XLP is over, and graduation was a nice way to say goodbye to everyone. All the exciting stuff that happened happened in the last 2 weeks of term, and it will take me way too long to write it all down here. Ask me about it sometime :)
Now im off to uni and a new chapter in my life - so long XLP, it was a good one!
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Less than 3 weeks left~
There is a rule among the students of XLP at the moment: Dont talk about the End Times. And no, that doesnt mean eschatology, but the fact we only have 3 weeks of XLP left. Shoot me ;)
The grand theory of XLP eschatology atm is Graduation, which you are all invited to. We are doing a student song, which is meant to be a surprise but tbh we are so loud when we are rehearsing i think the staff probably know the words off by heart by now anyway XD
I personally believe that after XLP i will have an awesome summer holiday and then go off to University. Its exciting :) All my forms are pretty much done :)
I have nothing other to report atm except that life is peachy :)
baibai
The grand theory of XLP eschatology atm is Graduation, which you are all invited to. We are doing a student song, which is meant to be a surprise but tbh we are so loud when we are rehearsing i think the staff probably know the words off by heart by now anyway XD
I personally believe that after XLP i will have an awesome summer holiday and then go off to University. Its exciting :) All my forms are pretty much done :)
I have nothing other to report atm except that life is peachy :)
baibai
Monday, 21 June 2010
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Only 4 weeks left
Which is kinda scary isnt it? My gap year has almost come to an end, and what a year its been. Still, no point getting nostalgic and refelctive quite yet because the best is yet to come!
Its been a good week :)
Tuesday was an average one, with Lunch Club and in class support at Northbrook, and then Live Lounge.
On wednesday on the way to Barn we bumped into a kid from Northbrook who we hadnt seen at the clubs in ages coz of his new extra-curricular stuff, and it was great to see him again. We got the same bus and he was telling us about his drumming and his cricket match he had just been at - his team won the interschools tournament! I was so proud :D
After he'd got off at his stop, a gentleman across the aisle turned to us and told us what a bright and special boy he was and thanked us for encouraging him. It was fantastic to know that what we do is appreciated, and not just by those who are immediately impacted. It also reassured me that what we do is having a positive impact.
Barn was down at Home Park again, and the barn guys played football with the home park guys, and we are starting to make connections. Please pray for protection over what we are doing there, because its all still just starting out.
Theres lots to look forward to - theres a big service for peace in Peckham tomorrow night, which would be great to pray for. Its aiming to bring together the communities of peckham and deptford/new cross, which have a long history of aminosity. Also coming up is Calum and Carolyn's wedding, and the Arts Showcase Final, which you are all warmly invited to, as we need to fill a 600 seat theatre :) Then the last big bash will be Graduation :)
Please pray for me :) Life is gonna be normal for 4 more weeks then it gets majorly shaken up again as i move on. I know ill be fine and ill adapt, but i tend to freak out unnecessarily about things :P
over n out~
Its been a good week :)
Tuesday was an average one, with Lunch Club and in class support at Northbrook, and then Live Lounge.
On wednesday on the way to Barn we bumped into a kid from Northbrook who we hadnt seen at the clubs in ages coz of his new extra-curricular stuff, and it was great to see him again. We got the same bus and he was telling us about his drumming and his cricket match he had just been at - his team won the interschools tournament! I was so proud :D
After he'd got off at his stop, a gentleman across the aisle turned to us and told us what a bright and special boy he was and thanked us for encouraging him. It was fantastic to know that what we do is appreciated, and not just by those who are immediately impacted. It also reassured me that what we do is having a positive impact.
Barn was down at Home Park again, and the barn guys played football with the home park guys, and we are starting to make connections. Please pray for protection over what we are doing there, because its all still just starting out.
Theres lots to look forward to - theres a big service for peace in Peckham tomorrow night, which would be great to pray for. Its aiming to bring together the communities of peckham and deptford/new cross, which have a long history of aminosity. Also coming up is Calum and Carolyn's wedding, and the Arts Showcase Final, which you are all warmly invited to, as we need to fill a 600 seat theatre :) Then the last big bash will be Graduation :)
Please pray for me :) Life is gonna be normal for 4 more weeks then it gets majorly shaken up again as i move on. I know ill be fine and ill adapt, but i tend to freak out unnecessarily about things :P
over n out~
Monday, 14 June 2010
Doshte?
well its sure been an eventful weekend! An eventful season tbh - i think ill look back on this as when it all happened. Do you ever get that, where you know that what is happening is momentous, but you honestly couldnt say where things were going? This is one of those times.
On sunday i saw my first arrest. The police rolled up and knocked on this guy's door and took one of them away in a police car. It was holding up the traffic, but i have never seen a more patient traffic queue XD. I wonder whats gonna happen to him, and why he went away.
I also saw my first fight. Well, i say fight - it was quite short but it wasnt a playfight. One of the guys drew blood. It was kinda thrilling actually XD
Today was the last day of Presentations. Everyone did really well, and they were so interesting and diverse. Well done all you XLP peeps! i love ya! Next week we are back to having leaders and guest speakers do Mondays. I cant wait to get my feedback sheet back - i did better than i thought i could, so im squee-ing for the results~
We have the Hazel Grove bus launch on thursday (ill remember my hoodie this time XD ), which i am looking forward to. Its gonna be manic but so good! If the sense of community is anything like at Milford Towers, its gonna be awesome. :)
BAI BAI~
On sunday i saw my first arrest. The police rolled up and knocked on this guy's door and took one of them away in a police car. It was holding up the traffic, but i have never seen a more patient traffic queue XD. I wonder whats gonna happen to him, and why he went away.
I also saw my first fight. Well, i say fight - it was quite short but it wasnt a playfight. One of the guys drew blood. It was kinda thrilling actually XD
Today was the last day of Presentations. Everyone did really well, and they were so interesting and diverse. Well done all you XLP peeps! i love ya! Next week we are back to having leaders and guest speakers do Mondays. I cant wait to get my feedback sheet back - i did better than i thought i could, so im squee-ing for the results~
We have the Hazel Grove bus launch on thursday (ill remember my hoodie this time XD ), which i am looking forward to. Its gonna be manic but so good! If the sense of community is anything like at Milford Towers, its gonna be awesome. :)
BAI BAI~
Sunday, 13 June 2010
The Pack At Your Back
Just venting tonight :P
Someone wrote me a poem:
"lonely but never alone
leaving tracks to follow
walking our own paths
but always howling at the moon
finding solace in that year we ran together
chase after God
watch your dreams come true
and be resolute that you
will always have the pack at your back"
After all, goodbye just means another hello.
rhibee, nillachan and sack, hell grew an chib too, ill tell you all about it if youre curious.
This week has been Good. We had the milford towers bus launch on friday - the new bus is freaking awesome!!!! Its divided into lil sections, and the layout is sooo much better than the old one - it makes it seem so much bigger. Its gonna be a joy to work on too. It has 2 PS3s, a Wii, some gaming chairs for racing games, a lil room for a DJ set and mixing (the mac is finally being used to its full glory rather than just for facebook.) It even has a nailbar. ^_^
At the launch party there was a real sense of community, and people were really receptive to what we had to say when we went flyering. The security guy at WHSmith even came out to ask us what we were doing and took some flyers in for the staff.
