The Bishops

Remembering

2010-01-08T21:09:00.004+02:00

Every year on our wedding anniversary, Michael and I plant a tree. Today we planted our fifth tree. We have had a great day remembering our wedding, and the journey we have traveled, and are so looking forward to what lies ahead.

Where it all began:

Our wedding in the Natal Midlands

Here are a few pics of our trees:

2006 in our garden in Pietermaritzburg

2007 in Atamelang

2008 in Krugersdorp, with Lucy helping dig the hole!

2009, Krugersdorp with a new addition!

2010 in Krugersdorp

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T20:49:00.004+02:00

This year was a Bishop Christmas, so Margie, David, Leesa, Matthew and Sam came to stay with us in Krugersdorp. James (and Michael and I) loved having them. James has also realised that presents are a whole lot of fun, and really got into the swing of things on Christmas morning...

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

helping bake Christmas cookies

Presents!

Playing on the jungle gym with cousin Matthew

Wide-Eyed Wonder

2009-11-24T19:36:00.007+02:00

Last week we spent some time away with family. We had a few days at Mountain Splendour (a great holiday spot for kids) in the berg (Champagne Valley) and then some time down the South Coast. James loved the time with his cousins, aunt and uncle, and we enjoyed time with family and time away.

James has been to the beach before, but has never really been old enough to appreciate it. This holiday, he knew the beach was something special. When his feet first hit the sand, he was literally wide-eyed with wonder at the never-ending sand pit, the sea, and all the sticks and stones his little heart desired. It was lovely to watch.

Testing the water

Checking out the sea

James taking his dad for a closer look

Leesa and gorgeous Samuel

David and Matthew

James discovering the endless sandpit

Looking like a Ninja Turtle in his green float-suit!

Shenanigans

Yes, it was as chaotic as it looks!

Starting Over

2009-11-11T21:20:00.002+02:00

A few weeks back the most incredible hail storm hit Krugersdorp, absolutely obliterating my veggie garden in the process.

I was devastated at the time (in fact, I'm still a little devastated) but have since realised the grace that has come with starting over. As I re-mulched my garden, chatted to my earthworms and replanted a new batch of seeds, I had the opportunity to do things differently based on lessons learned from the first round. I had a very good reason not to eat ALL the cabbage that had grown (one can only eat so much cabbage). And I was able to gain some profound insights into ministry. I also developed a new respect for farmers, for whom a hailstorm really can be a disaster...

October Highlights

2009-10-19T20:00:00.005+02:00

Our latest garden harvest includes spinach, peas (lots of peas) potatoes (of which I am particularly proud) and red lettuce. On the way is green lettuce, cabbage (more peas) and carrots. The only person less convinced than myself about the whole vegetable garden experience was Dolly, the lady who cares for James. But after seeing this crop of veggies she's a believer, and ready to turn the whole garden into veggies.

We recently bought James a trampoline. It was supposed to be a Christmas present, but he spent a great deal of time jumping on the couch and the beds, so we figured Christmas could come early this year...

Dad and James unpacking.

James knows something exciting is supposed to happen with these bits and pieces.

Testing the waters...

Getting the hang of it!

James and I spent a spontaneous two days in PMB, and James had a great time with his cousins.
He and Matthew discovered a common interest in lawnmowers and things with wheels.

Just in case he got left behind...

Harvest Time

2009-09-28T19:24:00.002+02:00

Today we ate the first of our home-grown veggies! James and I picked some spinach and we had spinach and feta fajitas for dinner.

The garden is coming along rather well. It's an amazingly satisfying feeling.

Cute Boy

2009-09-27T18:04:00.004+02:00

James, September 2009

A visit from friends

2009-09-26T12:10:00.005+02:00

The Schultz family came to spend a few days with us over the long weekend. It was lovely catching up with them and James had an absolute ball playing with their three lovely kids. We have known Becky and Andrew for many years, there is something very special about time with old friends.

