pErCepTiOn

FRustration

2009-05-07T10:55:00.002+01:00

I continue to love my and the people at Shalom City. With my departure date starting to approach my mind starts to wander to how i will feel leaving this place. This place that depicts much of what is wrong with the world; a place resulting from jealousy, a thirst for power, corruption and fear. Yet it equally symbolises everything that is right and good- the endurance of the human spirit, community and hope.
I've grown attached to many of the young people- as i hear their stories my heart aches. Although i will not allow myself to cry in this place- as the last thing people here need is an over emotional mzungu. There is something groaning daily within me for a better world for these people. Hope is what they cling to- hope is what i cling to- hope of a better day and life. in the middle of this waiting camp- people continue to laugh and their smiles are contagious.
Although i can not speak for all the people in this camp and dont even fully understand the experiences of those that i am closest to; for these people i feel frustration. People who have been used to another way of life. people who had been enjoying a simple life. Know everything is on hold and is on hold indefinately. Young people who had dreams and plans and a future a head of them, now wait although they do not know what it is that they are waiting for.

There are many need here... to many to explain; fresh water, food, shelter. All of them are urgent. Within all of this the thing that i fear the most is peoples spirits being broken- that they stop hoping, hat the frustration overtakes them and they surrender. Young people who had such bright futures- who had finished high schol with excellent grades; hopes of becoming doctors and accountants, of starting a small busines to care for their family, of farming the land their fathers and grandfathers had farmed- have all been stopped in their tracks. Unable to afford to continue with education, business being destroyed and land being taken. Existance now takes place within a small tent.

These people are forgotten, kenyan governement denies the magnitude and realiy of their existance. The world is busy with the next new crisis and they cntinue to wait. Wait on the miracle. And while theye are waiting theye are busy- they cultivate the land around them, they try to grow crops, they work the land for others getting Tsh 100 a day- enough to buy a small bag of flour. The cosest town costs tsh70 a luxury few afford. They are isolated. Waiting- hoping that a truck will drive up the rod with food.

Some of the donations that people have given have been put towards renovating an outshed to a place that yuong people can use. Some may wonder why put money in that direction when there are other needs and this is something that i have contemplated. THe donations would have been enough to feed 400 people for one day a drop in the ocean, amognst 14000. Something neds to be done i this area, but we decided it was best to get a base were we could educate, motivate ad care for the young people. Very basic- but in the hope that future volunteers can educate them even on clubbing together to rent a piece of land, on the risks of HIV/AIDS, to provide an alternative and relieve boredom, and to provide aspace were text books could be bought and help with education. Ths project started really well, with much excitment amonst the young people. However, frustration entered again when the previous owner of the land arrived and took all of the tin sheets and timber frm the previous structure claiming that it was not bought with the land. These materials were essential so the project is on hold momentarily- but a good foundation has been built.

I need to go although i could write on with many stories. Thank you for your prayers. I believe that even in the most remote and darkest places we find God and His light shines brightest.

You are al in my thoughts,

Rick

Shalom

2009-04-29T09:55:00.002+01:00

hey guys
this is just a quick note to let you know that i am well.
things are busy and still overwhelming.
Starting to gather resources and people to convert an old shed that can be usede for the young people to meet in. Trying to get it waterproof.
The local politicians have said that they will bring a food package in the next couple of weeks- pray that this may be the case.
I have blisters on my hands from helping one of the lads with his small shamba Piece of land) that he is trying to get ready to plant some seeds.

Thanks to all who have been in touch,

Will write soon,

Rick

Shalom City IDP camp

2009-04-20T08:42:00.004+01:00

Picture of tents within shalom city

(soz only phone pic as cant get from cam)
I have arrived in the city of peace on friday morning. Shalom City is an Internally Displaced Persons camp- that exists as a result of the post 2007/08 election trouble within kenya. It resulted in many (mainly)kikuyu tribes people being forceably being removed from their homes in the rift valley- during this time many were many tortured, raped and murdered. Many of the survivors arrived in Nakuru and an emergency camp was set up for them in a showground. They were then moved to an area just outside of Gilgil which they have named Shalom City. Each of the IDP families where given a token from the governement of 100 pounds sterling with which to start a new life. A group of people decided to pool their money and have bought an area of land now known as Shalom City.