Today me and Zo got together to cook for Elaine - we made cheese and mushroom omlette with salad and marmalade cupcakes for pudding. We were gonna make veggie lasagne but when we were looking for a dish, guess what we found in it! Veggie lasagne! Good job we are students and ingenious ;) It was awesome, and i felt quite chuffed with myself :)
Joel keeps nicking the cupcakes so they must be good~
We ate watching the footie - what a tense match! It was the first time id sat through a whole football match, and i actually really enjoyed it. (dw mum and dad, i'll never turn my back on rugby ;) ) The football fever is in the air, and you can feel the party buzz around london. Last night i walked back from YMAD, and you could feel the excitement in the air. There is nothing like sport to bring people together. All the flags are flying from peoples windows, and its great to see the patriotism actually. I think the British are very cynical about their country, but it all melts away when it comes to a good game of footie :)
It was my birthday on thursday. I am 19. Im not so twitchy about pubs now. I feel like i have the right to be there now and im not such a newbie~
Zo made me a card and all the students signed it, and they sang me happy birthday. It was a good day. ITs been a good birthday weekend so far. May it continue ^_^
Im on the new XLP website. Its written for young people by young people, to be a place where they can find information and support, and to promote Patrick's new book, Fighting Chance. Check it out at www.fightingchance.me
Ibi did an amazing job with the photography and design, so hats off to her ;)
Speckle over n out~
Someone wrote me a poem:
"lonely but never alone
leaving tracks to follow
walking our own paths
but always howling at the moon
finding solace in that year we ran together
chase after God
watch your dreams come true
and be resolute that you
will always have the pack at your back"
After all, goodbye just means another hello.
rhibee, nillachan and sack, hell grew an chib too, ill tell you all about it if youre curious.
This week has been Good. We had the milford towers bus launch on friday - the new bus is freaking awesome!!!! Its divided into lil sections, and the layout is sooo much better than the old one - it makes it seem so much bigger. Its gonna be a joy to work on too. It has 2 PS3s, a Wii, some gaming chairs for racing games, a lil room for a DJ set and mixing (the mac is finally being used to its full glory rather than just for facebook.) It even has a nailbar. ^_^
At the launch party there was a real sense of community, and people were really receptive to what we had to say when we went flyering. The security guy at WHSmith even came out to ask us what we were doing and took some flyers in for the staff.
Today me and Zo got together to cook for Elaine - we made cheese and mushroom omlette with salad and marmalade cupcakes for pudding. We were gonna make veggie lasagne but when we were looking for a dish, guess what we found in it! Veggie lasagne! Good job we are students and ingenious ;) It was awesome, and i felt quite chuffed with myself :)
Joel keeps nicking the cupcakes so they must be good~
We ate watching the footie - what a tense match! It was the first time id sat through a whole football match, and i actually really enjoyed it. (dw mum and dad, i'll never turn my back on rugby ;) ) The football fever is in the air, and you can feel the party buzz around london. Last night i walked back from YMAD, and you could feel the excitement in the air. There is nothing like sport to bring people together. All the flags are flying from peoples windows, and its great to see the patriotism actually. I think the British are very cynical about their country, but it all melts away when it comes to a good game of footie :)
It was my birthday on thursday. I am 19. Im not so twitchy about pubs now. I feel like i have the right to be there now and im not such a newbie~
Zo made me a card and all the students signed it, and they sang me happy birthday. It was a good day. ITs been a good birthday weekend so far. May it continue ^_^
Im on the new XLP website. Its written for young people by young people, to be a place where they can find information and support, and to promote Patrick's new book, Fighting Chance. Check it out at www.fightingchance.me
Ibi did an amazing job with the photography and design, so hats off to her ;)
Speckle over n out~
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Hardrive discoveries
I found this on my hard drive the other day, i think i either didnt get round to posting it, or i didnt post it coz it was too mushy. I shall post it now. Please excuse the florid language. I wrote it just before the easter holidays i think :)
As i am two terms through my year at XLP it is time to take stock of all that has happened and how i have changed. I have come so far, and it feels like it is almost over. People are starting to look ahead to next year, and i know next term will be over before we know it.
I came to london a naive young girl with a stone splinter in my heart. God has grown me from a seedling into a young tree. He has made my heart beat and bleed, but from the bottom of it i can truly say He Is Good. Love is being vulnerable. He taught me how to love. I love London more than anywhere - almost more than iceland. For what it stands for, it is more monumental than Iceland was. In Iceland i was accepted. Here i am loved.
I will miss them beyond what i have ever experienced. They are the first people i have truly loved (or at least realised i loved), except reloaded. At FHCC i have community, i have family.
I will miss my wolf pack, but i know full well i may lose touch once i move on. Thats ok, we are all travelling in different directions. Its better to have known them and shared fun times, than not to have known them at all for fear of parting.
the times i have shared with them are special. Little asked for, much given, no expectations. We can sit and watch the city and love it, or bat around jokes and games around a table with drinks. Times spent talking at that kitchen table i will always cherish.
you guys had better write to me, or at least email. I love yall~
I love watching london at night, from the top of Hilly Fields or Greenwich park, with the night time city spread like a jewel at my feet - it sighs its peaceful bustle onto the wind, and the sirens become marks of life rather than brief moments of panic like they are in the day time.
I shall miss london. I shall miss its trees, its random smash of buildings, the big red buses and the colours of the people. The random objects you can find in skips ( i have a noticeboard and a few CDs courtesy of skips), the boom of passing aeroplanes that wheel like birds over my little patch of london. Lewisham love eh.
It goes deeper than just my team mates. I love the very concrete. All the cracks and all the speed humps, the tin cans in the waterways and the scraggy little trees that cling to rooftops - theres so much life!
I am bewitched by the sparkle of raindrops that fall golden into streetlit puddles, the golden carnival that happens in the road when it rains at night, and the fresh fresh smell that breifly knocks the pollution out of the air.
thats one thing i wont miss about london. The air is freaking awful.
This has been the best thing i have ever done in my life. The challenge and the change of scenery has been very healing. I feel stronger, healthier, more aware of my self and my limitations, but more aware that i can push myself if i want. the message has been "Go For It My Daughter, The World Is Yours If Youll Take It." Daddy, i cannot say i will not let you down, but i can try, and i hope youll appreciate that much. Please help me as i try. I know i need a whole lotta grace, but i know you have a whole lotta grace to give.
I have never tasted God like i have this year.It hasnt been a monumental event like Soul Survivor, but more of a day to day reality -i have learned more about his patience, his grace, and his love, and how steady it is. He has invaded my life and taught me more of what to value, and that life is all about people and relationships. Being holed up in my room with all the knowledge of the world and nice furniture may be safe and comfortable, but it wont make me happy. Going to parties even when i dont feel like it, meeting with people, hearing their stories and sharing yours when it helps others, loving them beyond yourself, that is happiness. To give your time and thoughts to others and to think less about self.
Love is a waterfall.
As i am two terms through my year at XLP it is time to take stock of all that has happened and how i have changed. I have come so far, and it feels like it is almost over. People are starting to look ahead to next year, and i know next term will be over before we know it.
I came to london a naive young girl with a stone splinter in my heart. God has grown me from a seedling into a young tree. He has made my heart beat and bleed, but from the bottom of it i can truly say He Is Good. Love is being vulnerable. He taught me how to love. I love London more than anywhere - almost more than iceland. For what it stands for, it is more monumental than Iceland was. In Iceland i was accepted. Here i am loved.
I will miss them beyond what i have ever experienced. They are the first people i have truly loved (or at least realised i loved), except reloaded. At FHCC i have community, i have family.