James, Rachel, Luke and Caleb watching a DVD.

Trying to keep them all on one place long enough to take a photo proved to be tricky!

James and Lucy

James and Bailey

James

2009-09-17T20:23:00.003+02:00

This morning James sat down with his father's bible, opened it, and then began to do the actions for 'He's got the whole world in His hands'... It looks here like he is explaining something of deep theological significance to me, then again, maybe he is..?

Spot the James amongst the toys. The lengths I go to to get him into the bath, and then the things I have to do to get him out of the bath!

Weekend with Family

2009-09-14T11:15:00.004+02:00

Jame's Shelwell grandparents came to spend the weekend with us, and it was great!

Grandpa made a potjie to end all potjies - the leftovers of which we are still eating...

We all went to Key West to watch the rugby on Saturday and even James was interested for a while,

then the ducks arrived and they were loads more fun,

so Nan got to put in some quality baby-sitting time.

The veggies continue to grow (still much to my amazement) and James has got the hang of watering them!

He loves to be thrown in the air by his dad - this is one of my favourite action shots.

Bailey remains the long-suffering great dane. When James sees him he makes a horse noise, and spends a fair amount of time sitting on his back! Lucy, the jack russell, loves the attention.

Garden Update

2009-08-28T20:40:00.004+02:00

Our veggie garden did not get off to a great start. Shortly after we planted we went away for two weeks, leaving our little seedlings water-less. When we got back the cabbages got severely frosted, the birds ate the spinach leaves and Bailey, Lucy and James got hold of the rest.

Undeterred, I continued to water in hope, and it seems they have made an amazing recovery! So much so that we added more mulch, extended the garden and have planted beetroot, lettuce and some other unidentified seedlings (it's a long story...) I also set up a 'scarecrow' of sorts as well as a special table of bird seed away from the veggies (Michael is not convinced, but I live in hope!)

James helping us in the garden

Our new extended vegetable patch

James being cute in Dad's shoes and hat

Holiday in the Eastern Cape

2009-07-13T16:14:00.006+02:00

In July we took two weeks leave and set off for a farm tour of the Eastern Cape, visiting family.
We started off in the Karoo, visiting Michael's uncle on his farm just outside Graaff-Reinet.
We then went on to my aunt and uncle's farm near Cathcart. It was lovely seeing family and James had a wonderful time.

James and granny 'Gie

Give him a stick and some sand and he's happy as can be...

Farmer Tim boiling water for tea on one of our drives into the veld

James showing me the sights

Michael, James, 'Gie and me outside the front door of the farmhouse

The Graaff Reinet Farmhouse

Michael and James going for a walk

Rattling a gate provides hours of entertainment!

All the cousins kids eating lunch together at the Cathcart farm - James, Becky, Anya, Luke and Kirsten

Cousin Jen was the local pony guide - Kirsten, Jen, Becky and Anya with Pegasus, the long suffering shetland pony

James also had a go, but didn't quite get the 'hold on' bit, so Michael had to tag along!

Giving us a royal wave

James and the Veggie Garden

2009-06-22T11:17:00.005+02:00

We were fortunate enough to be able to be part of a permaculture workshop held in our circuit. Inspired by our new knowledge of mulch, earthworm farms and home-made compost, we've planted some veggies in our back garden.

James and the dogs had a ball during the planting, but since then we've had to work quite hard to keep all three out of the veggies!

We planted cabbage and spinach seedlings, carrot and pea seeds, potatoes and sweet potatoes and then four unidentified seedlings (it's a long story).
We gathered some mulch, created our own compost heap and adopted an earthworm farm.
And now we wait.

The first week didn't go so well - the birds discovered the seeds, and something else has been enjoying the spinach leaves, but we'll persist and see what we can do. Hopefully I'll be more faithful in keeping the blog updated and record our progress!

