Apologies galore. Time has well and truly got away from me. I'll attempt to catch up.
Firstly, the Candlemas service and get together for the retired pastors. I have to say they all enjoyed it, I had candles a plenty both in the service and at the lunch....and on the altar! Don't usually have candles here.
Unfortunately the following week I was somewhat unwell, and decided to go to Portugal while Sarah was there. I was really feeling stressed about several things, unusual for me, so the break did me good. I spent the days clearing out my wardrobe and several cupboards. A lot more to tackle though which I'll do in the summer. A number of people have viewed my house, one offer of half the asking price! I turned that down.
Then I went back to Hereford with Sarah to see the family and got caught in the snow! Couldn't get to Gatwick but fortunately Rwandair transferred me to a flight the following week for admin fee of £50 so not too bad.
Then it it was countdown to Easter, I was preaching each week and teaching 3 days in Holy Week so rather busy preparing.....then ......the church building, along with about 7000 others in Rwanda was closed for a number of reasons. Life was uncertain for weeks as I didn't know what I'd be doing and where. I did hold 2 services in one of the churches allowed to remain open, but it was all a bit hit and miss! Well at least I have next year's Palm Sunday service ready! I gave out palm crosses which I'd made and everyone was thrilled and wants them next year. I'd got the palms from Akagera Lodge when there with Sarah and Wil the previous week.
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday I attended the services at the cathedral, getting very wet at the footwashing! I was looking forward to Easter Day at the cathedral but at 9.15 the night before received a message to say the Mayor had called and the church could be used in the morning. Thank goodness I was prepared! However folk didn't know and I had 6 adults and 12 children, no Sunday school stuff, it was a difficult service you can imagine.
But I managed to get the Easter Day service from Sheffield Cathedral to watch when I got home....and finished with Thine be the glory....thank goodness.
I'm happy to say this Sunday's service was back to being normal with a good input from Friend of Jesus Choir. And I had the lay leader preach as it was the first Sunday of Kwibuka, the time of remembrance for the genocide against Tutsi, and he did very well.
So Sarah and Wil have been with me for nearly a month and I'll write of our adventures in the following blog.
I have furnished accommodation in a great place to move to atthe end of April and then I'll sell all the stuff in the present house.
Keep tuned.
