This past weekend I watch a 2-hour documentary on President Truman. (I sometimes watch Nerd TV with my husband.) Truman's story was really interesting to me because he was a person of seemingly little talent that would make him stand out, yet he made it to the post of president. He didn't seem to want it that much, and his wife Bess seemed to totally detest the role of first lady.
He ran into some tough times, with having to make the decision about dropping the atomic bomb on Japan and running up against General MacArthur about the Korean War. At more than one point, he had his head in his hands and made a statement that a thousand other people would make a better leader than he was. Then, he would shore himself up and realize he was the leader, and he would make the best decision he could.
At the same time, I'm reading the book called JFK AND THE UNSPEAKABLE: WHY HE DIED AND WHY IT MATTERS by James Douglass. This book delves into JFK's relationship with his joint chiefs of staff and the military leaders and what kind of precarious situations he found himself in with them. The interesting part is that he looks at JFK through the perspectives of Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk who was writing letters about the world situation at the time.
The book details JFK's state of mind and principles during the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis. It is so scary to see the huge burden that rested on the president's shoulders at these two moments in history--moments that could have changed all of our lives forever. I admire the stands that he took, or at least that this book says he took. It takes great courage to be a good leader.
I think these two stories have been an encouragement to me about being a leader. I am a leader, yet I tend to shrink back from new opportunities for leadership because I am afraid I will not have what it takes in moments of crisis. Perhaps this is a lack of faith; perhaps it is that I know myself and stress. I hate to make decisions that will seriously impact the lives of others. In those moments, I think about working in a gas station, McDonald's, anything that does not seem so momentous.
Yet, I want my life to count for something, to be significant. I think what these two stories showed me was that these two guys WERE afraid and wished they were somewhere else also, when the going got really rough. What made them good leaders was that they did not quit at those times. They realized they had to go forward and make the best decisions they could. They often did so knowing that there would be consequences of some kind. They had to accept those too.
I hope I can take these learnings with me into my life--whether it be leadership at home, at work, in relationships.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Books beside my bed
Here are the titles of books currently by my bedside:
JFK and the Unspeakable (just started)
Hokey Pokey: Curious People Finding What Life's All About (done)
Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step (reading)
Landmarks: An Ignatian Journey (reading)
Franny and Zooey (have not started)
Editors on Editing (been reading for a while)
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
The Mermaid Chair
Safe People
Internal Family Systems Model (finished)
With God in the Crucible (finished)
Eat, Pray, Love (reading)
Rabble Rouser for Peace (reading)
Mockingbird
Growing Souls
Mosaic by Amy Grant (finshed)
Run by Ann Patchett (finished)
Orbiting the Giant Hairball (finished)
A Primitive Heart by David Rabe (finshed)
Sacred Tracks
So maybe I should get a bookshelf . . .
JFK and the Unspeakable (just started)
Hokey Pokey: Curious People Finding What Life's All About (done)
Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step (reading)
Landmarks: An Ignatian Journey (reading)
Franny and Zooey (have not started)
Editors on Editing (been reading for a while)
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
The Mermaid Chair
Safe People
Internal Family Systems Model (finished)
With God in the Crucible (finished)
Eat, Pray, Love (reading)
Rabble Rouser for Peace (reading)
Mockingbird
Growing Souls
Mosaic by Amy Grant (finshed)
Run by Ann Patchett (finished)
Orbiting the Giant Hairball (finished)
A Primitive Heart by David Rabe (finshed)
Sacred Tracks
So maybe I should get a bookshelf . . .
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Failing
I'm pretty sure I blew all the 3 simple rules today that I talked about in my blog yesterday. I did harm, I didn't do good, and I didn't stay in very close touch with God today. Circumstances seemed to shake me like a rag doll today. I feel completely wrung out and without virtue. Help me, God.
Monday, May 19, 2008
3 Simple Rules
I've been reading and praying with a little book lately that has helped me. It's called Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Rueben Job. Rueben is one of my spiritual heroes; he is a retired bishop in The United Methodist Church and used to be World Editor at The Upper Room. He has a quiet, holy presence--like someone who knows how to get quiet enough to hear God speak. He's one of those people with whom you just feel loved when you're around him.
I read his simple little book (just 78 pages) in preparation for hearing him speak a few weeks ago. I was intrigued with how simple the message was and yet how difficult the message is to live out. The three simple rules, according to John Wesley:
1. Do no harm.
2. Do good.
3. Stay in love with God.
He writes about each one, and what he thinks each one means. At the back of the book are simple outlines for morning, midday, and evening prayers. I've mostly just been remembering the morning prayers. But it has been kind of amazing to me how this little routine turns my heart Godward.
I've used Rueben's Guides to Prayer for about 24 years now--hard to believe. I go in and out of seasons of using them, but they are so helpful to me. Some scripture to meditate on each day, a few quotes from spiritual writers through the ages, a few words from Rueben, a guide for my daily prayer.
