Quick update...2

Ok... I am in my jim jams, I have the laundry going on and I am having breakfast. On top of that, Gilmore Girls will be on soon... and by the way... today is 28 Jan, Saturday.

So I am quickly going to update what's been happening..

1. BBC Interview
Well.... it is over and done with. But tomorrow will be THE DAY. And I just found out that it will also be on the local radio station. I have to admit, I am honoured that I was asked to do this... and like I said before, I only hope that I have done the "powers that be" some sort of justice with the interview. Anyway... it is not groundbreaking news that I am nervous to see myself... hahaha... but also excited. So I hope I have done my best to look and sound intelligent. One more thing, I think some ppl may be a bit upset that I was asked to do the interview. I don't know... just a gut feeling. I hope I am wrong. I personally hope that by doing this, ppl will take notice about HT (Holy Trinity) and CC (Christ Church). Both churches in their own right have so many nice things going on about them. (anyway... will take this up in point 2)

2. HT and CC
As I was saying... both have great things going on for them. But like all churches, we sometimes hit brick walls and wonder how to go over them or around them. TB will be leaving the parish soon... and I can already feel there will be many tears. But I suppose life goes on, and he has to move on. He has been in this parish longer then the norm and I am sure he will miss those here as well. But with him going, it just means there is much for HT and CC to think about. Currently both churches have eucharistic services going on simultaneously on Sundays. And to merge the services would mean we would lose out on attendance as many ppl walk to church. And to favour either one church would also mean losing attendance or may (or may not) cause problems. Though it was agreed that the 9.30 HC would not be touched, but they are seriously considering merging the Family Service. I feel this should not be done... like I said ppl walk to church and some kids come without their parents. So... if we merge, we have a location issue and ultimately and attendance issue. I suggested we split the YF to 2 teams as now they are currently merged and we can build the youths to take charge of the service. Of course, we will have adults to supervise them. Then we can ultimately build lay ppl to take charge of the Family Service as well and this will reduce the burden on the clergy. BUT... this is just an idealistic idea from my small perspective. We are suppose to pray and think about it and will come back to discuss about this. It is like how the bible says... the harvest is plenty but the workers are few. There aren't many lay ppl around... or more like not many have offered themselves. And some ppl (as always) would have problems being asked at the last minute as they feel they are not prepared to take on whatever task it may be. So I suggested a periodic review of those who would like to serve in various ways... that would help them in coming up with a schedule... therefore, we can ascertain the 'workers' and help overcome the issue of last minute notice.

3. CRB
But I also think one of the issue here is the implementation of the CRB thingy for those working with young kids. Aparently here, the rulling is if you are going to be working with young ppl, you need to make sure you have a CRB clearance - something about a criminal record check. In Malaysia, as long as you are willing, you can help out with the YF, Sunday School or be a substitue teacher. In UK, unfortunately, you need to be CRB checked. If you are not, you can't be caught working. This is of course to ensure children's safety. I don't deny the logic in this. BUT... even if one has a CRB clearance, you can't be alone with a young person - cos if anything happens, it is your words against theirs. So, for example, if I am driving, I can't pick up a young boy or girl, unless there is another adult in the car OR if their friends were in the car. But lets just say if the young ppl I picked up were a bit psychotic and decided to file a report saying I molested them, it is their words against mine. So anyway, VS was hoping that I would be able to work with some of the schools in the area and thus be able to attract the kids to church. Only problem was I didn't have CRB clearance. However, thank God, we met with some big shot in the local council and he said he will write a letter to provide me clearance. Hence, every Monday I will be going to school... and working with kids from 5 to 11. hahaha... Yes I know it is ironic considering I am not very good with kids. I feel quite stoopid with these kids becuase they are barely 12 and already they are learning about World War 2 and hirogliphics.. (hope I slept that right). I am truly impress by their knowledge. Anyway.. wish me luck and pray to God I don't murder any one of them.

4. CNY
So tomorrow is CNY and also the official introduction of me in church. I have tweaked my presentation cos many ppl have asked me questions about Malaysia i.e. do we have McD, KFC and traffic jams. And since it is CNY tomorrow, I have added one page about CNY and also got the recipe to make yee sang. Hopefully it comes out good and does not get anyone sick... hehehe... wish me luck again. BTW I am going to London to see Sonny and fly for CNY. This is so exciting!!! For so long it has always been Sonny and fly meeeting in us in our teritory... so it is a nice opposite.

5. Reggie's FATS
Well I promised Dad i would send him a monthly newsletter of my time here. So far I have come up with the name and did a simple design. Next task is to actually write it. I feel like just taking something from my blog or from the 101 emails I keep sending to ppl updating them about whats been happening to me. Anyway... I hope to take more nicer photos tomorrow of Pete and Dill and see how thigns go. Problem is I am not a Jap tourist where you need to take all the pictures in the world... but then again, it is hard to have pictures with your newsletter if you don't go around taking pictures. Anyway... I suppose I can take more pictures tomorrow at the getting to know reggie session.

So... that is the quick updates from me... need to really get cracking on the newsletter.

^_^