Gary & Judy's Trip

Withdrawal from Oxycontin

2009-12-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

In September 2009, I had major surgery to replace both knees. During surgery and for three days after, I had an epidural to limit pain and when the tube came out accidently, I had morphine for a day. The side effects were so bad that eventually I was put on slow release oxycodone tablets called Oxcontin, supplemented by a "breakthrough" oxycodone called Endone.

After release from hospital, I continued with both types and the slow release tablet was increased from 10mg at night to 20mg, as I kept waking with pain. I continued with the slow release variety morning and evening for 4-5 weeks before deciding that I wanted to quit.

I had no understanding of this drug and so I simply went "cold turkey" (against the advice of my wife). In hindsight I should have asked the doctor for advice and done the withdrawal in reducing doses under his care. What followed was a nightmare.

I had never "done drugs" and so I did not realise that I had become addicted to this medication and the effects of withdrawal were going to be like that of a heroine addict.

The first day was not so bad, as the drug was still working quite strongly in my body. However, by the evening of the second day, I started to experience some terrible sensations in my body and in my emotions. The first noticeable thing was that I couldn't keep my legs still. They were incredibly restless. This was followed immediately by a sensation on my skin (especially the chest) as though it were crawling or alive with movement. It was as though millions of crawling creatures were moving over me. This was accompanied by sweating and clamminess.

What really rocked me was the terrible sense of anxiety and distress. I wanted to call out to someone for help but I felt locked away in some cell of despair. I have never been a depressed person, neither have I ever suffered anxiety for no apparent reason. Yet both of these things came to visit me during my withdrawal period which lasted for 25 days.

The first two weeks were the worst. I didn't feel these symptons all of the time, but mainly at night, although not exclusively so. Unfortunately, I would usually have an episode soon after lying down to sleep for the night. I was extremely tired and so I would often try to go to bed early, around 9:30pm or so. However, after one or two episodes, it was usually around 1:30am or 2am before I fell asleep. I would often sit on the side of the bed or sit on the couch trying to distract myself by watching TV. I usually would hold my arms around myself in an attempt to alleviate the effects. I would be incredibly restless and want to move, claw my skin, shudder and shake myself. Emotionally I was often a mess during this time, crying out in despair and distress.

Everyday i would pray that it would be the day it all stopped and I would be free. At night while awake, I would search the internet for information on what was happening. I was surprised to discover that very little is written and posted about Oxycontin withdrawal. My information was garnered from blogs, bulletin boards - personal testimonies such as this. Each tells of the same horrors of the effects of this drug. Oxycontin is considered the most abused drug in the world today. It is an opiate based drug and it is akin to using heroine or opium. I was very surprised that in a country like Australia I was not educated about the drug before it was administered to me. I know that I should not have gone cold turkey, but I simply didn't know how powerful it was and how captive I was to it.

After about two weeks the episodes became less severe, but they still persisted on a daily basis. I looked forward to the 21st day, as all the information I could find indicated that withdrawal takes between 5 and 21 days. However, for me, 21 days came and went and it was day 26 before I had my first day without any episode. I slept for 7 hours straight. As I write this blog I am on day 28 and I experience only very mild tingling in my legs and feet.

The hangover for me is in my mind and emotions. It has left me feeling flat emotionally and wrung out physically. I hope that I never have to take this medication again, or anything similar.

My purpose in writing this blog is to to offer some help and comfort to some poor soul who may be sitting up in the night, searching the internet for some information to help them. If so, I hope that this helps in some way.

GL

Well, it's been fun hasn't it Dan?

2008-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Quoting the famous line from our Taigum newsreaders, sums up our epic voyage. "It sure has Mike."

This journey, "around the World in 80 days" has been the trip of a lifetime. Last night we had dinner with old friends in Singapore, Peter and Jeannie Smith and we were telling them that each place we've visited has been special for one reason or another.

Chile was wonderful... seeing old friends and colleagues and to see how well our church there is going. Then Bolivia,... it was so good to see the work Mik and kay have done there and we are so excited about the future of Casa Segura.

USA was great just to catch up with our good friends and missionary colleagues, Pat and Heather. What a joy it was to re-new our very good friendship. Paris was... well Paris is special all on its own. England was a wonderful time of rest and taking in the history and exploring our roots. We have fond memories. We also struck the only hot and fine week they experienced all summer.

Malta was a new experience - so ancient and full of history. Italy, was perhaps the holiday highlight for us. We loved our time in Italy. From the ferry ride to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany is magical and Rome, like Paris has its own special-ness.

What a wonderful joy it was to finally meet our children in Uganda and to see the amazing job that David and Kathryn are doing there and the great work done by Phil, Quinton and Erica too.

Onto South Africa and our lovely break on a guest farm with Rod and Jan. How good it was also to re-unite ourselves with Noreen Hallam and to meet her Pastor. A connection and relationship for the future. The animal safaris were very special also.

Singapore... a time to prepare for home and re-adjust our body time clock. We have a good anticipation of home and our normal routine.

Thanks for joining us on our journey. The comments were appreciated too.

God bless

Gary and Judy

First airplane hiccup

2008-09-09T20:34:00.001-07:00

After multitudes of airports and connections, we had our first major hiccup yesterday at Hong Kong Airport... we missed our connecting flight to Singapore by just a couple of minutes. After a 13 hour flight from South Africa, we landed and it seemed ages to taxi to the gate and disembark. We thought we'd make it ok until we encountered the queue at the security check. It was at least 50 metres long and then we dashed for our plane, but.... it was gate 62 and security is at gate 1!! Oh dear. The journey to gate 62 required that we walk several corridors, take two lifts and two escalators. Too much!

The plane was still there but the doors had closed and our bags were taken out of the hold (these security conscious days the refuse to allow your bags to travel without you). No great drama really. We convinced Cathay that it was all their fault and they put us on the next flight two and half hours later.

