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From
the Vicarage - July/August 2010
Each
of us is on a journey in this world and we are all learning from different
experiences along the way. Whilst that journey may seem long and painful at
times, as well as experiencing joys and sorrows, we always have a constant
companion with us, our heavenly Father, helping to guide our thoughts and
our steps. Each of us has a different journey, and even in the closest of
relationships with others, such as marriage, family, or close friends, we
can never know how others are truly feeling nor how they might be coping with
their life experiences. Also, each of our experiences will have been different
from the day that we were born, so that even with identical twins, there are
very definitely two separate lives that are being lived out.
As we approach the main
holiday season many people will be travelling far and wide, whilst others
will be staying at home and perhaps enjoying house or garden, and even certain
sports on the television perhaps!! Claire and I had an excellent trip to Turkey
last month, not exactly travelling in the steps of St Paul, but seeing something
of the countryside that he and many other disciples experienced as they made
their journey in faith at the very beginning of Christianity. It is worth
noting that our experience of the Turkish people was one of generous hospitality
and friendship, possibly as good as anywhere that we have travelled previously.
I know a great number of people who have made the pilgrimage to Oberammergau
this year, saying how deeply moving it was. This is such a wonderful act of
love and witness by that community that speaks so deeply to most of the visitors
who make the journey every 10 years. I hope to make that journey in 10 years
time, God willing!!
The Vicarage has been very
different these last two weeks following Claire’s operation on both
of her feet. It is Claire who keeps me “on the road” as it were,
making sure that meals are ready for me to consume at whatever time I happen
to get home, and, without her tremendous support, life can be, and is, very
different!! She has been so grateful for the love and friendship that has
been shown through the many cards, good wishes and acts of kindness that she,
and I, have received, helping us to keep going through this difficult period.
We do hope that you all
have the Mission Garden Party at the Vicarage in your diaries for Saturday
17th July, when we shall be delighted to entertain you. We should also be
glad of any help you could offer please in setting up and looking after the
stalls, as well as bringing along items to sell on them. Through this annual
event we raise money to support the students that we have promised to help
at the Itamba High School in Tanzania, people who are experiencing a very
different journey to ours.
I wish you every blessing
and refreshment during this summer season, wherever your journey may take
you.
Rev
Ron
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