I will miss my wolf pack, but i know full well i may lose touch once i move on. Thats ok, we are all travelling in different directions. Its better to have known them and shared fun times, than not to have known them at all for fear of parting.
the times i have shared with them are special. Little asked for, much given, no expectations. We can sit and watch the city and love it, or bat around jokes and games around a table with drinks. Times spent talking at that kitchen table i will always cherish.
you guys had better write to me, or at least email. I love yall~
I love watching london at night, from the top of Hilly Fields or Greenwich park, with the night time city spread like a jewel at my feet - it sighs its peaceful bustle onto the wind, and the sirens become marks of life rather than brief moments of panic like they are in the day time.
I shall miss london. I shall miss its trees, its random smash of buildings, the big red buses and the colours of the people. The random objects you can find in skips ( i have a noticeboard and a few CDs courtesy of skips), the boom of passing aeroplanes that wheel like birds over my little patch of london. Lewisham love eh.
It goes deeper than just my team mates. I love the very concrete. All the cracks and all the speed humps, the tin cans in the waterways and the scraggy little trees that cling to rooftops - theres so much life!
I am bewitched by the sparkle of raindrops that fall golden into streetlit puddles, the golden carnival that happens in the road when it rains at night, and the fresh fresh smell that breifly knocks the pollution out of the air.
thats one thing i wont miss about london. The air is freaking awful.
This has been the best thing i have ever done in my life. The challenge and the change of scenery has been very healing. I feel stronger, healthier, more aware of my self and my limitations, but more aware that i can push myself if i want. the message has been "Go For It My Daughter, The World Is Yours If Youll Take It." Daddy, i cannot say i will not let you down, but i can try, and i hope youll appreciate that much. Please help me as i try. I know i need a whole lotta grace, but i know you have a whole lotta grace to give.
I have never tasted God like i have this year.It hasnt been a monumental event like Soul Survivor, but more of a day to day reality -i have learned more about his patience, his grace, and his love, and how steady it is. He has invaded my life and taught me more of what to value, and that life is all about people and relationships. Being holed up in my room with all the knowledge of the world and nice furniture may be safe and comfortable, but it wont make me happy. Going to parties even when i dont feel like it, meeting with people, hearing their stories and sharing yours when it helps others, loving them beyond yourself, that is happiness. To give your time and thoughts to others and to think less about self.
Love is a waterfall.
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Meandering wafflings
Morning all~
I dont really know why im writing atm tbh. Its nearly the end of the hols so its not like i have much XLP stuff to report. The holidays have been alright. Short. I spose its my own fault for going to the big church day out on mon - which was awesome, and i wouldnt trade for anything. Good times with my good friends. Our car broke down on the way out, and we spent the night by the road. It was an adventure :) I like it when stuff breaks in and proves to us that we dont run the show. It breaks the power of Plans and Structure and Restrictions. Puts life into perspective. Its not about the economy, its about relationships.
It just means i spent less time at home than i woulda liked. Also i have theology project due monday. Makes me stressed. I dislike deadlines. Im also wrestling some personal demons. I get annoyed ive lost the ability to relax easily. Dont know what to pin the blame for that on. Hopefully come the summer when i have more free time to think i can sort thattun out. Not enough time to just be.
Ok, lol i think im going to be worrying some people up there, so i shall type in proper sentences so yall dont get freaked out about me :P Truth be told ive had some erratic sleeping patterns these last few days (whats changed lol), which could be half of it.
Listening to Switchfoot. Who are amazing~ Go listen to em now~
"Sleepover" tonight ^_^ Lots of anime and food and old friends, some of whom i havent seen since they went to Uni. Its gonna be good times :D
Back to work on Monday. We have a new Bus. Its gonna be great. Lots of parties n events this summer. Its gonna be manic but great fun~
Speckle over n out~
I dont really know why im writing atm tbh. Its nearly the end of the hols so its not like i have much XLP stuff to report. The holidays have been alright. Short. I spose its my own fault for going to the big church day out on mon - which was awesome, and i wouldnt trade for anything. Good times with my good friends. Our car broke down on the way out, and we spent the night by the road. It was an adventure :) I like it when stuff breaks in and proves to us that we dont run the show. It breaks the power of Plans and Structure and Restrictions. Puts life into perspective. Its not about the economy, its about relationships.
It just means i spent less time at home than i woulda liked. Also i have theology project due monday. Makes me stressed. I dislike deadlines. Im also wrestling some personal demons. I get annoyed ive lost the ability to relax easily. Dont know what to pin the blame for that on. Hopefully come the summer when i have more free time to think i can sort thattun out. Not enough time to just be.
Ok, lol i think im going to be worrying some people up there, so i shall type in proper sentences so yall dont get freaked out about me :P Truth be told ive had some erratic sleeping patterns these last few days (whats changed lol), which could be half of it.
Listening to Switchfoot. Who are amazing~ Go listen to em now~
"Sleepover" tonight ^_^ Lots of anime and food and old friends, some of whom i havent seen since they went to Uni. Its gonna be good times :D
Back to work on Monday. We have a new Bus. Its gonna be great. Lots of parties n events this summer. Its gonna be manic but great fun~
Speckle over n out~
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
"Sick! Lets make a badman biscuit!"
I kid you not. One of the kids on the bus said that. I lolled inside XD
Its been really good to get the old Bus back - i missed it while it was away - but it is truly on its way out now. The tables are broken as well >_<
Luckily we are having the launch party for the new one this month! Woot! I cant wait to see what the new one is like, and to get to use it.
The launch party gave me the opportunity to go see more of the milf, as we had to post flyers to advertise it. I really liked it, i could so live there, despite its reputation and slight dilapidation. The views from there are amazing too. I found the perfect route onto the roof ;)
I've been feeling slightly disenfranchised with XLP lately, because of the weird hours, my boss being busy and slightly stressed, and the feeling that all our hard work wasnt appreciated. But this week has given me a fresh inspiration. Our boss told us that this has been the most manic year she's ever had with lots of meetings, and that she really appreciated us pulling our weight and keeping the whole thing running, and at the weekend i really took the time to chill. I find when i get busy and stressed i forget how to relax, so even if i do have a sabbath day, it makes no difference unless i make my heart have a break as well as my body. I went to South Bank and had a day away from the familiar landmarks of SE, which was really refreshing. I was reminded of the wider picture, while a good friend reminded me that actually, i can make a difference. All it takes is faith. I have realised that your success is not proportional to your ability. Success is proportional to your confidence and faith. Dare to risk it with the belief you *can* do it, and usually you will :)
Just thought id share that lil nugget with you.
Time for a badman biscuit...
Its been really good to get the old Bus back - i missed it while it was away - but it is truly on its way out now. The tables are broken as well >_<
Luckily we are having the launch party for the new one this month! Woot! I cant wait to see what the new one is like, and to get to use it.
The launch party gave me the opportunity to go see more of the milf, as we had to post flyers to advertise it. I really liked it, i could so live there, despite its reputation and slight dilapidation. The views from there are amazing too. I found the perfect route onto the roof ;)
I've been feeling slightly disenfranchised with XLP lately, because of the weird hours, my boss being busy and slightly stressed, and the feeling that all our hard work wasnt appreciated. But this week has given me a fresh inspiration. Our boss told us that this has been the most manic year she's ever had with lots of meetings, and that she really appreciated us pulling our weight and keeping the whole thing running, and at the weekend i really took the time to chill. I find when i get busy and stressed i forget how to relax, so even if i do have a sabbath day, it makes no difference unless i make my heart have a break as well as my body. I went to South Bank and had a day away from the familiar landmarks of SE, which was really refreshing. I was reminded of the wider picture, while a good friend reminded me that actually, i can make a difference. All it takes is faith. I have realised that your success is not proportional to your ability. Success is proportional to your confidence and faith. Dare to risk it with the belief you *can* do it, and usually you will :)
Just thought id share that lil nugget with you.