Well, (s)he said, I'm back

2009-01-21T20:30:00.006+02:00

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted. But, I'm back now and will try be a bit more diligent! We're still in Krugersdorp, still happy and enjoying it. We're starting to feel like we're settling into our churches and communities, and starting to adapt to life with a James. He is such a joy to us. He's crawling like a maniac, cruising comfortably along tables, window sills etc, and starting to realise he can stand on his own. Here are some pics from the last few months.

James, being cute

James and his cousin Hannah at Christmas

J with his new best friend, Lucy

And his favourite toy, the dishwasher.

James was baptised in PMB in December. He did object to having water put on his face, but who wouldn't..?

Out and About

2008-11-17T10:53:00.004+02:00

We spent a day with Collin and Claire Moore. James got to play with their gorgeous girl, Grace (and with her cool toys...)

We also spent a much needed week down the South Coast. James was a little unsure about the whole beach experience...

But he soon got into it.

And now, he is just moments away from crawling. Let the games begin...

As soon as I figure out how to make video clips smaller, I will post some - they're great!

Toys R Us

2008-11-01T21:13:00.004+02:00

James gets bored rather quickly, so it's easier to let him decide which toys he wants to play with...

It's for you...

Who? Me?

And then, the happy sharks fan:

Sharks Fan

2008-10-29T15:12:00.003+02:00

James, 5 Months

2008-10-06T20:57:00.003+02:00

James

2008-09-18T08:31:00.004+02:00

He's growing so fast, it's hard to keep up.

He's nearly sitting,

Not really enjoying his cereal

and loving his dad!

More of James, and some of Bailey and Lucy

2008-09-03T19:09:00.002+02:00

It's hard to believe he's for months already, but there it is. He's laughing now, which is so lovely.

Tummy time and some drool

Practicing sitting

The Bot gardens here are super, we go there as often as we can

No guesses whose the boss in this relationship

Time with Family

2008-08-18T20:55:00.003+02:00

We spent some time in PMB before I went back to work. James really seemed to enjoy getting to know the family.

James with Uncle David

Aunty Leesa and cousin Matthew

Cousins Hannah and Matthew - this pic will definitely have to come out again one day...

So cute

Cousin Hannah teaching James a thing or two

Grandpa Shelwell and Nan with her two grankids

Nan, James, Hannah and Aunty Caryn

Smiling

2008-07-07T14:04:00.004+02:00

Life is Good

2008-07-02T09:25:00.002+02:00

Visitors and Visits

2008-07-02T09:08:00.003+02:00

Margie, Leesa and Matthew came to spend a few days with us. We loved having them, and the baby-sitting services were very welcome. We had a great time at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, exploring, catching up on sleep and generally hanging out.

Michael and I went to visit Colin and Claire in Pretoria. Their daughter Grace is four months old and Colin is already making sure James doesn't get any ideas...

Bailey and Lucy

2008-06-16T11:27:00.003+02:00

Our poor dogs haven't had the same amount of attention since James arrived, so they have had to find ways of keeping themselves entertained...

It has also started getting really cold at night, so we got our big, mean guard dog this nice Mia-the-Bee fleece jacket. I think he looks great, Michael is not so sure.

Time in PMB

2008-06-12T17:05:00.003+02:00

Being on maternity leave, James and I were able to spend a week in PMB visiting family and friends. James got to meet his aunts and uncles
and cousins Matthew and Hannah.
I got thoroughly looked after and made full use of all grandparent baby-sitting services.

And James started smiling.

Three Weeks Old

2008-05-13T18:10:00.003+02:00

This will be one of those photos that he looks at in 20 years time and says 'mom, what was I wearing?'

But isn't he great..?

Hatless Pics of James

2008-05-10T13:07:00.004+02:00

Apparently, all the James pics so far have had James with a hat on. There have been requests to see the much-talked-of mop of hair (which he seems to be losing...) so here are some hatless photos...

And just in case you thought we'd forgotten them, Bailey and Lucy seem to be coping with life!

Faces

2008-04-30T16:28:00.003+02:00

James doesn't do much at the moment, but he can make some great faces.