We arrived in Singapore after 24 hours of travel from Africa. We are staying at the apartment of our friends John and Mary Elliott who are in New Zealand. their son David is here (although rarely actually present). We'll take it easy here and enjoy the botanical gardens and one or two other things before flying home to Brisbane Friday night.

Thoughts of Home...

2008-09-05T02:15:00.000-07:00

With just 8 days until we’re home, our thoughts are naturally beginning to turn there. Having taken the first six weeks of our trip to wind-down (I would awaken every morning with the thought, “what do I have to do today?), it will be difficult to get back into the way of routine and work.

It has been great to catch up with Rod and Jan Best, our friends and colleagues who now reside in Botswana. They have taken a week out from their busy lives to relax with us at a lovely Farm Guest House in a place called Bela Bela (formerly Warm Baths). It is about a couple hours north of Johannesburg and a very Afrikaans area. All the blokes are called Frikkie, Hansie, Bakkies or something like that. We are beginning to say “yeaaa” instead of yes or yeah.

On Weds we had a truly great day. We travelled about an hour away to a National Reserve and drove all around it for the afternoon. It was very exciting to see Giraffe, Zebra, etc all in their natural habitat. The reserve is in the Waterberg mountain range and so we reached some fairly high altitudes at times.

Yesterday, we drove to a nearby Farm which is a Cheetah and Wild Dog breeding sanctuary. While not out roaming free, it was wonderful to see the animals (all endangered). The Cheetahs are a very special creature and we got to touch and pat one. We also saw a White Rhino – a real big fella, at that sanctuary.

Unfortunately I got sick in the afternoon. First health problem for the journey. Must have eaten something questionable. Thankfully, I awoke this morning better.

Next few days we will just relax and take in a few local sights and enjoy each others company. We fly out Monday to Singapore for a few days before landing in Brisbane on Saturday 13.

T...I...A (this is Africa)

2008-09-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

What an amazing continent is Africa. Full of beauty, diversity, pain, joy and nature’s splendour.

Saying farewell to the children at Akaniyuka was painful and emotional, both for us and for them. We had bonded so strongly with them and it is a hard to realise that by coming and leaving that we are adding to their sense of loss, some having only lost their parents in recent months. We prayed for each of the 38 individually (see pic) and it was a special time. We promised to return.

David and Kathryn are doing a wonderful job there and it is a joy for us to see how much they have grown and matured into effective ministries.

Our last two days in Uganda were spent visiting the Queen Elizabeth National Reserve, one of Africa’s largest and natural game reserves. We were blessed to be able to see so many birds and animals in their natural environment. It was a special moment when we came across a large lion with his mate. They were just relaxing about 50 metres from the road and they gave a us a great display. We saw an elephant in the distance and many other critters. On the boat, we ran over some hippos and got to see the African crocs which look quite different from our Aussie variety.

Saturday saw us fly off to South Africa and having to say farewell to Liz our daughter in Jo’Burg as she returns to her family in Brisbane. She had an experience in Uganda that she will never forget and the children loved her.

Our old friend Noreen Hallam, who is the SA director of the YWCA, picked us up and we are staying with her until Rod and Jan Best can get down from Botswana (Monday). We ministered at Petra, Noreen’s church on Sunday and had a great time over lunch with her pastor, Keith and Anna Coster……..kindred spirits.

It has turned very cold here in Jo’Burg and there is snow around on the mountains. We look forward to exploring some of South Africa and we will be especially looking out for some more animals to enjoy. The South Africans are revelling in their huge win over the Australian Wallabies on Saturday – the first rugby game we’ve been able to watch for ages.

Upon Lake Bunyonyi

2008-08-26T00:24:00.001-07:00

8 Km from Kabale town and high above in an old volcanic crater sits serene and beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Enormous and shaped like a star fish, the Lake has many islands and inlets and so affords the seeker of solace plenty of opportunity to “get away from it all.” It is a great blessing for our team to be able to go and do exactly that from time to time.

It was our second visit, having gone there in January last year and we never fail to be taken by the peace, quiet and stillness of the place. It is almost eerie. We took a long-boat ride out to an island that has a restaurant and together with our team here (David & Kathryn; Graeme, Lisa and Damon), we enjoyed a fine meal… all at the outrageous cost of around $5 per head.

After lunch and at David’s instigation and insistence, we walked around the the entire perimeter of the island. Phew! We were all happy to arrive at the jetty, although David was overheard to make a few snide remarks about “old geezers walking slowly.” His day will come!

Sunday was a shock to my system with having to preach at Edwards church in the morning and then again at one of the ever-happening conferences in the afternoon (at the very sleepy time of 3pm). Having been out of the way of ministry for several months, it was a bit of an effort to crank up the boilers again.

Monday saw us back to our busy social schedule – visiting various ministries, dining with the Wards, an English family out here working with street kids; and visiting a village where two of our children come from… a real eye opener. The villages are devastated by the effects of AIDS and there are children, old people and not much in between. It is estimated that there are still thousands of orphans out there. Our children know that and it makes them sad. They want them to have the same opportunity they have.

Today (Tuesday) will be our last in Kabale this trip before we head off to Queen Elizabeth Park and Game Reserve for two days. Then Saturday it’s off to South Africa where we will have a week together with Rod and Jan Best. Can’t wait.

Jesus loves the little Children.. all the children of the world...

2008-08-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

It is a joy unspeakable for us to be in Uganda with the children we have helped rescue from awful situations. To hear them share of their gratitude and to witness their joy and laughter is so rewarding for us. Many have just recently lost their parents and endured such atrocities that it is amazing that they are even able to smile, let alone laugh.

One girl, Joyce, had just had a weekend back at her village for a visit during school holidays and she shared, amid tears, about how sad it is to see the circumstances of the other children there compared to her new life. These children speak in such a mature way, given they are only seven or less.

It was also a great joy to see our daughter Liz at the Kampala airport. She joined us for the long journey south to Kabale and is being impacted by what she sees here.

Yesterday we went to another ministry, the Drop-in Centre, where street kids of about 5-16 years gather each day for a meal and a bath. An English couple runs the ministry on a shoe-string budget.

