Hello, welcome back & happy new year. For those who have been checking the blog in recent weeks, thank you & sorry. For those who are just checking in again, welcome back. Normal blogging service has resumed after a brief Christmas break.
We have had a good few weeks and so much has happened in that time. It was good to head back to the UK for a bit and to catch up with friends and family. If we saw you, it was great to see you & if we missed you, we're sorry!
The trip started with a brief stopover in Hong Kong en route back. As Air New Zealand's adverts say about a stopover in Hong Kong "Why wouldn't we? We're flying that way anyway." We had a lovely day with Nigel & Ailsa Pollock & their 3 boys, before flying on to the UK. Here's a picture taken of a mirror with their reflection in it.
Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?
We had a good, if somewhat jet-lagged week with Jen's parents and family in N.Ireland in the run-up to Christmas. It was lovely to see them, as well as reacquaint ourselves with British treats - such as Marks and Spencers & their lovely sandwiches!
After time with Jen's folks, we headed across to the People's Republic of Yorkshire for some time with my family. It was good to see mum and dad, and particularly mum in better health. My 2 grandmas are getting older, but it was good and fun to spend time with them. And, it was particularly enjoyable to see Jonathan, and Hannah & Andy and their boys and to enjoy extended family time with them. Here we are celebrating Grandma Carswell's 91st birthday together.
It made me realise again how much we miss family and how much we love them, for all their foibles and quirks! There are many times we wish we lived closer, but for now, this is what God has for us! Of course, we didn't see Emma, Ollie & Seth, but they made up for it by supplying me with a good stock of English sweets!We then spent some time seeing old friends and those who have been part of the work by supporting it in various ways. It was great to worship with our friends in Duke Street, Richmond, West Church, Bangor and also to visit All Souls, Langham Place. At our 'home' churches, it was good to get chance to thank folks in person for their kind support.
I enjoyed seeing some old Uni friends. Doug & Stephen were flatmates with me in my final year at Aberdeen. I enjoyed the fun & banter with them, and it was great to hear of their work & involvement in their churches.
Sonia & Esther were both on CU committee with me. It was good being back in Aberdeen, even if it was briefly. Sharing with them about the work of TSCF was brilliant and they were a real encouragement to me. Sonia was due to give birth to their second child, but thankfully, managed to hold off whilst I was there! Here's her & her hubby Scott comparing stomachs!!
Dan asked me in my first week at Aberdeen if I'd like to join his prayer triplet. There were only 2 of them, so it wasn't really a triplet at that stage. He nagged and persisted, and bit by bit we got to know each other and became good mates at Uni. It became an accountability group and was a vital part of my Uni time. It was good to hear he's making good use of his medical skills and also able to give time to the church. I miss Dan's close friendship, but was pleased to meet the new woman in his life, Hannah, his remarkably placid daughter. 
I also got to see other friends, including some old UCCF colleagues, other Uni friends, work friends & even some of my old secondary school friends. It was lovely to be able to catch up with a friend from my US Bible College days, Grace. Grace is from N.Ireland, but grew up in Brasil with her folks who are missionaries. Having not seen her for almost 12 years, it was super to see her again & to meet her son Daniel. I enjoyed talking & reflecting on N.Ireland, USA and life on the missionfield!Two people who I owe much to spiritually are Garth Menzies and Trevor Pearce. I only had a brief time with them in very different locations - Garth in the Highlands of Scotland, Trev in Oxford Circus, Central London, but they were a sheer delight to see again. In the short time I was with them, I was reminded of their love for Jesus and their love for me. I thank God for both of them. (Sorry no pictures of these friends!)
So, now we're back - lots is happening. I'll try to keep you informed, but I think I'll save some more for other posts. Watch this space! We've got new friends out here - Dave & Rachel Turner were colleagues of mine at UCCF. They've moved out here to help TSCF in our communications. They're old friends (as in I knew them a bit before), but new friends (as in they're new out here & we're looking forward to getting to know them more!) as well. They're staying with us until they find somewhere to live, so it's great to have them. So far, we've allowed them to dress more casually than this!
As I reflect on the past few weeks, I thank God for good mates and a great family. It has reminded me that when my mates know Jesus it makes a real difference in our friendship. So many of my friendships have been formed by working together to share with others who Jesus is. My great desire is that through my friendships, I would get to know Jesus more, and that my friends would either meet Him for the first time or get to know Him better. Thank you to all my friends and family who help me do that.
