rogngayn

A WALK IN THE CLOUDS WITH ROGER

2012-02-01T03:08:00.000-08:00

KEVIN’S MEMORIES OF DEAR FRIEND ROGER RIDLEY

“G’day mate, beaut day for walking in the clouds isn’t it?”

Can’t remember when we met for our first walk down there in the Basel area yet you probably do – “another yappy bloke,” you probably said to yourself!!

What I do remember, having got to know you a little, was asking what the hell you were doing in the Schopfheim/Basel area. You very diplomatically referred to your mission of reaching out to those beyond the walls of the church. Reflecting on that response I now realise what a huge impact you and your wonderful wife Gaynor had on the greater community in which you lived. You proved a love of all people regardless of their religion, race or sexual orientation and we in turn loved you dearly for that.

“So how’s it going with the men’s modelling group that you instigated? Started one up here yet?” I recall a great deal of mirth, given an image of men strutting down a catwalk yet your modelling is real men’s stuff – boats, planes and trains – yeh!!!

Those Friday coffee mornings at Centrepoint in Basel were such fun, especially when you took charge of the “special” coffee making. There was always a big welcoming smile and hug and of course a very well made cappuccino. Those Anzac cookies of Gaynors were the icing on the cake. On the subject of food weren’t those walks in the Schopfheim area great, culminating in soup and crusty bread at your cosy welcoming home – oh, and those special cakes of Gaynors too. I trust the canteen up here is as good as the home cooks down there.

You did encourage us to attend movie nights at Centrepoint to view and discuss great Aussie TV series like Brides of Christ which really got us going – fun evenings indeed. Do you have digital TV up here? How many channels?

I know your involvement in the Basel Choir meant a chance for you to realise your passion for singing – we watched with pride as you sang your heart out one Christmas performance with “Sleigh Ride ”, my favourite, especially the crack of the whip being non other than your hand slapping your thigh – brilliant. They tell me there’s a pretty good choir up here too.

You know Roger, dinners at your home in Schopfheim were always a casual and welcoming experience with as many guests as possible huddled around the kitchen table devouring the famous Gaynor roast. I still laugh at the memory of the first time you asked us to hold hands in thanking the Lord for the meal and I made mention of the fact I had always wanted to hold your hand – we all cracked up and it took some time to restore the reverence your words required.

Remember that day when we were walking in Basel and you first complained of having no grip in your left hand – we now know it was God calling you on another mission for eternity.

Hey Roger, it’s getting pretty cloudy up here although there’s a gap in the cloud and a ray of sunshine beaming on a group down there in Perth – I reckon it’s your family and friends telling you they too want to come walk the clouds with you someday.

Hey, it’s been great walking and chatting with you mate - till next time. Tschuess. Kevin

(Kevin is our dear friend from Basel. He visited us for 2 nights back in October.
We treasure his friendship and care of us)

2012-01-25T18:50:00.000-08:00

Apologies to my faithful blogger friends who keep checking for updates from me. At last I feel I can update you on how things are going without my beautiful Roger, who I miss very much. But as I said to a dear friend only yesterday, I miss my Roger before Motor Neurone Disease took over his (and our) lives. To see him suffering as he was, was breaking my heart and I wasn't coping at all well with this.

How blessed I was to have Tim & Amy, Jocelyn, & Glenda, Tom and little Edward & Nathan with me for an extended time. Tim & Amy flew back to Melbourne on 2 January and the others left Tuesday 10 January. Life was busy whilst they were here and it was a good distraction for me. We did some lovely things together and made the most of the time. After Irene and I took them to the Airport I came home and booked my fare to Melbourne for 11 days, leaving 25 February. Tim turns 34 on 23 February and Glenda 30 on 7 March. So we will be doing some partying!!

I had no idea how much work is involved when someone close to you dies. It seems to be endless and sometimes I don't cope very well as I try to get my head around all that needs to be done. Many have given me good advice like "one day at a time", which I have listened to!

I had a wonderful 4 nights away with good friend Mary Snowball from Adelaide from 12 January. Mary drove my car to Mandurah, about 1 hour south of Perth and we were treated to a lovely place to stay partly by Bronni (Mary's sister) and partly by Mary. Mary spoilt me in every way and we swam, ate lots of seafood, drank, slept, watched a good Charles Dickens BBC series "Bleak House", prayed together, cried together and walked a little!! I didn't want it to end, which I thought was a good sign! It was difficult to spend the first night at home alone, but I am okay with that now.

I have received hundreds of emails, cards, letters and other messages. I am feeling overwhelmed by them all, but very, very touched. I hope eventually to answer each one in some way, but it will take me a few months I am sure.

Will try and post some photo's soon.

BLUE EYED SYMPHONIC SONG

2011-12-24T00:03:00.000-08:00

Blue eyes brighter than a brilliant summer sky
Dark brown hair abundant around your head
A face that's comely you cannot deny
A voice that would recall us to our 'Daily Bread'

Roger in name and Ridley in nature
You held steady to the faith you professed
You always walked towards the future
Ready to be faithful and fully blessed

You loved people, it was plain to see
Always ready with a welcome
Food, beer or a cup of coffee
No one was ever barred from your home

Your heart burned for the gospel
You could speak it plain
On Sundays we'd find you beside the well
Drawing water for the thirsty again and again

If travel involved a trip on a train
No one was happier or easy to please
A joy in the journey you didn't have to explain
But boy were you an easy target to tease!

You captured a story not only with words
But with your tone of voice and expression you gave
Breath and life to people, flight to birds
And a lost world invariably you'd save

We were looking so forward to seeing you as Gramps
But your light burned brightly and not overlong
Still you filled passports with numerous stamps
And leave us with a symphonic song

Jocelyn Ridley
17/12/2011
In Memory of my Dad 19/5/1953 - 15/12/2011

MY DARLING ROGER

2011-12-14T22:56:00.000-08:00

My darling husband and my very best friend and companion Roger passed into the presence of his Father in Heaven this morning 15 December 2011 at 8.30. He died peacefully at home, which was his wish. He was 58 years old and gave in to the ravages of the dreadful and debilitating Motor Neurone Disease after a very tough fight of just over 2 years. He was so brave and stoic and just didn't want to give in.

I haven't asked Stewart's permission, but I am sure he would not mind me sharing this very special poem he has written about his dear friend Rog. We met Stewart (from Cairns) in Basel, I think it was in 2007 and we became good friends with him and his gorgeous Swiss wife Katja.

My friend left this world today.
His name was Roger Ridley.
Although MND came on slowly.
It took him way too quickly.

"You must meet Rog and Gaynor".
I was told at Centrepoint morning.
Who'd have thought a short time later.
He'd officiate at my wedding.

He was my go-to guy.
For all things model and manly.
We spent hours on building, walking and talking.
And the beer went down very gladly.

He left a lasting impression.
On me and everywhere he went.
So long to my mate Rog.
Thank you for being my friend.

Stewart

2011-12-07T14:06:00.001-08:00

Roger continues in Bethesda. They are talking about letting him come home on Monday 12 December, but will make the decision on the day. We will be prepared for whatever happens.

Just when I think it can't get any worse, it does! I have had the most horrendous week and have leant very heavily on Irene. She has been thinking for me and doing a lot of running around. I am so thankful I have her close by and thinking more clearly than I am!

We had a meeting with the Dr's Monday morning trying to figure out a plan for Roger's care. Roger was booked to have a lung function test yesterday (Wed. 7 Dec) but we cancelled it as Roger didn't want to do it and also there is no point. It was going to be very difficult to get him to the other hospital anyway, as he hasn't been out in the wheelchair since his admission to Bethesda on 5 December. He is weak and very tired all the time. Roger and I wanted him to use a VPAP machine at night to help with his breathing, but it is too late for this now.

Roger had a chest xray last Thursday and his left lung has partially collapsed. His breathing is shallow and sometimes difficult, especially when he is coughing. I think this really frightens him.

One of the upsetting things for me is that Roger wanted to do a Medical Health Directive and when we went to see our lawyer back in August he said what we needed was an Enduring Power of Guardianship. Well, let me tell you this is not correct. Now it is too late for Roger to do a Medical Health Directive as he is not always thinking rationally. So now I have to do a Enduring Power of Medical Guardianship! Please, please my dear friends make sure you all do a Medical Health Directive stating exactly what medical help you want to happen at the end of our life, otherwise you are at the mercy of the medical profession to make those decisions for you. It can be so very complicated let me tell you!

So many things to think about and I am feeling drained, flat and exhausted. Fortunately Jocelyn arrived yesterday and I had my first good sleep in a long time. It is lovely to have her here with me at this difficult time.

On a lighter note. Irene and I were spending time with Roger after the Dr's had left on Monday morning and Roger seemed to perk up. He said "So, let's have a game of scrabble"!! We looked at each other in amazement and said "Why not"!! How precious is this! "Who won", you ask? "Roger of course"! He is the scrabble King! And we DIDN'T let him win either. He put the last word on the board PERSONAL to use all his letters and get a bonus 50 points!! Irene and I might have said a few little swear words!! I was left with a Z, Q and X ! ! Needless to say I lost. But is was so special to spend this precious time with our beloved Roger.

2011-12-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

Our beloved children Tim, Jocelyn and Glenda have been such a strength to me in these difficult days. They are so tuned in to how I am feeling and I just love them very much. I know it is so far away for them, being in Melbourne and also not being able to talk to their Dad. I've had lovely comforting phone calls from them and their wisdom and understanding is amazing. It just isn't easy at the moment for any of us.

Tom and Amy are amazing to. They are loving and supporting Glenda and Tim and, as much as they can, Roger and myself. Not easy when big decisions need to be made.

Thank you my very treasured family. I truly need you at this difficult time.

2011-11-30T05:50:00.000-08:00

Irene took Roger and I to Bethesda on Monday morning. We took the wheelchair, cough assist machine, Roger's new light writer (which speaks phrases for him), his tins of food (mains as we call them) and of course his suitcase.

Roger was very weak and not well when he woke up Monday morning. He did not get much sleep, coughing again being a problem for him. It was a huge effort for Michael to get him ready. The hospital wanted us there at 10am. All my poor darling wanted to do was sleep.

Admitting Roger (for just one week I think) was a long drawn out affair and I am relieved Irene was with us. We had to wait for the Dr for quite a while, but it was worth it as she was just so lovely. She mentioned about Roger staying in for 2 weeks, but I don't think I want him to stay that long. It is so hard and full on when he is at home and I don't always get a lot of sleep, but I miss him so much. If I can only get good sleep a few times a week I think I will be okay.

I have to tell you that I can't handle anything to do with the 'serious body piercing' as Roger calls it!! (The tube insertion in the stomach). It need to be cleaned and turned each day and I just can't do it! I have managed to do everything else, but this all turns my stomach green. The nurses have been cleaning it up and reducing the oozing. Sorry, but this is life. This is what we deal with each and every day!!

I've been feeling very sad this week. I have been enjoying being on my own without the home invasion of carers coming in, as lovely as they all are. I haven't been motivated to do too much when there is much to do. Our little home is looking quite nice as I have pushed all the 'hospital equipment' into the spare room out of sight (apart from the huge lift hoist).

I am having to make other hard decisions, which I don't feel right about doing. Darling Tim has been helping me and it's good just to talk things over with him.

2011-11-24T05:03:00.001-08:00

If you visit I might now greet you at the door with "You are now entering Princess Gaynor Hospital"!!

On Monday a hospital bed arrived for Roger. Dear Russell dismantled the bed in our spare room and I gave the room a thorough spring clean before the bed arrived. Roger is now settled in the room. So very sad that we can no longer sleep together. I hadn't given this a lot of thought up till now and it is just sinking in that we probably won't sleep together again. Just another little bit of grief for us both to try and bear.

With the bed came an electric hoist for moving Roger in the future. What a monster. Irene and I had training on how to use it Wednesday lunchtime. What an ordeal and how very scary. If I have to use it all the time I am going to be ABSOLUTELY EXHAUSTED and I thought I was that already. It is very involved as it has to be moved into place, etc, etc. It can't even be maneuvered into the bedroom because it is so big. Two people can lift it in!

Manny came on Tuesday 10am to talk about communication for Roger. He is such a darling and ever so gentle with Roger. It was such a pleasure to have him in our home. Roger now has a light writer which can speak phrases for Roger. He also has a microphone that he speaks into so that his voice volume can be improved. Manny also left a portable doorbell which I can carry with me when I am outside or in the other bedroom. Roger can touch a button to contact me. This is particularly helpful at night now that we are in separate rooms.

I have been sleeping much better, which helps me to get through each day just a little better. Roger has had 2 good nights sleep in the bed but last night his coughing started again and he didn't get much sleep at all. It is Thursday night and he has started coughing again and is most miserable. There is nothing I can do to ease his distress and it breaks my heart to see him so upset. I think the coughing is to do with the Motor Neurone Disease and not hayfever. His breathing is much more shallow and he just can't get a good cough. We will be seeing a breathing specialist again in a couple of weeks.

Roger is going into Bethesda for a week this coming Monday 28 November. He is going in for 'symptom management'. Hopefully whilst he is there they will be able to get to the bottom of his coughing and relieve it in some way. I think he might have to go on a breathing machine at night. I would prefer they do it in hospital and he brings it home from there.

