Today marks the fortieth anniversary of my arrival on planet Earth. I have had a wonderful weekend celebrating.
Early on Saturday morning, Thomas arrived safely from Cairo and he will be here for two weeks. I left him resting and I went off for a meeting with the school founder. There is no real news about the school's future at the moment we are still waiting on the outcome of a court case, and things do seem to move slowly!
After collecting Thomas we headed of to Clippers for a couple of hours of relaxation and beautifying. Then we called in on Kathy to finalise arrangements for the evening's festivities.
Kathy and Zulfi had very kindly agreed to hosting a dinner in my honour, with Zulfi creating all the food. To say that Zulfi is a good cook is something of an understatement!! So later that evening 12 of us gathered at their house and enjoyed a delicious array of dishes, with cake provided by Pie in the Sky.
My actual birthday was spent very quietly. After church, Thomas and I retired to the apartment and just enjoyed each others company. We ate very little as we were still stuffed from the day before, but we did enjoy a game of Super Scrabble, with all the honours going to the birthday boy!
We toasted the event with some Lindsfarne Mead, which I had bought on my birthday trip with Meg, just before I left the UK. All in all a very enjoyable and relaxing day.
Life begins at Forty or so the saying goes, so I say, let it begin...
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
Capital ideas...
From Belfast I left for my annual pilgramage to the Capital.
Thanks to Airmiles, my journey was once again without cost! Though my travels did give me something to think about.
I have taken to flying in shalwar kameez, traditional Pakiatani dress, as it is very comfortable and contains no metal or belts that need removing at security. However, it has made me more noticable to security staff. On each of my last 6 flights I have been stopped at least once for extra security checks! I may be being paranoid, but I suspect my attire is what is causing the extra interest! I wonder what would happen if I travelled in my dog collar?
I stayed at the Highbury Centre whilst I was in London, which is a Christian Centre set up to provide accommodation for missionaries on furlough. They also let rooms to others when they have spare capacity. It provides a nice place to stay at a very reasonable cost.
Friday I made my way to the British Museum to met my friend James for lunch. We ate in the museum restuarant which was superb, expensive, but superb. It was great to catch up with all his news, as James lives one of the most interesting lives of anyone I know!
He is currently working as a Manny (a male nanny) whilst at the same time running a stall at Brick Lane Market at the weekends. In his spare time he is a food critic and has a couple of other sidelines as well!! In fact the day after we met he was drive a dog to the South of France, but that's James!
Friday evening was my fourth and finally trip to the theatre when along with Kirsten I went to see Sister Act. It was a fantastic production, very similar plot to the film but with all new music. The sets were fantastic and the cast superb. Also it was apparent during the final number, how suitable the vestments of the Church of Rome are for decoration with sequins!
Saturday was a trip out on the train up to High Wycombe to see Rob, Elizabeth and Emily. It was amazing to see how much Emily had grown in just the few short weeks since she had left Karachi. It was good to catch up and hear their plans for the future.
Saturday evening I was back in the West End for dinner with David. David is one of my former pupils who is now living and working in London designing, 'spaces'! This can be sets for theatrical performances or spaces at festivals like Greenbelt. As coincidence would have it, David's latest project is preparing the sets of Sister Act for its UK tour and transfer to Broadway!
Sunday it was once more to the airport for a flight back to Manchester and to collect another hire car. I have never been particularly bothered by cars, but I have to confess I really did enjoy driving two very new cars whilst in the UK. They were nothing special just very new and a pleasure to drive.
My fourth week in the UK started with another lunch to catch up with a friend. This time it was Jane and we met up in the Trafford centre for a bite to eat and a little light retail therapy.
The following day I met up with my mum and her friend Barbara for our 'last' lunch before I returned to Karachi. You see although I had been able to extend my summer holiday by two weeks, I hadn't mentioned this to mother. My reason being that she and her husband were celebrating their Silver Wedding anniversity on 7th August. I had already told her that I wouldn't be able to be there, so I decided to let her carry on thinking that so that I could surprise her, but more of that later...
Thanks to Airmiles, my journey was once again without cost! Though my travels did give me something to think about.
I have taken to flying in shalwar kameez, traditional Pakiatani dress, as it is very comfortable and contains no metal or belts that need removing at security. However, it has made me more noticable to security staff. On each of my last 6 flights I have been stopped at least once for extra security checks! I may be being paranoid, but I suspect my attire is what is causing the extra interest! I wonder what would happen if I travelled in my dog collar?
I stayed at the Highbury Centre whilst I was in London, which is a Christian Centre set up to provide accommodation for missionaries on furlough. They also let rooms to others when they have spare capacity. It provides a nice place to stay at a very reasonable cost.
