Meeting Jason

I have been very curious since the first time I saw him walking his baby girl in a stroller. He is different from everyone else and this has made me curious. I wanted to meet him and to learn more about him. We have been greating eachother in passing, Yesterday we spoke for the first time.

Jason is Hari chrishna. He is raising his daughter to be one too. He is friendly and open to converasation. Jason has seen me around with my minister's collar on and therefore knew I was a minister. I was glad my faith was not an abstacle in our conversation but instead we spoke freely about both our faiths and i enjoyed it.

Do I have to reject others becasue of what they believe? Is it possible that I can have friends who believe differently to what I do? I do not think it is only possible I think we are called to befriend all people. In befriending them it does not mean that we have to accept what they believe. It does however mean that we are prepared to listen, respect and celebrate our differences.

Jason is a father, a husband, a deeply spiritual person. I am not so sure we are that different.

Hummdrumm

It has clearly been a long time since I last updated my blog!! I have decided to commit myself to update my blog once a week at least. So here goes to commitment

A little bit of Holiday

Ethan our third child is now six weeks old, it has been a very emotionally taxing journey, but he is healthy now after he had pnemonia. God must have a very special plan for him. He was not planned, Kirsty's pregnancy with him was really tough on her and then with him getting pnemonia - God must have a plan!

Lauren our daughter is five and time has flown past. Each day I get to do less and less for her and realise more and more that she is growing older. Joshua our second child is wonderful. He is two and I must say that he has the ability to light up a room.

For now we are on holiday one that we have needed for a long time. Next week it is back to Cape Town and back to work.

For now a break

Ethan Hospitalized

Yesterday aternoon Ethan who is now four weeks was admitted to hospital, we almost lost him. He has pnemonia and according to the doctor s very sick. I am supposed to be at ist training for the church but have decided that my family needs me more.

This is a difficult for us he does seem better but the doctor says the infection has not yet begun to lift. We are tired emotionally and physically. Watching him to make sure he is ok. I am convinced he is in the best place possible but one always has a nagging feeling that something can go wrong. Now it is a waiting game. Shit!

Joe's the MAN

It is strange how life turns out for some. What is it that makes some people pick up a drink and never put it down again? While others can say no!

The past six months I have worked from an office in Plumstead. I have learn't a lot. Some evenings I leave feeling revitalised because of the people around the area, other evenings I leave saddened that for some people life is just so hard and not fair, feeling like a failure in myself for not being able to do something. Pete has wise words - We try to make a difference one day at a time. Let's see what tomorrow might bring.

Joe is old enough to be my dad I am sure and for whatever reason life has not always been kind to him. We try to make a difference in Joe's life but the choice i think has to be his. All we can do is offer him a hand. There are days that Joe takes the hand and days where he is unable to because the night before was not kind to his addiction.

But Joe is a kind helpful man and we love him.

Ethan Arrives

It was on Thursday night at 11:59 that Ethan decided to arrive. No induction, straight forward and natural. Kirsty is a "machine" when it comes to giving birth. I am so proud of her.

Ethan is perfect in every way and although he still needs to undergo some tests, those that have been done prove his good health.

God knew what he was doing when he made it the task of woman to look after and give birth to babies. Woman I salute you.

Things are not often what they seem

The last two weeks have been a rollercoaster if emotion. The due date for baby is the 9th of August, however the doctor is planning to induce labour on the 25th of July.

What has amazed over the last two weeks is the support that we have received from one of the local congregations in our circuit. This has truly gobsmacked me. I am not used to it. In fact it is something that I struggle with.

I have no problem being kind to others, but struggle to receive kindness for myself. It takes getting used to.

Peter the car gaurd that works round the corner from our church is having his birthday today, Beverley his partner dropped in to bring us some cake, thanks Beverley.

Happy Birthday Peter