Time for a badman biscuit...
"The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it"
So, it been a totaly crazy week! As usual i have left my blog update too long and all the events have piled up, so i'll dedicate this one to Wednesday~
As you may know from one of my previous blog posts, a 16 year old boy was stabbed in Home Park in Sydenham a few weeks ago, and although it felt like a long time, it was amazing how quickly the hype died down. A few people in the Barn and church had said we should be doing prayer walks around sydenham, and Nick Pearton's tragic death only fueled the urgency to do this - one of the youth had a chat to Jezza and so we went down there instead of having the normal barn programme.
A woman from the same road as the Peartons came to Barn to tell us more about the situation, and her heart for the family and the estate really moved us - truly she is salt and light. After some sung worship we all trooped out down the road to the estate. It was so amazing to be involved, we were literally stamping out the kingdom onto the pavements and roads as we went, and giving the enemy a real two fingered salute :P
We walked past Nick's house and saw all the cards and tributes people had left there, the flowers literally filled the front garden. The atmosphere in the estate felt really oppresive, and Nicks friends were hanging around in his front garden, and if you didnt know better it looked like they had just called on him and he was inside the house grabbing his shoes.
When we got to the park Mitchell shared a few words with us, and we got down to praying. A guy over by the play park was shouting "666" and "lucifer" at us, and it just brought home to me that spiritual battle is real.
We prayed for Nick's friends and they were very open with Jezza and some of the other leaders, and said that we had better come back. Im not sure what they thought about the spontaneous and heartfelt worship that we melted into, but they followed us like ghosts the whole time. By the end of the evening the atmosphere had definitely lifted, and we are planning to do a repeat trip - that place is so in need of prayer, and we cannot let Nick's friends down.
Afterwards everyone was buzzing, and we all felt like such a community. Several people said this is what real church felt like. I am fed up of pew warming. Lets go do stuff :D
over n out~
As you may know from one of my previous blog posts, a 16 year old boy was stabbed in Home Park in Sydenham a few weeks ago, and although it felt like a long time, it was amazing how quickly the hype died down. A few people in the Barn and church had said we should be doing prayer walks around sydenham, and Nick Pearton's tragic death only fueled the urgency to do this - one of the youth had a chat to Jezza and so we went down there instead of having the normal barn programme.
A woman from the same road as the Peartons came to Barn to tell us more about the situation, and her heart for the family and the estate really moved us - truly she is salt and light. After some sung worship we all trooped out down the road to the estate. It was so amazing to be involved, we were literally stamping out the kingdom onto the pavements and roads as we went, and giving the enemy a real two fingered salute :P
We walked past Nick's house and saw all the cards and tributes people had left there, the flowers literally filled the front garden. The atmosphere in the estate felt really oppresive, and Nicks friends were hanging around in his front garden, and if you didnt know better it looked like they had just called on him and he was inside the house grabbing his shoes.
When we got to the park Mitchell shared a few words with us, and we got down to praying. A guy over by the play park was shouting "666" and "lucifer" at us, and it just brought home to me that spiritual battle is real.
We prayed for Nick's friends and they were very open with Jezza and some of the other leaders, and said that we had better come back. Im not sure what they thought about the spontaneous and heartfelt worship that we melted into, but they followed us like ghosts the whole time. By the end of the evening the atmosphere had definitely lifted, and we are planning to do a repeat trip - that place is so in need of prayer, and we cannot let Nick's friends down.
Afterwards everyone was buzzing, and we all felt like such a community. Several people said this is what real church felt like. I am fed up of pew warming. Lets go do stuff :D
over n out~
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Ill~ :(
so, i come down with a cough/cold/something chesty. It sucks - i got a fever and my chest feels tight. I should be at Barn right now, but my temp is still up n i dont want to give it to anyone else. Good job im going home for the asthma nurse on thurs anyway!
So yeah, if you wanna meet drop me a whatever n well arrange summat for fri after my appt. :)
nowt much to report rly. Been having lots of philosophical musings, but the weeks been pretty average.
oh yeah u discovered my laptop can cope with skype. Add me if you like :)
over n out~
So yeah, if you wanna meet drop me a whatever n well arrange summat for fri after my appt. :)
nowt much to report rly. Been having lots of philosophical musings, but the weeks been pretty average.
oh yeah u discovered my laptop can cope with skype. Add me if you like :)
over n out~
Monday, 17 May 2010
Weekend < 3
It seems its been a very eventful weekend despite being no more eventful than usual. These days a weekend where i am not doing anything is a rarity. I have become quite a sociable creature :)
Saturday i sat down to do my theology project and id forgotten how hard it is to focus on an essay! The only thing that got me doing my essays at school was the fear of being shouted at. Now that doesnt seem to scary anymore i dont have any incentive to do them, apart from my own benefit. Lets hope i can kick that in the teeth before Uni!
In the evening i went and watched Monty Python at a friends house - id never seen a MP film the whole way through before. It was funny to see how the films had dated - not as much as i would have thought, despite a reference to the Strikes in the 70s at the end of the Holy Grail. Their kind of humour is everlasting :P
By the time i got home i was knackered and stressed, so i stayed up til about 2am having a nice conversation with Chib. When i get stressed i cant sleep, which is why im often up in the wee hours before a deadline.
Despite all this, by the time sunday came round i was chilled, and YMAD was very good - the lovely Caroline Maxwell did the input and it was refeshing to have something a little bit more structured. I think everyone enjoyed it :)
Sunday afternoon was moar theology project~ Then me and Elaine went to It's All About Him - a fundraising concert for Switch-it, which is a football coaching club for the local youth from the estates. Jezza runs it in Sydenham and Malham. They recently reopened the club in Malham and over the two clubs they had a record of 95 young people turn up, so he put together this concert to raise money for more coaches and training equipment.
It was a fantastic concert and "God merked the scene".
I was amazed at how much id fallen in love with London and with everyone who was there - most of FHCC and Catford CC was there, along with half of XLP and a few of the youth from NB school. I fell to my knees in awe of all that God has done for me and for all these people, and im so priveledged to get to be in on what hes going to do in London. Theres such a sense of expectancy in the air. Loads of peoples prayers are being answered :D
So prayer points - Could you pray that God protects his people here in SE London - the good stuff is increasing but so is the bad stuff - there have been so many police cars and ambulances and stuff kicking off lately in Lewisham.
Me and Ruth have been feeling dog tired since our baptisms, but so full of joy. Could you pray that we keep going for Jesus :)
Apart from that, praise him for being wonderful!
Saturday i sat down to do my theology project and id forgotten how hard it is to focus on an essay! The only thing that got me doing my essays at school was the fear of being shouted at. Now that doesnt seem to scary anymore i dont have any incentive to do them, apart from my own benefit. Lets hope i can kick that in the teeth before Uni!
In the evening i went and watched Monty Python at a friends house - id never seen a MP film the whole way through before. It was funny to see how the films had dated - not as much as i would have thought, despite a reference to the Strikes in the 70s at the end of the Holy Grail. Their kind of humour is everlasting :P
By the time i got home i was knackered and stressed, so i stayed up til about 2am having a nice conversation with Chib. When i get stressed i cant sleep, which is why im often up in the wee hours before a deadline.
