Goofy World

Navigating the waters

2010-06-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a year since I "officially" began the process of searching for a church to pastor in the PCUSA. It has been a long, slow, gut wrenching, frustrating year. I began this whole process of discerning a Call to go into the ministry in 2000. It is now one marriage, six years of seminary, one divorce, one year of exam taking, and year of searching later. There is still nothing to show of it. How is it, that we who have felt the Call of God, to do something outside of the norm, to do this special thing are left wondering if it might never really happen?

On Thursday I leave for the PCUSA General Assembly in Minneapolis. I have managed to get a spot as a "student worker" even though I have not been a student now for three years. I am taking the opportunity to work for my denomination, to make connections and possibly do some interviews, as well as to see old friends and co-workers in Mission. I love my denomination, but at the same time feel greatly used and abandoned by it. I hope that my time in Minneapolis will help revive my spirit, my sense of Call, and my continued desire to serve the people of God.

New Developments

2010-05-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

I have recently been hired to preach for a German speaking congregation in Huntington Beach. Before you begin to be impressed, no I cannot preach in German. My German speaking skills are probably equivalent of a five year old, but I can read it well enough to do prayers and singing. Also this is not a position that I am likely to be ordained to. The Old World Community Church is a non-denominational chapel used for all kinds of activities and I look forward to being a small part of what the Church is doing.

2010-03-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

These are my Godchildren. We had a great day together today; walking, playing soccer, singing, and one awesome game of hide and seek. I look forward to spending as much time with them as possible, since I do not know where the future will take me. These two are such a joy to me. I know that we will have many more amazing days together!

2010-03-16T12:55:00.003-07:00

nd a great way to do that here yet. Although I have to admit it has been a few years since I have tried! Here's to new adventures in blogging...

2010-03-16T12:55:00.001-07:00

I am trying to move into the 21st century and posting my first blog from my phone. It could also be a great way to share pictures because I have not fou

Another favorite photo

2007-10-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

Emerging from the clouds

2007-10-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

The photo below of Mt. Ruapehu is a bit remarkable. We had been there for 24+ hours in constant cloud and rain. The day of Marc and Beth's wedding, while they were taking their pics, the clouds broke up and suddenly we could see the mountains around us. This picture was taken with the last remaining light of the day. That evening, the clouds and rain were back.

Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand

2007-09-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

Huka Falls, New Zealand

2007-09-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

The Long Goobye

2006-06-17T02:12:00.000-07:00

Well folks, here it is...the last blog...from Greenisland. Jason and I have been remarking all week how quickly our time here has flown by. Last Sunday was our last Sunday and they threw a lunch for us after church. It was wonderful to be able to sit in the Hall and see all the faces of folks that have come to mean so much to us. I finished off my last Sunday evening by preaching at the service.

But saying our goodbyes to the majority of people last Sunday made this week very long. We had lunch with serveral people as well as dinners (the 15 pounds that I had lost during the year have all come back this week). Life is interesting when you are constantly living with the generosity of people, a mix of friend and guest. I feel very much indebted to the people of Greenisland. At the same time, I have heard quite often this week, what a gift Jason and I have been to them. It is my prayer that I can remember that feeling of hopitality and be able to replicate it in the future.

To the folks at Greenisland...thank you for a wonderful ten months. I have learned many things, both positive and negative about myself. I pray that what I have learned may be of use in the future, wherever God may lead.

To the folks at home...I am looking forward to seeing you all again, hearing your stories of what has happened in the last 10 months, meeting some new faces, and going to El Burrito!

Gasp! Shock! Horror! A new post!

2006-05-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at my lack of communication! Actually, not really...but I do apologize for not posting sooner. Hmmm... let's see... where do I begin?

I'm not sure really because I don't remember what I last talked about. Perhaps I'll work my way backwards...

Today I have just finished part three of four afternoon coffee times for parents picking children up from the local primary school. This is an experiment to see if the church can provide a service to parents who have to pick up one child at 2:00pm and then another at 3:00pm. So far, I have not had anyone come, even though we did a survery, and post flyers every week. But this was to be an experiment. Many people have said that it is a good idea, perhaps it might work better in the autumn. Since the time change, we have ever increasing daylight hours. Currently, darkness falls @ 10:00pm.

Our friends Rob and Julie are over visiting from California this week. They are enjoying a break from the heat with three days of rain. Let's hope that we can get some nice May weather before they leave next Saturday. FYI - We will be moving in with Rob and Julie upon our return to California in June.

Last week was a bit of a whirlwind at GPC. Jim's father suddenly passed away a week and half ago. I was in the middle of preparing to take the entire service for Sunday May 7th. In a way it was a good thing, Jim then had time to prepare for his father's funeral on Monday the 8th. But also on that Sunday, one of the Elders in the church passed away. He was only 52, so it was also unexpected. He had been at church that morning and was in good form. His funeral was last Wednesday. Jim, has had an extremely difficult week. Please pray for strength for him and his family at this time.