Not many pics this blog, as the connection (dial up) is very slow. David and Kathryn are well and flourishing and Graeme, Lisa and Damon are all doing well and busy.

Off to see the children again, then a board meeting this afternoon for the children's home.

Friends, Romans, Citizens.... lend me your "eyes"

2008-08-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

This blog post is a bit rushed as we sit in the Bristish Airways Lounge at Rome Airport. The Italian holidays are ending as we head off to London and onto Uganda - a long flight. We are looking forward to seeing our daughter Liz at Entebbe airport and of course, our team in Kabale.

Italy has been wonderful and we're already scheming about how we can come back here again sometime. We left Florence a day early and had an unscheduled afternoon in Rome. we got a great hotel at Lastminute.com - right in the centre of Rome and within easy walking distance of many great sites (see pics). Although we only arrived by train at 4pm Saturday, by 7pm we had visited the Spanish steps, Fountain Trevi, the Piazza Venezzia and the Colesseum. All VERY impressive places.

There is a camera opportunity on EVERY corner in Rome. Ruins, ancient buildings, art, amazing designer shops. At the Spanish steps we stumbled into the street that houses every designer brand (see pics) and they've been there a while.

There are three pics included from Florence - my favorites. They are Gary next to the Michelangelo Sculpture La Pieta, the Ponte Veccio and the close-up of the cathedral door frieze that Mikey boy dubbed the Paradise doors - amazing work and artistry.

Getting our rental car back to downtown Florence was an adventure! we had it all figured on the map and then had our plans dashed by roadworks and one way streets. Just when we were about to give up in dispair, we looked up and lo we were outside the rental car place!! Pays to pray!

So, to Uganda where the internet connections are dubious at best. Hope to be able to blog something at sometime... but, who knows?????? A big ciao from both of us.

Leaning, leaning....

2008-08-14T02:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday saw us successfully negotiate the Italian Autostrade system and travel some 450kms in our little Nissan Micra (we have done over 600km on just over half a tank of gas). Interestingly, despite their reputation for outrageous driving, we’re finding that driving here is easier than at home and the signage and signals etc are the best we’ve come across anywhere.

First stop was Pisa, which without the leaning tower would not be otherwise worthy of visiting. However, the tower IS worth a bo-peep. Coming down to the overcast and humid coast from the elevated cool of our hotel, the first lady realised she had applied too many clothing layers! Interestingly, it is just near Pisa where the story of the wooden toy Pinoccio was inspired and so there are various references to wee chap with the long nose.

After Pisa it was off up the coast toward Genova for a stop at the little coastal villages of Cinque Terre or five lands – more actually, five villages. Chris Richards at Northside College encouraged us to go there and we’re glad that he did. The 5 villages are quaint little clusters built on the steep sides of coastal cliffs, tucked into the “V” between the ridges. They pull their fishing boats up into the streets and then climb the steep steps and paths that lead to their houses. The photos fail to capture just how steep the streets and steps are. As you can see we tucked into a very nice late lunch (4pm) of fresh Bass. Yum.

The climb back up the car was tough going for Judy and our clothing was drenched by the time we got there, especially for those of us who wore too much!! To get to Cinque Terre we had to pass through the port city of La Spezia. From the hills it reminded us so much of our native Wellington that we included a photo here.

Near our hotel and in the middle of no-where, we stumbled upon a large Designer Clothing Outlet mall – all the famous brands from this part of the world… Ralph Lauren, Benetton, etc. However, the thing that most fascinated the chocoholic in our team was the big Lindt Choc Shoppe. The pic shows her drooling in front of the huge bins of the world’s best. After a moment of worrying about the extra weight in our luggage, I quickly realised that even with the best intentions of gifts for folk back home, it wasn’t even going to make it out of Italy!! CIAO, CIAO.

Amore Amalfi

2008-08-12T03:02:00.000-07:00

The journey from Palermo to Naples by ferry was one of our best travel days ever. We’re soooo glad that Ricardo at our Palermo B&B convinced us to forego the train. The 8 hours spent sailing on the Mediterranean during summer … well, it doesn’t get any better. Coming into Naples at dusk, we sailed past the Isle of Capri and caught our first glimpse of Vesuvius towering over Naples. She last erupted about 1940 but the locals speak of expected activity again soon.

We are finding the Italians so much more friendly and helpful than the Maltese and our hotel guys in Naples were exceptional, even though the hotel was only about 2 star. We have resisted going on tours so far on our journey, but we made an exception for the much anticipated trip along the famed Amalfi Coast. The scene of so many Hollywood movies, we have long held a desire to visit. We started out at midday after a long snooze-in and lunched at a restaurant on the side of Vesuvius, near the ruins of Pompei.

After lunch, our skilled driver negotiated the narrow, cliff top road which led to the towns of Salerno, Politano and finally, Amalfi. The pics show how high up the road is above the teal blue ocean beaches. We loved every minute of it. I said to Judy, “the airfare to Italy is worth it just to see that part.” In all my travels over 30 years, I’ve never seen anything so picturesque. For centuries, the towns on the coast were accessible only by boat and the history speaks of residences for pirates, kings, caesars and so on. Again, the antiquity of this part of the world is fascinating to us. Naples has a 3000 year history!

Guiseppe at church had told us of the famed Naples pizza and on Sunday night we discovered for ourselves how that we had never really eaten pizza before!

Monday was travel day again and a mad scramble in the Naples Central Stazione to get on board a bullet train which sped us to Florence in just 3 hours, which included a stop in Rome. The train travels so fast that the scenes outside the window are just a blur… hence no photos. We were nervous about picking up our rental car in downtown Florence to drive to our country hotel, using the Autostrad system. However, after prayer we started out in our little Nissan Micra. We did it without once taking a wrong turn! Judy’s navigation was amazing and after not driving on the right-hand side for 15 years, I found it much like riding a bike… it all came back pretty quick and I didn’t try to change gears with the door handle once!

