Legs of Lamb

Reading a book at the moment about my mate Gary Lamb's adventure of prayer walking the whole way around the coast of Britain. How great does that sound?! It's called 'Legs of Lamb', and it's his story of his whole trek around Britain. I am blown away! It's such a good read, detailing his highs and lows, the amazing people who helped him along the way and the conversations and meetings that he had with the most surreal people. Yet out of this seemingly crazy idea came such goodness, and I'm at present reading of divine moments he had with complete strangers, who let him into their home, feed him, talked with him, listened to him and opened up to him.

I'm totally sure that many people do amazing things like this simply to say they've done it, and move on to the next adventure. Yet Gary's reasons are not what you'd expect. He sensed that it was God leading him to do this, and i love that even though there was great doubt (like anyone would...'come again, God!'), he got on and did it. And God, time and time again, revealed himself to people through this. Awesome!

Anglican Retreat

On Saturday i went to a retreat down by the South coast at a place called Es Cubells. It was held at a Nun's Convent, housing Carmelite Sisters, and it was such a beautiful setting - right by the sea.

It was hosted by The Anglican Church here on the Island, which is led by a man called Bob. I have met him (and his lovely wife) many times over the years during my summer visits to the Island, but now that i live here, i am looking forward to getting to know him, and indeed his church members, much better.

The day was run by one of Bob's friends, also a minister in a church in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the theme of the day was centered on 'Treasure in jars of clay', a sentence direct from the Bible. It was an excellent day reminding me that human beings, although weak and fickle can contain such treasure just by knowing God through Jesus.

For me, the best part of the day was gaining a stronger connection to the wider Church on the Island, and meeting the many amazing people that have been living here for decades, all doing or having done such different and interesting things here with there lives. It always fascinates me meeting people that have moved to Ibiza to set up home. I am looking forward to building relationships with alot of these people during my time here.

Shipwrecked Video

I thought i'd post a little video from my camera of myself, Helen, Michael and Kat all dancing on a boat at a party called Shipwrecked. It was very choppy that morning, so i'm not doing a good job at recording. I was also trying hard to stay standing on those plastic chairs that aren't very stable at all. But it was awesome fun, to be on the boat, dancing with loads of other workers. Here's a little snippet of what the party is like. Watching this again makes me think of the good times we had last summer. I'm also very much looking forward to the coming summer.

The Menu

For starters:
Antipasti, focaccia bread, feta cheese and marinated aubergine.

First Course:
Spaghetti with smoked salmon in a creamy, mustardy sauce.

Second Course:
Bed of spinach, followed by some steamed squash and topped with a piece of chicken. I accompanied that with some sauce, made with roasted squash and coconut milk.

Dessert:
Treacle Toffee pudding (which i bought) with some vanilla ice-cream (which i made - although it hadn't set properly so it was more a cold sauce).

Finished with Irish-style coffees, dessert wine and mints!

And the company couldn't have been better. Think i might have to do that again when next visiting! I also had a star helper in the kitchen...kind of like my sous-chef. Good work Ellis!

Ready...Steady...Cook

So Robb and Sally have put together a shopping list that will arrive today and i have to then cook for 10 people. I've been given the list of ingredients that they've bought to give me a little time to think. There is: chicken, spaghetti, smoked salmon, feta cheese, double cream, coconut milk, and squash to name the main ingredients. But there's also herbs, vegetables, citrus fruits and a few other bits and pieces. I'm glad they didn't just dump it on me 5 mins before like on the TV show. I'll let you know what i cook.

Adventures in UK...Part One

I've not blogged for a while, and these adventures will come in random order. (Oh, and I'm using my new laptop bought by 24-7 Ibiza. Thanks everyone!)

What an amazing day! I'm gonna say that again...in my head...

I've spent the day today with my family from 24-7 Ibiza and some very excellent (new) friends here in Essex! Think this might be up there as one of the most fun days of my life!

It began with Full English at Robb and Sally's house. Then onto 'Laser Mayhem' for 2 hours or so. We had several different courses to defend and attack, all outside and all with some very cool obstacles like tanks and cars and streams and the like. Our team got beaten overall, and I'm fearful that Helen my house mate will not let me live this down. She was actually really good! Could the day get any better? It did, as next up was James Bond 'Quantum of Solace'. There were at least 20 of us watching it and i really enjoyed the fast action. Think i need to see it again though to just keep up with the story.

And just when you think a day can't possibly get any better for someone, it did! We came home for beer and kebabs! That just capped off a most awesome day! I've made some really amazing, lovely, friendly, funny and generous new friends whilst being here too. I am so lucky and blessed to be doing what i do, knowing who i know and serving such a wonderful God!

I'm going to be praying later tonight at 1am for an hour; i have soo much to be thankful for and a few people to pray for too.

A little adventure...

All 6 of us who live and work for 24-7 Ibiza are going on a little adventure...

Tonight we fly to England and stay just one night in Essex with friends before heading to Belfast for a long weekend. We are running a 24-7 Ibiza day on the Saturday, hosting seminars and sharing stories of what we're doing and how we're doing it. Myself and Helen are running a 'Clubbing and Prayer' seminar, and i am well excited about that. I'll blog about how that goes.

I'm speaking at a youth event on Sunday night called 'Resonate'. I'm really looking forward to this, although slightly nervous as it's been a while since I've 'preached' to a large group. Gulp! I hope that what i have to say will really impact the young people that'll be attending. At least there'll be many familiar faces in the crowd. My friend Nick told me to use humour, and if that doesn't work i should whip out my extremely short shorts that i own. I'm seriously considering having them on underneath my trousers, like a back-up plan. Hopefully it won't come to that!

We'll then have time to check out a few sights before flying back to England and staying in the Thurrock region of Essex at a 24-7 Prayer Boiler Room community. Next Wednesday we have a fundraising meal where we'll be auctioning various items to help raise money for our work out here in Ibiza. It's all going to be loads of fun and I'm happy to be enjoying this adventure with Helen and The Heasleys. Dan, Ellis and I have already chosen our top trumps for the journey: Man Utd; Fast Cars and Lord of the Rings. The only one missing is Fighter Planes, but we'll have to make do without.