On that Monday, Jason and I went with the walking group out to Londonderry to walk the walls. It is the only completely walled city in Europe (or something like that...) It is also the place that is known for the start of the Troubles in 1969 with Bloody Sunday. Many good things are happening in Derry today and it is a city trying to look to the future in spite of its segregation.

Next week, on the 25th, Jason and I leave for Germany for a week. We will be visiting Berlin and relatives in Dresden. Pray that we have safe travels and few communication problems. :)

After that, there is not much time left before we leave. I will be giving my last sermon on June 4th (?). And our last Sunday is the 11th. It is hard to believe that it has all gone by so quickly.

I hope that things are well. I have appreciated those of you that have checked the blogs and posted comments. Perhaps for the last post, I will show some more photos!

Cheers!

A Vacation?

2006-04-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

I am just back into my first full week since my family was visiting. They were here with us for two weeks, one of which we spent in Scotland. Unfortunately (or fortunately) my family likes to try to see everything it can while visiting a place. So we were basically on the go for those whole two weeks. Needless to say, Jason and I have both developed colds. But it was a good two weeks. I hadn't seen my brother since our wedding in 2003. My grandmother also came from Germany. It was nice to see her again (Jason and I had visited her last Christmas in Germany). Especially since she had a mastectomy in January.

All in all I am back into full swing here this week. I will be at the primary school again this week taking the RE (religious education) assembly and then teaching RE in a P1 (6 years olds) classroom. Thursday is our monthly friendship lunch at the church where I go and help set up and clean up. Then for Palm Sunday in the evening, it is once again my turn in the pulpit. (Which is very far away from everybody else!) Jim and his wife Lynda are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and will be away in Venice. So it is all up to me turn make sure the service runs smoothly.

It will be interesting to see how Easter week works here and I will post and let folks know. Jason's parents will be arriving the day after Easter so it may be after they leave that I get an opportunity to post. I hope all is well with everyone. Blessings during this Easter season!

Someone's A Comin'

2006-03-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

Today, our walking group braved some horrible conditions. It has been really windy and wet. I hate the wind. It was also really cold on the day of Anne's brother's funeral. This was the most traditional Irish funeral that I have attended. The service took place in his home. Afterwards, people took turns carrying his coffin up the road to the hearse. We then went to the graveside for a very short dedication. (Thankfully, it was very cold that day.) After that it was up to Anne's mothers house for tea and sandwiches. Funerals aren't done that way very often anymore.

Our BBC Ulster Radio Broadcast went well. Some stranger I was speaking to on a shopping visit to Ballymena had listened to the broadcast and had heard Jason and I sing. I love what a small place this country really is.

My friend Hannah was here that week. She is one of my friend's who was with me here in Belfast the last time I was here. It was great to catch up with her because she lives in Vermont. It was also her first time back since we had left in 2000. It was a chance for her to see all the changes and what was still the same.

My parents, brother and grandmother arrive this thursday for a visit. I am looking forward to seeing all of them and showing them around this place that I love. We also will be spending a week in Scotland near Loch Ness. Here's to seeing Nessie!

Greenisland PC on the radio

2006-02-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

Next Sunday is going to be a special treat. Our Sunday morning service is going to be broadcast on BBC Ulster Radio! You will get the chance to hear my (and Jason's) lovely voice again. ;) The Sunday Morning program will be available online anytime after the show is recorded next Sunday. Just go to the Radio Ulster website at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/radioulster/pages/guide.shtml

Click on the tab that says "Listen Again" and find the show "Sunday Morning." Of course there are all of the other regular shows that are broadcast on Radio Ulster. My favorite is Talkback. It really gives you the current affairs of N. Ireland and what locals think! (not always a good thing to know sometimes)

I had a busy Sunday yesterday. I gave the sermon at the local "home", took the P3 class for Sunday School (7 year olds), and gave the sermon for the Sunday evening service. My friend Hannah arrives from Vermont on Wednesday. Hannah was one of the Young Adult Volunteers with me when I was in Belfast the last time. So Jason and I are busy cleaning!

Gotta go! Check us out on the radio!

Dear Friends

2006-02-12T10:32:00.000-08:00

Please pray for the family whose flat I am living in. Anne's brother, Brian, died yesterday from complications due to cancer which he was only diagnosed with a few months ago. He leaves behind a wife and three little girls.

Busy Again?

2006-02-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

Too busy? I might be. Last week (Sunday 22nd Jan.) saw another sermon for me. After that I turned around and began a special little project. One of Jim Stothers friends does stuff for a local radio station in Belfast. He asked me if I would like to do a program called "Just a Minute." It really is a minute thought for the day. Just try writing something that gets a point across and has to stay around a minute in length! Not that easy to do. But the spots had run this week at 7:30am on Downtown Radio. Jason recorded one of them.

