A piece of cake

Yesterday was spent getting ready for our camping trip to Dorset, finishing with packing the car. I usually am somewhat ambivalent about packing the car. One the one hand it gives me an exhilarating feeling realising we are about to go on holiday, on the other hand it is a lot of hard work, carrying stuff and trying to fit everything in.

This year was different; it was not quite as exhilarating, as we already are on holiday, but it certainly was much easier than usual, even though we have a smaller car than we have driven for the last many years. It didn't take very long and it certainly wasn't hard work. I realised there were two main reasons for the change: We did not have to carry all our stuff from the 5th floor, as in Riga, but just 5 meters through our front garden and secondly there was only three of us going. Neither Andreas nor Maria will be going with us (realising this brought back the exhilarating feeling - just joking, of course it didn't!), actually we won't see any of them during our holidays. This made me realise that faithful readers of this blog haven't “seen” them for a long time, so here is a little update:

After her graduation Maria took some time to relax and enjoy herself a bit. A week of summer school with The Salvation Army (where she of course was joined by Lukas) followed up with 10 days in Malaga together with 3 of her friends form the International School in Latvia. When she came back the easy life was over though, at least for a while. Maria hopes to travel to Canada and USA next year and for that she needs money. Before leaving for Malaga she had already got a temp job in a kindergarten run by The Salvation Army, and as soon as she landed, she started writing applications for other, more permanent jobs. So far she has worked for 3 weeks in the kindergarten, has just been offered 2 more weeks and she is.....coping with it. Talking to her on Skype after the first day her reaction was: I am never going to work with children! That of course is quite helpful, as she still has not decided what will happen next year concerning studying and future work. Now she can tick of Pedagogue, leaving only about 4698 other jobs and careers to go through!

Andreas did things the other way round. After returning from Seattle, where he had been to see Katharine, he moved to cheaper accommodation in Oxford and went job hunting. He ended up with 2 jobs and spent the next weeks working almost every day. Having done that for a couple of weeks he set of for Latvia to spend a month together with his friends from The International School. The plan was to spend 2 weeks in a summer house in the country, which would be spent with writing new songs for their band, and then moving into Riga to record the same songs. He is now in Riga, staying in a room in Riga corps with his friends and will be recording their new CD this weekend. Chatting to him on MSN the other day he told how it was strange to be back at Bruninieku (the Army's central property in Riga, where we used to live and also home of Riga I corps); in one way it was like he never had been away and yet he was not part of it anymore – a feeling most officers can relate to! He will be back in Oxford soon to start his new course in Sound Technology and Digital Music (which we have renamed to Sound of Music). He is looking forward to the change from Marketing Management (who can blame him!), but even more he is looking forward to Katharine moving from Canada to London to continue her studies. This also means Katharine's parents are coming over to London, so we are set to meet them in September, when we all have been invited to celebrate Katharine's birthday – of this I am sure you will hear more in the future.

Well, packing was a piece of cake. We enjoyed that, but will miss having Maria and Andreas with us (not really, but I had to write that as they might read this). Today is Saturday morning, and in an hours time we are heading south, hoping it won't rain while we have to set up our tent. As we yet have to install wireless in our otherwise very well equipped tent, you will have to wait another week before any news appears here.

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New Look

I am a bit fed up with these up and coming stars who can do seemingly endless fancy things with the layout on their blogs. I have not got a clue, I speak as much Farsi as html, and am seriously handicapped in any form of programming. This led to an extensive search on the internet for a creative template I could use and I found one. Unfortunately it only works with the old version of blogger and so it was no good for me. I did manage to pinch the header though, which seems to go well with the title of this blog.

I am determined to get better at this, but it probably will take a while. 2 years ago I bought a book about html, but still I am illiterate, so my goal is to have a fancy layout by 2015, just wait and see!

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On your bike

Plans and dreams go before holidays – you spend time thinking about what you would like to do, where to go, and what needs to be done to see the dreams come true. For me part of that preparation always is to plan which books I would like to read, bringing more books than I actually manage to read every year. One thing I had not planned or foreseen for this holiday, which we are 4 days into, is the pain in a certain part of my anatomy. My modesty stops me from mentioning what part, but if you read on you might guess.

This is the first of our 2 weeks of holiday and it began absolutely amazing. We decided to stay home for the first week, taking advantage of the huge privilege of a house with a garden far away from the office or anyone we know. We had no specific plans for this first week, but a few purchases have influenced it immensely. Ever since coming to England I have talked about getting a bike and starting cycling to the office (app. 12 km), but as I often do, I talked the talk, but never got round to walk the walk (although it of course would be silly to walk the walk if I really had a bike!). Fortunately Lisbeth took the initiative and researched the market and by the time we started our holiday the whole family had got new bikes – bought in 3 different shops to get the best deals, of course and since we have been on our bikes every day.

Saturday morning we woke up to the most beautiful sunshine. It had actually not rained for more than a week (miracles do happen), and there had been days of sunshine, but Saturday was amazing and had to be taken advantage of straight away. Lukas was out playing football and Lisbeth and I decided to get on our bikes for our first ride together. We only planned a short ride, but the weather was just so nice that it was 2 hours before we returned home, most of the time spent riding alongside the river Mersey on the Trans Pennine Trail.

Apparently I had overdone the cycling and my right knee started to hurt, so next day I rested while Lisbeth and Lukas set of for a long ride, again exploring the Trans Pennine Trail. The weather was still very nice, so I planted my self in the garden with a cup of coffee and a couple of books, which was not too bad either. Any kind of self pity caused by the pain quickly evaporated when Lisbeth came home. Hearing my knee still was hurting she said she was not sure what was worst: That something might be wrong with my knee, or the fact we had just bought a bike I might not be able to use!

Apart from the cycling and nice weather, the weekend also saw the start of the new football season. Lukas and I managed to watch one live game (with Liverpool) and Match of the Day both Saturday and Sunday evening – again not bad at all.

Monday the weather was still reasonably nice and so the three of us set of for a new cycling adventure. We had packed sandwiches and drinks and again spent a couple of hours driving mainly on the Trans Pennine Trail (it is quite long, but we have also managed to loose the trail almost every time and so we keep finding new tracks). We also began to get our camping stuff down from the attic, as we do not plan to stay home all of the holiday.

Tuesday was back to normal, that is: RAIN! We decided to make the most of it and went to the cinema to watch Evan Almighty. Good laugh! As the sun had disappeared, it was time for another kind of miracle, and we managed to get Lukas to the hairdresser to have his hair cut afterwards! When we got home I decided it was time to sort out our books, which had just been put on the shelves without any system when we arrived. I emptied the bookcases and started organising the books according the author or subject. Not surprisingly I enjoyed this exercise, although I always get frustrated when doing it, as we never have enough space on the shelves to be consistent with the system. I managed to sort out the favourites authors and books on Church and Mission, Leadership, Holy Spirit, Holiness, Healing, Worship, Prayer, Discipleship and Evangelism, but then ran out of energy and so there is still quite a lot of books spread out on the floor in the dining room. I will either have to get rid of some books, or we will have to buy some more bookcases (I feel a trip to IKEA coming up!)

