I’m sitting in my room with the window open to enjoy the fresh air before it gets too hot and the air conditioning comes on. As I sit here, I notice many sounds around the community. There’s someone moving this morning so I hear the sounds from that. I hear traffic in the distance as I live close to a major roadway. There are a couple of birds chirping. …And then there are the ever present barking dogs…
I brought another friend to the airport today and in two hours; I make yet another trip that way. I’m getting tired of saying goodbye. I’ve had to bid farewell to so many friends already and there are many more to come in the next three weeks. On the other hand, there are many things I look forward to after I leave. It really is an exciting time in my life even though I don’t know what I’ll do when I get home. For now, I’ll just plan my trip home and look forward to seeing lots of people I’ve missed for the last couple of years.
I got a CD last week that created some strange feelings in my mind. On the front of it is the Hillsong Logo that is used on CD’s with messages from the weekend church services. The part that felt strange was seeing my name on it instead of the usual pastors who preach on a regular basis. True, it was a small group of people at the extension service where I preached, but it’s part of Hillsong Church and I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I’ve received some really positive feedback regarding that message and I believe it went well. To me, the most encouraging thing is that I’m seeing fruit out of the pain I’ve experienced in the last few years. I was quite open and personal in the message as I talked about my wife dying of cancer and some things I’ve learned through my time of supporting her in sickness and my grieving her loss. I was able to testify of God’s goodness and provide some ideas on how other people can do life well when they face struggles. After I finished preaching, the pastor got up and presented an invitation for people to commit their lives to God; and a few minutes later, the angels in Heaven rejoiced one more person accepting Christ. While I have seen other sorts of fruit and people’s lives being impacted by God’s faithfulness in my life, this is the first person I know of who has responded in this way. While it does nothing to minimize the pain I’ve felt, it helps that I can see some benefit. It also makes me question again; how much am I willing to give up for the soul of one person. Jesus gave it all.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Preacher Boy
I had an interesting conversation the other day during which I was told I’d be preaching before I went home – yes, told; not asked. I’ve served in church closely under the leadership of Chris Mendez, one of the pastors at Hillsong, and he said he’d be getting me to preach at an extension service (a service held at a location other than one of the bigger, main locations). I just got confirmation this week that the chosen date is this coming Sunday, November 30. I had already started preparing the message when Chris confirmed the date and mentioned something he’d like me to include. I was encouraged by the fact that I already had it in my message. It’s a great privilege and a great responsibility. I pray God uses me in a powerful way to change people’s lives.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Goodbye, here I come
As we wind up for the Christmas season, my thoughts flood my mind. Yesterday morning I found out a friend of mine is flying home to America on Thursday and she won’t be back till after I leave, so I said farewell. It drove home the reality that I will soon be saying farewell to many of my closest friends over the last couple of years.
One of my housemates goes home two weeks from today and our paths won’t cross again till one of us take a vacation and goes in the direction of the other. He was my neighbour when I first arrived in Australia and we moved into the same house a few months later together with a few other friends who have since left. We’ve been a significant part of each other’s lives since we both moved to a new land and ended up becoming friends.
Then there’s my first connect group leader who was overcome with joy the second time she saw me (interesting story she’s a little embarrassed about).
There’s also my connect group; his amazing splattering of individuals who decided to come together and join under my leadership. What an amazing group of people!
There’s people I’ve done ministry with, ones I’ve done classes with, and still others I’ve done vacations with.
There have been so many people I’ve met and grown to love in the past few years and it’s not easy saying goodbye. But at the same time, I look forward to what lies ahead.
When I came to Australia, I prayed that God would help me to have a big enough impact that when I leave, I will be missed; that people will notice when I leave and wish I was still here. I also prayed that I would have trained up enough of the right people to fill my roles so the ministry and life impact will continue. I believe both prayers have been answered.
Goodbyes are nothing new. Some are for longer period than others, and some are more welcome than others. I remember the joyful comments of one man after quitting his job. He said he had never seen the company in a better way than “In the rear-view mirror for the last time.” I’ve also experienced the other type where there’s unimaginable pain with the knowledge of never seeing someone again this side of Heaven. I wouldn’t say I’m looking either of those in the face now, but it’s goodbye nonetheless. It’s a happy/sad time – kind of like sweet and sour meatballs – two flavours that shouldn’t mix yet when mixed in just the right combination, produce something really special.
