All change - again!!!
As most of you know - I've been working as a Residential Worker in a Childrens Crisis Unit (for 11-16s) since December (quite different to my previous job - but there you go!!). Originally, they needed people up until mid March (ie, now) which was fine, as I was planning to go and live in Rwanda for four months (March to July) and help with Hope Rwanda. The idea of living in Africa was pretty cool, and everything was coming together nicely (so I thought)....
Less than 24hrs after replying about Rwanda, I then had another job emailed to me, which would've meant moving to Birmingham....and if two options weren't enough, I was then offered a permanent position where I currently work, and then came another offer which I wasn't expecting..... It's kinda like buses - you know, you either get none - or three at once!
So....for all who've been wondering - I've been praying about Rwanda, Birmingham and Chelmsford (how different can you get?)
For those in church today, you will have now heard the news! I'm staying in Chelmsford - and will be covering Ann's maternity leave. I'm going to be a full-time Youth Worker at Church with effect from 1st May! How cool?!
So, thanks for all your prayers etc - it's v.appreciated! Just thinking back to this time last year, I was working in an office in London. Since then, I've been to six new countries - and COMPLETELY changed my work. I'm thinking that I've now got out of my last 'comfort zone' - so I'm ready for the challenge! The challenge may be just to stay in the country for the next 7mths or so!
Pen x
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
The offside rule explained for girls
You're in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till.
Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have.
The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire.
Both of you have forgotten your purses.
It would be totally rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes.
The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.
Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma.
She prepares to throw her purse to you.
If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes.
At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and, *whilst it is in flight* you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes.
Always remembering that until the purse has *actually been thrown* it would be plain wrong to be forward of the other shopper.
Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have.
The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire.
Both of you have forgotten your purses.
It would be totally rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes.
The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.
Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma.
She prepares to throw her purse to you.
If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes.
At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and, *whilst it is in flight* you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes.
Always remembering that until the purse has *actually been thrown* it would be plain wrong to be forward of the other shopper.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Change
Last week I took the plunge......I finally upgraded my phone (not only did I get a new phone - but 10% off my line rental AND £20 back - bargain!!) The only problem was, that I was changing from a Nokia to a Sony Ericsson. I had the big deliberation in the shop - do I keep with what I know (ie Nokia, because I've had them for years) - or do I take the plunge, and get to grips with a completely different phone?! After about 4hrs - I finally decided to go a bit mad and got the Sony. It's taken me a week to get used to the space bar being in the wrong place (for texting) - amongst other things! However, this little nifty thing does just about everything (except make coffee!) and I'm now in the process of downloading music to it - so that I can have 'Oh Happy Day' as my ringtone, or the guitar riff from the start of 'What the World Will Never Take' on the latest Hillsong album.All in all, it was a good change!
It also made me think about changes in our lives.....sometimes, it's easier to stick with what we know and feel comfortable with, rather than trying something new (which actually might be better than what we had before). Pat K preached a really good message on 'Change' recently. If you want to borrow the CD, let me know.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Pen :-)
PS: If anyone's got time to explain the rules of golf to me, it would make the golf game on here a lot better! I have no idea!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Suzette Hattingh's in London....
Quick update.....
Well, work's busy (but good) - and I'm now a Keyworker, which means that I'm basically responsible for sorting out one young person’s medical, educational and personal needs. If any of you have watched 'Brat Camp' (Channel 4 9pm Weds) - you'll get an understanding of the type of YP that I work with, day in day out! Really quite interesting....one minute they swear at you (which can also involve being hit and spat at - on a bad day!) - I've also had water thrown over me, but at least the YP made sure it was warm beforehand (very considerate)!....never mind that I had to go to an appointment looking like I'd wet myself....but that's another story! Other times, they are little angels - and a complete delight to spend time with! This week has been great - because it's half-term - which means lots of fun and activities. So far this week, I've spent a couple of hours at Quasar (lazer) - and tomorrow we're heading off to Warwick Castle for the day! I'm a bit gutted though, because it was meant to be Cadburyworld (SO much more my kind of thing) - but the prospect of a group of us arriving for their last available slot at 9.20AM!!! was just way too early to even think about, so we've settled for the castle instead.