The weather actually cleared up during the day and so after Tea (which, as earlier mentioned is not only a drink, but the evening meal in England) we decided it was time to set up our tent, just to check everything was all right and also to waterproof it before going camping next week (I know we are supposed to have faith, but friends, this is England, and there is a limit to how much faith we can muster). The tent was of course fine and we are slowly getting ready for taking of to Dorset next week for a week of camping.

Wednesday was another day of biking. Lisbeth and I cycled down to Stockport for a visit to the Christian bookshop. Last week together we had bought 2 worship CDs for only 99 pence each and after listening to them decided it was well worth buying 2 more. I also found 3 books for half price I would like, but resisted the temptation, as they would belong to the sections in my system, where there is no more room. The afternoon was spent watching football (Liverpool champions league qualifier against Toulouse (pronounced To Lose, which they did!!!), and part of the evening again with watching football. As you can hear it is close to a perfect holiday! (At this point Lisbeth looked over my shoulder and exclaimed: For you!)

Waking up this morning it was again raining – I am beginning to understand the reaction of a friend in London. Hearing we were staying in England for our holiday, he said: You are a brave man!

Whether brave, optimistic or just plain stupid, that is our plan and so far it hasn't been too bad.

(in case you have not worked out what part of the anatomy that was mentioned in the beginning of this post, please just go over the text again, count the number of “buts” and just add one, then you've got it)

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Church Experiences

“I hope they are better than the Jacksons”.

I had never met the man before, but as we walked through the doors to one of our corps last Sunday he first asked whether I was Henrik (actually he asked whether I was Heinrich, which did not win him any brownie points with me) and , after I had confirmed it (and out of courtesy refraining from correcting his wrong pronunciation of my name) he immediately went on with the above statement.

We were at the corps to install the new corps leaders and the Jacksons were the previous officers. Through their quite long stay in the corps they had seen many people come to faith and join the corps, but apparently not to the likening of this man. Fortunately I was in a good mood, so I did not throw him out straightaway, but kindly told him pack that attitude away (not quite the words I used) and could not help to wonder what in the world makes people think and talk like that.

The evening before we had been at another corps, together with Linda, who was visiting us for some days. They were also saying welcome to new officers, also after a year of not having corps leaders. It was an informal evening with music and food being the main parts, with some talking in between. It was a really good evening. It was fairly traditional, but it was so clear that the corps people just love Jesus, and this made the evening an inspiration – and not just because of the food!

Sunday night, after spending the afternoon in Liverpool (taking photos of Linda together with a naked man, but that is another story!) we headed for Strawberry Fields. Made world famous by The Beatles, it is now the home of I56, one of the Army's Boiler Houses. The service was simple, but good. Coffee – Prayer – Worship – Preaching – More coffee and prayer. The preacher was another foreigner, speaking very good English, but with a distinct accent, which gave some light moments. At one time he spoke about having having laid foundations for a lovely house, but choosing to still “live in a shed”. His pronunciation of “shed” was not quite clear, but it was clear that some of the younger people present heard it as something else (as did I!), but I am sure they thought he meant a “holy shed”.

The coffee was by far the best we have been served in any corps so far in the UK. Not the weak, coloured water most places serve, but decent, good coffee with real aroma. Since arriving in the UK I have been wondering whether you really can build the Kingdom of God with weak coffee. I still don't know, but it was quite remarkably that in a power house like the boiler room, the coffee was strong. The question is whether it is the strong coffee that comes before the power, or whether it is a consequence of the power? I will continue my research and let you know my findings later.

Today I have had the pleasure of visiting 2 corps and meeting with the corps leaders together with a representative from Headquarters in London. The 2 corps are different, but have many things in common, one of them being they both are bursting at the seems and do not have room enough in their present building. Both are church plants, one 9 years old the other 7. In one of them, 9 years ago there was 7 old ladies and a newly commissioned officer sent as the corps leader. Last Sunday they were 92 for the service, 30 of them children, and many regulars were away because of the holiday season! God is good!

In one of the corps I picked up a news letter from the local Anglican Church, not because I was interested in visiting it, but because of a list of “Hospital Chart Bloopers” which the magazine claims are actual writings from hospital charts. If you have made it it to this point in this post, you deserve a price, and so here are some of them for your amusement:

1. The patient refused autopsy
2. The patient has no previous history of suicides
3. Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.
4. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year
5. On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it disappeared
6. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.
7. Discharge status: Alive but without permission
8. Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch
9. She is numb from her toes down
10. The skin was moist and dry
11. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
12. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid
13. Skin, somewhat pale but present
14. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities

It is getting late, and you would not want me to begin to waffle, so I'll stop here and crawl up to bed. Good night!

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This is your Captain speaking...

I do apologize for the delay in take off and for the effect it might have on your future travel. Due to busyness we missed our designated slot and have had to wait for another one. We initially got parked in the queue behind the “Blisters and Dimples” plane and found comfort in the fact that whereas some of you, dear passengers, might find our delay inconvenient, then at least you can find comfort knowing we have had far more regular departures during this year than aforementioned blogline. Only a few moments ago we realised they finally had taken off and so we feel obliged to follow straight on.

The real challenge for both of our bloglines is the emergence of 2 new kids on the block (pun definitely intended). If only we could claim that they were cheap discount lines, we probably would not mind too much. Unfortunately both "among the lines" and "thoughts of a simple mind" have proven themselves to not only far overtaking our departure schedule, but with a level of quality and customer service which at least “Andersen News” cannot compete with at this present time. Only time will show whether they have staying power and can keep their frequency and quality at the present level over a longer period of time, something so far we have only seen “Evie in Latvia” (soon to be renamed “St. Evie in Louis” rumour has it) achieve before.

While we would dearly love to further feed our customers input from the lives and thoughts of the Andersens at this present time, we are entertaining our previous flight assistant for the weekend and so time does not permit further output just now. If any of our customers have a desperate need for further blog assistanc, we kindly refer you to the above mentioned bloglines, which all will be willing to assist you in your further travel in this universe.

Thank you for reading with Andersen News. We look forward to having you read with us at another time and wish you all a present stay wherever you might be today.

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Ready for take-off?

Do you ever listen when they explain what to do in case of an emergency before taking off?

Sometimes I think how frustrating it must be for the stewardess to stand there, giving all this important information, seeing that most of the passengers reading their newspapers or busy doing other stuff. Of course many of us don't pay attention because we have heard it all before: there are 3 fire exits, in the front, at the back and over the wings....your life jackets are situated under your seats...do not inflate before outside the plane....fit the oxygen mask on yourself before taking care of any children you are travelling with etc. etc. We know it all and so we do not listen and probably we don't expect anything to happen either, it never has before on all our flights.