It is hard to explein the journey to Shalom, you arrive in Gilgil and you begin to drive up a very rough bumpy road; as you take this journey you try to imagine what you are goinjg to be greeted with. How there can be so many people awaiting you at the end of this road that appears to lead to nowhere. Then suddenly you are there- a small house and then beyond it a sea of deteriorated tents. 14,000 people are recorded to be living in Shalom, the youngest i have seen is a three week old baby who has been named after one of the volunteers here. The next day i took a walk through the camp- you walk for about 20 minutes at a steady pace and it is just tent after tent- each one packed with people; holes covered with any materials that can be found. It is a breath taking sight and i have never experienced anything like it.

ONe of the most heart breaking things are the stories that you hear from people. How they arrived in this camp- the journey and difficulties they have had to overcome a nd the wickedness they have endured. Watching family members be murdered, rape and as a result getting HIV, watching all of your possesions being burnt to ashes and then fleeing for your life bringing only what you can carry. On talking to some of the young people, people who are smart and educated who are used to an extremely different lifestyle, yuo find that they no longer want to think of what was once home- the life they lived that is now a distant memory, family members that have been taken from them prematurely. how quickly it all happened. Yet you talk with them and from somewhere deep within there is hope that immerges- where it comes from i do not know; but is there and it is vibrant. people who are dtermined not to quit or buckle.

The conditions that these people are living in are dire. The rainy season has arrived late as a result people are drinking bathing and washing clothes from a stagnant pool of water that used to be a river. Now that the rainy season is arriving and there is incresaed risk of flooding, the tents cannot withstand the conditions and people who are cold, damp and malnurished are at incresaed risk of disease. Even within their limited resources the people are welcoming and make the best of what they have. These people are a strong and determined people.

There are no international aid organisation based at the camp; actually the only non-idp here are myself and two other volunteers; one who arrived with me and another who was here two weeks before. The goverment gave each of the idp families a 100 pound donation at nakuru to start a new life; this meant that these people were now integrated IDP's and the governments responsibility towards them appears to have weakened. Up until last month the Red Cross which is somehow contracted by the government was providing food distribution; it even distributed food from other organisations. however the Red Cross is no longer allowed to m,ake such deliveries. THere is enough foof in storage for another two weeks. Although the camp chairman who is a 28 year old idp says that they have a reserve of maney from the initial payout- this is set a side to buy more land which will ensure long term that each family has somewhere to live when they eventually move out of tents. If they use this money to buy food it will mean that the people will be left to live in this condition forever as the reserve of money only pays for a 10% deposit for the needed land. As you can imagine they are extremely reluctant to use this money to buy emergency food and medication (required for the high proportion of HIV sufferers). I know that you my wonderfu;l friends are much smarter and better connected than me, so i was wondering if you could link me to any emergencty aid organisation for short term and then maybe long term developmental agencies that can be involved in creating a town for 14000 people from nothing. Your help would be greatly appreciated. The pressing needs are food, water, medication and shelter.

On a personal note i am keeping well. i am feeling alive being here and even in the past few days have loved engaging and interacting with these people. A lot of my time will be spent working with young people and kids- helping to raise spirits and listen to their stories. Alongside that thrying to raise local and international awareness of the need here- if you no other people who would be interested in this please link them to this blog that i will try to keep updated weekly if at all possible. One of the IDP's has adpopted us aher own and feeds us and looks after us, i have perfected my aim on the long drop toilet and im getting used to being sat upin even squashed beside a chicken in the matatus (basically a camper vans) that are used for transport. That reminds me, we have chicken flying in the room of where we stay, which i think is dinner tomorrow. We are isolated but quite safe, the elders of the camp keep and eye out for us. We have electricity a few hours each night and our water comes from the river.

Thank you for all of your prayer support and encouragement.

Rick

Africa Part One

2009-04-09T18:19:00.002+01:00

Okay so i havent been great at keeping everyone up to date. For those who i have not been in contact with i'm having a greta time and doing really well. Have loved the past three weeks, they have given me time to relax and unwind and allowed me space to think a bit more creatively and get some clarity.
I have been living in a tent, althoui i have have upgraded to a bed twice, we travel in a truck called Helena. She is equiped with everything and i've grown to love her, even when we have to push start her. We have quite a mixture of nationalities uk, denmark, holland, newzeland soth africa, iceland, autralia and a mixture of age ranges. We are with each other constant. WE have our own cook from Zimbabwee called Dougie, he's amazing- greta food every night.

Had some amazing experiences already- bungee jumped at Vic Falls, Scuba dived 10metres at zanzibar, saw the big 5 on safari in the serengeti. So you could say it has been pretty good.

