Posts

Posted on

Schloss Fest

We’re here in Hurlach, Germany (just next to Munich) preparing for Titus Project. Here in Hurlach, YWAM owns a real deal castle. So once a year in September they open their doors and throw a huge party for the community. It’s a great way to introduce people to ywam, make some new friendships, let people know what living for Jesus means and have a great time doing it all!

The program runs from lunch till dinner. There are all sorts of international food stalls but the favourite of course is the Bavarian (southern Germany). On stage there is the castle band and then guests including a spanish couple, a 25 piece ensemble from the community and this year we had a Native dance in full feather outfit. Of course, the kids had their own highlights, the unlimited bubbles, helium balloons tied in any shapes and all sizes and pony and camel rides.

It was a great time with lots of great conversations! You can see some of the pics on the photos page too.
Up next – Titus Project Training Program begins!

Posted on

Why?

Yup, Jay is entering the why stage. It only started about two days ago but yesterday he really got on a kick. The interrogation began when I went to change his bum.

“Why Daddy?”
“Because when we eat we put food in your body, so we excrete what we don’t use, the waste.”
“Why?”
“Well we have to eat because we need energy to live.”
“Why?”
…

When it finally did end, I was in the fetal position crying “mommy” repeatedly while he laughed at me. Ok, it didn’t happen quite that way, but there I was, changing my sons diaper while describing the meaning and purpose of life.

Posted on

Off Facebook for 1 Whole Month

I don’t know if you’ve ever done it, contemplated it or know someone who’s done it – but we did it. For a whole month, July 18 – Aug 17 we deactivated our facebook account. Actually, its quite a great feature. Facebook will keep everything on your account, but people won’t be able to find you. Then, if you ever sign in again the whole thing springs back to life. And if you want to delete your whole facebook, you can do that too but its a whole different function. (*if you ever do try this, please read the fine print)

How did it turn out?

Well, I noticed that I didn’t know what was going on with a lot of people. It seems that I’ve become somewhat dependant on facebook to notify me of important happenings in peoples lives (of course there are the trivialities too, but to some extent, the important experiences are often directly connected to the little things – don’t “they matter too”)?

I also couldn’t find out something about someone or grab a recent picture. Maybe not so common, but I realize that I lean on facebook for up to date glimpses into peoples lives. Not just on their happenings, but things like haircuts and kids growing older (ooh, it makes me sound and feel old to write that)!

On a positive note, I have accomplished a lot of other things though. My time on the computer came down a full notch and I also noticed a notch up in productivity too. Maybe that says something about my ability to discipline my time on facebook. Maybe it’s not so bad to “see” that I might need to put some formal boundaries up too. More importantly, I did spend more time with my kids and doing the things I enjoy. 2 points for this one!

There you have it. And I would definitely give this experience a full two thumbs up – you gotta try it! (even just for a week). And yet, after all that, I find that in today’s world, I can’t just not connect with people. So if that’s where so many of my friends are, then that’s also where you’ll find me, just maybe not quite as much.

Posted on

Saying Goodbye

I just dropped my Mom and Dad off at the airport.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but especially when it has been such an amazing month! Having my parents here has been such a blessing in so many ways: from good company, lots of exciting events exploring Kyiv and Lviv (even visiting the village that our ancestors come from!), getting projects done together (like putting up pictures and weeding the gardens), and most importantly watching our kids light up with delight every time they wake up because Nanna and Grandpa are still here!

I wish there wasn’t such a thing as goodbye, but I suppose that the only way to avoid goodbyes is to not have hellos and I wouldn’t give up this past month for anything! Thank you Mom and Dad for taking the time to come ~ it will never be forgotten by any of us!

Posted on

Places to See: Kyiv

Kyiv (Russian: ะšะธะตะฒ) is Ukraine’s capital and one of the world’s most beautiful and ancient cities. It is Europe’s eighth most populous city after Moscow, London, Paris, Instanbul, St Petersburg, Berlin and Madrid. The city was founded in the 6th century and in the middle ages was the capital of a powerful East European state, Kyivan Rus, and was also the political centre of all the slavic lands. The city is famous for its magnificent golden domed Orthodox cathedrals, two of which, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and St Sophia from the 11th century are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

 

Museums

State National Chernobyl Museumย – Haven’t been yet.

Peregova Historical Museum – Massive outdoor experience.

State National Aviation Museum – About 50 planes, all outdoors, can enter a few of them if you pay.

Microminiature Museum – Mykola has about 20 micro miniature pieces of art in a little room, some are quite amazing! (inside the Lavra)

National History Museum – Haven’t been yet.

National Art Museum of Kyiv – Haven’t been yet.

 

 

Churches

St Sophias –

St Michaels –

St Andrews –

Pechersk Lavra –

 

Entertainment

Dream Town Aquaparkย – Excellent Water Park with a huge kids area.

Nemo Dolphin Show – Haven’t been yet.

Circus – Haven’t been yet, mostly a winter event.

Opera / Ballet – Great experience, great value.

Kyiv Zooย – Great for kids with lots of parks and a petting zoo. Not so many animals.

Quest Room – 1 Hour to get free of the room through logic puzzles and riddles. Great for groups of 4-5. Kids can do it to, strength not required.

 

** There are lots of other activities available like bowling, parks with rides and beaches, etc.

 

Posted on

Places to See: Lviv

Lviv (Russian: ะ›ัŒะฒะพะฒ), The city of Sleepless Lions was founded by King Danylo in the 1256 and is known as the cultural centre of Ukraine. Being located in the centre of Europe it has always been a tempting prize so it is no surprise that it has been under control at different times to Poland, Habsburg emperors and the Russians. After WWII Lviv ended up in the Soviet Union and is now the informal capital of Western Ukraine. Since the 14th century Lviv’s heraldry has exploited the image of the lion (in Ukrainian the words “Lviv” and “lion” sound similar) and there are about 4500 sculptures, reliefs and paintings of lions in the city.

 

Landmarks

Lychakivsky Cemetary (Lychakivsky Ysvyntar) – Enormous cemetary and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

High Castle (Vysokyi Zamok) –

Market Square (Ploshcha Rynok) – Enjoy the European flavour. Climb the tower for a city view.

Shevchenko Monument – Unmistakable black wave sculpture by Opera.

 

Museums

 

 

 

Churches

Latin Cathedral (Roman Catholic) – Church by Market Square, Jesus is sitting down.

Armenian Cathedral – Never been inside.

Dominican Church (now Greek Catholic) – Beautiful inside. Only God be the Glory.

Dormition Cathedral (Orthodox) –

 

Entertainment

Gloria Jeans Coffee – Great atmosphere. Find the big circle mirror.

Kriivka Restaurant – Password: Glory to Ukraine. Authentic Ukrainian experience!

 

 

** Of course, there are lots of other things to do as well – coffee and chocolate are the things to find here.