Written: 14 January 2010. I wrote this in Word then copied and pasted but it missed the photos. Sorry...
Messina, Sicily
29th Dec - After spending the night in the airport, we got woken up by Mr Security at 0600hrs telling us to get off the floor. How rude! We were all pretty tired at that stage and our flight wasn´t until 10am or something. We flew into Trapini (West side of Sicily) and took a bus to the bus station. We almost had to camp there also as the buses had stopped for the day. It wasn´t until Andy called one of his contacts that we were then told to basically run to another part of the station and catch the bus of a friend who was leaving immediately. We got into Messina okay. Mission accomplished.
When we got to Messina (West Side) we were taken to a villa in the hill belonging to a Pastor of a church, Natale (which in English is translated “Christmas”). He is Papa Natale to us. This is the view from the Villa over Messina. You can´t see it in this photo, but where the haze is, is where Italy is. HOT SHOWER at last! Oh it felt sooo good.
We went for a walk around the area and up this hill where there were German bunkers – so cool. The view was amazing, we could see sea on all sides.
New Year´s Eve was fun. We built a huge bonfire, which Andy totally ripped off the second toe nail off. Dan went into medical mode and Ashley freaked out somewhat. It was gross but cool to see at the same time. Close your ears H&S peeps - that´s what you get for collecting wood with thongs on. The boys set off a couple of flares, loads of fireworks cause they´re legal to buy here….and I held a sparkler. The banquet of food was amazing, like a huge Christmas meal. We watched the fireworks over Messina and Italy, it was really cool. We´re so far up that they looked like sparks.
Most of the time spent in Sicily was all about church services, hanging out, sleeping and eating. It was pretty quiet during this time because of the New Year and holiday mode.
During the church services we all took turns to give testimonies and preaches. So far I´ve presented a testimony of my life based on the topic of Bondage and renewing your mind, and a preach based on making God No. 1 in our lives and our relationship with Him. I created a devotion on the victory we have in Jesus and that we´ve overcome the world. I also ran a small group discussion on the Fear of God (which is to hate sin) with some of the people from church and with our team.
We did street evangelism on 2 days. On the first day Serena, Abby and I were up until 0230hrs creating cards. We basically created 4 cards to hold up to the traffic and people saying that Jesus is the healer of broken hearts. The card idea was given to Serena and Andy in dreams. On the first day Andy saw a couple from his dream and they behaved in the same manner as in his dream. I felt this was confirmation from God that we were in the right place. I felt so much joy as I was standing there holding a card.
This is us on the second day. We started in the same spot as the first time, but I felt we should move to this one, so we did. Oh, this day Andy and Ashley said that Dan and I were to lead the day, so we did. To be honest, I felt like I was part of the group, running around singing and feeling so much joy. A couple of people stopped to talk and be prayed for, it was awesome.
So in general about time spent in Messina…
Sickness – I´ve never been so sick in my life as in those 2 weeks. I had a cold/sinus issues the whole time; tooth aches for 2 days which gave me a headache; a migraine; general headaches; ear ache for 2 days. Crazy! I don´t know if it´s like spiritual attack but man! I´m heaps better now but am being so careful what I eat and drink. I´m scared to drink pop (soft drink) or chew lollies for fear the tooth thing will happen again. I think it was a nerve thing. Whatever it was it was the hardest 2 days emotionally, spiritually (to keep a pure heart) and physically – I cried! Soooo painful.
Food – my goodness they know how to eat, and serve! Their hospitality is awesome here. A bit much at times. They gave us a whole bunch of food to cook, but no time to cook it cause they just served and served and served. They eat in courses and never mix their food. First course is generally pasta or some type of carb, then it´s salad, then meat, then dessert which is normally a Panatone cake thing. They have LATE dinners, like 10pm!
Timing – they have a Siesta in the afternoon (Western afternoon) between 1-4pm. Their afternoon starts at 5pm and evening around 8-9pm. We had to watch our communication. “Remain flexible” is the motto here in Sicily, VERY VERY flexible. It is definitely challenging my time management or lack of flexibility. You cannot plan much here, especially since you don’t know what you´re doing until 5 minutes before hand, if you´re lucky to get that warning.
