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July 31, 2007
Purchases, Surprises, Travels
I'm writing from Moncton, New Brunswick. I had a great bowl of pasta and sea food yesterday. I'm presenting a paper at a conference here, a bit more than a week before The Big Trip... insane.
It is some kind of vacation in my "vacation" time before leaving. As you know, its not been relaxing too much. I'll try to take it easy, and do lots of reading (which I just LOVE).
I had a good surprise this week. A brother called me telling me that he could pick up my furniture and get it to where it needed to go! That took care of one of my big worries.
I did some nagging, and I got the cheque that I needed signed, so I was able to mail the application to the AIESEC Adapt bursary. God willing, I'll have it! Up to 80% of my airfare in exchange of some volunteer work and presentations about Canada (which I was hoping of doing anyway...)
I saw the Shermer-Jacoby debate DVD and was left wanting. Jacoby did a good job, but didn't really hammer it down well. When it finished, I was surprised. That's it? That's it? Its not a bad DVD, but don't go out of your way to watch it.
Sunday's service was... interesting. A brother hijacked the service to introduce a brother who hasn't been attending in a long time. He had this long letter calling out sins in the evangelist. That wasn't a happy moment, especially with the language used. But there are good side to this. A brother rose and took upon himself to investigate the matter in an impartial way. Then, our evangelist still went up front and did his message, without a word or a reference to what had happened. That's self-control!!
I'm feeling very encouraged by sisters in Toronto. They called me with very kind words, and sent me a few words of encouragement (with a very fancy card) that made me teary-eyed for a moment. That's one of the best things about God's kingdom!
Going back to my trip preparation, I've emailed people from my the church in Mumbai. Plan B is kicking in high gear, since I'm not relying on the AIESEC people too much right now. Brothers will write back within a day to let you know they're working on it, AISEC people will... write back... at some point. I'm not bitter, but being factual. I'm less than 2 weeks away, so I have to go for what works, no matter how someone may feel about it.
I'm confident that God will work it out, but I'm still stressed about that. I need more prayer.
Posted by ma at 8:35 AM in Life | TrackBack
July 23, 2007
Pictures from my trip in Virginia and Massachussets
So, quickly here are those from Salem, MA:
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| Visiting Salem |
In case I didn't say it yet: the Witch Museum is a waste of money, don't bother going there. The walk in Salem is great though!
Posted by ma at 4:12 PM in Life | TrackBack
July 21, 2007
Stuff: moving, planning, fishing, etc.
Lots of things have happened, but nothing to write too much about.
We're having Sunday services in the park now, with a nice picnic afterwards. I'm enjoying it.
I spent 2 days with my parents in Magog. I fished with my dad and picked a black bass (Achigan, in French). I'll put the pictures online soon. We also took the Orford Express touristic train, but it wasn't really worth it for just the ride. Maybe that the option with the fancy meal is worth it. We ended up taking supper with disciples in Sherbrooke, before I went back to Montreal this Friday.
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| Fishing Trip with My Dad |
Other than that, its just travel preparations and helping people move. There is some more of my stuff that is gone, lent to a brother. There was a miscommunication with a couple about when they'd come to pick my furniture, so I have to figure that one out.
No real progress on my side project for bringing stuff for the poor kids in India. Gotta nail that one down this week.
I've had to spend some time preparing for a conference in Moncton, where I'll fill in for my CSL colleagues, who can't attend. I've dictated some terms (i.e. travel by plane only), but I've remained flexible.
I'm reading The Prideful Soul's Guide to Humility, which is very challenging. I'm realizing the depth of my pride.
Also noteworthy is that I spent some time with a Protestant evangelist who's been bringing the Gospel in India to Hindus for about 15 years, and I learned a lot. God will use this knowledge to help me reach out to lost souls. The Gita, an small hindu text, clearly establishes that deeds won't save anyone, and that there is only one God. That will be very useful in the ministry as a stepping stone towards Christ.
Keep me in your prayers so that I can be peaceful, humble and truly consecrated.
Posted by ma at 5:00 PM in Life | TrackBack
July 13, 2007
How Great is Airport Security
Nice Picture!
A system with access to critical data that is unsecured. Yay!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9831094@N02/755509753/
Posted by ma at 4:31 PM in Funny / Insightful | TrackBack
July 2, 2007
How Cheney Tries to Escape Accountability
Very interesting legal analysis in Findlaw.
Posted by ma at 8:14 PM in Funny / Insightful | TrackBack
Moving, moving, moving
Well...
I helped a couple people move Saturday, and spent the day before and after preparing and executing mine. It was tiring. I'm feeling my left ankle acting up.
It turns out that my landlady allows me to stay in until I leave for India, which is August 9th. It should simplify a few things. I still need to plan a couple things, because I turn out having more stuff than I thought I did.
I bought my plane ticket, and I'm involved in Bible studies. I'm evangelizing more, things are getting better. I just need to manage my time well to truly enjoy this month before I go.
Posted by ma at 7:56 PM in Life | TrackBack
Italy Charges CIA Operatives for Extraordinary Rendition
Interesting articles in Wired and the Washington Post.
It looks like the CIA really needs to learn about the wonders of cryptography to secure its communications. On the plus side, we finally have evidence of CIA operations in foreign countries. I hope that law and due process will soon be interesting ideas in the USA.
Posted by ma at 7:46 PM in Funny / Insightful | TrackBack