What's in a name...

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, a little boy in London decided to rename me ‘Miwa’! It was a very funny conversation, and he was in a lovely joyful mood, however the name stuck!

When I moved to HK and was looking to get a Chinese name, I asked if perhaps Miwa could be incorporated into the name. At the time it couldn’t because it wasn’t a known or recognised name, however, yet again the name stuck, so I am now called Miwa here! Some weeks ago a Chinese friend asked me how I came to have that name, and I explained it to her. I asked her why and she said it was a very old Chinese name! Amazing!

I was at a party last night, and another friend commented on the name, saying that she knew a Japanese person whose name is…. Yup, Miwa! How amazing is that!

And yup, it has meanings and everything! What a special gift- my original name, and this newer name too!

Where am I....?

I am in the airport, having seen one person off to South Africa, one to Vietnam, and one to Sydney, and waiting to pick up a pair from Sydney!

Am working away (well, supposed to be!) and on skype with a friend back in South Africa!
Ahh technology!

Random scary exciting moments in time!

Today was one of those days that just make you want to gasp!

You know those moments in time when you hit a peak, and see a spectacular view, or experience a moment, or something happens that just makes you want to fly, but more importantly see a glimpse of God in action, and a tiny bit of the big picture He has..?

Today was full of so many things but most of it veered from terror to pure excitement at the thrill of all the possibilities! This new job of mine, looking after all the new international people is just overwhelming and exhausting most of the time, but today, during conversations, walking through scary moments, writing emails, drinking coffee and meeting new people, were just a joy and delight! It was awesome! Terrifying, exciting, but awesome...!

Missing the boat...

There are times when I wonder if I have missed the boat, so to speak on some things in life.

I often stand back from situations because there are so many people involved already and I don't need to be there, or the event happens to fall into place, or people are so keen to answer a question, or have/be/do the answer, that it's not necessary for me to get involved.

I wonder sometimes what might have been, if I had made more of an effort to get involved, or would it indeed be the negative thing I think it might have been. Sometimes I wonder if I am just lazy and use it as an excuse to stay out of the way. A bit chicken or egg syndrome, I guess..

What is the stance on meek vs assertive, especially in friendships here? There are some people, I realize that I have stood back from, because so many people are already friends, or want to be friends, or there isn't an opportunity, or I am just plain shy in some situations..! So while I wouldn't trade any of my friends, there are some people I wonder about, and how much richer life might have been if indeed I had made the effort to be better friends with them too...

So there we go, some most random wonderings from me:)

Spring time in the city!

Today was THE MOST gorgeous day!

It has been chilly and winterish for some time now, but today! The weather was glorious! A beautiful sunny day, clear blue sky, speckled white clouds, a light breeze, warm sky!

Lovely, and all on Easter Monday too!:)

He is Risen:)

ps.. and in my garden, one of the rose bushes has a beautiful pink rose, and the Clemetis is starting to bud!! YAY!:)

I really miss.....

Weekends away with friends..!

Every Easter before I came here, was always special, because a group of like minded friends would go away for the weekend, to Katoomba, go to Easter Convention there, eat good food and generally have an awesome time together sharing the most special time of year!

While we do really special things here, and I love being a part of it, a big part of me misses the weekends away, partly because weekends away with friends just don't happen any more, due to location and changing circumstances, and too, because I find it too distracting to celebrate Easter at 'home'. Work remains to be done, things to do, busy to be.. and Easter, no matter how hard I try, still seems to fade away somewhat...

So I am not sure when my next weekend away with friends will be, but hopefully this Easter will still be really special in all it holds!

May you know, too the power of the Risen King this weekend!:)

Kids #4

Tonight was the big night of the Easter play, where every department played a different act, and as always, it was awesome! I love that every year each performance and interpretation is so uniquely different! How amazing is it that one story can be seen and interpreted in so many different ways, and each of us can learn something new about God's character each time!

The kids who were acting in the trial scene tonight were fantastic! There were many thrills as they donned their costumes, manned the swords, ropes, and shields. Jesus received a new costume, and beard and was fabulous, he played his part beautifully! Barabbas was excellent! She was fabulously dressed in rags, matted hair falling over her face, and scars and tattoos galore! Pilate was suitably official and through the unexpected thrills and spills carried the part with grace and authority, while 'His' wife was terribly concerned that her husband was even remotely involved with that innocent man, Jesus! and the Army! Wow, Caesar would have been proud!

So that was the theater till next year- they were great! Will have to do some more dramatics sometime!:)

The Easter Equation

Sent through from a friend in HK...:)

1 Cross + 3 Nails = 4Given

Hang on...