Villa – what an experience. Note to self, when in Sicily do not flush toilet paper down the toilet. We only figured this out the day we were leaving the villa. The system cannot handle it and it flooded into the garage area. Only water, but smelly water. Serena and Ashley´s room got flooded we think by the washing machine (which we got for a couple of days then couldn’t use it cause of the flooding). One night I got freaked out cause it was windy and there were noises, like someone was playing around with heavy stuff. Dark, windy and away from help…eeek!
Apart from all that, I am doing fine. I´m being tested and tried with a range of different things but God really is helping me out. We have a great team and loads of different personalities. My motto “The sooner and quicker you adapt to/accept you´re environment, the more fun you´ll have.”
Ciao for now
Liz
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Spain
SPAIN!!!
We made it! Left and arrived in Spain on 14 December and took two buses to get to Palamos where the Next Wave ship is docked.
I´m going to get specific with names in this so here is a photo of our team with names:
Serena (Mexico), Will (England), Rafael (Brazil) Andy behind Rafa (England, leader), Camy (Switzerland), Roos (Netherlands), Abby (USA), Dan, Ashley (USA, leader).
The Next Wave
What an adventure...if you see it that way. It´s a sailing ship which is part of “Marine Reach Ministries." Dan and I have the only double bed on board which is pretty spacious considering how many people it sleeps. Once you get over the noise of ropes tightening as the ship bumps around in the wind, waves and swell, it can be a peaceful rest. It rocks most of the time (as I am typing I feel the computer and I swaying) which is perfect for me to sleep in. It only becomes restless when there is banging because the ship hits the dock - so scary. Once you get over the fear, you can rest easy and have confidence the ship won´t snap in two!
The toilets - oh my! The motto is "If it´s yellow let it mellow, if it´s brown flush it down"...or not cause they don´t always flush - I don´t know whether it´s by choice or because the pump doesn´t work so well. Makes it interesting when my work duty is toilets - somehow cleaning the toilets with...stuff...still in it defeats the purpose. Well, at least our butts are sitting on a seat that has been disinfected. I´ve some horror stories but will not share them (I´m getting better at being discrete), if you wish me to do so, please contact me in 9 weeks time...or not.
The showers - cold! The boiler is not working, therefore it is a matter of boiling water on the stove, adding cold water, then bucket showering - reminds me of bush trips, ahhh the memories. I won´t wash my hair until I get to Sicily, which will be two weeks. Tis only hair. The only problem is the shower I use is the same place where a toilet is...stewing. I air the room out before I go in, can´t hold my breath for that long.
Team Stuff
Most days we´ve been having team devotions. Reading through a couple of books in the Bible and discussing what has really spoken to us. We´re spiritually preparing for our time in Sicily.
It was Rafael´s birthday on the 19th and we decorated the Saloon (place where we eat) with pirate stuff, wore patches and bandanas. Andy took him out on the Little Wave (a smaller boat) and brought him back in with us making noise and calling out for Captain Barbosa (his surname and character from Pirates of the Carribean), saluting him. It was heapsa fun. Poor Rafa didn´t get it until we explained it sometime later.
Girona
We left for Girona after Rafa´s party on the 19th. We went and worked with a small church there. We went to a meeting that night where Will, Camy and Roos gave their testimonies.
On Saturday arvo we went and enteratined at an old people´s home. We sang some Christmas songs in English so they probably didn´t understand, then just said a few words to them and did the Spanish kiss thing where you start with the right cheek and made the kiss noise, then the left. It´s like the handshake of Australia - it´s personal, and nice really.
On Sunday we went to their service at 10am. We did our "Box" then I gave a testimony about trusting God, with Serena translating. Ashley spoke about Christmas, reflecting on Jesus´ humility and giving up all He knew to be with us here on earth. To experience life itself and then die for us. How great is His love!?
While in Girona we stayed at different people´s houses, oh the shower was awesome! Ashley, Roos and I stayed at Nancy´s. She was so funny and a great host. One morning we were eating breakfast and I was concerned about the time because we were running late. She said not to worry because people don´t arrive early, so we continued enjoying breaky. Then her brother came over and all of a sudden it was "vamos" (let´s go!). We didn´t get to finish our breaky, it was like "relax...relax...go!" So funny...had to be there.
