Joyfilled Christmas!

Happy Christmas from Zambia everyone! In my blog last year I said how every year Christmas is just a wee bit different – the tradition in our family seems to be that there is no tradition! This year is no exception. This year is a Christmas of first for me: the first in Zambia, the first with my first ever nephew, the first with my fiancé and the first without mum and dad!

Getting here was a bit of an experience. Because of Adrian’s air miles we were able to travel in World Traveller Plus which meant we both could have extra baggage allowance so we each had two bags to check in. I was very excited about being in World Traveller Plus – there was loads of room and the entertainment was on demand. However, my excitement was short lived when a family got on the plane and the boy then sat for the beginning of the flight with a sick bag up to his face! Now those of you who know my fear of sickness will understand that this was not nice for me at all! However, as soon as we got up in the sky and the in-flight entertainment started he was ok so I could enjoy the flight.

So we arrived in Lusaka airport and waited for what seem liked ages to get through customs, we went to get our bags. Only to find that there was no sign of one of the bags on the carousel – and it just would be the one with all the Christmas presents in wouldn’t it? So we queued to speak to customers services and in the distance I could see Rich, Heidie and beautiful Luke but couldn’t get to them because of the stupid missing bag. Anyway, the girl said they’d had notice from Heathrow to say that they had left the bag there and it would be on the next flight over! Praise the Lord!

We’ve spent a few days in Livingstone where we had breakfast on Livingstone Island which is just on the very edge of Victoria Falls. There are only 3 months a year when you can go over to the island so that was a real treat. Luke also experienced the falls for the first time.


Yesterday we celebrated the Danish Christmas for Heidie and today we are celebrating a small British Christmas but we are waiting for mum and dad to arrive on Thursday so we can celebrate Christmas for real, which we are all very excited about.

The run up to Christmas for me has been a bit non-existent and I’ve been complaining a bit because with being at the training college and doing all the assignments I was worried that I had lost the joy of Christmas because I haven’t been involved in much Christmas activities and have hardly any decorations up. But I have a card on my wall which I believe God used to remind me that joy is not in things it is in us. This joy which is in me is a beautiful gift from Jesus who when he was born brought glad tidings of great joy on that first Christmas and ever since then for those who choose to accept him.

Have a joyful Christmas!

Laters

cx

An enlightend day

I am contentedly happy for 5 main reasons:
1. I have ordered my wedding dress - although I am nervous that it might be the wrong one even though I feel that it is the right one. It's a big decision!

2. I have just had a very enlightening Old Testament Class and like the fact that Abraham put his hand in the hand of God and stepped out in faith (I knew that before but it blessed me again today!)

3. My Beautiful now watches CSI and enjoys it - apart from the gory bits. He's a bit of a wuss! (is that how you spell it?)

4. I am able to get emails on my Salvation Army address again after a 3 week drought!

5. My Beautiful took the plunge and gave me my favourite snack - toast with tomato sauce on it. That shows a lot of love. My cousin Caroline and I started having tomato sauce on our toast when we were about 5yrs old and I have continued to have that since then. It's so lovely! My mum and dad will put it on for me without too much grumbling. My brother makes a big song and dance about it if he ever does it. My Beautiful just put it on - and what's more - he even tried a bit and quite liked it! There you go! RESULT!!! See we are meant to be together! That's for anyone who may have had any doubts!

laters
cx

Sweet Chariots and Fairy Tales

So My Beautiful and I are supporting England in the world cup:


Well actually the truth of the matter is that I was supporting them until I finished eating my tea which was about 10 minutes into the game and then decided I'd had enough and so am now on the puter writing this and checking out some wedding stuff. Thing is, I can't be seen to support England too much as I do have some Scottish allegiance

We did sing "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" at the beginning and recorded it on my phone for prosperity and so I could send it to Suz and her Rugby party - apparently it brought tears to their eyes!

Can you remember what you were doing last time England won the Rugby World Cup? I was staying in a hotel in Bournemouth because I was on a course: Understanding Sex Offender Behaviour. It was November and I had only been doing my job as Divisional Children's Officer for only a couple of weeks at the most I reckon. Funny the things you remember eh?

Anyway, I now have a few study days at college. I found out on Friday that I am going to Dublin (to Lefroy House) to do my week long Social Placement in November which I am excited about. When I told mum she started spouting off all these tourist attractions I needed to see to which you just hear my dad shouting the background "Jean she's going there to work!" So I must get my need for a Jolly in all situations from my mum - she's always ducking and diving!

Anyway, it's been a strange old couple of weeks really. I think this college is going to turn upside down all that I have believed - in particular about the bible and then place it back round in the right place. It was revealed to me the other day that The Bible might actually be made up of fairy stories! I mean apparently all these stories I've have longed believed in and loved may not be even true but the authors using poetic licence! And all these books probably weren't written in the order we find them in the bible. The Gospels were written after all the letters for instance! And you think one person wrote one book but actually it could have been a whole load of different writers for each book! Do you want me to go on???? Was Luke a Doctor? possibly. Was Luke a disciple? Apparently not!!! That was news to me and Alison who has now placed the 12 disciples up with Santa's Reindeer's and the Seven Dwarfs - names you think you know all of but actually you realise you don't. I've come to the conclusion that these writers were like journalists who like to write their interpretation of things which is not always the truth - but it's a good old story and makes someone look bad and someone look good.