One of the greatest blessings in my life right now is that I truly know there are people in multiple countries who all want more of my time. I could look at my situation and see the negative side of having to say goodbye, or I can look on the other side and realize that goodbye in one place is also hello in another. I therefore choose to look forward with anticipation to that hello.
One of my housemates goes home two weeks from today and our paths won’t cross again till one of us take a vacation and goes in the direction of the other. He was my neighbour when I first arrived in Australia and we moved into the same house a few months later together with a few other friends who have since left. We’ve been a significant part of each other’s lives since we both moved to a new land and ended up becoming friends.
Then there’s my first connect group leader who was overcome with joy the second time she saw me (interesting story she’s a little embarrassed about).
There’s also my connect group; his amazing splattering of individuals who decided to come together and join under my leadership. What an amazing group of people!
There’s people I’ve done ministry with, ones I’ve done classes with, and still others I’ve done vacations with.
There have been so many people I’ve met and grown to love in the past few years and it’s not easy saying goodbye. But at the same time, I look forward to what lies ahead.
When I came to Australia, I prayed that God would help me to have a big enough impact that when I leave, I will be missed; that people will notice when I leave and wish I was still here. I also prayed that I would have trained up enough of the right people to fill my roles so the ministry and life impact will continue. I believe both prayers have been answered.
Goodbyes are nothing new. Some are for longer period than others, and some are more welcome than others. I remember the joyful comments of one man after quitting his job. He said he had never seen the company in a better way than “In the rear-view mirror for the last time.” I’ve also experienced the other type where there’s unimaginable pain with the knowledge of never seeing someone again this side of Heaven. I wouldn’t say I’m looking either of those in the face now, but it’s goodbye nonetheless. It’s a happy/sad time – kind of like sweet and sour meatballs – two flavours that shouldn’t mix yet when mixed in just the right combination, produce something really special.
One of the greatest blessings in my life right now is that I truly know there are people in multiple countries who all want more of my time. I could look at my situation and see the negative side of having to say goodbye, or I can look on the other side and realize that goodbye in one place is also hello in another. I therefore choose to look forward with anticipation to that hello.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Things I'll gladly leave behind
Here is the 4th and final part of my series on things I love and love a little less about Canada and Australia.
Houses with no insulation or sound barrier to other rooms or the outside
The 11 most venomous snakes in the world and 20 of the 22 most venomous
Wide selection of poisonous spiders
Slow walkers. It took only two weeks after my knee operation before I was walking faster than the average Aussie. I’m sorry, but when I go shopping, I have a destination in mind. I’m not too interested in going slow to see all the scenery in the center of the shopping center hallway. There’s not that much to see! Now to be fair, I have found one other place where people walked this slowly. Uganda.
Vegemite – Imagine a bit of yeast mixed with lots of salt, some (rotten) vegetables, and some other disgusting compound that gives it a definite brown colour, and you have the worst “food” I’ve ever tasted
The word “Quality” not being in the dictionary
Trolleys (shopping carts) with 4 turning wheels – especially bad on slopes
A postal service that calculates shipping time by walking the route, walking the return route, finding the total number of minutes, then labelling it days instead of minutes (ie. A distance that takes 20 minutes to walk – 40 minutes return – may take 40 days for delivery in Australia). I’m still waiting for one package that was sent from oversees (express post) at the beginning of Sept. I’m also waiting for an envelope that was sent on Oct 15 from just down the street (a 20 minute walk).
UV index so high that skin burns on just the thought of going in the sun
3 other guys in my house – ok, they’re good guys, but I’ll gladly trade them in for one woman, but only one certain woman and only after the right ring is on her left hand.
Houses with paper thin walls and saran wrap windows
The neighbour’s annoying dogs
All those mosquitoes – NOT - I don’t know what’s wrong with Aussies that they think they have so many mossies! I increased my count this weekend by 28.6%. From August 25, 2006 till November 9, 2008 I have now encountered a grand total of 9 mosquitoes. Yes, I counted! Having been warned in advance of the number of these bloodsucking pests, I thought they would be a force to recon with. When I didn’t find any, I started noticing the odd occasion when they did show up
Being asked constantly if I’m Irish – by people who have never even met anyone from Ireland!