Let me just clarify...:)

I was having a laugh as I read my friends comments, because, while this person is right, we do 'need' alot of people, and while it may get over the top, it is just plain true!

It also made me laught at the week I have this week, and all the different roles that I ahve had to fill! So I love my friend dearly and value their thoughts, insights and general conversation highly, and to everyone, bring it on! Let's talk about this:)

How else to we fill the needs here?? How do the people here cope with all that is happening, and stay in one peice? How do we get done all that needs to be done, and keep up with all that is happening? God really does keep us on our toes, and we want to be faithful in serving, but part of that includes sharing the needs for more people here:)

Kids #3

I received an email this morning that has been making me laugh, in humor, and yes, a bit of frustration all day....!

One comment was the idea that all the 'needs' my workplace currently has is a bit over the top! It frustrates me, because my friend could have been here helping too! And it makes me laugh, because if it was over the top, why was I doing my job, and teaching this past week, and this coming week, I will be doing my job, and another person's full time job!! And we have about 55 people coming to stay for a few days(my job!), not to mention the 10 birthdays!! And that's just a bit of me! Not everything, and everyone else!:) My dear friend, prepare yourself for my outline of why those needs are all so needed!:)

Sooooooo to the kids! Their play is coming along really well! They had reached a low in terms of what they were wanting, or not wanting to do. All the boys wanted to be soldiers, however one is now frustrated because, he is a soldier, but doesn't 'do anything'!! Jesus, is tired of yelling his lines (we are in a big open space), and generally is 'over it'. Barrabus is doing brilliantly! She has sorted out tattoos, her mussed up hair. Pilate is great, and Pilate's wife is FABulous! They have all sorted out their own costumes, have a location, props, and fireplace too!

Wednesday is play night, when, it will all come together! It will be quite a night!

Life after West Wing...

It was with much sadness that Kate and I finished watching West Wing tonight....

We were glad though, to reach the conclusion, but have so enjoyed following each character as they have changed and developed over the last seven series'.

It was worth the sadness and joy though! And no, I am not going to tell what happened, though I would happily watch it all again with you:)

But the question is... Who's YOUR favorite character???!!:)

Random shopping....

I was at the local supermarket tonight buying salad for dinner (turned out the easiest one to make was Greek!:) and a few other things. I have a few sections that I usually always go to to see what's on sale, primarily the cheeses, and the 'on sale' trolleys.

Anyway, in going past the deli section, I was astounded by the incredible, and random selection of goods we are able to buy here! Tonight's surprise was St Louis Style pork ribs! It's something I had never heard of before, but also surprised me, because I was actually going to be going to St Louis next month! Anyway, the trip fell through, but it looks like I can still try the ribs if I want:) I was going to be going for a conference, and was so looking forward to it, and to going to a new part of the world! Will have to see what else this year brings:)
Other random cultural things include Roschti, from Switzerland, fondue cheese, Corn bread packet mix, alpen, tim tams, and a great variety of mexican food. Some things that we really don't get, and I do miss, include roma tomatos and figs! now they are hard to come by!

One thing this year has brought, is a nice shiny lap top, so here I am writing this from the comfort of my home! How amazing! unfortnately, I am only writing it, as I can't seem to actually access my blog from this silly (but lovely!) thing!

And does it have a name? yup- Orion:)

My Grandparents!

I have been constantly amazed by my family recently, but none more so than my Grandparents! As I mentioned last week, Grandad is in hospital with Pneumonia and other bits and pieces, so I have spent lots of time on the phone with most members of the family at various times of teh day, catching up, checking in, getting different perspectives on what has been happening there (very important!)

I was talking to Grandad though last Friday, and again today at lunch time, and was struck by his attitude to it all, and to his family! Granny and Grandad have been married OVER SIXTY YEARS! Can you believe it?! They love each other to bits, and while they have had a simple life, it has been long, full of love for each other, and all they have wanted for any of the rest of their family, is for us to be happy! Now that's something!

So here's to my amazing Grandparents!

Living in the sweet places of life...

I read an awesome book while I was in Australia- “Cure for the common life”, by Max Lucado. I have loved it, and continue to go back, revisit and be challenged by all it has to say about life and all God has given us. I would love to include a few excerpts, but essentially, think we should all read it sometime!

It’s about living in our sweet spot. God has given each of us unique gifts and talents, something in out lives that makes us soar for sheer joy, to feel the exhilaration of doing we love for God’s glory. I have been so blessed, looking back, to do jobs that I have loved, that have been clearly God’s plan for that season, and this book was a confirmation to me of where I should be. I am sometimes held back, by wondering if others agree/approve that I really should be doing whatever it is I am doing, or learning to do….. but I guess when it comes down to it, God knows, and I am here to please Him.

