1. Say "I love you."
2. Don't compare them to anyone.
3. Be courteous at all times.
4. Embrace the present moments without fear or guilt.
5. Live by the Golden Rule (Do unto others….).
6. Give them your full attention when talking.
7. Become their biggest fan!
8. Toast each other regularly.
9. Tell them how they bring love to your life.
10. Share funny quotes or events.
11. Talk about your day during mealtimes.
12. Read books aloud together.
13. Say you're sorry.
14. Recall good and bad memories.
15. Let go any bad experience and anger.
16. Encourage health in all its forms.
17. Let the tears flow together.
18. Act silly together.
19. Be lavish in praise.
20. Ask questions about opinions, feelings, thoughts.
21. Forget about labels.
22. Encourage adventures and risks!
23. Show your joy when they come home.
24. Bake cookies.
25. Forget about past mistakes.
26. Use flannel sheets in the winter.
27. Solve problems together - crosswords or war.
28. Show your gratitude for them.
29. Be a good sounding board.
30. Take pride in them. Show your pride.
31. Compliment them in front of others.
32. Spend time with them.
33. Listen to them.
34. Ask for hugs and kisses.
35. Take vacations together.
36. Tell the truth.
37. Use pet names.
38. Practice self-acceptance.
39. Hunt for treasure together.
40. Be interested in their interests.
41. Let go of jealousy.
42. Accept their weaknesses and flaws.
43. Ditch work or responsibilities to play with them.
44. Share chocolates, ice cream sundaes, milkshakes.
45. Ignore slights.
46. Pray or meditate together.
47. Practice forgiveness.
48. Watch classic movies together.
49. Leave notes or send letters.
50. Buy a "for no reason" gift.
51. Don't gossip or judge.
52. Give the benefit of the doubt.
53. Give space when they're in a bad or sad mood.
54. Learn something new together.
55. Go dancing.
56. Keep your promises.
57. Make them laugh.
58. Consider their feelings.
59. Hide a treat in their lunch.
60. Make home a fun place to be.
61. Let them make their own decisions.
62. Say what you mean.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Friends
Good Friday. And I felt like it was anything but. I was up at 8 this morning to be ready for the 9 AM service, sulu and all! While I can’t say the service was anything to write home about (ironic that I should be writing that on a blog... which people from home read), it opened up some new possibilities. Melissa and Serevi invited me over to their place for the day. So after I went to the airport, I walked down to their place.
Melissa is a woman who first came over with YWAM, met Serevi, and they ended up getting married. While I’ve seen them around, I never had a chance to get to know either of them, and I’m glad that before I left, we had that chance. Good conversations, food, laughter and working through the different situations from our different views. These are things that friends offer to us, and I have learned especially now to cling tightly to them.
I spent the whole day there, and I left feeling a little more refreshed than when I came. A little more informed about the situation here in Fiji, but most of all just enlightened and I had a chance to just offload some of my thoughts and then forget about them as we spent time together.
There are many good people here in Fiji, and even while I am gone, they will be in my thoughts and prayers. Friends, each one of them. Different cultures, different worlds, but we share something in common: Christ.
Melissa is a woman who first came over with YWAM, met Serevi, and they ended up getting married. While I’ve seen them around, I never had a chance to get to know either of them, and I’m glad that before I left, we had that chance. Good conversations, food, laughter and working through the different situations from our different views. These are things that friends offer to us, and I have learned especially now to cling tightly to them.
I spent the whole day there, and I left feeling a little more refreshed than when I came. A little more informed about the situation here in Fiji, but most of all just enlightened and I had a chance to just offload some of my thoughts and then forget about them as we spent time together.
There are many good people here in Fiji, and even while I am gone, they will be in my thoughts and prayers. Friends, each one of them. Different cultures, different worlds, but we share something in common: Christ.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The Group Effect
Ah Thursdays. The day when I usually have to be up early in order to go out to camp and see what sort of things are available for me to do out there. Thankfully, this week did not involve my heading out to camp, so I was able to sleep a little and get some other work done this morning.
The afternoon, however, was spent fishing! Very different experience when you are shipping on the open ocean. One of the helicopter pilots out here has a boat, so myself, Sebastien and him (Adrian) went out on the boat for a few hours to see if we could catch any fish. Rather than using rods, we just used lines with the bait on the end. It allows you to feel the nibbles and quickly respond when you finally do get a bite on the line. I had two bites, but wasn’t able to pull either of them in. The second one almost got to the boat, but he must have ripped himself free before he got to the surface. Too bad, because it felt like a big one!
This evening, we had young adults at Melissa and Serevi’s. Melissa originally came over through YWAM and met Serevi while she was here, and they ended up getting married. There is a YWAM team in the country for a few months, so they took the devotions for tonight, and I got the week off.
You know... I have always been sceptical about the benefits of a YWAM mission, and tonight didn’t really do a whole lot to appease that doubt. The problem is that you bring in people with a lot of enthusiasm and passion, which is beneficial and good, but they lack knowledge. Imagine moving to France, and with all the passion and fervour in the world standing up and preaching to them in English. Despite your eloquent words and sentence structure, your compelling arguments, and your heartfelt faith, your words mean nothing to them: they don’t understand.
While that is a drastic example, I view these short term missions much the same way. If you don’t learn the local customs, if you don’t stop to get to know how they communicate and what spiritual level they are at, and what is really going on in their lives, how can you speak to them? When Paul moved into a new city, he would spend months with them preaching and teaching, sometimes staying for years before he moved on. This allowed him to perceive their specific needs and directly address them.
The team tonight had the best of intentions, and that is admirable at any time. However, in quite a few different areas they were actually quite rude while speaking (without intending to be). In Fiji, it is rude to stand in an informal setting when you are talking with anyone while they sit. Places such as church change this rule, since they are formal... but a small gathering is not. Guess how they presented their various testimonies? Standing up!
Quite a few of them seemed to be going on and on about the flood this past weekend. Obviously, in North America, to have your house flooded would be a huge deal. It doesn’t happen that often. But when you live in Fiji and live in a low-lying area, it happens once every couple of months. It is not the end of the world, it is an expected consequence. Had you listened to these devotions, however, it would seem that it was causing a massive spiritual crisis in the lives of the Fijian people. Small... but significant things that aren’t understood.
Finally, when the devotions were finished, and everyone was mingling... guess what happened? The Fijians sat together, and the YWAM team sat together. There were two or three members of the team who went out of their comfort zone and engaged the Fijian people, but the rest sat in their team and chatted amongst themselves. It’s sad to see, because at the end of the trip they will leave believing that they have made a significant impact on all the lives that they encountered, when the truth may be that they will be remembered as a ‘change of pace.’
All of this could be remedied with a little cultural integration education. Small things that make a big difference. Oh... and team leaders that don’t let the group form their own clusters. That group effect is a nasty thing, because it allows us to stay in our comfort zones in the most alien of places. Why come all this way to talk to people from the US of A? Time to get out and meet new people, and change some lives!
The afternoon, however, was spent fishing! Very different experience when you are shipping on the open ocean. One of the helicopter pilots out here has a boat, so myself, Sebastien and him (Adrian) went out on the boat for a few hours to see if we could catch any fish. Rather than using rods, we just used lines with the bait on the end. It allows you to feel the nibbles and quickly respond when you finally do get a bite on the line. I had two bites, but wasn’t able to pull either of them in. The second one almost got to the boat, but he must have ripped himself free before he got to the surface. Too bad, because it felt like a big one!
This evening, we had young adults at Melissa and Serevi’s. Melissa originally came over through YWAM and met Serevi while she was here, and they ended up getting married. There is a YWAM team in the country for a few months, so they took the devotions for tonight, and I got the week off.
You know... I have always been sceptical about the benefits of a YWAM mission, and tonight didn’t really do a whole lot to appease that doubt. The problem is that you bring in people with a lot of enthusiasm and passion, which is beneficial and good, but they lack knowledge. Imagine moving to France, and with all the passion and fervour in the world standing up and preaching to them in English. Despite your eloquent words and sentence structure, your compelling arguments, and your heartfelt faith, your words mean nothing to them: they don’t understand.