We are both struggling to manage our own grief and other people's as well. It is so hard to be on this journey and neither of us have the energy to give anything to anyone else. We both find this hard as we have always freely given of our time to others in the past. Our energy levels are very low and we don't cope with too much social activity these days. I find it difficult to speak on the phone, answer emails and have people in our home. How very different are our lives now than even 6 months ago.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Please bear with us during this very difficult time.

2011-11-20T04:27:00.000-08:00

Life continues to be a struggle for us both. Roger's cough is persistent and worrying and has made him very weak and set him back quite a bit. How it breaks my heart to see him so weak and unable to do anything at all for himself really. I am living each day by a thin edge and it is so easy to push me over the edge. Inside I cry most of the time. I am sleep deprived and exhausted.

Our beautiful son Tim visited us for 6 days recently and it was so good to spend time with him and to have his help with Roger. The time went ever so quickly but we felt very blessed to have him visit us.

We have tried to do some nice things with friends. Our friend Boyd Owen from The Ten Tenors was in Perth for a couple of nights and we went with him, Tim and Russell and Rene to The Naked Fig for brunch. We love this place!

Lovely friends Ruth and Andreas are visiting from Germany at the moment and we are enjoying spending time with them, even though we are very tired and can't cope with too much happening in one day. They are very understanding. We took them to Fremantle for fish and chips and then coffee afterwards, but I don't think the fresh air was good for Rog. We didn't have a good night's sleep.

We were so desperate on Thursday I requested emergency overnight respite and our dear carer Michael came and stayed overnight and looked after Roger. I went to bed at 9.30pm and woke up at 10.08am Friday. But I can tell you I wasn't bouncing with energy when I awoke.

I have officially left work as I just can't cope with all that needs to be done. Bit sad as I loved my job but my darling Roger is my top priority and I need all the energy I can get to look after him.

Roger is no longer walking and his speech is very hard to understand. He still loves to talk, but he is very quiet and you need to really concentrate when talking with him. There can be no background noise. Now he basically sits in his electric chair and reads or does his crossword. On Tuesday we are having a visit from Manny to talk to us about aids to help Rog communicate.

Motor Neurone Disease is unrelenting.

OUR FRIEND KEVIN

2011-10-25T05:17:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Kevin visited us for 2 nights on his way home to Basel. What an absolute treat it was for us both, and though Roger was quite unwell with hayfever, we were able to have good chats and we did manage to get down to one of our favourite restaurants "The Naked Fig" for Tapas late Saturday afternoon.

Thank you Kevin for being so loving and understanding of our situation and fitting in so beautifully as we struggle with all the grief that Motor Neurone Disease brings to our lives each day. You truly are a very special friend and we are so glad you were able to visit us and bring joy into our lives at this difficult time.

Kevin and Roger outside The Naked Fig looking out over the Indian Ocean and the
beautiful sunset after a very ordinary day weather wise!

HAYFEVER

2011-10-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

My poor darling has totally been inflicted by hayfever and it is making his, and our, lives a misery. I must say it has given a whole new meaning to hayfever as Roger struggles with Motor Neurone Disease. He coughed uncontrollably for 3 days and I just didn't know who to turn to. No-one seemed to understand our situation and we were both so tired and beside ourselves with lack of sleep.

In Perth we have had such good rain that there is so much pollen around at the moment and many people are suffering as never before.

We are enjoying our new bathroom and have now got everything back in order. The house is looking good actually, especially as we have now completed the front small garden as well. We even have a picket fence that needs to be painted!

BETHESDA ROCKS ! !

2011-10-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Roger spent 17 days in Bethesda and he was treated with much care and dignity each day. The care and nursing was exemplary and this made Roger's stay enjoyable and gave him a feeling of being safe.

For me it meant I could get things done, that are otherwise difficult as I care for Roger, and I felt I didn't have to visit him everyday as he was being taken care of in a wonderful way.

We just want to say a big thank you to the nursing staff at Bethesda who are very special people caring for people experiencing deep sadness in their lives.

THANK YOU FROM ROGER AND GAYNOR

GO CATS

2011-10-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

Our beloved GEELONG CATS were in the AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final last Saturday afternoon. Paul picked Roger up from Bethesda and brought him home to watch the game - just the 3 of us (but we made enough noise for a crowd!!). We enjoyed watching a great game of footy, great food and each other's company. We all wore our Geelong tops to Church the next day! What a hoot!!

OH - I ALMOST FORGOT WE WON OF COURSE ! ! ! !

2011-09-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Roger sitting at his room window at Bethesda (taken by Joel on his I-phone)

Roger was taken to the Pata Negra for Tapas with Paul and Joel. As you can see, he really enjoyed himself!!

I went to visit Roger yesterday afternoon and he was looking so much better than previous weeks. He has regained strength, is walking much more confidently and is much happier in himself.

When Paul and Joel arrived around 6pm they asked why I was visiting when I should be resting!! How cute! Anyway, I left and let the boys perform their magic on my darling! I am so touched by their love and compassion towards Roger. Paul is married to lovely Colette and Joel to gorgeous Louise. They are young marrieds who go to our Church.

Bethesda

2011-09-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Roger went into Bethesda Palliative Care yesterday for a week. I received a phone call from them as I was in the hospital foyer asking if we were coming! Obviously they have no idea what it takes to get my beloved ready each morning. He was looking his best, I felt very tired and exhausted and I wish I could have the bed and view he has for a week! But his circumstances are just horrible, so any pleasure he can get, I don't want to deny him (coffee and chocolate mint slice for breakfast!!!).

Roger is all settled into Room 5 in a 'Room with a View" (just for Jocelyn and Glenda's benefit). He has ladies fussing all over him and I think he is going to be very happy there and maybe won't want to come home!! I will take a few photo's when next I visit Roger and post them for you to see how happy he is. He has asked me to bring the binoculars for him to use.

I did not realize the tube feeding routine would be so rigorous with feeds occurring at 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22 throughout the day. But I have been told that this will settle down. It's like feeding a baby all over again. Cherylyn our Care Adviser from MND Society has reassured me the feeding will not be as regular and I will be able to feed through a syringe eventually.

I had a good nights sleep last night. It is good to have some time for myself and I'm not doing too much at all.

I continue to work at Star Settlements / ijrproperty just down the road and I am really enjoying the work and the lovely environment. I work 24 hours/week and hope to continue for as long as possible.

2011-09-24T06:13:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the most awful and traumatic day for us both. We had to be at the Royal Perth Hospital by 7.30am. Our darlings Irene and George were kind enough to drive us in. I couldn't believe that once in the prep room I had to undress Roger myself and put him in a hospital robe. I then had to get him on to the bed and put the sides up. Never in all my life have I wanted to be a nurse!! What on earth am I doing.

Lots of tears for us both yesterday. I felt awful leaving Roger in the hospital but knew there was no point in me sitting around. It's such a depressing place to be, with all sorts of weird and wonderful people (including us!!).

I was surprised to get Roger's sms at 10am to say he was back in the prep room and the PEG was in! As I had a long list of things I wanted to get done whilst Roger was being looked after, I didn't get back to the hospital until around...... actually, I have no idea, but I think it was around 4.45pm!! He had not been fed, he was very hungry and extremely thirsty. I was a bit cross about the lack of nursing, but of course, hospitals are always understaffed.

I'd been told by the Dietitian that Roger would need to stay in 2 nights so that he could recover and I could learn to feed him via the tube. I didn't dare tell Rog as I knew he would be more upset. I thought I would just wait to see what today would bring.

Anyway, the long and the short of it is that we are now home (thank goodness), but we are both very, very tired and a bit sad. It has been a difficult few days. Roger is in pain from the PEG insertion (directly into his stomach) and he is quite emotional, which is understandable.

There is a highlight. Our Football Team - The Geelong Cats, won against the Perth West Coast Eagles to go into the Grand Final next Saturday. Our dear, dear friend Paul - a Geelong fan - came into the hospital to watch the game with us, and brought lots of party food and drink. It was so lovely of him. His wife Colette bought Roger a giant chocolate football (yum, yum!!).

Roger goes into Respite at Bethesda on Monday 26 September for a week. I think this is good, especially as he gets used to the PEG. It also gives me some much needed rest to cope with the coming weeks and months. Here is the link if you want to find out more about the hospital. It is in the most beautiful location and I can't wait to see it.

Bethesda Hospital www.bethesda.asn.au/

Our bathroom renovations start on Monday 3 October, so it is all systems go here in the Ridley household!!

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. WE CAN FEEL THEM.

2011-09-18T03:48:00.000-07:00

I want to share some funny ditties with you just so you know it's not all doom and gloom around our place!!

I was helping Roger in the shower the other week (whilst in Melbourne) and I said to him, "Just hope out the shower darling"! His reply "Yeh sure, I'd like to do that, but that's a bit impossible at this stage"!!

Last night as Roger shaved around his beard (yes, he has a beard and looks gorgeous - and I'm not biased) he was trying to put his shave cream on top of the cupboard. He can no longer reach up with his right hand and there he was creeping it up alongside the cupboard to the top. I couldn't help it, I just roared with laughter and started singing the old Play School song "Open shut them". One of the lines is "creep them (your hands), creep them....." Oh well, maybe I'm the only one that will get pleasure out of this!!

We have settled into our routine again and this past week has been good for us both. We've had a quiet weekend and are trying to gain strength for the week ahead. We've had lots of laughs, some good chats together and just basked in each others company. It's been great.

We are enjoying listened to our old vinyl records which bring back lots of happy memories for us both. I'm so glad we didn't throw them all out, but kept about 40 of them.

Thanks to those who leave comments - I love them!!

2011-09-15T06:29:00.001-07:00

It's Thursday night. We are both feeling much better and are settling back into life in Perth and our routine. There have been a few changes. Rog now has help each weekday morning to shower, dress and have breakfast - 2 hours each morning. I don't think he's very impressed by this really, but it is a huge help for me and I am feeling better for it.

We have both been getting some good nights sleep. Rog has been coming to bed earlier and this is helpful for me.

Another machine has entered the house, this time a 'cough assist' machine. Roger, with my help, goes on this machine morning and night. I think they are worried about what might still be on his lungs after his sickness in Melbourne.

I am now looking a tiles for the bathroom. I went to 5 places today!! Very tiring. Also looked at bathroom cabinets. In my spare time I had my hair cut!

I received a phone call from Bethesda Hospital today about respite for Roger. There isn't a bed available at the moment. I am sure it will work out just at the right time. More paperwork to do.

Roger is applying to get a Taxi subsidy, but this will mean another trip to the Doctor for more paperwork to be filled out.

Roger continues to work on his Dignity Therapy and the story of his life. I haven't got too involved in this but look forward to reading the finished manuscript which will be ready soon.

2011-09-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

It's Monday night and we've just come home from the finals soccer game played by our Barnies Church team. They did a great job but did not win. It was fun cheering them on.

I had put together some red salmon patties before we left and have just cooked them and I can't believe Roger is on his third one! Needless to say they are a great hit and easy for him to eat! They certainly are pretty yummy.

We both continue to struggle along. Saturday night was the first night in several months that I have had an undisturbed nights sleep and it has helped a little. I would just like a few more like this to get some of my strength back.

Today we both went into work. Roger did extremely well with his scanning and I must say it does take his mind off himself and the office atmosphere is so lovely and very supportive. I enjoyed being back and everyone just let me settle back in without demanding too much of me!

It was difficult this morning as the phone started ringing around 8.45 and I was trying to get myself and Roger ready to face the day. Three phone calls in 1/2 hour is too much for me to cope with. We were expecting help for Roger, but they didn't arrive. Not sure what went wrong.

Tomorrow morning Trevor is coming to look at the bathroom again. It looks like the renovation will take place SOON. But I won't hold my breath. And goodness knows how we are going to cope without a bathroom for a week or two! I am so tired I don't know how I am going to cope with all that is going on.

I did get to the beach yesterday with Irene. We weren't very impressed with the rough seas, so decided to walk along the beach instead then sit on our towels and chat. The waves calmed down and we looked at each other and said "why not!!". So, I had my first swim after winter on 11 September. Not bad eh?

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of our arrival in Perth. So much has happened in 12 months and our lives have changed drastically.

Back in Perth

2011-09-08T17:25:00.001-07:00

We arrived safely back in Perth Tuesday afternoon 6 September. We had a good flight home with Qantas and the staff went out of their way to help us. This really helped us both with the stress of flying back to Perth. As you can imagine, our emotions were rather high having to say goodbye to our beloved family and our beautiful little grandsons Nathan and Edward. Too much for us to bear really, but somehow we managed.

I was feeling most unwell and have now come down with a cold. I feel tired and cast down and I know I need some time on my own to recover my strength for the next part of this difficult Motor Neurone Disease journey that my beloved Roger is on.

Roger has lost 4 kg's in the past 3 weeks, is not eating nearly enough and I am beside myself to know how to handle the coming weeks.

Roger now needs help in getting into bed, he finds it difficult to turn in bed, he is struggling with reflux due to weak muscles and walking is now a big problem.

Our darling 'angels' Cherylyn and Karlene have helped to put in place some help for me. Someone will come each day next week to shower Roger and help with breakfast. This will give me some time for myself. Also they are going to try and get him into Respite for a few days or a week. As much as we both don't want this, if I am to be of any use in the coming hard weeks, I need this time to be able to regroup and to feel as normal as possible (a bit of an understatement with what we are going through).

I need to try and put into place help from friends that would be willing to take Roger out in the wheelchair for a couple of hours just to get him out in the fresh air and enjoying the beautiful sunshine we are having in Perth at the moment (temps between 20 and 25C during the day at the moment). Roger is quiet, so he doesn't need the constant chatting of people, but just the companionship.