Just like not paying attention to the stewardess, I mentally turned off when the administrator of a conference I attended recently got up to do her “health and safety” speech. She explained about the fire exists and where we would gather outside in case of a fire or other emergency (she also also explained where to find the toilets, which of course was a much more likely emergency for most of us!). I was only partly listening, as was most of the congregation. Even the administrator gave the impression this was not so important, but something she had to do!

She really was saying: In the very unlikely event there should be a fire, this is what you have to do. We do of course not expect a fire, in fact we have never had a fire before, but I have to give this speech, not so much that you know what to do, but so if something does happen, I have done it and the church can not be held responsible.

Suddenly I realised I had heard this before – the words and context might have been different, but the meaning and attitude the same. I even realised I myself had said these very words more often than I like to think about. Not in an aeroplane, not at a conference, but Sunday after Sunday after Sunday. Usually we say it after we have worshipped, listened to testimonies and shared the word of God, and then, just in case, we feel obliged to give some kind of invitation:

In the very unlike event the Holy Spirit should have touched any of you, you are of course welcome to respond. We certainly do not expect it, actually we cannot remember when it happened last time, but just in case, you are of course welcome to come forward for prayer. Please understand we do not really expect the Spirit to move and certainly not anyone responding, but we have to give this invitation, because that is what is expected and just so no one can complain that we have not done it.

Usually the Spirit does not move and neither does anyone else! Not that we are surprised, that was exactly what we expected! Do you hear the voice of Jesus trying to get through? “O ye of little faith”. Wonder what would happen if we stopped playing it safe? If we began to expect and plan for the movement of the Spirit? Wonder if Jesus is standing there, waiting for us to get out of the boat, so he actually could do something in and through us? As John Wimber used to say, faith is a four letter word, spelled R-I-S-K, but faith is also a dangerous word; what if nothing happens, what if God does not turn up? This of course does not just relate to giving an invitation in a service, but to all those incidents where we have to choose - whether we want to play it safe, to avoid the risk of standing embarrassed with egg on our face, or whether we will take the risk and just maybe God will honour that, maybe he will be true to his word?

Risk or safe? Faith or unbelief? Expectation or resignation?

There was no fire at the conference. I did need to find the toilets during one of the sessions. Everything, as usual, went as expected – and that is just the challenge!

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A weekend in the life of the Andersens

It is not so much the British weather that is the problem, but, as stated in an earlier post, that there is so much of it – and it is so wet. It is getting quite depressing. A couple of days ago we were watching a stage of Tour de France on the television and could see how the riders were climbing up the mountains (they were of course riding on their bicycles, but when you ride up a mountain, it is call climbing, at least when you do it with seemingly ease) while the sun was shining from a blue sky and then it was the question came: What are we doing here? Why are we not on holiday, as we usually would be, in France or Italy, camping and spending the days enjoying the sun? Instead we are in Manchester, and beginning to wonder whether Noah has moved into the neighbourhood?

And how can it then be that when the sun finally decided to shine all afternoon last Saturday we spent it in a car going back and forth between Wales and Manchester Airport? Well, it all began a couple of months ago when we said yes to lead a corps retreat for a corps in the division next to us. It is so easy to say yes to a commitment, which is in the future, but as we got closer we began to regret, and last week we started to panic. We did not have any clue of what to do, were not quite sure what was meant by “retreat”, what kind of people would be there etc. At the same time there was enough of other things to do, so especially I pushed any kind of thinking and preparation to the next day and as you now – tomorrow never comes!

By the grace of God (and by adapting some material we had used previously) we finally could set off Friday afternoon with most material ready for our 3 teaching sessions, 1 devotion, 1 social evening and 1 Worship Service. It could have been a very relaxing weekend, even with the teaching etc we had to do, if it had not been for 2 other events happening the same weekend: Our division had a farewell meeting for the 5 people entering training college this year Sunday evening and Lisbeth was responsible both for the meeting and the meal for the candidates and their families prior to the meeting, and Lukas was returning from Denmark Saturday afternoon.....in Manchester!

We travelled the 160 km to the camp site in Wales Friday afternoon with as many queues on the roads as there was rain from the sky, and it was pouring down all the way! When we arrived we were met by a small group (app 20) very nice people of all ages. Not only were they nice, but we quickly found it they we spiritual people as well, making our job a whole lot easier. Some were new to the Army and to Jesus, others had been Christians most of their lives and were now into their eighties.

In the evening we were asked to tell a bit ourselves and invariably spent a lot of it talking about Latvia, which they found very interesting (the sad thing is Latvia was more interesting that us!) and so we decided to show a presentation about Latvia and the Army in Latvia during the social on Saturday evening, which was brilliant, since we had not managed to prepare a lot for the evening, God is good!

It did not rain Saturday morning. Can I just repeat that seemingly trivial piece of information, because for us it came close to a miracle: It did not rain Saturday morning! During the two teaching sessions before lunch the clouds also vanished and suddenly the sun was shining. After lunch there was 5 hours of free time to enjoy the lovely surroundings, go for a walk, sleep, play golf, badminton or whatever was to your liking. Instead we got into the car and rushed 160 km back to Manchester to pick up Lukas at the airport and while in Manchester, Lisbeth had to do some shopping for the meal next day with the Candidates. The plane from Copenhagen was 45 minutes late, so we just managed to go home, make a cup of coffee, walk out into the garden and say: Isn't it lovely when the sun is shining, and go back in again! (We, or rather I, also managed to watch 5 minutes of Tour de France). Off to shop, and as we walked out of the shop Lisbeth looked up, and right above us was the SAS plane from Copenhagen, approaching the Airport. Into the car, full speed ahead, found a parking space, ran into the Arrival terminal and spent the next 20 minutes waiting for Lukas to appear!

When he finally came we drove straight back to Wales. 160 Km in sunshine, apart from the last 20-30, when it started to rain again! They had kept some tea for us (for those not British, this does not mean a drink, but a meal – confusing, isn't it!) and then straight into the social evening we were responsible for followed by the evening devotion. Then it was time for bed, apart from we first had to prepare a PowerPoint for the meeting the next evening, but around 0:30 that was finished.

Next morning the worship was split into two parts: First part took place various place outside, walking from one to the other and either sharing a Bible reading or singing a song, focussing on the greatness of God and his creation. This was not difficult with the wonderful hills surrounding us. When we arrived inside we continued with worship and a time of sharing, which was really moving. After the sermon (too long as always) we spent the next 20-30 minutes praying for each other – the Holy Spirit certainly was present.

As soon as we had said Amen we rushed back to the cabin, loaded the car and rushed of – 15 minutes later than planned. It was again raining and there was quite a lot of traffic, so we did not make up the lost time and were 15 minutes late arriving at Sale corps, where the farewell meeting was held. Fortunately the helpers Lisbeth had enrolled were already busy with the preparation for the meal, and everything was ready on time.

