So it's been 1 week.
1 Week of new things. Getting lost. Confusion. Heat. And more.
But thank God I have a roof over my head and I am making progress. Language, as expected, is a huge barrier to overcome. It makes even the simplest task a lot harder. The other day I spent 1 hour shopping for a small basket of groceries. There are no recognizable brands and I have to check carefully to be sure what I'm buying is what I actually want. Of course all the labels are in Turkish so that makes it even more difficult!
But I'm managing and the guys here are very helpful. I'm only on a small dialup connection, so I can't spend much time online yet. Hopefully I can sort out an ADSL connection soon. Then I'll be free to send more.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Thursday, September 01, 2005
The place of church in job creation
I've been bending my mind around some new ideas this past few weeks. It seems I have quite a bit of time to myself as I wait to go to Turkey and so I have been thinking. I know, "Don't strain myself!"
Some comments I have heard recently have caused me to think about the role the church (ie. body of Christ) has in building up a community. Years ago Wesley used to be actively involved in helping people to find employment. It was a hallmark of the early Methodist movement. Today we seem to have lost some of this.
Imagine with me a church geared towards helping those with ideas, bring them to fruition.
Say "Mary" has an idea to start a business embroidering clothes and material. She does not know much about running a business and really is afraid to step out on her own. There are too many risks.
But in steps the church. They offer her a place in the church hall as office and working space. They offer her an interest free loan to help her get the necessary machinery. They go into the community in search of jobless individuals who can be trained and apprenticed under Mary.
They then tap into the human resources of the church body. Provide her with a business advisor and mentor from amongst the many skilled businessmen and women in the congregation. Need an accountant? Again from the congregation at special rates. Auditors? Trainers? Computer specialists? You name it, we have it in our congregation.
In return Mary must pay the church rent for the space she uses in the form of a tithe from the business income. Soon her business is up and running and so the church helps her find her own office space somewhere to allow the business to grow.
Dream? Or can it be a reality?
Some comments I have heard recently have caused me to think about the role the church (ie. body of Christ) has in building up a community. Years ago Wesley used to be actively involved in helping people to find employment. It was a hallmark of the early Methodist movement. Today we seem to have lost some of this.
Imagine with me a church geared towards helping those with ideas, bring them to fruition.
Say "Mary" has an idea to start a business embroidering clothes and material. She does not know much about running a business and really is afraid to step out on her own. There are too many risks.
But in steps the church. They offer her a place in the church hall as office and working space. They offer her an interest free loan to help her get the necessary machinery. They go into the community in search of jobless individuals who can be trained and apprenticed under Mary.
They then tap into the human resources of the church body. Provide her with a business advisor and mentor from amongst the many skilled businessmen and women in the congregation. Need an accountant? Again from the congregation at special rates. Auditors? Trainers? Computer specialists? You name it, we have it in our congregation.
In return Mary must pay the church rent for the space she uses in the form of a tithe from the business income. Soon her business is up and running and so the church helps her find her own office space somewhere to allow the business to grow.
Dream? Or can it be a reality?
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Relaxing in the hills
Well, I'm now relaxing amongst the rolling hills of the Natal midlands. It's good to be able to just catch my breath for a bit. With nothing to do and no people to see I am forced to take it easy for a while.
Yesterday I went into Durban and visited my friends on the Doulos. That was cool. It was good to see everyone again. Good also to see the ship in action. I enjoyed spending time (with those I could), just relaxing on board and chatting. Good times!
Being away in the country means less access to Internet. This then explains the quiet patch. Hopefully once I'm in Turkey I'll be able to get a permanent connection soon.
For now though I'll enjoy the rest!
Yesterday I went into Durban and visited my friends on the Doulos. That was cool. It was good to see everyone again. Good also to see the ship in action. I enjoyed spending time (with those I could), just relaxing on board and chatting. Good times!
Being away in the country means less access to Internet. This then explains the quiet patch. Hopefully once I'm in Turkey I'll be able to get a permanent connection soon.
For now though I'll enjoy the rest!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Goodbye Pretoria
Well, this is my last day in Pretoria. After what has been an incredibly busy week! It's hard to realise that the this chapter is over and that the next is about to begin. But I'm on my way, finally!
The one annoying think is having to pack up all over again. 20Kg of luggage really isn't a lot. And since that's all they'll let me take on the plane that's all I'm taking with me. Each time I think I've narrowed down my possessions enough I discover I still have too much. How much junk can you collect in 6 months? I'm amazed!
Still, I'll have to make it work somehow. It really has been easier than expected to get rid of my things. I just don't have any attachment to material possessions. That really has helped. I see that as a really positive aspect of God in my life.
The one annoying think is having to pack up all over again. 20Kg of luggage really isn't a lot. And since that's all they'll let me take on the plane that's all I'm taking with me. Each time I think I've narrowed down my possessions enough I discover I still have too much. How much junk can you collect in 6 months? I'm amazed!