But anyway, after chatting it through with My Saviour from Numptiness I've come to the conclusion that the Bible - the word of God - is meant to be a living word. If God is a living God and if the word is a living word then He's going to look after it and ensure that it reflects the truth about Him and His greatness. I still believe in it even though I've found out this crazy stuff. I believe it because it's words are true in the way we live it out in today's world. The words are true in so much as they have been a living reality for me, a source of comfort, a source of guidance, a source of joy and a source of challenge to me in my life as I try to do be all and do all that God wants of me.

Plus I've been shopping today with My Beautiful and that always makes me feel better and view life and things more logically!

Well, I might go back and see how England are doing - My Beautiful is clicking his finger which means he's getting excited/frustrated about it all. "Swing Low Sweet Chariot ....."

laters
Cx

Here's an interesting question ....

So today my classes were:
-Salvationist Doctrine
-New Testament
-Old Testament

Do you think this was an interesting day for me?

Am going to learn some self defence tonight so watch out!

laters
cx

Just in case you missed it ....

... my beautiful new nephew!


He's so gorgeous! I love him. I am eagerly waiting for a picture with him wearing the tee-shirt I bought in the summer which says "If you think I'm cute you should see my auntie"!

However, I would like to point out that I am feeling somewhat missed out in this whole situation. I would like you all to know that being an auntie is no less an joy and an privilege than being a grandparent - so why is it that my parents have received many "congratulations on becoming grandparents" cards and I have received diddly squat cards which say "congratulations on becoming an auntie". Why? Because they don't make them! Now in this day and age when they even have cards for Happy Divorce and Happy Birthday to my pet - why don't they have a card for me! I feel neglected and undervalued! I am very very very very very happy about Luke and his birth and very very very very very happy to be an auntie!

So the welcome weekend is over. It was fine. I marched ok. I saluted ok. I remembered most of my words to the sessional song and I managed to just get my uniform skirt on although it was very tight! It was good to see Rita who was the YPSM at Gainsborough Corps when mum and dad were the officers there about 30 years ago and remembers me when I was in the primary - and quite grizzly! It was also nice to see Dawn and Jim on the Sunday and of course, it was lovely to see mum and dad and my beautiful! I'm sad Richard, Heidie and Luke weren't there but they will be back soon and I am excited about that.

Now we have started our classes in earnest. We have had Understanding People the past couple of mornings which has been quite challenging. We have been dropped into the deep end a bit in terms of asking us how we would deal with some pretty heavy pastoral issues but I guess that's life. I feel quite affirmed in that some of the things we've discussed I've already encountered and dealt with.

It's all been interesting and at the moment I am feeling very motivated and determined. These feelings I am going to nurture and cling onto for dear life.

This afternoon we had our first sessional meeting - it's Ronseal (does what it says on the tin!). At this meeting over the next 3 weeks we will get the chance to hear every one's story. Already it's been really interesting and challenging to hear the diversity in people's experiences of life and of God but yet how he has had the same call on all of our lives - for such a time as this. The overwhelming thing that has already come out is that God is faithful! He's also very very very persistent! But actually, how when we give in to his persistent calling and signs things seem to fall so much into place. It's not brain surgery! So if you know God is telling you to do something, beware, he'll not rest until you've done it and then you'll rest so you might as well do it and save the hassle and time!

laters
cx

The Big Change

Well it’s been a couple of weeks of change in the lives of the Bradbury family.

Last week I moved to London to the training college to start my 2 years diploma in Salvation Army Officer Training. I have a nice little flat although it is on the third floor so I have to climb many steps to get to it. I don’t mind – I have a uniform skirt to fit into and ultimately a wedding dress so the exercise will do me good! Thankfully, when I arrived at the college the other Monday most people had moved in and some helped carry my stuff up the stairs so Adrian, mum and I didn’t have to do it on our own (I was dreading the thought of that). I’ve managed to unpack most things and it’s weird but nice to see all my familiar things around the place. Every time Adrian comes to see me he either brings something I have forgotten or takes away something I don’t need.

Here are some pictures of my flat.




Life here at the college is ok. We have had a week and a bit of inductions and study skills classes; plus we have been given our first essay, which has to be handed in today. It was only an 800 word practice assignment to get us into the habit of writing essays but the essay title was mammoth and it was really difficult to fit it all into 800 words. I experienced something in writing this essay I don’t think I have ever experience when writing an essay – having too many words! I had to spend a good hour editing it to get the word count down! Classes start in earnest on Monday after the welcome weekend. Today we have Marching practice and our final chance to practice our sessional song (which I’m liking a lot) for Saturday night’s welcome. It’s all a bit surreal really. The Witnesses for Christ are a nice bunch of people – I think we’re going to have a nice time together.

And secondly…. Please say a warm welcome to my beautiful new nephew: Luke Jonathan!!!!! (da daa! – that’s a fanfare by the way!)



Isn’t he just so beautiful? He was born last Thursday (20 September 2007) at 20:50 in Chikankata hospital (for a fuller account of the birth see my big bro’s blog on the link list). It was a bit traumatic last Thursday because we received word from Rich that the baby’s heartbeat had weakened and so they decided to do a C-section. When they did the section they found the cord wrapped tightly around Luke’s neck and he had stopped breathing so they had to resuscitate him. The placenta was also in a bad state and bleeding. They told Richard that had they waited for Luke to be born naturally he would have most likely died and Heidie would have had permanent damage so I say thank you to a great big mahoosive God who I believe worked in that whole situation and produced this miracle. Thank you also to a brilliant load of friends who I texted to pray that night.

