Friday, July 22, 2011

The power of the whiteboard

If we learnt anything during our track placement, it was the simple power of a good diagram. Usually drawn on a whiteboard. Complex and abstract ideas became concrete shapes with definite colours, pointing to other shapes in a meaningful way. 


Those hours spent with Aled and Ben and the Whiteboard were thought provoking and therefore brilliant, setting us up for the next couple of weeks to engage in some pretty robust discussions around upside kingdoms, changing cultures, big vs. small, grass roots vs. ivory towers.


Come on.




Another one of Derby’s lovely ladies x

Another one of Derby’s lovely ladies x

Upbeat Communities


Our next location for our track placement was Derby. Which has also recently been referred to as The New Jerusalem or just simply Zion by one Ally Kay. It’s incredible to think that we will be moving there next week and it will change from being a destination we visit, talk about, think about moving to, and become our place. Woah.


It helps to know there are wonderful people already there, like these lovely ladies - Heili and Hannah who work with Upbeat Communities. During our stay, Kim and I got to help with a Community Fun Day, making boxes with kids, and I even got to try my hand at some face painting with proper nice paints and brushes. FUN! They are looking for volunteers in August and I’m so there.





Thursday, July 21, 2011

the big three zero


This is Sarah.


Sarah is awesome (and will probably hate the above photo, even though she is gorgeous - ha).


Recently she had the privilege of joining Kim in Club Thirty and we had a little party to celebrate.


At this party there was cake, peggle, and barbies. Just your average turning thirty shindig! Sarah also celebrated with a girls weekend trip to Spain but I’m sure the majority of the fun was had right here…








On the road.

On the road.

Richard & Katy ♥

Richard & Katy ♥

Steve-O

Another important member of the Colechestor house was Steve!! What a guy. And if I’m not mistaken, recently married to Tina who he was waiting to arrive from the US when we stayed.


This particular photo, taken at their Sunday gathering really captures something of the man, and we enjoyed the meeting - so relaxed and fun, and such a diverse group of people. It was our last meal in the house and all our community lunch cooking skills paid off as we served one mean thai curry and chocolate brownie for dessert.