Hi there,
It is the middle of the night, and once again the moon is full. It has been a month. The moon is beautiful wherever you go in the world and I have loved watching it in each place. It calls me to think and pray and reflect. So it has been a wonderful night even if it will take a few days to adjust the inner clock,...
I do want to tell you that you can 'scratch' the first paragraph of the last post. For since writing about pilfering - what a great word! - the lost has been found, and it is a great story - but one too long for here. You will have to ask me!!
I arrived home yesterday and was so glad to see everyone. I think Mitchell grew some inches while I was gone - I have to look higher now to see him - and his voice has deepened. Thomas has been working hard on some projects around the house as well as growing a beard, and it is all wonderful to behold. Taylor's smile and silent hugs say much; and it was incredibly good to see Tim. It was certainly time to come home.
It is the church anniversary this weekend here in Vancouver - 100 years - and so tomorrow (Wednesday) will be the day for me to begin to move into my part of the plans and preparations for it. It is also time to start up the rhythms of prayer at Stillpointe for the coming season.
In the midst of it all I will be very intrigued to see how gifts of this trip will continue to unfold in my work and calling. I am very interested to see what happens next with UECP, the church in Manila. Rita and Charles are still 'walking it through' in terms of the chemo. There is much goodness in the midst of the process, along with the necessary questions and waiting and wondering what it all means. I invite you to join me in continuing the prayer that has risen up in us around all these things.
I wonder about you, my companions - what this has been like for you. I would love to hear from you. I am watching to see how God is going to continue in the labor of what he has started in us all. He is faithful, and will accomplish his good purpose.
In the end, that is what it is all about, isn't it; the Trinity God is fully love, a love that is other than what we have known; and Love itself who has overcome all things, will continue to reveal and redeem all things, so that God alone might receive all honor and praise for all that he has done.
I am grateful.
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
saying good-bye
Hi there,
I am sitting in the Japan airport, waiting for the final boarding of this trip. It has been an interesting few days, from the time that I left Australia. I have finally had the experience of having my luggage ripped and 'pilfered' and the attendant work of reporting it while trying to leave the country. Now this was interesting! This is a side of flying that is new to me! but I have to say - it does not discourage my love for travel.
Of much more importance, has been the time of coming back to Manila, de-briefing and retreating with Amanda, and then leaving. It is true - that in letting go of one thing, you embrace another. So, my heart is headed home to those I love, even as I leave this country and people that I love. It is a gift to realize that love can be with both of these parts - leaving and embracing/embracing and leaving - at the same time. Then there is no fear of being lost in chaos or in the void of 'between'.
So my second time in manila was about this. Amanda found a lovely place that belonged to a friend - the 20th floor of a building that had nothing between it and the ocean. Every room had a view of empty land - scrub and tall grasses - the city off to one side, with planes leaving manila off to the other side, and in front, the long view of the waters of the ocean. I had to catch myself - it was tempting to stop in mid-sentence and begin gazing out the window!! The view captured all my thoughts and was spacious enough for all of our prayers together. We prayed - for the church, for each other, for the future, and our prayers were shot through with thanksgiving, even as we wept. How can one not weep, when you realize both the goodness of God, and are invited to move deeper in trusting the hope that has been given in the midst of suffering?
For sure, the prayer is continuing, rising up in us and making way for God's continued labor.
And, for the last time, from a very great distance away, I woke each morning to hear a rooster crow!! Kind of a parting gift, I think.
Lastly, I have just experienced my first pedicure in an airport!! Just one more reason to love travel!!!
I have heard the call - it is time to board. As I leave, and return, I am grateful for each of you.
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
I am sitting in the Japan airport, waiting for the final boarding of this trip. It has been an interesting few days, from the time that I left Australia. I have finally had the experience of having my luggage ripped and 'pilfered' and the attendant work of reporting it while trying to leave the country. Now this was interesting! This is a side of flying that is new to me! but I have to say - it does not discourage my love for travel.