Work was erm, interesting today - we were told to take a blindfold and something to eat, to the team meeting!! Not knowing what was going to happen (and whether even the food would be analysed) - I played it safe, and took Angel slices (Mr Kipling's - and if you haven't tried them - it's worth it!) - they're sweet, pink - and angelic! :-)
I'd better explain.....
We had to get into twos, and then one person had to be blindfolded, and sit on their hands - then the other person had to feed them something (could've been ANYTHING!) It was quite amusing, but illustrated a good point - about how vulnerable people can feel when they don't have all of their senses - or are put into a different kind of environment.
I'm enjoying my job - but also have a few other options to pray about at the moment. Those of you who know, know what I'm talking about. Anyone who doesn't know - watch this space! Life certainly continues to be exciting!
More soon....
Pen x
Work was erm, interesting today - we were told to take a blindfold and something to eat, to the team meeting!! Not knowing what was going to happen (and whether even the food would be analysed) - I played it safe, and took Angel slices (Mr Kipling's - and if you haven't tried them - it's worth it!) - they're sweet, pink - and angelic! :-)
I'd better explain.....
We had to get into twos, and then one person had to be blindfolded, and sit on their hands - then the other person had to feed them something (could've been ANYTHING!) It was quite amusing, but illustrated a good point - about how vulnerable people can feel when they don't have all of their senses - or are put into a different kind of environment.
I'm enjoying my job - but also have a few other options to pray about at the moment. Those of you who know, know what I'm talking about. Anyone who doesn't know - watch this space! Life certainly continues to be exciting!
More soon....
Pen x
Simple friends......and real friends....
A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps themselves.
A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in their address book.
A simple friend brings a bottle to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.
A simple friend hates it when you call after they have gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.
A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.
A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps themselves.
A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in their address book.
A simple friend brings a bottle to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.
A simple friend hates it when you call after they have gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.
A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.
A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Quick hello!
Hi!
Just a quick hello from me (so I don't get hassle from fellow bloggers :-)!) It's been a busy few weeks.....work's been great - but busy! It's sooooo different to what I was doing before, I can't even begin to tell you.....I'll try and elaborate on here sometime!
In the last week, me and my little car have spent some quality time together, covering approx 700 miles in one week! Last Tuesday, I went to Folkestone for Caroline's surprise 30th birthday party - it was a great evening - and fab to catch up with friends again. Came back on Wednesday, and then worked Thursday, and had my first sleep in! Thankfully the YP were fairly well behaved (and I got 5hrs sleep), and then drove up to Birmingham Friday morning, to see friends from Voice in the City. Had a great evening with Joylyn, and had some interesting discussions about toilets (you have to have been on a mission trip to appreciate the conversation!! - and no, I won't be elaborating here!)
Got back home v.late Friday evening - then worked on Saturday (and got paid to go out for a Chinese meal.....sometimes my job's really tough!!) Led worship Sunday morning and evening, then it was back to work yesterday - and I'm not due a day off for 9 days - so don't expect too much blogging! I've got some great pics though, which I'll try and post on here soon.
Keep smiling! :-)
Be blessed!
Pen xx
Just a quick hello from me (so I don't get hassle from fellow bloggers :-)!) It's been a busy few weeks.....work's been great - but busy! It's sooooo different to what I was doing before, I can't even begin to tell you.....I'll try and elaborate on here sometime!
In the last week, me and my little car have spent some quality time together, covering approx 700 miles in one week! Last Tuesday, I went to Folkestone for Caroline's surprise 30th birthday party - it was a great evening - and fab to catch up with friends again. Came back on Wednesday, and then worked Thursday, and had my first sleep in! Thankfully the YP were fairly well behaved (and I got 5hrs sleep), and then drove up to Birmingham Friday morning, to see friends from Voice in the City. Had a great evening with Joylyn, and had some interesting discussions about toilets (you have to have been on a mission trip to appreciate the conversation!! - and no, I won't be elaborating here!)
