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| TRAVELS WITH MY DINOSAUR 05 June - 05 August 2003 |
| Sunday 15th June I wasn�t sure I�d be awake for the early morning church service at 7am, but somehow I was there. Shabi was preaching - a good reason to abandon plans for a visit to the family Islands. I found the sermon difficult to follow though. I�m not sure how much of this was due to the flamboyant arrival of Father�s Day, the celebration of which commanded a waking of emotions lightly sedated by the passing of time since my dear pa's death almost six years ago, but not enough to prevent the sharp needles of loss from breaking through. Perhaps Shabi�s theological analysis of the Triuity was just to far out of my grasp. The music and singing was excellent, however, and I shared communion with the congregation in both respects. Post-service breakfast is a new venture for the church. Shabi isn�t optimistic about it�s success - he believes local enthusiasm for development will kill the ministry in time. I suggested that the outcome could greatly depend on the level to which it is committed to prayer on a regular basis, and his father heartily agreed. In the kitchen, Mama Lil and Andria had joined forces to produce ann impressive feast, and we all sat together to share grace before tucking in to ribs, chicken, fish, rice, vegetables and salad. The family time was a joy, and Mama Lil entertained us with her gentle humour and grandmotherly ways. Orange Hill Beach drew us back to its heart in the afternoon, this time with cousin Julie, extra sun cream for the earlier hour, and daiquiris all round. Julie directed and executed a brief photo shoot to record my visit with Natasha, before we headed into the sea for almost two hours of sun worship. Before driving home, we passed by Faith�s home to deliver the bible. She had just arrived home from leading worship on the island of Eluthera - where the bible will be going. I�m glad Natasha had suggested this ministry as a worthy recipient of the bible - a gift which I know will be well used and cared for by the young Sunday scholars in Faith�s care. We also chose the scenic route home - a wide detour to the oldest settlement on New Providence, Adelaide. This is where Natasha�s father leads his congregation - a small, quiet chapel which has stood firm within the community for many years, and could doubtless tell a thousand stories. I am so sad that this is my last night here. I wondered for a time if I should email everyone in the USA to cancel meetings, and hide away for ever on Orange Hill Beach or Blue Lagoon. Alas, reality bites and my plans must wait! I�m all packed now - though not quite ready to go� |