Admittedly, I am never usually up at that time of day. But this week I was attending a conference in Belfast called "Kingdom Come." http://www.kingdomcomeireland.com/home.htm This conference was a joint venture by the Evangelical Alliance and the Billy Graham people. Ann Graham Lotz, Ravi Zacharias, Joel Edwards and various other local leaders all spoke. I attended the "stream" on the church. It was mostly about what pastors here are trying with thier churches; looking towards the future. The main plenary speakers were inspiring and I was most impressed with Joel Edwards of the Evangelical Alliance UK. Normally, I would be put off by many evengelicals, but he was very forward looking and asking really good questions. He pushed the people present at the conference by saying, "Most churches in the UK are just trying to look at the ecumenical issue. But the world: press, politics; is looking at the issue of faith!" Ecumenism is a dirty word for many churches in NI. They are not anywhere near looking at the issue of interfaith dialogue. Good things (I think) for the people here to hear.

All in all, a busy last couple of weeks. Tomorrow an Elder training day, in two weeks another sermon. Once again, I encourage you to check out Greenisland Presbyterian Church's website. I think that my sermons are available online or by request online. Anyway, that's all for now! Cheers!

After the hols

2006-01-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Sorry for, yet again, the delay. The chaos of having Jason arrive in the midst of Christmas madness only added to it. (But in a good way of course!) I gave a homily at the Carol Service before Christmas and helped with various parts of the service on Christmas and New Years. I have been trying to get back into the swing of things here in the new year. My visitation of folks has not been going well. I am taking a new approach this week by trying to ring folks before knocking on their doors. I also will do two sermons this month.

The pictures below are from awhile ago. It took me some time to get the film developed. I have recruited Jason into a couple of my activities; the walking group that goes out on Mondays, and Bowls on Tuesdays. Tonight is the choir's "Christmas" dinner at the golf club next door to the church. Can't wait! I hardly get to eat out because it is so expensive to eat out here. But I have to say, I think I have lost about 10 pounds!

Next month begins the first of the visitors that will keep arriving up until May. I am looking forward to actually doing some travelling around the provence. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I can't believe how quickly time has flown. It will not be long until that flight home...

2006-01-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day snow. This is the only snow we have had so far.

This is from the fashion show. Sylvia and I walked down the runway together in matching "plum" outfits.

Thanksgiving, O.T.R.'s, and George Best

2005-12-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. We have only had dialup for a couple of weeks and it costs per minute, so I didn't bother for awhile.

Thanksgiving was good and I actually had two dinners! First, on Thanksgiving a family in the church invited me round. A few other friends came as well and we had a lovely turkey dinner. On the Saturday following, I had dinner at the Baker's. Doug Baker is the Young Adult Volunteer Coordinator. With seven YAV's in Belfast this year, two of the three Baker children, plus thier friends, we had a very full house. Afterwards we hung out and sang tunes. All in all, I wasn't home till midnight and the following morning I was taking the service at the local pensioners home! Boy was I tired the next day.

O.T.R's or On the Runs is a plan to bring back those that have committed violent crimes during the Troubles. This is a huge issue for the people of Northern Ireland that the British governement is essentially forcing them to deal with. The plan is to allow these people to come home, the victims will be able to tell their stories to a judge, but the "criminal" will not have to serve any time for his crime. People here are very upset that the government is granting these people essentially an amnesty. The government says that these people would go to jail if they committed any further crimes. One side sees it as a step forward in the peacemaking process and others see it as an insult to those who have been affected by violent crimes in the Troubles. We will have to see how far this will go.

George Best was a footballer (soccer) for Manchester United in the 60's and 70's. He has been called the best player in the world by some. He hails from Northern Ireland. And he has just passed away from complications with his second liver which he received, with great controvercy, because of alcoholism. Best was hailed home and laid to rest last Saturday with a service befitting a king. 100,000 people showed up along the funeral route. People in England watched the ceremony from the Manchester United Club. George Best will have people talking for awhile here. He seemed to be able to make people forget about their differences here, all agree he was a great footballer. But people are also debating about whether or not people should be glorifying a person that threw a second chance at life away. Alcoholism is a terrible disease, and Best realizing in his last few moments what he might have wasted, allowed pictures of him in his hospital bed to be released. Northern Ireland has lost one of its few heroes. I equate it with the US losing Babe Ruth, even though there are few who remember that. The manner of Best's death is perhaps representative of the people here, willing to turn a blind a to the dirty little secrets hidden away, remembering only the glory. It's that way in politics, too.

Remembrance Sunday

2005-11-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

This last Sunday was Remembrance Sunday. It is the sunday that follows "Veterans Day." It is a big deal for churches here. The red poppy plays a major part during this time. I have included a link to the poppy apeal website so you can check that all out. In general it is a symbol to remember all those that have served in action. Many here at church brought out their medals to wear. We laid three wreaths of poppies on the communion table during our service. Saturday night I watched the service that the Queen and her family attend at the Royal Albert Hall. I am used to US military services and parades from my dad's days in the military. This was different. Having a "state church," ie. the Church of England, means that religion can be prominent in military services. Very different from us where there might be a prayer and a homily in military things, but those could be from a variety of sources or not included at all. The military have enough pomp and circumstance to survive without it.

All in all, it was a touching service and I was more of a observer that day so I was able to do just that, observe.

Fashion Show

2005-11-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I can say I have done another thing that I have not done before. Last week I was a model in a fashion show raising money for the church development fund. I wore three different outfits and everyone says the last one looked great on me!