While that is a drastic example, I view these short term missions much the same way. If you don’t learn the local customs, if you don’t stop to get to know how they communicate and what spiritual level they are at, and what is really going on in their lives, how can you speak to them? When Paul moved into a new city, he would spend months with them preaching and teaching, sometimes staying for years before he moved on. This allowed him to perceive their specific needs and directly address them.
The team tonight had the best of intentions, and that is admirable at any time. However, in quite a few different areas they were actually quite rude while speaking (without intending to be). In Fiji, it is rude to stand in an informal setting when you are talking with anyone while they sit. Places such as church change this rule, since they are formal... but a small gathering is not. Guess how they presented their various testimonies? Standing up!
Quite a few of them seemed to be going on and on about the flood this past weekend. Obviously, in North America, to have your house flooded would be a huge deal. It doesn’t happen that often. But when you live in Fiji and live in a low-lying area, it happens once every couple of months. It is not the end of the world, it is an expected consequence. Had you listened to these devotions, however, it would seem that it was causing a massive spiritual crisis in the lives of the Fijian people. Small... but significant things that aren’t understood.
Finally, when the devotions were finished, and everyone was mingling... guess what happened? The Fijians sat together, and the YWAM team sat together. There were two or three members of the team who went out of their comfort zone and engaged the Fijian people, but the rest sat in their team and chatted amongst themselves. It’s sad to see, because at the end of the trip they will leave believing that they have made a significant impact on all the lives that they encountered, when the truth may be that they will be remembered as a ‘change of pace.’
All of this could be remedied with a little cultural integration education. Small things that make a big difference. Oh... and team leaders that don’t let the group form their own clusters. That group effect is a nasty thing, because it allows us to stay in our comfort zones in the most alien of places. Why come all this way to talk to people from the US of A? Time to get out and meet new people, and change some lives!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Milk! (and other miscellaneous things)
I’ve had a serious craving for good old fashioned, doesn’t taste like it’s been through a fire milk since I got here. When they ship milk to Fiji, it’s put through a process where they super heat it to some ridiculous temperature, put into a carton, and then it’s good for months without refrigeration. It’s mind boggling to me, because milk is only supposed to last for two weeks. If you haven’t drank it by then, there is something wrong with you. There is one side effect, however. It tastes nasty.
Imagine this with me. You’ve come home after a hard day of work. Your muscles (that includes your brain, thank you!) are tired. Your body is weary; and you have a hankering for milk. You know what it feels like. That smooth milk will flow down your throat and replenish everything that is lacking in your life. You pour the glass, waiting with baited breathe for your craving to be fulfilled. You lift the glass to your mouth, and take in a mouthful.
And then you gag.
WHO BURNT THE MILK! It tastes like it’s been put through an old pot! This stuff is NASTY.
Thus my experience with milk in Fiji until now. I found some pasteurized milk here. Catch is, it lasts three days. The bonus round, however, will tell you it’s only a litre of milk. That’s child’s play for me, just ask Marilyn, I usually drink 4 litres of milk in a week. YES! MILK! I am victorious!
Despite my pleas to God, there was no heavy rain last night, so I was dragged out of bed this morning at 4:50 AM. However, our Lord did have mercy on me and gave me a peaceful rest and I was surprisingly awake after I got over a bad case of the yawns. I figure it’s because my body was in rebellion for me even CONSIDERING getting it out of bed that early. Now that I think about it, my brain was complaining too.
I finally got to talk to Jordan for awhile today. We’ve been missing each other for almost a week. And my heart goes out to her. Being in a place where you don’t natively speak the language (although she is much more graceful with Spanish than I ever will be), and where you are only viewed as a temporary is never an easy thing. I’d be lonely too if I had to rough it out for 8 months with no real friends and surrounded by 26 orphans nearly 24 hours a day. I love kids, but I can only take so much before I need to hand them back to their parents and say my goodbyes. Just remember Jordan… 50 days to go! You’re almost there!
Imagine this with me. You’ve come home after a hard day of work. Your muscles (that includes your brain, thank you!) are tired. Your body is weary; and you have a hankering for milk. You know what it feels like. That smooth milk will flow down your throat and replenish everything that is lacking in your life. You pour the glass, waiting with baited breathe for your craving to be fulfilled. You lift the glass to your mouth, and take in a mouthful.
And then you gag.
WHO BURNT THE MILK! It tastes like it’s been put through an old pot! This stuff is NASTY.
Thus my experience with milk in Fiji until now. I found some pasteurized milk here. Catch is, it lasts three days. The bonus round, however, will tell you it’s only a litre of milk. That’s child’s play for me, just ask Marilyn, I usually drink 4 litres of milk in a week. YES! MILK! I am victorious!
Despite my pleas to God, there was no heavy rain last night, so I was dragged out of bed this morning at 4:50 AM. However, our Lord did have mercy on me and gave me a peaceful rest and I was surprisingly awake after I got over a bad case of the yawns. I figure it’s because my body was in rebellion for me even CONSIDERING getting it out of bed that early. Now that I think about it, my brain was complaining too.
I finally got to talk to Jordan for awhile today. We’ve been missing each other for almost a week. And my heart goes out to her. Being in a place where you don’t natively speak the language (although she is much more graceful with Spanish than I ever will be), and where you are only viewed as a temporary is never an easy thing. I’d be lonely too if I had to rough it out for 8 months with no real friends and surrounded by 26 orphans nearly 24 hours a day. I love kids, but I can only take so much before I need to hand them back to their parents and say my goodbyes. Just remember Jordan… 50 days to go! You’re almost there!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Those Smiles
Isn’t it funny that in the midst of everything that goes on, God always finds ways to make you smile. Perhaps it is a conversation that came out of something foolish, or people that find you at just the right time, to encourage you. I started my morning out in the most unlikely way.
The Cairns were in the back of the BDC, which is where I normally take a shower. No biggy, except that the washroom was in use! So I needed to wait until it cleared out before I could go in and have my shower. Jackson was in his office, and so I sat down and we ended up having a great conversation. Talking about ministry, the joys and the frustrations, what we were both learning and some of the observations we had both made over the past few weeks. Truly, this is a man that God is doing great things in. I am excited to see what Nadi church will look like in a few years under his guidance. In every single way, he impresses.
Later in the day, I had the opportunity to go into Lautoka with Sebastien and Mimi. We had about an hour to kill before the movie started, so we walked around the town for awhile looking for shops. Just walking in and out of some of them. Well, Sebastien walked into one that I probably never would have gone into myself (just one of those junk shops) and inside I found a wooden flute. Nothing spectacular, but special all on its own! The guy just wanted to get rid of it, so I bought it for real cheap.
These are the times when you can look back and just smile. God has a way in bringing about these moments from the most unlikely circumstances. That is exciting!
The Cairns were in the back of the BDC, which is where I normally take a shower. No biggy, except that the washroom was in use! So I needed to wait until it cleared out before I could go in and have my shower. Jackson was in his office, and so I sat down and we ended up having a great conversation. Talking about ministry, the joys and the frustrations, what we were both learning and some of the observations we had both made over the past few weeks. Truly, this is a man that God is doing great things in. I am excited to see what Nadi church will look like in a few years under his guidance. In every single way, he impresses.
Later in the day, I had the opportunity to go into Lautoka with Sebastien and Mimi. We had about an hour to kill before the movie started, so we walked around the town for awhile looking for shops. Just walking in and out of some of them. Well, Sebastien walked into one that I probably never would have gone into myself (just one of those junk shops) and inside I found a wooden flute. Nothing spectacular, but special all on its own! The guy just wanted to get rid of it, so I bought it for real cheap.
These are the times when you can look back and just smile. God has a way in bringing about these moments from the most unlikely circumstances. That is exciting!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Twists of Life
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my All in All
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my All in All
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
rising again, I bless Your name
You are my All in All
When I fall down, you pick me up
When I am dry, you fill my cup
You are my All in All
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is your name
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my All in All
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my All in All
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
rising again, I bless Your name
You are my All in All
When I fall down, you pick me up
When I am dry, you fill my cup
You are my All in All
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is your name
Sometimes, the best days start off in the worst ways. I opened my eyes, and I immediately got the impression that I just shouldn’t get out of bed. We’ve all had those days; you pry your eyes open only to have your body beg you not to get out quite yet. In my case, that was followed closely by a chaser of a cold shower. Not the most enticing mix.