Africa is breath taking, its my first time on this vast continent and everything that people say about ot is true. It catches you off guard and suddenly capturesd your heart. I have only been here for three weeks and that has been constantly moving around and yet the warmth of the people and the beauty of the place amazes me.

So far i have travelled through Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania and all of this has been an adventure. Fior those of you have given me money to bless people that i encounter, i want to say thank you for giving the opportunity to pass on generosity and i have stories to pass on to you of people whose lives you have touched.

My overland adventure comes to an end on sunday. From there i do my induction training in Nairobi, Kenya before heading out to the Internally displaced peoples camp. I have got my location which in GilGil outside of Nairobi, during this month i will be living at the camp with the camp chair man. As much as i have lovedf the past few weeks I'm really looking forward to being in one placve and connecting with people for longer than a few days. I will mainly be working with kids in a make shift school and also just living in the camp. I have been told to be prepared for whatever needs to be done.

For all you guys who are in the middle of gLo, I am thinking of you. There is opart of me that really wants to be there with you have had the time of prayer in town centre and also for gLo itself (another part of me in happy with being in Africa) if you read this tonight. THen can i just encourage you tro put your all into tomorrow. God is at work all over the world in small corners, people like you are bringuing his kingdom into reality so keep going.

Internet time is gone .
Much love thank you for prayers

Rick

aFrIcA

2009-03-17T00:41:00.003Z

In just under 32 hours i will be setting out on a journey that I have contemplating for awhile. I head to Africa for the very first time. The trip involves an overland safari and also time to work in an Internally Displaced Persons camp. I am so unsure of what to expect and nerves are building; yet i am excited about the space that is created. A space to be still, to reflect, to be refreshed and re-envisioned. It is an exciting time; with much to see and learn and many people to meet. God is the God of detail and guides us step-by-step.

sTaY tHe CoUrSe

2009-01-01T23:18:00.003Z

As you enter into a new year you usually want to enter it with a fresh motivation and determination; a new challenge or resolve. Its an opportunity, even if it is only within our own subconscious; to recreate, to re-engergise to shake the dust off and to try again. All of this is good and a new year and beginning is an ideal opportunity for this. This gets harder to do, maybe due to scepticism; my own ability, experiences and reality of my own weakness. I find myself at a place where I have to dig a little deeper to bring all these things to the surface.

2009, a phrase has been coming to my find. It is used frequently in a great and well known film 'The Patriot', where Mel Gibson plays the role of Benjamin Martin whose strength of character is only matched by his life experience. Throughout the film when things appear to go against him or when he is torn decide between two 'goods', a phrase which his late wife used to say to him is poignantly spoken into his life, "sTaY tHe CoUrSe".

Staying the course. Change excites me, I want to be someone who searches for new expressions of 'doing life'. This excitement is only matched by how much it scares me. Change is essential. But as important as change is there is also something to be said for being committed and stable. For keeping going and continuing to turn up; for not giving in and going the distance. Its about seeing things through to completion, about being someone who finishes well. There is a depth of character in people who continue through the grind and sometimes harsh realities of life, people who are faithful, who are endurers, those who remain. Yes, we can keep going for the sake of keeping going, we can keep going as a result of our pride or even our stubbornness, but i think in the environment that we endeavour to live we are more likely to fall at the other end of the spectrum.

Staying the course. Focused. Determined. Driven. Knowing where you are going and why you are going there. Not just drifting or aimlessly floating. We are to be people who are blown by the wind of God; that expression brings a freedom with it. Yet within it we are also surrendering into an awesome current that is forging its way through history. Rediscovering my passion, being purposeful, being someone whose actions are deliberate. Even to allow myself to dream and to pursue a call and commission. As much as possible to live with meaning.

Staying the course. Checking the compass and seeing what direction I am heading and where necessary allowing myself to be drawn back on course. I drift. I loose my focus. I tend towards comfort and the things my eye can see and my hand can touch. Trying to live with a reality of God and His kingdom all around me.

stay the course

Some Photos

2008-07-22T15:14:00.004+01:00

Arrived home

2008-07-16T00:41:00.002+01:00

Just to let you know we have all arrived home safe.
In some ways the times has went so quickly and yet as we look back on the trip it seems so long since the first blog about Brazil.
Will try to process some of my thoughts and maybe get some down on the blog.
thanks for your prayers and support,
rick

The journey

2008-07-12T05:01:00.003+01:00

We begin our journey home tomo afternoon. Unto the boat for 24 hours then we stop in manaus and then fly to london via Sau Paulo.