This little book is small enough to carry around in my purse, so it is right there when I have a few moments to read something; it helps me focus on God. Most days, I need all the help I can get!
I read his simple little book (just 78 pages) in preparation for hearing him speak a few weeks ago. I was intrigued with how simple the message was and yet how difficult the message is to live out. The three simple rules, according to John Wesley:
1. Do no harm.
2. Do good.
3. Stay in love with God.
He writes about each one, and what he thinks each one means. At the back of the book are simple outlines for morning, midday, and evening prayers. I've mostly just been remembering the morning prayers. But it has been kind of amazing to me how this little routine turns my heart Godward.
I've used Rueben's Guides to Prayer for about 24 years now--hard to believe. I go in and out of seasons of using them, but they are so helpful to me. Some scripture to meditate on each day, a few quotes from spiritual writers through the ages, a few words from Rueben, a guide for my daily prayer.
This little book is small enough to carry around in my purse, so it is right there when I have a few moments to read something; it helps me focus on God. Most days, I need all the help I can get!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Gotta Be
One of my favorite all-time songs is the one by Des'ree called "Gotta Be." It is sort of my pep song, a rallying cry in times of self-pity, for a number of years.
I'm thinking of it now in relation to my last post, in which I was sort of feeling sorry for myself and also being a bit thin-skinned about what others may think about the recent trip to Africa and the vision for being involved with that ministry.
I think about these words, singing them in my head and heart:
"You gotta be
You gotta be bad,
you gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser,
you gotta be hard
You gotta be tough,
you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool,
you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know,
love will save the day
Herald what your mother said
Read the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
my oh my hey, hey (chorus)"
Some people have commented to me about my last blog, mostly in the vein of "hold on to your dreams," and "develop a little mental toughness about what others say about your vision." Someone else said, "You may not win a popularity contest, but hold on anyway." I really appreciate those words of encouragement; I wish that I were strong enough on my own to withstand pressures like this, but I really do sometimes need the encouragement of my community.
One big encouragement came this morning in Pastor Pete's sermon on "Plan B." He told about when he was 21 and God was calling him to start a new church. When he told others in the church where he was about it, he initially got some support, but he heard people talking about him behind his back and how they said he was doomed to fail. He got really upset about hearing this and went out to his car and cried. Then he seemed to sense God saying to him, "I'm just asking you to be available . . ." He knew that he could do at least that much, even if there were naysayers.
I think that is what I'm called to do also, in relation to the South Africa initiative--be available and not put so much stock in whether other people approve or like it. That's not even necessary.
It's not really about me. It's about love.
And . . . Love WILL save the day . . .
I'm thinking of it now in relation to my last post, in which I was sort of feeling sorry for myself and also being a bit thin-skinned about what others may think about the recent trip to Africa and the vision for being involved with that ministry.
I think about these words, singing them in my head and heart:
"You gotta be
You gotta be bad,
you gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser,
you gotta be hard
You gotta be tough,
you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool,
you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know,
love will save the day
Herald what your mother said
Read the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
my oh my hey, hey (chorus)"
Some people have commented to me about my last blog, mostly in the vein of "hold on to your dreams," and "develop a little mental toughness about what others say about your vision." Someone else said, "You may not win a popularity contest, but hold on anyway." I really appreciate those words of encouragement; I wish that I were strong enough on my own to withstand pressures like this, but I really do sometimes need the encouragement of my community.
One big encouragement came this morning in Pastor Pete's sermon on "Plan B." He told about when he was 21 and God was calling him to start a new church. When he told others in the church where he was about it, he initially got some support, but he heard people talking about him behind his back and how they said he was doomed to fail. He got really upset about hearing this and went out to his car and cried. Then he seemed to sense God saying to him, "I'm just asking you to be available . . ." He knew that he could do at least that much, even if there were naysayers.
I think that is what I'm called to do also, in relation to the South Africa initiative--be available and not put so much stock in whether other people approve or like it. That's not even necessary.
It's not really about me. It's about love.
And . . . Love WILL save the day . . .
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Back to the "Real World"
Strangely enough, all my work was waiting for me when I got back to the office. It's been a week of waking up early in the morning and fading out early in the evening, getting over the jet lag and change of time zones. I'm glad it's a 3-day weekend now.
It's also been somewhat of a jolt to realize that not everyone at work is overjoyed that I went to South Africa and they also don't get the vision of what the work in Africa is all about. I try to explain it, but I don't think they get it. Maybe it is something that must be experienced to really get it?
So, reality check time. Wondering how to bring back what I experienced there. How to contribute to the work there while still doing my job here? I don't really know.
Maybe I need to relinquish this experience and let happen what happens. Maybe I"m holding on too tightly to the vision and to what I think it is. It's not about me.
It's also been somewhat of a jolt to realize that not everyone at work is overjoyed that I went to South Africa and they also don't get the vision of what the work in Africa is all about. I try to explain it, but I don't think they get it. Maybe it is something that must be experienced to really get it?