I got a chance to speak to Luke that night on the phone – I told him that it was he Auntie Clare speaking and he cried! He better not be giving me that cheek when he’s older!

And finally, I say congratulations to my friend Jane who married Ross last weekend. It was a lovely day and nice to see some familiar faces.


Adrian and I travelled up to Scotland by car on the Friday afternoon; went to the wedding on Saturday afternoon; stayed for the meal and the speeches (which were some of the best I have heard at a wedding) and then drove back down to London just as the evening reception was starting so that I could be back for the Spiritual Day at the college the next day! I arrived back home at 3am! When saying goodbye to Jane she told me to text her when I got home. I looked at Adrian and commented that I did not think my welfare would be utmost on her mind that night and I didn’t want to be part of that night - even in text - at all. So I feel it’s safe now to say to Jane that I got home!

Laters
cx

Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye ....

Well here I am, Cadet Bradbury, at the Lord's service! I've said all my farewells (apart from my Beautiful's which I'm not looking forward to) and I depart tomorrow morning for the Training College.

People have been so very kind, generous and supportive. The past four years have been such a pivotal few years of my life. The decision to move down here was completely a God decision and I've never felt so much that I've been right at the centre of God's will and doing what he wants as I have done over these years. I can see now how my whole life he has taken me on a journey and each decision and move made has been a stepping stone to me getting nearer to his destination for my life. I feel now that I've reached that destination. This is precisely where God has been leading me and preparing me for my whole life. of course I didn't necessarily see that at the time but now with my degree in Hindsight I can. I'm so grateful to God for all the adventures along the way and all the beautiful people he's placed in my life to guide me when I was getting lost or just for the company.

So from tomorrow I start a new journey and I'm excited - I don't mind telling you! I'm not so excited about taking all my belongings to my flat which I found out this week has moved from the first floor of house 5 to the top floor. I am seriously worried about the inability my body will have to move the next day - but I have My Beautiful to help and my mum. However, I am excited about the possibility of all those stairs helping to make me thinner - I have a wedding dress to get into you know!?

Anyway, there are many things I am excited about but the main things is that I know I will be right at the centre of God's will for my life and I can't even begin to tell you how amazingly happy and content that makes me feel.

laters
cx

Ring a bling bling!

You are reading the blog of a very very very very smiling person! I am smiling because my Saviour from Numptiness, my Godsend - Adrian last Wednesday, on the shore of Loch Lomond at Luss in the beautiful sunshine asked me to marry him! I said yes - hence the picture above of the beautiful bling bling ring!

He really is wonderful. You know Luss has very many happy memories for me. I'm sure for most people there is a place which is a real spiritual place for you; a place where you feel really close to God, a place which fills you with happiness, refreshment and the awesomeness of God. Luss is that place for me. I always said that my dream proposal of marriage would be there. However, because I told everyone it seemed unlikely that this would happen as it wouldn't be a surprise.

Can I just said that God is a dream maker! He has worked so many situations out this year for me to make my dreams come true. Being with Adrian is one of them; this week away was another and the proposal yet another.

In truth Adrian and I knew pretty much as soon as we got together that God had planned for us to be together. Everything just clicked nicely. I often pray that I will live in the joy and contentment of God's plan for my life and being with Adrian has just put the cherry on the cake in that way. I feel a deep contentment being with him and a great excitement about all the future holds for us.

So we went on holiday this week. I didn't know where we were going - it was a magical mystery tour! We started off in the Lake District and then he drove to Luss on Monday. You can imagine my absolute joy when I realised we were staying in the hotel just next to Luss called the Lodge on the Lomond . I had the meal to celebrate my graduation here about seven years ago and always dreamt that one day I would love to return and stay here with the love of my life (you know - like girls do!).

The hotel is right on the shore of Loch Lomond and each room has a balcony with a direct view right over the loch. Here's the view from my balcony:




Isn't it so beautiful? And what's amazing is that everyday the weather was different yet the Loch with the hills behind never lost it's beauty - every time I looked I was filled with amazing gratitude to God who created all this beauty for us to enjoy and I was so grateful that I had someone to thank for the beauty. I wonder how people who don't acknowledge God as the creator manage to channel their feelings when they see such beauty?

Anyway, We went for a lovely walk on Wednesday morning before breakfast because the sun was shining so brightly and it was such a beautiful day. We sat on the bench overlooking the loch, watched as an aqua plane landed in front of us and as a couple of boats came in and moored at the pier and I joked about us witnessing a drugs heist (it was very peculiar - especially as there was a dodgy man hanging around) and Adrian asked me to marry him right there and then. It was so beautiful and I will never forget it. You see I am just an old romantic and he made my dream come true! I love him.


laters
cx

Michael Schumacher Wannabe ...

And the second reason for not blogging recently is that I have been in a state of invalidity and shock! Yes shock!