What can I say about the Tuscan countryside? It is all it’s cracked up to be and more. Absolutely stunning! Our hotel is fantastic and set in a valley amongst country estates of olive orchards, conifers and typical Tuscan scenery. We have a lovely room with our own little yard of lawn and courtyard. The staff are wonderful and we can hardly believe that we have a week here for less than $500. We had an afternoon drive and there are many little quaint villages just minutes from here. Today we’ll rest after the stress of travel and then we can strike out for nearby Pisa, Florence and other places.

Lots of pics to come from “under the Tuscan sun….”

Off to Italy

2008-08-08T02:49:00.001-07:00

Today (Friday) at 6pm we take the short flight from Malta to Palermo, Sicily where we will spend the night in a hotel and then board the ferry early Saturday for the trip to Naples. We will spend two nights in Naples, exploring the famous Amalfi Coast, before boarding the train or bus again Monday to arrive in Florence where we will spend 6 nights. We plan to get a rental car in Florence to enable us to get around the Tuscan countryside.

So, if you don't hear from us for a few days it's because we're travelling, but as soon as we're settled in Tuscany for that week, we'll get a blog posting up.

Ciao for now

Amazing Mdina

2008-08-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mdina has been around in some form or another for 4,000 years! It boggles my mind. The Phoenicians gave it the current name... one that simply means "walled city." They constructed the walls and gave it the fortress look. The width of the walls can be seen in the pic - wide enough for a car to drive along. They reckon that the Apostle Paul sheltered here after his shipwreck on the island.

One enters through the gate (pic) and encounters the ancient Cathedral ... about 1300 AD. Mdina is in the middle of the island and high on a hill overlooking Mosta and Bugibba (where we stay) and I took a pic of both places from the walls of Mdina. They call it the silent city and it is. Some say because there are no cars, others because the residents (descendants of the nobles) just stay indoors. Certainly the narrow streets seem deserted, apart from the tourists.

Well, here we had a peaceful day... Judy at last found her knight in shining armour; we discovered the cutest little restaurant through a little door in the wall and ate a mediterranean platter (the little man in the green/yellow top summed up the meal); Gary took a break on steps that led to no-where and we wandered aimlessly on timeless cobblestones enjoying the rather weird feeling of walking on streets that date to antiquity and (perhaps) upon which the great apostle himself trod.

Hmmm... now where is that tomato paste and Maltese bread....??

A "funny" thing happened....

2008-08-07T02:50:00.000-07:00

Moving in the footsteps of Pastor Roy, I did a classic Roy thing the other night...

I was awoken at about 1:30am by some incredible noisy kids in the apartment above us on the 5th floor. Our hotel/resort has been inundated with Russian and Italian students taking their summer breaks. Anyway, they were rioting above us and were on their balcony, so the sound was coming straight into our place. I got up and went out there, if not to get them a tongue lashing, at least to see what they were up to. I decided to close the sliding balcony door behind me to hopefully protect a sleeping Judy from the din. However, unlike our Australian sliding doors which cannot lock when closing from the outside, I heard that dreaded "click" as the door locked shut behind me. Locked on the balcony at 1:30am!! Yikes.

I sat on the plastic chair and tried to think what to do? Judy would not respond to my knocking and I didn't want to call out and have everyone come out onto their balconies to see my predicament. I sat there for 1.5 hours with mosquitoes, heat and noisy Russians above, before Judy finally responded to my tapping on the window (I later discovered that she heard from the outset, but thought that I was asleep beside her and was too frightened to go out).

Anyway, I thought I'd record my (correct and unembelished) version of the event before other versions started to spread.

Today, we're off to Mdenia, the ancient capital... a walled city with narrow little streets, about 4000 years old. Pics to come

Smile please....

2008-08-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

“Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us.” - Acts 28

The Apostle Paul’s arrival on Malta during the first century, being shipwrecked, was much more dramatic than ours, but he also encountered a much warmer, more welcoming people than we have. We have found the Malteses to be quite grumpy, gruff and unfriendly. One feels like an intruder… whether it be hotel reception, waiter, bus driver, shop assistant or man in the street, … no smiles, no chit chat, no friendly nod. We’re quite surprised.

The Island though, is a delight and we’re really taken with the antiquity of the place. There are structures thousands of years old. Valetta, the capital, is a fortress city. I was fascinated by the old gate entrance to the main city (see pic). It has been occupied by many powers over the years… Italian, Spanish, French, British (of course). The harbour is stunning (see pics) with a small island fortress smack in the centre. The streets are filled with history and antiquity. The pic is of St John’s church (named after the knight, not the apostle), built in 1588 – the one with clock. We parted with the 5.95 Euros to wander through the building and view the art and floors etc – at once beautiful and at the same time quite ugly.

The countryside is dry, dusty and rocky. It occurred to me how much that reflects the spiritual climate here and in fact, in Europe generally. There is a palpable sense of spiritual deadness, despite the propensity of church buildings which really now just stand as monuments to what once was. Europe may be the cradle of our civilization and despite the fact that they despise the antipodes of Australia, NZ and parts of Africa, spiritually at least our part of the world is much healthier. If Malta was a person we’d all be discussing whether or not the life support machines should be turned off.

Later this week, we’ll venture out to the ancient capital of Msina, the walled city, where the streets are so narrow no cars can enter. Until then…..

In Footsteps of Apostle Paul

2008-08-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Paul didn't arrive in Malta as easily as we did, although as modern travel goes, it wasn't really that easy.

Starting out at 8am from our resort in North West England, we zoomed along the M40 (they really do zoom here... I was doing 70mph [about 120km] and a guy went past doing at least twice what I was) down to Oxford to return our hire car. What a blessing it was to have the little "Vauxhall Astra." We explored all the Lakes District and right into Scotland. Then it was off to catch the bus to Gatwick airport. A long wait for the flight and then finally into Malta at 2:30am Sunday. A big day.

