Currently Listening Timeless By Sergio Mendes see related

Happy New 2007!!!

2006 started out to be a difficult, sad time having to take 6 months off work (sad, yes, ironically it was in many ways), and moreso being away from close friends. Only to be misunderstood by family upon our landing in warm, balmy Manila, as to our reason for staying with them for an extended period of time. There were bottomless helpings of family conflicts mixed with laughter; as well as exercising patience, cramming into an unfamiliar social scene. Lots of lessons were learned. The time was also fulfilling in that despite the hardships we were able to spend umpteen  quality hours with my mom, bro, sis, and cousins. 

We are very blessed that we were able to take time off...And our time in Western Europe for 3.5 wks was a very memorable one with friends and has deepen friendships in ways that would take years or just the kind of relating only experienced through living in community in a foreign land.  I miss London, Paris, Spain, Italy and travelling camraderie.

Coming back to Vancouver late July was a breath of fresh air. Realizing that this is where God calls us to be and experiencing Christian love from brothers and sisters was a comforting experience.
This comfort however was easily shaken by the instability of our church politics. This unhealthy/unfair treatment on our serving brothers and sisters were breaking them down emotionally and/or spiritually...It was alright in some ways initially because despite the chinese congregation deameaning the English congregation, we as the English side was still very united in mind and will and wanting the best for the church, having God in the center. However, months later...from what involved people in the line of fire have gone through, it seems like the wounds have gone beyond superficial and will need time to heal. This translates to leaders of the church taking time off. I feel torn because I do understand that these people need time to recuperate, and re-focus on God. Now what seemed like a united English congregation is dispersing into their own pockets of haven or in search of one. Can healing and resting not be done by stepping down from leadership yet staying around supported by other fellow members and friends? This to me is vulnerable, unstable time in a life of a church. What happens to the ones who are left behind? Those who aren't church hopping eventhough they would possibly like to? One glimmer of light I suppose is, a lot of these people have, in fact, have mentioned that their leave is just for a few months, or 6 months or just in the mean time...

AFter 3 months or 6 months, I wonder if these people will in fact be back and their hearts be healed and ready. Uncertainty. It'll be curious how events unfold in 2007. 

Looking forward to the good times to be had and going through life events with friends and family who care. Here's wishing you a blessed 2007. 

By the way, the Sergio Mendes Timless cd is pretty fun! Lots of black eyed peas and bumpin' beats. check it out.