Saturday 25 December 2010

Snippet - A King Is Born

Kohlea stretched out on the grass beside his father, wriggling his butt to find a more comfortable spot. The night was warm the stars were bright, the sheep were safely closed up in the fold and his stomach was fill. So he lay back, arms cushioning his head and listened with contentment to Bek the oldest shepherd tell the old tales. Tonight he began with the stories of Daniel, the Prince who was captured as a slave and who by following the true way, with the blessing of the Great Lord and hard work became the Grand Vizier of not one but two empires. He was telling how the Great Lord gave Daniel a vision, the vision, the most important vision, the one which prophesied about the coming of the Hero. The Hero would destroy the Roman overlords and make the Jews a mighty nation again. The Hero would make the Jews the rulers the whole world. Kohlea’s mind drifted away from the story as he imagined the palace he would live in when they ruled the world. Gold and emeralds featured heavily, he’d never seen either but he’d somewhere learned that gold was bright yellow like the sun and emeralds were green like olive leaves and sparkled like water on a sunny day.

Something Bek said grabbed his attention, dragging him back from dreams of fountains and thick carpets. “…Once I was at the temple and heard Simeon and Annus arguing…” Kohlea was astonished, everybody in the kingdom knew those names, but it was not usual to speak of them together. Annus was the High Priest of the Great Lord and much respected and feared by the common people. Simeon was an aged low cast priest who should have retired years ago but by doggedly turning up to the temple every morning at first light he continued to work in his place as doorkeeper to the Court of Dedication. He was much loved by the people and almost every oldest son under the age of 60 could claim to have been held and blessed by him as a babe. Kohlea had been. So had his father. Simeon remembered each one and would greet you by name each time you visited the temple.  Why would Annus stoop to argue with a priest whose existence he barely acknowledged? And what would stir the ire of placid Simeon so much that he would make an issue of it? Deep throated murmurs and exclamations came from all corners of the listening circle of men telling him the other shepherds were wondering the same thing, this was a new story.

“What about?” That was his father, lying beside him, he could feel the grasses bending as his father rolled on to his side to face Bek, interest sparked.
“Annus was telling Ciaphus that the time for the prophecy was almost up, that in 35 years the Hero would appear to destroy the Romans. Simeon heard them and took issue with the interpretation; he said the Hero was going to save us from evil.”
Kohlea frowned wasn’t that the same as the Romans? They were the cause of all evil as far as he could tell. Not that he’d come across much evil or Romans in his 12 years.
“They’re the same thing.” Nald on the other side of the fire was thinking the same as him.
“Simeon didn’t seem to think so, said something about unseen enemies that we were oppressed by…” Beks voice trailed off in uncertainty, then he continued “… something about us breaking a contract with the Great Lord and the Hero coming to pay the forfeit and renew the contract.” The others were listening carefully, “Sounds nothing like what the priests teach,” said his father thoughtfully. “But I always liked Simeon more than Annus, for all he is the high priest…”

The other shepherds signaled assent in murmurs, then Nald asked, “When was this Bek?” The old man riffled his white beard with his fingers, “Must be five years ago.” Kohlea’s father sat up and leaned forward into the circle. “That means the Hero should be destroying the Romans in about 30 years. Assuming he is a man, full grown when he does this, he should be being born any time now.” Kohlea felt a thrill run up his back, he sat up too. Others round the fire were stirring. Bek chuckled, “When’s your next due Tarsh? Maybe you’ll be the father of the Hero.” The others laughed “Tarsh has got so many kids he has an unfair advantage.” Nald made a crude gesture with his hands, Kohlea’s father laughter rumbled full chested across the fold. “Remember hearing a priest read a passage of the scriptures years ago, when I was a boy in Jericho, said the Hero would be born in Bethlehem, so I decided to move here, glory by proximity you know.” Bek looked up, “Your right I remember that prophecy, haven’t heard it in an age, priests always quote the smiting the Romans ones these days.” Nald interrupted “But only when the Romans aren’t around to hear them, when they are they talk peace and love. Hypocrites the lot of them!” he growled. “The hero won’t be one of mine” said Tarsh, redirecting conversation into less contentious lines. “Going to be a son of the royal house, remember your catechisms, ‘Son of David.’ Probably born here because of the Winter Palace, we’ll never see the kid till he pops up full grown to do his heroing with a suit of armor, an army of trained soldiers and a real fancy accent.”  Interested, Kohlea said “Mama’s Da was from the House of David.”
“Kohlea could be the Hero” Nald said the joke evident in his tone, fire light illuminating the teasing smile. Tarsh grinned rubbed his sons head and said “Lily’s father was the youngest son of long line of youngest daughters, the link is tenuous at best, none of mine will be the Hero but I like to think they’ll join his army. Besides there’ll be magic signs portents at the birth of the Hero, so that everybody knows he’s the Hero.”
“What kind of signs?” asked Kohlea
“Stars” suggested Bek
“Comets” guessed Nald
Others put in their suggestions.