You know you're cute when...

2008-04-26T10:53:00.006+02:00

...you are only 5 days old and already run the risk of being the most photographed baby ever...
We're home now, and doing well. Here are some random pics from the last 5 days.

James Graham Bishop

2008-04-22T17:53:00.003+02:00

James arrived this morning at 8:08 by caesarian section, weighing a solid 3.7kg, and with a whole lot more hair than his father. Everything went very well and Kym and baby are both doing fine. Here are some of the first pics - more to come...

The Waiting Game

2008-04-06T15:19:00.004+02:00

It has been a while since the last post - apologies. Life is not nearly as exciting here as it was in the Wild North West. But, all that is about to change, and I suspect the blog posts from now on will feature mainly the soon-to-arrive newest member of the Bishop Clan. Here are some pics of the nursery (mainly for the benefit of sister, sorry to all the rest...) We got quite a bit from a company called Bundle-Berry, who make such great stuff - check them out on the net if you're interested...

Otherwise, life is going well. It has been somewhat busier than last year, but we are happy and enjoying being here.

Life In Mogale City

2008-01-25T11:37:00.001+02:00

Ryan, Taryn and Adam were once again our first visitors (other than family...) - for those of you who have followed our blog regularly, you might remember a photo of them sitting in the same chair, but in the house in Atamelang (Adam wasn't around in those days...).

On the 8th January we celebrated our 3rd Wedding anniversary. Our tradition has been to plant a tree on our anniversary, but since our garden has an abundance of trees, we decided this year to plant a rose bush in the small rose garden in the front of our house.

Lucy helped out with digging the hole, Bailey mostly looked confused by the whole affair.

Then the Shelwell/Shacklock clan came to visit, and it was great having them for the weekend.

Welkom by Krugersdorp

2007-12-29T20:47:00.001+02:00

Well, we’re back. The boxes are unpacked and we are (mostly) settled into our new house in Gauteng. We have a beautiful house, with many spare rooms
and a lovely garden (that comes complete with a garden service).
When we were in PMB, we picked up two puppies who made the journey with us to Krugersdorp and now complete the picture of domestic bliss.
Bailey is the black Great Dane and Lucy the Jack Russell and they are just great.

The (other) Bishops came to spend Christmas in Krugersdorp, and it was super having them with us.David opening Matthew's Christmas presents...Matthew eating his Christmas presents...

A feast...

Farewell

2007-11-22T20:47:00.000+02:00

On the 11^th November, the circuit hosted a farewell function for the three ministers leaving the circuit (Michael, myself and Dali Kedama). It was a really special day, with speeches from various people and organizations and a number of choirs and groups performing items. I took my camera along to get some pics, but still photos couldn’t begin to capture the energy and vibrance of the day.

It is hard to believe this year is coming to a close. Our house is now floor-to-ceiling with boxes (quite literally) as we begin the Great Trek. We’ll spend some time in PMB with family before heading to Krugersdorp where the next chapter begins...

It may take a little time to get ourselves connected in Krugersdorp, so don't give up on us if we're a little quiet for a while. We'll be back.

So it seems...

2007-10-17T12:04:00.000+02:00

...there's going to be one less spare room in the Bishop house next year!

When it Rains...

2007-10-11T19:44:00.000+02:00

We should have known there was trouble when all the animals started lining up two by two… Last week we had more rain than anyone knew what to do with. Its started with a storm that I was convinced would blow the roof off our house. I felt a little justified when we saw the next morning roofs had actually been blown off houses – including the crèche on the property of the Methodist Church in Atamelang. It then rained for about a week, and when we finally made it out to the villages, they were literally floating. I got to put my rally driving skills to the test going to a funeral early one morning, with most of the road being under water. I heard a rumor the Delareyville Spar is having a special on flippers and goggles…