You see as I was coming home from camp a week last Tuesday I crashed my car and wrote the blooming thing off! Now the roads around Milton Abbey are little country roads and it had been raining. I was listening to "Abide With Me" on my ipod (quite fitting really!) and suddenly a bend appeared before me which I knew I wasn't going to get round at the speed I was going. So the car skidded and went up on the bank on one side (just managed to stop it from rolling right over) and then back over to the other side, through a big hedge, down a bank and into a field! Amazingly, I was not hurt in anyway and immediately phoned my saviour from numptiness (as he's now know) - Adrian. Who advised me to call 999. They said they would get the police out to me asap and to flash my lights if I saw a helicopter in the sky (wow - how exciting, a police helicopter coming to save me). I avidly looked out for this helicopter but it didn't come (apparently it was too misty) - however, the armed police came in their car instead which was still pretty impressive!

I couldn't find a way to get up onto the road because of this whacking great hedge but the policeman managed to and helped me out. I then phoned the lease company to help recover the vehicle. The policeman took a look around the car to inspect the damage. It was then that I remembered that as I was on my way to camp the week before, I had stopped to meet my mum. We were chatting in front of Frank the Tank (my car) when I suddenly noticed that the tax disc said 31.01.07!!!! I had been driving around for 8 months with an out of date tax disc!!!! So thankfully, the day before this accident Adrian phoned the lease company to order a copy of the tax disc as I had no recollection of them sending it to me. Plus, with your own car you get sent a reminder when the new one is due but as this is a fleet car that reminder is not needed to be sent to me so it's not my fault really. Anyway, I was really panicking thinking that I was going to be arrested on top of everything else. When I explained the situation to the policeman, he said "oh don't worry about that!" can you believe that - all that nervous energy? Anyway, what if I had stolen the car? What if it was a bodged up car? What if...? What if...? I don't know, policemen of today, no wonder we have so much crime on our streets!!!! Only joking, I was very relieved really because I couldn't have coped with being arrested and was really and truly grateful for the kindness of the policeman.

So Adrian was driving to meet me as well. The police asked where he was and I explained that just before they had arrived he was at the Ferndown roundabout. The policemen estimated that it would probably take him another 30-40 mins to get there. However, I knew the concern that Adrian was showing when I called him and therefore, knew that despite me just having had an accident because I was speeding, it probably wouldn't have stopped him going slightly over the speed limit to get to me. So I pleaded with the police not book him if he did arrive before the estimated 30-40 mins, which they were very good about.

When Adrian (my saviour!) arrived the local bobby also arrived and the armed police then left. The bobby suggested that we got my stuff out of the car. It was now very dark and we couldn't see so a torch was suggested - can you believe the policeman did not have a torch? He was in a massive range rover car and there was absolutely no torch! However, Adrian (my saviour!) had one. So I started my mount up the hedge to get to the boot but it was quite difficult so Adrian (my saviour!) told me to come down and he would get it - at this point the bobby was just kind of watching. So I came down and stepped off the bank onto the road but as I did this, I went over on my ankle and fell to the ground! Can you believe it? I manage to write off my car and escape any injury but I then sprain my blooming ankle half an hour later just walking along the side of the road!!! Adrian (my saviour) suggested I got into his car (probably out of harms way in case I did anything else!) I got into the back so I could stick my leg up to try and stop the swelling - it also helped the pain. Adrian came and opened the back door to speak to me and then as he went away slammed the door shut - nearly injuring my ankle again!

Finally, after a while of waiting (and a tea and toilet break in a local pub) the recovery man came - unfortunately he came in a little van even though the police had advised the company that they would need a truck to hoist the car out over the hedge. The wee recovery man said that he would have a go with his wee van but would probably need some help so Adrian (my saviour) put on his Salvation Army emegency tabbard which excited him no end to help (he had nearly been knocked over by some maniac driving too fast along a wet country road earlier on so wanted to make sure he was wholly visible!!) As we thought, the wee recovery man with his wee recovery van couldn't get the car out and so we had to leave it there for the night to be recovered the next day by tommy truck. That, my friends, was the last I ever saw of Frank the Tank! Since then, no one (including the lease company and the accident management company/insurance company)seems unable to locate him! He's probably already gone off to that great garage in the sky.

Anyway, I got home at 2am to be then taken to A&E at about 6am the next morning because of the pain in my ankle. They x-rayed it but found no breaks. I had just sprained it and apparently sprains are often very sore the next morning. I have been waiting eagerly since then for a massive bruise to come out so I can take pictures but there's only been the smallest hint of one which is a bit pathetic really.

I've had a couple of shakey moments since - mainly due to my mum's driving - not giving way at a give way junction and going up on the curb does nothing for your nerves when you've just had a car crash. I've also had a bit of a pain in my chest where the seatbelt must have saved me and of course some pain from my ankle but apart from that I am fine. Amazing really. I think God was certainly looking out for me that night and has some ways still in which He wants to use me on earth.

A special thanks must, of course, go to my saviour from numptiness without whom I would have definitely been a complete mess and who was - as always - my Godsend!

I'm now off to put my ankle up!

laters
cx

Ah ha! I'm back again!

It's been a long time - in fact over a month since I last wrote in this blog which is quite disgusting but I have had a good excuse. Firstly, I have been preparing for Ministry and Mayhem 07 (MaM) which is the camp the SA runs for the children (8-12 yr olds) down in the Southern division.



The camp is held in the Milton Abbey School. It's an absolutely beautiful setting - out in the middle of nowhere which is great but a bit of a bummer to get a mobile signal.

