If you did not get a chance to see this or you were wondering what I have been up to here you go!
Showing posts with label 13thFLOOR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 13thFLOOR. Show all posts
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Monday, 18 February 2008
Signing Off
I have to say that I am overcome with an avalanche of feelings about leaving something that has meant so much to me. South Africa opened the door to so many things in my life and she instilled a deepness and honor I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life. The people taught me about more about laughter, selflessness and hospitality; the land taught me about the wildness of beauty; the animals taught me how to praise; the economy taught me about appreciation; the history taught me about diversity over tolerance. These are the few things that have risen to the top when I muse over my time there.
I am also heavy in heart about leaving my dearest friends behind, Bryan, Daleen, Elizabeth (Lizzy), and Hilde. These people are some of the best humans I have ever met. I am at a loss when I try to think of how I will cope without them being a car ride away. They have seen me in all my colors of crazy and brilliance – and they survived to tell me that I made it through another tragic day. They are rare and precious jewels that I leave behind, knowing they will enhance the beauty of the country. I miss you so much, forever.
Last but not least, I am tear-filled over leaving 13thFLOOR. I am so enriched by the opportunities I explored within this ministry and all I learned from the students and staff there. Leaving the students is like a knife in my heart. They became my babies and I became their mother, mamma and friend. The ties run deep and will be hard to sever. I know that the distance means so relationships will end, while others will remain tethered to my heart for a lifetime, and both cause me to ache at the indefinite separation. My babies helped me to grow and become more, because I always wanted to give them my best, because I believed it was the very least they deserved (Thank you!). I dream and hope they fly higher than I ever dreamed of going myself; maybe someday the winds will cause our paths to drift together again but if not, I my heart would be pleased to see you soaring above.
Tears of joy and sadness fill my eyes again as the necessary goodbyes materialize in my consciousness. Every going is filled with newness and adventure that fills me with excitement – this energy propels me toward risks and the uncertainty. But going also implies a leaving. Abandon is the ugly sister to Adventure that comes along on every voyage. She is the one that travelers like to avoid, but she is there nonetheless. Every time a season changes in my life, indicating that it is time to go to a new land, I immediately commit to the new direction but I bristle at leaving what I have come to love. It is painful because the lack of proximity does not break the affections and adoration; it often heightens it making the leaving more perilous. Making peace with the going and leaving is never easy, but I know it will eventually come as I continue onward, becoming richer for the journey.
I am also heavy in heart about leaving my dearest friends behind, Bryan, Daleen, Elizabeth (Lizzy), and Hilde. These people are some of the best humans I have ever met. I am at a loss when I try to think of how I will cope without them being a car ride away. They have seen me in all my colors of crazy and brilliance – and they survived to tell me that I made it through another tragic day. They are rare and precious jewels that I leave behind, knowing they will enhance the beauty of the country. I miss you so much, forever.
Last but not least, I am tear-filled over leaving 13thFLOOR. I am so enriched by the opportunities I explored within this ministry and all I learned from the students and staff there. Leaving the students is like a knife in my heart. They became my babies and I became their mother, mamma and friend. The ties run deep and will be hard to sever. I know that the distance means so relationships will end, while others will remain tethered to my heart for a lifetime, and both cause me to ache at the indefinite separation. My babies helped me to grow and become more, because I always wanted to give them my best, because I believed it was the very least they deserved (Thank you!). I dream and hope they fly higher than I ever dreamed of going myself; maybe someday the winds will cause our paths to drift together again but if not, I my heart would be pleased to see you soaring above.
Tears of joy and sadness fill my eyes again as the necessary goodbyes materialize in my consciousness. Every going is filled with newness and adventure that fills me with excitement – this energy propels me toward risks and the uncertainty. But going also implies a leaving. Abandon is the ugly sister to Adventure that comes along on every voyage. She is the one that travelers like to avoid, but she is there nonetheless. Every time a season changes in my life, indicating that it is time to go to a new land, I immediately commit to the new direction but I bristle at leaving what I have come to love. It is painful because the lack of proximity does not break the affections and adoration; it often heightens it making the leaving more perilous. Making peace with the going and leaving is never easy, but I know it will eventually come as I continue onward, becoming richer for the journey.
Monday, 11 February 2008
Hello Goodbye
I spent most of last week at the International Mentoring Network’s Humana 02.08 conference. I had a wonderful time and met some amazing people who are asking questions about how the post-modern church will shape the future and how we might charter a path to get there. I was truly inspired to meet people working all over America, Switzerland, Germany, Scotland and England who are seeking in the same heart, but have so many ways to express the love of God for the world, creation, and mankind. This gathering was also coupled a few music events that featured Jettison Never.