Never mind, the great thing about being on holidays is that you get to rise when you want - bit like being youth pastor. We slept until 12:30pm and then set out to explore a bit of St Paul's Bay, Bugibba. It is quaint and different, if a little grubby. Tell you more tomorrow with some pics. Finished the day with a nice pizza (pizza's aren't fatty here).

Och aye th' noow

2008-08-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

(Forgive me Shona)
We zipped off Weds from our Cumbria resort, up into Bonny wee Scotland. It didn’t disappoint. The motorway system is great and we managed to by-pass busy Glasgow and drove straight to Stirling in just about 3 hours. The William Wallace monument is immediately obvious as it towers above the town from its high hill.

The climb up to the monument was a struggle for Judy, but I managed it without hardly any effort and all!!! Upon arrival at the top, a piper played us his doleful “tune.” Judy was just recovering from the climb up when she was confronted with the 264 narrow steps to the top of the monument itself (see pic). There are three stops (floors) to catch your breath on and we got to view his now 700 year old sword, which stands over 6 feet tall. It’d make a great letter opener!

The view from up there is amazing and the whole experience is quite emotional and stirring. One can see across to the bridge where he defeated the English army and up to Stirling castle. Enough of climbing, we set off for Edinburgh, through a back-road and enjoyed seeing the little Scottish villages and the heather-covered hills. Edinburgh must have once experienced a move of God, as there are magnificent old church buildings almost on every corner. We were astounded. The pic is of Judy outside the Edinburgh Castle, home of the recaptured (from the English) Destiny Stone.

Other pics are self-explanatory, although the thought of Nether-Levens is worrying! The landscape scene is in beautiful Lake Windermere, which we greatly enjoyed. The happy couple are standing outside Levens Hall, wondering whether or not to “stake a claim!”

"Pottering in Beatrix Country"

2008-07-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Lakes district in Cumbria is an absolute delight. Our resort (exchange with Trendwest, Australia) is just a hop, skip and jump away from Peter Rabbit's home at Hilltop farm in Hawkshead, Windermere. We have explored the home and hang-out's of Miss Potter and friends, gazed in wonder at the breat-taking beauty of the Lakes District, driven over end-less miles of narrow country lanes, with their miles of stone walls.

A special day was when we found Levens Village and nearby Levens Hall, built in the 1500's and now the world's most famous topiary garden. When we get our own internet connection again (next week in Malta) we will post some photos.

The weather has been terrific - mid 20's and warm right through the night also. Today we are in Kendall, having a quiet day, relaxing before a big day in the car tomorrow when we go through to Stirling in Scotland where we will overnight in a motel and cruise back Thursday.

We are enjoying England VERY much and each country has had an aspect to enjoy, but here we feel it is special for it's beauty, history and kinship.

Feel the Serenity

2008-07-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

EARTH has not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth like a garment wear

This sonnet was one I "had to learn" in 10th grade English. Little did I realise then that one day in 2008 I'd be walking around the other great William's home town and thinking how appropriate those words are for this most beautiful spot on God's earth.

We spent the morning walking around the entire town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. We had just got used to gazing upon 600 year old little cottages when we discovered that there is another part called "the old town." Good grief. We spent an hour or so ambling alongside the Avon River, watching swans glide along and the occasional river barge, long and slender, quietly motor by. We watched, fascinated by the lock system. It seems that the way it works is by the husband (skipper) sends the wife (deck-hand) up to strain and sweat, winding the lock gates open and shut. It is accompanied by lots of directions from him below while he puffs on his pipe! I love it! I said to one such straining lady, "I must get a photo of a woman working while I get the rare chance." To which she replied in her majesty's finest english, "'Ere, why don't you stand a bit closer to the edge and say that!"

The pics of the old church alongside the river are where Bill Shakespeare's remains are buried - Holy Trinity. Then I took the bridge pic because I don't often see a 600 year old one. I like the pics of the old houses, 'cause I wanted Nick Burns to see what happens to your building lines when you knock off at lunch time and have a pint or two. Blimey! I'll never use a spirit-level again.

We were worn out from walking and so in the afternoon we went for a drive in the Warwickshire countryside. Down lanes and over little bridges, always having to pull over to let another car past, that's how narrow they are. We kept happening upon little villages with a few little crooked houses, a pub and the inevitable village parish church. the pic of Judy and I together is outside a little pub where we stopped for a break.

We skipped lunch today because of all our gadding about, so we're looking forward to having traditional English "fish and chips" for din dins.

Tomorrow we'll load up our suitcases and set off for Cumbria and our lakeside timeshare place that we'll call home for next week. It's just down the road from Village Levens and Levens Hall, apparently famous for its topiary. We'll be sure to post some pics from there.

Ye Olde (and Molde) Vicar & Wife in England

2008-07-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

An early rise in Paris and the arduous haul from our little apartment to Charles de Gaulle airport, on to Heathrow, passing over Normandy and the white cliffs of Dover (I didn't realise that they are only a stones throw apart... my old speedboat could make it across in less than 30 min), onto a bus for the 75 minute ride to Oxford, home of the world's oldest university. We got to get better aquainted with it than we anticipated, as the photo shows a forlorn Jude leaning against the Uni wall while I try to rustle up a taxi to take us to our rental car place.

We thought Oxford was pretty cute until we cruised into our home for the next two days, Stratford-Upon-Avon. It is drop-dead gorgeous. We had thought that we had seen the smallest hotel on earth in Paris. We were wrong!!! We squeezed into our little 2nd story room in an ancient building on Arden Street (Mary Arden was Shakespeare's old mum - see photo with Jude outside) but it's right in the centre of town and just a few yards from Bill's birthplace (see photo - his is the one with all the flowers). Only 500 years old.

We wandered around taking snaps of the beautiful little buildings and shops, some not much bigger than a kid's cubby house. Yet they are ancient. When I saw some of the sloping beams etc, I felt better about my building work back home.

Tomorrow we'll wander about town and go to the Avon River. It's warm today but the locals said it was cold, windy and wet just a few days ago. We had to use the AC in the car! In England! Must be no cricket on....

