Life ... as it's happened.

Okay, so I'm the slackest blogger out (well, outside of Sue and Si!!) but bear with me, it has been full on crazy around this place, with graduation, commissioning, my birthday, packing, and the moving trucks .... eh.

However, I'm alive still and now a fully ordained and commissioned Salvation Army officer (scary!) and about to head off for Christmas and New Years before heading to Chch to begin my new role and live my new life.

Plus on the absolutely awesome side of life, I got my new car. Very nice. I love it.

Meanwhile.... some photos of the big commissioning w/end...

A long running practical joke that I won't explain, but here are our session giving our ATP Janine a bunch of plastic flowers.

At the Silver Star lunch - in the back is Christine, Matt, Val, Dad. In front is me, Popa and Mum.
At the Silver Star lunch are some of the Smith cousins: Olivia, Emma, me, Ben and Matt.

After the graduation, Matt, Michael, Hannah and I have a photo with Billy Booth.
Getting ordained, commissioned and appointed.
Trying hard to remember the doctrines.
With Janine and Roberto, are the Witnesses for Christ in their lovely sashes and the newly commissioned Captains.

And for the first time we ALL have red stuff on our shoulders!! From left: Jo, Ross, me, Perry, Sue, Simon, Annette, Kevin and Janette.

FIRE!!

Well, you can never say life is dull!!

This morning, Tiko and Shelley, Stu and Kylie, Kevin, Annette, Suzanne and I went into town to the tailors to have another uniform fitting (prior to commissioning) and we stopped off at Trade on the way. I was looking at the books when the fire alarm sounded and we (minus Stu and Tiko who were off getting us all coffees and hot chocs) were ushered along with all the THQ and Central DHQ staff - and whoever else got caught in it - to a 'safe place'.

Lo and behold, then four fire engines turned up (and I have to confess I was jumping up and down in excitement!)

It turns out there was a real fire. I'm not sure on the details but from what I heard, someone was working on something on the roof and somehow caught something on fire and smoke was smelt in the building somewhere. Fortunately no one was hurt and I believe THQ is still standing.

I'm reminded of one of Jen's favourite sayings: Drama, drama, drama!

Being a Christian

“When you become a Christian, Jesus will invade your life and make you into somebody He can use to change the world. Through you, He will challenge racism. Through you, Jesus will attack sexism, poverty, and militarism. That was never taught to me when I was growing up. I never heard that I could be an instrument that God could use to change the world.

All I was told was that being a Christian meant I would go to heaven when I died. I was never told that the primary reason Jesus saved me was to make me into somebody whom He could use to change the world into the kind of world He willed for it to be when He created it.”

-Tony Campolo

Guy Fawkes

Yeah sure, it seems a little nuts that we in little old NZ would have fireworks in remembrance of a guy who tried to blow up the British Parliament Buildings yonkers ago, but, hey, any excuse for a BBQ and fireworks, eh?!

Clockwise from left: Reuben, Naomi and Patrick bring over the fireworks; Kendal, me and Naomi; The men doing the BBQ; Naomi cartwheeling; Tiko prepping the BBQ.
Clockwise from left: Reuben and Patrick on the see-saw; Monique and Sue; Terry (Gotta love Perry's face in the background!!); Kayla and Kylie.
Clockwise from left: Christina, Kate and Hannah; fireworks; Emily and Reuben with sparkers; the kids sparkler trails; Kendal.
Clockwise from left: Simon lights the sparklers for the kids; Naomi and her sparkler; fireworks; Kayla watching the fireworks in the sky (classic face!); Kate; Rochelle.

Photos of My Wellington Whanau

Lucy and Michael's Wedding

Yes, my darling Lucy finally tied the knot with Michael!! It's been a long time coming - 5 years in fact! I made the trek up to Hamilton on Thursday afternoon and got back late last night, so am fully shattered, but enjoy these photos of Mr and Mrs Clement...

Clockwise top left: Our mothers; Kelly and Lillie walk down the aisle; followed by Jess and Mia; Me reading a poem to Lucy and Michael; Lucy and her dad, David, coming down the aisle.
Clockwise top left: The vows; the kiss; Mr and Mrs Clement; Kelly, Lillie, Lucy and Michael; Dayna and Kelly.
Clockwise top left: me, Carl and Jaci; Mum and Dad; me and Ali; Mum and Sue. Clockwise top left: Joel; Levi; Jaci, Kelly and I; the cake; cutting the cake.
Clockwise top left: the parents table; Carl, Jaci and Joel; Mum, Dad and I; The Awesome Foursome: Jaci, Lucy, Kelly and me; Michael and Lucy's first dance; the rest starting to dance.

I Got Me Another Musical Fix

Yes, I confess, I'm a musical junkie and I just got myself another fix.

I went with Caroline, Janette, Janine, Heather and Suzanne tonight to FINALLY see the movie Hairspray and oh my gosh I am still buzzing.

Please account for the fact that I have been pegged the cadet who most likely wished she lived in a musical, but after the singing, the dancing and the bright colours (not to mention that always happy ending) I still can't see why anyone wouldn't!!

