Gender is such an interesting thing. I've never felt confined by my gender, although I realise that this may be an unusual experience. Any limits on the possibilities open to me have always seemed those of skill or competency, and not because I am female. I am thankful indeed to have been born into a family environment and been part of a wider network (school, church, friends) that has encouraged and enabled me to follow my own path, without worrying about society's expectations of me as a woman.
Actually I've always been glad to be a woman, and at times even glad to play the 'helpless female' when it worked to my advantage. I've always (and perhaps cynically) seen social expectations as something to take advantage of when working in my favour, and subverted or ignored when not!
I love the freedom in being a woman, and implicit in that, the freedom not to be a man. While I want men and women to enjoy equality of opportunity and expression beyond gender lines, I also want to celebrate the differences between us. While I recognise in myself some traditionally masculine qualities (or 'Martian characteristics', as some have heard!), I don't ever want to feel that the only way I can express those is to be less female. In fact, I long to use all the talents God has placed in me while more fully the woman He has made me. O to be the woman described in Proverbs 31!
I've always felt that to be a woman of God is to celebrate everything that God has put in me that is female. And for me personally, much of that is tied up in the idea of what it means to be in partnership with a man. (Though i'm not saying that a woman is incomplete without a man!) But I guess, for me, some of what I want to enjoy as a woman is to be pursued and loved by a man, to enjoy beauty and 'femininity', cherished and protected in marriage, submitted to my husband, motherhood... Like many girls I know I identified on one level with the picture John Eldridge paints in 'Wild at Heart' - the secret desire to be rescued by a knight on a white charger and carried off into the sunset.. (although - for any secret admirers out there - I will accept a more liberal interpretation! though the horse is essential)
I've always been a independent sort of person, as I'm sure those of you who know me would agree! So some of this has come as a surprise to friends in the past. And I realise that some of this is controversial - not every girl friend would agree with those things I have picked out.
I remember an occasion a few years back which sticks in my memory as a moment of epiphany about myself. I was at a party with some friends, but ended up having to leave early and walk home. Some friends (guys) offered to walk me and I waved them off with a 'oh no, don't worry, I'll be ok', but as soon as I'd left realised that I would have loved someone to have insisted. They were valuing my independence and right to make my own decisions, but somewhere in me was the social and cultural expectation that a guy should walk a girl home after dark, should insist on doing so despite protestations to the contrary! So although I was perfectly capable of getting home and wasn't worried about walking alone in Durham or anything like that, I guess I did want those social roles to still work in my favour!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
Food for maths geeks
This strange cauliflower turned up in a bag of organic vegetables. We were quite stunned but I have since discovered that it is not of extra-terrestrial origin but in fact a 'Broccoli Romanesco'. This veg must be the best example of a natural fractal that I have ever seen! My picture's not great but this website has some excellent pictures and explanation.
Evening in Durham
I was in my car, waiting in traffic, and admiring the evening sky over the city. The windows in these houses reflected even deeper shades of gold and rose than I had seen in the sky itself.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
From the Plane
This is a picture I took from the plane coming back from Germany. It's the UK coast, somewhere south of Middlesbrough. Anyone recognise it? I want to know where it is!
Isn't it amazing to actually see the curve of the Earth like this?
Isn't it amazing to actually see the curve of the Earth like this?
The Horse and His Boy
This is one of my favourite of the Narnia books - the tale of two children and two talking horses making their way to Narnia. In terms of stories, this adventure - and the characters in it - has always appealed to me, providing some real food for thought in terms of life journeys and 'destiny'. And Aslan's appearance at the end provides some of my favourite moments of 'revelation' in the books:
Shasta meets Aslan and learns that all the lions (and a cat) he has encountered on his travels were in fact just one lion. Shasta asks him "Who are you?" and the lion replies, three times, "Myself".