Everyday the children spend the morning in collective worship and bible teaching. In the afternoon they do ministry and mayhem workshops. They choose which ministry workshop they want to do for the week (stomp, dance, multimedia or puppets) and the the mayhem workshops they all have a go at (Craft, T-shirt printing & sports). In the evening we have different activities such as a games and quiz night, the big games night (with inflatables and giant connect four etc..), a video night (it was High School Musical this year), the talent night with a disco and the final celebration.

As it was my last year, they organised a cheeky little surprise party on the Monday night which was good fun - thanks guys! It proves as the camp director that I have absolutely no knowledge of what the staff or the kids are doing really nor do I have any control over them!!

Each day we have a theme day which we keep a secret from the children and then wake them up in our fancy dress. Monday was Pirate day, Tuesday was Wacky day (an old favourite), Wednesday was Circus day and Thursday was Wild West Day. We try to decorate the theatre and dining hall accordingly and do extra little bits during the day to fit in. On Wednesday for circus day in the afternoon we had people come to teach the children circus skills such as juggling, plate spinning and acro-balance which was really cool. We also had a surf simulator and Jackie face painted for four hours!!!!

The theme for the week was I'm Livin' It! and we looked at what it means to live out God's greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as yourself" . We looked at a different parable each day which fitted in with the love that we were looking at that day eg: love with heart: the Pearl of Greatest Price and the Hidden Treasure; love with soul: The Barren Fig Tree; love with mind: parable of The Talents; love with strength: the parable of The Sower and finally love your neighbour as yourself: The Good Samaritan. When you truly think about what it means to love God in these ways - it's actually really difficult and was a massive challenge to us adults as well as the children.

Each morning during our collective worship there was an opportunity for us to spend time on our own with God. Everyone was given a prayer journal and a daily devotions booklet to help focus our thoughts for the day if needed. At the end of the day we had our Quiet Celebration where we did the Fanfare of the Day (when we celebrated something 5 different children did for the 1st time that day - they receives a specially made medal, we gave them a standing ovation and they lifted the trophy up accompanied by the Olympic anthem - it's fab!) and then in groups the children discussed what they had learnt that day and whether they had managed to live out that specific love for God.

The staff team as usual were absolutely fab and I love them very much. God has given them such amazing gifts and it was really amazing and heartwarming and encouraging to see them using those gifts to encourage 65 children in their relationship with God.

At the end of the week as Adrian drove me home up along the beautiful main drive he stopped the car, made me get out and look back at the school and we prayed. As he prayed in that evening light - just as the darkness was closing in - the most perfect, bright and single star was shining right at the centre above the school. I believe it was God's sign that he had set his seal on MaM and was well pleased!

laters
cx

Delia Smith I am not!

Mental note to self ....

When switching on the oven (in particular one that is not your own) remember to take out the grill pan handles:




Oh well - instead of normal handles they are now paddles - unique, designer ones. I told Adrian I couldn't cook! Now he's learned the hard way!

laters
cx

Truly Scrumptious....

Seriously, all I want to say is if you have never seen this show at the theatre or indeed the film then SEE IT!!!! A group of us from work went to see it last night and it was fab! The car was amazing! The show had everything a show should have - I loved it. I sang along to almost all the songs (I should be on the stage really!).

SEE IT. SEE IT. SEE IT. SEE IT.

What a fabulous night out.

laters
cx

Let's Go Fly A Kite ...

So Adrian and I have decided that once a week we will have a proper "date" where we'll make an effort to do something a wee bit different for just the two of us. The first one was to La Dolce Vita - a beautiful little italian bistro in Hamble. We went on a Wednesday night which is live entertainment night and a man was there playing on his classical guitar all these wonderfully romantic songs - it was so perfect it nearly made me cry (nearly - but I didn't!)

So last week (friday) we decided that our date was going to be down at Southsea Seafront (which is a special place for us) and we would fly the kite that I bought him the other week. Adrian of course was going on about him being a scout and doing the kite flying thing when he was a boy - you know, like men do. I just recalled the time when me and my family flew our kite on Dartmoor and I managed to aim the kite so it did a nosedive right on Richard's head (very very very funny to watch him being chased by this kite!)

Anyway, here's me flying the kite:

What absolute skill!

And here's him flying the kite:
Up ....


Up ....


Up ....


and down it comes ....


Adrian "oh stuff it - I'm too old for this!"


So then as the loving and encouraging girlfriend I am, I got alongside him and we flew the kite together - aaawwwww!


We then had some chips, sat in our little "Darby and Joan" shelter on the seafront and it was all a happy ending.


Stick around for the next adventures of the Adrian and Clare dates! We're going to Port Solent this week but I don't think we'll be sailing a boat.

laters
cx

laters

A Whistle Stop Tour of my Weekend ....

Well last weekend I had my friends Jane and Ross come down for the weekend. It was really good to see them. we did lots!

Friday we visited the Historic Dockyard in the morning and got wet! Stupid rain! Then we went to Gunwharf, had lunch and then met up with Adrian so we could go up the Spinnaker tower. I love the tower because the views are brilliant. The Spinnaker tower was built to celebrate the milenium but wasn't actually opened until 2005 and on it's opening the mayor and guy who was in charge of it being built got stuck in the glass lift! ha ha! I don't think the glass lift has properly worked since! Anyway, it's still cool to go up and one of my special places to go.




There's a glass floor right at the top - you can walk over it. The men were being a bit wooselike:


So we went to Petersfield to lead the kid's club and then had a chinese at Adrian's - what a nice evening.