Kohlea looked at the stars, one of them seemed to be growing, coming closer, “Something like that?” he asked, jumping up and pointing. The other men followed the direction of his point, the star was bigger now, brighter than the stars around it and coming closer. Bek stood up as if the extra height would give him better insight. “Just like that,” he whispered, the others were standing also. Suddenly as if the star had torn through the sky it jumped in size from a large star to something bigger than the moon, figures of fire could be seen outlined in the stars brightness, which dimmed in comparison and faded into invisibility as the night sky was turned to day by the brightness of the visitation. “Elementals,” the word croaked out of Kohlea’s fear tightened throat and he threw himself full length on the ground hiding his face from the brightness of the beings. Around him he could hear and feel the thud of the other shepherds landing on the springy grass.

“Fear not” and the brilliance seemed to fade a degree, Kohlea risked a look, one of the elementals had stepped forwards, and held out a hand in invitation. There was no way Kohlea was going to take that hand; it would singe his arm off to the elbow. “I come to bring you glad tidings, tonight the Hero, the Son of David is born.”  The elementals voice resonated great joy; deep, rich and dark it tingled up his back bone. “He will save the world from evil and bring healing from on high.”
“Where?” The one word question came from his father.
“You will find him lying in a manger. Wrapped in swaddling clothes” and the elemental band began to recede, brightness diminishing, music wafting behind them as they slowly ascended back the way they had arrived.

Thursday 23 December 2010

Kidlets

My niece and nephew have been entertaining me today. Playing various games, I won Spy Alley (just call me Natasha!) and lost a different game quite spectacularly - as in the absolutely lastest of the last! The name of this game has been mercifully forgotten.

They have shown me how to grass surf - which involves sliding down the hill behind the house on a boogie board and they taught me about 'bolting' which apparently is running even faster than sprinting. Ben desperately wants to participate in this activity with me, I fear he is going to be sadly disappointed!

I have also been subjected to the 'Wisdom of the Young'. Did you know for example that that the night before Christmas Eve is called Christmas Adam, because Adam came before Eve?

Monday 20 December 2010

Babies and other Girl Stuff

Finally got to visit the new baby nephew today, after lingering cough was explained away to worried parents as 'The Asthma Thing' and not at all infectious, I got to cuddle scrumptious new nephew!! (That is totally true by the way!) He has our family nose (ski jump) and eyes and mouth and chin. But face shape, hair and body type comes from his Mum - which is a very good thing since it means he has not inherited the Righton posterior. Also dark olive skin from his Peruvian blood. (Have you ever wondered why skin colour is described as 'olive'? I mean it's not like people with 'olive' skin have a greenish tinge or anything...) He also has hair on his back! I knew some men have this, but babies?

Very good little boy, hardly cried at all, slept very soundly and contentedly, lolled back, arms stretched out like he owns the world.