Lisbeth had planned the evening meeting and was also leading most of it. She was somewhat nervous about it, but as you would expect everything went really well. The hall was full and it was a real celebration of God's calling and of officership (which of course are 2 different things!). The meeting was fairly traditional, with the candidates marching in behind their corps flags in the beginning, but it was also lively and powerful. On of the candidates read from the Bible about the calling of Matthew, which he made quite personal, as him and his wife both works for the Inland Revenue Service, one gave her testimony through a dance, another a very powerful testimony in words, and two interviewed our Divisional Commander, for whom this was the last meeting in the Division. As you would expect with Jack and Jane Hassard, that became quite entertaining, but also challenging.

Jack preached about everyone being called into full time ministry, but some being chosen as the spiritual leaders of the church, basing it on the incident when Jesus chose the 12 apostles among all the disciples. As someone who always says he does not believe in the call to officership, that was a really good message. There is only one call: To follow Christ, but as we do that Christ, by his grace, chooses some to spiritual leadership, in our case as officers.

When we finally made it home, we just collapsed in the sofas in front of the telly. It turned out there were highlights from the day's stage of Tour de France, where a Dane not only won the stage, but also took the yellow jersey (for the ignorant: Leading the Tour). A busy weekend was over, we were tired, but it had been very rewarding – if only we did not have to get up and go the office next day!

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The Ilsters meet the Andersens

Sarah, Aivis and of course Josh have been on holiday the last couple of weeks here in the UK and made their last stop here in Manchester, before going back to Latvia. We had some great days together. The sun was actually shining when they arrived Saturday and we managed a barbecue in the evening (the weather wasn't too hot, but at least it was dry). Sunday they went with us to one of our corps here in the division. It is a corps where the largest part of the congregation is from Zimbabwe, which gives a special atmosphere. Some of it you might be able to grasp from the photos below (taken by Aivis, you probably can see the increased quality compared to our normal photos).

What you can't see is the service not getting started before ½ hour after it was supposed to (by 11 o'clock when it should start there was only 4 people in the hall, 2 of them it turned out were new comers, and therefore did not know they did not need to be there on time). This is how it is every Sunday and the corps officer took it very relaxed. As people began to arrive, someone suddenly began to sing, which was the sign for us to go and pray and then get the service started!

We did not finish before around 2 o'clock – quite nice to be in a corps where no one seemed to have a problem with a 40 minute sermon! (Apart from Lisbeth, she tells me!!!!) After the service there was lunch. Originally we had not planned to stay, until we understood the lunch was arranged because we were there! It was a buffet with different dishes most of African origin. On our way home we tried to decide what some of the dishes actually had consisted of, but could not agree on especially one of them. Was it chicken, was it pigeon or was it rabbit? I still think it was dog (but I was wise enough not to taste it).

Monday we toured the Peak district, stopping first in Bakewell for a walk around and a quick lunch and then on to Abraham heights, where we took a cable car up to the top of the heights, had a walk in the caves and managed to share an ice cream to (share is the right word, I think Josh tasted all of them :-) ). It was really interesting and enlightening, I for one had no idea that Abraham had made it all the way to Derbyshire, but you learn as long as you live.

Wednesday morning it was time for the Ilsters to go back and so at 4 o'clock in the morning we were ready to leave. Josh came walking down the stair, not sleepy and grumpy, but smiling and with his arms out from his side, showing he was going flying. I left them outside the airport – (they had checked a couple of times that their tickets was for Wednesday, based on the experience of a mutual American friend in Riga, who shall remain nameless!) and headed back to catch up with a bit of sleep. This was second time the Ilsters visited us here in Manchester and we have been back to Riga in between. We realised we probably have shared more meals together in our respective homes since we left Latvia, than during the 6 years we lived there Life is strange sometimes!

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Two down, one to go Part II

After hours of waiting and preparation, it was finally getting close to the time when Maria and her class would arrive on their tour round Copenhagen and suburbs. The table had been set since the day before, during the afternoon Lisbeth had baked loads of small pizzas, and dipped pineapple slices in melted chocolate and now we were all ready.

We were also a little apprehensive. Not only would the students go from one set of parents to the next, most of them would also manage to consume a fair bit of alcohol on the way. Some would be served at the homes, a lot would have been brought on the lorry. A number of Maria's classmates are Muslims and so, together with Maria, do not drink at all, but some of the others apparently had a reputation of making up for that in their own consumption.

Maria was a little bit worried, and it did not lessen during the trip as she saw how the classmates behaved as they got more and more drunk. Don't get me wrong, they were all having a good time and Maria was enjoying the celebrations, but often it is a fact that when alcohol goes in, then the brain goes out, and so she was worried how they would behave when they made it to us. Especially she was thinking about Grandmother and Lukas. Lisbeth and I had a fair idea of what to expect, having graduated ourselves once upon a time, and probably would not be to chocked.

Well, there was no need to worry. Maria had instructed her class to behave and not to bring any of their own alcohol into our place (we were actually having the “reception” in the foyer of the Army hall, which is in the same building as where my mother lives), but what she didn't know was the African church, which meets in the Army every Sunday afternoon, had spend an hour or so praying in the very room where we were going to be. Of course they were praying for their service and other stuff, but I am sure it did not make things worse that the rooms had been thoroughly prayed “through” just hours before the class arrived.

Only ten minutes behind schedule they finally arrived. You could tell by the banners that they had experienced a few showers, but most of the time it had been dry. The spirits were high (not talking about the alcohol!) as they “unloaded” the truck, but they all very politely shook hands and said hello to us all. As soon as they were inside 3 things appeared very popular: Water bottles, the sofas and not least the toilets! They were tired of standing up in the lorry and most of them just dumped themselves in the sofas with a bottle of water. They had eaten so much on the road that most could not eat any more. A few pizzas disappeared, but most were left, a fact Lukas and I did not complain about at all!

After ten minutes of small talk (well, Lisbeth did the small talk, not really my strong side!) they were ready to leave again. They all very politely said good bye, climbed on the lorry, and set off for the next set of parents, making as much noise as possible as they drove away.

Not only had they behaved very well, they had left the place almost spotless, so it took us very little time to clear up and go up to my mothers flat to relax. Although we were tired, I could not go to bed, as I had promised to pick up Maria from the party they would have at the last port of call. We did not have a car, so around midnight I set of on the train (equivalent of the Tube in London) to meet Maria and accompany her home (apparently it was not so much her who had asked for it, as me who had offered it, not taking no for an answer). We arrived back at my mother's around 1:30 in the morning, made our way straight to our beds, but were up next morning for Church (whether we were awake is another matter, which we will not discuss here!)

Maria had had a really good day, but she still could not fully enjoy being a graduate. You see, because she was doing the International Baccalaureate programme, she had still not received her final marks, and so could not be sure she actually passed her exams. She had to wait until Friday before she finally could log on the Internet and check her grades, and surprise, surprise, not only had she passed, but done extremely well. Now she finally can relax and enjoy the feeling of having completed high school and begin to think about what the immediate future should look like.