Today was a good day. We split into three teams and worked on houses- mainly timber work. One team worked on a house that s back yard is literally a swamp during the rainy season. They put decking down so that the back door did not open into the water. Also had a great water fight with the kids here. The other two teams repannelled a house each. It was hard work today as the guys have given so muchs and are tired. They all put the extra effort in, right until the end.

What we have done here is so small and compared to the great need that has surrounded us. toucking only a few families in the 45000 people that live here- all of them within 5000 buildings. You could spend a life time serving just one street. Yet we hope that in some small way what we have done makes a diifference to someone. Tonight we went to the house that had the floor put in. That the 8 kids that live there now have a proper floor to sleep on- i hope that in some small way we have given a little glimpse of God. A God who cares about real people. Who moves into the neighbourhood, draws close and embraces people in the highs and lows of life. We trust we have done what we were meant to do and served where we where meant to serve. Not entering this beautiful place claiming to have all the answers, but doing what we can- hoping that if one day that if we were in the same position they would do the same. There is a part of me that is frightened of my fingerprint upon this place. With my longing to help and to provide for people that our in need, believing that God wants us to reach out to those who are in need whatever that need may be. And there is no doubt that there is a need in this place- there is poverty, there are kids that are not getting the attention they need, ther is hoplessness and a sense that that peoples lives are passing buy without purpose. The tension is trying to figure out who we meet these needs and and bring hope to people, without bringing our own pollution. A pollution that corrupts the simplicity and beauty of this place- that when familes are given more that maybe the kids won´t play in the puddles in the streets anymore because they are sitting in their room playing their PS3; that people wont have time to stop and talk and listen because they are rushing to meet the next deadline. We need to be careful of what our solutions are and what our best is. I believe that God is able to bring hope to these people, to bring purpose, real life; but maybe God looks at this place and sees yes the need and hurt, but in it He also sees the beauty more clearly. A place where time looses some of its significance. I am frightened that in throwing my answers to this place- i miss what God is painting here.

We leave maues tomorrow- dont think that has really hit me. Will miss this place and the big brown eyes of the kids that we have been spending our days with.

Sorry for delay

2008-07-11T00:49:00.002+01:00

Sorry i havent been able to keep this up dated the last few days...no internet.
Here is the brief run down-
On tuesday we were back at the house finishing the house that we were puttying the floor in- finished putting the wall around it as well. Guys worked really hard at it all days and a local guys finished the floor off witrh a red dye that they use. Amazing contrast. Some of the guys also gave out hampers and were inviting some of the kids to the kids club.
wednesday- was dedictaed over to getting ready for kids club. Which started that afternoon- around 150 kids turned up. Then last night we slept out in the jungle hut- amazing experince and we are staying ther tonight again. Then today we were working on a house in the morning. Clearing all of the area around his house. He had been working on the new house for around 3 years so far and can only do more to it as he gets the money. In the mean time they share a house with another family. Then some of the guys were at kids club and the rest went to collçect wood for our work tomorrow.

Just wantied to let you know we´re all keeping well incase any1 in worrying. Guys are tired but good, r

Monday

2008-07-08T02:21:00.003+01:00

Today we went to work on houses in Maues. The guys split into three teams, lee and jones headed back to the jungle retreat to finish off the electric- and find a few more spiders lol. The other two teams we working on houses. One team worked on the house ry and jonny were at on sat, continuing to put the foundation wall around the house so that they will be able to put in a concrete floor. The other team were helping to repair a house. Removing all of the rotten wooden boards from one side of it and replacing them- surprisng how quickly the guys pick up the required skills.

Was a great day for the team- working a way at the houses while must of the neighbours come to spectate. we ara all surprised by the amount kids that are constantly about this place, was brilliant to have them running around while we worked. The girls even had a game of the old favourite duck. duck, goose on the go.

We have so many great photos- sadly the internet comnection is really slow so need time to get them uploaded. will try to get a couple up though.

As you walk around these streets and become more familiar with them, you just begin to love it all the more. Walking past street after street and seeing kids just content is teaching us a vauable lesson. To visit people who have all of their wordly possesions piled in a heap in the corner of the back yard is humbling or to view into someones house as you take the wooden boards away and in some ways you get the smallest glimpse ansd only a very small and limited glimpse into their world.