I got to be present for his bath, what a circus. First the mother and two grandmothers discussed if there was enough water in the baby bath, then they discussed if it was too hot or too cold, and then who should do actual bathing. All this was done in two languages; English and Spanish. (I have resolved to buy an English/Spanish dictionary tomorrow! I think I should have been getting Carmen (one of my AFCOE room mates) to teach me Spanish words rather than Korean ones.) Once it was determined that there was enough water in the bath (done by adding more water until everybody was satisfied) and that it was the right temperature (done by repeated dipping of multiple elbows into said bath and then further additions of either hot or cold water, depending on opinion of last dipee) and the decision was made of just who was going to be giving said bath, the baby was stripped down to naked and promptly wrapped in a blanket ??? ummmmm, I thought naked was how baths were preformed? But apparently not. First naked baby is wrapped up again, then soap is smeared in head and washed off with wash cloth, then baby is unwrapped again and dipped in water, swished around and had more water drizzled over him and generally marinated something like an overly large steak. I did notice that the soap did not come into the proximity of any of the rest of his body, so it would seem that only the head ever gets dirty. Finally baby was removed from marinade and wrapped up again in large towel, (different one from the first one), making sure the hands were tightly wrapped because apparently they like that. (How can they tell??) I made my escape at this point as I was fairly sure that the process of dressing poor defenceless creature was not going to be any simpler.

If I ever have babies they are going to be seriously deprived, seems to me the kitchen sink would be a wonderful baby bath, (so much easier to empty and water right there on tap - plus you don't have to figure out where to store it...) and all these extra blankets and things just need washing so why bother?? Fill the sink with water, use a thermometer, get the baby naked, dunk it in the water, swish the soap everywhere, wash it's head, play with the water or marinade as desired, take the baby out, pull the plug, dry baby off, dress it. Job done. (Throw in a rubber ducky just for fun - that was about the only thing I could see missing from today's three rings, maybe that's what I can buy him for Christmas.)

Even with the circus, baby Aidan is delicious!!!

Other Girly Stuff for today is clothes.

Mum has said she will buy me some new clothes for Christmas. Something that pleases me muchly, as most of mine are too big - a very nice feeling within limits, but I'm close to reaching those limits. Yesterday we went to Platform. How do you politely tell a shop assistant that you think everything in their shop is hideous? Particularly when she and your mother are determined that you will try on every item in said shop? Eventually they ran out of things for me to try on and we escaped without buying anything. Then we went to Farmers and I got a a couple of nice shirts and a pair of trousers, all for the cost of less than one item at the first shop.

Today I went on my own to Zebrano's in Newmarket. I Love their clothes!!!! However I can't justify spending $400 on one item when I know I'm only going to be wearing it for about 6 months. Last time I spent that much on one thing I wore it about 800 times before it started developing unmendable holes. I seriously felt like I got my money's worth. (I still have it, keep meaning to take a pattern off it and make a new one - however currently it is a box somewhere...) Zebrano's is having a sale in February - not a confirmed rumour, but the assistant said that's when they had their last sale so chances are ... and there is this gorgeous preppy tunic top I'm going to keep my eye on! (Actually I will admit to having a good look at it's construction, fairly simple, I'm going to see if I can draw a pattern and make it. So sale will only be necessary on the off chance that I fail.)

Tomorrow is for Christmas shopping and shoes - have to find an everyday pair, seeing as I threw the last pair away before I left the US. Keep in mind how much I hate shoe shopping and send up a prayer for me!

Saturday 18 December 2010

HomeComing

Today was my first Sabbath back in New Zealand, and I spent it curled up with a good book, (I don't know how long it is since I did that), and a flu. Curses on people who fly when they are not well and spread their germs through the aeroplanes air-conditioning.

Has been so lovely to see my family again. My nephew and niece have grown up so much in just one year. They both started drawing my portrait, multiple attempts required - Aunty Treena as a pineapple, an apple, an olive, a tooth ... I think that they recognise their current lack of life drawing skills, and are trying to compensate with abstract concepts. Slightly more alarming was Aunty Treena with her family of apples/olives/teeth/... including husband and about 100 children! I suspect a conspiracy. Had barely been home 3 hours before every member of my immediate family started commenting. Say's Brother; "I've got this friend I should introduce you too, names Ivan ...", Sister; "One of my friends has this brother, he's really intelligent ..." (as far as  know it is a different friend), Stepfather never mentioned a potential son-in-law, just told me I should apply for a job at the childcare centre two doors down from their house, because then I "could get practice for when [I] have [my] own children ..." Mum never mentioned men or children, but did whisk me off to the hairdresser within two hours of being off the plane, an attention I am exceedingly grateful for, but also somewhat suspicious of, given rest of families preoccupations.