So, reality check time. Wondering how to bring back what I experienced there. How to contribute to the work there while still doing my job here? I don't really know.
Maybe I need to relinquish this experience and let happen what happens. Maybe I"m holding on too tightly to the vision and to what I think it is. It's not about me.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
An Afternoon in Soweto
Yesterday afternoon, our new friend Father Xolani picked Sharon and I up at Common Ground to take us around Soweto, where he grew up. Father X was one of the Anglican priests we met last week in Cape Town, and he offered to take us to Soweto, which we gladly accepted.
We toured Nelson Mandela's home, which is now a little museum. We went to a museum about the little boy who died in 1976 in an uprising (don't have his name in front of me right now). It was a wonderful museum about apartheid, and it filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge. We ate at Wandie's, a restaurant with authentic South AFrican, Soweto-influenced food. It was so good--really a lot like soul food. Very delicious. Then Father X surprised us by taking us to his birthplace, a home in Soweto, and we met his mother and brother and looked inside two homes. That was very special, and we were welcomed warmly. We picked up his wife at work and took her with us--she is a beautiful person. They are both coming to Nashville in July, so we (and Nicole) will be glad to welcome them there.
I took some pictures there, and Father X took a lot of them with my camera. It was a memorable day, and so special to have someone who lived there show us the sights.
We toured Nelson Mandela's home, which is now a little museum. We went to a museum about the little boy who died in 1976 in an uprising (don't have his name in front of me right now). It was a wonderful museum about apartheid, and it filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge. We ate at Wandie's, a restaurant with authentic South AFrican, Soweto-influenced food. It was so good--really a lot like soul food. Very delicious. Then Father X surprised us by taking us to his birthplace, a home in Soweto, and we met his mother and brother and looked inside two homes. That was very special, and we were welcomed warmly. We picked up his wife at work and took her with us--she is a beautiful person. They are both coming to Nashville in July, so we (and Nicole) will be glad to welcome them there.
I took some pictures there, and Father X took a lot of them with my camera. It was a memorable day, and so special to have someone who lived there show us the sights.
Winding down and heading home soon
I'm at Roland Rink's house in Johannesburg now. He has kindly invited us to dinner with his family. Good smells abound--can't wait to hear what we're having. I heard for dessert we're having homemade Ben and Jerry's Butter Pecan ice cream!
Roland has spoiled Sharon, Dale, and me today by taking us to the beautiful Botanical Gardens nearby. It was so peaceful, with many beautiful plants and a waterfall. A daycare from Soweto was visiting and they were such cute children. I took pictures of them and they loved that.
We had a nice lunch at the gardens, then came back to Roland's house. His wife Renee took us to a Creche, which is their name for a daycare center for some of the poorest of the poor children. Renee grocery shops for this one Creche once a month, so we went with her to shop and then deliver. The little children were all eager to be held. I loved holding them and touching them. There was whole room of babies, several to a crib and some sleeping on the floor. Encroaching upon the daycare center were the makeshift dwellings that keep growing and growing, as more people need shelter. I hated to leave. There were so many more children to hold . . . I thought of Becca and how she would have loved to love on all those children with me today.
Tonight we are staying at a B&B, which is quite a change from where we have been staying. One night of "pampering" I guess.
I've enjoyed picking up chocolate at the store today. (Still looking for vegan chocolate, Rachel!) The chocolate here is so much better. I love it. Sharon has been a bad influence on me; she always has chocolate on hand!
Tonight Roland put on the U2 CD with Vertigo and You Don't Have to Go it Alone. Made me think of Tim and how much I miss him! I strictly instructed Roland NOT to play one of his vast collection of Beatles CD--I said it would make me miss Tim and the family too much! I have to make it to Saturday morning, after all.
Tomorrow we will do a bit of shopping before heading to the airport. This has been a grand trip and so much to think about. I'm really grateful for this opportunity.
Roland has spoiled Sharon, Dale, and me today by taking us to the beautiful Botanical Gardens nearby. It was so peaceful, with many beautiful plants and a waterfall. A daycare from Soweto was visiting and they were such cute children. I took pictures of them and they loved that.
We had a nice lunch at the gardens, then came back to Roland's house. His wife Renee took us to a Creche, which is their name for a daycare center for some of the poorest of the poor children. Renee grocery shops for this one Creche once a month, so we went with her to shop and then deliver. The little children were all eager to be held. I loved holding them and touching them. There was whole room of babies, several to a crib and some sleeping on the floor. Encroaching upon the daycare center were the makeshift dwellings that keep growing and growing, as more people need shelter. I hated to leave. There were so many more children to hold . . . I thought of Becca and how she would have loved to love on all those children with me today.
Tonight we are staying at a B&B, which is quite a change from where we have been staying. One night of "pampering" I guess.