Normally on a Friday morning, I go to the Airport School to teach Scripture in school. One of those few days that I really look forward to in a week, because you have smiling faces and eager hearts. What more could you ask for? This morning, however had a twist to it. We normally leave about 5 or 10 after 9 to get there in time to teach the first class. I started getting ready about 5 after, and was packing my stuff up when I remembered I forgot to brush my teeth. Nothing worse than smelly breath for an entire day. So I quickly brushed my teeth. Josefa, the man who also lives in the BDC, must have been having an impatient day, because when I came out of the BDC (at 9:07, I checked) he was rolling out of the BDC at walking pace. So I walked briskly towards the van... no worries. He sped up. Then in the street he yelled out the window, “Run.” Now... if this is a friend, it’s a laugh, because it’s done in good spirit. This wasn’t one of those moments. Jackson was sitting in the back of the van looking at me, and told me to go back to the BDC and shut the door, which I’d forgotten to do. Josefa drove off. It is worth noting though that this evening when I came home, we had a good conversation about it, and he apologized, and now I'd like to think our friendship is stronger because of it.
So I walked! It was about 45 minutes to an hour to the school up and down hills and in some very hot sun. But God and I had a lengthy chat, so can I really complain about that? When I got to the airport school, I was hot, sweaty, smelly and a little more than angry. Jackson and I talked for a bit, and when I explained to Josefa that what happened was unacceptable, and that I was in no condition to be teaching now, he told me to have the day off. So Jackson took my classes, and I moved on.
Interesting story in itself, but the rest of the day was filled with different twists. While I was waiting for a bus, I got talking with a lady there. She was a believer (meaning she believes she’s a sinner and Jesus died on the cross for her sins, I didn’t probe much deeper) and was going to pray. Apparently her church has been praying 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the past 7 years. That’s an impressive feat no matter who you are!
In the evening I went to the Lautoka church again for their youth program. Have I said how much I love this church? They are free, they are ... well, a church. The kids were fun, and that in turn allowed me to have fun talking with them. We talked about being counter-culture (see yesterday’s post!), which is challenging for them, and challenging for me.
And then the ride home on a mini-bus. All the buses had stopped about an hour or two before, so the only way you can get a ride to Nadi from one of the other towns is via mini bus. A few twists on this trip... I was sitting next to a ... feminine male.
There are quite a few of them in Fiji, just a litmus test of the state of the culture itself. And the last twist is that when it came to my stop, I asked for him to stop in English, and he didn’t hear me. But when I made the sound all the locals makes (“Sssss”) he stopped immediately. I think I’m getting the hang of it!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Enough
Perhaps you read that title, and you wonder what is about to come out of thoughts. Perhaps it will be words of malice, or of frustration. Maybe it will only serve to further build my case and indisputably prove to you about how bad off I have it. Boy, have I got you fooled.
Enough. The honest truth is that I am resigned to only one thing, and that’s God’s will. And part of learning to follow after that will is learning to have peace with whatever decision He comes to... or the time He leaves you to wait for that answer. I will trust that no matter how long He makes me wait, He will continue to use me in very specific, special kinds of ways.
So I resign myself the knowledge that I am exactly where God wants me to be, doing what He wants me to do, because I am seeking that out diligently. I will have those conversations that God brings my way, I will throw myself into whatever task He leaves me without hesitation. I will give it my all, because this energy does not come from me... but from Him.
A good example of one of these conversations happened last night. After the service, I managed to catch a bus down to the Tanoa (an adventure all on its own, let me tell you!) because they have a buffet with roast beef, lamb and pork. And since I know the manager (wink wink) I get a discounted (read: reasonable) price for it all.
Many of the pilots were there as well, having arrived quite a bit earlier than I. So I joined them mid-meal. Now, you have to understand something about this particular group of people. Reformed Christians they are not, nor would I expect them to be. But they most definitely are strong personalities, and good times are to be usually had. Just watch out for the occasional detour into the gutters, as the conversation has a tendency to steer its way there.
If these people are never going to darken the doors of a church... my first question is why. The second is how come we aren’t going to them? What would a church look like that would actually meet these people where they are at? You know the type. Alcohol is readily consumed. Sex is something to be enjoyed freely. And as long as you can forget about your misery, everything is dandy. To me, that screams Jesus. To them, Jesus is a curse word.
Opportunities, and the reminder that God is more than enough.
All of you, is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirsty and every need
You satisfy me, with Your love
And all I have in You, is more than enough
You are my supply, my breathe of life;
Still more awesome than I know....
You are my reward, worth living for;
Still more awesome than I know!
Cause all of you, is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me, with your love
And all I have in You, is more than enough.
You’re my sacrifice of greatest price;
Still more awesome than I know!
You’re my coming king, You’re everything;
Still more awesome than I know!
All of you, is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirsty and every need.
You satisfy me, with your love,
And all I have in You, is more than enough.
You’re enough... You’re enough, You’re enough for me.
All of me, for every thirsty and every need
You satisfy me, with Your love
And all I have in You, is more than enough
You are my supply, my breathe of life;
Still more awesome than I know....
You are my reward, worth living for;
Still more awesome than I know!
Cause all of you, is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me, with your love
And all I have in You, is more than enough.
You’re my sacrifice of greatest price;
Still more awesome than I know!
You’re my coming king, You’re everything;
Still more awesome than I know!
All of you, is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirsty and every need.
You satisfy me, with your love,
And all I have in You, is more than enough.
You’re enough... You’re enough, You’re enough for me.
Enough. The honest truth is that I am resigned to only one thing, and that’s God’s will. And part of learning to follow after that will is learning to have peace with whatever decision He comes to... or the time He leaves you to wait for that answer. I will trust that no matter how long He makes me wait, He will continue to use me in very specific, special kinds of ways.
So I resign myself the knowledge that I am exactly where God wants me to be, doing what He wants me to do, because I am seeking that out diligently. I will have those conversations that God brings my way, I will throw myself into whatever task He leaves me without hesitation. I will give it my all, because this energy does not come from me... but from Him.
A good example of one of these conversations happened last night. After the service, I managed to catch a bus down to the Tanoa (an adventure all on its own, let me tell you!) because they have a buffet with roast beef, lamb and pork. And since I know the manager (wink wink) I get a discounted (read: reasonable) price for it all.
Many of the pilots were there as well, having arrived quite a bit earlier than I. So I joined them mid-meal. Now, you have to understand something about this particular group of people. Reformed Christians they are not, nor would I expect them to be. But they most definitely are strong personalities, and good times are to be usually had. Just watch out for the occasional detour into the gutters, as the conversation has a tendency to steer its way there.
If these people are never going to darken the doors of a church... my first question is why. The second is how come we aren’t going to them? What would a church look like that would actually meet these people where they are at? You know the type. Alcohol is readily consumed. Sex is something to be enjoyed freely. And as long as you can forget about your misery, everything is dandy. To me, that screams Jesus. To them, Jesus is a curse word.
Opportunities, and the reminder that God is more than enough.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
When God Sends an Angel
It POURED last night. It was an incredible storm, and it went super late into the morning, with lightning, thunder and a torrent of rain. This has two beneficial effects. The first is that I get to enjoy a divine rain storm throughout the night – something ALWAYS worth sacrificing sleep for. The second is that the weekly trip out to camp is cancelled.
Now, that second part doesn’t seem quite so sweet when you consider that I was going to get dropped off at the Outrigger later in the morning to visit Travis and Mel Stevens, two friends from Canada who are passing through. I know Mel from Karate back in Three Hills, and they had brought some stuff for me. This left me to find my own way down to the South Western part of the Island.