Bree's comments about how Aslan couldn't possibly be a real lion, but maybe just 'as strong as a lion' or 'as fierce as a lion'.. "quite absurd to suppose he is a real lion. Indeed it would be disrespectful. If he was a lion he'd have to be a Beast just like the rest of us." and then Aslan tickles him with a whisker!
The mare, Hwin, on meeting Aslan:
"..you're so beautiful. You may eat me if you like. I'd rather be eaten by you than fed by anyone else."
Shasta meets Aslan and learns that all the lions (and a cat) he has encountered on his travels were in fact just one lion. Shasta asks him "Who are you?" and the lion replies, three times, "Myself".
Bree's comments about how Aslan couldn't possibly be a real lion, but maybe just 'as strong as a lion' or 'as fierce as a lion'.. "quite absurd to suppose he is a real lion. Indeed it would be disrespectful. If he was a lion he'd have to be a Beast just like the rest of us." and then Aslan tickles him with a whisker!
The mare, Hwin, on meeting Aslan:
"..you're so beautiful. You may eat me if you like. I'd rather be eaten by you than fed by anyone else."
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Well, what to say about a classic?!
It's difficult enough to narrow down my favourite bits..
- the Professor's surprising reaction when Peter and Susan are worried about Lucy: "a charge of lying against someone whom you have always found truthful is a very serious thing; a very serious thing indeed."
- the Beavers explain that Aslan is returning
"...don't you know? He's the King. He's the Lord of the whole wood.."
(it made me think of "Do you not know? Have you not heard that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth?" Isaiah 40:28)
- the snow melts for Spring has come! "Your winter has been destroyed, I tell you! This is Aslan's doing." says the Witch's dwarf. ('Even the demons know who I am.' The Witch has no power beyond what is allowed her)
- Mr Beaver objects to the Witch calling herself 'Queen of Narnia' but Aslan calms him: "Peace, Beaver..All names will soon be restored to their proper owners. In the meantime we will not dispute about them."
(I love how much this comment reveals Aslan's certainty, for lack of a better word. He knows what the proper order of things is and sees no need to debate it. The Witch has been queen, but only allowed to be so for a time, now nearing its end)
- the Witch's glee at her victory: "And now, who has won? Fool, did you think that by all this you would save the human traitor? ...Understand that you have given me Narnia forever, you have lost your own life and you have not saved his." (How Satan must have gloated at the cross and how gloriously wrong!)
- And, of course, the breaking of the Stone Table and the reappearance of Aslan, alive once more! This is such a wonderful scene, and I love the way it's the girls who witness it as the women do in the Gospels. Aslan tells them of a "magic deeper still" and follows it with a "romp such as no one has ever had except in Narnia". And then he Roars, bending the trees before him like grass in the wind. He's back - and more himself than ever!
It's difficult enough to narrow down my favourite bits..
- the Professor's surprising reaction when Peter and Susan are worried about Lucy: "a charge of lying against someone whom you have always found truthful is a very serious thing; a very serious thing indeed."
- the Beavers explain that Aslan is returning
"...don't you know? He's the King. He's the Lord of the whole wood.."
(it made me think of "Do you not know? Have you not heard that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth?" Isaiah 40:28)
- the snow melts for Spring has come! "Your winter has been destroyed, I tell you! This is Aslan's doing." says the Witch's dwarf. ('Even the demons know who I am.' The Witch has no power beyond what is allowed her)
- Mr Beaver objects to the Witch calling herself 'Queen of Narnia' but Aslan calms him: "Peace, Beaver..All names will soon be restored to their proper owners. In the meantime we will not dispute about them."
(I love how much this comment reveals Aslan's certainty, for lack of a better word. He knows what the proper order of things is and sees no need to debate it. The Witch has been queen, but only allowed to be so for a time, now nearing its end)
- the Witch's glee at her victory: "And now, who has won? Fool, did you think that by all this you would save the human traitor? ...Understand that you have given me Narnia forever, you have lost your own life and you have not saved his." (How Satan must have gloated at the cross and how gloriously wrong!)