And we, her parents? Well, usually I do not talk a lot about how proud I am of my kids, it is too personal and I suppose does not go well with my Danish background (where you should not think you are anything special), but in this late hour and for a limited audience let me just admit that I am very proud: of Maria, of Andreas and of Lukas. Not just for how they have or are managing school, but for what and who they are (only thing I cannot work out is how I have managed to get 3 kids of whom none of them are particularly keen on Mathematics!)

And before all this becomes too sentimental or even sickening, I think I will call it a day and head off to bed with the knowledge that we have another 6 years before Lukas will graduate, which should be time to recover from 2 graduations in 2 years.

Sleep well or (in the very likely case you do not see this before in the morning)Good morning and have a blessed day!

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Ventures into Russian or "How the multi-lingual super heroes jumps to the rescue of a lost soul"

We were making our way home from a nice meal in Stockport, when we suddenly had to stop because of queues on the road. Congestion is quite normal, even on the road leading up to where we live, but not at 9 o'clock in the evening. As we very slowly made some progress forward we realised the cause: A huge truck had stopped at the traffic lights, totally blocking one lane, only leaving the lane for right turn free. Not very smart.

As we got closer we could see the truck was from Lithuania. “Why am I not surprised” Lisbeth exclaimed – our experience tells us Lithuanian drivers are even worse than Latvian (of course not all Latvians, just in case anybody is getting up set!). Suddenly we saw a man approach the car in front of the queue, waiting for a green light.

How would you react if you are in your in car, it is evening, and suddenly a person approaches your car, waving his arms and speaking in a strange language? Probably the driver locked the doors, avoided eye contact, just waiting for the light to turn green. This was when Team Andersen jumped into action. Lisbeth jumped out of our car in her red super hero cape (actually it was a red rain coat, but still) and went up to the driver. He was holding a document which showed the address he was looking for, and Lisbeth actually knew where it was – but how do you explain it? The driver did not speak English, and our Lithuanian is very limited. He only had to turn right, and then right again at the next light and Lisbeth kept wanting to say “Par Labi un par labi” (to the right in Latvian), but that of course probably would not help very much.

I had left my super hero cape at home, so I stayed in the car, but understanding the situation I leaned over towards the open door and shouted Na Prava (probably not how you spell it, but hopefully it means to the right in Russian). Lisbeth repeated it and the the drivers face just lit up. He got the message and quickly jumped into his truck, ready to go. Wonder if he later thought how it could be, in the middle of nowhere, someone speaking fluent Russian (well, at least I know how to say to the right, to the left, and straight ahead) suddenly had appeared for his rescue?

We quickly got out of our super hero costumes, looking around carefully to be sure our secret identity had not been compromised and drove home, ready for next the next time a lost soul appears on our way needing help from the multi-lingual super heroes.

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Two down, one to go

It could hardly be more Danish; A June day with sun and showers mixing all day, lots of Dannebrogs (Danish national flag), smiling people all over the place, music, food and, since it is Denmark, an incredible amount of beer. What am I talking about? Graduation day in Denmark!
Graduation from high school is viewed as a major event in life in Denmark – whether it is because education is seen as important or because it is a good excuse for having a party I do not know, but it certainly is a special day.

For us the day began with having breakfast together, although both Maria and Lukas protested somewhat against getting up at 7 for this. In England they might have begun the day with a cooked breakfast, but in Denmark you go to the baker and get fresh bread, rolls and various pastries (It is beyond my capacity to fully explain this, so let me just state 2 things: 1. If you haven't been to a baker in Denmark, you have never really been to a baker and 2. What the Americans and English calls Danish Pastry is an insult to any Danish baker and has very little to do with with real Danish pastries) Anyway, I am getting of track, please give me two seconds to gather my thoughts

(2 seconds pass)

Thank you!

As we approached the school we saw graduates all over the place. They were easy to spot, all wearing the traditional hat which you receive when you have passed your final exam (you actually have to buy it yourself, but that is another story). After queueing in a traditional Danish way (i.e. Unorganized and attempting to jump as far ahead as possible, it certainly is not a line) parents and students entered the auditorium (fancy name for the sports hall when chairs are set up) and the first official part of the day begins. There is singing, speeches, music, laughter and then what it is all about, each individual student is called forward to receive their graduation certificate. Unfortunately we do not have a photo of Maria receiving hers. She managed to receive the certificate, shake hands with the Principal in one sweeping move without stopping and was down from the small podium before our somewhat dated digital camera managed to react.

Some of you are sitting thinking: What so special about this? And of course you are right, apart from the laid back Danish style and the very relaxed dress code for most people, this event could have taken place many place in the world – but not for long!

You see, as soon as the ceremony is over, the day has just begun for the graduates. Outside the school a van/lorry/truck for each class is waiting, decorated with banners, balloons, trees (well, part of trees anyway) and now the fun begins. Tradition bids that the whole class goes from home to home, riding on the back of the lorry, visiting all the parents. They only stop for 10-15 minutes, but every time both food and drinks are served. With large classes and long distances, this takes not just all day, but all evening as well. As they drive a long people will wave at them as they pass, cars will honk their horns and when they meet another lorry with graduates from another school (and this happens very often), the noise is incredible. Add to this that literally hundreds of such lorries are driving round Copenhagen the same day (thousands in the whole country) and you might get a small idea of the atmosphere.

This short video from the school gives a few impressions from the beginning of the day (it is not our video, so you won't see Maria on it)

We left Maria on the truck and the went home to Grandmother to prepare for the visit of the class. They were not due before around 8 in the evening, so we had plenty of time. More about how that went tomorrow.

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3 impressions

Immediately after the congress we went to a Leader’s retreat for all the leaders within our division. The main speaker for the retreat was also Linda Bond, which probably was the reason why these two events were planned straight after each other. In one way it was not so smart, but it did mean that the impact of Linda Bond’s message was intensified for those attending both.

The retreat was held at a castle some 100 km from Stockport in a very scenic place, most would say surrounded by hills, but for a Dane, who have spent some time in Latvia too, I would classify them as mountains (the highest point in Denmark is 170 m above sea level)! The facilities were nice, without being fantastic, with 3 big advantages: A indoor swimming pool, a full size snooker table, and a 3 aside football pitch.

The retreat lasted 3 days and Lisbeth and I split it between us, as one of us needed to be home in the evenings with Lukas. I was there for the first day and half of the second, which meant I only was there for one of Linda Bond’s sessions, but there were other highlights, ex. 2-3 hours of Snooker in the evening (we were all quite bad, which made the games last very long.
After the retreat many commented on how good it had been, not just the teaching, but also the fellowship, which is quite significant. A lot of the time I was there was set aside for free time, but 3 things have stuck with me:

1) Linda Bond’s first Bible study was on the Christological passage in Colossians and during it Linda stressed that it was all about Jesus. “Don’t just talk about God in your meetings, it is about Jesus!” (said with her Canadian accent, that seemed to stress Jeesus even more). A loud Amen from me. For many people “God” has become acceptable and even fashionable, but “Jesus” as the full revelation of God is still a stumbling block, which should not be moved - it is the only name given for our Salvation!!!!