My Sister-in-law also did not mention men, but that is because she was a.) hugely uncomfortable because she is pregnant and overdue and b.) having to translate everything that was said into Spanish so that her Mother could understand  and be part of the conversation - so she didn't have time for extra inanities! The baby was born last night. (See it obeyed me when I said it had to wait until I got home.)Worst thing is I can't go see him till every vestige of the aeroplane germs are gone - I am so NOT going to be responsible for giving him his first flu at less than 24 hours old.


Things I have loved about being home:
It has been great to reclaim my some of my independence, been driving a lot - with no ill effects from minuscule amount of driving on American roads - except for the small habit of turning on the wind-wipers when I really want the blinkers - and vice versa ... and a problem with distinguishing my right from my left.

Also love being able to choose what I want to eat for meals instead of having to eat what was put in front of me. Have not even had to look at oatmeal since I left Weimar :-D Still having avocado and tomato on toast for breakfast; which for my non-Weimar friends, was my solution to the never ending porridge/oatmeal they tried to feed us - I started bringing my own food to the cafe. Now however I don't have to worry about people trying to steal the avocado from me - or to be more precise trying to guilt me into handing it over voluntarily ... 

On the other hand I had forgotten how muggy and humid Auckland can be, probably because last Christmas I came home from Oz where the temperatures were 39-42 C (100-110 F) with 80-90% humidity everyday, so Auckland temps and humidity were a welcome relief. This time I coming directly from winter ... 

And I have yet to see my stars - been cloudy ever since I got home, there is a reason we're called 'The Land Of The Long White Cloud.'

Probably should mention the success of the year; I lost 71 pounds while I was in America, 55 at Black Hills and 16 at Weimar. That is about 32 kg's, but the pounds sound soooo much better that I may just think in pounds for the rest of my life. Still have a long way to go, but I will get there!!!!!!! Technically my year is not up until the 17th of Jan which is when I arrived at Black Hills (or was it the 18th - that first couple of days is a jet-lagged blur) regardless I'm going to keep counting until 17th Jan 2011, going to try for another 9 pounds and make it an even 80 pounds for the year. Also going to go to the doctor and get some blood work done, will be interesting to see the differences. I already know that my blood pressure is a very respectable 117/74 down from 162/130 at it's absolute worst.

Final lovely thing about coming home is that my adorable little cat Cinnamon decided to make the most of the time she has me for and to not waste any of it by snubbing me. She has been following me around like a little puppy, curling up next to me whenever I sit down and generally being the cutest cuddliest sweetest kitty imaginable.

(P.S. In case your worried my American friends, I do miss you, and if at all possible I will come back to visit you all one day - In the meantime there is Facebook and Skype.)

Monday 13 December 2010

Re-Baptism Testimony

Jesus is my Saviour, my God, my Comforter, Provider and Divine Stalker. I did not find Jesus; I had no interest in finding Him. He pursued me;
Persistently, through the wilderness years when I wanted nothing to do with Him.
Gently, through the stumbling years when I was groping around wondering if He was really out there and if He really cared.
Firmly, through the rebellious years when I knew He was waiting but I wanted things to be my way.
Lovingly, through the hesitant years when I allowed my fear to overcome the surrender I desired.
And finally, He has taught me that I can’t live without Him.

I can’t say there was a particular instant when I was converted, there was a day when I gave my heart and life into His keeping, but it was the result of a long and gentle process.

Most recently He has shown me how to get off the rollercoaster and stop having the ‘up and down experience’ that leaves me frustrated. He has taught me to give my problems to Him and ‘rest’ in the knowledge that He can and will solve them, and He has demonstrated this willing ability time and again.

It is because of His care, persistence, firmness and love that I am rededicating my life to Him.


"Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow ..."

Currently I am at Sacramento Airport using the free WiFi while I wait for my flight, 3 hours to go, so this can be a nice long chatty type post, nothing else I have to be doing! Especially since I just found free electricity too.