- And, of course, the breaking of the Stone Table and the reappearance of Aslan, alive once more! This is such a wonderful scene, and I love the way it's the girls who witness it as the women do in the Gospels. Aslan tells them of a "magic deeper still" and follows it with a "romp such as no one has ever had except in Narnia". And then he Roars, bending the trees before him like grass in the wind. He's back - and more himself than ever!
"Do you love your wife?"
Yesterday evening Chris Juby played a song by 'Brother Don' (otherwise known as Don Francisco) which surprised me in its spot-on-ness. I found this website, where you can download an MP3 of 'The Steeple Song' - recommended!
"..the thing I need I need to ask you is have done the things I said..
Do you love your wife? "
"..the thing I need I need to ask you is have done the things I said..
Do you love your wife? "
Pictures from Munich
Granma - and other Millers - follow this link to see some pictures from Lisa and Franz's wedding in Munich. Sorry they've been so delayed!
Friday, October 21, 2005
Half term - yay!
...All I wanted to say really!
It feels so good to be finally here.. feels like I've been waiting for this from September! It's going to be a busy few days but I'm looking forward to Monday (which you won't normally hear me say...)
It feels so good to be finally here.. feels like I've been waiting for this from September! It's going to be a busy few days but I'm looking forward to Monday (which you won't normally hear me say...)
Thursday, October 20, 2005
The magic begins
I've just finished reading The Magician's Nephew, part of my plan to read all the Narnia books again over half term. I really enjoyed my escape to that magical world and encountering once more the beauty, strength and grace of the Lion..formidable yet impossible to resist. Aslan is so wonderfully real for me in reflecting the character and majesty of Jesus. As an allegory he works on so many levels and I find so many truths in the reflection..definitely someone I recognise! (is that heretical?!) I find there's something in the character of Aslan that helps me to understand (and worship) something more in the person of Jesus every time that I read it, perhaps the slightly unusual perspective helps...?
Anyway, here's a few of my favourite moments:
- the Lion's song
- Uncle Andrew has tried so hard not to hear that he stops being able to..
- Aslan says he knows the Cabby and asks if he recognises him
- Aslan explains why the fruit the witch took from the Tree will give her endless days but neither real Life nor joy. But the apple he gives Diggory as a gift brings life and healing to his mother.
Enjoyable and lots to consider but it's not the best of the books and I'm looking forward to striking on further... onwards and upwards!
Anyway, here's a few of my favourite moments:
- the Lion's song
- Uncle Andrew has tried so hard not to hear that he stops being able to..
- Aslan says he knows the Cabby and asks if he recognises him
- Aslan explains why the fruit the witch took from the Tree will give her endless days but neither real Life nor joy. But the apple he gives Diggory as a gift brings life and healing to his mother.
Enjoyable and lots to consider but it's not the best of the books and I'm looking forward to striking on further... onwards and upwards!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Pullman talks nonsense on Narnia
Like Hilary, I have been reading the debate on the BBC website regarding Philip Pullman's comments on the forthcoming Narnia films.
I've never taken part in one of these 'Have Your Say' moderated debates before and thought i'd have a go at adding my views. I wonder if they'll be 'printed'?
Just in case they're not, I thought i'd put them here instead..:-)
"It's fascinating to hear such a range of views on a subject I didn't realise was so in question. Narnia is a fictional world, and the book tells a fictional story, but like all good stories it contains both the familar and unfamilar. In his books CS Lewis retells the 'big story' and in this sense it's neither a (teaching) parable or a evangelistic tool, but reflects reality as he saw it. Thus the clear parallels between his tale and the Christian story of love and sacrifice and resurrection. Pullman's curious comments about the lack of love in the books remain a mystery...as someone previously commented, Aslan's death reveals a story centred on love: 'What greater love than this, that a man should lay down His life for His friend.'"
I've never taken part in one of these 'Have Your Say' moderated debates before and thought i'd have a go at adding my views. I wonder if they'll be 'printed'?