Despite all this, by the time sunday came round i was chilled, and YMAD was very good - the lovely Caroline Maxwell did the input and it was refeshing to have something a little bit more structured. I think everyone enjoyed it :)
Sunday afternoon was moar theology project~ Then me and Elaine went to It's All About Him - a fundraising concert for Switch-it, which is a football coaching club for the local youth from the estates. Jezza runs it in Sydenham and Malham. They recently reopened the club in Malham and over the two clubs they had a record of 95 young people turn up, so he put together this concert to raise money for more coaches and training equipment.
It was a fantastic concert and "God merked the scene".
I was amazed at how much id fallen in love with London and with everyone who was there - most of FHCC and Catford CC was there, along with half of XLP and a few of the youth from NB school. I fell to my knees in awe of all that God has done for me and for all these people, and im so priveledged to get to be in on what hes going to do in London. Theres such a sense of expectancy in the air. Loads of peoples prayers are being answered :D
So prayer points - Could you pray that God protects his people here in SE London - the good stuff is increasing but so is the bad stuff - there have been so many police cars and ambulances and stuff kicking off lately in Lewisham.
Me and Ruth have been feeling dog tired since our baptisms, but so full of joy. Could you pray that we keep going for Jesus :)
Apart from that, praise him for being wonderful!
Saturday, 15 May 2010
I cannot think of a more imaginative title so thisll have to do~
Well~
i have just been reading one of my friend's blogs and was once again prodded that honesty is not not-lying, but is actually being open about things. I struggle with this. People who know me will tell you i am difficult to get to know, and tbh probs dont know me as well as they thought they did. I realised this a while back and it kinda freaked me out. The worst feeling in the world is loneliness, and it is scary to think that through dishonesty (despite not lying, lying being one of the things i hate and cant do), i have made myself vulnerable to being lonely, by not opening myself up and being vulnerable with people. I am wincing even as i write this at the reaction of my family, my boss, and all other people who possibly have a shred of authority or hold me in some sort of esteem or claim to know me. Vulnerability is a tough thing~
Despite this i have realised that true relationship is one where you are open to let people to hurt you, and realise that actually they dont want to at all, but they want to lift you up and love you. They cant do that very well if you dont let them know who theyre trying to do it to~
Well, enough of all that mushy outpouring of the heart. Bye bye poetry brain, back to my scientific brain. I am trying to do my theology project. I lie. I should be doing my theology project. Atm its all ideas and i dont know how to stick it on paper. Being a perfectionist i feel i havent done enough research yet and am still reading half the library that Nige gave me when i asked for books on Salvation. Big topic. I think ive bitten off more than i can chew again.
Bah.
Ah well, enough procrastination, even if self discovery is an honourable pursuit - i have my whole life to do that. For my theoloy project i have till monday.
%*^&.
i have just been reading one of my friend's blogs and was once again prodded that honesty is not not-lying, but is actually being open about things. I struggle with this. People who know me will tell you i am difficult to get to know, and tbh probs dont know me as well as they thought they did. I realised this a while back and it kinda freaked me out. The worst feeling in the world is loneliness, and it is scary to think that through dishonesty (despite not lying, lying being one of the things i hate and cant do), i have made myself vulnerable to being lonely, by not opening myself up and being vulnerable with people. I am wincing even as i write this at the reaction of my family, my boss, and all other people who possibly have a shred of authority or hold me in some sort of esteem or claim to know me. Vulnerability is a tough thing~
Despite this i have realised that true relationship is one where you are open to let people to hurt you, and realise that actually they dont want to at all, but they want to lift you up and love you. They cant do that very well if you dont let them know who theyre trying to do it to~
Well, enough of all that mushy outpouring of the heart. Bye bye poetry brain, back to my scientific brain. I am trying to do my theology project. I lie. I should be doing my theology project. Atm its all ideas and i dont know how to stick it on paper. Being a perfectionist i feel i havent done enough research yet and am still reading half the library that Nige gave me when i asked for books on Salvation. Big topic. I think ive bitten off more than i can chew again.
Bah.
Ah well, enough procrastination, even if self discovery is an honourable pursuit - i have my whole life to do that. For my theoloy project i have till monday.
%*^&.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
'tsbeen up lately~
Well, apart from wednesday's events which i have already reported, it has been an eventful week!
I have learned a lot about patience from the young people at Northbrook, and i am constantly being reminded that you cannot coast on past success when working with young people and working for God. Relationships require hard work, but they are so much more rewarding if you put the work in and become selfless, which aint easy in itself! Two of our young people at NB have special needs and are always winding each other up, but last friday it was especially bad and E was constantly kicking, pushing and antagonising M without provocation, but M was showing amazing patience and self control, which was absolutely amazing and inspiring to watch. Despite our warnings, E refused to listen to us and stop bugging him, and eventually we called the teacher over when E slapped him across the face. It was a difficult situation, but M's patience and self control was absolutely amazing :D
The week was a bit slow because of the bank holiday, but on sunday me and heather went to Ruth's birthday bash in central. It was an awesome evening and i am so going to go clubbing again. It was made all the more enjoyable as our church friends and Alia's uni friends are a lovely bunch of people and were really friendly and fun. We finally left at kicking out time and got back to Heather's house at 4am!
Monday passed in a groggy tinitus-filled haze, and i watched Watchmen, which i was expecting to be an action flick but it totally isnt. It's more a look at power and what it means to be human, with lots of blood and gore thrown in. A very interesting film, but not if youre squeamish.
We had tuesday off because NB had a teacher training day, so we had team brunch at Maggies. The highlight was when the waitress called Andy Cindy by accident. The rest of the day was filled with theology project stuff. Id appreciate your prayers for that as its going very slowly! It involves lots of reading, and there are only so many hours in the day.
Friday was a fantastic YMAD, despite me turning up shattered (late night coz of the election coverage - oops), and Josie and Stevie did an excellent job setting up, and we had chips, which went down a treat, and there was a general happy buzz about the place. I always go away from YMAD with uplifted spirits - the young people have so much to share and so much life about them. I love them like theyre my kids. Obv i wouldnt know as i dont have kids but yknow XD
The talk went down well - we are using the Rock Solid material which is really good. If you have 11-14 age group i really recommend it :)
Im getting baptised tomorrow!!! Its well exciting! Cant wait to see all you homies tomorrow. Its gonna be awesome.
over and out x
I have learned a lot about patience from the young people at Northbrook, and i am constantly being reminded that you cannot coast on past success when working with young people and working for God. Relationships require hard work, but they are so much more rewarding if you put the work in and become selfless, which aint easy in itself! Two of our young people at NB have special needs and are always winding each other up, but last friday it was especially bad and E was constantly kicking, pushing and antagonising M without provocation, but M was showing amazing patience and self control, which was absolutely amazing and inspiring to watch. Despite our warnings, E refused to listen to us and stop bugging him, and eventually we called the teacher over when E slapped him across the face. It was a difficult situation, but M's patience and self control was absolutely amazing :D
The week was a bit slow because of the bank holiday, but on sunday me and heather went to Ruth's birthday bash in central. It was an awesome evening and i am so going to go clubbing again. It was made all the more enjoyable as our church friends and Alia's uni friends are a lovely bunch of people and were really friendly and fun. We finally left at kicking out time and got back to Heather's house at 4am!
Monday passed in a groggy tinitus-filled haze, and i watched Watchmen, which i was expecting to be an action flick but it totally isnt. It's more a look at power and what it means to be human, with lots of blood and gore thrown in. A very interesting film, but not if youre squeamish.
