29 June, 2009

Je suis arrivée!

Esp. to family, yes - am safely installed in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Arrived, no hassles or glitches. Everything happened very smoothly, with every flight on time; all is well with soul, with physical safety, etc. God has been very gracious in these small things!

I met the other members of the team on Saturday; after preliminary bonding, etc., a group of us went for a walk in the area during the evening. First sight of the Eiffel Tower! Unfortunately even though it was close to "lights-on" time, we did not get to see the tower illuminated. Perhaps later in the week.

The team:
Hooray! I'm not the only Australian, after all! There is one other Aussie, Jonty* who like me is from Sydney's North Shore. But unlike me, he plans to stick around until Christmas.

*EDIT: Have added pseudonyms, all Jewish names, marked with an asterisk to introduce my team members. Have chosen pseudonyms close to their actual names. Sometimes. Now, the only reason for this is to protect the innocent - lovely though they were, they don't know I'm posting about them!!*

Team leader (head honcho of the three) - Kade*:


Of our 3 team leaders, Kade, the 1st, is from England. Born Oxford, grew up in London, works with IFES. (The way he's been captured in the above shot shows, I think, how he led us all week - in candid humility.) The 2nd, Mia* is from South Korea & the 3rd, Claudia* is Parisian French - both are "stagiaires Relais" for the GBU (SUEU people, think Howies; CBS or other, think university MTS trainees, etc.).

There are other stagiaires on team as well - 2 girls from GBU Strasbourg (Sophie* & Esther*, the latter from Switzerland), 1 guy from GBU Orléans (Avi*), for example. Other non-French Christians, too - like 1 guy from Poland (Matthew*), 1 from the Netherlands (Jonah*). At least two other Brits from York (Liat*) and near Manchester (Asher*). Many nations; one common language - and that, of course, is French!

As for speaking it - I find myself, within 2 days, being able to think in French much more easily than I was expecting. Even when talking to myself about a chore I need to do, I find my default language is French. Which is most certainly evidence of answered prayer!! Thank you to all those who prayed with/for me!

Listening. Still a massive challenge. Esp. if chatting with the Parisian, other French or Swiss members of the team. Some talk just as fast in French as I do in English - & most of you glancing at this know how fast I can talk!! I feel quite dumb having to keep asking for clarification about instructions we received - but I don't struggle all the time, at least! Continued prayer about listening comprehension & the gift of interpretation of the French tongue (langue) very much valued!!

Outreach:
Today we hung near the universities, tried to have conversations with those around us about Jesus. What I understood of the conversations, I was not discouraged..plus, we were able to invite several people we spoke to along to our evening events (where we hope in some form to present the gospel). We would like it if people came to these events & were willing to engage with the good news of Jesus - but all in God's plan & timing.. ..

Praise/Prayer:
I'm thankful at what has been achieved so far; God is, obviously, in control here! Consider JOHN 3:16 - we can definitely thank Him about that. He wants salvation & repentance infinitely more than we do!

Please continue referring to COL. 4:3-6, not just for me but for everyone on the team! That I will do and say what leads to edification for all whom I meet, older or younger.

Also, if you could be praying through JAMES 1, verse 20 onwards - it has never been easy for me to keep mouth shut, ears open & temper under control; something I think I need now more than ever!!

Kade (aforementioned & aforepictured British team leader) has kindly allowed me to use one of the GBU office computers for this update. So I'd better finish up for now. Thank you in advance for your support of me & partnership in the gospel of our Lord & Saviour!

Love to all,
L/T.

P.S. Sent a number of postcards to my Sunday School class students today, as they had requested. Parents-and-friends, please let me know when these have hit your letterboxes!!

:)

26 June, 2009

Au revoir, ou adieu?

5 minutes to boarding time (God bless Optus for free internet at the gate!!).

There are two ways of saying goodbye: one is like "see you again", the other is if you don't (it means "to God").

As only God knows for sure whether I'll return (or like those French/Brazilians/others, go down in the ocean in my A330 Airbus), I have used both forms.. .. ..just in case! Because I am not so arrogant as to assume that I will definitely return. And nor should you be.

That being said, PHILIPPIANS 1:13.

;D

Comment allais-tu?

How did I go with my To-Do lists..?

{This feed is live from Sydney Kingsford-Smith Int'l. I never thought I'd say this - but God bless Optus for their free internet access at the airport!!}


House tidied?
Um..
..Well, I got most of my stuff away - but I've left traces. Selina, dearest, I am so sorry.. ..spotlessness was not achieved.