Now, there is nothing quite like an adventure when you are all by yourself. No one else to blame for your mistakes when it is Me, Myself and I. I caught a return taxi into Nadi at 1, and walked the rest of the way to the bus stand. From there, I caught a Viti MiniBus to Suva, where I could get off at the Outrigger. The exciting thing about transportation here is that unless you are willing to pay a pretty penny (sometimes up to 20 times more) for your own solo ride, you get to wait ‘till the bus fills up. So after about 45 minutes of waiting, it can take upwards of 2 hours sometimes, we were on the way!
I arrived at the Outrigger around 3:30 PM and tracked down my two friends. Nice to talk to people who are a breath of fresh air from home: it reminds you of all the good things you miss, and something common to talk about. So we talked, ate and simply talked until about 6 PM, when I went back to the front desk at the Outrigger to catch the Coral Sun bus.
One thing you should always remember when you go to a ‘tourist’ country. If you’re a tourist, everything is going to cost at least double what it should. My ride down to the Outrigger cost me 10 dollars. They were telling me it was going to be 17 to catch the bus back. No biggy, it is air conditioned. One problem though, it wasn’t there. Turns out the lady that told me the time of the bus arrival was completely out to lunch, and I missed the bus.
Here’s where it gets comical. To catch a taxi into Sigatoka (5 minutes drive away) they wanted 10 dollars. I laughed at the lady who told me that, and asked her if tourists actually pay that (they do!). Then I preceded to walk out to the side of the road, and catch a minivan into Sigatoka (70 cents). While on the side of the road, I wasn’t feeling entirely confident in myself, although I knew what I wanted to do, I wasn’t entirely sure on WHERE everything was that I needed to catch.
So God sent an angel.
One of the ladies that was standing beside the road waiting for a bus/van took me directly to the minivan stand and made sure I got onto a van coming back to Nadi. Surprisingly enough, there was a van stopped at the stand with room for one (1) person. When they come through Sigatoka, they stop at a refreshment stand for about 15 minutes and then continue to drive on... and it was getting late (thus why I was a little unsure), and it just so happens that there was a van waiting with one last space for me to get on. You can’t tell me that doesn’t make you smile.
Total cost on my return: $6.70
Total tourist cost: $17
Seeing friends from back home in the middle of your time in a foreign country. An unknown lady that made sure I got onto the right van when I wasn’t quite sure about things because it was late and getting quite dark in a unknown town. Back home, safe and sound, dropped right beside my own road, for nearly a third of the cost. That’s sweet. God’s great!
Now, that second part doesn’t seem quite so sweet when you consider that I was going to get dropped off at the Outrigger later in the morning to visit Travis and Mel Stevens, two friends from Canada who are passing through. I know Mel from Karate back in Three Hills, and they had brought some stuff for me. This left me to find my own way down to the South Western part of the Island.
Now, there is nothing quite like an adventure when you are all by yourself. No one else to blame for your mistakes when it is Me, Myself and I. I caught a return taxi into Nadi at 1, and walked the rest of the way to the bus stand. From there, I caught a Viti MiniBus to Suva, where I could get off at the Outrigger. The exciting thing about transportation here is that unless you are willing to pay a pretty penny (sometimes up to 20 times more) for your own solo ride, you get to wait ‘till the bus fills up. So after about 45 minutes of waiting, it can take upwards of 2 hours sometimes, we were on the way!
I arrived at the Outrigger around 3:30 PM and tracked down my two friends. Nice to talk to people who are a breath of fresh air from home: it reminds you of all the good things you miss, and something common to talk about. So we talked, ate and simply talked until about 6 PM, when I went back to the front desk at the Outrigger to catch the Coral Sun bus.
One thing you should always remember when you go to a ‘tourist’ country. If you’re a tourist, everything is going to cost at least double what it should. My ride down to the Outrigger cost me 10 dollars. They were telling me it was going to be 17 to catch the bus back. No biggy, it is air conditioned. One problem though, it wasn’t there. Turns out the lady that told me the time of the bus arrival was completely out to lunch, and I missed the bus.
Here’s where it gets comical. To catch a taxi into Sigatoka (5 minutes drive away) they wanted 10 dollars. I laughed at the lady who told me that, and asked her if tourists actually pay that (they do!). Then I preceded to walk out to the side of the road, and catch a minivan into Sigatoka (70 cents). While on the side of the road, I wasn’t feeling entirely confident in myself, although I knew what I wanted to do, I wasn’t entirely sure on WHERE everything was that I needed to catch.
So God sent an angel.
One of the ladies that was standing beside the road waiting for a bus/van took me directly to the minivan stand and made sure I got onto a van coming back to Nadi. Surprisingly enough, there was a van stopped at the stand with room for one (1) person. When they come through Sigatoka, they stop at a refreshment stand for about 15 minutes and then continue to drive on... and it was getting late (thus why I was a little unsure), and it just so happens that there was a van waiting with one last space for me to get on. You can’t tell me that doesn’t make you smile.
Total cost on my return: $6.70
Total tourist cost: $17
Seeing friends from back home in the middle of your time in a foreign country. An unknown lady that made sure I got onto the right van when I wasn’t quite sure about things because it was late and getting quite dark in a unknown town. Back home, safe and sound, dropped right beside my own road, for nearly a third of the cost. That’s sweet. God’s great!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
You’re as Busy as You Want to Be
One of my friends recently told me these words. They are challenging in their own right, and to some degree hold validity to my current situation. I find myself frustrated because I came all this way, and I feel as though I am only here to cut grass and show up to youth events. Most of my week is free, with little structure to guide my energy. This alone is probably the most frustrating thing of coming all this way. I want to do something; I want to feel of use!
So when I talked to him about this, he shared these words with me. The question then, is how can I get busy? I’ve already committed to focusing the free parts of my days to finishing my school work so that I can graduate. While this is important, it isn’t one of the reasons I came this far. So it is time to take matters into my own hands. Time to stop standing idly by and wait for something to happen, but gamble a bit with my straightforwardness and see what God has in store.
I preach this Sunday in Lautoka, and I will make the proposition to them that I am willing to preach two Sunday Mornings out of the month at their church on top of my current schedule. This would help me focus my efforts, and engage in the culture in a real way. Perhaps it will pay off; perhaps God will close the door. I am willing to accept either avenue, but I would feel cheapened if I didn’t at least try.
Your prayers are felt, and my gratitude is owed. For the many of you who are constantly lifting me up in prayer, I thank you. Please continue to pray that God would guide my footsteps while I am here in Fiji. I want to honour Him with my whole being, in every thought, word and action. I would also ask that you pray for my return back to Canada, as I am unsure about work opportunities at this time.
I want to be busy, so I better put my actions where my mouth is. God, I’m willing. Send me.
So when I talked to him about this, he shared these words with me. The question then, is how can I get busy? I’ve already committed to focusing the free parts of my days to finishing my school work so that I can graduate. While this is important, it isn’t one of the reasons I came this far. So it is time to take matters into my own hands. Time to stop standing idly by and wait for something to happen, but gamble a bit with my straightforwardness and see what God has in store.
I preach this Sunday in Lautoka, and I will make the proposition to them that I am willing to preach two Sunday Mornings out of the month at their church on top of my current schedule. This would help me focus my efforts, and engage in the culture in a real way. Perhaps it will pay off; perhaps God will close the door. I am willing to accept either avenue, but I would feel cheapened if I didn’t at least try.
Your prayers are felt, and my gratitude is owed. For the many of you who are constantly lifting me up in prayer, I thank you. Please continue to pray that God would guide my footsteps while I am here in Fiji. I want to honour Him with my whole being, in every thought, word and action. I would also ask that you pray for my return back to Canada, as I am unsure about work opportunities at this time.
I want to be busy, so I better put my actions where my mouth is. God, I’m willing. Send me.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Those Conversations
I was up a little later than normal today, but that didn’t stop it from being productive. One of the hard parts I have found while here in Fiji is that I haven’t been given a structured form of ministry. This makes it especially hard to know how to spend my daily hours to effectively perform ministry. Because I am only here for three months, visitation is not really an option unless I go with someone else.
Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone actively performs visitation here. I am certainly not free to move about and preach at will, as that has been disallowed. So what do you do with your time?
