What every holidaymaker dreads

Yesterday Barbara received the news every holidaymaker dreads, "Your mother has only a few hours to live". Such a shock is compounded with the difficulty of communicating from South America. Even making a phone call to the UK is a complex process using internet phone cards that may not work. Rearranging flights needs to be done through local friends who know who to contact. And buying a new ticket with a credit card can be straight forward, but as Barbara found out, having your card blocked is common. If you can unravel all that and manage to reach the UK within 48 hours you are doing well extremely well.

Holidaying in Europe does not prepare you for a world where people only speak Spanish, tasty foods may possibly be prepared in hepatitis rich water and a speeding motorcyclist will suddenly veer dangerously close if a pretty girl catches his eye or he´s going to snatch your bag. After a few months you develop a street-wiseness that would get you an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist if carried out in Lenzie.

Barbara got home within the 48 hours because there is also the divine factor. The Shepherd who goes before us preparing the way is not blocked in South America, in fact his presence is more evident than in Europe. That makes it great being here.

Classes finish on Friday for 6 weeks.


Photo: Church Sunday morning: joint praise service in Medellin University,
the preacher was a Seminary lecturer, Theo Donner, about 1000
were present. The banner says, "Holy to the Lord".

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