Tony Blair has recently been falling out of fashion it seems. A vote this past tuesday in Parliament failed to support his proposal on a 90 day period for holding suspects of terrorism. I guess this is the first time that this has happened (parliament failing to support the Prime Minister). I don't really see what the bid deal is. The Senate and the House do not always approve of what the President does. I suppose it is the differnce in the way the two governments are run?

This coming Sunday is Rememberance Sunday. It is to honor all that have served and died in wars. I will post after to let everyone know what that was like. There was two minutes of silence observed today for Armistance (sp?) Day. My prayer was that there would be no more war.

Rosa Parks

2005-10-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Rosa Parks died today. In some way it seems the end of an era, or perhaps movement. Which, in light of what hurricane Katrina brought to the fore, is a battle which never should have slowed. Some of my friends from the AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church live daily with poverty or seeing the effects of poverty in a community. I would like to say to Rosa that the battle for equality and human dignity will go on; not just in the US, but around the world as well. At least, this is my prayer.

Falling Leaves

2005-10-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

In the last week the leaves have started falling off the trees. Autumn is in full swing. The days are getting shorter. By Christmas we will only have eight hours of daylight. It was pretty dark when I woke up at 8am. And we still are going to have to "fall back" when the time changes. I have been noticing the differences between here and home a lot lately.

I have been noticing differences in church: in how things are run, in traditional vs. non-traditional, in the order of worship, in presbytery. Of course there are also differences in how people live and language (I continue to learn new phrases like, "She's a wee bit throughother" which means a bit scatterbrained.).

This past Wednesday, I did a reading of Psalm 139 at a funeral. The woman was someone whom I had visited twice with Rev. Jim. She had had cancer and was in hospice care but was on morphine and not very responsive when we visited. It was strange to be in a place where people are mourning and you are not. It is difficult to know what to say or how to respond to people. The family was very kind, allowing me to participate.

Harvest

2005-10-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was the Harvest Service. Similar to our Thanksgiving, it is a celebration of the harvest that has come in. I am reminded how small Northern Ireland is and how important the farming community is when the 5:30pm livestock and farming report comes on the BBC Ulster Radio. You would never hear about the price of cattle and lamb from an L.A. radio station! Right now, there continues to be a ban on British beef on the continent and every day there are reports about how close it is to being lifted. Thankful for the harvest indeed! I did a children's sermon about Thanksgiving, Harvest, and the woman with the alabaster jar who was thankful for Jesus and so gave him that precious gift. I asked the children to think of something that they are thankful for.

I am thankful for all of those who supported my coming here: First Presbyterian, Redlands; First Baptist, Redlands; Community Presbyterian, Redlands; The Presbytery of Riverside; and many family and friends.

Spontaneous Arising: 11/01/2004 - 11/30/2004

2005-09-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

I liked this website and needed someplace to save it.

A few pictures...

2005-09-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the great posting below the pictures... an excellent insight into the recent reappearance of "troubles" in N. Ireland and how it's been affecting folks in and around Greenisland.

That said, here are a few pictures of the church and the "flat" where Kristina is working and living. - Jason

The church. There's a war memorial on the hilltop behind the church, over the right-hand entryway.

Coffee morning at church.

The entrance to the flat (also known as the back-door to the Milliken's house).

The sitting room (closer) and sun room (further).

Update from a local

2005-09-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

NORTHERN IRELAND UPDATE
September 2005
Doug Baker – PCUSA Mission Co-Worker

Over the past two weeks Northern Ireland has again been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Therefore, it is perhaps a good time to send an update to those of you in the US who take a particular interest in events here and in the Presbyterian Church (USA) involvement.

As many of you already know, from the last week in June to mid-August our family was in the US on “Interpretation Assignment.” During that time we spoke about 25 times at 16 churches and two mission conferences. Having told everybody we saw all summer how quiet Belfast now is compared to the bad old days, it has been a bit of a shock to feel dragged back into them these past two weeks! Disturbances erupted when a controversial Orange Order parade on the Springfield Road in West Belfast on September 10th was re-routed to avoid going through a Nationalist district. Rioting rapidly spread as underlying tensions in lower-income Loyalist/Unionist/Protestant areas erupted into raging battles with police in several parts of West, North and East Belfast. Within a short period there were also disturbances, hijackings, and protests blocking roads in several predominantly Loyalist towns and villages in County Antrim. What began as pushing and shoving between some Orange marchers and police rapidly turned into more serious rioting as paramilitary groups exploited the situation for their own purpose. Around 150 gunshots were fired at police and they returned open fire on a limited scale. Well over a hundred vehicles were hijacked and set ablaze. Key arterial routes were blocked. Costly damage was done to street lighting, traffic lights, road surfaces and some buildings. Water canons were used to disperse crowds. And, as is often the case, disturbances re-ignited in flashpoint areas at almost predictable times on successive nights. In addition, over the past two weeks largely peaceful- though illegal – protests have continued to be staged during rush hours times to disrupt traffic and draw attention to perceived grievances.