There aren’t any real easy answers to that question. If I were back home, I could plan effective ministry programs. I could prepare sermons. I could get to know the people that are around me to build relationships leading to conversations. Very few of these things are an option while I’m here.
So I read. I read the books that I brought with me, I read the Bible, I read whatever articles I can find while I’m on the internet. I have to structure my time around these things, and it really doesn’t feel like effective use of my time… but I’m learning lots!
Around noon I went into town to get onto the internet. My beloved Grandma is visiting my sister, which means we can get online and talk via webcam. Normally this isn’t an option because she lives in small town Saskatchewan, so it was wonderful to see her. Carys, of course, was enjoying the sound of her own voice and looking infinitely cute! Can’t wait to get back and see my family again!
This afternoon, I went with Sebastien to the Nadi Sports Club. They have Tennis and Squash Courts, a Swimming Pool, Lawn Bowling and a few other activities. We went today for the Squash courts. Ended up spending almost 3 hours, playing for about two thirds of that. It’s a great workout, and fun when you can play games consecutively against someone and actually give them a challenge. I’m still learning, which means I have to make up for my poor play by lots of running, but I’m learning quickly.
The intriguing part came after the games of squash though. We went to the ever native Fijian restaurant, McDonalds, and had a good chat. We talked about the ministry that I am doing here, the responsibilities of it, where Sebastien and Mimi will be going after their time here in Fiji, and about theology. One thing that Bible college is good for is offering you an environment that allows you to produce and challenge your own ideas against other people, the Bible tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” This could not be more true! We discussed a variety of topics, from the theology of ministry to assurance of salvation. It was good to have conversations like that once more and see where I am at in my own beliefs.
Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone actively performs visitation here. I am certainly not free to move about and preach at will, as that has been disallowed. So what do you do with your time?
There aren’t any real easy answers to that question. If I were back home, I could plan effective ministry programs. I could prepare sermons. I could get to know the people that are around me to build relationships leading to conversations. Very few of these things are an option while I’m here.
So I read. I read the books that I brought with me, I read the Bible, I read whatever articles I can find while I’m on the internet. I have to structure my time around these things, and it really doesn’t feel like effective use of my time… but I’m learning lots!
Around noon I went into town to get onto the internet. My beloved Grandma is visiting my sister, which means we can get online and talk via webcam. Normally this isn’t an option because she lives in small town Saskatchewan, so it was wonderful to see her. Carys, of course, was enjoying the sound of her own voice and looking infinitely cute! Can’t wait to get back and see my family again!
This afternoon, I went with Sebastien to the Nadi Sports Club. They have Tennis and Squash Courts, a Swimming Pool, Lawn Bowling and a few other activities. We went today for the Squash courts. Ended up spending almost 3 hours, playing for about two thirds of that. It’s a great workout, and fun when you can play games consecutively against someone and actually give them a challenge. I’m still learning, which means I have to make up for my poor play by lots of running, but I’m learning quickly.
The intriguing part came after the games of squash though. We went to the ever native Fijian restaurant, McDonalds, and had a good chat. We talked about the ministry that I am doing here, the responsibilities of it, where Sebastien and Mimi will be going after their time here in Fiji, and about theology. One thing that Bible college is good for is offering you an environment that allows you to produce and challenge your own ideas against other people, the Bible tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” This could not be more true! We discussed a variety of topics, from the theology of ministry to assurance of salvation. It was good to have conversations like that once more and see where I am at in my own beliefs.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
The Group Events
Having friends is crucial to the survival of any person. No matter how introverted you are, you need that safety net of people who want to be around you. This lights up especially when you are outside of your normal comfort zone, such as in another country. While I wouldn’t say that I’m particularly close with any one person here in Fiji, it is nice to know that in the end there are people to spend time with.
This evening a group of us got together for dinner and a movie. Most of the expatriates in this country are pilots, and tonight’s group definitely reflected that. Everyone other than Jong, Molly, Meriam and myself are here in the country to fly. They are a good group of people, but you have to keep in mind that none of them are even close to what you might consider ‘religious.’
It’s an enlightening experience to be in an environment where they feel free to be themselves, and it quickly brings forward the problem that most Christians back home have. You cannot truly be a light in the world unless you are in that world. Sure, it’s uncomfortable. Sure, it goes against what you have been told in the past. It means being around people with dirty mouths and lewd conversation. But it also means that you have to decide what you really believe in… because you stand out like a sore thumb.
This, I think, would be beneficial for everyone. You are less myopic in your faith, and you are forced to come to terms with the fact that few people share the same opinion as you. The way you live becomes paramount, because you ARE Jesus to these people.
This evening a group of us got together for dinner and a movie. Most of the expatriates in this country are pilots, and tonight’s group definitely reflected that. Everyone other than Jong, Molly, Meriam and myself are here in the country to fly. They are a good group of people, but you have to keep in mind that none of them are even close to what you might consider ‘religious.’
It’s an enlightening experience to be in an environment where they feel free to be themselves, and it quickly brings forward the problem that most Christians back home have. You cannot truly be a light in the world unless you are in that world. Sure, it’s uncomfortable. Sure, it goes against what you have been told in the past. It means being around people with dirty mouths and lewd conversation. But it also means that you have to decide what you really believe in… because you stand out like a sore thumb.
This, I think, would be beneficial for everyone. You are less myopic in your faith, and you are forced to come to terms with the fact that few people share the same opinion as you. The way you live becomes paramount, because you ARE Jesus to these people.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Reasons
We do everything for a reason. Every single word, every action that we takes comes from a motive. There are times when we think this motive out in intricate detail, and times when we treat it like an unnecessary detail in the path to glorious world conquest. Whether it is academic or primal, our motives dictate our actions.
Today was a good reminder of my motives, my reasons. I was in the Natambua church in the morning. Jong picked me up right around 9 AM, and we went for Pancakes at a hotel right across from the airport. The pancakes were actually quite spectacular and filling. The church was much the same. The congregation at this church is an educated, with many of them being school teachers, lawyers, etc. And the service reflected that. Everything had its place, and every place had a reason for being there. The sermon did not mince words to insult intelligence, but delved deep into the methodology of the scripture and the undercurrents, then deftly applied it to Fijian culture. I was envious, because the last part of my homiletics is sorely lacking due to inexperience.
Jong and I picked up a pizza for lunch and went to Sebastien and Mimi’s to eat. Then we all went into town to Bulaccino for Gelato ice cream. Expensive, but refreshing. The main difference is that this ice cream is smooth as butter.
In the evening I preached at Nadi for the second time. It was nice to walk through the doors and be welcomed by the local people and be told that my presence was missed. Ken was down at the Lami church and Mary was absent for the service. Things went according to schedule, and God reminded me why I’m here... to learn and experience.
Preaching is one of those things where you never know what is going to come out until the sermon is over and done with. Sure, you spend hours preparing and crafting the message to speak plainly and clearly... but it is the Holy Spirit who takes those words and breathes life through them. Tonight did that for me, at least. I was comfortable preaching, and it was nice to share naturally from my own life and the experiences without feeling as though I had to prove anything.
And that... the ability to share what God has laid on my heart... is why I must always carry on. That is my reason.
Today was a good reminder of my motives, my reasons. I was in the Natambua church in the morning. Jong picked me up right around 9 AM, and we went for Pancakes at a hotel right across from the airport. The pancakes were actually quite spectacular and filling. The church was much the same. The congregation at this church is an educated, with many of them being school teachers, lawyers, etc. And the service reflected that. Everything had its place, and every place had a reason for being there. The sermon did not mince words to insult intelligence, but delved deep into the methodology of the scripture and the undercurrents, then deftly applied it to Fijian culture. I was envious, because the last part of my homiletics is sorely lacking due to inexperience.
Jong and I picked up a pizza for lunch and went to Sebastien and Mimi’s to eat. Then we all went into town to Bulaccino for Gelato ice cream. Expensive, but refreshing. The main difference is that this ice cream is smooth as butter.
In the evening I preached at Nadi for the second time. It was nice to walk through the doors and be welcomed by the local people and be told that my presence was missed. Ken was down at the Lami church and Mary was absent for the service. Things went according to schedule, and God reminded me why I’m here... to learn and experience.