2) Somehow Linda moved onto speaking about leadership and shared how a a book had changed her view on leadership. It was Understanding Leadership by Tom Marshall, which was introduced as the best book on leadership she had ever read. Again I was nodding in agreement. It is also the best book on leadership I have read and I was a little bit proud that Linda Bond and I had found the same book and been influenced by it - until Lisbeth told me she had bought the book for me while she was at the International College for Officers, because Linda Bond had recommended it! The interesting story is that she recommended it, Lisbeth bought it for me and in Latvia we found it translated into Latvian and bought it for all our leaders (wonder if anyone ever read it?) and used it as the text book for the leadership teaching at the training centre. That is the power of testimony!

3) The pain in my legs after playing 1 hour of football together with 3 other leaders, all younger than me. It was fantastic to play and I found it satisfying I could keep up with them (or maybe they just let me keep up with them!), but my walk has been affected by it since. The good news is the pain almost has gone now - 4 days later!

I was only there half the retreat and yet brought home 3 lasting impressions, although I do hope the 3rd does not last too long. Today is another day of impressions. Maria is graduating and we are in Copenhagen to celebrate it - more about this later when we have photos to show, otherwise you will never understand how high school graduation is celebrated in Denmark.

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Celebration of Unity

Last weekend we had our Divisional Congress here in the Central North Division. Shortly after we arrived I found out I would be responsible for the Congress. We also found out not much had been prepared and that apparently no one really wanted a congress or was the slightest bit interested in it. To most people the Congress was a pain in the neck and they could not really care about it. You could get many reactions talking to people about the congress , but faith and expectation was not on the top of the list, actually they weren't on the list and enthusiasm might as well have been a town in Siberia!

I have to admit being very ambivalent about the congress. As Paul says bad company corrupts character, and it was difficult not getting dragged down in the spirit of no expectations and no faith. If it had been possible we probably would have canceled the congress, but that was not an option and I could not make my mind up whether to believe God could use the congress or just to plan it and get it over and done with. This battle continued right through to the congress started.

Usually Divisional Congresses here had been planned as “pick 'n choose” with the idea that you made a simple programme where some would like one event, others another, and then you would come to what you would like and stay away from the rest. It also had the “advantage” that people with different tastes, spirituality or whatever you will call it, did not have to meet. Don't know about you, but in our ears that sounded like a strange congress, actually not like a congress at all. We discussed it with our team and agreed that if we were going to have a congress, we should aim for a real one, where we all would get together, where we could celebrate our diversity and yet express and experience unity. We set the theme as “Celebration of Unity” and began planning and advertising (posters and folders were of course printed in Latvia!).

It all began Friday night with prayer meetings at 4 different locations round the division. In total between 100 – 110 people came together to pray – for unity among God's people and for the congress and to share a simple meal. The corps I went to managed a prayer meeting for almost 2 hours without mentioning or praying for the congress at all – apparently the congress even now did neither inspire nor challenge people.

Saturday afternoon we had planned an event called CommUNITY; 3 hours of fun, games, relaxing, picnic etc. - all of it happening outside. When you consider how much weather the UK has, especially Manchester, it was a bit risky and the weather forecast was not too promising either. As I walked out of the door in the morning I felt a few drops of rain and I kind of hoped it would start to pour down, so we could cancel. In the same moment I was challenged by this attitude and instead proclaimed “100%” and then prayed for sun and dry weather, setting off to help set everything up. It did not rain and we did have sun some of the time. Unfortunately not too many people came, but those who were there had a good time.

Saturday evening was a bit of an experiment. United in Worship was the title and Regent Hall Band and a worship group from the division was participating, together with Linda Bond, the main speaker for the congress. We had tried to communicate this was not a concert, but a worship evening and it was something of an experiment. We had told Linda Bond that this evening could either be fantastic or a disaster! Let me say it straight away – it was not a disaster (apart from the fact that I had forgot to bring black socks, so I had to sit one the front row in uniform and light gray socks. I told Linda Bond before the meeting that I would not mind coming forward when she gave the appeal, but I probably would not kneel!).

More than 200 people had paid the 5 pounds to get into the meeting and we had a great time. The worship group was a real worship group, not just a contemporary band. Regent Hall band is different – they use videos, movement and humor together with band music and managed to take the congregation from laughing (I will follow him with video from Sister Act and the trombones doing a dance routine in front of the hall) to deeply touched (Light of the world with video). Then it was Linda Bond's turn to take to the front of the platform and she also was amazing. I had never heard her before, but she is a fantastic preacher. What she said was really good, but simple (no doubt she has the capacity to make it complicated and “deep”, but she has the even greater capacity of sticking to the simple) and although what she said was right to the point and very challenging (inter sped with humor), it was more the spiritual authority behind it that really hit you. We had told Linda Bond we expected a response time, and so she challenged people to come forward – and they did! The mercy seat, the steps to the platform, the floor, it was all used as people came forward to recommit themselves to live the life of a worshipper. They were all there, the uniformed lifelong Salvationist, the leader of the worship group in jeans and T-shirt – all ages, all spiritual styles, traditional and contemporary, all were there together - United in Worship.

Sunday the congress was held in Bolton together with the Methodist Mission. They have a hall that seats more than 1000 (an old, historic hall. You can imagine William Booth preaching in such a hall when you walk into it). Originally it was intended the Sunday should be held in one of our corps that seats app. 270 people, but with more than 30 corps that certainly did not seem like a statement of faith, and so we moved it to Bolton and the Methodists.

The morning meeting was an all age worship service with the title United as Family. A small group had planned the meeting and we had 2 hours packed of worship, fun, Finding Nemo, interaction, flag waving, crazy brass band with hats and the bandmaster dancing with Linda Bond in the aisles, and a very challenging message from Linda Bond. We had not planned a response time, there was no time for it, but the Spirit was certainly working and you could sense people being touched.

The afternoon was used for seminars. Unfortunately we had to cancel one on prayer because of illness, but Spiritual Leadership with Linda Bond and Creative Brass with Steve Hanover (Bandmaster of Regent Hall Band) drew between 2-300 people together and in both people were challenged and had to revise their set opinions and ways.

The grand finale, United in Mission, began late afternoon. Between 5-600 people filled the main part of the hall with an overflow unto the balcony. A very simple programme with worship led first by a worship group, a united prayer for unity and power, powerful ministry from the band and then once again Linda Bond. I think she was a bit tired by now, but she powerfully reminded people of the mission of the Army and then challenged people to “sign up again” for the mission. The mercy seat was filled up several times as people responded to the moving of the Holy Spirit. Many more were visibly touched, but did not come forward – there is still work to be done!

For the end of the meeting we were joined by the Children, who had had their own programme and we finished with I dare to be different, sung with 50 flag waving kids in the front and led by a brilliant brass band. It seemed unbelievable it already was over, we had only just begun, but somehow there was a feeling that this was not the end, rather a beginning.