I've enjoyed picking up chocolate at the store today. (Still looking for vegan chocolate, Rachel!) The chocolate here is so much better. I love it. Sharon has been a bad influence on me; she always has chocolate on hand!
Tonight Roland put on the U2 CD with Vertigo and You Don't Have to Go it Alone. Made me think of Tim and how much I miss him! I strictly instructed Roland NOT to play one of his vast collection of Beatles CD--I said it would make me miss Tim and the family too much! I have to make it to Saturday morning, after all.
Tomorrow we will do a bit of shopping before heading to the airport. This has been a grand trip and so much to think about. I'm really grateful for this opportunity.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Onward to Johannesburg
So, Saturday was an all-day Companions in Christ Training in a church in Cape Town, with about 75 people attending, all Anglicans. Great day--very hot in that hall. We were all sweating all day, and I thought the people were so kind to stay there and listen to us!
We went straight to the airport--Steve, Sharon, Cary, and I. We stopped at a little Sports Bar in the restaurant for dinner. Cary told us about his unbelievable week in Joburg the week before (he had been on his own), and we shared about our week. As we were getting ready to fly back, I felt myself falling into a sort of funk. I know I was tired, but I think the bigger reason was that I was not ready to say goodbye to Cape Town and all the great people I had met there. I just wasn't ready. I knew that Joburg had a whole new week of new people and new scenes, and maybe--some heartbreaking encounters?
I buried my head in a book for the 2-hour flight back, and hoped that Sunday would be a day of recovery and transition for me. We got to Common Ground, which is a Methodist retreat center. Sharon and I shared a room there. Sunday morning, Steve decided he'd take whomever to a game park to see the animals. So Sharon, Cary and he went on, and I decided to take a quiet day. So glad I did. It was perfectly what I needed.
I was awoken that day by some heavenly singing downstairs. A group of African women were staying in the center with us, and they were all together downstairs singing the most beautiful songs in their beautiful way. I felt somehow held in their song, soothed, calmed, and loved. I didn't get up in time for breakfast, so just thought I'd wait till the next meal. A knock on the door, and the innkeeper, Joan, appeared with a tray with scrambled eggs, sausage, buttered toast, and juice. Yes, breakfast in bed in South Africa! I was overwhelmed by this act of kindness. Her Jack Russell Terrier, Spottie, came up with her and jumped in my lap to be petted. Spottie and Sharon and I have become good friends.
That whole day I just napped and read (a book given to me by one of the Anglican clergy in Cape Town, very meaningful) and wrote and relaxed. It was the balm I needed, and I felt ready to greet the week and also the gamespeople who had come back from their great safari!
It seemed that Cary, Steve, and Sharon had had a close encounter with a Rhino! It got in front of their car, pawed at the ground as if to charge, and then . . . pooped! Yes, that's all it was. But Cary was daring, got out of the car, and took marvelous video footage of the marvelous creature, and Sharon took pictures with my camera. (Thanks, Sharon!)
Monday morning was a great meeting with partners about developing the Anathoth property here with ComeBack Missions, an active organization that helps addicts and people with HIV/AIDS to recover and get their lives back. It looks like we will be building houses to have these folks on the property for short periods of time. It is all so exciting and feels like we are really contributing to some solutions, at least for one person at a time.
So Monday afternoon, Cheryl Pillay and Ruby of Come Back Missions took Cary and I to a Lion Park. We saw Zebras, lions, giraffes, springbok. We got very close, and I got great pictures! The most exciting adventure was in lion park, where you have to stay in your car with windows rolled up (no fences), and we had stopped to look at three lionesses, about 8 feet from the car. The car died and would not start up again! I got scared, thinking, what will we do, not being able to get out of the car! Cheryl got great kicks out of this American laughing nervously in the back seat! After about 5 minutes, the car started again. God answers prayer!
I fed a giraffe, and he wrapped his big old tongue around my had as he took the food out. We got to pet the lion cubs, and they sort of attacked Cary! But, tough guy that he is, he survived it.
Today I have met with South Africa authors who have stellar publishing ideas, and I can't wait to see what will happen there.
Tomorrow I go to Soweto with an Anglican priest who grew up there. More later, dear readers.
Dad, giving you equal time with Mom here--love ya!
We went straight to the airport--Steve, Sharon, Cary, and I. We stopped at a little Sports Bar in the restaurant for dinner. Cary told us about his unbelievable week in Joburg the week before (he had been on his own), and we shared about our week. As we were getting ready to fly back, I felt myself falling into a sort of funk. I know I was tired, but I think the bigger reason was that I was not ready to say goodbye to Cape Town and all the great people I had met there. I just wasn't ready. I knew that Joburg had a whole new week of new people and new scenes, and maybe--some heartbreaking encounters?
I buried my head in a book for the 2-hour flight back, and hoped that Sunday would be a day of recovery and transition for me. We got to Common Ground, which is a Methodist retreat center. Sharon and I shared a room there. Sunday morning, Steve decided he'd take whomever to a game park to see the animals. So Sharon, Cary and he went on, and I decided to take a quiet day. So glad I did. It was perfectly what I needed.