Although there has been the worst rioting in perhaps ten years - it still has been limited to fairly small areas. Therefore, we have not been under threat, nor have any of the Young Adult Volunteers. I have had to cancel one or two journeys to other parts of the city I had intended to make some nights and we have had to rethink routes at times based on the latest news of disturbances or protests closing roads. I drove past burned out vehicles on the way to work several mornings and on one afternoon Stephen, our youngest son, had difficulty getting home from school due to road blockages and traffic disruption. He was never in any danger – but the cell phone networks collapsed for a period due to overuse and it was frustrating in that we couldn’t be in touch with each other. None of that is actually serious – but these are heavy days partly because no-one knows where it is leading and more importantly because we have seen depths of hatred, alienation, anger, and self-centeredness - we wouldn’t have wanted to believe were there - exposed in full view.

So why has all of this erupted?

Since the Belfast Agreement was signed in 1998 most Unionists feel that more and more concessions have been made to Republicans by the British Government in order to keep them on board a peace process: These include the early release of prisoners convicted of terrorist/politically motivated crimes, amnesty for IRA offenders on the run, reduction in security measures, and changes in policing. At the same time Unionists feel let down that Republicans (Sinn Fein / IRA) have not followed through on their commitment to disarm and have not stopped engaging in criminal activity, nor offered support to the new policing arrangements by taking up their places on the Policing Board or encouraging those from Republican strongholds to join the police. Unionists also feel that their political and cultural rights have been being chipped away at. What they point to most is decisions by the Parades Commission (an appointed body empowered to rule on contentious parades) not to allow certain Orange Parades to proceed along the routes they would like because groups of Nationalist/Republican residents in those areas have objected to them.

From their perspective, Unionists feel that all of the gains in the peace process have gone to Nationalists/ Republicans and they have lost on a number of points. Hence, when another parade was re-routed by the Parades Commission (even though it was only by a few hundred meters) and the police affirmed that they would enforce the decision made by the Parades Commission – some Unionist politicians denounced the governments stance, some Orange leaders called supporters to come on to the streets to protest (they would say peacefully) and Loyalist paramilitaries exploited the unease for their own purposes and unleashed street violence in several areas at the time of the parade. Loyalist communities then felt that the police were heavy-handed in their role and that further enraged them.

There are other bits of background information that may help to explain this particular eruption. Near the end of July the IRA issued a statement indicating more clearly than they ever have before that ‘the war is over’ and signaling that they pursuit of a United Ireland is now to be carried forward by their colleagues in Sinn Fein through solely political means. They went on to order their members to ‘dump arms’ (return weapons to secure dumps) and adopt ‘exclusively peaceful means.’ The order to dump arms is a first step toward decommissioning of their weapons. Something Unionists have been waiting for since 1998. The IRA also indicated that it will dispose of its weapons with both Protestant and Catholic church representatives present and able to credibly verify to the wider population that this has been a genuine act.

The wider world has heard these announcements as very hopeful, but the average Unionist has reacted differently. They know that the IRA have made lots of promises in the past without ever fully giving up violent or criminal activities and remains sceptical. Even a poll taken in the Republic of Ireland shortly after the IRA statement indicated that over 80% of respondents did not believe that the IRA would cease its criminal activity. Unionists also worry about what has been promised to the IRA by the British government to produce that July statement. Immediately after the statement there was a surge of activity as the British Army began demolishing some of its remaining installations in Northern Ireland, and there is talk of disbanding the Royal Irish Regiment, a locally recruited and based unit within the British Army. As well, on the eve of the announcement Sean Kelly, an IRA man convicted of planting a bomb which killed ten people in a fish shop on the Protestant/Loyalist Shankill Road in 1993, was released from prison. Such things are bitter pills for the Unionist population to swallow – and they fear that others may follow and feel this is profoundly unjust. Some also feel the lesson of the past thirty years is that violence has worked for Republicans. So why not use a bit themselves to express their grievances and force the government to address some of the deprivation, alienation and malaise in low-income Loyalist districts. (Government speakers have replied by asserting that it is not violence that has been rewarded for Republicans but the movement away from violence.)

Over the summer there has also been a running feud between two Loyalist paramilitary groups, the UVF and the LVF. Several LVF members or supporters have been murdered by the UVF. In the weeks immediately before the Whiterock Orange Parade there were police raids in the nearby Highfield Estate relating to this internecine Loyalist fighting. Some paramilitary units may well have seen the clash around the parade as an opportunity / excuse to attack the police in return.

Whatever the fuses, and there are bound to have been more than one, for this explosion of Loyalist violence, the upshot is a public relations disaster for the Orange, for Loyalist paramilitary groups, and for Unionist politicians – whose leadership has been disappointing and whose case for having real alienation, grievances and fears addressed has not been effectively communicated. It is also difficult to see what the government could realistically do that would address some of the angst in Loyalist/Unionist/Protestant communities. Much of what they might ask for is simply not on in the context of the wider peace process the British and Irish governments are pursuing.