We had tuesday off because NB had a teacher training day, so we had team brunch at Maggies. The highlight was when the waitress called Andy Cindy by accident. The rest of the day was filled with theology project stuff. Id appreciate your prayers for that as its going very slowly! It involves lots of reading, and there are only so many hours in the day.
Friday was a fantastic YMAD, despite me turning up shattered (late night coz of the election coverage - oops), and Josie and Stevie did an excellent job setting up, and we had chips, which went down a treat, and there was a general happy buzz about the place. I always go away from YMAD with uplifted spirits - the young people have so much to share and so much life about them. I love them like theyre my kids. Obv i wouldnt know as i dont have kids but yknow XD
The talk went down well - we are using the Rock Solid material which is really good. If you have 11-14 age group i really recommend it :)
Im getting baptised tomorrow!!! Its well exciting! Cant wait to see all you homies tomorrow. Its gonna be awesome.
over and out x
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Stabbing in Sydenham
Well, this week has been a packed week, and i have much to talk about, but it all seems rather trivial compared to the stabbing that happened in Home Park in Sydenham last night, which is just down the road from Here for Good. After youthgroup Zoe texted us telling us to get a lift home because the busses were all on reroute. We dont know his name yet, but its been on the national news and ive heard rumours he was a friend of one of the young people we work with. Your prayers would be much appreciated, for the family of the boy (he had a brother in primary school), and for the team because we are all pretty rattled by it. The topic i was given at the start of the term for tomorrows YMAD is Anger and Violence - and in light of last night's events, i dont really know how to pitch it. Please pray that this ends where it is, and that it wont escalate or affect the young people we work with.
many thanks.
many thanks.
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Wow... She Blogged!
so, i havent blogged all last half term, for a number of reasons, none of which im actually going to tell you. There, glad we cleared that up :)
The holidays were fab, and i had a really great time seeing everybody.So much so that i wasnt 100% happy about coming back (the prospect of it being busy and slightly stressful wasnt great after a week doing zilch), but now i am back its really great to catch up with the london lot again, especially the guys at Northbrook School.
Weve had a few lunch clubs - the NB guys dont want to play the games (!) so we are trying to work out an alternative for them.
The Bus is back! They finally fixed it, and a few volunteers from Catford CC gave it a paint job, so it was looking pretty fine~ It was great to see it again, after the dreary grey bus we had on loan from another charity.
Itll be great to be back at FHCC - i will stay in or my first ever FH sermon! Woop woop! Father Richard is the guest speaker (he is the headmaster at NB), so it will be interesting to hear what he has to say.
I am getting baptised on 9th May at FHCC, contact me if you wanna come along :)
Apart from that, there is not much to report apart from spring has hit london with a vengeance - there is blossom and greenery everywhere!
The holidays were fab, and i had a really great time seeing everybody.So much so that i wasnt 100% happy about coming back (the prospect of it being busy and slightly stressful wasnt great after a week doing zilch), but now i am back its really great to catch up with the london lot again, especially the guys at Northbrook School.
Weve had a few lunch clubs - the NB guys dont want to play the games (!) so we are trying to work out an alternative for them.
The Bus is back! They finally fixed it, and a few volunteers from Catford CC gave it a paint job, so it was looking pretty fine~ It was great to see it again, after the dreary grey bus we had on loan from another charity.
Itll be great to be back at FHCC - i will stay in or my first ever FH sermon! Woop woop! Father Richard is the guest speaker (he is the headmaster at NB), so it will be interesting to hear what he has to say.
I am getting baptised on 9th May at FHCC, contact me if you wanna come along :)
Apart from that, there is not much to report apart from spring has hit london with a vengeance - there is blossom and greenery everywhere!
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Gearing up for Ghana
Ghana is so close now - its getting exciting! I have got my Malarone (malaria tablets) and they only cost £7.20! Hurray for Lewisham council, they have saved me £50 :D
Im getting my jabs done for sure early this week.
Thankyou to all who have already sponsored the Ghana trip - your donations are most appreciated. I am doing a duet with Ruth for her fundraising concert next saturday, which im really looking forward to. If yall back home want to sponsor this worthy cause, please talk to my dad aka Mr Simon Bramwell. I still have to raise £400 towards it. if you peeps over london way wanna sponsor me, please do - ill bring a jar to The Barn, YMAD and church next week :)
Thursday in the office was rather good, and we went to Hazel Grove after to play some football and get the kids involved in a filming project we are doing. XLP beat Hazel Grove 15 - 12 at footy! yay! We froze our digits off XD
Rupert (the guy in charge of worship) said he'd slot me into the rota on tuesday, so i should know by the end of the week when im gonna be on the team :)
Friday this week was good - there were far fewer fights, and we got talking with some of our regulars - they want to do work experience at XLP! It was so encouraging to hear that they liked what we were doing in their school enough to want to work for us for a time.
We have started a cooking class thing at Milford Towers, so we went there straight from Northbrook to clean the community flat (im not sure how much they pay those caretakers, but they sure dont pay em enough ;) ), then we cooked them a meal - pasta and veg sauce with flan for pudding. It was great to see them wolfing it down. Its great to do stuff for other people, and it was even more special to me knowing that this might have been their one meal of the evening, or the only healthy thing they would eat all day.
YMAD was also good - Steveie did the talk on Forgiveness, and Calum got voted in for the Leader's Challenge. Its my turn to think of one - any ideas ppl? I was thinking something involving toothpaste ;)
On saturday i went to Southwark Team's Ghana fundraiser, showcasing lots of local talent, and it was a really fun evening. There was everything from emcees and dance acts to rock bands, and a few acts from the Greenwich Arts Showcase.
Today was interesting - Calum was ill (:( ) So YMAD was kinda done off the hoof - luckily i had a talk prepared that i could expand on. I talked about my trip to Uganda and why mission is important to christians, and read them the classic faith and works passage from James. I love James - so inspiring. Martin Luther didnt know what he was looking at ;)
We did some new games and did loads of running around on the astro turf pitch - definitely doing thattun again~
Hopefully i should be getting a phone this week - ill let you all know what my number is asap :)
peace out~
Im getting my jabs done for sure early this week.
Thankyou to all who have already sponsored the Ghana trip - your donations are most appreciated. I am doing a duet with Ruth for her fundraising concert next saturday, which im really looking forward to. If yall back home want to sponsor this worthy cause, please talk to my dad aka Mr Simon Bramwell. I still have to raise £400 towards it. if you peeps over london way wanna sponsor me, please do - ill bring a jar to The Barn, YMAD and church next week :)
Thursday in the office was rather good, and we went to Hazel Grove after to play some football and get the kids involved in a filming project we are doing. XLP beat Hazel Grove 15 - 12 at footy! yay! We froze our digits off XD
Rupert (the guy in charge of worship) said he'd slot me into the rota on tuesday, so i should know by the end of the week when im gonna be on the team :)
Friday this week was good - there were far fewer fights, and we got talking with some of our regulars - they want to do work experience at XLP! It was so encouraging to hear that they liked what we were doing in their school enough to want to work for us for a time.
We have started a cooking class thing at Milford Towers, so we went there straight from Northbrook to clean the community flat (im not sure how much they pay those caretakers, but they sure dont pay em enough ;) ), then we cooked them a meal - pasta and veg sauce with flan for pudding. It was great to see them wolfing it down. Its great to do stuff for other people, and it was even more special to me knowing that this might have been their one meal of the evening, or the only healthy thing they would eat all day.
