Bits and Pieces and Reflections

Last weeks terrible news about a devastating disaster in Myanmar with millions being killed has been added to this week with the news of thousands more killed in China by an earthquake. These are terrible tragedies that are very difficult to explain. They are certainly a challenge to anyone with a religious faith.

When such tragedies happen, we often hear of people who survive and are so thankful saying that "God was with them". They were certainly very fortunate and God was with them but my faith tells me that if God was anywhere He was also most certainly with those who suffered and died. For me, this is the whole point of the incarnation. Christians believe in a God who reaches out and walks alongside us in the realities of life. Well, that's enough of the sermon! I do hope that the relief agencies will be able to get on with their work and that many people will be able to support the work they do.

Such tragedies put my own problems into perspective. Last week I discovered that my tent wasn't big enough, so I purchased a replacement over the internet. In order to ensure the tent would be with me by last weekend I phoned the supplier. They promised me that it would be, provided someone stayed in on Friday to sign for it. Friday came and Jan stayed home all day. At four o'clock I phoned the supplier as the tent still hadn't been delivered. I was told, "Sorry, we've run out of that model tent and would like to offer you a different one".

The different one was too heavy, so I had to start again. Back to ebay and another tent ordered by a different supplier. They promised that it would be with me by today (Tuesday). They were true to their word, but when trying to erect the tent I discovered that it was incomplete and lacks a pin in one of its corners! They promised to get a new pin to me for tomorrow!! (I keep praying). (Here's me worrying about a tent when so many are just worrying about life itself).

In addition to this, I have had problems obtaining a Pakistani Visa. First of all the Pakistan Embassy required a different form to be completed. They now require evidence that I can financially support myself when in the country. The Visa company is going spare, as am I. We are due to leave this coming Sunday! I suppose it wont matter if I can't get into Pakistan. Other things in life are far more important.