Just in case they're not, I thought i'd put them here instead..:-)
"It's fascinating to hear such a range of views on a subject I didn't realise was so in question. Narnia is a fictional world, and the book tells a fictional story, but like all good stories it contains both the familar and unfamilar. In his books CS Lewis retells the 'big story' and in this sense it's neither a (teaching) parable or a evangelistic tool, but reflects reality as he saw it. Thus the clear parallels between his tale and the Christian story of love and sacrifice and resurrection. Pullman's curious comments about the lack of love in the books remain a mystery...as someone previously commented, Aslan's death reveals a story centred on love: 'What greater love than this, that a man should lay down His life for His friend.'"
A way with words..
Something caught my attention on a recent reading of Acts 23.
Paul is normally really plain in expressing the Gospel and what he believes, but in this trial before the Sanhedrin he deliberately and quite cleverly subverts the questions and starts an argument between the Pharisees and Sadducees:
"I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead. When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. [And Luke explains](the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)" 23 v.6-7
It seems unusual for him to divert attention away in this way and perhaps even slightly deceptive - that's not really what they considered the trial was about surely? (although of course a fairly essential component) Perhaps he was just trying to highlight the lack of evidence or case against him..?
He later refers to this in his trial before Felix (chapter 24) when he admits that he caused a disturbance with his comments about resurrection before the Sanhedrin - and that was his only crime.
Thoughts?
Paul is normally really plain in expressing the Gospel and what he believes, but in this trial before the Sanhedrin he deliberately and quite cleverly subverts the questions and starts an argument between the Pharisees and Sadducees:
"I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead. When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. [And Luke explains](the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)" 23 v.6-7
It seems unusual for him to divert attention away in this way and perhaps even slightly deceptive - that's not really what they considered the trial was about surely? (although of course a fairly essential component) Perhaps he was just trying to highlight the lack of evidence or case against him..?
He later refers to this in his trial before Felix (chapter 24) when he admits that he caused a disturbance with his comments about resurrection before the Sanhedrin - and that was his only crime.
Thoughts?
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Rebuilding the House
I had one or two requests for a copy of this exerpt from Mere Christianity by CS Lewis:
"I find I must borrow yet another parable from George MacDonald. Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurt abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of-throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.
"The command Be ye perfect is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures that can obey that command. He said (in the Bible) that we were 'gods' and He is going to make good His words. If we let Him - for we can prevent Him, if we choose - He will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, a dazzling, radiant, immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which reflects back to God perfectly (though, of course, on a smaller scale) His own boundless power and delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what He said."
"I find I must borrow yet another parable from George MacDonald. Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurt abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of-throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.
"The command Be ye perfect is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures that can obey that command. He said (in the Bible) that we were 'gods' and He is going to make good His words. If we let Him - for we can prevent Him, if we choose - He will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, a dazzling, radiant, immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which reflects back to God perfectly (though, of course, on a smaller scale) His own boundless power and delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what He said."
i want you back for gooooood
Well, it's been a while but I am still alive and online - honest!
Things have been super busy here, both in and outside school, and I haven't got much creative energy! I will try to make a bigger effort though...
I've been enjoying throwing life and energy into church once again. It's been a while since I've been able to do that the way I like to. I'm being kept busy on Sundays, mostly with the evening service, and filling up my weekday evenings with other fun stuff. But trying to stay on top of everything this year will be slightly crazy!
Things have been super busy here, both in and outside school, and I haven't got much creative energy! I will try to make a bigger effort though...
I've been enjoying throwing life and energy into church once again. It's been a while since I've been able to do that the way I like to. I'm being kept busy on Sundays, mostly with the evening service, and filling up my weekday evenings with other fun stuff. But trying to stay on top of everything this year will be slightly crazy!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
music meltdown
I was reflecting this evening on the effect music has on me. I love music of all kinds, and I find it hard to pin down any particular type of music as a favourite.