Preaching is one of those things where you never know what is going to come out until the sermon is over and done with. Sure, you spend hours preparing and crafting the message to speak plainly and clearly... but it is the Holy Spirit who takes those words and breathes life through them. Tonight did that for me, at least. I was comfortable preaching, and it was nice to share naturally from my own life and the experiences without feeling as though I had to prove anything.
And that... the ability to share what God has laid on my heart... is why I must always carry on. That is my reason.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Those Times When it is You and God
4:50 AM, and my alarm goes off. Thankfully, I had the chance to actually get up to my alarm this week, and so while the day started off especially early, at least it started off on a good note. Perhaps a sign of good things yet to come?
Thursday mornings are spent at the camp, working on the cabin that Ken is attempting to put up. It won’t be ready for the May camps, but they are hoping that with a few of the building crews, December is an option. Lots of work has to be done between now and then, but the value of overseas work crews begins to shine through when you think of 20 teenagers working 8 hours a day to build these cabins.
When I got into the back of the van, we had a lawnmower loaded as well, and so I knew it was going to be a good morning. I’m not sure why, but the prospect of taking care of a lawn is a lot more inviting than using a hammer to me. Something about helping something grow, rather than blunt force really makes an impression in my mind. And so, when we arrived at camp, I didn’t go to the cabin to begin hammering away, but started up the lawnmower and disappeared into my own world, where I like to be.
It reminded me of my summers at Sealy, when you’d get up at some ungodly hour and work for 3 hours before you even started to wake up. The difference here is that I’m pushing a lawnmower, rather than using a nail gun… you determine which one is safer to use while asleep! I had a few hours to do some mindless work, while I concentrated on thinking and praying about other matters. I actually revel in these opportunities. You have nowhere else to go, and nothing else to do… so you make the best of it by talking with the one person who really wants to hear from you: God. This was, by far, the best morning at camp so far.
We drove back to Nadi around 11, and after I made myself lunch, I went over to Jong’s to get into some A/C and talk to Dad and Jordan. I still had some unfinished conversations from yesterday, and it is important to get those conversations finished so that everyone is on the same page.
The evening was spent at one of the pilot’s homes, celebrating Ewing’s birthday… and he wasn’t even there. His girlfriend surprised him earlier today, but we decided to use the excuse to get together anyway. Good conversations, good people, and good food. Can’t complain about that.
It started right, and now the day is ending right. I think the conversations with God make that difference, what about you?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Of Miscellaneous things
2/21/2007 10:41 PM
The last few months have taught me that a crucial aspect of a successful ministry is knowing when to withdraw and recover. Thankfully, Wednesdays are that day when I do not have to think about a single thing, but can get away from whatever is going on and relax. Today, I decided to not set my alarm, and take my time.
However, there were a few things I needed to get done today as well. I wanted to get online and check on any e-mails that may have come in, and talk with family and friends back home. I also needed to get started on my Phys Ed course; meaning running/biking for at least 30 minutes today. Jong txt messaged me this morning to let me know that the internet at his flat was up, and so I crashed there for the day. It allowed me to not have to worry about how much time I’d spent on the net, and let conversations go naturally… a nice change.
And I did manage to force myself onto that bike! 30 minutes straight of some light work, and I really need to work out more often! Funny that I have to come to a hot, tropical environment before I really get started on my physical education course, who says God doesn’t have a sense of humour?
Tomorrow, I’m up at 4:50 to go Sigatoka and work on the camp down there… time for bed!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Perhaps my experience is different than yours, but nearly every time I have a life changing experience, it is not because of a great event, but the conversations that flow out of it. Youth retreats were great, the speakers were dynamic, but it was the friends that made it special. College was fun, classes were sometimes too, but it was the friends, and the subsequent conversations that affected who I was, and my perspectives on God.
I may be reading too much into my own experiences, but these conversations make a powerful statement in my own life. Change is not something that comes quickly; it takes time. It also takes that personal connection to really effect change in a person. These are personal, one on one conversations that speak to the soul, not to the mind. These build friendships.
These friendships build trust, and this trust leads to change. Only when trust is built do we have the right to speak into another persons life, and only friendships lead to true trust. Friendships take time, work, and conversations! So it is a progression that leads to change, and so we must be diligent in our pursuit of friendships. This is where ministry is done. It is in a sermon, and it is in a Sunday morning service, but it shines through extraordinarily in discipleship and friendship.
What are your thoughts?
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Nobody’s Perfect
Saturday. If you are prepared, and have done your work throughout the week, then you can have Saturday off. That means you can sleep in, you can take the day off and enjoy it. Well, I got to do the latter of those two. I woke up at 5:55 AM this morning, so that I could be awake for the prayer meeting at 6 AM. There were 5 of us there, 4 of whom live here at the BDC, one who called the meeting. I can’t say I remember much, we prayed. Then I went back to sleep.
When I awoke, after some pretty incredible dreams I might add, I was ready to start the day. I had a dream where I was in a car chase, one where I was in Tokyo and another where I was in New York. Don’t ask me where those come in… but they were fun! I ran into town with Jong and ate lunch, then picked up some clothes here in town. Fiji is a very hot place, and I decided that I needed a few more shorts in order to get me through the next few months. In Canada, it’s below zero. Tough life.
I spent the afternoon at Mimi’s place, talking with her and Molly. Amazing how much you crave having that personal interaction in a place like this. For all of its paradise, there is just as much that sucks the life out of you. Without friends, and people of your own age, I’m not sure how you would survive… form a tight group and hang on for the ride.
Around seven, Sebastian flew back into town (literally!) and we went out for lunch at a local Indian place. The food was good, the conversation was better. Expressing your thoughts always brings them into clarity, even if they were fuzzy before. Tonight was one of those nights, an opportunity to defragment everything that has been going on, put it into perspective, and really look at it from a third person perspective. And while there were a lot of things said and realized, I think I can sum it up in a single phrase: nobody’s perfect.
We all have our faults; we all have our frustrations. I know there are many people who probably don’t think so highly of me from my past. Some rightfully, and some not so much, but it serves to remind me that I am not perfect. I am human, and I make mistakes. That grace, and that reminder is important for us to remember, so that when we meet someone who also is not perfect, we are not hasty to dole out judgement.
Remember: nobody’s perfect.
When I awoke, after some pretty incredible dreams I might add, I was ready to start the day. I had a dream where I was in a car chase, one where I was in Tokyo and another where I was in New York. Don’t ask me where those come in… but they were fun! I ran into town with Jong and ate lunch, then picked up some clothes here in town. Fiji is a very hot place, and I decided that I needed a few more shorts in order to get me through the next few months. In Canada, it’s below zero. Tough life.
I spent the afternoon at Mimi’s place, talking with her and Molly. Amazing how much you crave having that personal interaction in a place like this. For all of its paradise, there is just as much that sucks the life out of you. Without friends, and people of your own age, I’m not sure how you would survive… form a tight group and hang on for the ride.
Around seven, Sebastian flew back into town (literally!) and we went out for lunch at a local Indian place. The food was good, the conversation was better. Expressing your thoughts always brings them into clarity, even if they were fuzzy before. Tonight was one of those nights, an opportunity to defragment everything that has been going on, put it into perspective, and really look at it from a third person perspective. And while there were a lot of things said and realized, I think I can sum it up in a single phrase: nobody’s perfect.
We all have our faults; we all have our frustrations. I know there are many people who probably don’t think so highly of me from my past. Some rightfully, and some not so much, but it serves to remind me that I am not perfect. I am human, and I make mistakes. That grace, and that reminder is important for us to remember, so that when we meet someone who also is not perfect, we are not hasty to dole out judgement.
Remember: nobody’s perfect.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
This Coin Has Many Sides…
One of the first things that life taught me was that you can never take one persons word for it. Life and its many experiences tend to jade the way we look at the future and different situations. Only when we talked to various people who each have had unique experiences can we really begin to get an outline of what the real thing looks like.