A Tribute to Ammu October 1999 - October 2007

2007-10-03T21:22:00.000+02:00

She came to me as a kitten – the last unwanted runt of the litter became my Christmas gift from a friend. Somewhat knock-kneed back legs and always a little funny-looking she was loved from day one. She stayed at the Shelwell house with me until I moved into digs in Scottsville. Ammu made the journey across town to rule the Ridgeford house. When I moved into a flat, she once again live in the Shelwell house where she made a home firmly in the hearts of mom and dad. (Rumor has it dad would even share his breakfast yoghurt with her, and mom would make her hot water bottles in winter…). When Michael and I moved into Green Acres, Ammu came too. Her favourite place to sleep was on the back of Michael’s legs. She would sit by the bathroom window and wait for us to come home when we stayed out late, running to meet us while trying to pretend indifference. She loved to play with anything on the end of a string, but if that wasn’t available an unsuspecting pair of legs would do just fine. We didn’t think Atamelang would be quite in keeping with the lifestyle to which Ammu had become accustomed, so she went to live with Caryn, Richard, Griffin, Mille, Riley and most recently Hannah. She soon put the puppies in their place and rekindled a friendship with Griffin. I know she was loved and cared for, and when she got sick, got the best possible care. Ammu Katty (meaning little lady) was my friend and I will miss her.

Krugersdorp, Here We Come

2007-09-07T21:00:00.000+02:00

So it seems we will be relocating to the buzzing metropolis of Krugersdorp next year. Krugersdorp is just outside JHB (basically a suburb of Joeys these days), but with all the good things towns should have – like its own mall (or two). Michael will be at Krugersdorp Society, in the centre of town, with two morning English services and the potential for an evening service. He will also oversee a Tswana congregation in Kagiso, the township outside K.D. I will be at Princess Society, a quiet suburban church with a morning English service and a 2pm Tswana service. I will also oversee another two congregations, one in the township and another in an informal settlement. We are feeling positive about the year, although it may prove to be quite challenging. We have also heard good things about our new house. The rumor is the kitchen is the size of our current house, and it comes complete with indoor plumbing, a ceiling and carpets. So those of you not brave enough to venture out to Atamelang will have no excuses! We also hear it has a great garden, which the soon-to-be Bishop puppies will enjoy. And, Ammu the cat will be joining us to ensure there is complete chaos. We are still doing well here. A busy end of year approaches with assignments and projects and that sort of thing, but generally doing well.

Visitors!

2007-08-11T15:25:00.000+02:00

Last weekend mom and dad Shelwell came to visit. They arrived Friday lunch time, and we showed them the sights of Atamelang, including sundowners at Mofufutso.

On Saturday they got to experience basin-bathing in the kitchen (still too cold to shower outside) and then came with us to a Young Women’s Manyano Tea Party/Workshop to celebrate women’s day. That afternoon we all went to Die Watergat to watch rugby (less said about that the better) and had supper at the Delarey Restaurant, which was great. Sunday was a big day, as I was robed as a member of the Women’s Manyano.

The District President came all the way from JHB to robe me because I am a minister’s wife, and so get a cape which only the president can give. The circuit hosted a great meal afterwards, and there was much celebrating. It was quite special the way the people welcomed me into this organization. Mom and Dad seemed to enjoy the weekend, and we loved having them.

'Well, I'm back' he said

2007-08-01T19:59:00.000+02:00

After a quiet few weeks in Atamelang, we spent a week in PMB, catching up with family and friends, and hanging out with Matthew and Hannah. We also went to our good friends Ross and Debs’ wedding. Michael led worship and got to play his guitar again. I had the privilege of leading the service (with the help of a colleague with a marriage license). It was really quite special.

But now, we’re back into the swing of things and the weekly trips to JHB. We may start to hear whispered rumours of stations for next year, so it’s exciting times…

All quiet on the (North) Western Front

2007-06-29T20:52:00.000+02:00

It’s been pretty quiet in Atamelang these past few weeks – mostly catching up on circuit work and doing assignments, with many a game of Scrabble and Backgammon in between (possibly too many – we do need to get out more…) So it was great that Collin and Claire came to visit on Wednesday. Other than that, just looking forward to our trip to PMB at the end of next week.