“A” being pronounced “r” and “r” pronounced as “a”. This rule is especially true if the “r” is at the end of a word and the next word starts with a vowel. This probably needs some explanation so here are some examples
· Hosanna = Hosanner
· Paper = papa
· Darling Harbour = Daaling haaba
· Colour = Coula
· From a radio advert – Paramatta accountants = Parammaterrr accountants
· More = moa
People being amazed that I say “house” not “hoose”. This is usually followed by the comment that all Canadians say “hoose” and that’s why I must be Irish. I usually respond that since the person telling me this has heard only a few Canadians speak and I have heard many thousands speak, I would be a little more knowledgeable in matters relating to Canadians' way of speaking and we do NOT pronounce it “hoose”
Oh, the joys of living in another culture! Even so, I’m a better man for it. I’m looking forward to being home, but have to admit, I’ll miss this place. Especially every winter. I hope this series has given you a little extra insight into our cultural differences and you've been able to have a little laugh or two along the way. I'm sure anyone who has spent a week or more in Australia can relate to at least some of my points in this series. For the rest of you, it should help you prepare for any future visit you plan. Happy travels! See you soon in my homeland (and the greatest nation on Earth!!!)
Houses with no insulation or sound barrier to other rooms or the outside
The 11 most venomous snakes in the world and 20 of the 22 most venomous
Wide selection of poisonous spiders
Slow walkers. It took only two weeks after my knee operation before I was walking faster than the average Aussie. I’m sorry, but when I go shopping, I have a destination in mind. I’m not too interested in going slow to see all the scenery in the center of the shopping center hallway. There’s not that much to see! Now to be fair, I have found one other place where people walked this slowly. Uganda.
Vegemite – Imagine a bit of yeast mixed with lots of salt, some (rotten) vegetables, and some other disgusting compound that gives it a definite brown colour, and you have the worst “food” I’ve ever tasted
The word “Quality” not being in the dictionary
Trolleys (shopping carts) with 4 turning wheels – especially bad on slopes
A postal service that calculates shipping time by walking the route, walking the return route, finding the total number of minutes, then labelling it days instead of minutes (ie. A distance that takes 20 minutes to walk – 40 minutes return – may take 40 days for delivery in Australia). I’m still waiting for one package that was sent from oversees (express post) at the beginning of Sept. I’m also waiting for an envelope that was sent on Oct 15 from just down the street (a 20 minute walk).
UV index so high that skin burns on just the thought of going in the sun
3 other guys in my house – ok, they’re good guys, but I’ll gladly trade them in for one woman, but only one certain woman and only after the right ring is on her left hand.
Houses with paper thin walls and saran wrap windows
The neighbour’s annoying dogs
All those mosquitoes – NOT - I don’t know what’s wrong with Aussies that they think they have so many mossies! I increased my count this weekend by 28.6%. From August 25, 2006 till November 9, 2008 I have now encountered a grand total of 9 mosquitoes. Yes, I counted! Having been warned in advance of the number of these bloodsucking pests, I thought they would be a force to recon with. When I didn’t find any, I started noticing the odd occasion when they did show up
Being asked constantly if I’m Irish – by people who have never even met anyone from Ireland!
“A” being pronounced “r” and “r” pronounced as “a”. This rule is especially true if the “r” is at the end of a word and the next word starts with a vowel. This probably needs some explanation so here are some examples
· Hosanna = Hosanner
· Paper = papa
· Darling Harbour = Daaling haaba
· Colour = Coula
· From a radio advert – Paramatta accountants = Parammaterrr accountants
· More = moa
People being amazed that I say “house” not “hoose”. This is usually followed by the comment that all Canadians say “hoose” and that’s why I must be Irish. I usually respond that since the person telling me this has heard only a few Canadians speak and I have heard many thousands speak, I would be a little more knowledgeable in matters relating to Canadians' way of speaking and we do NOT pronounce it “hoose”
Oh, the joys of living in another culture! Even so, I’m a better man for it. I’m looking forward to being home, but have to admit, I’ll miss this place. Especially every winter. I hope this series has given you a little extra insight into our cultural differences and you've been able to have a little laugh or two along the way. I'm sure anyone who has spent a week or more in Australia can relate to at least some of my points in this series. For the rest of you, it should help you prepare for any future visit you plan. Happy travels! See you soon in my homeland (and the greatest nation on Earth!!!)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Part 3 - Things I'd rather not go home to in Canada
Well, it should be no surprise that at the top of this list would be the weather! My last two years have been spent in a place where people go TO the snow for a vacation. I’ll soon be back in a place where people go FROM the snow for a vacation.