Being here in Fiji is no different. I always enjoy the opportunity to talk to a new expatriate about their experiences in Fiji, because undoubtedly they will add something new to my current understand of ‘Fiji’ in the cultural and political sense. Some have a negative outlook on Fiji, others will have a positive, some will have a realistic, and others still will only be looking at it from a business perspective. Each of these opinions is valuable because they compliment and flush each other out in such a way that I am better for hearing each one.
Had I taken one or two people’s words for it, I don’t know if I would even believe that there was a reason you would have anyone trying to ‘do missions’ here. It certainly is not a short term mission, because you need to build into the people’s lives, and the gospel develops characteristics in a person that is foreign to this culture. Yet even in the midst of that, I have to be careful that I am not taking my ‘western’ idea of Christ and attempting to impose it upon a pacific culture.
Christianity is by no means a white-picket fence faith. Rather, it is diverse and culturally independent. I’m sure the way we worship now would have seemed completely foreign to the early Jewish Christians. Imagine what it will look like in another 2000 years. I’m sure we would shake our heads in disbelief and amazement at the way Christ permeates our culture.
Nothing of note really went on today. It was my day off, so I hid in Jong’s flat and enjoyed the air conditioning while watching a movie and doing some reading for my courses. He had a friend fly in from Australia, so there was a group of us bachelors that went out for dinner on Valentines Day. Went to a pretty excellent Thai restaurant, and had various rice dishes. It was good, but as with anything else in Fiji; don’t expect it to be too cheap! Up early tomorrow to go work on the camp… and the rest of you will be enjoying Valentines Day!
Being here in Fiji is no different. I always enjoy the opportunity to talk to a new expatriate about their experiences in Fiji, because undoubtedly they will add something new to my current understand of ‘Fiji’ in the cultural and political sense. Some have a negative outlook on Fiji, others will have a positive, some will have a realistic, and others still will only be looking at it from a business perspective. Each of these opinions is valuable because they compliment and flush each other out in such a way that I am better for hearing each one.
Had I taken one or two people’s words for it, I don’t know if I would even believe that there was a reason you would have anyone trying to ‘do missions’ here. It certainly is not a short term mission, because you need to build into the people’s lives, and the gospel develops characteristics in a person that is foreign to this culture. Yet even in the midst of that, I have to be careful that I am not taking my ‘western’ idea of Christ and attempting to impose it upon a pacific culture.
Christianity is by no means a white-picket fence faith. Rather, it is diverse and culturally independent. I’m sure the way we worship now would have seemed completely foreign to the early Jewish Christians. Imagine what it will look like in another 2000 years. I’m sure we would shake our heads in disbelief and amazement at the way Christ permeates our culture.
Nothing of note really went on today. It was my day off, so I hid in Jong’s flat and enjoyed the air conditioning while watching a movie and doing some reading for my courses. He had a friend fly in from Australia, so there was a group of us bachelors that went out for dinner on Valentines Day. Went to a pretty excellent Thai restaurant, and had various rice dishes. It was good, but as with anything else in Fiji; don’t expect it to be too cheap! Up early tomorrow to go work on the camp… and the rest of you will be enjoying Valentines Day!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Stay in Touch
It is amazing how when busy you can stay when you have a free day. Things take time to get done. I had a bit of a slow start to the day, just relaxing to the sound of the rain outside while I waited for an opportunity to run into town. The plan was to finish what I started yesterday and get onto the internet to talk to some people back home and send out replies to the many different e-mails I had. There was a short break around one, so I quickly got out to the street, and amazingly a cab picked me up right away.
I spent most of the afternoon talking with Jordan. She was online around the same time, so we had a chance to spend some actual time talking, and that was really the first long conversation we’ve had since Christmas. Strange how 15 minutes conversations just don’t seem to cut it compared to a chance when you can wade through the ‘catching up’ phase and actually be able to carry dialogue on a deeper level.
At the same time, I finally caught my Dad online! I’ve been trying to get a hold of him for the past week, but we always manage to miss each other. The past few years have given me a deep appreciation for the relationship that we have built because of the hard work that has gone into it. I am blessed to have a father who can give me a wisdom and an external situation while still knowing me very well. He often helps me sort through the issues I can’t quite get my head around.
On my way out of town, I hopped into one of the van carriers. They run people around for the same cost as a bus, and have the added advantage that you take your life into your own hands! Haha, they usually aren’t that bad, and it’s normally not as crowded as the bus. A young couple from Denmark got onto the same carrier, and so having equal amount of white people in the car as natives, I decided to strike up a conversation. They were in the process of travelling throughout the world, starting in London, travelling through Thailand, Singapore, Australia and then to Fiji. I could have told you this, but Fiji is super expensive to live in. They said what it takes to live in Fiji for one week would last you at least a month in Thailand. And another bonus fact: they were leaving for Toronto in the next few days. Suckers! They had some idea what kind of weather they were stepping into… but they won’t really feel it until they get off the plane. It was a fun conversation, and they were pleasant people! You meet all sorts of people around here.
The evening consisted of going to a pizza dinner at Meriam’s with a bunch of the pilots on the island. Both Jong and I had other places to be in the evening, so we rolled in for a quick eat and run, but it was good to catch some conversation with people my own age. A lot of those guys (and girl!) intrigue me, because their belief in God is nominal, and Three Hills isn’t really the best place to meet people like them… so it is fun to see where the conversations go.
Then it was back to the BDC for the weekly Bible study.
And God is continually teaching me that attitude is important. He’s also teaching me not to hold too tightly to the way you do things, flexibility is a valuable trait to have.
I spent most of the afternoon talking with Jordan. She was online around the same time, so we had a chance to spend some actual time talking, and that was really the first long conversation we’ve had since Christmas. Strange how 15 minutes conversations just don’t seem to cut it compared to a chance when you can wade through the ‘catching up’ phase and actually be able to carry dialogue on a deeper level.
At the same time, I finally caught my Dad online! I’ve been trying to get a hold of him for the past week, but we always manage to miss each other. The past few years have given me a deep appreciation for the relationship that we have built because of the hard work that has gone into it. I am blessed to have a father who can give me a wisdom and an external situation while still knowing me very well. He often helps me sort through the issues I can’t quite get my head around.
On my way out of town, I hopped into one of the van carriers. They run people around for the same cost as a bus, and have the added advantage that you take your life into your own hands! Haha, they usually aren’t that bad, and it’s normally not as crowded as the bus. A young couple from Denmark got onto the same carrier, and so having equal amount of white people in the car as natives, I decided to strike up a conversation. They were in the process of travelling throughout the world, starting in London, travelling through Thailand, Singapore, Australia and then to Fiji. I could have told you this, but Fiji is super expensive to live in. They said what it takes to live in Fiji for one week would last you at least a month in Thailand. And another bonus fact: they were leaving for Toronto in the next few days. Suckers! They had some idea what kind of weather they were stepping into… but they won’t really feel it until they get off the plane. It was a fun conversation, and they were pleasant people! You meet all sorts of people around here.
The evening consisted of going to a pizza dinner at Meriam’s with a bunch of the pilots on the island. Both Jong and I had other places to be in the evening, so we rolled in for a quick eat and run, but it was good to catch some conversation with people my own age. A lot of those guys (and girl!) intrigue me, because their belief in God is nominal, and Three Hills isn’t really the best place to meet people like them… so it is fun to see where the conversations go.
Then it was back to the BDC for the weekly Bible study.
And God is continually teaching me that attitude is important. He’s also teaching me not to hold too tightly to the way you do things, flexibility is a valuable trait to have.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Flood!
I always smile at those who say that the flood was a localized event. How could God promise that He would never send something like that again if it was merely a local event? The details just don’t seem to add up.
Today was essentially a day off. Ken and Mary are at the Lami church, and I had nothing on the docket, so it was a lazy day. I got up around 10, coaxed myself into the cold shower, made some lunch and planned to go into town to make some phone calls back home. However, it was raining pretty hard all night, and I certainly didn’t want to make the trek into down with the rain coming down. So I waited.