We are all good.

thanks, r

First full day in Maues

2008-07-06T02:56:00.002+01:00

Maues is a great place. The people are amazing and everyone we have met has been so welcoming and friendly. It is a small town, yet is very rural. There is something so beautiful about its simplicity. The way of life is much more relaxed and people seem to have more time. Since we arrived of transport has been the back of a lorry amd as we have been driving around you notice load of kids just out playing in dirt streets- some with a football, others just running araond. I cant help but feel that we and the kids back home are missing something; hidden away in front of computer screens. To see community in action; kids safe to run around has been refreshing. Today as we drove home after a down pour of rain we drove past the end of a street that had loads of kids kids just running around is a giant muddy puddle. We are missing something.

Today we went out further into the jungle to a base that the church uses for retreats etc. It is really basic and trying to make our way there a guy had to machette his way through to clear a part of the road. We just helped to tidy it up. The guys helped to make a roof for part of it with bamboo shoots, they gathered grass from a large over grown area, dug a trench to bring electricity to one of the buildings and then wired the building- mainly thanks to Lee (but doesnt want people to know it was home- they dont have the same standards of health and safety here, frightened he might loose his job).

Jonny and Ryan headed off to work on a house. In was built on stilts- leaving it open to everything- elements and animals. They build a a foundation wall right around the house- for the woman who lived in it with a squad of kids.

We then returned home a rather sweaty, dirty and wet. We had met at the church at 7 and came back after 5 so it was along enough day. We then split and went to the church small groups.

So apart from beiong a bit tired everyone is keeping well.

Thanks to all for the comments they are being picked up and passed on, r

Maues

2008-07-04T20:43:00.002+01:00

We have arrived safely in Maues.
We had a five hour flight from Rio to Manaus stopping for a moment in Brazillia. Then had a few hours to wait to get the boat- ended up in McDonalds in the middle of the amazon. Heat in Manaus was unbearable!!! Got boat, loads of people there, all in hammocks- will get pics up as soon as can. Travelled by boat for 20 hours- lightening storm on the way down; interesting!
Martin and the family met us at the airport and travelled down in the boat with us. we have now arrived safe in Maues. Just got fed and washed (it had been a while), everyone is keeping well.
Start into work proper tomorrow, think we are meeting some people from the church tonight.
Will talk soon, there is a little internet cafe in the middle of Maues- surreal!!

Some photos

2008-07-02T23:02:00.006+01:00

Arrived safely

2008-07-02T00:37:00.003+01:00

Hey this is just a quick note to let you know that we have arrived safely.
It has been a long journey over, but has been rewarded by the 2 days we have had in Rio before we head on to Maues. All of the team are keeping well and this has been a great time for everyone to get used to the culture- we get to take in a few of the sights before the work kicks in; Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. It slightly over whelming to watch the sunset from the statue and see the view of Rio by night. The stop in Rio has been amazing, however there is an anticipation within us to get to Maues, because we know there is more to our time here. Please continue to pray for us, everything has went like clock work.
Adeus,
The Team

Brazil 08

2008-06-28T09:23:00.003+01:00

Brazil 08..... Tomorrow morning 13 of us from Lurgan Elim Church will set out to Brazil for just over two weeks. We will be stopping Rio and then travelling (by slow boat 16 hours) down the Amazon to a village called Maues. Maues is a small densly populated town, with great needs. There poverty and hopelessness is evident. The team will be working along side the church there, helping in the primary school, bringing food hampers, involved in kids work and carrying out practical work in the area.

This is a great opportunity and privilege for us as a team to be heading out. All of the guys have worked hard at raising funds for this trip. A big thankyou for eveyone who has supported us both practically, prayerfully and financially. thank you for believing in us and this work.

If you have a moment please pray for us; the team consists of myself, Lee Allen, Rebecca Barr, David Cheyne, David Dawson, Grace Gardiner, Calum Jones, Timmy Lawson, Jonny McKinley, William McShane, Ryan Patterson, Mandy Steenson and Chris Wing.

You will hopefully be able to keep up to date with our trip here and if you want to leave a comment for any of the team they will get it.

Chaos

2008-06-11T01:01:00.004+01:00

At His birth....chaos!

A teenage girl is suspiciously pregnant.

At His death.... chaos!

Darkness, defeat, disillusionment.

A God who appears to work His master plan in the midst of chaos. That He generates a powerful, beautiful, alternative kingdom against the backdrop of confusion, suffering and despair. At his birth, His death and throughout history God is a able to work through the chaos, and often appears to prefer it.

God is at work; at work in my chaos. Those times when life delivers the unexpected, when your unsure of the next move, when you cannot create space within your head. That God works in my chaos. He can work through it even though it's messy. That God can work through the chaos and something divine is happening. Something of God is at work.