I've discovered that for me, music serves as a kind of emotional and mental warm up, like stretching for physical exercise. Some of that warm up comes from the lyrics of a song, rehearsing situations and emotions, but not all. The music itself, the chords, the melody, the rhythm, has an effect beyond the lyrical content.
I started thinking about this because of the way that music makes me want to pray. I play cds in the car and for a few weeks I've been playing a worship cd which has been really good for me. But recently I've started playing some other, more secular, cds and I've noticed that as soon as the music comes on I immediately relax, my mood improves and I want to pray. Have I just been conditioned?
It's as if it has an almost physical effect on me, a washing over. I can feel it happening! My brain runs more smoothly, my emotions come closer to the surface, I feel happier. I was listening to Rhythm of the Saints on the way home today and the rhythm woke me right up, made me smile..tapping on the steering wheel and bopping away!
All kinds of music have this effect. I've been listening to old cheese, Jars of Clay, Paul Simon...
When i used to go to Planet of Sound weekly, a few years back now, I had some of my best prayer times of the week on the trance floor - strange I know! Dancing has a similar effect on me. Actually, someone lent me an old trance cd recently and I've found it excellent for working to.
Does anyone else have this happen to them?
I've discovered that for me, music serves as a kind of emotional and mental warm up, like stretching for physical exercise. Some of that warm up comes from the lyrics of a song, rehearsing situations and emotions, but not all. The music itself, the chords, the melody, the rhythm, has an effect beyond the lyrical content.
I started thinking about this because of the way that music makes me want to pray. I play cds in the car and for a few weeks I've been playing a worship cd which has been really good for me. But recently I've started playing some other, more secular, cds and I've noticed that as soon as the music comes on I immediately relax, my mood improves and I want to pray. Have I just been conditioned?
It's as if it has an almost physical effect on me, a washing over. I can feel it happening! My brain runs more smoothly, my emotions come closer to the surface, I feel happier. I was listening to Rhythm of the Saints on the way home today and the rhythm woke me right up, made me smile..tapping on the steering wheel and bopping away!
All kinds of music have this effect. I've been listening to old cheese, Jars of Clay, Paul Simon...
When i used to go to Planet of Sound weekly, a few years back now, I had some of my best prayer times of the week on the trance floor - strange I know! Dancing has a similar effect on me. Actually, someone lent me an old trance cd recently and I've found it excellent for working to.
Does anyone else have this happen to them?
Monday, September 19, 2005
East of Eden
I've just finished reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck, a present from Tom. I wasn't sure what to expect, as at least two people said to me that it was the best book they'd read.
Even now, it's hard to work out exactly what I feel about it. It was surprisingly readable and the characters unexpected. The world and characters he draws are both familiar and at the same time unfamiliar as only real people can be.
The novel revolves around and reflects upon the events in Genesis 4 - the story of Cain and Abel. There are two sets of brothers in this story and part of the anticipation of the novel lies in the extent to which their lives reflect their Genesis counterparts. I won't spoil the story for those who haven't read it, but it doesn't spoil much to say that the novel is about, for me at least, the importance of choice - tied up in the word timshel, 'thou mayest'. Among its themes are the good and evil in every person, revenge and redemption, jealousy and love, guilt and forgiveness. I loved the last section of the book, and especially the interactions between the characters in the Trask household, Lee and Cal particularly. The pain of rejection and its consequences in the different characters provides the most memorable scenes and the novel hinges on the helpless inevitability-or not- of the result.
Towards the end the novel I was uncomfortable with its appearing to condone 'evil' thoughts and actions in a person, even preferring them to morality and innocence. But I have come to realise that the novel is ultimately not about good or evil people, but about the reality of sin in everyone and the choice that we have - whether to fan it into flames or to master it. The 'innocent' and 'evil' characters in this story serve mainly as foils to their more complicated counterparts, giving context to their actions.
Even now, it's hard to work out exactly what I feel about it. It was surprisingly readable and the characters unexpected. The world and characters he draws are both familiar and at the same time unfamiliar as only real people can be.