Having sales tax added to the price of items in stores rather than having it included in the price and actually knowing the final price without doing the calculation first. But then again, doing this mental (pun intended) math regularly could be a good thing
Needing a block heater in my car
A government that takes 3 months to issue a passport renewal. But then again, I’ve had to deal with that government the whole time, just not as much.
Frost and fog on my windows for much of the year.
Winter parka – actually, just the need for one. Considering the need, I’m glad I have one.
French labels on pretty much everything - and those annoying people who intentionally turn the French side out to face me!
Wind-chill
Having to choose between English and French every time I call a government agency
The feeling of my nose hairs solidifying as I breath the -40 degree air - wonderful picture I know :-)
Icy roads
Well, as I look at this list, much of it is centered around the weather. No wonder the first thing people from around the world think of when they hear I’m from Canada is the weather.
Having sales tax added to the price of items in stores rather than having it included in the price and actually knowing the final price without doing the calculation first. But then again, doing this mental (pun intended) math regularly could be a good thing
Needing a block heater in my car
A government that takes 3 months to issue a passport renewal. But then again, I’ve had to deal with that government the whole time, just not as much.
Frost and fog on my windows for much of the year.
Winter parka – actually, just the need for one. Considering the need, I’m glad I have one.
French labels on pretty much everything - and those annoying people who intentionally turn the French side out to face me!
Wind-chill
Having to choose between English and French every time I call a government agency
The feeling of my nose hairs solidifying as I breath the -40 degree air - wonderful picture I know :-)
Icy roads
Well, as I look at this list, much of it is centered around the weather. No wonder the first thing people from around the world think of when they hear I’m from Canada is the weather.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Aussie things I'll miss at home
After careful consideration and many items vying for pre-eminence in my mind, it’s time to bring up the next list and mention the down(under)sides of moving on; so here is part two of the instalments on things to miss…
The weather – um, lets see… the same temperatures here in winter as in Canada in summer… need I say more?
Hillsong Church. There is a phenomenal culture in this church, great teaching, incredible worship music, massive events, and the movement of God using willing people to do amazing things throughout the world. That description sounds pretty much like my church back home in Canada. Hillsong just has a few more people. A great church at home certainly helps makes the transition a lot easier.
Friends. One downside to my life is that no matter where in the world I live, I have people somewhere else whom I miss. On the other hand, I have lots of people to visit if I ever decide to do some travel. I’m highly blessed to have great friends across the globe!
Tim Tams – but apparently I can get them at home now too…
The Weather. Oops, did I already say that? Oh well, it’s worth a second mention…
Every tree being an evergreen. The leaves could fall off, many of them just don’t cause it doesn’t get cold enough
Did I mention the weather yet?
Ok fine, there aren’t that many things on my list, just a lot of friends vying for top spot on the list, a great church, and the weather. But hey, those are pretty important things!!! I’m sure there are more things to mention, but I have chosen to look forward and to not dwell on the past or on what I’m leaving behind.
The weather – um, lets see… the same temperatures here in winter as in Canada in summer… need I say more?
Hillsong Church. There is a phenomenal culture in this church, great teaching, incredible worship music, massive events, and the movement of God using willing people to do amazing things throughout the world. That description sounds pretty much like my church back home in Canada. Hillsong just has a few more people. A great church at home certainly helps makes the transition a lot easier.
Friends. One downside to my life is that no matter where in the world I live, I have people somewhere else whom I miss. On the other hand, I have lots of people to visit if I ever decide to do some travel. I’m highly blessed to have great friends across the globe!
Tim Tams – but apparently I can get them at home now too…
The Weather. Oops, did I already say that? Oh well, it’s worth a second mention…
Every tree being an evergreen. The leaves could fall off, many of them just don’t cause it doesn’t get cold enough
Did I mention the weather yet?
Ok fine, there aren’t that many things on my list, just a lot of friends vying for top spot on the list, a great church, and the weather. But hey, those are pretty important things!!! I’m sure there are more things to mention, but I have chosen to look forward and to not dwell on the past or on what I’m leaving behind.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Walk in the park
I spent a day in the Royal National Park with a friend. What we thought would be a nice walk in the park in fact was - with some interesting twists!!!
