Very interesting article below and I too often feel the need to apologise as Shane Claiborne does in this piece. On the plane to Canada last week I watched a long documentary about The Crusades. The story had an eerie familiarity not dissimilar to what we regularly read in today's news. Both sides confronted their humanity, arrogance, pride and the question "what is God's will" surfaced throughout. Sometimes we have fun like the kids in the above pictures. And other times, we're at each others throats, as are the kids. Nobody is perfect, I guess. What do you think?
Letter to Non-Believers by Shane Claiborne - Esquire: To all my nonbelieving, sort-of-believing, and used-to-be-believing friends: I feel like I should begin with a confession. I am sorry that so often the biggest obstacle to God has been Christians. Christians who have had so much to say with our mouths and so little to show with our lives. I am sorry that so often we have forgotten the Christ of our Christianity. Forgive us. Forgive us for the embarrassing things we have done in the name of God.
The other night I headed into downtown Philly for a stroll with some friends from out of town... Read more here.
Who'd have thunk that a weeny unknown place in inner BC could be so gorgeous? We are in Tulameen which is population circa 34. The cottage Tess chose is perfect for their needs with a larrrrrge yard which allows endless running, jumping, cartwheels, shooting of capguns, hoola hoops, the dog next door, friends and grandparents. The sun is shining, the lake is 100 yards away, Grandad is having a snooze, the girls have started their knitting projects, books are being read by the score, food is yummy (what can beat Kraft Dinner on vacation?) and we embarked on an adventure this morning in the Provincial Campground across the road and crossed log bridges which were great challenges for the braver among us, considered swimming across the lake (Seb and Tess), rode swaying broken trees like horses and all agreed we should do it again tomorrow. The house/cottage has a large deck around two sides and the children have been thrilled as robins have built a nest in the rafters on the deck. We are watching babies with the largest mouths being fed by vigilant parents.
The Fab Four greeted us wonderfully (as did Alex and Daniel in Edmonton) and what grateful and blessed people Blake and I are. Below Tess and the gang swim across the lake. Charles took this picture and then joined them in the adventure.
Tess reports that the forest fire is a non-event. This is a good thing because no one would want this beautiful house consumed by flames. But what is an event is the terrific holiday that everyone is having at Tulameen. I have chatted a few times with them on the phone and this is what I learned.
Jasper described to me how he and Sebastian went floating out to sea in the floaty thingy, pictured a few blogs below. Jasper reported that they went a bit too far and there was some sort of challenge with getting back to shore. He mumbled a bit at this point so I never really got the end of the story. Jasper is also quite proud of some handwriting that he did during his homework session. (Tess has all the kids doing a little bit of homework each day.) Jasper can’t wait to show me his very neat handwriting. Neatness is Jasper’s goal. Jasper tells me that his favourite part about Tulameen is going to the lake (as opposed to being lost at sea.)
Sebastian then spoke with me. After being re-assured by me that nothing bad was happening in Hong Kong, Seb proceeded to explain how there were some necessary corrections to Jasper’s version of the floaty thingy drifting out to sea. According to Seb, he had to jump in the water and help to pull it back to shore. How very brave of him. Upon returning to the cabin, they each had a shower, drank some hot chocolate, ate dinner and watched a bit of TV. Sela then told me how she had read some very long books on my Kindle. For more from Sela have a look at the picture below. (Click on all the pictures to enlarge.)
Finally I spoke with Carys, who was in quite a chatty mood. Carys described how they went into the city to go shopping. They bought new toys, some baseball things and hula hoops. Then they went to a water park where it appears everyone got very wet. Since I am updating Carys’ Gratefully Book, she explained to me how she is grateful to God for police, because they protect people. Carys is also grateful for firemen, like Uncle Ed. And speaking of Uncle Ed, Carys and Sela made a “Cinderella” out of beads that they plan to give to their cousin Alex. (Auntie Pam, if you’re reading please don’t tell Alex.) Alas, Carys described how it had rained very hard a few hours earlier, during which everyone hoped (or should I say prayed) it would snow. Somewhere during all of this activity Sela and Carys made a sand castle on the beach. Charmaine and her two kids went to visit relatives this past weekend and Carys, along with the others, was very happy they had finally returned. Carys likes her new friends.
This fire is in Brookmere. Charmaine writes, "It is in Brookmere, B.C. which is about 23 km north west of us as the crow flies." But Charmaine also adds: "Apparently the owner of the cabin we are staying own the helicopters fighting the fire and he says it is totally contained and will not come here. Cool!!!!!!"