Still, I'll have to make it work somehow. It really has been easier than expected to get rid of my things. I just don't have any attachment to material possessions. That really has helped. I see that as a really positive aspect of God in my life.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
A visa is a wonderful thing
This morning I trekked out to the Turkish Embassy to check up on my visa. And they were kind enough to offer to let me stay in their beautiful country for 1 year. Isn't that nice of them?
But only on condition that when I'm finished for the year I can speak fluent Turkish.
I think I can manage that. So the last hurdle is conquered and I'm on my way!
But only on condition that when I'm finished for the year I can speak fluent Turkish.
I think I can manage that. So the last hurdle is conquered and I'm on my way!
Monday, August 15, 2005
Slow Progress
Progress may be slow, but things are still moving. I have been learning all through the last year to trust in God and let him work out the details. There really is no use worrying about things if he is in control of my life.
This said, he still tests how far I will go before I start to worry. With time drawing near and still no visa in hand I must admit I did start to worry a little. What if I don't get a visa? What will I do then?
Needless questions though. Tomorrow I go to collect my visa. As promised, on time. One thing about the Turkish embassy, when they tell you it'll be done by a certain time...It's done in that time. Very un-African!
Looks like I'm on my way!
This said, he still tests how far I will go before I start to worry. With time drawing near and still no visa in hand I must admit I did start to worry a little. What if I don't get a visa? What will I do then?
Needless questions though. Tomorrow I go to collect my visa. As promised, on time. One thing about the Turkish embassy, when they tell you it'll be done by a certain time...It's done in that time. Very un-African!
Looks like I'm on my way!
Friday, August 12, 2005
Can it be?
Can it be that another week has passed?
It seems ridiculous how fast time is moving. Well this week has been better than expected, after the bad start. I seem to be constantly busy though. There is still so much to sort out.
My folks are coming up here tomorrow, which will be nice. They'll be around for the next week or so. It will be good to see them again.
Mostly at the moment I struggle with procrastination and time management. With so much to do I tend to get a bit overwhelmed. And then end up procrastinating and doing nothing of what I should be doing. Why is it that we put off what we know we should be doing, in favour of the trivial?
So I'm thinking of adding a prayer list to the sidebar here. Just a few things that people can pray for. I'd like some ideas... (Hint, Hint)
It seems ridiculous how fast time is moving. Well this week has been better than expected, after the bad start. I seem to be constantly busy though. There is still so much to sort out.
My folks are coming up here tomorrow, which will be nice. They'll be around for the next week or so. It will be good to see them again.
Mostly at the moment I struggle with procrastination and time management. With so much to do I tend to get a bit overwhelmed. And then end up procrastinating and doing nothing of what I should be doing. Why is it that we put off what we know we should be doing, in favour of the trivial?
So I'm thinking of adding a prayer list to the sidebar here. Just a few things that people can pray for. I'd like some ideas... (Hint, Hint)
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Weekend = Blue
Most people have blue Mondays. I think I had a blue weekend. This just wasn't my weekend....
First I started to get sick. You know how you just know you're gonna big sick in the next few days and you just can't do anything about it. Like that.
Then our fridge broke. First we thought it was just the freezer that had stopped working. So we moved all our frozen stuff to another freezer. But then later we realised it was the whole fridge. Too late, however, as all my food became infused with the lovely taste and smell of gas... Threw it all away!
That wasn't to be the end though...
Next our whole drain system blocked up. We have a French drain and so there is no easy way to unblock it. Have a shower and you find yourself knee deep in water by the time you're finished.
But it gets better...
Sunday night I wasn't feeling too good, with a pain in my shoulder. So I took 2 Myprodol and figured they'd knock me out till morning...
Wrong!
I lay in bed contemplating the ceiling. Completely unable to sleep. So I decided to read. I figured a few chapters of reading would make me sleepy enough to fall asleep...
Wrong!
05:30 Monday morning I finished my book... And just as the sun rose I fell asleep.
And there ended my blue weekend... [Insert creepy music here]
First I started to get sick. You know how you just know you're gonna big sick in the next few days and you just can't do anything about it. Like that.
Then our fridge broke. First we thought it was just the freezer that had stopped working. So we moved all our frozen stuff to another freezer. But then later we realised it was the whole fridge. Too late, however, as all my food became infused with the lovely taste and smell of gas... Threw it all away!
That wasn't to be the end though...
Next our whole drain system blocked up. We have a French drain and so there is no easy way to unblock it. Have a shower and you find yourself knee deep in water by the time you're finished.
But it gets better...
Sunday night I wasn't feeling too good, with a pain in my shoulder. So I took 2 Myprodol and figured they'd knock me out till morning...
Wrong!
I lay in bed contemplating the ceiling. Completely unable to sleep. So I decided to read. I figured a few chapters of reading would make me sleepy enough to fall asleep...
Wrong!
05:30 Monday morning I finished my book... And just as the sun rose I fell asleep.