On the way to the park, there was suddenly a special car behind us with lights on top and a siren. We stopped to face the questions "Is this your car?" "Have you been drinking any alcohol today?" "How long have you been in Australia?" "...and there are no problems with your visa?" ......... it was a random stop looking for people drinking and driving on the long weekend.
After clearance from the nice officer, we were on our way and started the walk - along the beach, off the beach along the coast, up a hill, down a hill, up a hill, down a hill, up a hill - well, you get the picture... and speaking of pictures, here's one from the top of one hill. At the bottom is a nice beach and a camping area. Our initial plan was to camp here; but a few things didn't work out for that to happen, so one day will do for now.
And the view from on another hill...
The result of finding the leech AFTER it found it's way up my pant leg and had it's fill!!!
We walked a number of km's; up and down a few hills, through some bush, along some beaches, and down a road. We had cloud cover, sunshine, more cloud, rain, thunder, and a little more sun. With the exception of snow, hail, and frostbite, the weather was pretty much a typical summer day in Saskatchewan! I even got some colour on my skin! Just to add to the adventure, we managed to find a few different blood sucking varieties of creatures. I killed a mosquito (I think this was the 7th one I've seen in Australia (so much for the Aussie claims of having lots of them!!!!!!!!!!), pulled a wood tick out of Juergen's skin, and found one more variety - leeches.
On one stretch of trail we tackled through a heavy downpour, we each managed to clear at least a dozen leeches off our clothing. We were soaked through from the rain, tired from an early morning and a lot of walking, and hungry. Having thoroughly checked our clothing and bags for any more suckers, we got on in car and headed home. We hadn't even made it out of the park when I found another leech crawling up my hand. I quickly pulled over and sent it out the window. Back on the road, I looked down and found yet more - two climbing up my pants - not a good thing when behind the wheel. Managed to safely get them out of the car and kept going. Well, just to finish it all off, shortly before arriving home, I felt something different inside my pant leg and thought I'd kill it before it got me. Too late. 4 hours later, I was still bleeding. Oh well, on the brighter side, the most pain was from changing the bandaging, and the pants are clean and stain free.
Upon arrival home, I checked everything again before entering the house, took a shower, bandaged the hole, and went out for a BBQ. All in all, it was a good day. Now it's time to recover:)
On the way to the park, there was suddenly a special car behind us with lights on top and a siren. We stopped to face the questions "Is this your car?" "Have you been drinking any alcohol today?" "How long have you been in Australia?" "...and there are no problems with your visa?" ......... it was a random stop looking for people drinking and driving on the long weekend.
After clearance from the nice officer, we were on our way and started the walk - along the beach, off the beach along the coast, up a hill, down a hill, up a hill, down a hill, up a hill - well, you get the picture... and speaking of pictures, here's one from the top of one hill. At the bottom is a nice beach and a camping area. Our initial plan was to camp here; but a few things didn't work out for that to happen, so one day will do for now.
And the view from on another hill...
The result of finding the leech AFTER it found it's way up my pant leg and had it's fill!!!
We walked a number of km's; up and down a few hills, through some bush, along some beaches, and down a road. We had cloud cover, sunshine, more cloud, rain, thunder, and a little more sun. With the exception of snow, hail, and frostbite, the weather was pretty much a typical summer day in Saskatchewan! I even got some colour on my skin! Just to add to the adventure, we managed to find a few different blood sucking varieties of creatures. I killed a mosquito (I think this was the 7th one I've seen in Australia (so much for the Aussie claims of having lots of them!!!!!!!!!!), pulled a wood tick out of Juergen's skin, and found one more variety - leeches.
On one stretch of trail we tackled through a heavy downpour, we each managed to clear at least a dozen leeches off our clothing. We were soaked through from the rain, tired from an early morning and a lot of walking, and hungry. Having thoroughly checked our clothing and bags for any more suckers, we got on in car and headed home. We hadn't even made it out of the park when I found another leech crawling up my hand. I quickly pulled over and sent it out the window. Back on the road, I looked down and found yet more - two climbing up my pants - not a good thing when behind the wheel. Managed to safely get them out of the car and kept going. Well, just to finish it all off, shortly before arriving home, I felt something different inside my pant leg and thought I'd kill it before it got me. Too late. 4 hours later, I was still bleeding. Oh well, on the brighter side, the most pain was from changing the bandaging, and the pants are clean and stain free.