God can work through the chaos and He is in complete control of it. Through it He can create something beautiful. Through those times that I cannot predict, understand or enjoy.....something divine is happening. Something of beauty is being created, Beauty that can only be observed in the depth of a persons soul.

I choose to believe that God has not given up on this world or generation. The He has not given up on me. That He is doing more than I can ever imagine. He works in the shadows, in mystery and the mundane. He even works in the chaos, the mess of my life and this world; creating something beautiful.

Discrete Humble Life-Giving

2008-04-03T00:15:00.003+01:00

I went to hear Brother Thierry speaking tonight at True. To be honest you don't really know what to expect when you are going to listen to a monk. However, I’d heard some good reports about this guy and I have to admit he is one of the few people that have lived up to expectation. His humble approach caught my attention straight away and I wanted to listen to all that he had to say. The conversation focused around ‘practicing the presence of God’, that the God of all creation dwells within us. How can we become intentionally aware of His presence in every area of our lives and also carry His presence into our living and being.
The disciplined lifestyle that Brother Thierry has chosen to live is stirring. Based on the three Benedictine principles of prayer, work and community he has sacrificed a lot. Hearing him talk of its reality you understand better the practicalities involved and also the satisfaction and fulfillment that he has been able to glimpse from this surrender. As I hunger for more of God this man’s life is a challenge to me, I’m forced to acknowledge that I know little about this level of sacrifice, dedication and discipline. Intimacy with God is costly and demanding.
One point that resonated with me tonight was in connection with my last blog. Brother Thierry mentioned that before we can love God and love other people and be filled with more compassion, we must begin to accept and love ourselves. As we accept the reality of who we are, we are more capable of loving other broken people. In my last blog I talked about loving people unconditionally with no agenda, yet having this desire to see them grow and move forward and find something of the life that was designed for them. Tonight Brother Thierry was responding to a question on how we hear God’s voice. He said ‘the voice of God is a discrete, humble, life-giving voice’. It is not forceful, arrogant or controlling. As we take on Gods heart for people, as we join with Him as He calls them to follow after Him and in doing so they find life; we don't do it a forceful or manipulative way. We do it with this discrete and humble voice; a voice that is often recognized more through our actions than our words. A voice that calls clearly to people who are listening, yet does not trample upon their freedom to choose.

We need to learn to love more and better.

Change

2008-03-28T00:35:00.002Z

I dont want to fix people the way that i think that they should be fixed. Putting the pieces back together in the order that i think they should go in. Building a creation that I think is good. I don't want to be so arrogant to think that i have all of the solutions. That my way is best. However, I want people to grow. I want them to be stretched, to discover and become all who they can be. To see all of this potential within people lie dormant, unused or wasted- it frustrates me. To deal with the tension of people taking steps forward and then running backwards is sometimes incredibly difficult to bear. I think i am trying to figure out my role in all of this, what is it that is expected of me? My faith commissions me to make disciples- which in essence is bringing change into peoples lives. The people that i meet on all levels of relationship, I'm called to navigate them towards God. I think that this is a good thing- I think that people drawing close to God is incredible. But does it mean that in relationships that I always have an aganda? Does it mean that there is certain degree of manipulation? I want to love people unconditionally. That means accepting and loving them just as they are- without any of my little adjustments, changes and plans. How do I love someone this way when my mission is to see them transformed? I don't want to be someone who is constantly trying to fix people. Maybe i should concentrate more on simply loving people? Maybe all of these things come from relationship? Maybe I should concentrate on fixing myself? As an overflow of this people will be afftected, changed and transformed?
But maybe this is the same agenda only with a different approach?

Created

2008-03-27T01:48:00.002Z

Journey

2008-03-26T01:09:00.003Z

I dOn't wAnT YoU tO BeCoMe LikE Me oR tHe LitTlE grOuP I ExiSt WitH,
I ReaLly DoN'T tHinK i wAnT tO BeCoMe LiKE yOu EiTheR,
So hOw AbOuT wE JoIn oUr HaNds
aNd fRoM tHiS mOmEnt
We wALk To a plAcE
ThaT nEiThEr oF uS Has EvEr bEeN BeFoRe

Ty

2008-03-25T23:52:00.003Z

This would be the dog Ty

Home

2008-03-25T22:20:00.000Z

This is home

Has been for the majority of my life

It' strange how somewhere can mean so much to you

Not because of the place

But because of the people

The connections

The familiarity

Lurgan