The novel revolves around and reflects upon the events in Genesis 4 - the story of Cain and Abel. There are two sets of brothers in this story and part of the anticipation of the novel lies in the extent to which their lives reflect their Genesis counterparts. I won't spoil the story for those who haven't read it, but it doesn't spoil much to say that the novel is about, for me at least, the importance of choice - tied up in the word timshel, 'thou mayest'. Among its themes are the good and evil in every person, revenge and redemption, jealousy and love, guilt and forgiveness. I loved the last section of the book, and especially the interactions between the characters in the Trask household, Lee and Cal particularly. The pain of rejection and its consequences in the different characters provides the most memorable scenes and the novel hinges on the helpless inevitability-or not- of the result.
Towards the end the novel I was uncomfortable with its appearing to condone 'evil' thoughts and actions in a person, even preferring them to morality and innocence. But I have come to realise that the novel is ultimately not about good or evil people, but about the reality of sin in everyone and the choice that we have - whether to fan it into flames or to master it. The 'innocent' and 'evil' characters in this story serve mainly as foils to their more complicated counterparts, giving context to their actions.
Munchen Hochzeit
I just got back today from Germany and a fab weekend at my cousin Lisa's wedding. I will recount my adventures and observations in the style of my friend Mr Shervington, although i fear it will not be quite as diverting...
Friday I was in a state of nervous excitement all day, you'd think I'd never been on a plane before! My first experience of flying away for the weekend at any rate, and my first trip into Europe (that is, further than Brussels!) Hard to believe isn't it? After some confusion about flight times, I boarded at Durham Teeside (which is the smallest funniest airport ever) and took off to Amsterdam. With all the flights this weekend I was reflecting on how much I love takeoff. I find it so exhilarating, especially in the small 'cityhopper' planes. The acceleration down the runway and the anticipation just before you lift into the sky, being pushed back into your seat as it rises - what a rush! Don't mind me...
I finally arrived in Munich at 10pm, after too long spent admiring the workings of Amsterdam airport. My first view of Germany..and that was only the autobahn and in the dark. Sadly I was not to see much more, and of Munich pretty much nothing! We stayed in a rural hotel, which was perhaps the oddest place I have ever stayed. We had an ensuite with a bath, a sink and a large fridge, but no toilet. The room had two lamps and a TV, none of which worked! And the curtains when pulled closed left a gap of 15cm or more. Added to this, despite being pretty large, the hotel appeared to be completely empty apart from those of us there for the wedding!
The wedding was held in a small church in a nearby town. It was mostly in English but there were a few moments of confusion as someone explained something in German and we looked around for someone to translate. Despite the different country and language I was struck by how similar it all was. And not just that the church service was similar. It was more the realisation that wherever we go in the world there is something that’s ‘at home and among family’ when we’re worshipping with other Christians. I was so glad to be there and to celebrate the wedding. Bride and groom were radiant and excited…exactly as they should be! After much setting up and preparation the evening’s festivities began. A feast of pork belly and ribs with dumplings and gravy, potato salad, bread and cheese – yummy! And entertainment to follow…not all of which was completely intelligible!
I was supposed to leave Munich at 10am on Sunday but it wasn’t to be. My flight was overbooked and I was bumped onto a flight leaving at 8pm in the evening, requiring an overnight stay in Amsterdam. I wandered around, read lots, spent some time with dad and Leo (who caught a later flight), and generally kicked my heels for 8 hours! I spent a delightful hour in conversation with a older German lady off to visit her sister in Felixstowe. Her English was limited so we exchanged language snippets about home and family until her check-in time. I eventually escaped Munich airport with generous compensation, meal voucher and hotel ticket. I spent the night in an unexciting Travelodge-style hotel and finally arrived home at lunch time today.