The physical wreckage from the disturbances is less visible each day, but the political damage will take a lot longer to undo as will rebuilding relationships between groups.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that IRA decommissioning may well take place within the next few days. In fact, many with good insights believe it has already begun. If this is so, it is wonderful but not without difficulties. There are still rows going on over whether or not any observers will be acceptable to all parties. There is also the demand that the IRA not simply disarm but also cease all criminal activity before any significant trust between political parties here can be re-established. Hence, after any act of decommissioning – no matter how dramatic and no matter who verifies it – there will be a kind of ‘decontamination period’ during which Republicans will be carefully scrutinised for engagement in or tolerance of criminal activity. Reports expected from the International Monitoring Commission in October and January will be vital in helping to verify whether or not Republicans have truly moved away from violence and embraced politics as the sole means of pursuing their ambitions.

Again, even if there is dramatic decommissioning in the immediate future no one here expects a return to devolved power-sharing government anytime soon. The Democratic Unionist Party wants another election to take place before that would happen. This they hope will allow them to strengthen their vote and at the same time test their mandate for such a move. Sinn Fein would likely hope for the same. Meanwhile there are unpopular political decisions to be made about introducing water charges, reassessing property values and tax rates, closing local hospitals, and introducing other far reaching economic measures. It could suit local parties for those decisions to be handled by Direct Rule Ministers, so they are in no hurry to be back in Stormont. Watch this space – but don’t expect major change any time soon!

New Troubles

2005-09-14T01:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many have heard about the current problems that started last week. It began when the Orange Order requested to have a parade through a certain area and it was denied by the Parades Commission. The riots are "protests" by the Protestant community. Amazingly, these protests have spread out of Belfast and into smaller communities that normally would have been peaceful. For two days now, I have been running conversations in my head if the occassion were to arise that I would run into one of these protesting folks. (Not likely here in Greenisland.) But the big question mainly is, "What rights are you protesting for?" I don't know but I think I am more frustrated about it this time around then the last time. It makes me mad.

Anyway, things have carried on here fairly normally. People have been having trouble getting in and out of the city and some bus lines have been interrupted. Yesterday I tried my hand at Bowls which I think must be like lawn bowling. It takes a much more delicate touch than chucking a bowling ball as hard as you can down a lane. I preached my first sermon here last Sunday evening and I think it went well. Last night I went to the Presbytery meeting with Jim. Not too different from the ones at home. This Friday I will be meeting up with a family from Fitzroy and I am looking forward to that.

Cheerio!

End of week one

2005-09-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

It is the end of my first week here at Greenisland. Jason went home this morning and I spent the afternoon thinking how quiet it would be without him. This last week has been a good introduction for me. Last Thursday I did some visitation with Jim. A couple of hospital visits and a hospice visit. Sunday morning a read one of the scriptures and in the evening service I did the prayers of intercession. This coming Sunday will be a big one. I will be interviewed during the morning service and then will be preaching at the evening service on Eph. 6:10-20. It is also September 11th so I will tie something in about that as well. It has been strange being here, so far away while one of the worst disasters in our nations history has occured. Not having a television yet has also kept me out of touch. I am saddened by the state of affairs and have been keeping the people of New Orleans in my prayers. If ever there are any prayer concerns back home, please let me know. Next week I plan on trying to get a couple more pictures on the blog. If I have any trouble, you all will have to wait until my technical support returns!

We made it!

2005-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Jason and I have made it to Greenisland as of yesterday. We flew into Dublin the day before and I had a big reminder of what it was like when I was in Belfast. That night when all the pubs got out, all the people poured out talking, singing, yelling. It reminded me of my last wee house on Carmel St. Our flat here is attached to a church members house and it is absolutely lovely. I am very excited to call this place home. My work will begin next week with doing some simple things in the services. Jason is going to also put in some thoughts here. So will write more later when I have a bit more time.

Cheers!

Here's a picture...

2005-08-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

Thank-you, Safari web browser! Here's a picture of Jason on the bridge leading to Ice Glen in Stockbridge, MA.

Cheers, Jason & Kristina

Darn these Macs...

2005-08-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

No, we're not in Scotland (or Ireland) yet; we're in Cheshire, MA and writing from a Mac. It's a G4 or some such, but Blogger doesn't support many Blogger editor functions (including Images!) from IE on Macs. We'll see if we can't find another browser to use... but you're not here to hear our tech woes, you're here to see whether the plane crashed.

It didn't! We're thrilled to be alive in damp, green Massachusetts. The weather's been the hottest (90F) and muggiest (98% humidity) that it's been all summer, but it cools down at night and we've been sleeping well. Our accommodations are on the shore of Pontoosuc Lake in Lanesboro:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lanesboro,+MA&ll=42.49777936718097,-73.2575011253357&spn=0.0052303621633097205,0.006543517112731934&t=h&hl=en

We're in a small cabin near the bottom of Opeechee St. The cabin is *tiny* - we sleep in the loft and our luggage takes up most of the downstairs floorspace. It's probably no more than 200 sq. ft. total. We figure it'll make our accommodations in N. Ireland feel *huge* in comparison. :-)

We've already spent time at Hancock Shaker Village (http://www.hancockshakervillage.org/), Tannery Falls, Balance Rock (the one on Balance Rock Road in Lanesboro, not the one in Savoy State Forest), a walking tour of Stockbridge (famous for Norman Rockwell), and a ramble through Ice Glen State Park. Kristina was unexpectedly recruited to sing second tenor (along with her mother-in-law) at St. Stephens' Church on Sunday morning - we sang several gospel quartet numbers, though not in a very gospel-like fashion - it was more like opera.

