kingsland members around the world

Dear congregation of Kingsland Church

I hope this finds you well. I am sorry not to have updated you earlier about our progress with the shower room at the refugee camp, but the process of getting planning permission has been far more complicated than expected. We had to change the site of the shower room construction and build a separate room for laundry. However, I finally have good news because the planning application has been approved by the UN. We had trouble finding a competent architect, but we now have excellent plans. We have also chosen a local contractor from the camp. The final bill will be more than expected and so I have been very busy fundraising here in Jordan. We now have enough money and hopefully the construction will be completed by the end of this summer.

I am also working on the renovation of the adjacent play ground which has further complicated matters, but the refuge camp’s population is very excited by all the changes taking place. Some of the children even asked if they could also have a swimming pool ... so our interventions are certainly sparking hope!

All our other projects are running very well and we are hoping to open a new day centre for the elderly with a home help scheme for those who need it.

My fellow members of Shams Jordanie also send their regards.

Thank you again for your support,

Regards,

Samira.

Written Saturday 20th July and rested till sent.

A Day in the life.........
Well, we really did go rambling today – in the car that is, surely you didn’t think that I meant walking?? James our son is here, so to encourage him to take time off of his Busman’s Holiday at the Internet Cafe, we went to a small safari park 2 hours from our home. Lydia and Teddy came with us. Great excitement as we set out at 7.15am. (honestly.... we were awake before sunrise - Ed!)

By 8.30am our spirits were dampened as we heard the tragic news of a friend’s death. This was Winnie, who had had a terrible moped accident about 2 years ago. She nearly lost her leg then, but recovered it’s use, but never really regained her health. She died suddenly in hospital. The burial would be later in the day. After the shock of the phone call we wondered whether to turn back, but as we had nearly reached our destination we continued and planned to try to return to the burial at 4pm.

We were all sad, but brightened as we saw the animals – the various deer, wart hog, hippos and birds. The highlight was watching a standoff between a school of hippos and a large crocodile that swam slowly past them. The hippos lost interest in us, and turned to watch the silent menace glide past. We were mesmerised. Our fantastic guide threw a fish and we watched a pair of fish eagles swoop down to catch it. (they were about as good at cricket as I am though, as they did not catch a single one – Ed)

Hot from the sun, to the car – back on the dustiest road imaginable, and to the burial. At a very poor homestead we were welcomed by friends, but we were too late for the burial. Winnie had no close relatives, but masses of people had come to pay their respects to this much loved lady. It all felt so rushed and un-befitting of someone who had so much sparkle and life while alive; however some of that comes from a mixture of missing the burial itself and a comment from one of our friends here who said “That’s life”.

Back home for a quick change before meeting up with a couple who come each year to train midwives at the local hospital – new friends who were passing through.

While we were at home our newest young lady was brought to us, so we escorted her down to Hosanna House. Out then for the lovely meal, and then back to muse over the day.

Such intensity of feelings – joy, sorrow, mourning, excitement. Loss.

But last of all my thoughts are with our new, young teen, who is herself expecting a baby. I will meet her properly tomorrow. I found myself praying often during the day; questioning God, asking for comfort for ourselves and others, praising Him for the beauty of the lake, asking for safety on the roads. Thanking Him for Winnie. Then, as we plan for the new lass tomorrow, I find my prayers are for her. She looks shy, bewildered and scared. I think I would be too in her shoes. (anyone facing an interview of any sort with Mother has my compassion – even if it is one to make her welcome – Ed)

Some days are plain boring; some days are like today – full of surprises, sadness and joy. Again reminded of how brief our lives are, I plan to make tomorrow a significant day.

Have a great week Beryl

PS. Today’s ramblings contained a few editorials from our son, James...