I was awoken that day by some heavenly singing downstairs. A group of African women were staying in the center with us, and they were all together downstairs singing the most beautiful songs in their beautiful way. I felt somehow held in their song, soothed, calmed, and loved. I didn't get up in time for breakfast, so just thought I'd wait till the next meal. A knock on the door, and the innkeeper, Joan, appeared with a tray with scrambled eggs, sausage, buttered toast, and juice. Yes, breakfast in bed in South Africa! I was overwhelmed by this act of kindness. Her Jack Russell Terrier, Spottie, came up with her and jumped in my lap to be petted. Spottie and Sharon and I have become good friends.
That whole day I just napped and read (a book given to me by one of the Anglican clergy in Cape Town, very meaningful) and wrote and relaxed. It was the balm I needed, and I felt ready to greet the week and also the gamespeople who had come back from their great safari!
It seemed that Cary, Steve, and Sharon had had a close encounter with a Rhino! It got in front of their car, pawed at the ground as if to charge, and then . . . pooped! Yes, that's all it was. But Cary was daring, got out of the car, and took marvelous video footage of the marvelous creature, and Sharon took pictures with my camera. (Thanks, Sharon!)
Monday morning was a great meeting with partners about developing the Anathoth property here with ComeBack Missions, an active organization that helps addicts and people with HIV/AIDS to recover and get their lives back. It looks like we will be building houses to have these folks on the property for short periods of time. It is all so exciting and feels like we are really contributing to some solutions, at least for one person at a time.
So Monday afternoon, Cheryl Pillay and Ruby of Come Back Missions took Cary and I to a Lion Park. We saw Zebras, lions, giraffes, springbok. We got very close, and I got great pictures! The most exciting adventure was in lion park, where you have to stay in your car with windows rolled up (no fences), and we had stopped to look at three lionesses, about 8 feet from the car. The car died and would not start up again! I got scared, thinking, what will we do, not being able to get out of the car! Cheryl got great kicks out of this American laughing nervously in the back seat! After about 5 minutes, the car started again. God answers prayer!
I fed a giraffe, and he wrapped his big old tongue around my had as he took the food out. We got to pet the lion cubs, and they sort of attacked Cary! But, tough guy that he is, he survived it.
Today I have met with South Africa authors who have stellar publishing ideas, and I can't wait to see what will happen there.
Tomorrow I go to Soweto with an Anglican priest who grew up there. More later, dear readers.
Dad, giving you equal time with Mom here--love ya!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Making Play-Doh in South Africa
It's already Friday, and I've not been anywhere near a working computer since my second day in Cape Town. Sharon, Steve, and I have been out at a Retreat Center in Hermanus, an beautiful area of the wine country there. It is pretty remote.
It was sort of like a camp setting, kind of reminded me of the ones I've been to as a youth. They put Steve, Sharon, and I in the same cottage. Sharon and I shared a bedroom and Steve had the other bedroom. We had a kitchen and living room.
On the second day of the training, we decided to use the Companions exercise where you mold clay into something that represents your brokenness. Sharon and Steve decided on this the night before we were to lead it, so of course we didn't have any clay with us. We wondered, can we find play doh in the little town closest to us? We went to a grocery store, and alas, no play doh. So instead, we bought floor, oil, salt, and food coloring and proceeded that night to make our own. Yes, the World Editor and Publisher of The Upper Room was up to his elbows in homemade play doh! (I have photos to prove it.) We called my handy-dandy husband back in the States to see if he'd look up a recipe on the internet for this, and of course, he came through for us.
Overnight, the stuff melted into a gooey conglomeration of 4 or 5 colors! Thankfully, Steve changed his mind again, so we didn't need it after all. We had fun showing the group our handiwork, and they roared with laughter, probably thinking, those crazy Americans!
The event there was marvelous; when we came in the first night, we really weren't sure of how we would be accepted. There is a fairly high level of distrust of Americans, especially Americans who come in with "the answers" for the African people. We were aware of this mistrust, and so we came in gently, hoping and praying that the Spirit would go before us and prepare the way. We really feel that is what happened because they were so receptive. By the time we left last night, they said the most astounding things about us and the resource, they gathered around us and laid hands on us and blessed us. It was phenomenal!
The people here are so great. They are so friendly and loving and accepting. On Wednesday afternoon I went on a tour of the wine country there. It was beautiful and the wine was great. I loved hanging out with those clergy guys--many quite young and loved to laugh all the time (even before they drank the wine!).
While there I was sitting at the dinner table listening to two colored men (that is what they call themselves, they are light-colored, not black) talk about how life is post-apartheid. They were both probably in their 50s, so most of their lives have been spent in experiencing separation and being held back and facing barriers. The interesting thing is that they are sort of all in a limbo place right now: out of the "honeymoon phase" where everything seemed so rosy for the future and now trying to get along and work out the kinks in this new system. I felt so honored to be hearing from the front lines, from the place where history is being made right now.