Saturday - God wet - stupid rain! However, we weren't going to let the the rain rain on our parade so we went to Beaulieu. It's got a Transport museum and we saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Wow!

And loads of other cool and old cars. Beaulieu would be a lovely place to go to for the day if the weather was nice. Next time I go I'm going to fix the weather.

At night we went to see Shrek 3. It was ok. Not as funny as the first but it was fine.

So Sunday, I went to Poole and finally did the meeting. My opening line was that I was so eager to be there that I came two weeks running (having come last week as well). It was lovely to be there - I love Poole, it's a cool corps. The kids stuff is fab.

Poor Jane and Ross had to deal with a lot of faff in the airport as they were flying back to Glasgow and there was all the problems up there due to the terrorist attack at the airport. However, they didn't seem to get back too late.

Meanwhile, I met up with the Poole lot at Moors Valley country park. I wore my wellies and splashed in all the puddles - it was wicked fun!!! We had a wellies club see:


So tonight, Adrian and I are going to Southsea Seafront to fly the kite and have a poke of chips. Am excited!

laters
cx

Isn't he just beautiful?

Thing are going well and I am a very blessed lady - I don't even care who knows it!

On Thursday I was downstairs photocopying stuff and came back up to my desk to find these:


No particular reason - just because! How lovely is that and how lovely is he?

I am very blessed!

laters
cx

What a Numpty!

Yes I'm a complete and utter numpty! It's official. Last Sunday I left home at 9am to travel to Poole to do the morning meeting which was the YP celebration. I'm in the process of getting all my stuff out of the car when Mandy comes up to me and says "Clare, you've got the wrong Sunday - it's next week you're meant to be coming!" I did question a number of times if she was joking and then when I finally accepted that she wasn't I had a right strop and threw my stuff into the boot of the car exclaiming "Oh you've got to be joking!" So feeling very foolish, I went into the hall, had a cup of coffee and had a chat with a few people and then made an escape - there was no way I was staying around - how embarrassing! So I wondered what I should do next. Here I was dolled up in my uniform with my army hairstyle. I could have gone back to my own corps, knowing their time keeping the meeting would have only just started. But I decided I would worship the Lord by spending time with my family and went to see Auntie Anne instead as she only lives about 20mins from Poole. It was nice to see her and she made a lovely lunch.

Whilst I am annoyed with myself somewhat, I realised that in all my travelling around for this job doing various things in three and half years this is the first time I've ever got the details wrong and I am so very grateful it wasn't the other way round: to not turn up when they were expecting me. I am also a person who likes to learn from experience and draw out the lessons or the positives from it. It could well be that someone this Sunday may need to especially hear what God has to say that couldn't have been there last week. It also meant that I was able to have a lovely sunday with my Auntie.

Of course people have found this very funny (I guess whilst they're making fun of me, they can't be making fun of anyone else!) and they think it's because I'm in love. Can I just clarify that I did put this date in my diary months ago!!!! A long time before all of this other dreamy stuff happened! Having said that, this week I have missed an appointment with the plumber, got confused about what day I'm meant to be meeting Liz, turned up to do a club with half of my resources missing!

What is that all about?!?!?!

Anyway, I've got my opening line for the tomorrow's meeting all planned. If you can't beat them, join them - so I'll let them have a good laugh at me. I can handle it!

laters
cx

Twitty Twoo!

Well, what can I say.... what an eventful week i have had! You will never guess.... I have been romanced this week! yes romanced! I can hardly believe it myself. His name is Adrian and .... wait for it... he's my boss!! Oh my word! It's all very crazy really.

We've been good friends since he came into this job but I guess the friendship has blossomed over the past 15 months what with working together and having long conversation after work in the office when everyone else has left and I guess it all came to point last week where the relationship changed gear.

So, on Tuesday we spent the day in London together. We went to Covent Garden where we had lunch in a small cafe outside the opera house and could hear the music which was really beautiful. Then we walked around some of the famous sites in London. We walked through St James Park, had an ice cream and sat on a bench opposite the pond. It was so lovely because even though London was very busy - it felt so relaxed as we wandered around, chatting and it felt like we were the only people in the city that day.

In the evening we went to see Mary Poppins at the theatre. Adrian ordered drinks for during the interval and we drank them on the terrace outside. He was such a gentleman and made me feel so special.

What a wonderful day.

On saturday we spent the day at Longleat. We went on Safari, the boat, the railway, the house, the butterfly farm, the secret garden and the maze (that was funny - it said that it was a big maze which could take between 30-60 mins but only took us 10 mins to find the middle). Adrian brought afternoon tea in his rucksack: a flask of earl grey tea, strawberries and muffins. Again, such a gentleman.

Another wonderful day.

It's kind of weird knowing that I am to use an old phrase "stepping out" with my boss and I guess it's going to take a while to get used to that.

What's so lovely is the reaction from people when they hear about it. Most people say that they are not surprised but very excited and delighted and that's really confirming. Lesley in our office is telling everyone because she's so excited! She even told the sandwich lady yesterday!

Adrian is a really lovely, godly, caring, encouraging and supportive man. He is such a gentleman and really looks out for me. We both believe that this is a gift from God and that it is an answer to prayer - it's not like we've rushed into it! And so we're going to make the most of it and enjoy it. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this progresses.

laters
cx

'It's a lovely day today ...

..... and whatever you've got to do, it's a lovely day for doing it that's true.'