:(

Packed?
..I hope so, seeing that I've checked my luggage in!!

Paperwork (school, gifted-ed., Sunday-school, other)
..I got the visible stuff sorted; however, several boxes in garage/hall cupboard/bedroom still filled with unsorted items..

Family, on the slim but present possibility that I never come back, just burn it all, OK?? (*hehe*)

I-thank-God-for-many-people messages?
..Still going. There are so many wonderful people whom I am encouraged by, in their own way.

John Calvin comments?
..Going to read that book again on the plane. Stay tuned!
[to be continued..]


PRAYER? (le plus important)
Thank you to people who are already praying!

~ Please pray through COLOSSIANS 4:3-6 (esp. boldness) - and that I personally will remember EPHESIANS 4:1-3 as I meet my fellow team members in Paris (5PM local time this Saturday; 1AM Sunday in Sydney!).

~ A special one - my eldest cousin's little son is undergoing treatment for leukaemia. Eleanor, Ken, Stephanie & esp. Jeremy - my thoughts & prayers are with you.

~ Thank God I'm finally going! For the money, the time, the opportunity, the call!

~ I had a great time with Simon, one of my best friends yesterday (nonXn). Friendship that goes back 14 years is a precious gift, one to be very thankful for!

~ It would be nice if the whole process of getting through customs/security, travelling, transits, transfers etc. went smoothly. But all in accordance with God's will! Pray bearing in mind that things like this may, for God's own purposes, not run as smoothly as anybody would like.

~ Goal: I'd like to return from overseas with my love, joy & desire for God deepened and renewed. It's a huge ask. But it's what is most important.

C'est tout en ce moment! (That's all for now.)

;P

25 June, 2009

Allez-y!

It's the final countdown, and still, so very much to do..!

e.g. Pack; tidy the house adequately so it almost looks like I don't live there (hah!); tie up loose ends; post important messages here.. ..among other things!

*mentally running around and screaming - again*


For anyone who wants to keep in touch:

~ e-mail:
if AT ALL I check my Yahoo or Hotmail accounts, it will be irregular; please refrain except in the case of emergencies!

~ mobile:
will be left at home. Alone, neglected, uncared-for, you name it!
Please don't call it..
..or SMS it..
..and esp. please leave no voicemail messages; it's too costly to access them!
(Plus today's exchange rates in EUR/GBP were terrible..enough said.)

~ family:
obviously if you know Louisa, and are on Facebook, all will be well..
..If not, just keep visiting this blog, OK? Good, I'm glad we sorted that out!!

~ COMMENTS.
Best way to let me know of anything, post a comment here on the blog. You don't even have to be a blogger here; moreover, even if you are one, you can still post as "anonymous".
Would love to hear from you, extra special news, thoughts, prayers etc.

C'est tout, that's all for now. Must rush back to my errands..!

Much love to all,
L/T.

P.S. The new pink picture of me (see my profile, RH side of page) is dated Queen's Birthday Weekend 2009. The dear amateur photographer who took it, a Christian brother from CCCMP, does not wish to be acknowledged (he thinks it's not his best work, the perfectionist). But bless him, it's a good enough photo for me. And of me! (In my opinion, anyhow - though I wonder what my ballet teacher Olivia would think of the pose!)

22 June, 2009

Voyez! Regardez!! (LOOK!!!)

This is so frustrating! Somebody tell me how to do an effective web link!! PLEASE!!!

Otherwise, please take a little time to copy, paste and view this:
{EDIT, Dec.'09 - The Links Work! WOOHOO!!!!!}
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-kPIuYlrMU
(Clip lasts for less than 8 minutes, but I think it's worth the time!)


The fields are ripe for harvest - and not just in France.. ..

..

21 June, 2009

Plus d'informations: L'évangelisation des étudiants de Paris

About mission in Paris (again)

I posted these links nearly 2 months ago: Have a look!

The Paris outreach - scroll down to find the English text:
http://www.ifesinteraction.org/interaction/app/eventpages/eventpage.asp?PageID=29

About student ministry in Paris - video clips posted by CMS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAsm9ebGNZE

OR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAsm9ebGNZE&feature=related

Libby Leach, the Aussie missio voiceover on the video, has been working among Parisian students for more than 10 years.