Brilliant. And a fab night out.

Definitely one I could watch again for a lift-me-up and a laugh.

Good Back, Come Back!

So I went to Julie and Lachie's for dinner early last week and Julie had a looksy at my calves (long story - for another time). While I was on the ground, Hannah (bless her!) didn't quite realise how old she is (11 but the size of a 15 year old!!) nor how big (nearly my height), and she jumped on my back.

And I wanted to get angry, but I couldn't. It really wasn't all that long ago when I went through that stage and I remember how much I hated being told I was "too big".

However, my back has been in pain for the last ten days.

Julie has given me some exercises and advice (she used to be a physio), which was much appreciated and I am pleased to report, today (ten days after the initial incident) the pain has substantially lessened. Praise the Lord!!

So I know where I'm going...

So, my fellow bloggers and bloggettes, I can finally tell you where I'm off to live...

CHRISTCHURCH.

Ooooh.

I have been appointed to be the Divisional Youth and Candidates Secretary for the Southern Division. Basically, this means that I am responsible for the young peoples programmes run by The Salvation Army in the South Island of New Zealand. I also will help (as much as I can) getting people from the South Island into Training College to begin their training as officers.

So yeah, big news. I'll be going home to Hamilton for Christmas and a little break before moving (via my current home in Wellington) to Chch.

Very exciting and terrifying. At least I know the Big Man upstairs is moving with me and will help me as we begin this new adventure together. BRING IT ON, I say!!

P.S. I do have spare beds for friends and family if you want a holiday in the deep south!!

Stop the Traffik!

Human Trafficking is a global issue of great concern - one which The Salvation Army has chosen to target and make a difference.

Right now, the largest slave trade in history is taking place around the world. This slavery, called human trafficking, is a hidden evil that affects everyone, but especially women and children. Human trafficking is cloaked in darkness, confusion, fear, misunderstanding and control and many who try to take action, feel overwhelmed by the size of the task. As persons of faith, however, we can call on an Almighty God who longs for us to join our hearts and prayers on behalf of those who suffer.

To continue in this battle against the exploitation of women and children, please see the Resources menu above with ideas on how you as an individual or as a group can pray, fundraise, create awareness and help in the effort to expose and eliminate Human Trafficking.

Together we will make a difference.

For more info, click here...

Mission Weekend - Upper Hutt

So twice a year, we have a "Mission Weekend" where we funnily enough do missions for a weekend at a corps. So far this year, we went to Levin and helped out up there in June, and last weekend we did it local and helped out at Upper Hutt.

Here's some photos of our great team...

Clockwise from top left: Lachie planting shrubs; Julie and Tiko gardening at Trentham Primary School; Annette raking; Kev; Lachie chucks up Kayla in the air (much to her delight); Sarah and Hannah.
Clockwise from top left: Me and Christina; Simeon and Tiko; Jennifer, Perry, Suzanne and Emily eating our pizza for lunch.
Clockwise from top left: At our movie night- Tiko, Steve and Stu; Patrick airborne; Rochelle and Doug (aka Tiko); me and Reuben; SuperGarth.
Clockwise from top left: Reuben and Naomi; Kevin eating his fish n chips tea; Emily and Kayla fasten seatbelts in their cardboard car; Kate, Sarah and Hannah in their car; Christina peek a boos; Terry, Zachary, Ethan, Simeon and Louis and their car.
Clockwise from top left: Lachie pre-extreme makeover; during the big shave; Lachie post-extreme makeover; Andrew and Rochelle get made over as well; Ty (aka Stu) and Julie.

Clockwise from top left: Simeon, Christina, Sarah and Reuben decorating their muffins; Kylie and Annette; Kayla feels Lachie's new head.

Clockwise from top left: Kayla and Stu; Tiko; me piggybacking Kayla and Emily; Naomi, Reuben and Cody; Garth and Kevin ready to dish up lunch.

Emily and my hair

So about three days ago, I had my hair coloured and cut again - most people liked it (or at least pretended to) - except for Kayla, who said it was 'funny' - translation: I don't like it. She changed her mind yesterday.

Then last night at our College BBQ, I picked up Emily and sat her on my lap and we were talking about different things. Then she asked me if I was Monique's Nana. (How old do I look!!!??!) I laughed and said, "No, I'm Crinniebabes."

She looked a little puzzled then pulled down my oversized sunglasses to exclaim, much to her delight, "You are!" Lol.

Brief Update

Sorry I haven't written in forever but I've been incredibly busy - prep for Commissioning has now stepped up a notch, plus assignments, sermons and just the normal procrastination .... well the blog has been somewhat waylaid.

Matt was down in Wellington this past weekend, which was awesome. He was down in Tawa with the National Youth Band. I do so much miss my little brother and he has been given strict instructions to visit me more often at my new appointment when I move in the New Year. (and now .... that hasn't been announced yet)

I've had tonnes of other visitors on recent weekends too - Ma, Pa and Popa; Aunty Sue and Uncle Alister; Jane Jane from Timaru ... and Mum and her friend Murrianna are coming down soon for another conference and then Jane and her whanau are looking at coming up in Nov I think.