We'll see if we can't get some pics in the next post. Tomorrow we head to Rutland, VT to meet up with Kristina's friend Hanna (whom she met while on her previous trip to Belfast in 1999). We'll also see our friends Bill & Shelly and their daughter Kaylee Terra Schoonover-Gustafson. We'll be back in Cheshire by Thursday dinner to celebrate Kristina's birthday.

Hope all is well with y'all and y'own,
Jason & kristina

Dude, where's my...

2005-07-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hi ho, Jason the Husband here, with another late-breaking news flash. About 70% of our 2-bedroom apartment has been packed into a 5'x15'x12' space. Tomorrow we'll discover that there's something that we must have with us, that's buried at the back of the storage unit. I will then spend several days training desert rats to climb in and retrieve the item.

We're looking forward to this weekend. We hope to have the apartment completely empty and clean by the end of the day Friday. If we can do this, we can relax all weekend long; if not, then at least we'll have another day or so to finish up.

After that, it's a week of relative normalcy until we hop a plane to Boston. If you can call living out of a suitcase at a friend's house "normal". Maybe our "normal" isn't your "normal" -- but hey, that's probably how it is for most folks. Wait, does that mean there's no normal "normal"?

Normal is a fun word to say thrice, quickly. Normal normal normal.

- Jason

P.s. We'll soon find out whether Kristina minds if I post to her blog, or whether she'd prefer I post this sort of bizarre drivel to a blog of my own...

2005-07-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Well Friends,

It's official, I HAVE A VISA! Third time's a charm like they say. Jason and I are down to the last couple of weeks in our apartment. After that, we will stay with friends for 10 days until we leave for Massachusetts. We are spending a little time with Jason's parents before heading to Northern Ireland. The countdown is beginning.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

2005-06-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we just had an earthquake, 5.2 located very nearby. It was enough to get me up out of my chair where I have been typing a paper. It's been awhile since I have felt it necessary to move while an earthquake's been happening. You can tell I have been in Southern California too long. It is also fairly unusual because we just had an earthquake on Sunday. I was on my way to church and thought someone was shoving my car. From what I heard about the folks at church, no one really budged too much. Just another day in California.

Greenisland PCI

2005-05-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

Greenisland PCI

Here is the website for the church.

Time to get serious

2005-05-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I am soon letting the world know that I am going back to Northern Ireland. This will be the place where I do my musings, updates, and requests. This will be the best place to find out new information about what I am doing and learning. At this point I am finishing up one more class before having the month of July to pack everything up. At this point I am in conversation with the church I will be working at, Greenisland Presbyterian Church, about searching out which visa I am going to need. Lord knows how long it will take to get the visa. For now, Jason and I are planning on leaving at the end of August. Jason will spend two weeks with me there. In December he will take six months leave of absence and join me for the last six months of my stay. At this point, prayers for the visa situation. For a look at the church where I will be, check the link above.

Flash � Mashed Taters (Potatoes)

2005-05-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

Flash � Mashed Taters (Potatoes)

Why is it that I only use this blog to put the crazy things that I find?

Napolean Dynamite

2005-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

retromex's Quizzes

Sweeeeeet!

Leech worms way into hiker�s nose - Peculiar Postings - MSNBC.com

2005-04-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Leech worms way into hiker�s nose - Peculiar Postings - MSNBC.com

Another reason for me not to go backpacking...

How could someone not notice this?

Belfast Telegraph

2005-03-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Belfast Telegraph

Hobbits capable of complex reasoning, but not most humans...

Including me...I'm supposed to be writing a paper...

Mad Cow Disease

2005-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Mad Cow Disease

Sorry, forgot to give the link. I love stupid stuff like this.

Life of Robert: Why are you looking up here anyway?

2005-02-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

Life of Robert: Why are you looking up here anyway?

I have great friends. They find stuff like this. Maybe check his page or try this link.

http://www.frenzy.com/~jester/racecar.html

Let's see if I can also try to add my fun file. Not quite sure how to do it?

Well, couldn't find it on my computer, but (God bless the internet) I found a link.

Spark of Genius

2005-01-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

I was recently speaking with a friend and wondering that if I do end up in N Ireland for my internship, what would I learn there that would benefit me back in the states? I suddenly thought of the polarization of left and right Christians. We in the US could soon be in a similar situation as in Northern Ireland (hopefully without the violence) of two groups of people who profess to follow the same God and savior that never speak to one another. My hope would be that I could use that in order to bridge the differences that have been growing ever and ever wider.

