Tuesday, August 19, 2008

down and muddy


~
Mum and Dad jumped on a plane very early this morning...... and will now be somewhere in sunny Australia. They should be making their way to a beautiful beach where they can both get some much needed rest and relaxation.

Meanwhile.... I've been left with the farm. Actually, maybe we should call it the "lakes".

We've had so much rain in the last month that there are lakes where I've never seen them before. The ducks seem to be making themselves at home, swimming around the paddocks. It's quite lovely - except for the mud that's also everywhere.

There was lots of jumping to try and reach gates without standing knee deep in water, and while riding the quad bike around - the mud was just flying everywhere.

The sun has been shining for the afternoon, and I'm hoping it will stick around for a little while... warming up not only me - but the ground so the grass will start to grow again. :)

All in all - I know it's going to be a long couple of weeks with work and the farm, but I'm already relishing in being back there. I love the sounds, the smells, and the lack of street lights! The stars are so much brighter, and the mooing of cows and neighing of horses a symphony to the sound of cars. Mum and Dad may not be able to get rid of me when they get back. Maybe we could do a house swap? hehehe.

"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father."
John 15:11

Friday, August 15, 2008

CHANGE


~
Today is the start of the change

As Gandhi said:
Be the change that you want to see in the world.

Here in New Zealand we have what is called:
100 Days, 100 Dollars.

It's a chance to not only raise funds to help out some kids in Nairobi, Africa but also raise awareness. And it starts TODAY!

Yes - education is everything. Not only for these kids - but for us to grasp the reality that faces these children every day.

I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to live in a tin shack. To have to scrounge for scraps to eat. And to not just have the opportunity to pick up a book and read of everything that is out there.

I'm the person who gets grumpy because I get stuck in traffic. It doesn't matter that I'm stuck in my lovely new car, which has a tank full of gas, a stereo which allows me to listen to beautiful music. All of this I've been fortunate enough to purchase because I have a job.
A job that I was able to get because I was provided with an education. One that allowed me to learn about the world, the places that I want to see, the people that I would love to meet, and provided me with the skills that I use every day in my job.

I take all of this for granted.... while on the other side of the world there are kids who smile, and laugh when they have so little.

Reality check.

So.....

What am I willing to do?

How am I going to change?

~ Be the change that you want to see in the world. ~

Be encouraged!