We're doing it tough and I can't even bear to think about what is around the corner for us.

Again, I do have to thank you for your love and prayers for us both. We really are blessed to have an amazing family and so many wonderful, wonderful friends who love and care for us.

In Melbourne

2011-09-03T03:12:00.000-07:00

Roger with Glenda, Nathan and Edward

We arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday night 16 August and our dear son Tim picked us up from the Airport and drove us to Glenda and Tom's to pick up the key to where we were staying. This gave us a chance to have a 'peek' at our precious little Edward and Nathan before we headed to our accommodation just down the road.

Roger was at the beginning of a cold when we left Melbourne and it progressively got worse. Eventually we went to the Dr and he put him on a huge dose of antibiotics to knock the cold on the head. We had many sleepless nights as once he hit the pillow he would begin to cough. Jocelyn, Irene and I gave him chest therapy (lying on his tummy and patting all over the back). Back to the Dr on Thursday to make sure Roger's chest had cleared. Then a reaction to one of the tablets he was taking and he woke up last Monday morning with the most angry rash all over his body so back to the Dr and more medication.

After all these tablets his bowels decided they wanted no more of it!! His last bowel movement was last Saturday. After phone calls back and forth to our Care Advisers in Perth I purchased some medication to help him along, but whatever we used still wouldn't move anything. He stopped eating because he couldn't use his bowels and felt so uncomfortable.

On Friday night 2 September Tom, Mariska and Andrew took him to Aussie Rules Football to see his beloved Cats (Geelong) play against the team on top of the ladder (not worth mentioning their name!!!). Geelong won by 96 points and Roger came home over the moon but very uncomfortable. I gave him some medication to drink but after 2 hours he still had not used his bowels and could not pass urine and he was in such a state, as was I. I felt very unwell and just beside myself and knew I couldn't drive him to the Emergency outpatients hospital. I rang for an Ambulance, which came about 3/4 hr later and they took him off to hospital. I cried myself to sleep, feeling so alone and lonely.

My mobile woke me up at 9.45am when Roger rang to say he was feeling a little more comfortable and that a Dr would visit again in about 1 hour. I picked him up around 12.30pm and brought him home, but not confident I should have been doing this as he had not eaten for 24 hours and was weak and still in pain. He had an explosion soon after arriving home and I just lost the plot.

Jocelyn came over and Cheryl to help out. Cheryl took me over to Glenda and Tom's so that I could get some rest (which I have done) and Cheryl is staying with Roger until I get back. It is now 8.40pm and I am hoping Roger and I will be able to get a good night's uneventful sleep.

Nathan and Edward are being Dedicated at Church tomorrow and we would both like to be there for this happy event. It is also Father's Day and the kids want to spend time with Roger.

Thanks everyone for your lovely messages, love and prayers for us both. All that has happened will really set Roger back. I will try and keep you up to date. We fly back to Perth on Tuesday 6 September.

Roger and Pepper

2011-08-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday 7 August 2011

2011-08-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

It was a very early start for Roger this morning. I made sure I was organized so that things ran smoothly e.g clothes to wear, what to eat for breakfast, message, etc. Didn't get a chance to walk Pepper, but he will survive for one day!

We left home at 8.10am. Just as well it is only a 5 minute drive to the Church. Bit nippy this morning as well!!! (my lovely coat bought on a trip to Toronto, Canada comes in handy for Church). Roger spoke very well at both services - 8.30 and 10.15am. It was lovely to see Roger's sense of humour coming out. He was very tired afterwards as you can imagine. He received lots of encouraging comments.

I am so pleased he has had this opportunity to speak in Church again. I don't think he will be able to do it again, with his speech becoming less and less clear.

Unrelenting MND

Pressing On !

2011-08-04T05:09:00.000-07:00

Roger has had 3 sessions with Brenda to tell his story and it has all gone very well. I am feeling very excited thinking about how Brenda is going to present this to us. Roger said there are a few surprises to look forward to. I am a little disappointed that his voice has been taped and his speech is not lovely and clear like it used to be. Roger will have another session next week. It is all very thorough.

I've had a terrible week and a half. I haven't felt really well, I seem to be forever crying, I am stressed, sometimes I feel very alone and trying to cope is way out of control. This is just not like me at all and I know I am probably going to get worse.

I visited a Naturopath on Tuesday and he was very helpful. He has given me some cacky herbs to take and he told me to buy some liquid fish oil to take. He has given me some very good advice and I just have to try and put it into practise.

I hate what is happening to us as a couple. It is even hard for us to have a nice conversation because Roger is so unclear when he talks. But I know I must be thankful for such a happy 35 years of marriage to a darling, darling man.

Roger is currently preparing his message to speak at our Church this coming Sunday 7 August. He will speak from Genesis 11 on 'The Tower of Babel'. I can't say I am too happy about this as I think it is too much for him, but try and tell Roger that!! Also he has been asked to speak at both services - 8.30 and 10.15am!! So, get praying for Roger please everyone!!

DIGNITY THERAPY / MND STUDY

2011-07-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

Today we had a visit from Brenda who is a PhD Research Student. Dignity Therapy has been used with Cancer patients and now they are trialing it on MND patients. Roger was asked to participate in the study and agreed. He will be answering lots of questions and putting together some of his life story. Our children have encouraged Rog to write down some of his story, but he hasn't, so this is a wonderful opportunity to get something down in writing. It promises to be a very interesting time, but also a painful time as questions are asked and answered and memories recalled.

The next visit from Brenda will be on Friday. I don't have to be here with Roger. I think it will be good for him to be on his own with Brenda. She is a lovely lady and very gentle. Just the person to be doing this sort of things.

Some of the questions asked:

Tell me a little about your life history; particularly the parts that you either remember most or think are the most important? When did you feel most alive?

Are there specific things that you would want your family to know about you, and are there particular things you would want them to remember?

I'll keep you posted on how it all goes.

MND PAMPER DAY

2011-07-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

Today Roger and I went to the MND Conference Centre to have some pampering. This is a special day that MND holds a few times a year to treat people with MND and their carers to some TLC. We had a great time and it was good to meet other people in our situation.

We are very thankful for the wonderful volunteers and MND Care Advisers who give of their time to put on this special day. They do an amazing job and keep on eye on everyone. WELL DONE we both say.

Yesterday Roger came into work and did his usual few hours of scanning and then entertained 3 lovely children - Thomas, Lydia and Daniel - to a game of Zug um Zug in the afternoon. Roger thoroughly enjoyed their company and so did Pepper!! I even managed to make some 'Honey Joys' for them to eat before I went to work.

ONE DAY AT A TIME

2011-07-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been many months since I have last blogged and I am hoping to change this in the coming days.

Roger and I are on a very difficult journey. Sometimes we feel life really sucks and has dealt us a very tough blow! Why? We can't help asking ourselves this question. But life goes on and we must live it as best we can, making the most of our situation and loving each other and caring for each other 'till death do us part'.

When I think of how Roger was in January (my last post) and how he is now, it just breaks my heart. He can no longer walk with ease and each time he does walk (with his dictus splint on his left leg to help with foot drop) I just about freak out that he will stumble and fall. If he does, it will be very hard for me to pick him up from the floor. He now weights 69kg (he was 80kg before he was struck down with MND).

His speech is not clear. Sometimes it is better than at other times. Most people finding it difficult to understand what he is saying. He has always had a lovely speaking voice and a beautiful singing voice. Singing makes him cry these days (as he sings in Church). What must be going around in his head. I don't even want to go there.

Each morning I help him to get dressed. We have a shower stool waiting to be used, but he's not quite ready for it yet. But it is here when the time comes.

He is getting used to using a VPAP machine to help with his breathing at night. He doesn't need it really at the moment, but the Specialist wanted him to get used to it while he is not too stressed about his breathing. He has a regular respiratory test and he is about 50%. The next test is on my Birthday 10 August! Won't be fun to have to go to the hospital on my Birthday, but it couldn't be arranged at another time and it needs to be before we fly to Melbourne on 16 August. Flying could be a problem for Roger.

On Tuesday Roger became quite upset when he was shaving. He couldn't finish and it really upset him. He has been growing a nice beard this past month and it looks very smart. But he still likes to keep it trimmed under his neck and on his cheeks. Today he managed to do it okay himself but I put on the cream he likes.

So, how is his body coping. He has lost complete use of his left arm/hand. It just hangs at his side. He has a sling, but it is not comfortable around his neck. His left leg has almost wasted away and I am amazed he is still able to walk. He right arm is weakening but his hand is okay. this is the opposite to what happened with his left arm. It was his fingers that really went first and then his arm. What a sinister disease this is. His tongue has become very thick and the muscles in his lips have quite gone. This means he often dribbles and eating food is slow and difficult and can often lead to tears.

At last he has agreed to have a feeding tube inserted. We are waiting to hear from our Neurologist when this will happen. Hopefully before we go to Melbourne on 16 August.

We try and make the most of each day, be kind to each other, hug each other each day and most of all we try and laugh as much as possible (to balance out the crying!!). We know we have much to be thankful for, with a wonderful marriage of 35 years and many, many happy times together and wonderful places visited. Lots of lovely friends who love us, all over the world and a beautiful family.

Yes, we do count our blessings and thank our Heavenly Father for each other and all he has given us.

Tomorrow is another new day..........

Reflections

2011-01-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Roger and I arrived back to our little home on Tuesday 11 January after visiting with our family and a few friends in Melbourne. We had a wonderful time but were both quite tired for a few days after arriving home.

This morning we went to our Church where our new minister was speaking. He spoke on the temptation of Jesus and summed up in this way:

1. Temptation is not sin
2. Beginnings are often testing
3. God reserves the right to narrow our options
4. When tempted, ask Jesus for help

One of the last thoughts really reached into my heart and I claim this for myself:

If God takes me (you) to a difficult place, TRUST HIM

How blessed we are to have a loving Heavenly Father who knows all about us and is here each day to guide, help and strengthen us. Wow!

Here is Roger in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens with
sister Elizabeth and brother David

Roger and I enjoying a sit down in the Cloudhill Gardens in Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges

My darling is doing amazingly well. In fact, from the outside HE LOOKS GREAT. We are taking one day at a time and trying to do positive and happy things to fill our days.

We were sent the book The Bells by Richard Marvel (from a friend in Basel) and Roger has begun reading it to me. We lie on the bed for about 1 hour a day and I am truly treasuring this time, and especially being read to as Roger's speech deteriorates. We are thankful to have this time together now, knowing what is going to happen to Roger's body in the near future.

Yes, we are both very happy.

Roger's electric lift chair

2010-12-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

Archie enjoying Roger's chair (caught out) and we couldn't
resist taking photo's!! (at Brenda's place)

Going up, up but not out!!

Before all the activity. I do miss not taking Archie for walks down the river.

An update on Roger

2010-11-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday night 28 November and the days are certainly racing by. We have just said goodbye to dear friends after a lovely meal together. We met David and Sue a few months after we married in 1976 and they have been good friends ever since. Sue has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and we are truly feeling for her at this uncertain time. It puts things into perspective for us and makes us realize we are not the only ones going through difficult days.

Roger is doing quite well, though he is getting slower and doesn't have as much energy and takes a long time to eat his meals. He needs to have smaller meals 6 times a day, but I am finding it hard to adjust to this routine. I had a good chat with a friend in Adelaide last night and she is going to help me find some good recipes to make adjustments for Roger. I am so blessed to have such good friends to call out for help, and also friends who respond to a cry for help as well.

Roger has been driving and enjoying the freedom this brings. I do not feel confident driving with him (except when we go on a long straight drive - like to my sister's farm in Hyden). He now needs to surrender his license and have driving lessons (ridiculous) and will be given a driving knob to help him to be able to drive. But until he surrenders his license he can still drive around. Oh my goodness!!

Roger has seen a Speech Therapist and had a good chat about what is going on in his mouth. His tongue is losing muscle, but the rest of the muscles in his mouth are good. His speech is not as clear as it used to be and sometimes I find it hard to understand him. He definitely can't talk and eat at the same time these days.

I need great patience with all that is going on, and I am not always the most patient person. I seem to be on a steep learning curve in every way and sometimes it is all too much. But I do know I am a strong person and I also know that my loving Heavenly Father is walking right beside me each moment of every day. I would not cope if I didn’t have my faith in God.

We have found a lovely Christian Community about 6 minutes from where we live and we have been there twice so far. Everyone is warm and friendly and we feel very much at home already. It is a shame we will be going over East for a month and will lose this connection for a month. But at least we know we have these lovely people to come home to. We know we will be very much supported here in the months to come.

Well, we have just lost power again. It seems to be a regular occurrence here, probably because people are using their air conditioners!! (It has been 34C the last couple of days and more to come). I will copy and past into a Word document and post this tomorrow.

.......so, after a rather good nights sleep, though hot, here is the post for you to read!

Our arrival in Perth

2010-10-17T06:57:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Perth on Tuesday 14 September. We had a really good flight from Frankfurt via Kuala Lumpur (spent 3 hrs there) with everything going smoothly. We didn't really sleep on the flight but were no worse for wear on our arrival. We didn't have jetlag, which was good.

On Wed. 15 Sept we visited a Dr so that we could get a referral for Roger to see a Neurologist. The Dr was very lovely and understanding of our situation. We have chosen well.