Friday I made my way to the British Museum to met my friend James for lunch. We ate in the museum restuarant which was superb, expensive, but superb. It was great to catch up with all his news, as James lives one of the most interesting lives of anyone I know!
He is currently working as a Manny (a male nanny) whilst at the same time running a stall at Brick Lane Market at the weekends. In his spare time he is a food critic and has a couple of other sidelines as well!! In fact the day after we met he was drive a dog to the South of France, but that's James!
Friday evening was my fourth and finally trip to the theatre when along with Kirsten I went to see Sister Act. It was a fantastic production, very similar plot to the film but with all new music. The sets were fantastic and the cast superb. Also it was apparent during the final number, how suitable the vestments of the Church of Rome are for decoration with sequins!
Saturday was a trip out on the train up to High Wycombe to see Rob, Elizabeth and Emily. It was amazing to see how much Emily had grown in just the few short weeks since she had left Karachi. It was good to catch up and hear their plans for the future.
Saturday evening I was back in the West End for dinner with David. David is one of my former pupils who is now living and working in London designing, 'spaces'! This can be sets for theatrical performances or spaces at festivals like Greenbelt. As coincidence would have it, David's latest project is preparing the sets of Sister Act for its UK tour and transfer to Broadway!
Sunday it was once more to the airport for a flight back to Manchester and to collect another hire car. I have never been particularly bothered by cars, but I have to confess I really did enjoy driving two very new cars whilst in the UK. They were nothing special just very new and a pleasure to drive.
My fourth week in the UK started with another lunch to catch up with a friend. This time it was Jane and we met up in the Trafford centre for a bite to eat and a little light retail therapy.
The following day I met up with my mum and her friend Barbara for our 'last' lunch before I returned to Karachi. You see although I had been able to extend my summer holiday by two weeks, I hadn't mentioned this to mother. My reason being that she and her husband were celebrating their Silver Wedding anniversity on 7th August. I had already told her that I wouldn't be able to be there, so I decided to let her carry on thinking that so that I could surprise her, but more of that later...
Monday, 16 August 2010
And there's more...
We are now into my second week in the UK and you find me back in Hyde. After a couple of meals out catching up with friends the main events of the week were focused around my mother.
On the Thursday I went round to mum's house to help her prepare for her talk to the church social the following Saturday. She had been invited to talk about her visit to Karachi and she had asked me to help. We put together a Powerpoint presentation and decided what we would talk about. Then in the evening it was time for my third theatre trip of the holiday when mum and I went to see 'Oh What a lovely War' at the Guide Bridge Theatre.
Friday evening found me back at Holy Trinity for a Street Pastors Commissioning Service. Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue.
It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev Les Isaac, Director of the Ascension Trust, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working. There are now over 100 teams around the United Kingdom.
Each city project is set up by Ascension Trust and run by a local coordinator with support from Ascension Trust and local churches and community groups, in partnership with Police, Council and other statutory agencies.http://www.streetpastors.co.uk
My godson Thomas' parents have both been commissioned as Street Pastors along with 12 others, with Angela (Thoams' mum) being the overall co-ordinator.
It was great to be there to see all these people sent out in Jesus' name to be his hands and feet to the people of Stalybridge. It was also great to see four churches in Stalybridge all working together to proclaim the gospel in such a practical way.
Saturday evening Mum and I went along to Stalybridge Congreagational Church for their Cheese and Wine Evening which included Mum's presentation on her trip to Karachi. I 'interfered' a couple of times to add a little more detail and explanation and the evening went very well indeed with everyone enjoying the presentation.
I was back there on Sunday morning to lead and preach at their morning service. It's always a pleasure to go back to the church where I grew up as a child and this was the first time I was able to attend wearing my dog collar. If I was ever in the market for a pastorate, I know they would welcome me with open arms, though for the time being I know that is not what God is calling me to.
The afternoon was spent celebrating my 40th birthday with my family and some friends at mum's house. Mum had put on a barbeque and a running buffet a variety of relatives and friends were in attendance. It was a lovely afternoon and one of the many events being held this year to celebrate my 40 years on the earth!
Monday saw the start of my 'holiday' week courtsey of my accumulated Airmiles. I was able to book flights from Manchester to Belfast and Manchester to London all for the princely sum of £0.00, including taxes and fees! This meant I able to pop over to Belfast to see David and Katey. When I arrived the house was full of all Katey's siblings and spouses and KIrsten and Philip, their children. This was because they had spent the weekend celebrating David's 65th and Katey's 60th birthday.
