AboutLife

Phone rings.

'Madam, will you be staying an extra night with us after the problem last night?'  Problem?  I've heard some euphemisms in my time... 

In this case, the 'problem' was an air strike against the President's Palace (less than a km from my hotel) towards the end of the Aussie innings last night.  A little surprised that fireworks would be going off just because they finally got rid of Gilchrist, I looked out the window to find anti-aircraft stuff being fired into the sky.  It was just like what we saw on telly when the allies launched airstrikes against Iraq, only it turns out it is red. Who knew.

I'm here in Sri Lanka for an Alpha Conference, so for just a few days, but have already decided I have to come back here!  It is so nice!  The people are friendly (perhaps it helps that we lost to them in the cricket the other night...  I think my Dad was actually cheering for SL since I was coming here!), shops are bright and clean, cool electrical storms every evening about 6pm (I can't remember the last time I saw rain!), the streets are orderly (it's all comparative) and generally there is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere about the place. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY friend!  Hope you have a fabulous day!

xxx

Today so far:

-  had my first listen through of Tim's new CD - love it!  Was completely caught by Joshua bopping in the lounge as I was cleaning my teeth!  Felt a pang of pride that Brooke Fraser features on one of the tracks - her Dad was one of the nation's favourite All Blacks!

-  on my way to work, drove past two herds of buffaloes (does anyone know how to make mozzarella?  there is an industry waiting to happen here in India...), four ox drawn carts, 6 camels and riders, and four guys on tricycles who collect paper for recycling in huge sacks on their trikes.

Over the past few weeks, I've logged on quite a few times to write a post, but I think I've forgotten how!  Not literally, but each time I start, I think I'm writing the most boring post ever (much like now!), delete it and sit looking at my computer for a few minutes before sighing and logging back out.  So forgive me if this is dull, but I feel I just need to get back in the saddle and write something to get started again (I was just about to mix metaphors, but found the backspace key just in time... phew!).

things lately:

-  very excited to read Hammster's article in Top Gear this morning and hear that he is back at work, sense of humour intact

-  blogging truely creates community:  i have been in hk for nine days, and have met two people i became friends with on aboutlife! 

-  it really is true that doing exercise in the morning gives you more energy during the day.  i don't get this, but it is true

This country has officially cracked.  Yes, The Young and the Restless is on primetime evening television.  Lord save us...

I have been catching up on my podcast backlog lately, and have very much enjoyed the series the HTB lads did on the Psalms.   Yes, last August…  Hmmm…  Anyway, I’ve been reading and re-reading and re-reading Psalm 82 lately.  I’ve even moved a bookmark there – which means business!  I thought I'd share some thoughts...

Today I was reading the results of a recent survey of New Zealanders on how they define Social Justice…

Bring it on!  Much as I'm enjoying the brief reprise in the rugby calendar which is allowing some summer sports to shine, I'm not talking about the feast of tennis, cricket or otherwise...  No, I'm talking about the Kingdom of God - BRING IT ON! 

Living here in India for nearly a year now has taught me a lot.  But I think one of the most valuable lessons I've learnt is that we (you and I, wherever you come from) should have more in common because of Christ, than differences because of culture. 

Margaret is a 50-something year old kiwi from Matamata (aka Hobbiton), NZ and one of the most extraordinary people I've ever met.  She works out in a rural village hospital in India, doing whatever needs doing.  She has no medical experience, yet she frequently has to pump out people's tummies when they drink pestcide, give injections, hold people down while the doctor operates...