Of much more importance, has been the time of coming back to Manila, de-briefing and retreating with Amanda, and then leaving. It is true - that in letting go of one thing, you embrace another. So, my heart is headed home to those I love, even as I leave this country and people that I love. It is a gift to realize that love can be with both of these parts - leaving and embracing/embracing and leaving - at the same time. Then there is no fear of being lost in chaos or in the void of 'between'.
So my second time in manila was about this. Amanda found a lovely place that belonged to a friend - the 20th floor of a building that had nothing between it and the ocean. Every room had a view of empty land - scrub and tall grasses - the city off to one side, with planes leaving manila off to the other side, and in front, the long view of the waters of the ocean. I had to catch myself - it was tempting to stop in mid-sentence and begin gazing out the window!! The view captured all my thoughts and was spacious enough for all of our prayers together. We prayed - for the church, for each other, for the future, and our prayers were shot through with thanksgiving, even as we wept. How can one not weep, when you realize both the goodness of God, and are invited to move deeper in trusting the hope that has been given in the midst of suffering?
For sure, the prayer is continuing, rising up in us and making way for God's continued labor.
And, for the last time, from a very great distance away, I woke each morning to hear a rooster crow!! Kind of a parting gift, I think.
Lastly, I have just experienced my first pedicure in an airport!! Just one more reason to love travel!!!
I have heard the call - it is time to board. As I leave, and return, I am grateful for each of you.
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Australian Icons
Hi There,
When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?
For me, what comes to mind is Jan - my first Vancouver boss, who was as australian as they come. While being here, I understand in new ways who she was. Now there is also Irene, and Chris and Marilyn, and Rita and Charles, their children, and their grandchildren.
So, I have a problem. How do I bring Australia home? How do I bring a meaningful something that speaks of my time here in order to share it with all of you who I love? The bits and pieces that I love from here do not fit into my luggage!! There is great beauty here - there are so many things to see and do, adventure and exploration - but all I have a heart for and all I can see are these people.
From my whole trip, what I really have to bring home are words and stories, thoughts and perceptions, connections and hopes. I wonder what will happen next? How will God's call be further formed in me, and what will it look like as I follow?
We have done this together - I wonder what you are thinking, and discerning? I wonder if you see something that needs to happen next? I wonder what you are thinking, for me, for you, for us? I wonder how our prayers and the Spirit of God who rises them in us will continue to lead? (This is your invitation - lets talk!!)
For now, this blog is what I bring home and it will continue for a little longer.
As for icons, I have heard from someone in Vancouver that Australian Blundstones are very iconic - (think treasure) - boot/shoe things, you can check them out on the internet.
The funny thing is that Kathi, Rita and I have spent much time looking for them - a very difficult task - and everyone who we have talked to here get a very surprised, funny look on their face when we tell them how much they mean to those who are 'in the know' in Canada. (and you should also know that until a few short days ago, we were not those people!!) They really seem quite blind to what Canadians find 'valuable'!!!
I guess one end of this story could be that none of us really know what an icon/treasure is,....
but maybe it is also about this - that treasure is worth searching for; that treasure is treasure whether we recognize it or not; that the gifts of this trip will continue to be revealed even as I leave here; that what is as yet not fully known will become more known in the weeks, months years onward.
Maybe what I am involved in - what we are all involved in - is, in fact, the active questing of God for what he treasures. Just imagine! - as Rita told me the other day - that we and all of creation are THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE - and God not only has given all he could by offering Jesus, in order to 'buy the field and own the pearl of great price' but that this is still the continuing action of God - here, in me, in you, in this trip, in our life, in all of creation being redeemed.
That being so, we are not only the searchers, but we are being found by the one who created all things, who searches all things, who has made a way and will fulfil his word and purpose.
What an incredible thought - what a surprising beautiful hope-filled life-blessed thought.
Icons, treasures,......
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
When you think of Australia, what comes to mind?
For me, what comes to mind is Jan - my first Vancouver boss, who was as australian as they come. While being here, I understand in new ways who she was. Now there is also Irene, and Chris and Marilyn, and Rita and Charles, their children, and their grandchildren.