On Thurs 16 Sept we visited the Neurologist. My sister Irene came with us. The Neuro started the process of Roger getting therapy help at Shenton Park Rehab.

The following week we had a visit from a nurse care advisor from the Motor Neurone Society. This was a most helpful visit for us. We will be attending an information afternoon on Thursday 28 October. Roger will also give a blood sample for research.

We have been in Perth nearly 5 weeks now and each week we have had either Dr's visits or some other paper work to undertake. But things are coming together for us here and we are beginning to feel a little better about the upheaval of moving here.

We are looking at a little unit to buy. Trying to sort out whether we can afford this or not is taking up a bit of our time. Hopefully it will be worth it.

As you know, Roger is getting worse not better. The sad part about Motor Neurone Disease, particularly at the beginning, is that the person does look so well. Roger is really well, but he is losing weight (now 74kgs) and his left arm is almost useless. His left leg is growing weaker and weaker. He is amazingly positive and determined and I admire him for that.

I will try and keep you posted here on how things are going for us.

OUR SUNDAY

2010-06-28T03:57:00.000-07:00

I think many of you would know that Roger has been doing a series this past 3 Sunday's at Crossroads International Church of Basel http://www.crossroadsbasel.ch/.

Here are the topics he has touched on:

The topic for 13 June message is Jesus' heart for people on the margins
Luke 7.36 - 8.3
The topic for 20 June message is God's heart for those who have lost their way
Luke 15. 11- 32
The topic for 27 June message is How Jesus helped out at a family Celebration
John 2.1- 12

Roger left us with 3 questions to ponder after his message on Sunday:

Are we a community of people who are compassionate to the forgotten people of our society?

Are we a community of people known for forgiveness and grace?

Are we a people who will throw a party to show that we are generous to those who cannot possibly afford the cost?

You can download and hear his messages. It will be well worth your while taking the time to do this. Last Sunday 20 June a friend made a video of Roger preaching and it has turned out well. But of course we haven't a clue how to put it on youtube!! It would be good to do it though. After the service yesterday Roger had some good conversations with people. We had some friends visiting who normally do not go to Church. A lovely lady asked to pray for us both and this was very special to us. Yes, we know ALS is taking over Roger's body, but slowly at this stage, but still God is working very powerfully in both our lives to bring glory to his name. We can but leave the future in his hands and know he has the very best in store for us, whatever this might be.

Roger, Joshua (nephew) and Gaynor in Tours, France before our mammoth bike ride together

UNEXPECTED PLEASURES

2010-06-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing experience yesterday (Friday 25 June) when we had lunch with Nicci Vaughan who is store manager of The Job Factory. We met Nicci through my lovely friend Rylla who decided we should be put into contact with each other, so that's how we met.

In short, The Job Factory contains a nice cafe, clothing for sale, musical instruments, all things nice (!!) and a restaurant on the top floor. They employ people who are finding it difficult to get a job and train them up. At the moment they have around 120 trainees, each having a mentor. As well as working they go to school one day a week and learn communication skills, etc.

Here is the web address, but of course it is all in German, but it you go to it, you will get a bit of an idea of what they are up to: http://www.jobfactory.ch/

We were so thrilled to meet Nicci, to hear about how God originally touched her life and has now transformed it and is using her many skills to have a real ministry to these young people through The Job Factory, which was started by a Swiss Christian man with a real vision for helping young people.

We had a tour of the whole complex, including all the offices, print works, IT and factory. Absolutely amazing.

And of course we can't help but smile as we meet yet another person in the twilight of us leaving this beautiful country. And we wonder......what is God up to?!!

SMALL GROUP

2010-05-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

Back in April we began a small group in our home here in Schopfheim. We decided to meet weekly on a Monday night and one of the purposes for the group to start was to intercede for Schopfheim. There isn't a lively Church here and we believe God wants us to begin praying for this to happen. Friends of ours who moved to Schopfheim 2 years ago have been prayer walking actively around the village and we hope to do this also, especially when we are shopping and generally meandering around the place.

Last Monday night there were 7 of us in the group and we are praying God will lead us to more people in the area that would like to join us. As a guide we are using the 4 W's

WELCOME
WORSHIP
WORD
WITNESS

This means we can all take it in turns to lead one of these W's. A great idea and we hope to use this in the future as well.

This is an English speaking group at the moment, but we feel it needs to be a German group, though if it has English people in it, this is a great idea. Sometimes English people give a lightness to the group that otherwise might not be there. We are very excited about belonging to this group. We feel blessed and very encouraged at this time.

MY ROGER

2010-05-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

One of the great things that has happened since we have been back in Germany in October 2009 is that Roger has had the opportunity to preach every month at Crossroads International Church in Basel. This is an English speaking interdenominational Church and has been going about 7 years. Approximately 120 - 150 people meet together each week. Currently they are looking for a new pastor and really need our prayers as they make this big decision. Here is the web address if you want to take a look. http://www.crossroadsbasel.ch Also you can access Roger's messages from this website. He will be preaching 3 times in June - 13, 20 and 27. Roger is currently thinking and praying about what he will speak on. He has some good ideas that are formulating!! Roger has given away most of his theological library to 2 young German guys who are studying for the ministry. Although this was a hard thing to do, we are both happy that Reuben and Matthias are able to benefit in this way. As theological students you never have any money!

We have been going to Crossroads regularly most weeks but have also been making an appearance at FeG Loerrach just to say hi to our many friends and keep in contact. Last Sunday we were treated to wonderful music by a very professional brass band (12 guys). The service was fantastic and we were so glad we were there. We are not sure when we will get another opportunity to visit, probably not until August.

We recently started a Small Group here in our home, but in English. We are 3 couples meeting and are very purposeful, following the 4 W's - Welcome, Worship, Word and Witness. We are so very blessed to have this time with special people before we head back to Australia. We are so encouraged each week by this group. We are also specifically praying for Schopfheim as there is not an alive, welcoming Church in this area. Both the State Protestant Church and the Catholic Church are without ministers at the moment. We also need to be specific about prayer walking when we go shopping, etc in Schopfheim.

UPDATING AT LAST

2010-04-26T03:13:00.000-07:00

It has been a long while since I have blogged here and, with Roger's help I hope to rectify this and bring our blogging friends up to date with what has been happening in our lives since we went back to Australia for 10 weeks in August 2009.

Five days after we arrived in Melbourne we both visited our Doctors for routine check ups (we appreciated visiting our Doctors and being able to speak English after 3.5 years!!). When Roger came out of the Doctor's room, the visit was to change our lives forever. The Doctor suspected Roger had Motor Neurone Disease and gave him the name of a Neurologist to visit. We had to wait 2 weeks to get an appointment then Roger was examined by the Neurologist and he confirmed Roger was in the early stages of MND or ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. (courtesy ALS Assoc. website http://www.alsa.org/als/what.cfm).

Roger has always had very good health, so this diagnosis came as a huge shock to us both and to our family and many friends. As you can imagine, it really put a dampener on our visit back to Australia, especially as time was taken up with more medical appointments and other tests. This meant that our plans to catch up with our many friends did not happen as we had expected, or was cut short (like our visit to Adelaide).

We both felt we needed to come back to Schopfheim, Germany which has now been our home for over 4 years. The photo above is from the summit of our nearest hill at 750m. We have many close friends here and we have enjoyed the ministry we have had here. We were feeling rather shattered and angry that God would cut this short, but now have come to accept that he has other plans for us and we trust him for each day and for the future.

We are in a good way at the moment and we are trying to take each day at a time, make the most of our time together, make the most of our remaining time here in Europe and we have even started dreaming about our future in Australia together and the things we might do, with however long Roger might have left on this earth. We really want to 'seize the day' and we want to continue to be faithful servants here on earth for our Heavenly Father.

OFF TO AUSTRALIA

2009-07-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken at Janet and Thomas' Wedding last Saturday 25 July

Roger and I have been reminded several times by our lovely daughter Jocelyn that we have not posted on this blog for many a long month. Our apologies, especially if you keep checking and finding the same old, same old!! Not good at all. But I take a lot more interest in my other blog "Gaynors World" as it is more lighthearted, etc!! I can just rave on there, but don't feel I can do that here!!

It is a shame I don't keep this up to date as we have so many wonderful things to share with you all, especially about what we are doing here in this area of the world in which we live.

We have been here nearly 3 1/2 years and for the first time we are heading back to Australia for 10 weeks this coming Friday. We will get the ICE train from Basel to Frankfurt and then Malaysian Airlines to Kuala Lumpur, then on to Melbourne. It is all very exciting and it is taking its toll on me, especially in the emotional department. At least I was able to get a good nights sleep last night. Just wish I could sleep in a little bit, but I can't at the moment.

Whilst in Australia we want to be able to spend good quality time with our family - Tim and Amy, Jocelyn, Glenda and Tom. So, we will arrive in Melbourne, stay for 2 weeks then head up to Sydney for 2 weeks to catch up with family and friends there. Back to Melbourne for 1 week and then over to Adelaide for 2 weeks. Back to Melbourne and then to Perth on 2 October for 10 days. We will fly out from Perth back here to Schopfheim. Don't like to write about it like this as it feels like then the time has gone already!! And my goodness, it is going to go fast enough anyway!

So these past months we've continued to catch up with 'our boys' from the Church. When we come back they would have all gone to various studies and we probably won't see them for a long time.

Roger started up a 'Men Modelling' group at Centrepoint and this has been great to get guys together. They have started to build a model of the sailing ship 'The Albatross'. This group will go into recession until Roger gets back.

I had a lovely afternoon of Aussie baking with 2 Swiss friends and we all had so much fun. Katja and Etta want me to do Christmas baking now!! Could be interesting.

Katja and Etta ready to take home the spoils!!

Raisin Chews, Anzac Biscuits (Oatmeal biscuits) and Monte Carlo's

Last Thursday I catered for a Farewell afternoon tea and this was also lots of fun. I received good feedback and a good recommendation from the lady who I did the catering for. Must do more of it when we come back middle of October.

So, can't promise you will get anything else for the next little while. If only I could inspire Roger to do some posting. He has some great thoughts often which he shares with me, but I'd love him to be sharing it with you as well.

SUNDAY LUNCH WITH "THE BOYS"

2009-03-09T03:46:00.000-07:00

We invited 4 of the young men from our German (FeG) Church for Sunday Aussie Roast yesterday. Johnny also came and joined in the fun. I had to get home after Church and put the chicken in the oven and cook all the lovely roast vegies - potato, pumpkin (at great expense found in Migro in Basel but actually from France !!), sweet potato, cauli cheese, parsnip, carrot and beans. Then I made a Butterscotch self saucing pudding with ice cream which was - YUM YUM and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Joshua had to race off early which was a shame, but we did have a great time together. Once again it made me realise how much I miss our kids and Sunday roast together. So we are going to try and do this every 6 weeks if possible. Here are a few photo's for you to enjoy.

back l - r Joshua and Peter. Matthias in wheelchair, Ruben

Admiring the scene outside our loungeroom window!!

Peter visiting the kitchen to check on things!!

EMAIL.......CONCERT........BOYD

2009-03-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what can happen in 24 hours!

Yesterday morning we went to our German (FeG) Church in Loerrach. We came home, had lunch and relaxed a bit and then at around 3.00pm we opened our emails to discover an email from a Boyd Owens. I said to Rog it was probably trash, but no, it wasn't.

Boyd is a singer with the Australian group "The Ten Tenors" and they are currently touring Germany, South Africa and then the U.S.A. http://thetentenors.com/

Boyd sent us an email saying he was a Christian, had come across our Mosaic website and wondered if we were meeting Sunday 1 March. We rang his mobile number and Roger spoke to him about meeting up. He then mentioned he was with "The Ten Tenors" and would we like to go to the Concert in Loerrach. He arranged for us to pick up the tickets (which of course were free - but otherwise quite expensive!).

We had the most fabulous time and thoroughly enjoyed being entertained by "The Ten Tenors". If you ever get a chance to hear them, then grab it as they really are amazing entertainers. It was pure entertainment from the moment the concert started until it finished 2.5 hours later (with a short break).

We met up with Boyd afterwards, introduced ourselves and arranged to have lunch together today in Loerrach. What an amazing and talented young man is Boyd. He only joined the group in January and this is his first tour with them. They will be touring until June and then will return to Australia for a few Concerts before they have a break.

We ask ourselves "Why has God brought Boyd into our lives at this time?". It is such an exciting thing! He needs our prayers in what he is doing and he said he would pray for us and our ministry here. Boyd is a PK (!!) and so we will look forward to meeting him and his parents when we come back to Australia in August.

Here is Boyd Owens web address if you want to check him out.
http:// www.boydowen.com

Sorry no pictures, we didn't even get a photo of us together. That was a bit silly!!

5 DAY INTENSIVE GERMAN LEARNING

2009-02-28T11:52:00.001-08:00

I just can't seem to keep up with 2 Blogs and Facebook!! Jocelyn keeps giving us gentle reminders to update, but it's all too much for me!! Here is a little rundown of what we have been doing these past 5 days.

We decided if we really were going to try and improve our German it would be best to do an Intensive course AND to leave the house to do this so we didn't have any distractions!! We are fortunate to know Allen and Annette Broome who run The King's School of Languages. They teach English, German, Spanish, French and Latin. Their school is 45minutes drive from our place, but of course we got there on the train and bus. We were able to stay in a family run Pensione (B & B) for the 4 nights, which wasn't too expensive.