In case any of you were wondering just how cold it gets out here…

PMB

2007-06-13T19:38:00.000+02:00

On the 6^th May 2007 our nephew – Matthew George Bishop

– was born and on the 31^st May, our niece –

Hannah Rachel Shacklock was born. Pretty good timing on their parts, as it meant we could sneak back to PMB for a few days between Jabavu Mondays and meet them.

We spent a great few days in PMB with family and catching up with some friends, and, of course, being devoted aunt and uncle. Now, we are back in Atamelang and have a four week break from Jabavu. So we’ll be hanging out at home, catching up with work in our churches and doing some assignments. If you’re ever in the area, feel free to stop in…

Bloemhof Break

2007-05-04T19:53:00.000+02:00

We had a great few days away with Collin and Claire Moore over the long weekend. We all worked Friday to Sunday, but had Monday to Wednesday off, so the four of us spent a very relaxing three days at the Bloemhof Dam and Nature Reserve (It’s about 120kms from us, not too far from where Collin and Claire are in Christiana). We stayed in a great little chalet (complete with indoor toilet and hot shower – doesn’t take too much to make us happy)

and it was really very pretty. Lots of open space and the dam itself is huge. We had sundowners (yes, that is left over communion juice…)

and braais in the evenings and relaxed in the sun during the days. Here’s something we didn’t know: Bles Bridges was killed in a car accident just outside Bloemhof – we stopped by the small monument next to the road.

Easter 2007

2007-04-08T21:48:00.000+02:00

It was certainly a different Easter this year, but a great experience. Easter was a circuit event that happened in a village called Kraaipan. We used the community hall
and for four days people ate, slept, sang and danced their way through the Easter weekend.

We arrived on Thursday afternoon for the opening Communion service (led by the Superintendent). The meal for the evening was 'ama-insides' which Michael was brave enough to try, I on the other hand was prepared to go hungry...

Friday was the Via Dolorosa and Seven Words sermons - what a great experience. Quite long, but so much energy and the hall was packed, along with a tent outside.
Friday evening I did a service and then home.

Saturday was meeting day for just about every organisation. Satuday night was a robing service for new members of the YMG and Manyano.
Michael is now a proud member, with the waistcoat and pin to prove it. (I will be robed later in the year).

Saturday was a late night, so we arrived a bit bleary eyed at 5am on Sunday morning for the healing service which Michael was leading. He brought his guitar and got the crowd moving to 'Happy Day'. Quite an achievement since they had not slept at all, but had a revival service through the night. The weekend closed on Sunday lunch time. We really felt like we were part of the community.

Visitors!

2007-04-08T21:37:00.000+02:00

Ryan and Taryn (friends of ours from PMB) came to spend the weekend with us on 16/17 March. They arrived Friday lunch time (bearing gifts from family) and we took them on a tour of our township. Later that evening, we drove to a nearby area called Mofufutso to watch the sunset.
It was spectacular (as always out here). We took a some apple juice and a few snacks and has a great time. As Ryan said, some people pay good money for an experience like that!

On Saturday we went touring the villages and showed them some of our churches and the places we spend our days. That evening we went to 'Die Watergat', which is the local pub in town to watch the Sharks. It was a full cultural experience – from township life with cold, outside showers to rural villages to Delareyville. Our Rainbow Nation…

It was great to see friends and faces from home. And we can now say four people can fit in our house (only just).

Birthday Day

2007-03-10T12:45:00.000+02:00

It was Michael’s birthday on the 1^st March. We had to leave for Jo’burg VERY early on his birthday so that he could get to the YMG Convention (FYI: the YMG is the men’s organization in the church, and the Convention is their four day annual meeting) So we decided to celebrate on Wednesday night with a braai.

