was nice to be able to switch back to Karachi style driving again. ThoughI did have to remember that although cutting people up is required in London, so is stopping at red lights!
After a couple of detours including a short drive in Hyde Park, I successful navigated to HIghbury and had a quick shower and then headed of to Islington High Street to meet James and have some dinner. We strarted in Sampler which has a system by which you can sample a variety of different wines. Sadly, my knowledge of wine is about as extensive as my knowledge of the Ukranian film industry, so it all just tasted of wine to me. That being said, in one of the red wines I did detect the 'overtones of cherry', unfortunately, the 'hint of nutmeg and woodsmoke' completely passsed me by!!
Today I am meeting David, who is one of my ex-pupil, who has just graduated with a 1st in Theatre Design, and he is going to take me on another first, tour around the Tate Modern. Again, my knowledge of modern art is in the same catergory as wine, and Ukranian films, so I am hoping that David can act as my teacher and I will come out filled with a new understanding!!
Then tomorrow after a day of lounging I will be meeting up with Kirsten so that we can head of the to the theatre to see Billy Elliot.
As I wandered along Islington High Street yesterday I thought to myself what a wonderful life I have. I have a job that I love, and it gives me the time and money to enjoy my time away from school. I do know that I am blessed adn I thank God, fo reach of those blessings, and I am looking forward to the rest of my time in the UK. More news later...
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