Roger had 3 hour (1 on 1) lessons Tuesday to Saturday and I had 2 hour lessons the same days. This worked well for us both with Allen teaching Roger and Annette being very patient with me. I must say I am feeling a lot more confident and Annette has explained quite a bit to me, which I must now put into practise.

ONE REFLECTION FROM ORIGINS '09

2009-01-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

In the last address that Erwin McManus gave, we heard him talking about the "three places" Christ followers go, or can go. Telling us his basis for his address about places, Erwin read from the book of Acts chapter 9 about Paul's experience of relating to other Jewish and non-Jewish people in the city of Corinth.

The first place Paul was in was the Syngagogue (related today to the gathering place of Christ followers, namely the Church). His second place was the Market Square, the public space where people met and ideas were exchanged. Today it might be a pub, the beach or the coffee shop. His third place was when he was invited "led by the hand" to the meeting place of the philosophers so that they could hear more about Paul's strange teaching. Today this third place is the party, the dinner celebration or club where you need an "invite" to go.

In our 'Church without walls' ministry that we are starting, we have no first place in contrast to most Christians who only serve in the Church (the first place). Our second place is Centrepoint and other places like the Choir, Hiking group or Film/Interest group we start/join in. We spend most of our ministry in this second place.

We have been privileged to be invited to third places on a fairly regular basis. Often we are two among several invitees. We are not necessarily the Paul as shown in Acts 9, but we have some opportunity to share more deeply with people.

Where do you "hang out" in your ministry? All Christ followers are in ministry/service? Where do you have most of your in-depth conversations? Are they with fellow followers of Christ, or with those who are not yet followers of Christ?

We would love to hear your responses to this! Please leave a comment.

In the cause of Christ,
Roger

UPDATE ON MOSAIC ORIGINS CONFERENCE - GERMANY 2009

2009-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Mosaic Origins 2009 met at Eimeldingen, Germany with Erwin McManus and many of his team coming to encourage Christians who gathered together from all over Europe for this conference. The conference was in English with German and French translation. Approximately 300 people attended the conference.

It began at 9.30am on Thurs. 8 January and concluded at 5pm Saturday.
Erwin's first talk was entitled "Momentum" (Mosaic story).
Second session was Ethos - 5 Core Values (see below)
Synergy
Narrative - Apostolic Ethos

The 2 other speakers were Naeem Fazal on "Essentials of Transformational Growth"
Eric Bryant "Organizing for Innovation"

There were 6 Breakout sessions held during the conference. They were:

1. Wind - Commission
Mission is why the Church exists. "People matter most"

2. Water - Community
Love is the context of all mission "Love permeates everything"

3. Wood - Connection
Structure must always submit to Spirit "Passion fuels action"

4. Fire - Communion
Relevance to culture is not optional "Relevance communicates truth"

5. Earth - Character
Creativity is the natural result of spirituality "Character creates change"

As you can imagine, the conference was fairly full on with much to take in, process, learn. It was great to catch up with so many like minded people and we found this a great encouragement.

I've given the 'bones' of the conference and hopefully tomorrow Roger will write more in detail about what we got out of the conference.

The Bloors

2009-01-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

Geoff, Ann and Claire Bloor arrived on Sunday 11 January and have been staying in Loerrach. They are visiting in this area for 2 weeks. It has been great to share our time with them over meals, showing them around Basel, doing a prayer walk together as we look for a location/meeting place in Basel; travelling into France, playing cards on a cold, wet Sunday afternoon. We've had lots of chatting together and they have been a great encouragement to us in our ministry here.

They also came to our German Church FeG Loerrach. Our Youth Pastor David Gut, who is currently only Pastor at the Church, gave the sermon. I think this was a great experience for them.

The Bloors will be in our area until they fly out of Basel on Sunday. Although we have a busier week this week, we plan to catch up for a few meals together and also to take them back into Centrepoint on Friday morning for coffee.

Visitors

2009-01-19T09:08:00.001-08:00

We love having visitors from Australia here in our home. It helps us to stay connected and to work on our accent!!

It was wonderful to have Dudley Tann from Adelaide stay with us overnight back at the end of November. We had 24 hours of good chatting!! Dudley brought with him a signed copy of "The Shack" by W Paul Young which we have both enjoyed reading. Dudley was en route to visiting his new grandson in Nice.

Tim and Amy arrived in Schopfheim to a heavy snowfall on 17 December. Amy was very excited to make a snowman (and I can't believe I didn't get a photo!!). It was lots of fun. Amy named him "Crusty" and there is still a little bit of him left in our front garden! We had a wonderful Christmas celebration with Tim and Amy and then on Sat. 27 December we caught the train with them to Colmar in France where they were catching up with Amy's family. We had a special 1 day catch up again in Luzern on 3 January.

Late on Sunday night 11 January Roger's niece Anna arrived by train with her friend Hannah. They were touring around Europe with huge backpacks (oh to be young again - but I still don't think I'd like it!). They stayed a couple of nights and enjoyed a Roast Dinner with us!

A BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY AFTERNOON

2008-10-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

I received an email from my lovely German girlfriend Marianne on Friday to find out if we could catch up Sunday afternoon.

Marianne and Wolfram came for afternoon tea and then stayed for soup. Wolfram wanted to discuss the poem "Tyger, Tyger" by William Blake with Roger. We had the most delightful afternoon and covered lots of topics. We do enjoy their friendship. Marianne was one of the first German ladies I met when we arrived here. She lives in a small mountain village about 1/2 drive from Schopfheim.

We had another wonderful opportunity to offer friendship and a listening ear.

God is so good.

Live experience - right place, right time

2008-10-15T01:37:00.000-07:00

Following on from "Just Walk Across the Room" I thought I'd tell you this little story.

Yesterday Roger and I had the absolute privilege of going to Luzern with a group of friends from Centrepoint Basel to have a tour of the KKL Cultural Centre. There were 16 of us altogether. Most of us took the train down there.

At this bad economic time for us Aussies living abroad, we wondered whether we should go ahead with this tour, but we had committed ourselves over a month ago and would have had to pay anyway.

I knew everyone on the trip apart from 2 people. One Aussie lady visiting her daughter who has just had a baby and another English lady who has been living in Basel for 20 years.

To save money Roger and I had brought our own lunch with us and we were going to sit in the sun on Lake Luzern and enjoy the surrounds whilst most of the others sat in a stuffy restaurant! We walked with 3 other ladies of which one was the English lady I had never met. Of course the question "why are you here" was asked so I shared with her about 'building' an Christian Community in Basel. Well........my goodness........! Can I say at this point that sometimes we wonder if we are making inroads here, wasting our time, going to slow, etc, etc, etc. Then an experience like this happens and we go ' W O W ' ! ! ! This lady just poured her heart out to me and at the end wondered herself why she had done it! Her husband of 28 years just walked out on her 3 months ago and she was totally devastated! But things are happening in her life, she is finding herself again, making good decisions and knows people are coming into her life for a reasons.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

It's that easy - or that hard, whichever way we want to look at it.

We are both sick so are probably just a little bit down at the moment. Would value your prayers for us both for a quick and full recovery (it's been too long). Coughs are bad.

"JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM"

2008-09-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

"Just Walk Across the Room" by Bill Hybels

Simple steps pointing people to faith

Bill Hybels the well known American pastor has written this book that answers this question; What if redirecting a person’s forever really is as simple as walking across a room? This book opens with a story of Bill finding himself opposite a person at a luncheon who started up a conversation and agreed to talk later at another break in the conference they were attending. This person Bill discovered was of another faith and could have been easily avoided but Bill took the opportunity to talk with him. You need to read the book to find what happened!

There are many good stories in this book that show that you just need to be noticing people around you and use the natural circumstances to start a conversation. It can be as easy as two men saying hello to each other when they see each other taking out the garbage bins.
Many people are just longing for someone to take an interest in them. Bill shows us who these people are: for example; two fathers standing together watching their kids play football, saying hello to a waiter in a café or helping an old lady enter a shopping centre.

But this book has more than good stories, it also has practical and easy tools that any of us can use to make our conversations with people more effective. Hybels also tells us how to make our own story concise and effective.

This is also a plea to make evangelism a way of normal living rather than a program to take to people. What it means to care about others and as Hybels says to live in 3-D relating to others and asking the Holy Spirit to be with you in your conversations. Friendships are essential and the basis of taking the gospel to people.

The book has easy to read short chapters which end with a page of study questions. I heartily commend this book for everyone and especially for home groups.

Roger

Leadership Advance Conference

2008-09-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

From Sunday 31 August till Wednesday Gaynor and I met with 8 other Church leaders from Switzerland for an annual Leadership conference meeting in a small town on the edge of Lake Constance. For some time we looked at things that are going well, for example, great to see much more emphasis on Children & Youth ministry and seeing the development of new small groups with an outward focus. A real challenge however is the unwillingness of some folk to stand up as leaders. It is often regarded as not Swiss to lead.

We were priveleged to hear Eduard Friesen of Bonn Bible School

http://www.bsb-online.de/ bring 3 major addresses, one of which was on WORTH. One of the tasks of leaders is to show people their worth in Christ. We are valued as children of God and our worth comes from what Christ has done for us. Our worth is not based on nationality, morality, profession or place of residence but on all that we have from the generosity of God.

We spent time each day in prayer triads praying on three issues for each other. We examined where we are now at as a group of Churches. We also dreamed about what we would like to see in the next five years and ten years from now. It was great to get away as leaders together, it was a very full time and we snuck in one afternoon for a ferry ride on Lake Constance.

We are always blessed to have Derek Webster lead the music. He does an awesome job and really sets the atmosphere for the time together.

Pictures from Denmark

2008-08-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Roger (left) with some of the young guys looking cool !

Gaynor and Annick (who was the cook in the 2nd week)

Our table for the Oscar Evening

You can see more pictures on http://gaynorsworld.blogspot.com

Our wanderings !

2008-08-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful, though a little exhausting, time away on camp with our German Young People from the FeG Loerrach, 26 July - 10 August. (I've actually asked Rog to remind me that this is the last time I want to go away with the youth!!). The drive to Denmark was a rather long one, especially as there was a lot of traffic on the motorways. It took us 15 hours. We did learn something from our friends though. Trucks are not allowed to travel on the motorways in Germany on the weekends! Pretty good rule actually. I'd like to see them try and enforce something like that in Australia!!

The camp was very well organized and there were always heaps of things for the young people to be involved in - a fitness centre, gym, lounge, volleyball, trampoline and a variety of other games to be played. We had a mini olympics, casino night, bingo, Scandinavian Night and the last evening we had The Oscar's, which was heaps of fun.

Little Lilly

2008-07-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

We did go to visit gorgeous little Lilly last Thursday. Sorry I have not let you know how we got on till now. It was a very moving experience for us both, but particularly for Roger. When we got to the hospital we had to be let in through a special door and then we scrubbed up, etc and one at a time went with mother Janet to be introduced to Lilly Isobel who nows weighs 1200grams (possibly more by now). She is just the tiniest little girl but oh so cute. We were able to touch her and talk to her and observe this very special miracle.

We continue to pray for Lilly as well as Mum Janet and Dad Alain.

Men's Movie Night - Centrepoint Basel

2008-07-16T12:41:00.001-07:00

Roger will be showing the last 2 DVD's in the Australian Drama Series "East West 101" at the Men's Movie Night tomorrow. The series was shown on Australian TV by SBS in December last year. This series has been a huge success and has certainly stimulated discussion by the guys. Roger is hoping to run a discussion evening next Thursday night and show short clips of the last 4 DVD's. About 7 - 8 guys have turned up for these evenings.

If only I knew how to post pictures properly, but alas I'm not that skilled!! So sorry, no picture!

This and That !

2008-07-09T02:49:00.000-07:00

Roger and I had a wonderful lunch with our Youth Pastor Dave and his wife Simea last week. Their cute 2 year old daughter Lia entertained us as well. I took along a frozen strawberry mould made from market fresh strawberries which came and went all to quickly. We were talking with Dave and Simea about the upcoming Youth Camp at the end of this month which is for 2 weeks and we will be going by bus to Denmark (a 13 hour drive - should be interesting to say the least!). There will be around 60-65 on the camp, including leaders. We will need 2 Bus Drivers for the trip. Basically we are to be support leaders and lend a helping hand each day with whatever needs to be done. We are also looking for fun games to play in the evenings when the young people are a tad tired but need something to do! The camp will be held in a Boarding School so the facilities are very good. Also MAYBE we will even get a swim in the ocean which excites me very much. I do miss my swimming in the ocean.

Last Wednesday night we had dinner here with our Ghanan friend Johnny and then had a little study together. Johnny invited us to have lunch with him on Sunday. It's always good to catch up with him. He's very quiet and doesn't say a lot, but we enjoy being with him. He wrote off his car about a month ago when he went to sleep at the wheel. Fortunately he and his 2 passengers were not injured, only the car was a write off. This was a big shock for him.

Thursday afternoon we will visit little Lily Isobel who was born at 28 weeks 2 months ago and has been in intensive care ever since. Her mother wants us to visit her, touch her and talk to her. This is such a privilege for us to be able to do this, but we know it will be emotional as well. She will probably have another 4 weeks in hospital before she is allowed home.

LIFE'S JOURNEY

2008-06-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Swimmers in the Rhine. The water moves rather swiftly so you don't really need to swim! They carry their clothes in waterproof bags on the water!