And there ended my blue weekend... [Insert creepy music here]
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Busy, being busy
You know, it's so easy to get busy. I have so many things that need to be finalized in this month. And all of them take time. Partly I have myself to blame since I'm a natural procrastinator. And most of what I need to do could probably have been done long ago.
This weekend was my boets birthday. *****Happy Birthday ANDREW!!!!******* So we had some cool family time. Plus I have brought all my stuff out of storage, so sorting all that was a weekend task. One which, admittedly, I did not accomplish very well...
In preparation for the big move I brought everything I own to Pretoria. After sorting through all my junk I put most of it up for sale. It was a feeding frenzy! I didn't realise all my old junk would be in such high demand. I sold most of it off cheaply. It seems better to me that somebody else can be blessed by it. Rather than it stays in a box for years to come.
Laters,
This weekend was my boets birthday. *****Happy Birthday ANDREW!!!!******* So we had some cool family time. Plus I have brought all my stuff out of storage, so sorting all that was a weekend task. One which, admittedly, I did not accomplish very well...
In preparation for the big move I brought everything I own to Pretoria. After sorting through all my junk I put most of it up for sale. It was a feeding frenzy! I didn't realise all my old junk would be in such high demand. I sold most of it off cheaply. It seems better to me that somebody else can be blessed by it. Rather than it stays in a box for years to come.
Laters,
Friday, July 29, 2005
Saying goodbye
It's still a while till I leave South Africa, but the idea of saying goodbye is weighing on me. There are so many people who are special to me here. Special friends, and of course close family. It will be strange to have to say goodbye, not knowing when next we'll meet.
I guess I'm thinking about this for a number of reasons.
Just last week I had to say goodbye to a whole group of friends whom I have been getting close to over the past year. The training team have all left now, and some of those guys and girls I'll truly miss. Who knows if I'll ever see them again?
Then Sunday we had a memorial for Clive, to remember his life. I can't really believe it's been a year since he's gone home. It was strange again to see all his friends, whom I haven't seen for the past year. People I knew through Clive. Somehow we just lost touch.
And then, yesterday, I got together with some girls from my training team. The last 3 who are now all setting out to various destinations.
It's strange to have to say goodbye.
I don't like it! Not one bit.
I guess I'm thinking about this for a number of reasons.
Just last week I had to say goodbye to a whole group of friends whom I have been getting close to over the past year. The training team have all left now, and some of those guys and girls I'll truly miss. Who knows if I'll ever see them again?
Then Sunday we had a memorial for Clive, to remember his life. I can't really believe it's been a year since he's gone home. It was strange again to see all his friends, whom I haven't seen for the past year. People I knew through Clive. Somehow we just lost touch.
And then, yesterday, I got together with some girls from my training team. The last 3 who are now all setting out to various destinations.
It's strange to have to say goodbye.
I don't like it! Not one bit.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
New colours
Ok, so I wasn't totally happy with how it looked before.
So now there's a new face to the Blog.
So now there's a new face to the Blog.
First Member Joining
Congratulations to Brenton for being the first team member to sign up!
Hooray!
Now where are the rest of you?
Hooray!
Now where are the rest of you?
Thursday without prayer
To Pray or Not to Pray
So Thursdays are our day for prayer. We have a morning prayer session where we pray about all sorts of things. This morning though I just didn't feel like praying. I don't know why.
After some thought I came to the conclusion that it wasn't a sin to miss a prayer morning. So I gave it a skip and went to work as normal.
I think God understands that sometimes we're just not feeling like talking to him. Just like in any other relationship. He did create me after all, so I'm sure he understands me.
I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with my relationship with God, just because I didn't feel like praying, either. In fact I think we're doing pretty good.
New DMC Discussion
I started a new discussion on the DMC Yahoo group around the difference between how God is seen in the Old and New Testaments. So far we have two interesting responses. We'll see what comes of that.
If you don't know what the DMC Yahoo group is then give a shout out to Brenton and ask him to let you join.
So Thursdays are our day for prayer. We have a morning prayer session where we pray about all sorts of things. This morning though I just didn't feel like praying. I don't know why.
After some thought I came to the conclusion that it wasn't a sin to miss a prayer morning. So I gave it a skip and went to work as normal.
I think God understands that sometimes we're just not feeling like talking to him. Just like in any other relationship. He did create me after all, so I'm sure he understands me.
I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with my relationship with God, just because I didn't feel like praying, either. In fact I think we're doing pretty good.
New DMC Discussion
I started a new discussion on the DMC Yahoo group around the difference between how God is seen in the Old and New Testaments. So far we have two interesting responses. We'll see what comes of that.
If you don't know what the DMC Yahoo group is then give a shout out to Brenton and ask him to let you join.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
In the beginning....
Every journey must have a beginning and every story must have a starting point. Where do we begin this journey? At birth?... No that's too far back. How about we begin with today, and see how things go from there?
I am starting this blog for a few reasons:
I am starting this blog for a few reasons:
- I want to have a central place where friends and family can check up to see how I'm doing.
- I want a central place where friends and family can share how they are doing.
- It's a techie geek thing to do!
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