The day got away from us a little, and we eventually got home after 8, lit the fire, stuck on some red meat, opened some presents and had a relaxed evening.

We stayed with the Coopers in Jo’burg during the Convention which was really great – they have indoor plumbing and TV. They also took us out for supper on Michael’s birthday. It was good to celebrate with friends. We are doing well here. It’s taken some time settling into our weekly trek to Jo’burg (which is why we have been a little slack with new blog posts recently) but it’s all good…

A Day in the Life...

2007-02-08T21:26:00.000+02:00

We may have got off to a slow start, but the pace of life has definitely picked up, mainly due to our weekly trips into Soweto. Seeing as it forms much of what we do out here, we thought you might be interested to see what goes on.

We start off with a rather long drive on a Sunday afternoon after our services. But while it may be long, it definitely is pretty.

Yes, we are tourists in Soweto.

It really is an amazing place. It has a varied reputation, but we have been so impressed with how much is happening. There are all sorts of development projects and centres being built and there is an exciting vibe about the place.

We arrive at the centre Sunday evening and stay for lectures on Monday and Tuesday before heading back Tuesday evening. Monday evenings we head into central Jo'burg for a service at the church there.

The sleeping quarters are dorms, and I often feel like I am back on a youth camp. We enjoy seeing the other Phase One ministers, it’s a great group of people, and they feed us well at the centre.

Sana is one of the cooks and is an important person to be nice to!

So that’s Soweto.

Covenant service

2007-01-31T19:34:00.000+02:00

Sunday 28^th January was our Covenant Service. It was a combined service for the whole circuit held at John Wesley Society in Atamelang. All the ministers in the circuit took part and the Superintendent preached. It was a wonderful service. It was due to start at 9am, when we arrived at about 8:30, there was already quite a crowd gathered, mostly of YMG (Young Men’s Guild) members. They were singing and dancing around the church property to call people to the service.

We got started around 9:30 when it was decided that most of the people were there (not too bad, considering people had to travel a very long way to get to the church).

There was lots of singing and dancing (Michael and I did our best to sway in time…) All the ministers sat up front – dressed in the full kit – here is Michael with one of the other Ministers, Thulani.

The church was packed. All the kids sat on the altar rail and cushions, many people stood in the isle and at the back and there was a tent/marquee outside so people could peer through the windows and not have to stand in the very hot North West sun.

The service lasted about 5 hrs and it was quite a thing giving Holy Communion to about 600 people, but there was a real sense of Celebration and a great meal followed…

Atamelang Garden Service

2007-01-27T22:20:00.000+02:00

We regularly have herds of cows, goats and sheep wandering past who pause to eat our lawn before moving on to the neighbours. (One neighbour has flowers - a favourite with the goats). Hours of entertainment...

Big Day Out

2007-01-24T20:40:00.000+02:00

Last week we went to visit Colin and Claire Moore, friends of ours from PMB who are also doing Phase One and have been stationed in a place called Christiana. They live about 180kms from us, which is quite a drive for a lunch time visit, but it was definitely worth it. It was great to see familiar faces.

Here are Colin, Claire and Michael outside the Moore's house. They are in a very similar set up to us.

Colin clearly needs to get out a bit more...

Sunset Boulevard, North West Province

2007-01-14T19:47:00.000+02:00

So it's not all bad out here. We have the most spectacular sunsets each evening. This is from our front gate.

A Spekboom by any other name...

2007-01-09T21:31:00.000+02:00

Monday 8^th January was our second wedding anniversary. We started the tradition last year of planting a tree each year on our anniversary. Last year we planted an indigenous tree in our garden in PMB, this year we have planted a spekboom (who we loving refer to as ‘spekboom’) in our garden in Atamelang.
Spekboom is a cutting from a spekboom plant in David and Leesa’s garden, which is originally a cutting from Michael’s mom’s family farm in the Karoo. So we like to think Spekboom is in familiar soil and comfortable under the blazing North West sun, he’s not so sure yet, but we think he’ll come around…

Home Improvements

2007-01-07T21:36:00.000+02:00

The next thing on our list of things to do was to create a shower facility. Michael spent the day drilling and managed to put up a spectacular shower.