Forestry crews say a wildfire burning south of Merritt now covers 1.5 square kilometres. Fire information officer Kevin Skrepnek says the Matthew Creek fire, 40 kilometres south of Merritt, is three times larger than first thought. But he says the apparent growth in the blaze is due to more accurate mapping, not a leap in fire activity. Sixty firefighters, heavy equipment and two helicopters are assigned to the fire and Skrepnek says it is already 50 per cent contained. Elsewhere in B.C., smoke from massive fires in Siberia is creating haze across much of the province — and that smoke also packs staggering ozone levels, raising potential health concerns from some central Interior residents. And this is a file photo courtesy of Trevor Rockliffe from Castanet.net!
Despite forest fire haze from RUSSIA, not BC, the kids are having an absolutely fabulous time at Tulameen. The pictures are worth a thousand words and I probably don't need to write much more. Tess reports Jasper's asthma well under control. He struggled with it a little the first few days but now it is fine. Here at breakfast Jasper managed to wriggle his way out of cereal, but that might be for a lack of available soya milk. This week the crew went on a two hour hike, making some fantastic finds including an old rusted out car complete with bullet holes shot through it. Do you think Bonnie and Clyde once ventured this way? I am sure Sebastian was super-delighted to find this vintage treasure.
As you can see from the pictures there are exciting, green trails to walk. They are having an amazing time. However, civilization called so Wednesday the gang travelled 34 kms to eat at A&W. I suspect other shopping took place – it wasn’t all about fastfood. This is where my theory of outlet malls and swelling, or even additional, suitcases starts to come true. I’m sure of it. Mac, Charmaine's son, has a nasty foot injury from a few weeks ago. This is limiting his water activities but not his energy, reportedly.
The kids all took their "Gratefully" books to Canada except for Carys who managed to forget hers. I found it while sitting on the girls’ bed this past weekend and reflecting on Tess and the kids’ absence. I've decided to update Carys “Gratefully” book for her each day. I either write things about Carys for which I'm grateful, or reflect on the pictures Charmaine posts on Facebook (thank you again Char!) that prompt thoughts about what Carys would be grateful.
Yesterday and today were a painfully long days. I slept very poorly the last few nights: those types of sleepless nights when you "wake-up into" a work issue that's hanging over one's head. After leaving work the last few days I had interviews at church for one of the pastoral search committees on which I serve. All went well but still long days. Tomorrow morning my men’s fellowship group comes for coffee so I am going to call it a night. (The kids at left watch some TV before heading to bed. Tess works on ICM stuff in the background.)
BC Forest Fires on their Facebook page wrote, “There have been several new fire starts due to lighting.” And earlier in the day, “We have received reports of smoke or a general haze across the entire province. This smoke is from the Colorado wildfires as well as fires in Siberia. We expect conditions to remain smokey across B.C. until Friday. Some days it will be more noticeable than others. Because of the hazy conditions, it will make new fire starts harder to spot, so we are asking for the public’s assistance. If they see smoke of flame please call.” Tess posted, “Something is happening around Princeton it seems.” They responded, “Hello Charles. There is a spot-sized fire approximately 7 km east of Princeton. An Initial Attack team and a helicopter responded and the fire is currently fully guarded.” That’s about 15 kms away from Tulameen. Yes, it’s true folks, about 99% of my Facebook activity is typically Tess. Of course you don’t know that and certainly BC Forest Fires have no idea.
Castanet News is reporting a few small fires popping up here and there and that “Forestry crews are at the ready as potential builds for a severe thunderstorm throughout the Okanagan sometime late Monday afternoon or early evening.” The area 30 kms north and 30 kms east of Tulameen seems to be where the experts are more concerned due to less recent rainfall in that area. Tess and Charmaine have a contingency plan (Tess wrote “… to be continued…” clearly recalling the 2009 ordeal) but that’s not stopping the kids from having loads of fun. A few more pictures here courtesy of Charmaine. Looks as if Jasper banged his head and might be suffering from some hay fever. Meanwhile, there are no forest fires in Hong Kong, nor rain, just clear skies and beautiful summer scenes.