So far today: we met with Lux Verbi publishers this morning at 8 a.m. about partnering with them to possibly publish Companions in Afrikaans here, which is quite a need. At noon we met with Bevan Printers, who have a great print-on-demand facility that would help us do short runs of books for AFrica Upper Room to sell here.
Before we went to the retreat on Tuesday, I met with Veronica Language of Struik Publishers (she's an editor with a perfect name!). She was amazingly cooperative and helpful. Hoping that we can partner together in the future.
Then I went to Salty Print, a missional publishing operation of the Methodist Church here. They employ lots of people who wouldn't otherwise have jobs. They print our Prayers for Encouragement, now in 8 or 9 languages (that is the little red book for persons with HIV/AIDS) and also The Upper Room devotional guide. I also visited the Methodist Publishing House in Cape Town.
Tonight we will have a dinner at a seafood place on the waterfront with Father Fred, who invited us here to do the CIC training, and Bishop Rafael and his wife, who were at the training. Sharon and I might go an hour or so early to look around the waterfront.
Tomorrow we lead an all-day training in Cape Town for about 80 people, and then we head to the airport for Johannesburg that night. Hoping that Sunday can truly be Sabbath because I'm tired! (I can hear my mom worrying already, across the ocean! I'm fine, Mom . . .)
Love to all.
It was sort of like a camp setting, kind of reminded me of the ones I've been to as a youth. They put Steve, Sharon, and I in the same cottage. Sharon and I shared a bedroom and Steve had the other bedroom. We had a kitchen and living room.
On the second day of the training, we decided to use the Companions exercise where you mold clay into something that represents your brokenness. Sharon and Steve decided on this the night before we were to lead it, so of course we didn't have any clay with us. We wondered, can we find play doh in the little town closest to us? We went to a grocery store, and alas, no play doh. So instead, we bought floor, oil, salt, and food coloring and proceeded that night to make our own. Yes, the World Editor and Publisher of The Upper Room was up to his elbows in homemade play doh! (I have photos to prove it.) We called my handy-dandy husband back in the States to see if he'd look up a recipe on the internet for this, and of course, he came through for us.
Overnight, the stuff melted into a gooey conglomeration of 4 or 5 colors! Thankfully, Steve changed his mind again, so we didn't need it after all. We had fun showing the group our handiwork, and they roared with laughter, probably thinking, those crazy Americans!
The event there was marvelous; when we came in the first night, we really weren't sure of how we would be accepted. There is a fairly high level of distrust of Americans, especially Americans who come in with "the answers" for the African people. We were aware of this mistrust, and so we came in gently, hoping and praying that the Spirit would go before us and prepare the way. We really feel that is what happened because they were so receptive. By the time we left last night, they said the most astounding things about us and the resource, they gathered around us and laid hands on us and blessed us. It was phenomenal!
The people here are so great. They are so friendly and loving and accepting. On Wednesday afternoon I went on a tour of the wine country there. It was beautiful and the wine was great. I loved hanging out with those clergy guys--many quite young and loved to laugh all the time (even before they drank the wine!).
While there I was sitting at the dinner table listening to two colored men (that is what they call themselves, they are light-colored, not black) talk about how life is post-apartheid. They were both probably in their 50s, so most of their lives have been spent in experiencing separation and being held back and facing barriers. The interesting thing is that they are sort of all in a limbo place right now: out of the "honeymoon phase" where everything seemed so rosy for the future and now trying to get along and work out the kinks in this new system. I felt so honored to be hearing from the front lines, from the place where history is being made right now.
So far today: we met with Lux Verbi publishers this morning at 8 a.m. about partnering with them to possibly publish Companions in Afrikaans here, which is quite a need. At noon we met with Bevan Printers, who have a great print-on-demand facility that would help us do short runs of books for AFrica Upper Room to sell here.
Before we went to the retreat on Tuesday, I met with Veronica Language of Struik Publishers (she's an editor with a perfect name!). She was amazingly cooperative and helpful. Hoping that we can partner together in the future.
Then I went to Salty Print, a missional publishing operation of the Methodist Church here. They employ lots of people who wouldn't otherwise have jobs. They print our Prayers for Encouragement, now in 8 or 9 languages (that is the little red book for persons with HIV/AIDS) and also The Upper Room devotional guide. I also visited the Methodist Publishing House in Cape Town.
Tonight we will have a dinner at a seafood place on the waterfront with Father Fred, who invited us here to do the CIC training, and Bishop Rafael and his wife, who were at the training. Sharon and I might go an hour or so early to look around the waterfront.
Tomorrow we lead an all-day training in Cape Town for about 80 people, and then we head to the airport for Johannesburg that night. Hoping that Sunday can truly be Sabbath because I'm tired! (I can hear my mom worrying already, across the ocean! I'm fine, Mom . . .)