YMAD was also good - Steveie did the talk on Forgiveness, and Calum got voted in for the Leader's Challenge. Its my turn to think of one - any ideas ppl? I was thinking something involving toothpaste ;)
On saturday i went to Southwark Team's Ghana fundraiser, showcasing lots of local talent, and it was a really fun evening. There was everything from emcees and dance acts to rock bands, and a few acts from the Greenwich Arts Showcase.
Today was interesting - Calum was ill (:( ) So YMAD was kinda done off the hoof - luckily i had a talk prepared that i could expand on. I talked about my trip to Uganda and why mission is important to christians, and read them the classic faith and works passage from James. I love James - so inspiring. Martin Luther didnt know what he was looking at ;)
We did some new games and did loads of running around on the astro turf pitch - definitely doing thattun again~
Hopefully i should be getting a phone this week - ill let you all know what my number is asap :)
peace out~
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Well well well
Im feeling quite organised - averaging one or more post a week here, would you look at that :)
On monday we had a lovely lady come to talk to us about issues in africa in preparation for the Ghana trip ( if you would like to sponsor me, please get in touch via email and well sort summat out), including things like climate change, AIDS, politics, healthcare and sanitation etc. It was very interesting. After that Les Isaacs who heads up Street Pastors came in to give us a talk on Culture and reaching people from different cultures, then he took us out onto the street to talk to people, and we talked to some Indian guys selling foriegn sim cards about how it was hard to get a job in the UK and how he wanted to go back home, oh, and remember Allah. I wave every time i walk past now :)
Tuesday went fantastically well, and i think it has been one of the best days I've had at XLP so far - it was my turn to do the talk at the lunch club, and the kids were in raptures, and they spent a good 10 mins on the discussion questions. I think ive caught the public speaking bug :) Live Lounge was also really good, we had some good discussions with the young people over dinner. We found out from one of them that they often get money from their parents and have to feed themselves. One guy got £3.50 a day to spend on lunch and dinner, and told us he mostly got fish and chips, pizza,or chicken and chips. Im not sure what they do for weekends but its sad that they are growing lads and not getting the diets they need. We are drafting up a session where we take them to a supermarket and teach them how to eat healthily on £2 :)
We had some interviewees for next year's gap year course, and they came along to Live Lounge and got involved with our huge table tennis games, and it was generally a wonderful buzzing atmosphere :D
Today I woke up to my new alarm clock (yusss), and we had in class support. One of my students is continuously absent so that got looked into today, and hopefully that will clear up. Lunch club in Addey was good... Barn was good - we had the first of our sessions answering the burning questions we got them to ask last week - this week was on Church and Christian Life, and there were some good discussions going.
So yah, my week so far :)
keep you posted ;)
On monday we had a lovely lady come to talk to us about issues in africa in preparation for the Ghana trip ( if you would like to sponsor me, please get in touch via email and well sort summat out), including things like climate change, AIDS, politics, healthcare and sanitation etc. It was very interesting. After that Les Isaacs who heads up Street Pastors came in to give us a talk on Culture and reaching people from different cultures, then he took us out onto the street to talk to people, and we talked to some Indian guys selling foriegn sim cards about how it was hard to get a job in the UK and how he wanted to go back home, oh, and remember Allah. I wave every time i walk past now :)
Tuesday went fantastically well, and i think it has been one of the best days I've had at XLP so far - it was my turn to do the talk at the lunch club, and the kids were in raptures, and they spent a good 10 mins on the discussion questions. I think ive caught the public speaking bug :) Live Lounge was also really good, we had some good discussions with the young people over dinner. We found out from one of them that they often get money from their parents and have to feed themselves. One guy got £3.50 a day to spend on lunch and dinner, and told us he mostly got fish and chips, pizza,or chicken and chips. Im not sure what they do for weekends but its sad that they are growing lads and not getting the diets they need. We are drafting up a session where we take them to a supermarket and teach them how to eat healthily on £2 :)
We had some interviewees for next year's gap year course, and they came along to Live Lounge and got involved with our huge table tennis games, and it was generally a wonderful buzzing atmosphere :D
Today I woke up to my new alarm clock (yusss), and we had in class support. One of my students is continuously absent so that got looked into today, and hopefully that will clear up. Lunch club in Addey was good... Barn was good - we had the first of our sessions answering the burning questions we got them to ask last week - this week was on Church and Christian Life, and there were some good discussions going.
So yah, my week so far :)
keep you posted ;)
Sunday, 17 January 2010
First food shop, new friends, fun times
Well, another week has passed since I last posted, and it has been a Good One :)
Last Sunday i went sledging in Crystal Palace park with some of the youth at church, and it was great fun, and it was really good to get to know them better. The more I get to know the youth the more at home I feel :D
This week's training session was on Islam, which was fascinating, and shows just how little you get from the media about Islam. For example, the different "denominations" of Islam, different interpretations of the Koran, and how culture affects Islam in different countries. The afternoon's session was on how to approach teaching students who dont have english as a first language, and how the teaching techniques have changed.
We had our first "proper" day back at Northbrook, and it was great to see them all again, and to have our first Live Lounge of the year. We also had our first full week of youth groups because the snow had all melted by Monday afternoon :)
We had a bit more snow on Wednesday, but it was the wet kinda snow that makes good snowballs but doesnt stick around for long. In the afternoon we had mentoring with Sarah, and we gave each other the prophecies we felt god was saying to us, and wrote what positive qualities each person had on a bit of paper. It was interesting to see what people put! I was pleased to see that people think i am quietly determined.
wootage~
At the Barn we had a last minute change of plan for how to do the next term, and we got all the youth to annonymously write their most burning questions on post it notes and we aim to answer them during the term. There were some very interesting and profound questions in there - I look forward to hearing the answers :)
Still no Bus- the reason its out of action is because XLP had to make changes to it to meet the Low Emissions standard, but somewhere along the line the paperwork went missing and we got saddled with a large fine, and will do every time we take the bus out. Please pray that itll all get sorted and we can take the bus out to the estates again :)
Friday was nuts. Sean from last year's team turned up to do playground pastoring with us, and they were all happy to see him. After that it went downhill, and in the second playground it started kicking off, but luckily it only went as far as playfights and facing off. But in the first playground two girls proper went for each other and it got pretty ugly. One of the students said to us it would probably continue after school, and we were lucky to hear it because we were able to tip the school off. Kerry was very emphatic that we pass information like that on "because its information like that that stops someone getting stabbed." Hearing it like that put it into perspective.
Saturday me and a bunch of church youth went to Bromley to see Avatar, but unluckily it was booked out, so saw Sherlock Holmes instead. Its a very good film - clever plot and clever filming. Go see it. I had my first ever trip to A&E when one of them passed out on the bus - luckily she was alright.
Me and Elaine have agreed that I'm gonna do my own meals, so i did my first food shop today. Its exciting - ill be well set up for uni at the end of the year :D
I have lost my phone :(
Speckle says over and out till next time ;)
Last Sunday i went sledging in Crystal Palace park with some of the youth at church, and it was great fun, and it was really good to get to know them better. The more I get to know the youth the more at home I feel :D
This week's training session was on Islam, which was fascinating, and shows just how little you get from the media about Islam. For example, the different "denominations" of Islam, different interpretations of the Koran, and how culture affects Islam in different countries. The afternoon's session was on how to approach teaching students who dont have english as a first language, and how the teaching techniques have changed.