There was also a reunion of with what my new friend Derek (a.k.a “Tangent”) coined as the “trifecta,” Shawna Snow, Ali Watson and myself. It was the first time we had been together since I left Europe. There were many good times filled with deep conversations and lots of laughter. It was great to see them but it broke my heart for us to separate again after such a sweet reunion.
I flew home on Sunday, to make the acquaintance of my new electronic friend, my MacBook Pro! I have not given her a name (yes it is a her – there are ways to tell) but I prefer the American Indian approach where we wait until the character of the child reveals itself.
Last but not least I have had to face one of my hardest goodbyes to date. I sent in my letter of resignation to 13thFLOOR on today. This decision was labored in prayers, consultation and guidance. I will really miss the people and the love I encountered in South Africa. I will miss the students most of all and I am grateful for every second I spent with them. I am happy that what they taught me will always be with me. I think I grew in ways that would not have been possible without being there. South Africa was truly mother Africa to me and she nursed me in ways that I never would have dreamed.
Right now I feel like so much is going in and out of my life. I feel like the moment something ends then something new begins and vice versa. The Beatles' song Hello, Good Bye seems fitting, so I will leave you with this.
I spent most of last week at the International Mentoring Network’s Humana 02.08 conference. I had a wonderful time and met some amazing people who are asking questions about how the post-modern church will shape the future and how we might charter a path to get there. I was truly inspired to meet people working all over America, Switzerland, Germany, Scotland and England who are seeking in the same heart, but have so many ways to express the love of God for the world, creation, and mankind. This gathering was also coupled a few music events that featured Jettison Never.
There was also a reunion of with what my new friend Derek (a.k.a “Tangent”) coined as the “trifecta,” Shawna Snow, Ali Watson and myself. It was the first time we had been together since I left Europe. There were many good times filled with deep conversations and lots of laughter. It was great to see them but it broke my heart for us to separate again after such a sweet reunion.
I flew home on Sunday, to make the acquaintance of my new electronic friend, my MacBook Pro! I have not given her a name (yes it is a her – there are ways to tell) but I prefer the American Indian approach where we wait until the character of the child reveals itself.
Last but not least I have had to face one of my hardest goodbyes to date. I sent in my letter of resignation to 13thFLOOR on today. This decision was labored in prayers, consultation and guidance. I will really miss the people and the love I encountered in South Africa. I will miss the students most of all and I am grateful for every second I spent with them. I am happy that what they taught me will always be with me. I think I grew in ways that would not have been possible without being there. South Africa was truly mother Africa to me and she nursed me in ways that I never would have dreamed.
Right now I feel like so much is going in and out of my life. I feel like the moment something ends then something new begins and vice versa. The Beatles' song Hello, Good Bye seems fitting, so I will leave you with this.
You say goodbye and I say hello
Hello hello
I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello
Hello hello
I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello
Hello hello
I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello
Hello hello
I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
On my way to Brussels
Sunday morning I packed my bags and joined the 13thFLOOR team at Crossroads Amsterdam for the youth service. As I walked through the foyer I was greeted by familiar faces and warm smiles. It has been a few years since I had been there and many of the “kids” I left behind were in leadership or were blossoming teens.
13thFLOOR was given the entire youth service for the day. Warren was our guide for the journey to discover “What is sacred?” In between the teachings were performances that illustrated and stretched the participants view of what can be considered sacred. I was put in the hot seat by my beloved adopted son, Warren, as part of a panel. The youth were mostly quiet during the discussion time, but the flurry of questions afterward indicated that they were challenged by what they saw and heard.
We piled (literally) into the cars and vans to meet the rest of the team who had been at Hilversum ICC for their morning service. After packing equipment and having lunch, we headed out for Brussels. Now we had a few false starts do not having a clear picture of how to get back to the roadway, a van getting stuck in the mud (the one I was riding in) and our translators wallet being locked in the church, but we eventually made it to Operation Mobilizations headquarters in Brussels near the airport.