Got back home v.late Friday evening - then worked on Saturday (and got paid to go out for a Chinese meal.....sometimes my job's really tough!!) Led worship Sunday morning and evening, then it was back to work yesterday - and I'm not due a day off for 9 days - so don't expect too much blogging! I've got some great pics though, which I'll try and post on here soon.
Keep smiling! :-)
Be blessed!
Pen xx
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Last Weekend.....
Last weekend I was in Frankfurt for a surprise birthday party for a friend (Suzette). It was a fantastic evening - honouring an amazing woman of God, who had no idea about the party! Had a great time meeting up with friends over there, and also had breakfast on Sunday morning with David and Bobbie (Elim Pastors) who know Mike and Tony v.well!
My basic German that I'd been learning paid off - although most spoke English anyway. I don't know if it was the hat I was wearing (it was -6C!) that made me look German, but apparently I did - so people were happily speaking to me in German, while I stood there not having a clue what they were saying! Probably the most useful phrases I know are:
"Do you speak English?"
"I don't speak German, I'm English" and that all important one......
"I'd like a cup of coffee please".
It was also a very sad weekend, as I got a telephone call passing on the sad news about Neil Cooper. We are all going to miss him heaps.... especially his guitar playing in church - and his blogging! He had a heart to worship - and to serve God. He was a great musician, and it has been a privilege to play alongside him. As a band member he was always on time, always enthusiastic and 'up for anything' (with a smile to go with it) - especially if it was something 'out of the ordinary'! I remember one time when he wanted to try out his new electric guitar at a Monday night practice, and wasn't quite sure whether he should 'rock it' to its full potential! Needless to say, he didn't need much encouragement to do so - and we had a great practice!
When I heard the news, I was on a bus in Germany. I'd only been talking with a friend the night before about this song, and I was reminded of it, so I've put the words here.
I can only imagine......
Our thoughts and prayers are with Anna, Joel and Simon - and the whole family. Praying that you may all know God's comfort and presence around you, particularly at this time.
My basic German that I'd been learning paid off - although most spoke English anyway. I don't know if it was the hat I was wearing (it was -6C!) that made me look German, but apparently I did - so people were happily speaking to me in German, while I stood there not having a clue what they were saying! Probably the most useful phrases I know are:
"Do you speak English?"
"I don't speak German, I'm English" and that all important one......
"I'd like a cup of coffee please".
It was also a very sad weekend, as I got a telephone call passing on the sad news about Neil Cooper. We are all going to miss him heaps.... especially his guitar playing in church - and his blogging! He had a heart to worship - and to serve God. He was a great musician, and it has been a privilege to play alongside him. As a band member he was always on time, always enthusiastic and 'up for anything' (with a smile to go with it) - especially if it was something 'out of the ordinary'! I remember one time when he wanted to try out his new electric guitar at a Monday night practice, and wasn't quite sure whether he should 'rock it' to its full potential! Needless to say, he didn't need much encouragement to do so - and we had a great practice!
When I heard the news, I was on a bus in Germany. I'd only been talking with a friend the night before about this song, and I was reminded of it, so I've put the words here.
I can only imagine......
Our thoughts and prayers are with Anna, Joel and Simon - and the whole family. Praying that you may all know God's comfort and presence around you, particularly at this time.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Sunday, January 01, 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Diary Entry: Tuesday 8th February 2005....
.....It's strange - I really don't know what God has got planned - but really believe that this year could be a year of change!
When I read that the other night, I laughed, and laughed - and laughed!!! For those that know me, and for those that read my blog - you'll know what I'm on about! It's certainly been a year of change - in SO many ways!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway - our thoughts turn now to 2006!!!
Have a fantastic 2006 - and a Happy New Year to you all!!
To have an excellent life,
stive for an excellent year.
Within that year,
strive for an excellent month,
and within that month,
strive for an excellent day!
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:6
Pen x
.....It's strange - I really don't know what God has got planned - but really believe that this year could be a year of change!