Under the Parisian Sun

2008-07-23T07:01:00.001-07:00

Summer came to Paris today, in the form of 30 degrees - nice. We left the jumpers at home and completed our final obligatory touristy thing - visited the Louvre. After an hour or so in the Italian Paintings, wondering what all the fuss is about (the Mona Lisa) - enjoying Da Vinci and friends, we had had enough of madding crowds and the demonic oppressiveness of the place. It IS impressive, I guess I just prefer David Hadley's stuff.

We decided to escape to the outer areas of the city and try to find where the Parisians go. We got off the metro at no-name places and lunched on the river, walked through some gardens and felt like we discovered the romance of Paris. The flowers, the boats, the river, the cafes, the bicycles, french bread, leafy trees, berets and all the Parisian smokers (the no-smoking message hasn't reached here yet).

The most difficult thing for Aussies to adjust to is the "invasion of your personal space." Tables in cafes are within inches of each other and you touch elbows with a stranger as you eat. It's a case of "you go ahead and I'll take a bite after you." Or, "is that your croissant or mine?"

So, we're off to "old blighty" tomorrow to catch up with Charles and Camilla. After lunch at Windsor we train to Oxford, pick up a hire car and stay for 2 nights at Stratford-Upon-Avon. Hope the weather's good.

On Top of the World, or "Mr Bean goes to Paris..."

2008-07-22T14:09:00.001-07:00

We slept poorly... but the upside was an early start to avoid the lines at the Eiffel Tower. It worked... half an hour and we were standing on the next level below the summit and enjoying what countless thousands have done. The view over all of Paris is breath-taking and the photos don't do justice to the experience of gazing over some of the most ancient and historical real estate on the planet.

On this trip, we decided to NOT do cities, with this one exception. We're glad we made it. Having said that, we're also glad that we will leave on Thursday morning. The crowds are enormous, as American families make the most of Summer break. The costs of things is also a factor - I'll never complain about paying $4 for my morning latte at GJ's again, after paying $14 for two regular coffees.

We have been surprised at how helpful locals have been and thought that the comments we had heard must have been wrong. All that changed when the waiter at our restaurant tonight set out to prove it all true. (An exception).

A good night's sleep will be welcome. These poor old knees have done some milage today... the steps at Montmartre are numerous to say the least. Knowing Spanish helps with understanding and we find it hard not to answer in it. A natural reaction I guess. Au Revoir and hasta tomorrow (now where's "Teddy?")

In Paris.....!!!

2008-07-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in Paris, mid day Monday and we're either already intoxicated by this lovely city, or dizzy with travel and lack of sleep. Perhaps all three!!

Our hotel is a delightful little boutique establishment quite near the centre and on the Metro route. It is the tiniest hotel room we've ever seen... a king-size bed with about half a metre of space around it plus and ensuite. But it's very chic and newly renovated, modern and clean. The lady at the front desk took pity on us and allowed us an early check in and then took the time to sit with us and explain all the sights and how to use the metro. Very kind.... merci Jesus!

We've had a quick nap to overcome to sleep deprivation and we're off to explore. (Think I'll leave my All Blacks jumper in the suitcase here)

"Later..." We posted the pics after the walk (obviously) and no one can prepare you for how massive the Arc is. The "Champs" was fun and walking around in the sun at 9:30pm is a bit weird. Judy insisted on having her photo taken with our "cute" waiter.

.."where the deer and the antelope play..."

2008-07-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

Home on the range... yes, to our utter amazement, the deer and the antelope DO still play on the Colorado range and in great abundance. Today, as we drove the four hours to Denver from Alamosa, we passed through many small American towns. they are SO, SO like they appear on TV shows or western movies.

We stopped half-way to visit Pat and heather's daughter Jamie and her family. They live in a very small tow called Buena Vista, and it is indeed a "good view" of the amazing Rockies, with 6 mountains higher than 14,000 feet in sight from their back deck. Grazing in the streets and chomping on hedges, lawns and trees are the free-ranging deer and antelope. Yesterday we saw Elk, but didn't manage a snap.

The view while driving is spectacular and one can almost anticipate seeing a brown or black bear on the hills any moment. Unfortunately we didn't, but they are also abundant. I could breathe this clear, cool mountain air forever. I wish I could bottle it.

And so, down the hillside and into Denver - big city!! We stay overnight and then to Paris, France where they report the temperature at 22oC max. Brrrr.

We will miss Patrick and Heather and our farewell at the hotel today was emotional. we have so much enjoyed each other's company and we are amazed at how similar our spiritual journal and aspirations are. We have been encouraged by one another and our friendship is deeper than ever. They promise to visit Brisbane, but we'll see..... Last night we had a great leaders meeting at their home and the Lord's presence was heavy and strong while I shared. we prayed for them all and for Pat and Heather. Everyone wept.

Next report from Paris. Au revoir

Rocky Mountain HIGH-ER

2008-07-17T18:49:00.001-07:00

Today we climbed to 10,850 feet over the San Juan Mountain Range. It seems strange to see sights that for years in Western movies have made them so familiar. The landscape could be from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. We travel through many Small American towns… Alamosa, Monte Vista, del Norte… they are just as imagined. Many quaint houses, tree-lined streets, cowboys wandering across the road. Then in the country-side we pass the red barns, grazing horses of all breeds, including the famous Appalossa.

We saw a group of elk today, antlers held high sniffing the breeze. There are plenty of deer, squirrels and chipmunks. At night we hear the coyotes howling and Pat tells me that they never go walking at night without their handgun… this is America!!

At the summit we stopped and strandled the brass plate that depicts the great divide, the centre-line through the USA. From that line all the water runs either east or west.

The photos show some of today’s scenery, as well as the mobile home of our friends Noelene and JB. It is an amazing piece of machinery… it has a full-size shower, good size double bedroom and all the things that open and close. They tow their small Suzuki car behind and then a trailer behind that!! Then there’s the saddle – I went into a store called the Big R. Inside all the cowboy supplies you can imagine. The store is frequented by the Amish community near here.