So the song goes. Today I have been on our office outing. We've been to the Isle of Wight. It was very very busy because it's the weekend of the Isle of Wight festival so there were also many interesting sights to see. We made our way from Ryde Pier passing through Newport where the festival was being held, down to the Needles (a collection of rocks right at the end of the IoW)


When we got to the Needles we went down to Alum Bay where there is a beach and cliffs which have lots of different coloured sand which is beautiful. We went down the the beach on the chairlift which was wicked fun.



See how steep it is?! When we got to the bottom we sat on the beach for a while and soaked in the sun - it was lovely:


When we finally got back to Gunwharf we went out for a meal at the Water Margin restaurant which is a chinese buffet place. It's well nice. We went out for the meal as a sort of leaving do for Chris and Ian Barr who are moving to London:

They have been our divisional leaders and are great and lovely people. They are in the words of Linda:
Professional
Astute
Looney
Spiritual

Which all spell - Pals and that is what they are to us. I decided at the dinner table tonight that I was unable to cope with the leaving of so many people in the office over the next few weeks (Chris & Ian, Ken & Hazel, Ian, me) and so wanted everyone's move to be forgotten about or put on hold. We've been a really good team and I've enjoyed working with everyone so much. We have had lots of fun and laughter. Unfortunately I know that we all have to move on to the next chapter in our lives and I believe that God will amazingly bless but challenge us.

And finally ... I need to make a positive comment about my boss because apparently so far the couple of comments I have put in have been harsh and not an altogether true picture of who he is (well that's according to him!) Therefore, I'd like to document that he is a vey very good boss. He is very caring and encouraging and supportive. He is funny - even when he's winding me up! He is a very very good officer and has been a good example and influence to me with regards to my future officership. God really shines from him mot of the time - except from when he has his grumpy pants on! So I'd like to propose a toast to my Boss (or my bo as the mug which I gave him says because the cleaner has managed to wash off the 'ss' to make is spell 'bo' instead of 'boss'). I would put in a picture of him so you can toast him more directly but I fear I may be sued for not asking permission from him first!

Well I'm off to London tomorrow - not to see the queen but to take part in the Gospel Arts Festival in the Royal Albert Hall - along with a whole load of other youth choruses in the territory. I've got to be a DHQ by 9:30am!!!! Quite frankly currently I feel abit like I would rather eat my gallbladder than go tomorrow - especially as I don't know the songs.

Oh well another weird day in my life!

laters
cx

You Tarzan. Me Jane!

So NRGize happened lat weekend. I cannot believe the weather. The week before the forecast was rain on Friday and Sunday but there was none the whole weekend - it was absolutely beautiful the whole time. So I am very grateful to God and to all those who prayed for good weather. It really was amazing.

Well, with the lovely weather I never got a chance to wear my gold-plated waterproof trousers. I went to take them back today but they only do either exchange or a credit note - bummer! I did however, wear my wellies as the ground was still quite wet in places from the rain during the week. I loved wearing my wellies! The are cracking!

The kids all did various activities mainly on the Saturday. One of the activities was the high ropes. This is various things you need to climb in the trees. One of the climbs was called the chopsticks. I did this climb in record time with my wellies on:


I was very proud of myself - it was very high! Ian also did this climb but not as fast as me. My boss was too chicken to do it (I said I wouldn't tell anyone but he's been winding me up over the past few days so I've decided to let all know! as payback)

On Saturday Ian also felt really unwell in the morning. So he took some drugs and had a lay out in the sun. During this time I sent text to some people to get praying for him as he was due to do the evening session. About 10 minutes later he got up and said that he felt perfectly fine! It was amazing! God transformed this situation. As soon as the evening session finished he bagan to feel unwell again and in the morning felt so unwell and Louise had also text him to tell him she was ill as well that he went home.

The theme for the weekend was 'transformation' and we looked at how Jesus transformed situations and people through miracles and talked about how God can transform different situations that we may face in our own lives. God certainly began to transform many live this weekend and for that I am very grateful and amazed. Rob, one of our staff sent me a text on Friday morning which said that he had just prayed for NRGize and felt God was saying to him "be prepared to be amazed" God really did stay true to this and did some amazing things.

To all the kids and staff of NRGize 07 - cheers!
laters cx

Me and My brother ...

Then...


and now ...


I'm not sure who's changed the most!

I love him. I miss him.

He's the best brother.

cx

They know it's near the end ....

Now I know my house isn't really like the house in Beauty and the Beast where all the household things come alive but I'm sure all my household appliances know that we're coming to the end of a very beautiful and happy time in this flat and are now on strike. First my washing machine carked it. It started making a very weird noise Sunday afternoon and then there was the burning smell. it happened mid spin and so I stopped it early and unfortunately the towels still had a lot of water in them. I put my heater on to help dry them off and left it on all night. In the morning it was so hot I thought I was in a sauna! It was ridiculous! Now my electric toothbrush has carked it! It jut won't charge. What's that all about? It's a disaster.

In anticipation of the end I cleared out my clothes, bags and shoes tonight. I filled two black bags. I feel a bit disappointed I wasn't more strict with myself and got rid of my clothes but you never know when you're going to need them. Maybe I'll have to have another go when i actually pack them up to leave.