Many people have expressed how wonderful the congress was and just as many have asked me what I thought of it. I had to think about my reply. You see, it had been really good and blessed by God, but on the other hand there is so much more God can and want to do, and I did not want to give the impression that this congress was as good as it gets. I finally decided that within the limits of what is possible in our division just now, we had reached the optimal point. God really blessed us, we did experience a new sense of unity and people left inspired and optimistic.

Maybe we have crossed the Dead Sea, now we need to move forward and claim the promised land.

to be continued in the years to come.....

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Hat ceremony

Today Maria received the hat that symbolises graduation from high school in Denmark. Usually you receive this on the day you pass your last exam, but as Maria follows the International Baccalaureate program the, where you do not finish with oral exams, the school decided to have a hat ceremony day instead, where all the international graduates received their hats. Confused?



Don't worry, all this explanation was just an excuse for posting a couple of pictures of Maria with her well earned hat. It is probably difficult to understand for non-Scandinavians, but it is very special for parents to see their child with this hat, and everyone joins in the celebration. Today Maria was congratulated on the street by a total stranger, who saw the hat and knew what it meant. Next week is the actual graduation ceremony and we are all going over for that and then we will see her (and the hat) for real. Until then we will have to do with photos, which we will share with you (Maria will probably tell us off for that).

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Back to school

Lukas went with us back to Latvia and Friday we all went out to the International School of Latvia. There was no doubt about Lukas was looking forward to seeing all his friends again, probably also a little bit apprehensive as to how it would be. He had no reason to worry. His class mates were out on the playground when we came and as soon as they saw him you could it hear the shouts “It's Lukas!” and within seconds he was surrounded by them all.

When classes started he went with them to the class room before coming down for the award ceremony (it was the last day of school). He was told to come forward with his class and there was also a certificate for him, a very nice and considerate thought from the school. When the ceremony was over he again disappeared with his friends and we did not see him again before Sunday afternoon! We had agreed with the director, who also happens to be the father of Lukas's best friend in school, that Lukas would stay with them overnight, which later was extended to two nights. They had a great time: Barbecue at the US Marine Centre, visit to Aquapark, two visits to the beach and a lot of playing around.

When we finally saw him again he was very tired, although not willing to admit it! The Macks were on their way to a party, but we spend some time chatting. They are moving home to Seattle and so next year Lukas will have to go there to meet up with Jacob. Sounds good, we will have to wait and see if it will be possible.

For Lukas it was a really great time. Good to find out he was not forgotten, but probably also good to find out that he has moved on, not just geographically. We came home late Monday afternoon and Lukas literally walked into the our house, picked up his football and went straight out again – 5 days without football was more than enough for him!

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Back home

We have just been back “home” in Latvia for the commissioning weekend. If you read any other “Latvian” blogs you will already have read about the weekend, and since we know the majority of our readers are from Latvia, it seems a bit strange to report on events that most who will read this actually attended (if not, you can check out http://www.evielatvia.blogspot.com/ , http://www.pilgrimsoldier.net/ , http://www.pilgrimsoldier.net/zoe)

Instead let me share some thoughts and experiences from the weekend:

“Normāle” was the expression Lisbeth used when answering the question “How does it feel to be back?”. It was not extremely emotional, it certainly did not feel strange, it was just “Normāle”. It was of course a bit strange not be involved in the meetings or having any responsibilities, but not in any bad way. (At the end of Sunday morning Sarah reminded us we still were soldiers at Riga I and so we were told to help sort out the hall, which made us feel very much at home!). It just felt good. Riga I is probably the corps where I have felt most at home ever, and it was really good to be there Sunday morning. Great worship and preaching (Vic Poke, who certainly fitted right into the style and spirit of the corps) and then of course coffee afterwards (You can't build the Kingdom of God without Coffee).

It was great to meet friends from all over Latvia again and great to feel it did not really make any difference whether we were “The Regional Commanders” as we had been, or as now just “Lisbeth and Henrik”- the relationship was the same.

It was strange to sit round the table in Lido in Riga with Evie, Sarah, Aivis, Dace, Graeme and Zoe and realise that it probably was the last time we all would meet at the same time, at least in Latvia, but probably it will not happen before at the banquet table in the Kingdom of Heaven.

It was of course amazing to realise it actually was happening: 6 Latvian cadets commissioned.

Some saw this as the end of a 18 months training process, but many of us knew it was the result of a much longer process – probably at least 6 years. In the beginning it was a point under the heading “Leadership Development and Multiplication” in the simple 3 point strategy we (the leaders in Latvia) developed. The process intensified as we launched “Look to the fields”- a prayer venture focusing on the fields of unsaved people in Latvia. Part of this prayer venture was praying according to what Jesus had said “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for the harvest”

It became more realistic when an unknown officer (to us) from USA Central arrived to take up the appointment of Training and Education Officer in Latvia. Evie grasped the vision straight away and just went with it. She was an answer to prayer. The Personnel Secretary from US Central actually got hold of me on my mobile during a prayer meeting in Liepaja saying: “I have a great officer who is willing to come to Latvia. Do you want her?” (just for once I am glad I forgot to switch my mobile off). We had no idea what to expect – Evie probably felt the same way – but it is clear God knew exactly what He was doing.

Other milestones in the process was a prayer conference with the challenge of giving yourself “100%”. I don't think anyone who was present can forget the scene when more than 30 people took of their shoes and knelt on the flag covering the map of Latvia.

Design for Life was another very important milestone. Lisbeth got the vision for introducing this concept in Latvia and for many of the participants it became life changing – some of them were commissioned last weekend!

The Regional Congress with John Larsson was the pinnacle of the preparation process. We decided to go full out for it, without any safeguards and ended the congress with an appeal for people who would give themselves to full time service in The Salvation Army. More than 20 responded to the General's challenge, among them the 6 new Captains, 2 who will enter the next session in Latvia, 1 who is now a Lieutenant and in charge of a corps and who knows what the future will bring for the rest?

Then the hard work began. Follow up, application forms to be filled in, assessment conference, the pain of having to tell some applicants they had not been accepted, and then, finally, on a bitterly cold Saturday in January 2006 the welcome meeting for 6 cadets and commissioning of 4 Lieutenants.

Then the training process began and Saturday the end of that process came with the commissioning.

So how did it feel? First of all a deep feeling of gratitude to God. He is truly faithful and honours his word. No one, who trusts in him will ever be put to shame. Secondly amazement that it actually happened! It is amazing what God can do when we are willing to act in faith. And finally a feeling of “Now it all begins” The goal was never to have officers, but to see people won for the Kingdom. It will not be easy for the new Captains, but they know what it is about. They know where the power comes from and “The one who calls [them] is faithful and he will do it”

Several commented on the change and growth that had taken place in the cadets (Captains), but the truth is that we, who have been privileged to be part of this adventure, also have been changed. We understand better the greatness of God and the power of prayer, but we have not only grown in understanding, we have been changed – we can no longer be the same, no matter where we are or go. Many will stay in Latvia, others have already begun to spread round Europe and beyond but with more faith than before, a faith that “Laughs at impossibilities and cries: It shall be done!”