Will, Dan and I got invited to go to a small church plant in Cadaques Sunday night. It is such a beautiful place. To get there you wind through the mountains, I got a bit sick because it was a low car as well as the windy mountains. There were about 8 or 9 of them and it was so good. Will and I said a few words about what are experience had been in Spain thus far and Dan spoke on how Jesus started His ministry at the age of 30. They had a Christmas dinner and I thought I was eating some kind of seafood...no, it was cow stomach, it was tasty, the texture was a little strange.
By the end of the weekend, I was sooo tired. It was the language more than anything because I wanted to learn some Espanol at the same time. I can only imagine what it was like for Rafa and Serena as they translated the whole weekend. Abby and Ashley speak some, Camy can understand but the rest of us – nil´ish.
Christmas
We celebrated by having a big feed on Christmas Eve. So good. Then Christmas morning I was up at 4am calling the family (9 hours difference, ouch) - anything for my family mob - LOVE YOU!
We had brunch at 11am and then pressie opening after. We had a Secret Santa (which I got myself, hmpf). Then went to the beach with Serena and Ashley and we took photos of each other, I got a bit artistic and had some fun. The weather was awesome, really blessed.
Other
The other night we were in the cafe here and we skyped our other two teams, it was sooo awesome to see them again. There is an Equador and France team. They were in London over Christmas having a party with the homeless, serving and loving them.
So, I think I told you I was praying for snow before we left for outreach. Well, Andy skyped his mum back at the Oval (Harpenden) and it was covered in snow! I found out that 2 days after we left - it snowed! Couldn´t believe it...I almost cried, seriously. Missed it by two days, timing huh? I guess the only thing to do is be glad for those enjoying it... :oI
So, that´s about all I have to say. I am going to post photos on Facebook, which there are a lot of.
Love you all.
Lizzie Mc
25 December 2009
We made it! Left and arrived in Spain on 14 December and took two buses to get to Palamos where the Next Wave ship is docked.
I´m going to get specific with names in this so here is a photo of our team with names:
Serena (Mexico), Will (England), Rafael (Brazil) Andy behind Rafa (England, leader), Camy (Switzerland), Roos (Netherlands), Abby (USA), Dan, Ashley (USA, leader).
The Next Wave
What an adventure...if you see it that way. It´s a sailing ship which is part of “Marine Reach Ministries." Dan and I have the only double bed on board which is pretty spacious considering how many people it sleeps. Once you get over the noise of ropes tightening as the ship bumps around in the wind, waves and swell, it can be a peaceful rest. It rocks most of the time (as I am typing I feel the computer and I swaying) which is perfect for me to sleep in. It only becomes restless when there is banging because the ship hits the dock - so scary. Once you get over the fear, you can rest easy and have confidence the ship won´t snap in two!
The toilets - oh my! The motto is "If it´s yellow let it mellow, if it´s brown flush it down"...or not cause they don´t always flush - I don´t know whether it´s by choice or because the pump doesn´t work so well. Makes it interesting when my work duty is toilets - somehow cleaning the toilets with...stuff...still in it defeats the purpose. Well, at least our butts are sitting on a seat that has been disinfected. I´ve some horror stories but will not share them (I´m getting better at being discrete), if you wish me to do so, please contact me in 9 weeks time...or not.
The showers - cold! The boiler is not working, therefore it is a matter of boiling water on the stove, adding cold water, then bucket showering - reminds me of bush trips, ahhh the memories. I won´t wash my hair until I get to Sicily, which will be two weeks. Tis only hair. The only problem is the shower I use is the same place where a toilet is...stewing. I air the room out before I go in, can´t hold my breath for that long.
Team Stuff
Most days we´ve been having team devotions. Reading through a couple of books in the Bible and discussing what has really spoken to us. We´re spiritually preparing for our time in Sicily.
It was Rafael´s birthday on the 19th and we decorated the Saloon (place where we eat) with pirate stuff, wore patches and bandanas. Andy took him out on the Little Wave (a smaller boat) and brought him back in with us making noise and calling out for Captain Barbosa (his surname and character from Pirates of the Carribean), saluting him. It was heapsa fun. Poor Rafa didn´t get it until we explained it sometime later.
Girona
We left for Girona after Rafa´s party on the 19th. We went and worked with a small church there. We went to a meeting that night where Will, Camy and Roos gave their testimonies.