Finally, I would like to announce that people are just not praying hard enough - the forecast for the weekend is still rain! Let me be clear - I DON'T WANT THE RAIN THIS WEEKEND!!!! I cannot cope with another wet camping weekend. However, this time I'm so going to be ready for it. Tomorrow I am going out in pursuit of wellies and waterproof trousers. I feel very sad about the rain.

laters
cx

It's not just food ... It's M&S food!

This has been a perfect end to a lovely bank holiday day for me! I have had such a chilled day and completely loved it! I really needed to have some me space today. I got up late, watched telly, talked to my big bro and HB on the telephone, got showered and dressed about 2pm, went to Southsea seafront for a long walk with a cup of tea and kit kat break midway, came home and did some ironing (what?), then suz came round and made tea with not just any old food but M&S food! Lovely Lasagne and salad and then the most beautiful dessert - Strawberries dipped in chocolate! mmmmnnn! You see Sainsbury's and M&S are terrible for those cheeky adverts which shows the most divine food. One evening we were watching telly when this Sainsbury's advert came on for the most beautiful lemon sorbet! Well, as quick as you can say Jack Flash Suz and I were in the car and driving round to the BP garage to get some lovely pudding that vaguely resembled this beautiful lemon Sorbet. We wanted to get back home before the end of the adverts. Anyway, we ended up just buying a solero ice cream instead - well seeing BP don't do adverts for their food! They'd stink! So a number of times now we've watched with great longing the M&S advert with the strawberries and chocolate dip and finally succumbed tonight - it was lovely!



So now - a perfect end to the evening - we are watching Ocean's 11. Oh my word - so much beauty and gorgeousness in one day!

I love Southsea Seafront. Wherever I move to I always think it's important to find one place where you just love to go to and know that you will feel free and feel close to God. When I lived in Scotland I loved going to Loch Lomond for this very reason and now down here Southsea Seafront is that place for me. I love the vast expanse of the sea, I love that there's always something happening on the sea, I love the spaciousness of the pavement and the flatness of it, and today I loved the wind blowing in my face, it felt like it was clearing out the cobwebs ready for the freshness of the summer and the exciting next few months.

I'd like to finally add that I am doing ok on the cruzshuz. I am mastering one foot quite well at the moment and have only nearly broken my back twice. I shall persevere! Greg said:

that I would keep at it for 2 weeks and then give up! I most certainly will not give up! I'm determined! You just see if I'm not!

Well that's about it for today. This week I'll be getting ready for NRGize which is an activity camping weekend Ian and I are organising next weekend for 24 10-14 year olds. Last year it rained the whole blooming weekend and we all ended sleeping in a barn on the Friday night because our tents got waterlogged! I am soooo praying for no rain this weekend. Unfortunately I've just checked the 5 day forecast and rain is on the menu! Big fat pooh! Please pray for no rain. I don't think I can cope with another wet camping weekend! Last year, I took a picture on my phone of my bathroom with all the candles lit and the bath nice and full of bubbles and every so often looked at the picture when I felt particularly cold or skanky and it helped me to keep focused on 5pm Sunday evening when I would actually be able to enjoy that bath for real. I'd like to confirm that the bath I had on that Sunday night was heavenly! I am expecting more of the same this year.

night then!

laters
cx

OOO aargh me 'arties!

So i've been to see Pirates of the Carribean now. It was good - a bit long and very weird but good. I laughed quite a bit. I didn't like it when Davey Jones killed a man with his beardy tentacles - Frances and I both covered our eyes at that point. The best bit in the whole film was when one of Jack Sparrow's alter egos exclaimed "nobody move - I've lost my brain" - he literally had lost his brain (I guess you need to see this to understand how truely funny and surreal this was). I turned to Frances and told her that I am always saying that!

Well, there you go then. it's nice to know that Monday is a holiday as well! I'm not doing anything and I'm really really looking forward to that. If it's nice I might go for a walk by the beach - I want to make the most of it before I have to move to the black bogie London. I'm feeling really sad at the moment about leaving life down here on the south coast. It really is a very beautiful place to live. I'm also feeling very sad about leaving all my friends. Sometimes I have these feelings when I'm on the brink of a big change that things will never be the same again and it makes me feel unhappy even though I'm excited about the future. I'm sure you understand.

laters
cx

I am very blooming happy!

This is for two reasons:
Firstly, I eventually managed to get some Heelys - except they're not heelys but Cruzeshuz! - on ebay for a very favourable price. Of course I had to try them as soon as they arrived at my work yesterday and I nearly broke my back! I will master it! people were being very discouraging! Instead of telling me that it looked fun and that I would master it etc... they kept talking about how they didn't want me to break any bones! Anyway, reckon if I wear them around a do the odd skate every now and again I'll eventually get the hang of them!



Secondly, I am happy because last night I had my fundraising ceilidh and it was jolly good fun! about 50 or 60 people came along and I made £273 profit! wicked!!!! What a laugh! Almost everyone got up and danced and those who didn't dance had a good time laughing at those were attempting to dance. No major calamities apart from Chris falling on Ian - or maybe it was the other way around - anyway it was a bit of a pile up but they got up and seemed to be ok only hurting hips and hurting pride! The other calamity was my shoes busting so I danced in my bare feet instead and now have a blister but it was so worth it! I love love love a ceilidh and everyone else seemed to last night as well - what a wicked time!

God bless everyone who came along and god bless everyone who supported the evening in whatever way! Thanks!

Now I'm going off to see Pirates of the Carribean - that will be nice - to spend some time with Johnny Depp.

laters
cx