Around 1, the rain cleared up. Jong had messaged me earlier to check up and make sure everything was ok... because it was flooding in Nadi! Naturally, I had to see the phenomenon for myself! The internet cafe is on high ground, so perhaps it was still open to. So I packed everything into my backpack, and headed into town.
You can check the pictures for yourself, but the Nadi river had swelled over it’s banks. I had to wade through water that was over my knees. It was a lot of fun. All the Fijians were out having a ball in the water, laughing and splashing one another. A group of us held onto one another to make sure no one got swept away by the current, and once I made it to the bridge, water was no longer an issue.
Unfortunately, the internet cafe wasn’t open, but I did sit down at a coffee place and finish up an assignment for my Internship course. Chatted with a guy that Jong and I actually saw yesterday at the Shangri-La... he was stranded in Nadi because of the flooding and they were waiting for the water to go down so they could make it back down the coast.
And then I set out to come back to the BDC. A Toyota truck was about to drive through the water, so I jumped on with a bunch of Fijians. I was riding ‘Fiji Style’ as they like to call it here. We made it through no problem, and I stayed on the truck until the exit to the BDC. Don’t tell Dad (as if he’s not reading this!), but there were moments in time when we must have been going 60 or so. The Fijians were hooting and hollering at all the other cars, it was hilarious.
The truck actually blew past my stop, and the driver had no intention of stopping anytime soon. But a bus pulled out in front of him a few blocks down, and I took the opportunity to jump off the back. The Fijians found that pretty hilarious too. It was quite the adventure, check out the few pictures I took of the water!
Today was essentially a day off. Ken and Mary are at the Lami church, and I had nothing on the docket, so it was a lazy day. I got up around 10, coaxed myself into the cold shower, made some lunch and planned to go into town to make some phone calls back home. However, it was raining pretty hard all night, and I certainly didn’t want to make the trek into down with the rain coming down. So I waited.
Around 1, the rain cleared up. Jong had messaged me earlier to check up and make sure everything was ok... because it was flooding in Nadi! Naturally, I had to see the phenomenon for myself! The internet cafe is on high ground, so perhaps it was still open to. So I packed everything into my backpack, and headed into town.
You can check the pictures for yourself, but the Nadi river had swelled over it’s banks. I had to wade through water that was over my knees. It was a lot of fun. All the Fijians were out having a ball in the water, laughing and splashing one another. A group of us held onto one another to make sure no one got swept away by the current, and once I made it to the bridge, water was no longer an issue.
Unfortunately, the internet cafe wasn’t open, but I did sit down at a coffee place and finish up an assignment for my Internship course. Chatted with a guy that Jong and I actually saw yesterday at the Shangri-La... he was stranded in Nadi because of the flooding and they were waiting for the water to go down so they could make it back down the coast.
And then I set out to come back to the BDC. A Toyota truck was about to drive through the water, so I jumped on with a bunch of Fijians. I was riding ‘Fiji Style’ as they like to call it here. We made it through no problem, and I stayed on the truck until the exit to the BDC. Don’t tell Dad (as if he’s not reading this!), but there were moments in time when we must have been going 60 or so. The Fijians were hooting and hollering at all the other cars, it was hilarious.
The truck actually blew past my stop, and the driver had no intention of stopping anytime soon. But a bus pulled out in front of him a few blocks down, and I took the opportunity to jump off the back. The Fijians found that pretty hilarious too. It was quite the adventure, check out the few pictures I took of the water!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Never Stop Believing
What a day... it was filled with a variety of different activities. Some I would consider encouragements, and a very few that weigh heavily on my heart. They strike to the very core of who I am and make my blood boil at the mere thought.
I preached the message this morning, and it was quite the interesting endeavour. I’ve never used a laptop for the totality of my notes, and it took a little bit of getting used to, but it worked out well in the end. I had the attention of everyone who was there, and despite asking them to reach up a little to some new vocabulary (which I did my best to explain through usage and other synonyms), it was a very practically focussed message. It honed in on discipleship. Each of us are called to be disciple-makers, we all have a different way of making disciples, and we all have a place in the body of Christ and a role to fill. The key, of course, is that we have to be willing to go wherever God takes us.
The frustration came after my message. We had communion today. It was a different way of doing things than I’m used to. The children are dismissed from the service, the youth are asked to sit at the back of the sanctuary and the adults who are going to take communion move to the front three rows of the church. What was a point of contention in my mind was the way the youth are separated from the rest of the congregation. The way it came across was that they were not welcome to participate in communion with the rest of the congregation. To me, it just simply isn’t right.
When I asked Ken and Mary about it after the service, they said any of them were free to participate in communion. I naturally told them how the way it was explained came across to me and a few others, and waited for their response. They said that they never expected the youth to participate in communion! So I asked them if they had tried openly inviting the youth to come forward and participate in communion if they were believers... and then it came out. Mary turned to me and with her finger pointed right into my arm said, “Listen, young man, don’t you tell us how to do ministry here.”
Was that the earth slowing to a crawl? Could it possibly be true that the stories I’d heard were true? Did she actually just say that while poking me in the arm? Was my question really that offensive, when I was just curious on why they did things that way?
As the world sped back up, I decided it would be wiser to walk away from that situation than let my mouth express the many emotions and thoughts that were running through my head. How can you expect the next generation to take hold of your faith if they are treated like second rate citizens? Why can we not believe the best in the people around us and think that maybe, just maybe they can be better than they currently are? If I was treated that way growing up, I’m not so sure that I would want to be a Christian either... if that is who Jesus is, I wonder if I would want any part of Him.
Many questions, few answers. I have a strange feeling this will not be the last of that particular incident, and for that, I am actually quite glad. It is time to put the car into gear and start moving forward. It hasn’t been used in awhile, and it’ll be a difficult shift, but it is a needed one.
Jong and I spent the afternoon and evening travelling to the Outrigger and the Shangri-La. My first touristy afternoon while I’ve been here. Check out the pictures!
I preached the message this morning, and it was quite the interesting endeavour. I’ve never used a laptop for the totality of my notes, and it took a little bit of getting used to, but it worked out well in the end. I had the attention of everyone who was there, and despite asking them to reach up a little to some new vocabulary (which I did my best to explain through usage and other synonyms), it was a very practically focussed message. It honed in on discipleship. Each of us are called to be disciple-makers, we all have a different way of making disciples, and we all have a place in the body of Christ and a role to fill. The key, of course, is that we have to be willing to go wherever God takes us.
The frustration came after my message. We had communion today. It was a different way of doing things than I’m used to. The children are dismissed from the service, the youth are asked to sit at the back of the sanctuary and the adults who are going to take communion move to the front three rows of the church. What was a point of contention in my mind was the way the youth are separated from the rest of the congregation. The way it came across was that they were not welcome to participate in communion with the rest of the congregation. To me, it just simply isn’t right.
When I asked Ken and Mary about it after the service, they said any of them were free to participate in communion. I naturally told them how the way it was explained came across to me and a few others, and waited for their response. They said that they never expected the youth to participate in communion! So I asked them if they had tried openly inviting the youth to come forward and participate in communion if they were believers... and then it came out. Mary turned to me and with her finger pointed right into my arm said, “Listen, young man, don’t you tell us how to do ministry here.”
Was that the earth slowing to a crawl? Could it possibly be true that the stories I’d heard were true? Did she actually just say that while poking me in the arm? Was my question really that offensive, when I was just curious on why they did things that way?
As the world sped back up, I decided it would be wiser to walk away from that situation than let my mouth express the many emotions and thoughts that were running through my head. How can you expect the next generation to take hold of your faith if they are treated like second rate citizens? Why can we not believe the best in the people around us and think that maybe, just maybe they can be better than they currently are? If I was treated that way growing up, I’m not so sure that I would want to be a Christian either... if that is who Jesus is, I wonder if I would want any part of Him.
Many questions, few answers. I have a strange feeling this will not be the last of that particular incident, and for that, I am actually quite glad. It is time to put the car into gear and start moving forward. It hasn’t been used in awhile, and it’ll be a difficult shift, but it is a needed one.
Jong and I spent the afternoon and evening travelling to the Outrigger and the Shangri-La. My first touristy afternoon while I’ve been here. Check out the pictures!
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