Stop the Traffik

I've been thinking about this a lot recently following lots of publicity around the 200 year anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade and praying about modern people trafficking issues at our homegroup weekend away. This programme (which I think you can watch online)made me think a lot about some of the demand/supply chains that I am clearly part of. I think this is really important, but I am still trying to work out how best to do something practical about it. Maybe I'll start by only buying these types of chocolate (which I know do not depend on child labour).

Countdown

No, not a post about my favourite TV programme, but a timer to countdown to Annie's due date...!

The weather....

Well, they say that when Brits have nothing else to talk about they talk about the weather, but this is weird. We've been having great weather in London for the last few days - blue skys and warm sun. But now it seems we're in for a change: the BBC forecast shows snow on Monday!?

In the last week we've booked our tickets to SA - our departure date is 7 Sept. We've also booked the removals firm - all our belongings will be packed up on 23/24 Aug.

I told the partners and directors at work last week; without exception they were all really supportive and want to help any way they can. Its great that they want to help, but also makes me realise just what a good job I have here and whether I'll ever find anything so good in SA... still, it is all in God's hands.

Last night we had the second week of 'New Growth' at church. We were encouraged to choose the Bible verse that has spoken to us the most in our lives, and then use that to write a mission statement that explains who we are on the basis of those verses. Here's my mission statement, any guesses for the verses that it is based on?:
Before I was, before anyone was, Jesus was. He created everything and all that I am and all that I have are his.

Just writing that helps me feel a little less nervous about SA!

I'm off to check out facebook (yes, I have signed up, and am already fighting addiction!)

Creation

God is sitting in Heaven when a scientist says to Him, "God, we don't need you anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing - in other words, we can now do what you did in the beginning."
"Oh, is that so? Tell Me." replies God.
"Well," says the scientist, "we can take plain dirt and form it into the likeness of you, and breathe life into it, thus creating man."
"Well, that's very interesting ... show Me," says God. So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil into the shape of a man.
"No, no, no ... interrupts God, get your own dirt."

Fire and rain

...here's the James Taylor song I promised...

Yes.. the resolution failed...!

...but now I've just decided to start typing a post to get back into the habit again. So what's happening in the life of the Cadmans?

Physically?
We're all generally well. Annie is absolutely worn out from being pregnant (due in just 4 weeks!) and having to look after Jude all day long. Ant's knees are still bust, but I've decided that football is too important to me to just give up, so we'll just have to see how long that one lasts! Jude is full of energy, sometimes seems like he's bouncing off the walls!

Geographically?
We're still in the UK, but we've set a date!! for moving to SA. Second week of September, all things going to plan, we'll fly to SA...one way! Its very exciting, but there's so much to organise - tickets-removals-house rentals-job-visa-medical cert-passports-birth certificate... I could go on, but then I'd start panicking!

Spiritually?
This is probably just an excuse to post one of my favourite songs, but sometimes I feel like James Taylor did...
"Won't you look down on me Jesus, you've got to help me make a stand
...just got to see me through another day.
My body's aching and my time is at hand
...and I won't make it any other way..."
With the baby on the way and my job being quite hectic we've stopped leading homegroup. Its been quite a wrench for me - I love our group and get so much from our time together, but now seems like the right time to call it a day.
Stepping out and making the decision to up sticks and go to another country is something some of you know all about, but to me its really scary. I'm just glad that we have a big God who takes care of us whatever we do!
Amy gave us a really great verse:
"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

Professionally?
I got promoted just before Christmas - the pay rise will help pay for moving to another country! Consequently I'm really busy, particularly as I'm on secondment to HM Treasury four days a week.

Relationally?
We welcomed Dave Edge to the family recently when he married my sister Nicky. Really great to have a brother in law who was a friend first and loves his football!
We say goodbye to my grandfather on Friday - he passed away at the weekend. He was (and still is) a great influence on my life and a true role model. Miss you Bomber...