Friday, October 28, 2005

Off to Northampton....

As I haven't been away for a few weeks(!) - I've volunteered myself (or something like that??!) to help at the youth weekend away in Northampton this weekend! Looks like it'll be busy (Helpers meetings are 7.30am) - and five worship slots to lead!

I've also got to take my guitar for a sing song round the camp fire! If anyone's ever heard me play the guitar - you will know that much prayer is needed!!

This means that we'll be away Sunday morning - but heading back for the evening service (and my 6th worship leading slot of the weekend!) Please feel free to nudge me if you see me nodding off in the evening service - as it looks like it's gonna be a busy w/end!!

At the same time, it's exciting..... I know how much the youth weekends meant to me when I was a teenager - so let's pray for all the YP this w/end, and Ann (as she leads everything) and all the other helpers too!

Other news:
I've got a temporary job (had I mentioned that before?). Anyway, yesterday I wondered if you could actually die of boredom!! - but, I have been praising God for ipods this week, because it means that even if you're doing a less than interesting job, you can at least listen to some good preaching, and songs along the way! I find that a good gospel version of 'Oh Happy Day' is just the thing!!

Want to read an amazing testimony?

Be blessed!!!

See y'all soon,
Pen xx

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

If you could have dinner with anyone in history:

Who would it be?
Why?
What would you talk about?

Comments welcome......

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Back on the ground......

It's been a great time away - but it's great to be back too!

Yep, I'm back on the ground (for another few weeks anyway!) Huge thanks to Jo, Tony & Brenda for giving me a lift back from the airport - it was v.appreciated!

It's been SOOOO good to see everyone again, and catch up on what's happening! Awesome to be back at church too! People have been asking how it feels to be back - well, it's awesome! I'm excited to be back, and see what's going on - and to get back involved with everything again!

As the plane came into land in London, I looked out of the window and thought to myself 'well, the adventure's come to an end'......then I was reminded that actually, the adventure's only just begun.......

Since being back I've done several things, including trying to lose the Aussie accent (apparently unsuccessfully - as someone asked me if I was an Aussie today!).

I had to laugh the other day - I spent the morning in jeans and wellies (walking the dog) - and spent the afternoon in a suit, armed with my CV looking for temporary work for the next few weeks.....because I'm off to the Philippines at the beginning of November!!! Anyway, a few agency interviews and tests behind me, I started my first temporary assignment today!

Saturday was an awesome day! 200 or so Ladies at church! Great preaching from the girls (you know who you are!) - including our guest speaker, Celia Bowring who spoke in the afternoon - great worship led by Carolyn too. All in all, a fantastic day! For more news on the day - have a look at Pat's and Helen's blog.

Ah yes, then there was Sunday!! What can I say??? After leading worship in Discoverers (5-11s) I went into church for the rest of the service.....let's just say that the presence of God was amazing. I don't think I've ever experienced a meeting quite like that at church - and I was very moved! Let's just say - I had a good (very good) morning - and if you want to know more, probably best to ask me (or ask those who were there!) oh, and yes, I have stopped laughing now ;-)

So, what's next? For three weeks or so in November - I'm heading to the Philippines for a ministry trip with JF Ministries. It sounds like it's definitely going to be an adventure (and I don't just mean the 20hr ferry crossing) however, I'm up for anything - and I think that it'll be a fabulous trip - and God will use it for His glory!! One good thing, on Saturday I was trying to sort out the flights, and was told that the flight I wanted was completely full - which meant that I would have to fly out first thing on a Monday morning (good time to get round the M25 - not!) and would mean that there wouldn't be time to meet up with Roz in Singapore (who I'll be travelling with). Anyway, I agreed to be waitlisted for the flight - and got a telephone call (from a very surprised travel agent) 1/2 hr later to say that there was a seat available on the earlier flight which I'd wanted - PTL!!! More news on the trip, nearer the time....

I can only imagine......
Have a look at the lyrics.... it's a fabulous song - sent from a fabulous friend today! Certainly gives you something to think about.....

Well, it's a long post - but there's a lot to catch up on!
Have a good week all!!
Pen xx

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Wireless at 35,000ft!

How cool is this? 1/2hr free wireless connection on the way home!! Yep, I'm currently flying over India - been flying for 5hrs and only have another 8hrs or so to go! Will try and quickly post a few pics from the last few days.

Nearly home!

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Feeling the heat in Singapore

Yesterday was 35C and 86% humidity - it was hot, almost too hot! I've also experienced a Singaporean thunderstorm - which makes the ones back home look (and sound) like nothing!

Pics will follow shortly (also more pics of NZ and Oz too). In answer to the previous questions....yes, you guessed right (re: NZ pic.... and more pics will follow soonish) - and the reason for the different cameras, is that mine is suffering from over-use and has decided not to focus on anything for the time being!!

I've lost count of the times I've packed/unpacked over the last few months, but today is the last time (before heading home tomorrow). It's been an amazing couple of months (and huge thanks to friends and family who've put me up over that time - or should I say 'put up with me'! - you're all fabulous! In some ways it seems as though I've been away for ages, and in other ways, it seems only a short while.

I've also had a great time in Singapore - seeing the sights, and catching up with a couple of friends.

I'm excited to be heading home - and look forward to catching up with everyone!

See ya soon....
Pen x

Saturday, October 01, 2005

I'm heading home.....

By the way - for all those who were/were not wondering when I'm coming home - currently(!) it's next Thursday (I leave Australia tomorrow and have a few days in Singapore), although my return date has already been changed three times (and my ticket's valid until next July!) - so who knows!?!

See you soon (I'll be back in church - w/end of 15th/16th Oct)!!!
Pen xx