I very much enjoyed my small glimpse of Germany. Everyone I met was charming and helpful. Complete strangers would step in, smiling, to assist with things lost in translation. Airport and airline staff were friendlier and more helpful than I expected…and certainly more so than in Amsterdam or home in England. Despite not previously being a fan of the German language, I found it surprisingly fun to speak – or at least attempt to! All in all, I think I’m up for a return visit!
Friday I was in a state of nervous excitement all day, you'd think I'd never been on a plane before! My first experience of flying away for the weekend at any rate, and my first trip into Europe (that is, further than Brussels!) Hard to believe isn't it? After some confusion about flight times, I boarded at Durham Teeside (which is the smallest funniest airport ever) and took off to Amsterdam. With all the flights this weekend I was reflecting on how much I love takeoff. I find it so exhilarating, especially in the small 'cityhopper' planes. The acceleration down the runway and the anticipation just before you lift into the sky, being pushed back into your seat as it rises - what a rush! Don't mind me...
I finally arrived in Munich at 10pm, after too long spent admiring the workings of Amsterdam airport. My first view of Germany..and that was only the autobahn and in the dark. Sadly I was not to see much more, and of Munich pretty much nothing! We stayed in a rural hotel, which was perhaps the oddest place I have ever stayed. We had an ensuite with a bath, a sink and a large fridge, but no toilet. The room had two lamps and a TV, none of which worked! And the curtains when pulled closed left a gap of 15cm or more. Added to this, despite being pretty large, the hotel appeared to be completely empty apart from those of us there for the wedding!
The wedding was held in a small church in a nearby town. It was mostly in English but there were a few moments of confusion as someone explained something in German and we looked around for someone to translate. Despite the different country and language I was struck by how similar it all was. And not just that the church service was similar. It was more the realisation that wherever we go in the world there is something that’s ‘at home and among family’ when we’re worshipping with other Christians. I was so glad to be there and to celebrate the wedding. Bride and groom were radiant and excited…exactly as they should be! After much setting up and preparation the evening’s festivities began. A feast of pork belly and ribs with dumplings and gravy, potato salad, bread and cheese – yummy! And entertainment to follow…not all of which was completely intelligible!
I was supposed to leave Munich at 10am on Sunday but it wasn’t to be. My flight was overbooked and I was bumped onto a flight leaving at 8pm in the evening, requiring an overnight stay in Amsterdam. I wandered around, read lots, spent some time with dad and Leo (who caught a later flight), and generally kicked my heels for 8 hours! I spent a delightful hour in conversation with a older German lady off to visit her sister in Felixstowe. Her English was limited so we exchanged language snippets about home and family until her check-in time. I eventually escaped Munich airport with generous compensation, meal voucher and hotel ticket. I spent the night in an unexciting Travelodge-style hotel and finally arrived home at lunch time today.
I very much enjoyed my small glimpse of Germany. Everyone I met was charming and helpful. Complete strangers would step in, smiling, to assist with things lost in translation. Airport and airline staff were friendlier and more helpful than I expected…and certainly more so than in Amsterdam or home in England. Despite not previously being a fan of the German language, I found it surprisingly fun to speak – or at least attempt to! All in all, I think I’m up for a return visit!
Monday, September 12, 2005
Christians in Antioch
I was reading Acts 11 this morning and noticed for the first time Luke's statement that "the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch". The notes in my Bible point out that they were called Christians because, being a mixture of Jews (speaking Greek or Aramaic) and Gentiles, Christ was all they had in common - not race, culture or language.
I was inspired by two things:
- unity IS possible in Christ, across all cultural boundaries and in the most impossible situations
- diversity is a reality, homogeneity unnecessary. Sometimes Christ is ALL we have in common. We don't have to 'click' with everybody, nor mold them in our own image, but we are called to love everyone.
I was inspired by two things:
- unity IS possible in Christ, across all cultural boundaries and in the most impossible situations
- diversity is a reality, homogeneity unnecessary. Sometimes Christ is ALL we have in common. We don't have to 'click' with everybody, nor mold them in our own image, but we are called to love everyone.
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