We had our first "proper" day back at Northbrook, and it was great to see them all again, and to have our first Live Lounge of the year. We also had our first full week of youth groups because the snow had all melted by Monday afternoon :)
We had a bit more snow on Wednesday, but it was the wet kinda snow that makes good snowballs but doesnt stick around for long. In the afternoon we had mentoring with Sarah, and we gave each other the prophecies we felt god was saying to us, and wrote what positive qualities each person had on a bit of paper. It was interesting to see what people put! I was pleased to see that people think i am quietly determined.
wootage~
At the Barn we had a last minute change of plan for how to do the next term, and we got all the youth to annonymously write their most burning questions on post it notes and we aim to answer them during the term. There were some very interesting and profound questions in there - I look forward to hearing the answers :)
Still no Bus- the reason its out of action is because XLP had to make changes to it to meet the Low Emissions standard, but somewhere along the line the paperwork went missing and we got saddled with a large fine, and will do every time we take the bus out. Please pray that itll all get sorted and we can take the bus out to the estates again :)
Friday was nuts. Sean from last year's team turned up to do playground pastoring with us, and they were all happy to see him. After that it went downhill, and in the second playground it started kicking off, but luckily it only went as far as playfights and facing off. But in the first playground two girls proper went for each other and it got pretty ugly. One of the students said to us it would probably continue after school, and we were lucky to hear it because we were able to tip the school off. Kerry was very emphatic that we pass information like that on "because its information like that that stops someone getting stabbed." Hearing it like that put it into perspective.
Saturday me and a bunch of church youth went to Bromley to see Avatar, but unluckily it was booked out, so saw Sherlock Holmes instead. Its a very good film - clever plot and clever filming. Go see it. I had my first ever trip to A&E when one of them passed out on the bus - luckily she was alright.
Me and Elaine have agreed that I'm gonna do my own meals, so i did my first food shop today. Its exciting - ill be well set up for uni at the end of the year :D
I have lost my phone :(
Speckle says over and out till next time ;)
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Moar snow~
There is still snow on the ground, and there has been more tonight, so thinks look to still be a bit slowgoing this next week (even more so if the national grit shortage gets worse).
On thursday we had Church Day and went through the topics and rota for this term. If you want me to come round for a weekend, please buzz me by the end of this week coz i need to book time off and after that the rota is not flexible. Because the bus was out of action due to the sheet ice, we did home visits at Hazel Grove, and we ended up at Hannah and Anisha's house, where we were very kindly offered a cup of tea and we talked about Jamaica, which was fascinating. It was good to get to know the girls a bit better, as its hard to talk much on the bus really - its very noisy.
On friday we went to Northbrook for playground pastoring and caught up with all the students and asked how their christmases were. They were largly good :)
Youthgroup was cancelled because of the snow, so we had a little while longer to get ready for out XLP Night Out in London Town. Which was just as well because i forgot my ID and had to go back to get it. We ended up at this great little bar called Sosho, which had really friendly bar staff and some indie-electronica background music.
Me and Davina tried to get the night bus back to Brockley, and after some friendly drunk people tried directing us back (involving 3 buses and a ten minute walk), we decided to crash at the travelodge with the rest of the guys. Lesson learned: always plan ahead with transport.
Sledging with Forest Hill youth at crystal palace tomorrow! Wahay!
Here are some songs Im obsessed with atm. Check them out on spotify. If you havent got Spotify, thats a darn shame~
http://open.spotify.com/track/0Ct2XTT4UBt9Y196i0Ido2
http://open.spotify.com/track/0YiReIeCQKpsxD0p1ANcgk
http://open.spotify.com/track/4WcZgEIcXnZ5A71XKvgN41
http://open.spotify.com/track/4Jm1ZaOPZcVb2UGvYqR7W0
http://open.spotify.com/track/420Bp7QeWpYYh6ZikNdZ2X
On thursday we had Church Day and went through the topics and rota for this term. If you want me to come round for a weekend, please buzz me by the end of this week coz i need to book time off and after that the rota is not flexible. Because the bus was out of action due to the sheet ice, we did home visits at Hazel Grove, and we ended up at Hannah and Anisha's house, where we were very kindly offered a cup of tea and we talked about Jamaica, which was fascinating. It was good to get to know the girls a bit better, as its hard to talk much on the bus really - its very noisy.
On friday we went to Northbrook for playground pastoring and caught up with all the students and asked how their christmases were. They were largly good :)
Youthgroup was cancelled because of the snow, so we had a little while longer to get ready for out XLP Night Out in London Town. Which was just as well because i forgot my ID and had to go back to get it. We ended up at this great little bar called Sosho, which had really friendly bar staff and some indie-electronica background music.
Me and Davina tried to get the night bus back to Brockley, and after some friendly drunk people tried directing us back (involving 3 buses and a ten minute walk), we decided to crash at the travelodge with the rest of the guys. Lesson learned: always plan ahead with transport.
Sledging with Forest Hill youth at crystal palace tomorrow! Wahay!
Here are some songs Im obsessed with atm. Check them out on spotify. If you havent got Spotify, thats a darn shame~
http://open.spotify.com/track/0Ct2XTT4UBt9Y196i0Ido2
http://open.spotify.com/track/0YiReIeCQKpsxD0p1ANcgk
http://open.spotify.com/track/4WcZgEIcXnZ5A71XKvgN41
http://open.spotify.com/track/4Jm1ZaOPZcVb2UGvYqR7W0
http://open.spotify.com/track/420Bp7QeWpYYh6ZikNdZ2X
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Back to XLP :)
Its been an eventful few days back already!
It was great to have a late start on monday, and me and dad had a wee roadtrip up to london and dropped me off at the office. It was great to catch up with everyone again and hear how their holidays went. Ali came and talked to us about the Ghana trip - lil tips about public speaking etc, because when we are there we will be teaching, doing street drama, and also sharing our testimonies.
Tuesday was a wee bit odd because Northbrook school go back later in the week, so instead we had a prayer/planning meeting, then chilled over lunch and went to Kerry's house to watch Freedom Writers (which we planned to watch in Induction Week but didnt). It's about a teacher who teaches a class in a rough school (LA i think) and how she built relationships and taught them, and got them to publish a book about their stories and background. Go grab it from a rental shop. Now, its a gud wun~
Today we had classroom support, although neither of my students turned up (due to snow), so i helped their friends instead. Davina had a great maths lesson, where the teacher got her to tell the class about XLP - quite exciting :)
We had a wee bible study in the afternoon, and then IT SNOWED. heavy snow arrived bang on 3, like the weatherman promised, and me Davina and Heather went to a park in Honor Oak Park and had a whale of a time.
Awesome. I'll keep you posted :)
It was great to have a late start on monday, and me and dad had a wee roadtrip up to london and dropped me off at the office. It was great to catch up with everyone again and hear how their holidays went. Ali came and talked to us about the Ghana trip - lil tips about public speaking etc, because when we are there we will be teaching, doing street drama, and also sharing our testimonies.
Tuesday was a wee bit odd because Northbrook school go back later in the week, so instead we had a prayer/planning meeting, then chilled over lunch and went to Kerry's house to watch Freedom Writers (which we planned to watch in Induction Week but didnt). It's about a teacher who teaches a class in a rough school (LA i think) and how she built relationships and taught them, and got them to publish a book about their stories and background. Go grab it from a rental shop. Now, its a gud wun~
Today we had classroom support, although neither of my students turned up (due to snow), so i helped their friends instead. Davina had a great maths lesson, where the teacher got her to tell the class about XLP - quite exciting :)
We had a wee bible study in the afternoon, and then IT SNOWED. heavy snow arrived bang on 3, like the weatherman promised, and me Davina and Heather went to a park in Honor Oak Park and had a whale of a time.
Awesome. I'll keep you posted :)
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