And now, I've made a deal with my older sister (non-twin) that I'll tidy if she writes. Better put the monnaie where the bouche is!

;D

L/T.

20 June, 2009

CCC Milson's Pt. (égl. b'n-aimée) III: Je rends grâces pour vous#5

Just under 6, yes, 6, days to go.. .. ..

*hyperventilating*

*running around aeroplaning & screaming - mentally*

In 2006 and 2007, I was gifted by God what I now believe to have been a tremendous blessing: a Bible study group we affectionately called "da Artarmon" housegroup. Most Tuesday nights we gathered at Teresa & Dan Lee's home in (surprise, surprise), Artarmon.

We were, I think, one heck of a group. Diverse and multi-aged, I don't know how we achieved the amount of cohesiveness we got - there but for the grace of God!

I look back on the days of "da Artarmon" amid giggles and grins, dusted lightly with the icing sugar of nostalgia (sorry, waxing poetic now).

And I thank God for you, my sisters and brothers.. .. ..

Leaders
* LEE, T. & D. (with Maddie)
Where to start, Teresa?

The earliest memory I have of you, being friends in primary Sunday School?

Or an earlier recorded incident - Louisa & myself the twin tots, nappies and all, hugging you the third tot in the trio on Balmoral Beach?

Wherever I look on the timeline, it has been fantastic knowing you for most of it & being friends/sisters in Christ with you. From the primary grades, through youth group, SOTé and beyond, I have to say that you rate as one of the kindest, most faithful, caring and open people God has ever placed in my life. It was a privilege to grow up with you, and more recently to grow in Christ with you.

To both of you now: your support of me is ever appreciated - the listening ears, the willingness to plough on through deep theological discussions, the patience when I just couldn't or wouldn't shut up!!

May God continue to grow you & provide ample time for you & Maddie to increase in love & knowledge of Him; & as life grows more uncertain, may you live and ever respond to God not by sight - by what you see or experience - but by faith in the promises of His Word.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18.
A Bible verse for everyone who took part in our housegroup!

Da Artarmon sisters:
(Clare, Jade, Janessa, Katie, Kim, Laura, Nat, Steph & Tiffany)
God is such a generous God, to have shown His grace & generosity in each one of you. I'm thankful to Him for the generosity each of you showed me in different ways - in openness, in willingness to engage in discussions, in time; also for the often joyful commitment you showed to the group throughout the year. I'm happy to see that most of you have stayed on with me at CCC at the present time - COLOSSIANS 2:6-7.

Da Artarmon brothers:
(Clement, Ed, Gowa, Joe, Ken, Ryan, Tim & Tony)
OK, well maybe I only chatted to each of you twice a year, but it wasn't that much of a hard slog! I said God showed me generosity when it came to the girls - with you brothers, I think He just showed me a lot of mercy!! Seriously, I thank God for your affability & sincerity when you ended up praying with me - and for your tolerance when you disagreed with me! (Not that disagreement happened very often - praise God!) 1 TIMOTHY 4:9-12 and, also, 6:11-14. Ken Chong, far away in the USA - and Tim Lee - going there very soon - DO take a look at those Bible verses left for you!

To all members of "da Artarmon" - it was a great group to be a part of. And such a valuable gift to share fellowship with you over 2 years of Bible studies. See to it that you complete the work you have received in our Lord (cf.COLOSSIANS 4:17)!

:)

Itinéraire (encore)! En France..

Itinerary (again)! In France (only)..

I. ~ 27 juin (27/06/09) => 4 juillet (04/07/09)
Staying at a church:
L'église Evangélique Baptiste de Paris-centre
(a bit like people do on local missions
e.g. Bathurst, Cowra, Gunnedah, Maitland)
72 rue de Sèvres,
7ème arrondissement de Paris
http://www.sevres72.org/index_A.htm
(if you want to copy, paste & look)

EMERGENCY contact - from Sat.27/6 until Sat.4/7
(I am leaving my own phone in AU):

29/10/09 - contacts withdrawn
(no need for these anymore)
-

II. ~ 5 juillet => 8 juillet
Staying at the LITTRE hotel
http://www.hotellittreparis.com (if you want to copy, paste & look)

EMERGENCY contact
(ph.) +33 1 53 63 07 07

-

III. ~ 8 juillet => 9 juillet
Staying at the CDG airport SHERATON
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/contact.html?propertyID=125 (if you want to copy, paste & look)

EMERGENCY contact
(ph.) +33 1 49 19 70 70
OR .. +33 1 53 94 76 54 (says Flight Centre)

-

Oh, and by the way, FINALLY, j'ai fini ma rédaction (I finished my essay)!