Most of the assembled throng disappeared on various flights during the afternoon leaving David, Katey, Martin, Ali and me. The following day the whole group went off to spend my accumulated birthday money. We popped out to Currys to buy myself a Sony e-reader. Unfortunately, both Currys and PC only offer the aforementioned device on their websites and not in their stores. Thankfully, there was a Sony store in Newtonards so our quest was successful. The eReader is a fantastic little device, about the size and weight of a paperback, with the capacity to conatain about 600 books. There only draw back is as they are powered by a battery, you cannot use them during take off and landing, I kid you not...
On the Thursday I went round to mum's house to help her prepare for her talk to the church social the following Saturday. She had been invited to talk about her visit to Karachi and she had asked me to help. We put together a Powerpoint presentation and decided what we would talk about. Then in the evening it was time for my third theatre trip of the holiday when mum and I went to see 'Oh What a lovely War' at the Guide Bridge Theatre.
Friday evening found me back at Holy Trinity for a Street Pastors Commissioning Service. Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue.
It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev Les Isaac, Director of the Ascension Trust, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working. There are now over 100 teams around the United Kingdom.
Each city project is set up by Ascension Trust and run by a local coordinator with support from Ascension Trust and local churches and community groups, in partnership with Police, Council and other statutory agencies.http://www.streetpastors.co.uk
My godson Thomas' parents have both been commissioned as Street Pastors along with 12 others, with Angela (Thoams' mum) being the overall co-ordinator.
It was great to be there to see all these people sent out in Jesus' name to be his hands and feet to the people of Stalybridge. It was also great to see four churches in Stalybridge all working together to proclaim the gospel in such a practical way.
Saturday evening Mum and I went along to Stalybridge Congreagational Church for their Cheese and Wine Evening which included Mum's presentation on her trip to Karachi. I 'interfered' a couple of times to add a little more detail and explanation and the evening went very well indeed with everyone enjoying the presentation.
I was back there on Sunday morning to lead and preach at their morning service. It's always a pleasure to go back to the church where I grew up as a child and this was the first time I was able to attend wearing my dog collar. If I was ever in the market for a pastorate, I know they would welcome me with open arms, though for the time being I know that is not what God is calling me to.
The afternoon was spent celebrating my 40th birthday with my family and some friends at mum's house. Mum had put on a barbeque and a running buffet a variety of relatives and friends were in attendance. It was a lovely afternoon and one of the many events being held this year to celebrate my 40 years on the earth!
Monday saw the start of my 'holiday' week courtsey of my accumulated Airmiles. I was able to book flights from Manchester to Belfast and Manchester to London all for the princely sum of £0.00, including taxes and fees! This meant I able to pop over to Belfast to see David and Katey. When I arrived the house was full of all Katey's siblings and spouses and KIrsten and Philip, their children. This was because they had spent the weekend celebrating David's 65th and Katey's 60th birthday.
Most of the assembled throng disappeared on various flights during the afternoon leaving David, Katey, Martin, Ali and me. The following day the whole group went off to spend my accumulated birthday money. We popped out to Currys to buy myself a Sony e-reader. Unfortunately, both Currys and PC only offer the aforementioned device on their websites and not in their stores. Thankfully, there was a Sony store in Newtonards so our quest was successful. The eReader is a fantastic little device, about the size and weight of a paperback, with the capacity to conatain about 600 books. There only draw back is as they are powered by a battery, you cannot use them during take off and landing, I kid you not...
Monday, 9 August 2010
It's been a while...
Apologies for my absence from this pages over the last six weeks, but my time in the UK has passed in something of a blur. I have managed to fit an incredible amount into my time at home and have caught up with nearly everyone I wanted to see.
I arrived after a very pleasant flight and settled myself into my temporary home with my friends Bill and Gwen. In the past I have had use of the flat over their music shop, but this year I was upgraded to a room in the house! I am very grateful to both Bill and Gwen for allowing just to come and go, in fact at times I was the only one resisdent as they were off having adventures in their little camper van!
My first port of call was to Kong's the chippy on Market Street in Hyde. I had been dreaming about the place for about the last month in Karachi and I was desperate to taste their products. I can honestly say that I was salivating by the time it was my turn to be served and meat and potato pie, chips and gravy tasted absolutely divine! This was accompanied by a butter muffin and a glass of ice cold cider, I was a very happy man once I had that lot inside me!
I also went round to see my mum and say hello and then headed off round the corner to my sister's apartment. I told her that my holiday had been extended and that I hadn't yet told mum. We decided together that we would keep it secret and so that I could surprise mum at her Silver Wedding anniversary party.
Sunday morning I made my way to my home church of Holy Trinity and Christ Church, Stalybridge, where it was lovely to catch up with old friends and also see so many new faces as part of the congregation. It is over 5 years now since I left HTCC to go to Barnsley but I still consider it my spiritual home.