Rocky Mountain High

2008-07-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we took the service in River of Life Church, Alamosa. A great service – preached on being “Eagle Christians,” a topic they can relate to as eagles continuously circle above the mountain peaks all around.

The town of Alamosa is set inside the US’s highest mountain valley – the San Luis Valley which is bordered on the west by the Rocky Mountains and on the east by the cordillera San Juan. The air is thin and we get easily puffed with exertion. The air is also very pure and nice to breath.

Wildlife abounds and at night we listen to the coyotes and owls and today in the Sangre de Cristo mountains we kept a sharp lookout for bears, but alas saw none. We did see a dear and although we were assured that there are buffalo around there, we failed to catch a glimpse.

The photos show us trekking up through the mountains to a waterfall. The water is freezing and much against Judy’s protestations we paddled through it when there were no stepping stones… brrrrr. Another pic shows us outside a 100 year old hut for the pony express riders.

Once up the mountains we could look back down on the incredibly flat plains of the valley where our friends Patrick and Heather live and minister. Tonight we plan a walk in the dark countryside of Pat Heather’s 10 acre spread and as usual Pat will pack his handgun in case of coyotes, owls or other local inhabitants. According to him, most locals carry a handgun – hmmmm…..

Saw some Appaloosa horses today Jules and although we haven’t seen any yet, they tell us there are plenty of authentic cowpokes in town. Maybe tomorrow we’ll mosy on down to the saloon and see them.

... and so, to Colorado

2008-07-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

Miami airport security has to be seen and experienced to be believed. Each passenger (domestic) or each couple travelling together are scrutenized and “processed.” The whole thing takes about twenty minutes per person or couple. Finger scanned, body air-blow tested for gun powder in a cubicle, each piece of hand luggage scanned and computer analysed, shoes and belts also. Wow, incredibly thorough.

Phil McCullum was waiting to pick us up at Colorado Springs and he whisked us away to the enormous church where he is now on the pastoral team. It is the church where Ted Haggard was pastor and which experienced the slaying shootings last February. The complex is gigantic and Phil is one of 200 on staff. Waiting for us there was Fletch and Melissa Whipp (Tom and Heather’s son) who wanted prayer to have a baby. We happily obliged and Fletch gave us a prophecy he had written out for us several days before our arrival. Wow, it sure spoke to us!

Heather and Patrick, our dear friends from Chile days, arrived there and drove us the 2.5 hours back to Alamosa where they live and pastor. Alamosa is about 5000 feet above sea level and so we soon felt the effects of altitude and crashed last night, but not before meeting Jolene and her fiancé, Chuck. Jolene was just 11 when we last saw her and so it’s strange to see her all grown up and in “wedding prep mode.” We’ll post some pics tomorrow. Patrick has me preaching at his church tomorrow and so no time to take pictures now.

Pictures here are from our final night in Bolivia where we dined with our friends Mik, Kay and Maggie. The restaurant had some skins of local wildlife, including several Anacondas. The local tigers are also featured getting an ear rub….

Bolivia Blew us away...

2008-07-10T18:00:00.001-07:00

To experience the Amazonian jungle is an amazing thing. Beauty on every hand, yet danger and death also is a constant threat.

What a place of contrasts Bolivia is. Enter through La Paz and experience the thin atmosphere of the world’s highest city. Headaches and dizziness come immediately. Off immediately in a tiny 20 seater propeller aircraft to Riberalta, literally carved out of the jungle. First impressions… oppressive heat, humidity, clouds of red dust (will we ever get it out of our clothes?). Then the smiling faces of our friends Mik and Kay waiting for us (or was all the chocolate and vegemite we brought them from Oz the greater anticipation?) Out to Hogar Casa Segura, the amazing acreage property that they have sculptured out of the jungle to be a haven for the multitude of orphans in the area whose parents have succumbed to the world’s greatest killer, malaria.

We were only there a day when we realised what a hostile environment this is. Bug-ville – there are creatures of every size and colour amidst the spectacular butterflies, parrots and monkeys. We didn’t see any anacondas, but we saw plenty of shed skins, some up to 8 metres (maybe they saw us though!! – Scary).

We drove into the jungle one day in the tip truck to collect timber that had been “hand cut” for the CS project. What a trip! Mik said that it was his most hair-raising one to date. Trust me to pick that one to go on! The “road” was actually little more that an animal track that was about wide enough for a small motorcycle. We slipped and slid our way along. I was convinced that I’d spend my first ever night hunkering down in the jungle. My mind played tricks and I imagined being swallowed by anacondas and whatever else. Sharpened up my prayer life. Needless to say we made it back.

The skill of the woodcutter amazed me. He fells the giant Brazil Nut tree and it falls amongst thick forest. He somehow manages to cut it up right there into long, beautiful planks according to the dimensions ordered by Mik. His only tool is a chain saw!

We left Mik and Kay, full of admiration for their grit, commitment and vision. They endure great hardships. Malaria, TB, parasitic digestive illness, discouragement and lack of Christian fellowship are just a few of their constant companions. God is with them. We were glad to be able to refresh them a little.

Back in La Paz last night in the Raddison Hotel we reflected on how our lives go from the sublime to the ridiculous in short time periods. We dined in luxury looking out upon this amazing city that is like an enormous bowl with very steep sides. As we reclined in a hot bath we thought of Kay and Mik without running water in their little jungle chalets and we gave thanks to Father for these unlikely heroes of our faith. Good on ya, you little Aussie battlers.

Last day in Chile...

2008-07-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

We will enjoy our final lunch in Chile today before pushing off to Bolivia. We leave Viña del Mar at 4am to get to the airport in Santiago in time for our 7am flight.

Last night we had a healing service in our old church and prayed for folk for 3 hours, with folk staying until 11pm in the freezing (6 degree) cold for prayer. I handled the physical ailments while Judy prayed for emotional healings, depressions etc.