Love to all.
Monday, March 3, 2008
First Day in Cape Town
The trip here was loooong. My ankles were swollen up for lack of circulation. I fell hard into the bed, and the 7 hours left me begging for more when that alarm rang this morning. However, Sharon and I were having breakfast (continental: fresh fruit and yogurt) and then being picked up by a man taking us to the Christian Spirituality Centre. There we had tea and cookies and talked to Dave and Carel (pronounced Carl)about possible publishing projects with their center, which has ties to The Upper Room. It was a meaningful conversation, especially as we talked about the state of race relations in South Africa, which as they quoted a theologian named Albert Nolan, "is over the honeymoon." Post-apartheid South Africa is anything but easy, with many things still to be worked out, both in infrastructure and in interpersonal relations between the races.
We grabbed a quick sandwich on the way back to the hotel (egg salad on multigrain bread--I'm including all the food info b/c my family are foodies and want to know all about the food!) An older couple, John and Jenny Frye, were already waiting for us there to take us to Table Mountain, one of the most magnificent sights in Cape Town. We drove up near the top, took a tram, and were atop the flat mountain with views like I have never seen in my life! The Atlantic Ocean is one one side, with a view of the entire city of Capte Town also. The Indian Ocean is on the other side. It was a perfect, beautiful sunny day and we enjoyed being out in God's creation. John and Jenny were such spiritually alive people, John having just retired 3 days ago as an Anglican minister. I felt that the conversations about God and the spiritual life that we had up on that mountain were as stimulating as the view of the place. I bought a hat on the way up the mountain because they said I HAD to have a hat! It is a wide-brimmed hat khaki hat with a string under the chin. I wanted something that looked safari-like, being here in Africa. At the end of the walk we stopped in the little cafe and had a "spot o' tea" with some shortbread. That is the most civilized custom--loved it.
They brought us back to the hotel, stopping at a little grocery, where I bought bottled water, shortbread cookies (for my little spots o' tea in my room, of course), and a little Easter surprise for my kids.
Then Sharon and I, though tired, felt that we should go grab a bite of dinner. There was no dinner served in the hotel, so we caught a shuttle to The Wild Fig. Sharing the shuttle with us was a man named Kevin, here in Cape Town from the country of Malta to attend an Anesthesiology convention. He was very nice, so we invited him to eat dinner with us. We had the greatest conversation over dinner that covered the span of religion, politics, vocation, family life, life after death, and many other meaningful topics. I know we were all three glad we had met.
So now I have come back to the hotel and decided to take a few moments to record the happenings of the day for you, dear reader! Now Steve has arrived and wants to use this one computer in the lobby, so I'm off to the next adventure (Sleep!)
Love to all.
We grabbed a quick sandwich on the way back to the hotel (egg salad on multigrain bread--I'm including all the food info b/c my family are foodies and want to know all about the food!) An older couple, John and Jenny Frye, were already waiting for us there to take us to Table Mountain, one of the most magnificent sights in Cape Town. We drove up near the top, took a tram, and were atop the flat mountain with views like I have never seen in my life! The Atlantic Ocean is one one side, with a view of the entire city of Capte Town also. The Indian Ocean is on the other side. It was a perfect, beautiful sunny day and we enjoyed being out in God's creation. John and Jenny were such spiritually alive people, John having just retired 3 days ago as an Anglican minister. I felt that the conversations about God and the spiritual life that we had up on that mountain were as stimulating as the view of the place. I bought a hat on the way up the mountain because they said I HAD to have a hat! It is a wide-brimmed hat khaki hat with a string under the chin. I wanted something that looked safari-like, being here in Africa. At the end of the walk we stopped in the little cafe and had a "spot o' tea" with some shortbread. That is the most civilized custom--loved it.
They brought us back to the hotel, stopping at a little grocery, where I bought bottled water, shortbread cookies (for my little spots o' tea in my room, of course), and a little Easter surprise for my kids.
Then Sharon and I, though tired, felt that we should go grab a bite of dinner. There was no dinner served in the hotel, so we caught a shuttle to The Wild Fig. Sharing the shuttle with us was a man named Kevin, here in Cape Town from the country of Malta to attend an Anesthesiology convention. He was very nice, so we invited him to eat dinner with us. We had the greatest conversation over dinner that covered the span of religion, politics, vocation, family life, life after death, and many other meaningful topics. I know we were all three glad we had met.
So now I have come back to the hotel and decided to take a few moments to record the happenings of the day for you, dear reader! Now Steve has arrived and wants to use this one computer in the lobby, so I'm off to the next adventure (Sleep!)
Love to all.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
About the name of my blog
Hmmmm . . . the people who know me might be wondering why I have named my blog "Fungirl-bookwoman."
I think the first part of the name is something I'm trying to live into. When my nephew Caleb was about 4 or 5, I took him to Chuck E. Cheese Pizza place while he was visiting. He went around telling everyone that Aunt Robin was the "Fungirl." That both surprised and pleased me, and folks in the family still talk about that.
