Adventures in paradise 3

The week started with a walk around Granite Island with our nieces. No visit to Victor is complete unless you walk (or ride) across the causeway. Our last to the island was in June, for my brothers wedding. It was a lot warmer and much more informal this time.

For many years The Salvation Army has had a campsite at Victor. My visits to the island date back to my early teens as a camper, my early twenties as a leader, and not a few times as organiser of camps in the late 1980's. These days there are a few more stairs built in hazardous areas and the occasional safety fence, but the scenery and structures have changed little. The walk evoked a few memories, but observing and entertaining two active kids prevented too much reverie.

The rest of the week has been spent in Geelong and Melbourne. A sweltering 40 degree heat has accompanied our visit as we took the time to tidy up some loose ends in preparation for our departure to Tanzania on February 9. Early morning walks along the Barwon River have been an enjoyable aspect of this stay.

I was delighted to attend Preston Rotary Club and pick up a cheque for Shukrani College . The funds will be used to help to replace a vehicle and to sponsor a student for a years study. The club has been fantastic in its support and I have enjoyed participating in the club,and hopefully making a worthwhile contribution along the way.

Apart from dealing with details there were also the parties to prepare for - a 30th birthday, a house warming, and the anniversary of my own birth.

The heat at times has been a bit much, but it has been a clear heat, and houses, cars and most business places are air conditioned. It's not so bad when you have power and can choose to do some work or watch tennis. My own birthday celebration, however, was a candlelight affair, as much of Geelong lost power for the evening. Still, with daylight extending close to 9.00pm we were not too inconvenienced, even if we missed our on watching the Nadal/Gervasco marathon semi-final, and then end of Australia's distastrous match-up against South Africa. (Memo to the Aussie selectors: it's time for new blood guys.)

Saturday was a 'pool party'. The weather cooperated, the water was about the right temperature, and a good time was had with friends and family. Thanks Ross for your choice of celebration venues and activities.

These have also been the days when I got my identity back - a replacement license, credit card, library card - and a new wallet to put them in. All I need now is some money -).

Weekly Worshp 2

Geelong is a delightful city not far from Melbourne. Located on Corio Bay, and close to ocean beaches, it is a good place to live. We were privileged to live and serve there for nine years. Returning last Sunday to share in worship was almost 'coming home'.

The most noticeable change was the decor and furnishings. Despite the limitations of architecture some minor internal works, new carpets, new seats, and some changes in colour created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that was matched by the response of the people.

For us there was a strangeness about the visit, however, and it was the farewell of the officer at a Corps that was not 'ours'. We know both the officer and the Corps reasonably well, so I almost felt a little like a voyeur as we shared in the farewell segment. Still, it was good to be there.

Once again music spoke most strongly. 'Blessed be that name of the Lord' by Matt Redman reminded us that God gives and takes away. God is to be praised when things are good, and not so good.

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

A much older song "It is well with my soul" by Horatio Gates Spafford was also used - and it was a reminder that ministers or officers not only lead their congregations, they also share their journey with them. God is revealed in how we face the experiences of life, perhaps even more than in what we try to do in organising and leading others.

We shared a rich time of worshipping together - and again I was encouraged by the faithfulness and enthusiasm of those with whom we have shared in Geelong, and by the new faces that we saw amongst the congregation.

It is good to worship the Lord together.