So, I have a problem. How do I bring Australia home? How do I bring a meaningful something that speaks of my time here in order to share it with all of you who I love? The bits and pieces that I love from here do not fit into my luggage!! There is great beauty here - there are so many things to see and do, adventure and exploration - but all I have a heart for and all I can see are these people.
From my whole trip, what I really have to bring home are words and stories, thoughts and perceptions, connections and hopes. I wonder what will happen next? How will God's call be further formed in me, and what will it look like as I follow?
We have done this together - I wonder what you are thinking, and discerning? I wonder if you see something that needs to happen next? I wonder what you are thinking, for me, for you, for us? I wonder how our prayers and the Spirit of God who rises them in us will continue to lead? (This is your invitation - lets talk!!)
For now, this blog is what I bring home and it will continue for a little longer.
As for icons, I have heard from someone in Vancouver that Australian Blundstones are very iconic - (think treasure) - boot/shoe things, you can check them out on the internet.
The funny thing is that Kathi, Rita and I have spent much time looking for them - a very difficult task - and everyone who we have talked to here get a very surprised, funny look on their face when we tell them how much they mean to those who are 'in the know' in Canada. (and you should also know that until a few short days ago, we were not those people!!) They really seem quite blind to what Canadians find 'valuable'!!!
I guess one end of this story could be that none of us really know what an icon/treasure is,....
but maybe it is also about this - that treasure is worth searching for; that treasure is treasure whether we recognize it or not; that the gifts of this trip will continue to be revealed even as I leave here; that what is as yet not fully known will become more known in the weeks, months years onward.
Maybe what I am involved in - what we are all involved in - is, in fact, the active questing of God for what he treasures. Just imagine! - as Rita told me the other day - that we and all of creation are THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE - and God not only has given all he could by offering Jesus, in order to 'buy the field and own the pearl of great price' but that this is still the continuing action of God - here, in me, in you, in this trip, in our life, in all of creation being redeemed.
That being so, we are not only the searchers, but we are being found by the one who created all things, who searches all things, who has made a way and will fulfil his word and purpose.
What an incredible thought - what a surprising beautiful hope-filled life-blessed thought.
Icons, treasures,......
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Upside-Down and awake
Hi there,
I am sitting in Charles' study, with the door open, looking out into the top of the gum trees and listening to the birds. It is like sitting in a treehouse as I listen to the various colorful and loudly opinioned birds having a particularly animated conversation!
The fragrance here is similar to that of the tropical rainforest room at the aquarium, only much gentler because it is not contained, but left free to drift by on the breeze. There is jasmine climbing up one of the trees, and growing along the railings of the deck - the sweet smell of it catches you by surprise and then floats away. It is a beautiful place, this Brisbane home!
We were away at the beach on the Australian Sunshine Coast for a few days this past week, and the weather was windy, with clouds scuttling by and then drawing together for an epic downpour. In fact, I heard today that the place where we were - Montville - had the most rain of any other place in this particular downpour. All I know is that Irene and Rita kept informing Kathi and I that ' this is very abnormal' and that 'if we could see, the view was magnificent!!' For Kathi and I, the fog, the downpour and the clouds on our heads was normal!! So we imagined the view and thanked them for the 'little bit of home'!
Rita told us that all year she had been praying for rain - they need it desperately - but wondered why it had to be on this particular day?
Of course, it did not rain the whole time we were there, and there was plenty of time to walk on the beach and be amazed at the surf!! It is incredibly beautiful on the Australian sunshine coast, and in comparison - even with the heavy rain that we experienced - I have to say that this particular sunshine coast definitely lives up to its name.
We stayed in a hospitality house - a simple home that a couple, Chris and Marilyn, bought in order to offer it in hospitality to all sorts of people. The home is a 5 minute walk from the longest beach I have ever seen, where the waves come from Canada, so I have been told! Chris and Marilyn live next door and gifted us with their presence and their openness. They are kin; I look forward to welcoming them to our neck of the woods and introducing them to you.
It is interesting to be in a place where heading north means to head into hotter degrees, where the south is colder, where September means spring and the school term is almost finished. It is discomfiting to realize that what you are watching is not an accident about to happen on the road, but the proper way to pass another vehicle! It is an upside-down, waking-up sort of place to be, and there is much space to re-think assumptions, routines and realities!! A great place both for reflection and forward-looking.