The title above is a quote lifted from Shakespeare, originally spoken by Juliet who is a complete airhead, however it accurately describes how I am feeling right now.

On the one hand I am excited to be going home, to see my family who I haven't seen in almost a year, and to meet my new little nephew. (Kathy, has he been born yet????) And, to catch up with my lovely lovely friends and find out what has happened in every-bodies lives since I have been gone. And just to breath NZ air and feel like I am back in my place!

On the other hand I have made so many dear friends in America who I will miss greatly. All the People at BHHEC who are my American Home and Family and my 2 great room mates, fantastic classmates, and the Staff at AFCOE who have enriched my life so greatly and weasled themselves into my heart - I will miss you all!!

I still haven't figured out if it is best to be the person leaving or the person staying - if you stay then you only lose one person, but life goes on in the same monotonous routine so the fact that that person is gone leaves a noticeable hole. If you go then you lose everyone - but the next adventure begins which distracts you from the feeling of 'missingness'!

In this case I think being the person staying would suck the most because everybody is leaving, and there is only you and the monotonous routine left ...

Things I am looking forward to about being at Home:

  • Family and Friends
  • Seeing My stars! The Southern Cross, Orion standing on his head - he actually looks a little odd the right way up ;-) I am looking forward to seeing the Milky Way - the stars are so dim in the US, I miss them.
  • Summer! 
  • Feijoa's 
  • Cinnamon - my Cat! (Praying that she will forgive me immediately for deserting her for so long and decide not to give me the silent treatment!)
  • Mum's new house - I get to explore.
  • Driving on the left hand side of the road - and not risking getting run over every time I have to cross a road.
  • Hopefully getting left and right sorted out in my head again. Being in America has totally screwed my sense of left and right ... and yes before anyone says anything I will admit that it was pretty shaky to begin with!
  • Christmas!

Things I will miss from America:
  • Friends!!!!!!!!!!!! I could go on and list you all but between South Dakota and California it would take a long time ... 
  • Wild flowers - America has so many wild flowers compared to NZ - given that we don't really have any, except dandelions and daisies in the lawn. I don't think I have seen a single daisy since I've been here - weird. I'll post a Facebook Album of wild flower pictures - just don't judge my photography skills they totally depend on my point and shoot camera, I'd much rather paint the flowers than photograph them - but then of course by the time I've finished with that, they won't actually be recognisable...
  • Persimmon orchards - I've never seen more than one persimmon tree in the same place before, to see row upon row of trees of ripe persimmons has been fascinating.
  • Lays Limon chips.
  • Chipmunks!!!!!!!!!!!!! (but I miss them already, had a whole family outside my room in South Dakota, none in California.)
  • Wild life - seeing deer wandering around the campus's of both Weimar and BHHEC, chipmunks, squirrels, bison, turkeys - flocks of them flying in SD and more wandering around peoples front lawns in California, and that was in the city, and so many more different species that I had only read about in books before. But I won't miss skunks!! (Never actually saw one of them, just smelled them!)
  • Surprises - In NZ I am comfortable, I know and am known. In America I am always bumping into surprises, whether it is a word that means something different to what it means for me or different ways of doing things or a host of little things that cause me to see life in new ways - don't always like them but they are always interesting!!!!
  • Being Unique, LOL. At home I get to blend into the crowd, here the moment I open my mouth I'm marked out as different.
  • The Amazing Spiritual food we have been feed daily at AFCOE! I am really really going to miss this! But I know that it's time for me to be sent out to do what I've been training for in the last four and a half months and I know that as long as I keep up my personal devotions and maintain that connection with God, He will continue to provide my Spiritual nourishment!!!! And that is most important because I don't want to lose what I have gained here.
I will do a whole separate post about the AFCOE experience, here I will just say that it has been amazing, and has changed my life forever!!

Well I'm going to finish this post up, post the testimonial from my re-baptism, have a brief nap while there is no one around - airport is quiet, we seem to be between flights or something - and then I will write the promised AFCOE experience blog.

Tata  for now.