Now my nephew is 20 or so, and somewhere in those years I seemed to have gotten pretty serious about life and my work and family. I guess it's just part of my nature.
A couple of years ago I went on a trip to St. Augustine with two of my buddies whom I'll call Lovey and Wanderer. We went kayaking one beautiful morning in the bay, where we actually saw dolphins jumping out of the water 20 or 30 feet from our kayaks. I remember having the thought, "I forgot how much fun having fun was!"
I think since that time I've tried to make more time for fun--with family, friends, or by myself. Life is short. It goes by so fast. I really want to enjoy it.
It has been kind of funny that almost every weekend this year (of 2008), I've had some social engagement of some kind: several birthday parties, a Cocktails & Cupcakes party, a trip to Chattanooga. It's been really fun and like a breath of fresh air to me.
So, fungirl--now's my chance to really make that name stick!
(More about the second part of my name later--as if that needs any explanation at all.)
I think the first part of the name is something I'm trying to live into. When my nephew Caleb was about 4 or 5, I took him to Chuck E. Cheese Pizza place while he was visiting. He went around telling everyone that Aunt Robin was the "Fungirl." That both surprised and pleased me, and folks in the family still talk about that.
Now my nephew is 20 or so, and somewhere in those years I seemed to have gotten pretty serious about life and my work and family. I guess it's just part of my nature.
A couple of years ago I went on a trip to St. Augustine with two of my buddies whom I'll call Lovey and Wanderer. We went kayaking one beautiful morning in the bay, where we actually saw dolphins jumping out of the water 20 or 30 feet from our kayaks. I remember having the thought, "I forgot how much fun having fun was!"
I think since that time I've tried to make more time for fun--with family, friends, or by myself. Life is short. It goes by so fast. I really want to enjoy it.
It has been kind of funny that almost every weekend this year (of 2008), I've had some social engagement of some kind: several birthday parties, a Cocktails & Cupcakes party, a trip to Chattanooga. It's been really fun and like a breath of fresh air to me.
So, fungirl--now's my chance to really make that name stick!
(More about the second part of my name later--as if that needs any explanation at all.)
One week and counting . . .
One week from today I will be boarding a plane with a destination of Cape Town, South Africa! I have wanted to go to South Africa for a number of years, and now I have the opportunity with my company to do so. I will be traveling with my colleague Sharon and will be joining three others while there.
Today I am cleaning my house. Yes, it's kind of rare that I do that these days, with any sense of completeness, that is. I guess it's kind of a preparation thing. It mentally helps me to take my leave of my family if I've left the floors clean and their laundry done. It's always difficult for me to think about leaving my family because I know I'll miss them and I know they'll miss me. I always feel good when that plane touches down at BNA on the last leg home.
But for now, I'm savoring the sense of adventure I feel about going. I've never been to that part of the world before. I've never taken a trip that far before and on a plane for so long. There are all sorts of appointments and visits and conversations and new people waiting for me on the other side of that trip.
I feel a sense of anticipation and a challenge to really be aware and listening while there: Listening to God, to people I meet and people I'm with, and to myself and observations. I want to be ready.
So, back to that housecleaning and laundry for now . . .
Today I am cleaning my house. Yes, it's kind of rare that I do that these days, with any sense of completeness, that is. I guess it's kind of a preparation thing. It mentally helps me to take my leave of my family if I've left the floors clean and their laundry done. It's always difficult for me to think about leaving my family because I know I'll miss them and I know they'll miss me. I always feel good when that plane touches down at BNA on the last leg home.
But for now, I'm savoring the sense of adventure I feel about going. I've never been to that part of the world before. I've never taken a trip that far before and on a plane for so long. There are all sorts of appointments and visits and conversations and new people waiting for me on the other side of that trip.
I feel a sense of anticipation and a challenge to really be aware and listening while there: Listening to God, to people I meet and people I'm with, and to myself and observations. I want to be ready.
So, back to that housecleaning and laundry for now . . .
Monday, February 18, 2008
Words are important
I was listening to npr on the way home (one of my favorite activities). There was a story on about Hilary vs Barack and how Hilary's speil is "Do you want Speeches or Solutions?" She was trying to contrast her strengths (action) with Barack's strengths (rhetoric).
The person who was offering commentary was saying that the great speakers of our time actually became the great presidents of our time (Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan), and that the ability to inspire is very important indeed.
I felt a moment of pride in my profession: journalism, editing, publishing--words. Words are important, and I've always known that.
So here I go, launching into the sea of words in the blogosphere. Why not?
Words are important.
The person who was offering commentary was saying that the great speakers of our time actually became the great presidents of our time (Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan), and that the ability to inspire is very important indeed.
I felt a moment of pride in my profession: journalism, editing, publishing--words. Words are important, and I've always known that.
So here I go, launching into the sea of words in the blogosphere. Why not?
Words are important.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)