At last it is summer here in this part of the world and we are thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine and cloudless skies. It will end all too quickly I am sure, but for the moment we are making the most of it.

The Europa Cup finished last night with a win to Spain and a very unhappy Germany. We were on the midnight train coming back from Basel and it was absolutely packed with unhappy fans, but it was still rather noisy! Now Basel can get back to normal, whatever that is. Quiet little Basel certainly did come alive with the various fanzones and big screen viewing. We certainly did enjoy all the excitement and were able to enjoy the atmosphere as we sat in a friends home overlooking the Rhine and watching all the activity below. It was great.

Busy time last week. We did manage to have Monday off by not going hiking and we needed to just be home, so that was great. Tuesday Roger had an all day conference near Zurich which Derek Webster had organized. There were 11 leaders who met together for a most worthwhile day. Derek is organzing a 3 day away Conference called PREKO at the end of August which we are hoping to go to. I've made him promise me it will be in English!

I wasn't able to go to the Conference because we had organized a farewell lunch for an Aussie friend we met 3 months ago and I couldn't disappoint her.

Tuesday evening we had our Nooma Night but only Bernhard turned up so we ended up spending 1.5 hours with him, which is always great. Sitting in Starbucks discussing the meaning of life!

Wednesday I was on duty at Centrepoint for 5 hours as well as helping to fold the Centrepoint magazine 'Horizon'. And then Rog had Deutsch conversation and volunteering for a couple of hours and I was at Ilona's helping with the last of the packing before they moved to Solothurn today. I hope it went well for them.

Hopefully this week will be a little quieter for us. I need some days at home. I did have today at home and Roger went hiking with the gorgeous group. He left and I went back to bed for a couple of hours after a late night! Tomorrow we will meet with our Youth Pastor Dave and his wife Simea to talk about the Youth Camp which we will be attending for 2 weeks at the end of July. It's always such a joy to catch up with them both.

COMING UP

2008-06-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

We will be leading a hike in Schopfheim Monday morning which should last about 2.5 hours and be around 10 km's. The weather isn't the best today, so probably only the diehards will turn up! We will be having lunch at one of the local Gasthaus' (pubs). Who knows what the weather will do, but at least we will be warm from walking. It will be a bit muddy though. Early night tonight hopefully!

Late Monday night some Basler (Swiss) friends are coming out for a delicious roast dinner and Apricot Cheesecake dinner! We enjoy catching up with Christine and Gaudenz (Christine's one of my special friends) so it will be good to spend time with this delightful couple.

Tuesday I am hoping to have as a 'potter' day at home, though I have a few ideas going around in my head, so who knows!! Roger will go into Basel for his Deutsch conversation and then probably catch up with some mates. Tuesday night will be our only night home together!

Wednesday we meet with Derek Webster at 9am at Starbucks in Basel to go over the past 3 months and look to the future. We are looking forward to this meeting with Derek.

I am on Centrepoint duty from 2 - 5pm and this is usually a busy time, with young children coming into the centre for 'bookworms'.

In the evening we will have dinner with friends and say goodbye to an American couple who have been teaching at Black Forrest Academy.

Thursday Roger will go into Basel for Deutsch conversation and then has various appointments. I will train to Dornach, near Basel to spend the day with Ilona continuing to help her with packing for their move at the end of the month. This day also gives me the opportunity to speak German as Ilona does not speak much English. We have lots of laughs together.

Thursday night I have a Ladies Night in Basel at Christine's and Roger begins his Movie Nights for Men at Centrepoint. He has just realised it probably isn't the best night to pick as their is a major soccer match on in Basel Thursday night!!

Friday we go into Centrepoint again for the morning tea then I meet with Claudia.

So, we'll see if our week really does work out this way. It's always interesting to see what's around the corner!

Take care and thanks for feedback from dear friends.

NOOMA NIGHTS

2008-06-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

We had our first Nooma Night at Starbucks in Basel on 27 May. Initially these will be held once a month, the next being 24 June at the same location. The purpose of these evenings is to gather together people with the aim of friendship and being able to practise German/English in a friendly environment.

Our friend Cheryl, who works for the Bible Society in South Australia first sent us some NOOMA DVD's by Rob Bell for Christmas 2006. Since then we have gathered quite a collection and we are hoping to use these as a tool for beginning conversations on spiritual issues.

This is what is says on the back of the NOOMA DVD

"We can get anything we want, from anywhere in the world, whenever we want it. That's how it is and that's how we want it to be. Still, our lives aren't any different than other generations before us. Our time is. We want spiritual direction, but it has to be real for us and available when we need it. We want a new format for getting Christian perspectives. NOOMA is the new format. It's short films with communicators that really speak to us. Compact, portable, and concise. Each NOOMA touches on issues that we care about, that we want to talk about, and it comes in a way that fits our world. It's a format that's there for us when we need it, as we need it, how we need it."

www.nooma.com

I did try to copy and paste the nice brochure Derek has made for these events, but it just wasn't working for me - so my apologies!

OH, THE SUMMER HAS COME

2008-05-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying changeable weather of late, currently it is humid and showery! Who knows what it will be tomorrow!

We've had a busy couple of weeks. I have been a little stressed thinking of all the things I have committed myself to. Yes, I know that's bad and I'm trying to change it. I try to factor a day at home in my week, but it hasn't been working out that way. I love to potter around the house (always have) and it's like a little bit of therapy I suppose. Obviously I worked myself up so much I got this awful neck/shoulder pain which hung around for 1 week. Roger was trying to encourage me to go to the Dr but I said "what will the Dr be able to do?"!! I am better now and will try and be a good girl, though next week isn't looking particularly good either, so I think I might have to forgo my Monday hike so that I can have a day at home! We'll see.

Had our first Nooma Night at one of the Starbucks in Basel on Tuesday night and it was great. It was a rather hot night so most people were sitting outside which left the 14 of us to use the space upstairs. We watched a pixal short video "For the Birds" then went around the group (2 groups - German speaking and English speaking conversation) answering set questions. The next evening will be on June 24.

Our friend Stefan from Church was there and he took us back to Loerrach afterwards. We all decided we would like some dinner so went to a little Italian Restaurant and had a light meal. We were able to sit outside and it was delightful. It's always good to catch up with Stefan and find out what he is up to. He is a young businessman in Loerrach, Germany with many good contacts and he has a real heart for what we are doing.

Roger and I have been catching up with many people one on one. This takes a lot of time and effort but we both enjoy doing it this way. Roger met with an NZ guy on Thursday and they plan to keep in touch.

Roger has the last of his Choir Concerts this Sunday afternoon in the open air in a beautiful place in Germany. Must make sure I take the camera to share it with you. A choir member is taking us in their car as it is difficult to get to. Here is a photo of last week's open air concert at Lange Erlen in Basel.

After this concert we enjoyed a light picnic dinner with choir friends on a late balmy Sunday afternoon.

You can check out the choir website for more pictures

http://www.esc-basel.ch/

HERE WE ARE ! ! ! Sunday 18 May

2008-05-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the silence! It's not as if we haven't been working! Sometimes I just get blogged out! Many wonderful things are happening here, especially concerning friendships we are making. Roger and I are thoroughly enjoying being involved in the English speaking club 'Centrepoint' in Basel and tomorrow we will be doing volunteer training so we can help on the desk every so often. Centrepoint has lost a few volunteer's of late so were crying out for people to become involved, especially during the summer months when many people go on holidays.

It is Roger's Birthday tomorrow. HAPPY 55th BIRTHDAY MY DARLING ! ! !

We will be leading a hike from Schopfheim to Rheinfelden, about 13 km's. We have called it as 'Mystery Walk' as we haven't done it before and don't really know what the difficulty of the walk will be. Should be a good turn out.

After our volunteer training we will meet with some young ladies who own a Cafe in Basel. We want to talk to them about using the Cafe for future Mosaic events.

Roger had his first of four Choir Concerts at 5pm today (Sunday) in Basel. It was a great concert and thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended, though the attendance was disappointing. Next one is Tuesday night and then at 4pm the next 2 Sunday's, in the open air (so we are hoping for good weather).

We are both trying to catch up with lots of friends this week. My diary is full and I can't possibly squeeze another person in.

We had a Mosaic Gathering last Wednesday. Derek, David, Amy and Lauren came from Zurich. It was held at Nellie Nashorn in Loerrach. A great cultural venue on a balmy night. Derek is such a great encourager of us and what we are trying to do. He's an awesome guy, as is his family.

Finishing the week well

2008-04-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and we have just come home from Centrepoint. They had a book/video sale on and whilst we were there about 70 people came through. It was truly amazing. So lots of talking, catching up, eating and laughter. One of my friends said she wanted to talk to us about exactly what we are doing here, so opportunities are happening and we are very excited.

We've both had a great week. Monday we had a good hike and just missed the rain. I had a lovely bath and then got ready to go back into Basel.

Roger met with Stefan (German) and Rick (US) to talk about The Arts. A fantastic meeting for Rog and such an encouragement. http://crescendoarts.weebly.com/

We then went into Basel to the movies with some Aussie friends. This is the first time we have been to the movies in Basel since we have been here. We saw "The other Bolelyn Girl". Glad I didn't live in those days!! We then had a quick meal in a funky Asian place called Lily's!

Tuesday we were both having to catch up on administration. Rog was rather busy all morning then caught the train into Basel for Choir practise and afterwards to meet up with Bernhard.

I had a Brainstorming afternoon at Centrepoint, which was a great time to share ideas. I have been asked to go on the internal PR team for Centrepoint!

Wednesday we were trying to get ready for the Mosaic Gathering in the evening. Roger was busy putting a booklet together.

Roger went into German conversation on Thursday then (on his bike) looked at a few venue's for our future Nooma Nights which we would like to happen soon. He was able to have lunch with Fritz sitting on the stone fence on the Rhein. They needed their coats on, but the sun was trying to shine!

Thursday evening we were both going to English conversation in Schopfheim, but I just couldn't rally so Rog went on his own and got home very late! He said it was a great time.

Tonight is my Girl's Night for English chatting and there will be 9 of us. I made the Lasagne yesterday so it should be very yummy.

Schopfheim from one of the surrounding hills. We will be up here

with our hiking group on Monday.

Friday / Saturday activities

2008-04-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Gaynor had a lovely Saturday afternoon with some of her German friends watching Pride & Prejudice. It was a bit of a challenge at times, but well worth it.

Friday at 5pm we met at Galerie Weibel to say goodbye to the Galerie. We then walked to Fritz's new Business in the heart of Basel - Trade.ch - for drinks and nibbles and to see his beautiful new offices. It was a great time spent together. Afterwards we went to Bernhard and Lorraine's for soup and great company.

What we've been up to ! ! !

2008-04-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been busy for us. Sorry we have not been keeping you up to date. I usually like to write something Sunday night but last Sunday night Bernhard and Lorraine were still here. They came for one of Roger's roast dinners at 12.30pm and because we enjoy their company so much we went for a walk, had arvo tea, played Zug um Zug then decided to have soup together. Before we knew it, it was 10pm!! They're such great friends and we relax very easily with them.

Last Tuesday after Roger's Choir Practise we caught the train to Zurich. Derek Webster and team were beginning Nooma Nights at one of the local Starbucks. We wanted to go along to see how it worked and participate of course. There were 11 altogether (2 groups - 1 English and 1 German). Our train timetable doesn't necessarily work out, especially after 8pm. We didn't get home until 11.30pm so were rather tired the next day but had too much to do to relax!

Thursday I had 2 ladies come to lunch and we had a wonderful time together. They are sisters from the US. One is living in Basel for 3 years and has been here about 10 months. Her sister was visiting.

Friday was a great morning at Centrepoint. We seem to be getting heaps of new people and especially people from Aust/NZ. We are in the middle of organizing a get together for Aust/NZ for Anzac Day. We will go to an English Pub in Basel, probably for Fish and Chips!!

FIRST WEEK OF APRIL

2008-03-31T10:17:00.001-07:00

Surely it's not April already. My goodness the year is FLYING by.

We went on a great hike today. It was 3 hours and we came home rather weary and foot sore. But good conversations and airing of the lungs and accumulated cobwebs! Also it has helped to get rid of a few cakes that were consumed over Easter!

Roger has his busy Tuesday tomorrow. Gaynor will be studying, writing, making phone calls and probably going to Loerrach.

Wednesday we hope to catch up with a family that has just moved into the area.
We need to be working on another newsletter. It has been too long.

Thursday is Gaynor's writing and German learning. Roger is into Basel.

Friday at Centrepoint and we need to do some more investigation about where English speakers hang out in Basel.

AFTER EASTER

2008-03-31T10:12:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful time with Ruth and Andreas and the extended family. We arrived home early Tuesday evening to a rather cold home and too many emails and phone calls!

We had a fantastic time with Derek Webster here in our home for most of Thursday. He is such a strategic thinker and we always receive so much encouragement and energy from his visits with us.

He has given us lots of read, think about, pray about and go forward with. We will meet as a Mosaic Team during April. In the mean time we have much planning to do and contacts to make.

Thanks for your continued prayers for our ministry here.

Leaving winter behind ! ! !

2008-03-17T01:43:00.000-07:00

Gaynor has been sick this past week so had to cancel all appointments apart from her Girl's Night which was held last Friday night. 5 Ladies came and all had a happy time of English chatting together. Gaynor is still not 100% so would value your prayers.