Tess and the gang have emerged from their journey and a long night's sleep. A short message from Tess reported that their location is "quite remote, wifi is very slow... but we are happy. Seb and Jasper slept 13 hours last night. I could not believe it. They were so tired. They were completely disgusted they slept that long their first night here. Area quite like Fintry. All is well here." Appears the kids have lots of space for running around, too. Charmaine posted a few pictures on her FB account that I have re-posted here. (Thank you, Charmaine!)
Meanwhile back at the Hong Kong ranch the Asian prevailing winds have shifted north, pushing the pollution back into China. Or, perhaps more appropriately, pushing Hong Kong's pollution into China! The details of surrounding islands are easily visible - one can almost count the blades of grass it's so clear. I have grown accustomed to the quiet flat, using it to catch-up on work in the evenings.
If everything went according to plan, then just a few hours ago this is the view that Tess and the kids would have enjoyed. They are traveling with Charmaine who chatted with me via Facebook prior to departing Toronto for Kelowna, but since then I have heard nothing. Charmaine is super organized so I have no doubt that between Tess and Charmaine, the now six kids are in very good hands. Today at church a number of people asked how “the gang” was doing and if Sebastian prayed for snow. Indeed, he did.
Meanwhile back in Hong Kong I have completed my four weekend work projects as I enter the new week. Sleep has still been somewhat scarce this past year so I am retiring early to hopefully get caught-up. I am about to read “My Descent into Death: A Second Chance at Life” by Howard Storm. The author will be speaking next Sunday at all three Union Church services. His book is about his near death experience that was extraordinary enough to have Anne Rice write the foreword. If you are in Hong Kong on July 15, you might not want to miss the experience of hearing Howard Storm’s talk.
Finally, here are two pieces of artwork completed by Sebastian this past year. Again, I have no idea what they represent, but I thought them rather unique and precise. Sebastian has a very creative side that he needs to better channel. (Thus the word precise.) In the last few months Sebastian took one of his workbooks and started writing and drawing comics early in the morning. Another time when he was at a tutor, he said to the lady, “I am going to write books and when the books get published the money will come rolling in.” Maybe Anne Rice will write his forewords.
I have just spoken with Tess and the gang, who have safely arrived in Kelowna and checked into Kelowna Inn & Suites. Tess is very impressed with the hotel, so I might as well give it a plug. For less than C$ 160 including taxes etc they are staying in a room that sleeps six and has a “semi-loft.” When I called the front desk to ask for Tess’ room, the bright guy assumed I was the husband and replied, “Yes, of course Mr. Caldwell I’ll put you right through.” Calling from Hong Kong there is no way this guy had Hong Kong caller ID or would known it was me even if he did: I assume he was just on top of his game. Tess said the hotel was perfect and reasonable for their needs.
Tess reported that the Hong Kong to Vancouver flight was long and tough. The kids hardly slept at all, mostly watching movies. Sela read three books on my Kindle, now onto her fourth. The transfer onto Westjet was easy. Jasper reported that, “Westjet was fun.” Well, we all know that Westjet is fun, with all due respect to Cousin Bob who flies for Air Canada. But you’ll be happy to know that Tess rated the kids as overall “exceeding expectations” on the trip.
I attended Cigars Under The Stars last night at Union Church, hosted by Pastor Greg. We enjoyed fantastic homemade cheesecake courtesy of Grant Franke. To digress for a moment, if you haven’t seen the movie “Three Idiots” I highly recommend it. The movie is a funny, endearing, roller coaster with a clever mix of Bollywood and Hollywood. Poignant life lessons are presented throughout and not to be taken lightly as you will see in the final seen of the above video where a group of students call for a colleague named “Joy.” The theme song “All Izz Well” could have light lyrics but they might be packing a punch. Who knows what is meant when some of the characters sing about ways to fail, cope or succeed at college: booze, God, and the next line, “the lamb is clueless for what it’s destined.” (Please watch the video above and provide your own thoughts.) The video features a four-rotor helicopter, (Joy is the individual who originally came up with the idea for the contraption) which brings me back to Cigars Under The Stars.
Minutes for last night’s Cigars Under The Stars include a discussion about possible items that could be affixed beneath a Draganflyer X4 Four Rotor UAV Helicopter. A theological discussion ensued that included Cheesecake Evangelism.
This morning I finally watched a movie about Mother Teresa I’ve had forever. The kids and I started this film twice, but they insisted on not watching beyond when Mother Teresa’s father dies. They found the father dying upsetting. While watching the rest of the film I jotted down some of my favourite lines from the movie:
Mother Teresa in response to a man taking all of her ministry’s food says, “God Bless You.” The man curiously asks how she can bless him when he is taking everything. “You should be cursing me,” he says. Mother Teresa: “How can I curse you when God loves you?”