I am beginning to prepare to head back to Manila for de-briefing and retreat on my way home to Canada. There is much to think about and pray through. Thanks for journeying with me and for your continued prayers.
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
I am sitting in Charles' study, with the door open, looking out into the top of the gum trees and listening to the birds. It is like sitting in a treehouse as I listen to the various colorful and loudly opinioned birds having a particularly animated conversation!
The fragrance here is similar to that of the tropical rainforest room at the aquarium, only much gentler because it is not contained, but left free to drift by on the breeze. There is jasmine climbing up one of the trees, and growing along the railings of the deck - the sweet smell of it catches you by surprise and then floats away. It is a beautiful place, this Brisbane home!
We were away at the beach on the Australian Sunshine Coast for a few days this past week, and the weather was windy, with clouds scuttling by and then drawing together for an epic downpour. In fact, I heard today that the place where we were - Montville - had the most rain of any other place in this particular downpour. All I know is that Irene and Rita kept informing Kathi and I that ' this is very abnormal' and that 'if we could see, the view was magnificent!!' For Kathi and I, the fog, the downpour and the clouds on our heads was normal!! So we imagined the view and thanked them for the 'little bit of home'!
Rita told us that all year she had been praying for rain - they need it desperately - but wondered why it had to be on this particular day?
Of course, it did not rain the whole time we were there, and there was plenty of time to walk on the beach and be amazed at the surf!! It is incredibly beautiful on the Australian sunshine coast, and in comparison - even with the heavy rain that we experienced - I have to say that this particular sunshine coast definitely lives up to its name.
We stayed in a hospitality house - a simple home that a couple, Chris and Marilyn, bought in order to offer it in hospitality to all sorts of people. The home is a 5 minute walk from the longest beach I have ever seen, where the waves come from Canada, so I have been told! Chris and Marilyn live next door and gifted us with their presence and their openness. They are kin; I look forward to welcoming them to our neck of the woods and introducing them to you.
It is interesting to be in a place where heading north means to head into hotter degrees, where the south is colder, where September means spring and the school term is almost finished. It is discomfiting to realize that what you are watching is not an accident about to happen on the road, but the proper way to pass another vehicle! It is an upside-down, waking-up sort of place to be, and there is much space to re-think assumptions, routines and realities!! A great place both for reflection and forward-looking.
I am beginning to prepare to head back to Manila for de-briefing and retreat on my way home to Canada. There is much to think about and pray through. Thanks for journeying with me and for your continued prayers.
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
Monday, September 1, 2008
He Looks Great!
Hi there,
I am here in Brisbane - have been for two days, and am just now 'waking up' to it. In fact this morning, I went for a little walk and a sit-down outside in the Ringma's beautiful garden and then coming back into their living room saw the couch. An hour later I woke with surprise - I did not remember sitting down!
Many things to tell, but for today this - Charles looks great. His body is strong and the twinkle in his eye is stronger! I wanted to let you all know that so that we can rejoice together over God's great goodness. And Rita, of course, looks amazing also!! It is wonderful to be here with them and there is only one thing missing. (Can you guess what (who)?)
Also thinking of the boys - they begin school today (their day coming.) I am grateful for all you 'aunts and uncles' that are there to love them and care for them.
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
I am here in Brisbane - have been for two days, and am just now 'waking up' to it. In fact this morning, I went for a little walk and a sit-down outside in the Ringma's beautiful garden and then coming back into their living room saw the couch. An hour later I woke with surprise - I did not remember sitting down!
Many things to tell, but for today this - Charles looks great. His body is strong and the twinkle in his eye is stronger! I wanted to let you all know that so that we can rejoice together over God's great goodness. And Rita, of course, looks amazing also!! It is wonderful to be here with them and there is only one thing missing. (Can you guess what (who)?)
Also thinking of the boys - they begin school today (their day coming.) I am grateful for all you 'aunts and uncles' that are there to love them and care for them.
Love you much,
Peace,
Mary
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