So, Roger held the fort very capably and kept all appointments, classes, entertainment going. We had a lovely meal with Johnny, our Ghanan friend Monday night and also Bible reading and prayer together. Tuesday night Jakob, Eliane and 2 yr old Noah had dinner with us. We are always very encouraged by this young couple who go to our German Church.

Roger had a good time with the Elders at our German Church. They want to support us more in making Mosaic known. They are encouraged by what we are doing.

We are having a wet Monday. Roger did not go on the hike for this reason. We both hope to catch up on administration and reading.

We are off to Dusseldorf by train on Wednesday afternoon to visit Ruth and Andreas and their extended family. It will be good to see them again and share Easter with them. Ruth has had a tough 12 months, so we'll be doing lots of talking.

May you all have a very blessed and meaningful Easter as you reflect on God's wonderful love for us in sending his beloved Son into our world.

Week beginning 10 March

2008-03-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Apart from our normal routine of hiking, German learning, appointments to catch up with people, this week we will have a Life Group here at our place on Monday night. We will begin with a meal together.

Tuesday night Jakob, Eliane and Noah will be coming for dinner. Eliane was having regular Deutsch conversation with me last year and Roger has been meeting with Jakob sometimes during his lunch hour. Noah will be 2 in August.

Wednesday night we will be talking to the Pastors and Elders at our German Church.

Thursday we will both be out most of the day in Basel. In the evening we have the Centrepoint AGM which we will look forward to.

Friday night is Gaynor's Girl's Night. First for the year as February's get together had to be postponed as there were too many cancellations!

Keeping at it!

2008-03-09T11:53:00.001-07:00

We've both had a busy week, continuing with friendships, phone calls, emails, German learning, reading, studying. The week's are going by all too quickly.

I had a wonderful night last night with 5 Swiss Ladies at my friend Christine's in Basel. It was a rather late night, but I was able to stay overnight and have a lovely chat with Christine this morning before catching the train back to Schopfheim.

Roger has had a busy day going to Church and then spending the day with Johnny and all his German friends!

We have just said goodbye to Godfrey, our new friend from India. He will be in Schopfheim a couple more weeks.

TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

2008-03-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Approaching Einigen - yes, the Alps are right there! Amazing scenery.

View of the barn and the sheep with the Lake in the distance.

Roger would love to live in this area. The train line is nestled just below the barn and the lake!

One of the bedrooms in Schloessli "Le Ruedli"

The heading was just to get your attention!!

We had a very positive and interesting day. Had a great sermon by our German Pastor Michael Klippert this morning on friendship evangelism. Roger and I love that topic!

Our lovely friends Paul and Madge Vosteen (minus Madge actually as she was home with Vadne who was sick) and their other 2 children Stryker-Ann and Wils took us in their car to Einigen to meet

Roger and Ursula Langel http://www.ywam-einigen.ch/

They told us about the celtic way they are living as a community in this wonderful place. They practice many of the qualities of the Kingdom that so many folks are looking for: a holistic communal life with men, women, animals and nature, as well as a lifestyle under a healthy rhythm of prayer, with a great hospitality. With breathtaking view to the Alps from many of the windows we were reminded again of God's amazing handiwork in creating our wonderful world. Check out the website, it's inspirational.

We have had a great week. As usual it didn't quite turn out the way WE expected it to, but God certainly placed us in the path of people who needed a listening ear and a word of encouragement. We have been encouraged by people and have been very conscious of people praying for us and our work here. Thank you.

This coming week will be much the same as last week. We are continuing to concentrate on our Deutsch learning and this is paying off. We have several appointments to catch up one on one with people, which is what we both enjoy doing.

Week beginning 25 February

2008-02-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

Monday - 8am leave home to catch 8.15am train to Basel for our hike.
We both need to catch up on homework and writing in the afternoon.

Tuesday - Roger to Deutsch conversation and Choir
Gaynor will possibly catch up with a friend, clean home, shop and make some phone calls.

Wednesday - Roger to have lunch with a friend here locally. We will do Deutsch homework and other emails, etc. We will do preparation for the evening.

In the evening we will have a Celebration time here beginning with dinner together. This will involve people we have recently met or yet to meet! We are looking forward to this time together.

Thursday - Roger to Deutsch conversation and then to meet a friend possibly in Basel
Gaynor to have her Deutsch lesson

Friday - Into Centrepoint and then possible follow up contacts. We'll see how the week unfolds!

Saturday - we hope to take our new Indian friend Godfrey and also another person we have yet to meet who will be in the area for a week, on a trip on the train within the area. But we haven't organized this yet. It's just in the talking stage.

Sunday - friends will be taking us into Switzerland to see a YWAM Celtic Community

The week that was

2008-02-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

Well, we survived the week, and why shouldn't we!! We do enjoy beginning the week with our hike. It seems to blow away the cobweb's and gives us a good start! So, up early and on the train by 8.15am.

Roger has been very busy and much coming and going. There was a large model railway exhibition on a the Christian German School in Stetten and Roger was able to help with some of the detailed work for this. And what a great outreach this was to the community. Seeing people relaxed and wanting to talk did both our hearts good. Of course Roger spent a lot more time there than I did, but good contacts were made, not least of all with a couple who have just moved to Schopfheim and are teachers at the school. We hope to catch up soon.

The Mosaic Team meeting that Derek Webster chaired was a constructive evening and we will in time see the outcome of this.

We have made Deutsch learning a high priority this year, so any free time is spent listening, writing, reading, speaking. We are both very positive about this, but Roger is way ahead of me. I'm not too worried. All of our work is in English but it is still in our interest to persevere. One of the young people at Church laughs at our 'Dinglish', as she calls it!

So, thanks for your prayers. If you're reading this we'd love some feedback ! ! !

WEEK BEGINNING 18 FEBRUARY

2008-02-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

Monday - hiking with the Basel hiking group then home to answer emails, etc.

Tuesday - Roger will spend the day in Basel with Deutsch conversation, Choir and then meeting with a friend in the afternoon.

- Gaynor will be meeting with a friend at 9.30am and then will be catching up on Deutsch homework, writing letters and cleaning the house!

Wednesday - We will spend the morning in Meditation and listening to what God has to say to us.

- Rog will have lunch with a friend

- Gaynor to go into Centrepoint, Basel to help with the folding of the monthly Magazine.

- Mosaic special meeting with Derek Webster. Would really value your prayers for this time to be encouraging, constructive and helping us to move forward.

Thursday - Roger into Basel for Deutsch conversation. In the afternoon he will be doing voiceover for a friend.

- Gaynor to catch up with a friend and then have Deutsch conversation and continue with her writing course.

Friday - Both involved with Centrepoint morning tea. Gaynor was to have her Girl's Night but this has had to be postponed because many are not available at this time.

Our doggie friend Woffie will be coming to stay for a week whilst his parents go to Thailand!

Saturday - our darling son Tim will turn 30 and we will be missing out on the happy celebrations!

The week that was !

2008-02-17T12:47:00.001-08:00

We managed to get through the past week, though both of us still feeling rather flat. My Dad dying has really hit us both hard and we continue to feel very separated from our family at this time.

We managed to get quite a lot done throughout the week. Our Heavenly Father is constantly with us and we ask for his strength and wisdom each day.

We have a wonderfully, incredible God. Last Thursday we received a phone call from our German Pastor giving us the details of an Christian man from India who is doing a course in Schopfheim and will be here for 8 weeks. We have met with him and he has been such an encouragement to us. We truly believe God has sent him from India especially for this purpose. We met with him again tonight and read the Bible together, talked and prayed. Why would we be amazed that our amazing God would send someone from India to minister to us at this time?

How very blessed we are to be God's children here in this place.

Week beginning 11 February

2008-02-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

This week in Basel is Carnival (what they call Fasnacht). It is 3 days of celebrations which happen every year. It is school holidays in Basel. Many of the shops close and it seems to be one big party. Roger and I are not feeling like partying. Maybe next year!

So here is a brief description of what we think our week will look like. Roger is still unwell so will try and lie low for the next couple of days. I just hope I don't get sick. It's just not in this week's plans at all.

Monday - Gaynor on the train at 8.15am going to help a friend in need.

- friends coming in the afternoon for a small hike and then dinner together - Roger cooking!

Tuesday - we are really hoping to have this day off together!

Wednesday - administration, phone calls and hoping to catch up with an Aussie friend.

Thursday - both off to Basel for Deutsch learning but in different directions

- Gaynor continues her writing course at Centrepoint in Basel in the evening (6 week course)

Friday - Centrepoint morning tea, visiting contacts and then at the German Youth Group in the evening. We want to have more contact with these gorgeous young people.

Saturday - Roger will be helping a friend at a German Christian School.

Will let you know how it all goes. Do email us if you have any questions. We'd love to hear from you.

Roger and Gaynor

The week that was

2008-02-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

It's good to have a timetable but as we all know, sometimes those timetables just don't work out. This past week has been just like that. I have spent many hours on the phone to my sisters in Perth, I have been looking after Anna, looking after my poor sick husband, and trying to fight off the dreaded lurgie, even as I write this blog!

Thanks for your prayers for us both. We have been very conscious of our loving family and friends this past week. It has been a tough week for us both.

A new week awaits us !

Shocked by Blessing

2008-02-05T00:59:00.000-08:00

I read lots of books and most of them are books by authors who are
followers of Christ. A few weeks ago Shocked by Blessing came in the post.
In this book biblical characters's stories are told in a great perspective. The stories are told with a broad brush giving the reader the gist of the Bible person warts and all. It is amazing to see how ordinary people like Abraham & Isaac and Moses & Joshua are so like us. These stories are creatively interspersed with contemporary people who so like the bible characters are flawed but convey God's blessing nevertheless.

This is the kind of book I can recommend not just because one of the authors is the wife of my cousin Alan, but because the stories are so real.
It is striking to read bible stories (for adults) and the stories of authentic followers of Jesus side by side that resonate within my own life. The sort
of book you can easily loan/give to a thoghtful person whether or not they are a follower of Jesus. (ISBN 978-0-9752422-3-0)

Roger

OOPS - IT'S MONDAY AND ALREADY CHANGE OF WEEK!

2008-02-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Now, you really will have to read the blog

http://missionsmisunderstood.blogspot.com/

to know what we're doing this week!

We received a phone call from our lovely Swiss friend Fritz Weibel to tell us that Ilona had safely given birth to little Jakob just before midnight last night! In the course of the conversation he asked very politely if it would be possible for us to look after 10 year old Anna for them whilst they both stay at the hospital! Now you have to realise that she speaks little or no English and we speak a little German. But she was very happy to come and stay. So we have visited the hospital in Basel and have brought Anna home with us till Thursday. We will take her into the hospital each day to see her family.

So, just a few little plans to our week, that will include Anna!

THIS IS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO COMMUNICATE !

2008-02-04T03:23:00.000-08:00

We'd like you to take a look at this blog

http://missionsmisunderstood.blogspot.com/

We couldn't say it better ourselves. If you really want to know what we are about then take the time to read this blog. He always writes from the heart and in a meaningful and thought provoking way. He's been at it for a little longer than us, but is at least 25 years younger than us. He's working in Barcelona, Spain and sometimes finds the going tough. (Don't we all!).

It would be good to get some feedback on this, especially if you have the time.

WEEK BEGINNING 4 FEBRUARY

2008-02-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

Here's our week in a bit of a simplified version. It doesn't include our disciplined German learning each day (!!), emails, letters that need to be written or phone calls that need to be made! I'm sure there will be many changes as the week progresses. We are also trying to arrange a catch up with Derek Webster sometime in the next 2 weeks. Hope we can keep you posted!

Monday

- 8am, hiking with the hiking group in Basel

- catching up with our Schopfheim friends Erik, Johanna and Juro (school holidays)

Tuesday

- 9.30-10.30am Roger, German conversation at Centrepoint

- 12.15-1.45pm Roger, Choir practise in Basel

- 9.30 Gaynor to spent time with Aussie friend in Riehen (has new baby)

Wednesday

- 10-12 Gaynor with Eliane

- Roger catching up with either Jamie, Jim or Bernhard (trying to fit these in!)

- Mosaic Leaders meeting (to be confirmed)

Thursday

- 9.30-10.30am Roger, German conversation at Centrepoint

- afternoon, Gaynor into Basel for German conversation with Claudia

- 7.30-9.30pm Gaynor to begin a 6 week writing course

Friday

- 10.30-12.30pm Gaynor hosting morning tea at Centrepoint in Basel

- 6pm German friends Andreas, Constanza and David coming to Dinner

Saturday

- Bernard and Lorraine coming out to spend a LONG time with us both!

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

2008-01-28T12:21:00.001-08:00

Roger and Gaynor doing the 'Brown Jug Polka'

Gaudenz and Gaynor getting around the circle!!!

Christine (from NZ) in the black top (Roger's Choir Director)

Jamie playing and singing

Roger talking with Lisa. We asked Lisa to display some of her paintings.

As you can see, a good time was had by all. Now that we've had time to get some rest and do some calculating here are the figures. We had 54 adults present and 19 children of varying ages (the youngest being 6 weeks old and an Aussie - but born in Basel!!). It was lots of fun, but also a lot of work. Will we be doing it next year?!! We'll just have to wait and see. We've certainly learned a lot!

A SPECIAL VISITOR

2008-01-28T12:01:00.001-08:00

What an absolute THRILL it was to have Mary a'Beckett (Snowball) visit us for 3 days from 18 - 21 January. As Glenda and Tom were still with us, it was a bit like sleeping in a dormitory, but it was lots of fun and we managed in our little home.

