Gotta run baby, run

Hey Guys,

Sorry I've been absent - sooooooo busy.

Saturday was the 5th of six Dads + Lads sessions. Great discussion, mostly with the boys, about boundaries and how they are a sign of a parents love - they knew it already - made me wonder why there are ever arguements! Thought about 'time outs' to cool off before coming back to talk through issues. A good principle I think, because especially as kids get older they need to feel that their point of view is heard and respected, even if the decision goes the 'against' them.

From there we took a trip to the RAF Museum at Hendon to admire aeroplanes from the early Hawkers to the Euro Fighter. We had a tour of the bombers by 86 year old Jumbo who had seen action with the Pathfinder Squadron. He spoke with a quiet command, humour and humility. How I respect his generation and the sacrifice made for our freedom.

So, not home until 3.30 pm for a short break, and then out to prepare for Mammas. This is an evening that this year sold out with 120 mums chauffered to our church turned restaurant for a three course Mexican meal prepared, cooked and served by men. A lot of wives came but single moms had tickets bought for them by the guys - cool.

I was Maitre D' to about 20 'staff' - mainly my mates - but what an effort to keep some of them in line!!! . A very successful evening, but I was exhausted by the time we got out of church at 1pm!

Had the final two exams of my course on Monday night then a celebratory curry afterwards. It has been a great trip with my friends over 2.5 years. We have all learnt and grown loads. Hard to quantify but definitely life changing stuff.

Preparing to speak at a church this Sunday morning - the subject is PASSION !!

Meanwhile, work busy but fun. Submitted a new idea today to buy a house boat for our homeless residents to use as move on accomodation - i.e. the final stage of support in helping young people onto independant living.

The YMCA owns a tower block and the Grand Union Canal runs adjacent to it. Gonna work with British Waterways and the lcal MP on this one. Fun eh!

Ok, gotta run - collect Ned and cook dinner... luv ya x