Upon arrival home, I checked everything again before entering the house, took a shower, bandaged the hole, and went out for a BBQ. All in all, it was a good day. Now it's time to recover:)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Things from home I've missed in Australia -
In no particular order, and I'm sure the list is incomplete - feel free to give me suggestions...
Family and Friends
Vern's Pizza - Double Double, T Rex, Vern's Special, Flame Thrower, even the Big Cheese. Then there's the lasagna, cheese toast, garlic toast, and pretty much anything else on the menu
Hockey - the real variety, played on ice (none of this crazy immitation stuff they play on a soccer field around here)
Ketchup Chips
Farmer Sausage
Coffee Crisp
Bothwell Cheese
La Cocina Tortilla Chips
Driving on the right side of the road (although this will now take some adjustment after two years of driving on the wrong side)
Canadian Tire
30-40% lower prices for almost everything
Walmart
Stores open later than 5pm
Canadian Beef
Many of the other home made foods that I can't make out here because the raw ingredients can't be found
Open space and a quiet community
Now lest anyone think I'm sick of Australia and just longing for the day I leave, let me assure you that's not the case. It's true that I look forward to being home again and there are things I've missed from back there, but I also love my life over here and there are many things I will miss about Australia too. I'll save them for another post. Both places are great and I love them both. Either way, I win!
So, if anyone in Canada wants to help me fill my two year old cravings for things of home, please let me know and I'll be sure to give you the opportunity upon my arrival at home in February 2009.
Family and Friends
Vern's Pizza - Double Double, T Rex, Vern's Special, Flame Thrower, even the Big Cheese. Then there's the lasagna, cheese toast, garlic toast, and pretty much anything else on the menu
Hockey - the real variety, played on ice (none of this crazy immitation stuff they play on a soccer field around here)
Ketchup Chips
Farmer Sausage
Coffee Crisp
Bothwell Cheese
La Cocina Tortilla Chips
Driving on the right side of the road (although this will now take some adjustment after two years of driving on the wrong side)
Canadian Tire
30-40% lower prices for almost everything
Walmart
Stores open later than 5pm
Canadian Beef
Many of the other home made foods that I can't make out here because the raw ingredients can't be found
Open space and a quiet community
Freedom to walk outdoors without caution for poisonous snakes and spiders
Fishing in quiet lakes
Northern Lights
Camping
Lots of stars visible in the night sky
CFL
Now lest anyone think I'm sick of Australia and just longing for the day I leave, let me assure you that's not the case. It's true that I look forward to being home again and there are things I've missed from back there, but I also love my life over here and there are many things I will miss about Australia too. I'll save them for another post. Both places are great and I love them both. Either way, I win!
So, if anyone in Canada wants to help me fill my two year old cravings for things of home, please let me know and I'll be sure to give you the opportunity upon my arrival at home in February 2009.
Monday, September 15, 2008
News Time
I previously posted a message telling you about my plans to stay in Australia for another year. My intention was to take on a pastoral care role at church for one year and then move home to Canada and start life there again. Since posting that message, I have stepped into the role and applied for the visa that would allow me to stay the extra year. After being assured by the first immigrations official, I received an unexpected phone call from another one telling me that my file had been transferred and I was not going to be granted the visa for as long as I applied for. The promise of the other official meant nothing and published documentation regarding the rules around this particular visa also meant nothing; because ultimately, the decision is in the hands of a person; and in this case, I was met by a very grumpy and rude person indeed. She refused to give a valid explanation or to waver on her stance. In the end, I was granted a visa till January 15, 2009 and the deal was done. I could take the case to higher authorities but have decided to accept the decision and move home shortly after Christmas.
In the two weeks since that phone call, I have notified family and some friends of the change in plans and made travel bookings for my trip home. The news has been met with anger, frustration, and even tears as I told my Aussie friends of the decision. On the other hand, I was able to bring much joy to many Canadians. I personally have mixed feelings about it but believe that God must have something better for me somewhere else. What exactly that is I don’t yet know; although there appear to be opportunities already opening to me in Canada. In due time, it will all become more clear and I’ll step into something great.
So, my plans are now to leave Australia between Christmas and New Years, travel through a few African countries doing ministry with a pastor/friend of mine, and seeing some friends (including my girlfriend!!!!), then head back to Canada where I’ll see a few more friends across the country before arriving home in mid February.