18 June, 2009

Baillant!

Or, in English: *yawn*

This will be my second all-nighter, as the essay I'm working on is STILL not finished. So tired. Yes, I did get a little kip in the daytime, now it's back to the drawing-board.. .. ..

ZZZZ.. *shakes head to stay awake*

17 June, 2009

Rédaction et racontage

The first R-word means "essay" in French. The second means something that is recounted/told.

It is 3 in the morning, Sydney time; 7 the previous evening, Paris time. I have spent the last 12 hours periodically slaving away at my last of 5 uni. assignments on gifted education. - No, regrettably I am not finished - no such reprieve just yet!!

But onto more wakeful topics - like where I'll be in just over 9 days time!!

The church where my Paris mission team will be sheltering for our "semaine annonce de la bonne nouvelle" is apparently a Baptist church:
**rue de Sevres, Paris, 7e arrondissement.

Those of you who have access to the internet, know how to get onto Google maps, and have the time, check out the location.

And note its proximity to my first paid-accommodation location, post-mission:
**rue Littre, Paris, 6e arrondissement.

Effectively the distance between rue de Sevres and rue Littre is no more than 2 blocks! How incredibly cool. And providential - that as mission finishes, no matter how tired I am after the week of gospelling is over, I only need to trot a couple of blocks to reach my hotel!

What amazing work on the part of God.

And now I'd better stop procrastinating & return to my essay.. .. ..

So sleepy..!

12 June, 2009

Je me tords de rire!!

I believe the expression in English is loosely translated "ROFL"?

Sorry that I haven't gotten the hang of providing web links you can actually *click* on & be able to *go* somewhere.

But if you'd like a good laugh, please copy & paste the following into your browser:

http://mightychurch.com/forums/viewthread/90/P25/#2030

My personal favourites from this "ACTUAL SIGNS" link:

MOSCOW HOTEL
"You are invited to visit the cemetery where famous Soviet composers, authors and artists are buried daily except Thursday."

SWISS MENU
"Our wines leave you nothing to hope for."

HONG KONG DRESS SHOP
"Ladies have fits upstairs."
{One for my father, who art in HK, out of debt be his name.}

COPENHAGEN AIRLINE OFFICE
"We take your bags and send them in all directions."
{Now *there's* air service to look forward to in 14 days' time!!}

ACAPULCO HOTEL
"The manager has personally passed all the water served here."

JAPANESE AIR CONDITIONER
"Cooles and Heates: If you want just condition of warm in your room, please control yourself."

TOKYO CAR RENTAL FIRM
"When passenger of foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage, then tootle him with vigour."

I hope you share my slightly warped sense of humour..

;D

08 June, 2009

CCC Milson's Point (église bien-aimée) II: Je rends grâces pour vous#4

PROLOGUE To (More) Thanksgiving:

Is there anyone not reading this not saddened - however briefly - by the news of the Air France flight which last week so tragically did not reach its destination?

It was an Airbus A330, apparently, that went down somewhere in the ocean between South America and Europe.

Over the last few days I have watched the unfolding dramas with more than passing interest.

Why? .. Well, not that I’m at all worried about my eternal destination - except that the final leg of my trip (9 hours’ back to Sydney) will be on.. .. ..wait for it.. .. .. ..an Airbus A330.

! ! ! ! !

Before I leave, then (just in case my Qantas flight might go the same way as that doomed Air France one), I’d better make sure I’ve told every one of you how thankful I am to God for having known you.. .. ..and so I pick up where I left off - acknowledging more Christian sisters & brothers of Chinese Christian Church, Milson’s Point.

To EVERYBODY at CCC 5pm Houseparty, 2009:
* I was going to visit just one day.. ..
.. ..but I loved being with the community so much on my first visit, I ended up coming back for more on Sunday & staying over until home-time (Monday PM)!!
* I was so encouraged just to SEE and to BE (Louisa’s getting sick of me saying this).
It was nice just to SEE you all, & to BE there with you all, even if I didn’t have the chance to chat or catch up with many of you.
* I’m so thankful to God for the great joy of sharing a weekend with you all - the laughing, the crying, the silliness, the seriousness.
I haven’t had so much fun in a long time!
* And to my appointed Guardian Angel - that mystery “encouragrette” - praise God for your timely & continuous words/acts of kindness. It kept the warm fuzzies going!!