DESTINATION - Germany

2005-01-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

DESTINATION - Cologne

Jason and I spent our first Christmas in Europe. We were visiting my Granmother and aunt. My Oma lives in a little village near Hidelberg. We were there for a week in this quiet little place, mostly eating and sleepig. The last week we went to Koeln where my aunt lives to see the "big city". All in all it was a great trip. Spending time with my 83 year old Oma was most important of all. It was hard translating things for Jason, simply because my German is so bad. But Jason did extremely well and picked up a lot of vocabulary! Maybe if we get to Ireland, we can go again.

Finals

2004-12-15T10:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I can't believe it, but today is my last final. Hebrew of all things. I have been so wrapped up in this that I am hardly ready for Christmas. Tomorrow my family leaves for Vegas for my friends graduation. Then it is back, a one day turn around, and then off to Germany. It looks like I will be sending New Year's letters instead of Christmas letters.

'Hobbit' joins human family tree

2004-12-07T22:31:00.000-08:00

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | 'Hobbit' joins human family tree

And people thought that Tolkien was making it all up...

SojoNet: Faith, Politics, and Culture

2004-11-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

SojoNet: Faith, Politics, and Culture

I liked what this article had to say. In depth thinking before voting.

U2

2004-11-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

U2

I am so happy that there will soon be a new U2 album. Depending on what happens tomorrow on election day, I might need it to cheer me up. I can't believe that after all this time, the election is actually here. I have not hid the fact that I do not like Bush. But what happens if he is reelected? I saw a good letter in Sojurners that stated that perhaps it will be better to focus on what we have in common, and how to get work done, rather than getting all upset and working against the grain. Wise words. How do you work with someone you don't like. I have been bemoaning the fact that the politicians in Northern Ireland should just grow up and talk to each other. I need to follow my own advice.

Stormy Weather

2004-10-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

It is supposed to rain today. That might not be so strange to some, but I live in Southern California and it rained four days last week as well. Not that I am complaining. I love this weather. It reminds me of Ireland and I think I love most everything that reminds me of that. The one part that is difficult with rainy weather is work. How do you keep 30 children entertained when they have been inside all day? By doing a lot! Today is also my moms birthday and Jason and I will be doing dinner with my folks this evening. That will be a nice change from the normal ins and outs of work. Mostly I just wanted to say how much I am liking the rain. I hope that this will be an El Nino winter for us...

Midterm madness

2004-10-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted anything. I had a midterm due last night, a double dose of Hebrew last week, plus one last midterm due next week. I feel like I am continually scrambling to catch up.
At work, the other site director gave her two weeks notice. I think it is a good thing, she has been really scattered for several months now. But I do not understand why she has been slacking and lying to me lately. This is a person that I thought was very strong in how she pictured herself, having integrity, responsibility, and faith. I haven't seen much of that lately. I realize that people can stumble in things, but that still doesn't stop me from being angry that it happened. So here I am venting, and not talking with her about it to hold her accountable.
Me, hypocrite? I think so...

It's not about Charity, its about Justice

2004-10-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

U2

I am hoping that this link works. If not, go to U2.com. Check out Bono's speech to the Labour Party. Good stuff in it.
"The war against terror is bound up in the war against poverty, I didn't say that, Colin Powell said that. And when a military man from the right starts talking like that maybe we should listen!

Because maybe, today, these are one and the same.

People get nervous when I talk like this. I get nervous when I talk like this. But in these distressing and disturbing times, surely it's cheaper, and smarter, to make friends out of potential enemies than it is to defend yourself against them.

Can I just say that again?"

I am just wondering when we will start calling Bono, Sir Bono?

Fall Festival

2004-10-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Jason (my husband) and I just got back from Plymouth Village, a retirement center here in town and their fall festival. I love doing things like this. It just reminds me why I love Redlands and its small town-likeness. We had homemade donuts (the best!), sat and talked with folks, bought a few books and listened to the 70 year old DJ play a wide variety of music (Gloria Estefan to Nat King Cole to Polka). Next we will be off to a church bar-b-que. These things remind me that it is the start of fall, even though after a cool week, today feels like a pleasant summer day. Jason and I would like to move back east at some point in the future where these changes will be more noticable. I like the fall. Cooler days, beginning to nest a bit, candy and costumes on the mind (even though some would say that I am too old for that...NEVER!) begin to slow down the mind of summer activity.

Aaaaaaaagh!

2004-10-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Goofy World

After looking at a few other blogs, I am trying to figure out how to add links to my page! I NEED TECHNICAL SUPPORT!
This will be a cool venue for communicating with folks if I could just figure out how it all works!

The world of blogging

2004-10-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

I suppose that for those of you that have been in the world of blogging for awhile now, I am uncultured in blog ese. And I am. Because this is new for me, I will be using complete sentences, writing what I think I should write, and doing this for myself. I have no idea what my intent is but I thought I would explore this new world.
I have just sent off an email to Doug Baker who might help me find an internship position in Northern Ireland for next year. If this step goes well, then it looks like Belfast would be a reality for Jason and me. This was actually a very big step. It could take us of our comfort zone. If Bush ends up getting reelected, it will get us out of this crazy country!

Hiya!

2004-09-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Just getting started with the world of blogging. Thank you Robert! Here's to a new relationship...