In the afternoon it was off to Darlington to catch up with Meg and put the finishing touches to the programme for SUbmerge 2010. Admist all the work we were able to fit in the first of my 4 theatre trips as we went to see an amatuer production of My Fair Lady at Yarm. The girl playing Eliza was excellent but the production as a whole lack pace which meant that what is always a long show, seemed to go on for ever!
Thursday took me to Redcar to see james and his parents and we headed off to Middleborough to see Waiting for Gateux starring LIsa Riley. The play was set in a slimming club and was really funny, the best lines being the rewritten lyrics of My Favourite things from The Sound of Music. Their lyrics went 'Mars bars and Kit Kats, Yorkies and Snickers, Bags of Malteasers I hide in my knickers, big bowls of trifle with lashings of cream, these are a few of my favourite things"!
I popped back to Stalybridge on the Friday evening to support a jazz night that was being held at HTCC. I only managed to stay until the interval when through a combination of the rather bland nature of the music and the call of Kong's Chippy I made my way to Bill and Gwen's armed with another portion of my favourite meal!
Saturday morning It was over the hills and far away to Finningley where my good friend and former boss is now Rector of Finningley and Chaplain to Doncaster Sheffield airport. Neil and Catherine are also originally from HTCC though they left back in 1998 to train fof the Anglican Ministry. Along with their three children they move to Finningley a couple of years ago and are very settled in to life in the villages and the churches. The congregations are growing and it was a pleasure to join both churches for their services. We were also able to have a celebration of my 40th birthday with a delicious Chinese Banquet.
The end of my first week found me in South Kirby in Yorkshire staying with my friends Susan and Daniel where there was more catching up and delicious food, including their world famous roast lamb and bacon and eggs for breakfast!
On that note I will leave you for now, to be continued...
I arrived after a very pleasant flight and settled myself into my temporary home with my friends Bill and Gwen. In the past I have had use of the flat over their music shop, but this year I was upgraded to a room in the house! I am very grateful to both Bill and Gwen for allowing just to come and go, in fact at times I was the only one resisdent as they were off having adventures in their little camper van!
My first port of call was to Kong's the chippy on Market Street in Hyde. I had been dreaming about the place for about the last month in Karachi and I was desperate to taste their products. I can honestly say that I was salivating by the time it was my turn to be served and meat and potato pie, chips and gravy tasted absolutely divine! This was accompanied by a butter muffin and a glass of ice cold cider, I was a very happy man once I had that lot inside me!
I also went round to see my mum and say hello and then headed off round the corner to my sister's apartment. I told her that my holiday had been extended and that I hadn't yet told mum. We decided together that we would keep it secret and so that I could surprise mum at her Silver Wedding anniversary party.
Sunday morning I made my way to my home church of Holy Trinity and Christ Church, Stalybridge, where it was lovely to catch up with old friends and also see so many new faces as part of the congregation. It is over 5 years now since I left HTCC to go to Barnsley but I still consider it my spiritual home.
In the afternoon it was off to Darlington to catch up with Meg and put the finishing touches to the programme for SUbmerge 2010. Admist all the work we were able to fit in the first of my 4 theatre trips as we went to see an amatuer production of My Fair Lady at Yarm. The girl playing Eliza was excellent but the production as a whole lack pace which meant that what is always a long show, seemed to go on for ever!
Thursday took me to Redcar to see james and his parents and we headed off to Middleborough to see Waiting for Gateux starring LIsa Riley. The play was set in a slimming club and was really funny, the best lines being the rewritten lyrics of My Favourite things from The Sound of Music. Their lyrics went 'Mars bars and Kit Kats, Yorkies and Snickers, Bags of Malteasers I hide in my knickers, big bowls of trifle with lashings of cream, these are a few of my favourite things"!
I popped back to Stalybridge on the Friday evening to support a jazz night that was being held at HTCC. I only managed to stay until the interval when through a combination of the rather bland nature of the music and the call of Kong's Chippy I made my way to Bill and Gwen's armed with another portion of my favourite meal!
Saturday morning It was over the hills and far away to Finningley where my good friend and former boss is now Rector of Finningley and Chaplain to Doncaster Sheffield airport. Neil and Catherine are also originally from HTCC though they left back in 1998 to train fof the Anglican Ministry. Along with their three children they move to Finningley a couple of years ago and are very settled in to life in the villages and the churches. The congregations are growing and it was a pleasure to join both churches for their services. We were also able to have a celebration of my 40th birthday with a delicious Chinese Banquet.
The end of my first week found me in South Kirby in Yorkshire staying with my friends Susan and Daniel where there was more catching up and delicious food, including their world famous roast lamb and bacon and eggs for breakfast!
On that note I will leave you for now, to be continued...
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