Cost of a free curry

Today we took the P & O's Express Catamaran from Troon to Larne. Well the security man directing traffic at Troon Harbour was express enough, after that it was slooooow: the police halted boarding while they investigated an "incident", on board the first 6 hours were spent bouncing up and down in the harbour until the winds abated and then the crossing took the more tranquil and longer costal route.

So for 11 hours I've done nothing but Sudokus, stare at the sea and consume P & O's complementary curry.

It's surprising how the Lord slows you down when you need it. Thank you, Lord.

Blessing of normal life

Saturday was Jenny & Craig's wedding in Edinburgh, Sunday we had 16 for lunch, Sunday night was the Cumbernauld missionary meeting, Monday a meal at the SeeWoo restaurant, Tuesday the Clubbs came round and the Stevens' left, Wednesday it's meetings in Inverness and Edinburgh and early Thursday off to Ballymena.

At one time I would have groaned at all this. Now I give thanks to God for the strength to do it.

I hope this indicates maturity and not madness.

Photo: Blessing of living a normal life

Light on fiscal policy

Today's sermon was on Jesus being the light of the world (Jn 8). The preacher, Colin Dow, spoke ably on just about every verse in the passage v12-30.

But I still remained uncertain about the meaning of one verse: Jesus spoke these words in the temple area near "the place where the offerings were put" (v20).

Why did Jesus says this in that area? What is the significance of this great discourse being in the treasury?

Buenv Vista Social Club

Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club performed in Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall last night. By the end of the evening most of the 2000 present were on their feet clapping and swaying to the Caribbean beat.

The star performers were the octeganarian looking grannie, the dottering trumpeter and wheel-chair propelled guitarist. So enthused were performers and audience that the event lasted 30 minutes beyond scheduled finishing time - resulting in a crush at the loos aferwards.

It would be great to catch that kind of enthusiasm praising God, and that kind of resilience in serving him.

Photo: Grannie leads the way

Hell-fire preacher?

Olwen bought a new light duvet yesterday, and neither of us slept last night. These things should come with health warnings.

Today Olwen got me to dig out a "bush" from the garden, which turned out to be a wannabe tree, and Liz came through with the girls, it being her birthday.

In the late afternoon I was able to get on with a Spanish book that's to be reviewed: "Introduction to the Gospel according to Saint Matthew" by a medieval cleric called, Alfonso de Madrigal. Who was usually known as "El Tostado", the toastie.

This was after his father, but it has a possibilities for describing a preacher.

Photo: London plaque to two hell-fire preachers, the Wesleys.

Catching up

8 am was pretty grim, Scotland's warm weather meant I didn't sleep under a thick winter duvet.

But the rest of the morning was bright: sun, an email from a Rector in Spain wanting to use Recursos Teológicos, and in the gym I saw a woman using an cross-country machine backwards.

In the afternoon, Dave and Helena Stevens arrived, reps of the Spanish Gospel Mission, so we caught up about Dave's gallstones, Helena's greying hair, and what the Lord is doing in Spain.

Photo: Another family catches up (Trafalgar Square, London)

Spring news

To some extent we feel we’ve just landed from Colombia although that was over 3 months ago. The effects of Dengue Fever, the upheaval of a sudden departure, and adjusting to life in Scotland have left us feeling like misplaced people.

The last 3 months in Medellín involved lurching from medical crisis to medical crisis until we decided it best to return to live in Scotland. Thankfully the Missions Board was in agreement and has also given us 6 months’ furlough. Health is gradually returning but leaving friends in South America was sad for them and us.

In June we have a meeting with the International Missions Board. A job has been proposed that I'll continue to work with them as an Online Editor providing internet resources for the Spanish speaking church. It means we'll be based in Scotland but have a global reach – there are even Spanish communities in Japan.

Olwen’s busy life in the Zero Stress sewing room has still continued and she is organizing balls of wool, coloured materials and working on mini projects. With being in Scotland we’ve been able to visit Olwen’s mother more, who is now 92, still going strong and regularly tells us that they are going to have to shoot her.

It’s great to be available to help the family who have supported us sacrificially during our recent 7 years in South America. The immediate members have now extended to 17 with the birth of Julia, a second daughter to Andy & Liz; of Lois, a third daughter to Steve & Rebecca; and the marriage of John to Jo in December.

David successfully completed his MTh course and along with Anna and Molly are now working on what to do next. Matthew's made a big change with going to study English law at Birmingham University and has joined the Birmingham City Church and the local Conservative Association.

The past 12 months have not been how we imagined, but we know that God does all things well, and rejoice in that; and in your love, thanks.