:D

Now, let me rewind back one year, to the house-group I studied the Bible with in 2008:

[An open letter.]
DEAR 2008 “Draquilians”,

Just as with my newest Bible study group, I thank God for all of you - for the warm & open fellowship with you that I was blessed to participate in last year. Your support, prayers, kindness and tolerance through a devastating period of my life were SO much appreciated.

Especially to Eva, Lynette, Maryann, Mel, Rebecca, Sandy & Theresa - you are all absolutely gorgeous sisters in Christ; those brief but intense times of girls-only sharing will not be forgotten!

*HUNTER, A. ..Your input & listening ear, at a time of great personal sadness for both of us, were of profound worth. Wish you hadn’t had to go - I’m sure life would have been much more interesting if you’d stayed. PSALM 27:13-14

*CHNG, C.,
& WONG, K. ..Brothers, the many questions you came up with about passages of & ideas in Scripture always kept me on my toes during group time. Keep seeking more understanding of God’s Word! 2 PETER 3:18

*LEE, E. & S. ..The compassion & concern you’ve so often showed, right up to the present time, I see as a testimony to the grace of God. I always enjoy talking over big & small issues with you both & have appreciated your forbearance when I may not have been at my most reasonable. May you both continue to live by & depend on the Spirit. ROMANS 8:9-16

*WANG, J. ..I was encouraged by how promptly you became a regular part of our Bible study group & how willing you were to learn more. 1 JOHN 3:1

*LOH, L. ..It was heartening to see your openness shown in those many candid discussions we used to have while heading home at night after Bible study had ended. How I miss those car trip chats!! 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23-24

*MAK, M. & E. (with Imogen & Harmony) ..We have had a long association through youth group & KYLC/“nextgen”, & it has never failed to be constructive! I always enjoy the time I can now spend with your little girls, as well as the engaging discussions & debates we’ve been party to for a number of years. COLOSSIANS 3:17-24

*O’YOUNG, M. ..God’s kindness last year in allowing us to talk more often, & on more deep issues than in previous years, was a marvellous gift. I valued your willingness to share so honestly & openly all the time. HEBREWS 10:24-25

*YEOH, R. ..To think that I was once your teacher (Sunday School, ’97-’99 - how time flies!). And now we’re both *real* teachers! (Or, at least, have got teaching qualifications.) Over the last 12 years, it has given me a real buzz to see you grow in Christ, & I pray that might continue! COLOSSIANS 1:9-14

*LU, S. ..You were with us only part of the year, but those few months were a blessing & it was great to be reminded of our unity with you & other Christians across oceans & continents. EPHESIANS 2:14-18.

*CHAN, T & S. (with Hannah) ..Last year’s group was a unique opportunity to get to know you better, Theresa in particular; moreover, the contributions you both made to Biblical discourse so often challenged me to think outside the square - priceless! COLOSSIANS 3:17-24

*NG, T. ..Over 3 years of being in the same house-group - including “da Artarmon” one under Teresa & Dan - I have often seen & rejoiced in your enthusiasm for Biblical truth. It has also been a comfort perceiving your ability to see things in black & white, to be willing to question or to challenge what you’ve heard rather than accepting it without critical thought. ROMANS 15:13

What a group. What lovely people God teamed me with last year (as well as this year). I deserved none of this - but what a generous Father!

:)

Next on the honours list - the members of my 2006-2007 Bible Study group (“da Artarmon” housegroup, as we affectionately called it).

J’espère à retourner ici le plus tôt que possible!

04 June, 2009

Bon anniversaire, capitaine!

Happy birthday to one of my longest-standing friends Cpt. S.L.W. Chan.

Sorry it's late, old man!! *hehe*

La catastrophe aérienne‏ (Air France)

Some video footage from around 4PM AEST, 4 juin 2009, is available at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8082428.stm

Quelle catastrophe! Et je me demande.. .. ..combien de victimes étaient chrétiens?

How many on board this flight were Christians?
How many were assured of salvation?
How many were right with God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ the Son whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of their sins?

The answer saddens me.

Should I care so much?

Should you care at all?

I answer, of course, with JOHN 3:16. How does that verse go again..?

L/T.