It was only after we arrived here, that I started to realize that I might not see many of them again or for a very long time. The end of tour has always been a painful transition time for me. Saying good bye and releasing people you have loved and cared for into the unknown is paradoxical for me. I am excited to see them go off on their own and blaze their own trails, but I also want to hold them close and protect them from the trials they will have to overcome as well. It is the same way I feel when I watch nature documentaries about animal migration, you know that they all will not make it to the greener pastures strong and vigorous. But the journey has to be made nonetheless, it is in their nature. This time had the additional sting of me being released from them also to pray about and pursue what is next for me in life. I also felt like I was being set adrift and in many ways I am. Every interaction became precious no matter how frivolous the activity. I wanted to store up all the laughter, words and tears I could to use as a flotation devise until the next wave comes to rush me to shores I am destined to walk upon.
Monday morning the team did a ministry show for the staff and friends of Operation Mobilization. Warren spoke about how being in the centre of God’s will is often a place where safety is not an option. Often it is a wild ride that will leave you clinging to the very life you chose to give away. I believe that it was an eye-opening conversation for many of the people there. It especially made and impression on one young woman in particular.
She came to the base to serve and wrestle over her relationship with God. It was also a good time for her to step away from family and friends to seek out her purpose and passions. A few of us were able to share from our experiences in a way that left her feeling encouraged. In moments like these I can not help but see random encounters like these as anything less evidence of something or someone divine in the universe, because this was divine providence. I had not plan to go to Brussels until Friday evening and she had no idea that several weeks after arriving at her destination where people from a foreign country would be the source of meeting some of her deepest longings. How could we have known or planned it if we coconsciously tried to make it happen. To me this went beyond coincidence and providence.
Tuesday morning the team made it’s way to Brugge and I was taken to the train station. My heart still aches from this parting. As I entered the station, I sighed and realised I was again walking way from another season in my life that I was best left to its place in my memory. I can stand at a distance and glance back upon my times with the 13thFLOOR students, but I know I will never return there the way I entered.
13thFLOOR was given the entire youth service for the day. Warren was our guide for the journey to discover “What is sacred?” In between the teachings were performances that illustrated and stretched the participants view of what can be considered sacred. I was put in the hot seat by my beloved adopted son, Warren, as part of a panel. The youth were mostly quiet during the discussion time, but the flurry of questions afterward indicated that they were challenged by what they saw and heard.
We piled (literally) into the cars and vans to meet the rest of the team who had been at Hilversum ICC for their morning service. After packing equipment and having lunch, we headed out for Brussels. Now we had a few false starts do not having a clear picture of how to get back to the roadway, a van getting stuck in the mud (the one I was riding in) and our translators wallet being locked in the church, but we eventually made it to Operation Mobilizations headquarters in Brussels near the airport.
It was only after we arrived here, that I started to realize that I might not see many of them again or for a very long time. The end of tour has always been a painful transition time for me. Saying good bye and releasing people you have loved and cared for into the unknown is paradoxical for me. I am excited to see them go off on their own and blaze their own trails, but I also want to hold them close and protect them from the trials they will have to overcome as well. It is the same way I feel when I watch nature documentaries about animal migration, you know that they all will not make it to the greener pastures strong and vigorous. But the journey has to be made nonetheless, it is in their nature. This time had the additional sting of me being released from them also to pray about and pursue what is next for me in life. I also felt like I was being set adrift and in many ways I am. Every interaction became precious no matter how frivolous the activity. I wanted to store up all the laughter, words and tears I could to use as a flotation devise until the next wave comes to rush me to shores I am destined to walk upon.
Monday morning the team did a ministry show for the staff and friends of Operation Mobilization. Warren spoke about how being in the centre of God’s will is often a place where safety is not an option. Often it is a wild ride that will leave you clinging to the very life you chose to give away. I believe that it was an eye-opening conversation for many of the people there. It especially made and impression on one young woman in particular.
She came to the base to serve and wrestle over her relationship with God. It was also a good time for her to step away from family and friends to seek out her purpose and passions. A few of us were able to share from our experiences in a way that left her feeling encouraged. In moments like these I can not help but see random encounters like these as anything less evidence of something or someone divine in the universe, because this was divine providence. I had not plan to go to Brussels until Friday evening and she had no idea that several weeks after arriving at her destination where people from a foreign country would be the source of meeting some of her deepest longings. How could we have known or planned it if we coconsciously tried to make it happen. To me this went beyond coincidence and providence.
Tuesday morning the team made it’s way to Brugge and I was taken to the train station. My heart still aches from this parting. As I entered the station, I sighed and realised I was again walking way from another season in my life that I was best left to its place in my memory. I can stand at a distance and glance back upon my times with the 13thFLOOR students, but I know I will never return there the way I entered.