It was good for Mary to see firsthand a little of what we are trying to do here amongst English speaking people. Mary travelled with us to a 'Seed' network afternoon led by Derek Webster, which was held in Zurich. Mary did not join in for the afternoon, but instead enjoyed a good walk on Lake Zurich and a rather hefty climb back up to the Conference Centre. She was also able to meet Derek Webster, and this for us was exciting as Mary is a member of our Support Group in Adelaide and has been with us from the beginning as we had our initial discussions with Derek.

Saturday night we celebrated Tom's 25th Birthday with a Roast Dinner and cheesecake and special bottle of wine! Mary felt privileged to be 'in the bosom of the family!!'.

Sunday morning Mary came to the German (FeG) Church that we attend in Loerrach. She has eventually made sense of FeG and what that stands for Free Evangelical Church. (Mary took a photo of the sign)! I'm sorry I didn't get a copy. Maybe I should take a photo myself!

In the afternoon Glenda and Mary accompanied us to our Mosaic get together at FeG. We were so pleased they both attended to give them an idea of what we get up to each week.

Thanks Mary for a special visit, for your love and encouragement and especially your prayers.

BEGINNING A NEW YEAR

2008-01-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

Roger and I are looking forward to 2008 with excitement, anticipation, a little trepidation and with much enthusiasm and energy!

It was wonderful to have a holiday with Glenda and Tom and be spoilt by them! We did have a little difficulty keeping up with them at times, but nothing that a good nights sleep couldn't remedy. They flew back to Melbourne on 22 January.

So, what are we looking forward to?

Continuing to build on our team at Mosaic Basel/Loerrach
Beginning our gatherings in the next couple of weeks
Running 'Nooma' nights to stimulate discussion
Continuing to build on friendships we have already made and making new ones
Trusting God to keep us here!
Growing in our relationship with our Heavenly Father and allowing him to guide us as we continue to move forward and look for direction and creative ideas
Visitors

to name a few things.

We hope to update this blog more regularly and keep you posted each week with what we hope to be up to (good accountability for us as well). Also it will help you to pray for us in our ministry here. We appreciate your prayers, emails, feedback, etc.

TEXAN NIGHT - 20 OCTOBER 2007

2007-10-24T09:16:00.001-07:00

David and Tom opening the evening with a skit about Texas

The Girl's - Amanda, Laura, Donna Kay and Tara

Marianne and Ilona (with Johnny in the background)

The food!

Amanda and Kim

We had such a great night together (around 50 people came) and it was a lot of fun for us all, especially finishing up with the line dancing. I just didn't get it at all. Give me bush dancing any day! Still, we all joined in and it was lots of fun. A great hall in Riehen very close to public transport, so easy to find (well, for most people anyway!!).

FeG Youth Camp August 2007

2007-08-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

David, Simea & Lia Gut
(Youth Pastor)

View from the Chalet
(peak in the middle
is where we climbed
to - unbelievable!)

Group photo of the
Aussie Night
(all dressed in
costume of course!)

Aussie Bush Dance
(Brown Jug Polka)

Sermon on the Mount
- literally!
Roger spoke from
Matthew 5
(what a climb - 1.5hrs
U P )

We had the most wonderful time at the Youth Camp. What a joy for us both to be amongst young people again. We have returned home tired but very happy.

Moving ahead

2007-08-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been a bit quiet during August with many of the team away due to the summer holidays. We have met though and continue to make progress and move forward. Seven of us met Sunday 12 August to discuss the leadership of Mosaic Basel/Loerrach. At our next meeting on 2 September we hope to be able to appoint a team of leaders which will then free Roger and I up a little. Roger will still be one of the leaders. We also looked at a chart of the Church - Apostolic, Evangelism, Prophetic, Teaching and Pastoral and realizing as Christ followers we all fit in to one of these categories. It was a great meeting. A small group from the team have begun to meet to put together a theological statement of what we believe. Interesting times ahead.

Tomorrow Roger and I go on the Youth Camp of FeG Loerrach for a week. We are really looking forward to getting to know the young people better. The camp is to be held At Schwarzsee which is somewhere near the middle of Switzerland and near the Alps. It will be about a 1.5hr bus drive from Loerrach. We come back on 29 August and the camp goes till 1 September. Please pray for us and for David and Simea our Youth Pastor and wife and for the other leaders of the youth.

Attendance at our first German Wedding

2007-08-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

We attended the wedding of Gerd and Brigette Folk at our FeG German Church in Loerrach. The service went for 2 hours and was filled with much celebration. Gerd has been a missionary with OM associated with the Doulos outreach ship.

The newly formed Gospel Choir. Spot Roger!!!!!!

I love the way the couple sit facing their family and friends throughout the ceremony. I think this is a special thing to do.

The Alphorn being played after the Wedding. This is a traditional Swiss music instrument.

Mosaic Picnic

2007-08-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the silence. Here is a picture of (l-r) Ilona, Laura and Roger at our Mosaic Picnic in the Dreilander Park. It was a warm day and we had lots of fun playing with the frizbie, talking, bike riding and eating. About 18 people came and went at different times during the afternoon.

NETWORKING and PLATFORMING ! ! !

2007-07-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

The things we get up to!!

Centrepoint, the English speaking club we belong to in Basel, is having an Aussie Night in September and Roger and I have volunteered to help out! We had our first meeting last night and I managed to round up 5 people. The lady who is suppose to be organizing the event completely forgot about the evening and I had to remind her it was on! Ah, it's great to be around Aussies!

So, we're looking for 'all things Aussie'! Do you think we thought about this sort of event when we left Australia? NOT AT ALL!!

We've also been invited to go on a Youth Camp for Germany speaking young people at the end of August and will be putting on an Aussie Night there as well. We'd better get cracking with ideas.

Any Aussies out there reading this blog want to help us gather things together! All help would be much appreciated!

MOSAIC PICNIC IN THE PARK

2007-07-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

Today has dawned bright and clear with 31degress predicted. We have our Mosaic picnic and we're both really looking forward to it. As usual we have no idea how families will turn up, though we do know our dear friends Bernhard and Lorraine from Basel will be there!

Today is Bastille Day and we've been told a lot of the French will be coming across the border to shop in Germany as the shops will be closed in France!!

MOSAIC CONCERT THIS SATURDAY

2007-06-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

We have the next Mosaic Concert this coming Saturday featuring Derek Webster. He composes his own songs, sings beautifully and plays the piano. He was hoping to bring a guitarist, but that is not going to happen now. What a shame. I think Derek is looking forward to this opportunity of doing a Concert. I just hope we will get a good number of people there. It is being held at the Ars Nova Galerie in Loerrach, a beautiful place which we enjoy visiting.

It has been difficult to get the team together long enough to talk about the logistics of the evening, but we all know pretty well what we need to be doing because we've done it a few times before now.

I must remember to take the camera and share some photo's with you.

Our SHAPE course continues to go well, but with many team members away on holidays, numbers were down yesterday. Still, it was a great time and I love meeting with my friends to discuss one on one the material and what we are learning. My shape is taking shape!! (Now if I didn't know my shape by now there would be something wrong)! But it is good to confirm the things I love to do and things I need to be doing!

Roger had a great time with our youth pastor this morning. He has invited us to go on the Church Youth Camp at the end of August. Now that will be taking us back a bit!! Roger said yes straight away, and I think this will be a great opportunity for us both, not only to catch up with all the young people (who speak English), but also to encourage the leaders.

SEED CONFERENCE ST GALLEN

2007-06-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Derek (speaking in English) and Stefan (translating into Deutsch). Derek spoke on SUNLIGHT as we through the topics EARTH, WATER and SUNLIGHT. "Jesus life was his message and his message was his life". There were 8 of us from Mosaic Basel-Loerrach (though 2 of our members served in the children's program. It was lovely to be together like this. Also to know that our Deutsch is slowly improving and we are understanding more and more. Still can't string a conversation together though but we keep trying.

The Music Team - FANTASTIC music, both in Deutsch and English. A great blend.

Some of the people at the Conference. (spot me!!!)

A N N E T T E

2007-06-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't this photo just gorgeous of Annette? We went out to lunch after the service at which Roger preached. We went to the most gorgeous place and feasted on schnitzel - 4 course meal! We then all got photogenic and had our pictures taken! A very special time with our friends.

SERMON DOWNLOAD

2007-06-03T12:14:00.001-07:00

Hello Dear Family and Friends,

If you would like to hear Roger's message from this morning you can go to:

www.feg-loerrach.de and then go to Downloads on the left hand side of the web page.

We've received great feedback and it was a joy for Roger to get up and preach this morning, the first time since being in Germany. "To God Be The Glory"

Photo's to follow soon.

R O G E R

2007-06-01T10:37:00.001-07:00

Roger has prepared his message to speak at FeG Loerrach this coming Sunday 3 June at 10am. His topic - LIVING LIFE ON THE EDGE. One of our German team members Christian, will be doing the translation. This is Roger's first opportunity to preach since we have been in Germany - 15 months. We are very excited and both a little nervous.

Roger is at Choir practise tonight. They are practising for 2 Concerts on 17 and 19 June.

NEXT MOSAIC EVENT - 23 JUNE

2007-06-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Derek Webster will feature at our next Mosaic event to be held in Loerrach on 23 June at Ars Nova Galerie. Derek composes his own songs and plays the piano. I think he also plays the guitar. We're really looking forward to this evening of Pop Music in the style of Ben Folds, Counting Crows and The Fray.

A N N E T T E

2007-06-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Annette is visiting us from Newcastle, Australia. She arrived by train from Paris on Monday 21 May. It's been great to get to know her and show her a little of our Mosaic work. When she first planned to come we were having regular weekly team meetings, but these have temporarily been replaced by the S.H.A.P.E. course, with occasional meetings, so she hasn't really had the opportunity to see us in our planning meetings. But that's okay, God knows all about that.

Roger and I were asked to be on the registration desk of the Energy Science Forum in Basel (our friend Lorraine wanted intelligent, friendly people!!). This was held last Wednesday. We dobbed Annette in to look after the resource table - hum.....!! Let's just say we put this one down to experience.

Roger and I never miss an opportunity to meet new people and mingle. We were certainly able to do this after the speaker, at the Apero. There are certainly some weird and wonderful ideas 'out there'. We are certainly blessed with an amazing God who has an amazing plan for our lives. How we love to share and live as his children in this age of spiritual hunger. We are certainly in the right place at the right time.

S.H.A.P.E.

2007-06-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Our team has enjoyed 2 lessons from the S.H.A.P.E. course. Unfortunately, because of busy schedules, we have not been able to meet every week. We decided to meet on a Wednesday evening beginning with a simple meal together. This has worked well. We then have an amazing time of singing followed by the video talk, about 15 minutes. Then we divide into 2 groups - men and women. We've had lively and challenging discussion and I think all the team members have enjoyed this time spent together.

We will meet for the 3rd session this coming Wednesday 6 June.

"ALL THAT JAZZ"

2007-05-07T10:06:00.001-07:00

The table spread for supper was magnificent. This photo was taken before all the food was on the table. The team truly excelled in this area, especially Amanda who worked together with Linda (who couldn't be there on the night) to make sure the 'bar' continued to be set high!!

2007-05-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Roger in conversation with Kath (member of English Seminar Choir) and friend

Benedikt is the tall grey haired man in this picture. Boy could he make the grand piano sing. Wonderful musician. The evening was wonderfully relaxing with around 33 people attending, so an intimate affair. It was great to have some young people there as well. The Galerie looked a picture, having been newly painted and renovated and with the pictures already hung ready for the opening night this coming Thursday, which both Roger and I hope to attend.

"ALL THAT JAZZ"

2007-05-07T10:01:00.001-07:00

German team members Sylvia and Ilona

Claudia (part of the Jazz Duo - singer and flutest)

and team member Tara (in blue)

"The Shaping of Things to Come"

2007-05-03T23:47:00.000-07:00

One of our team members mentioned the above book by Mike Frost and Alan Hirsch. They had been encouraged to listen to a series of talks by Mike Frost on "Unless a Seed Falls" or read the book "The Shaping of Things to Come". If anyone is interested, here is the link for the talks. Good stuff, but radical for our time BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE. We are listening to them for the second time, now as 5 people together. One of our small group is a German, so doesn't get some of the Aussie humour by Mike!
http://www.christianityworks.com/pages/teachers.asp?pid=150

Just yesterday we received a present from a young friend in Adelaide - a book, "The Forgotten Ways", by Alan Hirsch. Roger is currently CONSUMING it.

The challenge for our team is to 'get out there' where the people are and be radical for Jesus. Not the way we have been used to doing things! Roger and I have tried various things in the past e.g. after school club, befriending the local footy club, etc but we have never gone far enough.

I need Roger to comment. He would be a lot more theological!! I will encourage him to blog next week!!

S.H.A.P.E. 6 week course

2007-04-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

We will be doing the S.H.A.P.E. course as a team beginning in the next week. This course has been designed by Erik Rees from Saddleback in the U.S. It stands for Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences. We're opening up the course to a few other people, but it is basically for the team to discover our gifts, etc. We're really looking forward to it.

We're hoping to move away from weekly Mosaic team meetings and let smaller groups take care of decision making and report back every so often.

An exciting journey, but our eyes must always be fixed on Jesus as he is our guide in all we do. We require much wisdom and communication is a key to what we are doing. Not always an easy task and we are learning heaps along the way.