Mother Teresa: “Ah yes, the children are the beauty of God's love.”
Mother Teresa’s father in response to a warning about being seen as taking sides, “I am just taking sides with those who need help.”
Mother Teresa, also in response to a warning that the people she is amongst are seeking revenge, “Where there is revenge I bring forgiveness.”
Mother Teresa’s mother, the last time she saw her before MT departed for India, “Put your hand in the hand of the Lord and never let go.”
Mother Teresa in response to her authorities resisting her, “In any case, the Lord will do what He wants.”
Mother Teresa: “If things happen it's because the Lord wants them to happen. If they don't it means He doesn't. It's so simple.”
Mother Teresa: “He holds everybody's hand, if only they will let Him.”
Mother Teresa: “Where ever a real Christian goes, he brings joy.”
Mother Teresa: “I am only a pencil in the hands of God and it is He... He who writes.”
Response from Mother Teresa’s authorities, “Who are we to stop the pencil of God?” Indeed.
For those of you who have been good enough to read to the end of this post, I leave you with a treat from Jasper. Before discarding the kids artwork from this past year we took pictures of the classics. At left is a pencil sketch by Jasper. No idea what it is but I suspect it has something to do with Earth and the environment. He was particularly proud of it (as the post-it reads) "because I focused on it." Anybody want to take a guess what Jasper drew and I'll post the answers after asking him?
Tess and the kids have gone to Canada. With the exception of Liza and our new fish Dobby, the house is empty, clean and quiet. Tess and the kids are gone for six weeks until mid-August so the flat is in for a long haul without them. I remember last year it was turbo-charge mode after they left, with all sorts of projects kicking into high gear moments after watching them pass through Immigration. Today it felt different – there are twice as many projects but the turbo hasn’t yet kicked in. Maybe I just need a good night’s sleep. Union Church is hosting an evening for summer bachelors, “Cigars Under The Stars” on the church’s rooftop. This will be my first port of call but meanwhile, I have way too much to do before a hit-and-run, seven day visit to Toronto and the Okanagan later this month.
Tess was a master packer, too. She managed to get an entire summer’s worth of clothes into two suitcases. (I am highly suspicious the “summer collection” will expand once Tess finds herself at outlet malls.) Each one of them also had an appropriately sized carry-on and Tess had her laptop in a backpack. The triplets legally need to sit in booster seats while in Canada. When we dragged the luggage out of the car each one of them dutifully carried their booster seat in one hand while pulling their “wheelies” in the other hand. Sebastian is delighted that he has now graduated from needing a booster seat.
Tess and I had mixed views on technology this year. For a while we contemplated a technology free summer but finally surrendered albeit Sebastian agreed to leave his iTouch in Hong Kong. Sela took my Kindle, loaded with The Bobbsey Twins, Enid Blyton and more. We have four Android tablets, the equivalent to iPads, but much less expensive. The kids call them T-pads. Carys’ t-pad is in the shop for repairs, which is partly why I surrendered my Kindle. The T-pads were also loaded up with books and some of the kids’ favourite movies.
The beauty of technology is that we can communicate back and forth so easily. The kids love to play “DrawSome” and leave endearing messages whenever they send or receive a drawing. Sela wrote me the above message after being unable to send me a text message a few days ago. As I drove home from the airport I somewhat kicked myself for not installing Skype on the T-Pads and realised Seb wouldn’t be able to Skype without his iTouch. But technology is remarkable. Upon arriving home I remotely accessed the kids’ T-pads via Market Android to install Skype. Next time they connect to a wireless Internet connection, Skype will be automatically installed.
Alas, sceptics, nothing replaces the tactile feel of a paper book – that’s the story I’m sticking to for sending my Kindle to Canada – so the kids still had a few paper books in tow. I, too, will appreciate the palpable feel of a paper book this summer. My hope is to finally get to read “Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust,” by Immaculee Ilibagiza and hopefully get caught-up on some blogging, too. After all, there is the remarkable story of Dobby.
Charles Caldwell DotCom Internet Writing A collection of articles written in Hong Kong during the Dot Com era. At the time IandI Asia was alive and kicking. We regularly met in the Furama Hotel, now long gone.