When I read that the other night, I laughed, and laughed - and laughed!!! For those that know me, and for those that read my blog - you'll know what I'm on about! It's certainly been a year of change - in SO many ways!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway - our thoughts turn now to 2006!!!
Have a fantastic 2006 - and a Happy New Year to you all!!
To have an excellent life,
stive for an excellent year.
Within that year,
strive for an excellent month,
and within that month,
strive for an excellent day!
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:6
Pen x
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Come out mother!
A couple were going out for the evening. After getting ready, they put the cat out on their way out of the house to get in the taxi. The cat, however, had a different idea and scampered back inside before they could get out. They didn't want the cat shut in the house, so the wife went on out to the taxi while the husband went back in to chase the cat out.
The wife, not wanting it known that the house would be empty, explained to the taxi driver "My husband will be here in just a moment. He's just gone upstairs to say goodbye to my mother."
A few minutes later, the husband got into the cab. "Sorry I took so long" he explained, "Stupid old thing was hiding under the bed and I had to poke her with a coat hanger to get her to come out!"
The wife, not wanting it known that the house would be empty, explained to the taxi driver "My husband will be here in just a moment. He's just gone upstairs to say goodbye to my mother."
A few minutes later, the husband got into the cab. "Sorry I took so long" he explained, "Stupid old thing was hiding under the bed and I had to poke her with a coat hanger to get her to come out!"
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Happy Christmas from Darth Penster!
Maybe that should read 'daft Penster' instead!Oh, and just in case you were wondering(!) - I borrowed the mask and light sabre from a little friend of mine (age 6)!
Happy Christmas everyone!!
May the Force be with you in 2006!
Have a good one!
Pen x
Best of British
Be very proud to be British because:
Only in Britain... do supermarkets make sick people walk all the way to the back of the shop to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in Britain... do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a DIET coke.
Only in Britain... do banks leave both doors open and chain the pens to the counters.
Only in Britain... do we leave cars worth thousands of pounds on the drive and lock our junk and cheap lawn mower in the garage.
Only in Britain... do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place.
NOT TO MENTION...
3 Brits die each year testing if a 9v battery works on their tongue.
142 Brits were injured in 2004 by not removing all pins from new shirts.
58 Brits are injured each year by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers.
31 Brits have died since 1996 by watering their Christmas tree while the fairy lights were plugged in.
19 Brits have died in the last 3 years believing that Christmas decorations were chocolate.
British Hospitals reported 4 broken arms last year after cracker pulling accidents.
101 people since 1999 have had broken parts of plastic toys pulled out of the soles of their feet.
18 Brits had serious burns in 2003 trying on a new jumper with a lit cigarette in their mouth.
A massive 543 Brits were admitted to A&E in the last two years after opening bottles of drink with their teeth.
8 Brits were injured last year in accidents involving out of control Scalextric cars.
RULE BRITANNIA!!
Only in Britain... do supermarkets make sick people walk all the way to the back of the shop to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in Britain... do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a DIET coke.
Only in Britain... do banks leave both doors open and chain the pens to the counters.
Only in Britain... do we leave cars worth thousands of pounds on the drive and lock our junk and cheap lawn mower in the garage.
Only in Britain... do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place.
NOT TO MENTION...
3 Brits die each year testing if a 9v battery works on their tongue.
142 Brits were injured in 2004 by not removing all pins from new shirts.
58 Brits are injured each year by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers.
31 Brits have died since 1996 by watering their Christmas tree while the fairy lights were plugged in.
19 Brits have died in the last 3 years believing that Christmas decorations were chocolate.
British Hospitals reported 4 broken arms last year after cracker pulling accidents.
101 people since 1999 have had broken parts of plastic toys pulled out of the soles of their feet.
18 Brits had serious burns in 2003 trying on a new jumper with a lit cigarette in their mouth.
A massive 543 Brits were admitted to A&E in the last two years after opening bottles of drink with their teeth.
8 Brits were injured last year in accidents involving out of control Scalextric cars.
RULE BRITANNIA!!