The final chapter has not been written yet – it continues in Latvia, in the UK, in USA, in Sweden, in Finland and who knows where else. If God can do it in Latvia, using some very ordinary people, he can do it everywhere and through anyone. Did I hear an Amen?

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Once again

Mr. Andersen? My mobile phone does not ring often, and even more seldom does anyone call me Mr. Andersen. I confirmed I was Mr. Andersen and were not surprised when the voice continued “It is from St. John's Primary School, Lukas has had a nasty fall on the playground, do you think you could come?” The secretary told me Lukas had fallen on the playground and hit his head and they did not want to move him, as he was complaining about pain in the neck and shoulders. I was in the office, but had no car, as Lisbeth was off to some corps, but fortunately someone else offered to drive me.

Walking down the little road to the school I had half expected to see Lukas still laying on the playground, but it was empty. Instead I found him in the reception area, sitting in a chair, but not moving and looking somewhat pale. He had, of course, been playing football when someone had tripped him, sending him flying through the air, banging his head into the ground. It was very painful and the teachers did not want to move him for quite a while, but finally they had helped him up and helped into the chair. What do you do in such a situation? I was pretty sure nothing serious had happened, but I did not want to risk anything, neither with a neck injury or with his shoulder, which Lukas had fractured just before we left Latvia. Since I had no car the school called for an ambulance and shortly after Lukas and I were on the way to the hospital. It was clear he was getting better all the time, but I did not feel I could ask the ambulance to turn around and drop us off at home, so we had to continue to the hospital. After waiting from about half an hour Lukas saw a doctor, who told us what we already knew, Lukas was fine and there did not seem to be any damage.

When we got home Lukas quickly got out of school uniform and off he went to play football in the park – later he persuaded Andreas (who was home for a day or two) and me to join him. Apart from being hit by a few shots from his brother or dad, he had no further injuries!

It was a beautiful day and we spend the evening in the garden, enjoying a barbecue and just sitting talking and having fun. We also took the chance to take a few photos, which you can see here (you probably can also see we had a fun time!)

Here is a photo of

Maria and Andreas

And here Lukas has joined them!

And finally one for Grandmother and others, who want a "proper" picture:

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Need hire an automobile?

I really wanted to write about a busy Sunday, where we were leading worship in the morning in on of the corps in the division and then later preaching in one of the other corps or the Monday, which had the potential for being an almost perfect day, but found Lukas and me in an ambulance after he, once again, had fallen and hurt himself. I also wanted to post some photos from Monday, one of those rare days when the whole Andersen family actually was together….but I have hardly been able to get to my computer, it has been more or less totally overtaken by my children, so you will have to wait a little for that.

Not wanting to let you all down, I will give you a chance for a good laugh, This morning I was checking out prices for hiring a car in Riga and found this text on the opening page of one of the companies:

Good afternoon, (this was of course in the morning!)

Wish to spend perfectly, but the automobile is necessary?

And from there it went from bad to worse! You can check it out at l-auto.lv (add the www.)

I know my English is not perfect, and if you look round this blog you can get a good laugh finding my mistakes, so I am not sharing this with a feeling of superiority, but it is fun.

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A Challenge!

Some months ago I found myself in the middle of nowhere. I was on my way to a seminar for DDEs (Divisional Directors for Evangelism), using public transport. My precious SatNav was not around to guide me, so I was kind of lost.

The journey had started well. The night before Lisbeth and I had flown into London from Copenhagen, where we had surprised Maria for a birthday. After having spent the night in the cellar of a small hotel, Lisbeth was now on her way back to Manchester for a meeting with some potential candidates (for officership) and I has set off for a conference centre somewhere in Essex. Making my way round London was not a problem, even when the tube station was closed by police, the buses overloaded (because the tube was closed), and the Central Line suddenly decided the train would not go to the final station, so I had to get out and wait for the next train. My trouble started when I arrived in Epping. According to the directions from the conference centre's website, I had to catch a bus from the station and then get of at a roundabout, identified by a name, which sounded like a pub.

I found the bus and then my trouble began! The bus driver had no idea of where this roundabout was, although he could confirm he was driving in the direction of the area where the conference centre was. I got on the bus and kept a look out for a big round about with a pub (not that difficult to find in England!). After driving for quite a while down small country roads I finally saw it and hurried to get of the bus. After walking 10 metres toward the pub, I realised it was the wrong name. Wrong name equaled wrong pub equaled wrong roundabout! I turned around, but the bus had already left.

Now you might think this was no big problem. I could just wait for the next bus. Principally that is correct, but there were actually 2 problems: 1. The next bus would be in an hour and I was already a little bit late; 2. I had used my last cash buying the bus ticket and it would be very unlikely the next bus driver would let me get on the bus with an old ticket. So there I were – in the middle of nowhere, with no money, and there certainly was not a cash machine anywhere in sight. The sun was shining and it was a very nice day, so I decided I just had to walk. Fortunately I had seen the direction the bus had taken, so I presumed if I started walking that way, I would sooner or later reach the right roundabout. Seemed like a good idea, but as mentioned in the beginning, I was in the middle of nowhere. There were no pavements to walk on, so it was either the road or the grass. Problem was that cars kept coming on the road, but in the grass I had to carry my suitcase, as well as trying not to step in anything unpleasant.

Generally having a positive attitude to life I set off, thinking I soon would be at the right roundabout. I walked....and walked....and walked – no roundabout, no life, no buildings, just fields and cars rushing past. The sun was very warm, there was no shadow and I found myself thinking less about the roundabout and more about the pub that would be there!

I finally made it – I reached the roundabout and from there it was a reasonably short walk to the conference centre. When I arrived I was hot, tired and somewhat annoyed with myself. I had walked somewhere between 6-8 km and I was of course hopelessly late for the seminar as well.

Some of you will now be thinking: Why is he telling us this? Well, you see, as I was walking along the road, apart from fantasising about a litre of cold Coke, I also started hoping that one of the cars would stop and offer me a lift. I could not get myself to try and hitchhike, never done it before and it was just beyond my comfort zone, but surely these drivers could see I needed a lift? Apparently not, because no one stopped. Maybe the drivers spotted me and thought “Looks like he needs a lift” but did not stop, expecting I would signal if I were looking for a lift. I am sure that if anyone had stopped, I would have jumped into the car, even if they were just going some of the way I was. It was at this time I asked myself, as I often do in these kind of situations, whether there was a sermon in all this?

As you would expect there was – but I am not going to share it with you, not just yet, anyway. Instead I will challenge you to see if you can come up with a sermon idea using the above experience as an illustration. You can either try and guess what I have come up with, or you can make you own. It can be a general idea, or it can be a theme and headings (3 of course!!), but please not a complete sermon, just the general idea or outline.

As in any competition there has to be a prize and so if at least 3 people take up this challenge and post their thoughts before 23.June there will be a book prize to the winner.

The gauntlet has been thrown – anyone who will pick it up?

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