Sunday, 2 December 2007
Back Track…
I know it has not been a day since I wrote but it seems like weeks because so much has happened between now and then. This will be lengthy.
I think I will go back a bit further to December 1st.
Biking riding – crashing actually – in Amsterdam
After a late night of chatting after 13thFLOOR’s show in Hillversum, I finally left the cocoon of the dark room I had been hiding in and ventured out into the world to meet Adriaan Berg to catch up over cigars and beer. Since this was his first time in the city we decided to go exploring. In order to maximize his visit in the 1.5 hours we had, we took off on bikes. Now riding in Amsterdam is not as easy as it looks. There are cars, bikes, trams, buses and dogs coming at you from all directions and you have to keep track of where you are trying to go while ignoring the laughter and Dutch profanity coming from the bike savvy natives. I had much fun laughing at myself amid the sites we took in. Key takeaway from the day – Winkle by Noord Kerk (North Church) has some of the best apple tart in the city. (Thanks Esther!)
(Beware! Swarte Piet is everywhere)
Creative Collaboration
About 20 of us gathered at Shauna Snow’s home for dinner and some fun conversation. After a few rousing games of Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders (I lost both) with Shea and friends, we shares a fabulous chilli dinner. It was great to catch up with some of the 13thFLOOR gang while we shared a bit of down time. At some point in the evening we were invited to continue our conversations on a wall in the Snow home. Most people immediately gravitated to the wall with Shea setting the pace, by grabbing a paint brush and diving right in. It became a melange of styles, media and laughter. Some of the contributions were whimsical while others were deliberate but they all worked together. Shea was clearly the master artists as she collaborated with many and left her prominent signature daring all of us to bring our A game as she had. Here is a small taste. (See more at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21358&l=f070e&id=656840835).
I think I will go back a bit further to December 1st.
Biking riding – crashing actually – in Amsterdam
After a late night of chatting after 13thFLOOR’s show in Hillversum, I finally left the cocoon of the dark room I had been hiding in and ventured out into the world to meet Adriaan Berg to catch up over cigars and beer. Since this was his first time in the city we decided to go exploring. In order to maximize his visit in the 1.5 hours we had, we took off on bikes. Now riding in Amsterdam is not as easy as it looks. There are cars, bikes, trams, buses and dogs coming at you from all directions and you have to keep track of where you are trying to go while ignoring the laughter and Dutch profanity coming from the bike savvy natives. I had much fun laughing at myself amid the sites we took in. Key takeaway from the day – Winkle by Noord Kerk (North Church) has some of the best apple tart in the city. (Thanks Esther!)
(Beware! Swarte Piet is everywhere)
Creative Collaboration
About 20 of us gathered at Shauna Snow’s home for dinner and some fun conversation. After a few rousing games of Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders (I lost both) with Shea and friends, we shares a fabulous chilli dinner. It was great to catch up with some of the 13thFLOOR gang while we shared a bit of down time. At some point in the evening we were invited to continue our conversations on a wall in the Snow home. Most people immediately gravitated to the wall with Shea setting the pace, by grabbing a paint brush and diving right in. It became a melange of styles, media and laughter. Some of the contributions were whimsical while others were deliberate but they all worked together. Shea was clearly the master artists as she collaborated with many and left her prominent signature daring all of us to bring our A game as she had. Here is a small taste. (See more at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21358&l=f070e&id=656840835).
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
The Dream Team Assembled
Kelley arrived! Our dream team is officially here. It seems like this day would never come…the three of us (Kelley, Lourens and I) actually say down in the same country to pray and work together.
There is much to do and the momentum is mounting. It seems like we need an extra 10 hours a day to get things done. Lourens left for Brussels and Amsterdam on Saturday, while Kelley and I am working arduously on the charity registration. There is a great chance that we could have all the paperwork done by next week. After that, we tackle our visas!
I love my team!
There is much to do and the momentum is mounting. It seems like we need an extra 10 hours a day to get things done. Lourens left for Brussels and Amsterdam on Saturday, while Kelley and I am working arduously on the charity registration. There is a great chance that we could have all the paperwork done by next week. After that, we tackle our visas!
I love my team!
Thursday, 12 April 2007
Wonder and Awe
Remember Edwin, the student I took into my home?
Well Sunday night we had a conversation – you know one of those bare bones, raw, "come to Jesus" talks that cut through the bull and gets to the point. Sometimes love is tough and it can mean saying those things that others are too nice to say; Believe me I did not make the mistake of being too anything. Let's just say he was loved well in truth. We covered many topics about his character, how people perceive him and how the choices he makes and avoids determine his future. By the end of the conversation he was wide-eyed. He said he needed to think it all over.
