College folk

Had the best day in college on friday- sadly the best day was the last day of term- Let the good times roll. Check out more college pictures in the photo album.
Here's to making like an elephant!!

The countdown begins

It’s now 5 weeks until we go to Ukraine. Can’t believe it’s so close doesn’t feel that long ago since we got back from last years trip. Yesterday we had our last fundraiser Praise the Lord as we raised £1124.32! Not bad for a days work. I can’t wait to get off the plane in Kiev have our usual trip to Mc Donald’s before heading down the road to Zhytomor and Xhmelnitsky. Although in saying that I’m not looking forward to getting 46 people through Dublin and Amsterdam airport then customs and passport control in Kiev. But it’s when I arrive at camp and see it all come together that makes all the work worth while.

Time: A funny old thing…

This Thursday marks the 1 year anniversary of the start of my traumatic journey from o2 to Bible College! 26th May 2004 was my first interview for Bavarian I remember as it was my birthday! [Couldn’t help but mention that!] This time last year the thought had barely entered my head to go to bible college and now I’ve finished and passed [with flying colours!] my first year. I’ll be honest I have doubted if I’m doing the right thing or not but every time I have major doubts and begin to worry the Lord blocks it out firmly with a good essay grade, an encouraging word or opening a door amongst other things, At least ill not get to 35 look back and think…. What if I had of gone to Bible College. Which was always my biggest fear in the decision process.

One with a lid

A woman came into carphone warehouse on Saturday and told me she wanted a new phone. I asked her was there anything specfic she wanted on her new handset. She answered... "Nothing really but I would like one with a lid" - she was refering to a flip phone!

Places that don't exist

Some of you will know that I’m taking a team to Moldova in September, a friend informed me of a programme that was on last night called ‘Holidays in the danger zone: Places that don’t exist’ This weeks episode was based in Moldova. I thought ill check it out, although did think who on earth would go on holiday to Moldova! It was amazing and so interesting- Basically the world recognises Moldova as an independent country but in Moldova there is actually a break away state called Trans-Dniester, which borders Ukraine. Trans-Dniester spilt from Moldova at the fall of the Soviet Union and still has statues of Lenin and Stalin in their cities and villages. Trans- Dniester has their own president, money, stamps, army and passports and is protected by Russia and there is a huge Russian military base there. It’s amazing we really have no idea what’s going on in the world. I love Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union really interests me- a book on the whole thing would make a great birthday present in a few weeks [hint hint!] My heart really did warm to the place when I was watching the programme can’t wait to go in September.

Shear disbelieve…

For all those who know and love me you’ll appreciate this story and will feel the distress I was in and I’m sure you’ll laugh: I was at work today, I approached 2 female customers after they had been browsing for a few minutes like most people they wanted the best phone at the cheapest price. I explained that we were an impartial phone company and sold all networks but for what they were after Virgin network would be best. Then to my horror the youngest of the woman turned to the other and said… “What do you think? You could be a virgin all over again!...” The other woman started to reply “Oh I’m 65 its been over 40 years since I was a virgin…” by this point I was in so much mental distress and in shear disbelieve of what was happening that I just walked off… Like seriously- I was a complete stranger! Why would they feel it was necessary to me inform me of such things!

I did it!

All the pain and training paid off… On Monday morning I ran all 5 miles of my leg of the relay. I have to say was very pleased with myself. We had to get up at 6.30am get a good breakfast in us and be at Dave and Glens for 7.15am honestly in the car on the way down I was shatting myself at the prospect of it all! We arrived to St Georges market had a really good atmosphere about it all. We had to spilt up into the two’s we were running in: Dave and Charlie started the race handing on to Glen and Claire handing on to myself and Ross handing onto Nina and Laurence and Karen and SJ brought it home. We were all shipped off to our locations. Ross and I were starting at Gideon’s green out towards Jordanstown. We got off the bus and walked down to the change over point where there were no toilets- NOT good! Ross and I worked out that Glen and Claire would prob not be arriving for 2 hours so thought plenty of time to go to the toilets which were about a 15min walk away. Upon our return we were stopped by the police and were not allowed to go any further as they had found a suspicious device! The marathon had to be re routed and no one knew what was happening so the change over was confusing! We just had to stand at the side of the road and look out for Claire and Glen. [Taking it in turns to stand watch and go to the toilet!] Everyone thought the suspect device was a hoax but we found out on the news on the way home that it was a real pipe bomb! We were standing within 100 metres of it! It was a good day and again I’m so happy with myself for running it all plus got lots of freebies at the end! And raised approx £1000 for Ukraine and the community project in Ballynahinch. Did wake up in pain on Tuesday but for my beloved Ukraine it was all worth it!