On Saturday arvo we went and enteratined at an old people´s home. We sang some Christmas songs in English so they probably didn´t understand, then just said a few words to them and did the Spanish kiss thing where you start with the right cheek and made the kiss noise, then the left. It´s like the handshake of Australia - it´s personal, and nice really.
On Sunday we went to their service at 10am. We did our "Box" then I gave a testimony about trusting God, with Serena translating. Ashley spoke about Christmas, reflecting on Jesus´ humility and giving up all He knew to be with us here on earth. To experience life itself and then die for us. How great is His love!?
While in Girona we stayed at different people´s houses, oh the shower was awesome! Ashley, Roos and I stayed at Nancy´s. She was so funny and a great host. One morning we were eating breakfast and I was concerned about the time because we were running late. She said not to worry because people don´t arrive early, so we continued enjoying breaky. Then her brother came over and all of a sudden it was "vamos" (let´s go!). We didn´t get to finish our breaky, it was like "relax...relax...go!" So funny...had to be there.
Will, Dan and I got invited to go to a small church plant in Cadaques Sunday night. It is such a beautiful place. To get there you wind through the mountains, I got a bit sick because it was a low car as well as the windy mountains. There were about 8 or 9 of them and it was so good. Will and I said a few words about what are experience had been in Spain thus far and Dan spoke on how Jesus started His ministry at the age of 30. They had a Christmas dinner and I thought I was eating some kind of seafood...no, it was cow stomach, it was tasty, the texture was a little strange.
By the end of the weekend, I was sooo tired. It was the language more than anything because I wanted to learn some Espanol at the same time. I can only imagine what it was like for Rafa and Serena as they translated the whole weekend. Abby and Ashley speak some, Camy can understand but the rest of us – nil´ish.
Christmas
We celebrated by having a big feed on Christmas Eve. So good. Then Christmas morning I was up at 4am calling the family (9 hours difference, ouch) - anything for my family mob - LOVE YOU!
We had brunch at 11am and then pressie opening after. We had a Secret Santa (which I got myself, hmpf). Then went to the beach with Serena and Ashley and we took photos of each other, I got a bit artistic and had some fun. The weather was awesome, really blessed.
Other
The other night we were in the cafe here and we skyped our other two teams, it was sooo awesome to see them again. There is an Equador and France team. They were in London over Christmas having a party with the homeless, serving and loving them.
So, I think I told you I was praying for snow before we left for outreach. Well, Andy skyped his mum back at the Oval (Harpenden) and it was covered in snow! I found out that 2 days after we left - it snowed! Couldn´t believe it...I almost cried, seriously. Missed it by two days, timing huh? I guess the only thing to do is be glad for those enjoying it... :oI
So, that´s about all I have to say. I am going to post photos on Facebook, which there are a lot of.
Love you all.
Lizzie Mc
25 December 2009
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Issues
Hey everybody!
I'm having issues with blogspot. I had a HUGE entry to post and I lost it...but luckily I copied and pasted to a Word Document, however I now cannot copy and paste into this page. So...when I have longer access to a computer I will probably post something on Facebook, as well as my photos.
In short, we're now in Sicily (after being in Spain for about 2 weeks) and have done some street evangelism this week. We've had to get over the holiday period and are staying in a villa the Pastor owns in the hills overlooking Messina and Italy across the way - sooo beautiful. Yesterday was a public holiday here and God truly blessed us with an awesome day of warm sunshine - in the middle of coldish winter days! He has blessed us all personally and through the hospitality of our brothers and sisters here in Messina. Truly beautiful people and you really feel like you belong in the family.
Love you all and please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.
Love Liz
:o)
I'm having issues with blogspot. I had a HUGE entry to post and I lost it...but luckily I copied and pasted to a Word Document, however I now cannot copy and paste into this page. So...when I have longer access to a computer I will probably post something on Facebook, as well as my photos.
In short, we're now in Sicily (after being in Spain for about 2 weeks) and have done some street evangelism this week. We've had to get over the holiday period and are staying in a villa the Pastor owns in the hills overlooking Messina and Italy across the way - sooo beautiful. Yesterday was a public holiday here and God truly blessed us with an awesome day of warm sunshine - in the middle of coldish winter days! He has blessed us all personally and through the hospitality of our brothers and sisters here in Messina. Truly beautiful people and you really feel like you belong in the family.
Love you all and please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.
Love Liz
:o)
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