The next day he took action. He made appointments and had some hard conversations. He said he knew it was time for him to take ownership of his choices. He had a hard day and was pacing by the time I got home. Some of the talks did not turn out the way he expected but he was willing to admit that the results were positive overall and that was enough to encourage him to face some obstacles. I was so proud of him!
Tuesday, in out strategic meeting we needed to fill a position on team due to a leaving team member. Someone mentioned Edwin as a candidate. At that moment had an a- ha moment – Maybe that's why he needed to stay with me. Is God up to something in this situation? After several discussions, the SA director and the red tour leader met me at my home to meet with Edwin. We discussed the pros and cons of him joining the team 3 weeks prior to tour and how what was expected of him. Several times we came back to a place of why now and not before and although some of the questions were hard, I could see the gleam of joy in his eyes as he committed to face the challenges ahead.
As the conversation subsided and I prepared to go back to the office, we hugged as our emotions swelled. "Well I guess God was waiting for our conversation on Sunday," I said. He hugged me tighter and said, "I think your right."
Thursday, 5 April 2007
The Boy is back in town!
Benjamin our long lost team member is back in South Africa! He left the first week of February for
Every week we bit our nails in anticipation of the latest snag to the process. Honestly we were mapping contingency plans in case he could not return. It is sad that he missed most of his curriculum and rehearsals; He was so excited about what he might learn and experience. Now he must catch up and be prepared for tour in 3 weeks.
He said his time at home was frustrating as regaled us stories of red-tape, but he also felt that it was a time to be with his family he had been estranged from. During his time at home, there were 2 deaths in the family. His mother was grateful to have Benjamin by her side while she coped with her losses. He also spent time with unmet cousins and uncles. It was a family reunion/restoration of sorts.
The team missed his ever-present and stunning smile; Flaps missed his talent as he has lead roles in three out of four performance and the school shows. Needless to say we are glad to welcome him back in the fold.
Monday, 2 April 2007
Let the Packing Begin
Well I gave notice yesterday and I begin the daunting task of sorting through my belongings. Sorting through the endless mementos of my life lived is both fun and exhausting. Each item I own has a story attached to it and I get flashes of their moments as I walk through my home. How does one decide what is worth holding on to our passing on so that someone else can continue their story by leaving their indelible mark on what used to be mine. If that is possible is anything really mine? Maybe each item had a rich life without me, you know B.A., Before Alycia.
As thoughts flood my mind's eye, I dread the inevitable shedding of another layer. Each country I've inhabited leads to an acquiring of the things of life I believe I cannot live without, but days like this arrive and I often ask myself why did I think I would need this crap? Life is so fickle or may be it is just me that is fickle. So I guess it is out with the old and the selling of the practically new. I know as I pack each box it will hold promises of a continuing story in a new life in a new city. The things I cannot live with out must be those whose story is not finished with me yet. Maybe that is how I will sift the wheat from the chaff.
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Decisions, Decisions
I just finished meeting with the Executive Board and I got some good news/bad news. The good news is that I am still planning to go to the UK the bad news is that I am not sure for how long at this point. As I mentioned before we do not have the funding yet for me to mover permanently in May, but there is some money for us to get things started there.
Myself and a colleague will arrive in
Either way, I am vacating my house here in May. I thought I had people to sublet but they cancelled on me two days ago. So I am literally flying without a net! Who knows maybe this is God's not so subtle way of throwing me out of the nest into the big blue to soar or flop.
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
The Climb
I have to say my time in London was a whirlwind to say the least. So much was accomplished but at the same time, I spied the mountain ahead we must climb. As I stood in its shadow I thought, only God can make this happen, then happily breathed a sigh of relief.
As of today we are officially registered as 13thFLOOR as a company! Now we can apply for our charity status, open a bank account and tackle a mountain of paperwork. This was a very important step towards establishing ourselves in the UK. It moves us closer to becoming a recognized service organization that others seek for partnership. Several companies I met with are anxious for the completion of our accreditation so they can work with us.
It is time to start climbing!
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
London Baby
I am leaving for London tonight and I am filled with such anticipation. I have not been in Europe since 2003, but I have fond memories of my last visits. I will spend most of my time working on 13thFloor's charity status paperwork, finalizing documents for our office and living quarters. There is so much to get done. I am exhausted just thinking about all there is to do but to quote a familiar line from Friends, "I'm going to London baby!"
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