Our time in Bolivia will be rugged in comparison with little or no internet connection, so we may be "off air" with our blog until the hotel in La Paz as we're leaving on 10th July.

Changing Face of Chile

2008-07-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

During the 15 year that we have been away from Chile, so many changes have taken place. Not simply that Chile has kept pace with the changes elsewhere, but in many ways Chile has become almost as modern and up to date as Australia and other first world countries.

Prices too have caught up and so whereas one could expect to pay around 20-25% of "at home" prices before, now it's more likely to be around 60%.

One of the sadder things, we think, is the catching up in casualness of dress. The Chileans always too great care to present themselves impeccably and smartly, but now they appear almost as sloppy as we do.

We have been treated these past few days to brilliantly fine weather, warm and pleasant. We had lunch at a typical fish restaurant on the Costa Brava, not far from where we're staying. Outside the window the fishermen were hauling in their catch in their little yellow and red boats, while the seagulls and pelicans waited in anticipation of their piece of the spoils. The fish is every bit as good as we remember and we have managed to dispose of several delicious Corvina, Congrio and pescada. Yum.

Click on the link above right to see today's journal entry

La Union Church

2008-06-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today was one of joy and other emotions as we re-visited Union Church where we pastored for 4-5 years during our sojourn in Chile more than 16 years ago. We met up with so many old friends and lamented the loss of others who have either fallen by the wayside, died or moved to other churches or cities.

It was a cold and bleak day weather-wise, but Union Church was full to standing room only with so many who had heard of our arrival. Gone were the old formalities and "english only" service, as I preached through an interpreter, Annie Gutierrez, who was just a child of 11 when we arrived, but who is now a mother of two and a wonderful Christian woman.

Meeting special old friends, like our first convert Patricio in the photo with his wife and three children and Carlos, Paola and THIER three children. Carlos is his usual clowning self and I kidded him about his extra weight - although he tried to say that it was just the layers of clothing against the cold day.

The church responded warmly to my message and will come out again on Weds night when we have a healing meeting. I look forward to that.

Back to Olmue

2008-06-27T05:03:00.001-07:00

When we first arrived in Chile in 1987, we located to the countryside village of Olmue to learn Spanish. Olmue is nestled below an imposing mountain, la Campana, which gets a snow-covered peak at this time of year.

Today we re-visited Olmue, where horses and cowboys have right of way. It hasn't changed much and one of the things that one does in Olmue is to eat the famous "empanadas." So, as you can see we went right ahead and did so.

The cool weather has been quite a shock to our system - around 11 degrees - but it was nice and sunny at Olmue, where we dined in the lovely country air. We visited the place that we stayed in '87, a church retreat centre, only to find it overgrown and run-down. A shame and a bit sad, but not unexpected.

Eating and drinking seem to be the main things on our agenda at present, so at some stage that will have to change.... not today though!!!!!

Yikes!! Spanish

2008-06-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

We are being absolutely spoiled rotten by our friends here in Chile. The view from their apartment building is spectacular, looking down on the Chilean Coast. We are being taken to dine in all the lovely places and the Chilean cuisine is deliciously remembered.

Somehow word has got out that we are here and pastors are calling wanting me to preach for them. I am graciously declining and have set up a time to meet them altogether for coffee and thus avoid meeting them all individually. It was a bit daunting to have to speak on the phone in Spanish and each time I opened my mouth to begin a sentence I wondered whether I'd be able to complete it!! So far so good. I'm feeling quite pleased with myself. I'll so find out if I made myself understood on Thursday at 4pm when they should all turn up at the same place for coffee!!

Bienvenidos a Chile! (Welcome to Chile)

2008-06-24T04:13:00.000-07:00

21 hours after driving away from our Brisbane home on Monday morning, we had a rude welcome back to Chile. Judy had packed a few snack nuts in her cabin bag and forgot to declare them. We were made to endure an awful couple hours filling out forms and paying an $80 fine (I'm calling Judy "Schappelle" for the next few days as punishment).
But worse than the fine was the discovery that our friend, who had driven all the way down from the coast to pick us up, thought that we had missed the plane and started home. With the wonderful provision of mobile phones, we caught her just 30minutes away and she returned for us.

The pictures are of us waiting for her outside the terminal in Santiago's 6 degree cold, with the snow draped Andes mountains behind.

We had a lovely drive back to our old coastal home and the wonderful luxury of a bath and a good sleep. Chile is 14 hours behind Brisbane. We look forward to seeing our old town today (Tuesday) and having some authentic Chilean cuisine for lunch.

Chao amigos.

Almost Blastoff Time...

2008-06-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

Just two more sleeps and we're Chile bound...!!!
It has been a full and stressful few weeks as we moved into a new house, landscaped and fenced it, built two decks and wound up things at Church and the office. but we're there and tomorrow we can begin packing with only Sunday to negotiate.

Stay posted for news from Chile.

Can hardly wait...

2008-05-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

Gary's 58th birthday coincided with the two month mark until we take off on our round world trip. We kept being asked, "why don't you go to such and such a place, seeing you're so near...?" Well, the truth is we just have to limit ourselves to where we really want to go. We would like to visit nearly every place on the globe, but...!

What we have decided with this trip is that we're making it a holiday. For that reason, with the exception of Paris, we've deliberately avoided the big tourist cities such as London, Rome etc. Someday we'll do another type of trip and perhaps see them. We've opted instead to visit good friends in Chile, Bolivia, Colorado, Uganda and South Africa.

In England, Malta and Italy, it's holidays BIG-TIME!! We have time-share resort accommodation in England and Malta, and a very lovely country hotel in Tuscany, Italy - for one week in each place.

One of the fascinating things for us is that when the time-share holiday people called to inform us of our holiday in England - they just said that "it's in the lakes district." But when we looked for it on google maps we discovered to our delight that it's adjacent to Village Levens, in Cumbria!! Looking forward to posting the pics from there!!

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