Once there, my only plans are to wear lots of warm clothing to deal with the expected 70 degree difference in temperature from Aussie summer to Canadian winter, catch up with old friends I’ve missed for a long time, get back into my home church, and enjoy many of the things I’ve missed in Australia – the list is a work in progress…
In the two weeks since that phone call, I have notified family and some friends of the change in plans and made travel bookings for my trip home. The news has been met with anger, frustration, and even tears as I told my Aussie friends of the decision. On the other hand, I was able to bring much joy to many Canadians. I personally have mixed feelings about it but believe that God must have something better for me somewhere else. What exactly that is I don’t yet know; although there appear to be opportunities already opening to me in Canada. In due time, it will all become more clear and I’ll step into something great.
So, my plans are now to leave Australia between Christmas and New Years, travel through a few African countries doing ministry with a pastor/friend of mine, and seeing some friends (including my girlfriend!!!!), then head back to Canada where I’ll see a few more friends across the country before arriving home in mid February.
Once there, my only plans are to wear lots of warm clothing to deal with the expected 70 degree difference in temperature from Aussie summer to Canadian winter, catch up with old friends I’ve missed for a long time, get back into my home church, and enjoy many of the things I’ve missed in Australia – the list is a work in progress…
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The day that was
I never would have thought that I’d get more birthday wishes on my 32nd than ever before. But then I also never would have thought I’d move to Australia two weeks before my 30th, or that I’d have to schedule around three different groups of people wanting to put on a party for my 31st. And then there’s a whole lot of other things I never would have thought I’d do. I guess that shows me that I need to expand my thinking. You either live to the capacity of your thoughts, or you think to the capacity of your life. I choose to live to the capacity of my ever-increasing thoughts; and thereby increase my capacity.
No human in recorded history ever ran a mile in under 4 minutes until one man did – and then they all followed. No one at the time thought that they could abolish slavery in England until one man dedicated his life to do so; or that the same could happen in America until one man said “I have a dream” – and now America has “A Black man” running for president. Few thought man could make it to the moon until it was done – and now we’ve been to mars and are reaching beyond. Few believed there was any unknown land mass in the world; and many thought you’d fall off the edge of the earth if you tried to find one – yet I now call North America home.
So many people live their lives under the restrictions that are set before them. So few rise above or push through. Someone once asked me if I was a “glass half full” or a “glass half empty” sort of person. I responded that I was just glad I had a glass. Now I wonder, shouldn’t I have been grateful for the glass but then also filled it up completely – not to mention what I could have passed on to others?
What does this have to do with my birthday? Not much, except that it’s a day to reflect on the past and dream of the future. It’s a day to be grateful for the many blessings in life, and plan for many more to come. It’s a day to evaluate where I am, where I’ve been, and where I’m going. If I choose, it’s a day of new beginnings. So many things to do, places to go, people to know. So many gifts to give, blessings to receive, and love to be shown. So much, yet so little time. what will I do with what I’ve got. How about you?
Thanks to all who remembered my birthday and no worries to those who forgot or didn’t know.
No human in recorded history ever ran a mile in under 4 minutes until one man did – and then they all followed. No one at the time thought that they could abolish slavery in England until one man dedicated his life to do so; or that the same could happen in America until one man said “I have a dream” – and now America has “A Black man” running for president. Few thought man could make it to the moon until it was done – and now we’ve been to mars and are reaching beyond. Few believed there was any unknown land mass in the world; and many thought you’d fall off the edge of the earth if you tried to find one – yet I now call North America home.
So many people live their lives under the restrictions that are set before them. So few rise above or push through. Someone once asked me if I was a “glass half full” or a “glass half empty” sort of person. I responded that I was just glad I had a glass. Now I wonder, shouldn’t I have been grateful for the glass but then also filled it up completely – not to mention what I could have passed on to others?
What does this have to do with my birthday? Not much, except that it’s a day to reflect on the past and dream of the future. It’s a day to be grateful for the many blessings in life, and plan for many more to come. It’s a day to evaluate where I am, where I’ve been, and where I’m going. If I choose, it’s a day of new beginnings. So many things to do, places to go, people to know. So many gifts to give, blessings to receive, and love to be shown. So much, yet so little time. what will I do with what I’ve got. How about you?
Thanks to all who remembered my birthday and no worries to those who forgot or didn’t know.
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