Anywhos... will post some more photos and write properly shortly. Just not now. Sigh.

Orongomai Marae

So as part of our course, and doing some cultural immersion, all us cadets and whanau packed up and spent last weekend at Orongomai Marae. It was an awesome experience - both the Maori aspect, the learning aspect, and just the 'bonding' that comes about with a huge group living together. The food was spectacular too!

We went Friday afternoon, led by Shelley and Sue as kaikaranga's (doing the 'call' as we headed onto the marae) and then completed the powhiri (welcome) inside. This time I even hongi-ed without whacking foreheads too hard!

I really loved all the art ... I love how they tell stories. I spent a great deal of time looking at the carvings and tokutoku panels ... I have a lot of respect for the artists. It's incredible.

The night was looong (have you ever tried to get adults, tweens and preschoolers to go to sleep in the same room but at different times?) and I was glad I wasn't a parent and could just enjoy it. In saying that the kids were really well behaved and once the lights were out ... well eventually people nodded off.

Except me. I was stuck between two snorers. I won't mention names but I was surprised by one (the lowest and loudest) being a six year old boy!!

Reuben and Naomi.
Tiko by one of the carvings inside.
Perry, Simon and Sue
Me, Naomi, Patrick and Reuben
Kate, Hannah and Christina

Think C

Officially, I am writing my Think C essay, which is due tomorrow. Everyone thinks cos they hear typing, I must be working. Methinks it is scary how easy it is to procrastinate...

Some Quotes

Elbert Hubbard: Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.

George Eliot: What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?

Isaac Asimov: If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster.

Mark Twain: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Oliver Wendell Holmes: It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living.

Sarah Ban Breathnach: An authentic life is the most personal form of worship. Everyday life has become my prayer.

Thomas Jefferson: It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.

Winston Churchill: We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Curry Night

So last night we had "Curry Night", where everyone took up a curry to the Dining Hall and we had a mean as feed. Spicy all round - though I confess, I stuck with the very incredibly, can hardly taste it curry. I've never been that adventurous when it comes to my food, and I confess after my sick episode in Tonga, I'm even more cautious. However, it was a great nite all round.

Popa

So I just got off the phone to Mum, who told me something my dear old Popa (pictured left with me and Matt in May) said today.

See, Popa is moving to a different resthome on Friday and was a little concerned about whether or not he was "allowed out" on the weekends, particularly to my Commissioning at the end of the year. Except when he asked Mum, it went more along the lines of if he would still be allowed "to go to Wellington for the granddaughter being rabbi-ed." Cute.

A little poem

I found this little poem put out by Mainly Music, when I lived down in Timaru. I think its pretty cool and sums up me.

Sometimes I feel so inadequate,
I start to question am I ready for the things you ask?
My words are not so eloquent
but if I speak the truth in love
even simple words are equal to the task.
Oh Lord, let Your Spirit rise within me
until the world cannot deny that You exist.
This is my only passion,
this is the reason why I live:
to make You known,
to make You seen,
to be Your hands and to be Your feet.
I want to be a revelation of love.
I want to make the invisible God - visible.

Personal DNA

So I did a personality test. Click on this link to find out what it came out as and let me know if you think they were on target or way off the mark!

http://www.personaldna.com/report.php?k=eKpmvZCpcrJPwSm-FO-CDADA-1a67

The Pegging Spreads

One website to check out:
http://funatcollege.blogspot.com/

Yeah ... they pegged my house.

Revenge will be mine.

More Pegging!

James is sooooo close, but still doesn't find them. Mwa ha ha!

Stu

Steve has no clue what just happened.

Robert thought I was giving him a hug, but on his first day back after Fiji, he got pegged!

Caroline. Double pegged.
Aunty Sue thought she came to BCM for a conference. I know she came to be pegged.
I had to bend twice, but I double pegged Suzanne.

You are a BEAUTIFUL Human Being

Pegging

So Pegging. I was emailed by Phil with the following explanation:

The 'Pegging' phenomenon is just taking off in the UK. The action of pegging requires a peg and a victim. The aim is to attach a peg to a victim without them knowing. A peg that is captured on film and shared for all to see is crucial.

As you will see there are many types of pegs some harder to perfrom than others. The more tricky the peg the more props you receive from your pegging peers.

The challenge was set. And I'm hooked by the challenge.

So I'm not too good yet (people around here were already suspicious of me before pegging took place!) but I will improve. In the meantime, enjoy my first Pegging Experience.

Janette.

Rochelle. Double pegged. I reckon I could have put in more but I ran out of pegs. D'oh.

James. Another time I think more pegs in the dreads would have been possible had I had more pegs with me.Andrew, who made me laugh. Double pegged - first by Murray, then myself - and despite people making jokes about pegs and his tail, he still didn't click. Lol.

Ross. Finally epaulettes came in handy.