So to Max…!
**********************
What about you? Our Maker gives assignments to people, “to each according to each one’s unique ability” (Matt 25:15). As he calls, he equips. Look back over your life. What have you consistently done well? What have you loved to do? Stand at the intersection of your affections and successes and find your uniqueness.

You have one. A divine spark. An uncommon call to an uncommon life. “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving other” (1 or 12:7, CEV). So much for the excuse “I don’t have anything to offer”. Did the apostle Paul say, “the spirit has given some of us…”? Or, “The spirit has given a few of us…”? No. “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” Enough of this self-deprecating “I can’t do anything”
And enough of its arrogant opposite: “I have to do everything.” No, you don’t! You’re not God’s solution to society, but a solution in society. Imitate Paul, who said, “Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God’s plan for us”(2Cor 10:13NLT). Clarify your contribution.
Don’t worry about the skills you don’t have. Don’t covet strengths others do have. Just extract your uniqueness. “Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you”(2 Tim 1:6 NASB).

For now, here is the big idea:
Use your uniqueness (what you do)
To make a big deal out of God (why you do it)
Every day of your life (where you do it)
********************

What an amazing God we have!

Kids #2

So today we were working on our trial scene where Jesus comes before Pilate and the story unfolds resulting in Jesus being crucified.

We were going to watch a segment from the Jesus film, but the one and only time we needed it to work- it didn't! Instead everyone acted it out, while I narrated it. It was amazing seeing the kids take on different roles, and see things from different perspectives and 'live' it out.

The soldiers have stood out strongly for the boys, while Pilate's wife and her dream stood out strongly for others.

Two weeks or so, to go......! It's starting to take shape though:)

Shellshocked!

At the beginning of the year, New Years Eve, in fact, we meet together. We look back, and give thanks for the past year, then pray about, and look to the new year.

Coming into this new year, I had a real sense of walking through a massive door, I am a tiny (!) figure at the bottom of the door as I walk through this big huge door, and all it holds. In all I was looking at in the new year, most were new things, a new job, new minsitry, new opportunities, amazing events that I couldn't possibly have planned!

Today, one by one, throughout the day, it seemed like the door of many, if not all, of those new things we firmly shut. I don't know why, or how. I wonder what God is doing and how much is of God and how much really isn't! It's a mystery! Anyway, am trusting that through this painful day, there is a glorious plan in it all! It's hard not to want to give up, and hard not to grieve for all that was planned and is now undone. Will have to wait and see what happens next!:) Stay tuned:)

My Grandad

Hi, Would you be able to uphold my Grandfather? He's in hospital with Pneumonia:(

He's fairly elderly and has always had fragile health in some way (including ongoing injuries from WW2). I would love him to know where he is going when he does die, whenever that is! (and my Granmother too!)

Thanks!

Labels

I don’t like labels, or name tags, or wearing defining logos. Even hearts (though I have been given some lovely ones that I wear), the peace sign, smiley faces, can be a struggle. Wearing a work name tag… generally doesn’t happen (Sorry, I know it should!!), and other times when I need to wear something that ‘label’ me in some way just doesn’t ‘sit well’ with me.

I got thinking about this back in January when I went to church, and for the first time there, I was supposed to wear a name tag, and not only that, I knew that in the whole church, I was going to be the only person to wear this particular name tag as all the others were away for the weekend (I couldn’t go:( ). Needless to say, I could see the point of the name tag, in this case, and in all the other cases.

I did start to wonder why I don’t like wearing name tags though, why don’t I like wearing labels, is it the idea of being defined by that label, or not living up to it? Or is it that it doesn’t encompass everything about me? I do like the label ‘Christian’ though, but that’s a pretty comprehensive label, that one doesn’t live up to, earn, merit, but…. Has, you either are or you aren’t….

Something to ponder some more…:)

Drama...

There are days when.... I wish I was a bit more of a drama queen:)


or maybe I am already, but don't know it!

Kids

We have lots of kids in our little community, which is an absolute joy! I am often asked why I am not their teacher, and I always come back to the reason why I didn't complete my teaching degree, why I worked in a school, but not as a teacher, why I love Sunday school, after school care, vacation care, bible study with them, hanging out with them- young and old.

As with most people I come across, I much prefer to support them, rather than be the main 'point person' in whatever, I just prefer walking aslongside people as they do whatever they need to do! I don't explain it very well, I know! Anyway, that's what most of my jobs have ended up being- the latest being, supporting people as they come to work here.

Anyway, back to the kids! We are doing plays for Easter, where a group of people perform a different aspect of the Easter story. A few adults, the kids and I are looking after the Trial scene where Jesus comes before Pilot and found guilty. Tis a challenging one, but will be great to see it from the perspective of each person involved.