Hello and welcome to the July blog! The rain still cascades down. We recently went to our favourite lunch spot at Bathway – Aggies – where we found we had to finish our lunch crouched behind the only dry spot in the restaurant – the bar! The wet season continues to be alive and well in Grenada. We sit on our sheltered balcony in the early evening and wonder if the fate that will overtake the Young's is to be washed away. Yet, the miracle of recreation is apparent all around us. We never imagined there could be so many shades of green. The plant life is once more lush and plentiful, the turquoise waves with their white foaming tops caress the beaches and the sky, when not obscured by rain clouds, is an important blue. The impatience of our world surges around us as the children/youth in our lives prepare for their long summer break. We are tired, bordering on being exhausted. Our last break was October of last year. It is becoming more and more difficult to control our North American need for things around us to happen in a semblance of order – at least in a manner in which a focus is apparent – and yet, it's getting closer and closer to our vacation/study leave which starts early next month. Thanks be to God!
Belair P.C.'s harvest, our major fund raising event, happened on the 1st of July. Financially it was a great success for us. Socially it brought us into direct contact with our community of Conference, which turned out en masse to support us. Heather Patton arrived from Toronto at the start of the month too. She has just finished her studies at Knox College and will work with the P.C.G. and with Belair P.C. in particular when we are away. She is settling in well considering the large adjustment necessary to differentiate Toronto from Grenada. At Belair she will work with our Youth and the Women's Circle. She will also work with the people of Samaritan P.C. Anyway, Heather has displayed a remarkable gift for youth ministry and models other things such as leadership very well. The Annual Youth Camp was again held at La Poterie from the 16th of July until the 24th. Unfortunately I had some rather severe rash on my torso caused, the Doctor thought, by small beasties chewing on it. She, therefore, ordered me not to sleep over at the camp, this, of course, broke up the harmony campers feel as they settle down for the night together. Nonetheless, I still managed to enjoy myself immensely. Ann taught, among other things, knitting. The kids learned quickly. Me? I still don't know how! At the Camp Banquet she was thanked for teaching them something they can use for the rest of their lives. Nice! Heather introduced many new songs, games and graces! All in all, the camp was a wet, noisy, happy place. Jesus' spirit was all around us. The Camp Banquet was held in St. George's this year. The repast was the work of the Kirk's Guild. We all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The kids showed off their new dance skills taught by that super dancer, Frankie, camp councillor extraordinaire! How glad we older folk were to go home on Saturday and sleep for fourteen hours. Lastly, let me say, how good it was to meet the Youth from St. George's. They have different needs and attitudes from our "country" youth. They are just as lively as their "country cousins".
MacDonald College's Graduating Class of 2010 took their place in history on the 9th of July; another lovely ceremony; another excellent job by the teachers, speakers and "notables" who attended. The Prime Minister was on hand to present the piece of paper the student s had worked so long and hard for. Now the old buildings that make up the school are quiet. I would like to think that some of the holes and graffiti in them would be gone by the time the new group of first year students arrive in September. I don`t think I have to write about the chances of that.
And so we arrive in early August and to the image of that small silver cylinder which waits to carry us to Toronto. It prepares us for the mental adjustment necessary for life at home in Ontario. There is a family wedding ahead. We have also to consider buying a place to live when our time here is finished. I also hope to spend time at Robart`s Library at the University of Toronto whose collection of books on Grenada is rather remarkable. Most of all the both of us need to find time for a time of renewal and rest among the family and friends we cherish so deeply. We also need time for quiet reflection on our ministry here. Life in Grenada can be difficult and therefore mentally and physically tiring. Thank you, Lord, for those undergirding arms that enable us to help others.
Henri Nouwen writing in Making All Things New says Jesus was ``all ears`` and that this ability is the centre of successful prayer life. The ability that is to listen while standing still in God`s presence. Sooner or later we all need to unplug ourselves from the world around us and find a quiet place to listen. This, Nouwen claims, allows the Spirit of God to pray in us. Pray, please, for our listening skills and the renewal they bring.