It is attached to the back wall of our house and uses the hose pipe. It is a cold shower for now (which is fine as it has been so hot) and it has a great view of the stars. ( We only shower after dark so as not to scare our neighbours). The shower is also a little tricky in the wind (another reason for night time showers) but it really is great.

Before and After

2006-12-30T17:24:00.000+02:00

Green Acres before the move and Atamelang before the move...

Green Acres after the move and Atamelang after the move...

It was a bit of a squeeze unpacking into our new home, a bit like playing tetrus trying to fit things in. But we made it. Here is the kitchen after a hard days work,

And we even have a spare bed (or two) for when you come and visit.

The Move

2006-12-30T15:58:00.000+02:00

So we have finally moved.
We packed til late on Tuesday evening with some help...

...(well, entertainment really - that is our bath by the way)

And the movers woke us up first thing on Wednesday morning. They packed up our stuff and we all set off for the great North West Province. (Looks like a tough job, being a mover...)

We arrived in Atamelang on Wednesday evening, slept on a blow-up mattress in our empty house and ate pre-sliced cheese on pre-sliced bread in our empty kitchen)

Our things all made it up in one piece on Thursday morning. They unloaded in torrential rain, and we spent the rest of the day making house. So now we are all unpacked and settled inside, we just need to sort out the shower outside. After washing my hair in the bottom of the garden while many neighbours looked on fascinated, the shower curtain has just become a priority. Watch this space...

Robing / collaring service

2006-11-23T15:21:00.000+02:00

Metro held a collaring service for us early in November. We attended our friend Ntsikelelo's robing service in the morning and he joined us at the Metro evening service.

The entire experience was a little surreal but it was very special to be surrounded by friends and family as we were commissioned by our local church community.

Bishop residence 2007

2006-11-23T13:37:00.000+02:00

We travelled up to the North West at the end of October to visit our new home in Atamelang. Here it is, house 377, 29th Avenue, Atamelang:

We had a chance to participate in a service on the Sunday morning and met our superintendent minister for next year. The people in the community were very friendly and warm and we're excited about what the next year holds.

For those of you planning to come and stay with us, here is a shot of the en suite bathroom...

The road less travelled

2006-08-23T08:24:00.000+02:00

The stationing committee met last week and we now know where we'll be living and working next year! We don't know much about the area, but the circuit name is Khunwana and the ministers in that circuit use Delareyville as their postal address. Friends of ours from Maritzburg have been sent to Schweizer-Reneke, which is just down the road from Delareyville.

So, we'll be dusting off our Afrikaans, trying to learn as much SeTswana as possible and preparing for life in the dry, rural North-West. It's a whole new part of the country to explore and we are very excited.

But there will be some driving ... We'll be 800km from Pietermaritzburg and just under 300km from Jabavu/Soweto (where our weekly lectures will be held). How many games of I spy can one fit into those sorts of trips?

Chicken and egg

2006-06-21T08:47:00.000+02:00

This quiz is worth a look. I plan to trot the results out each year at synod when asked if I believe and teach our doctrine...

What's your theological worldview?

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavily by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 79%

Emergent/Postmodern 79%

Neo orthodox 61%

Roman Catholic 50%

Modern Liberal 43%

Charismatic/Pentecostal 39%

Reformed Evangelical 39%

Classical Liberal 29%

Fundamentalist 25%

First post

2006-06-01T12:07:00.000+02:00

So now we have a blog! But we're not terribly sure what to do with it yet...

For the next few months there is so much on the go here that I can't see this being a very busy site. Next year should be different though, when we are placed somewhere by the church and have a whole lot more to reflect on as newcomers to a profoundly different vocation and context.

So this is a bit premature, but we had to make sure David and Leesa didn't get to this domain first...