tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48939819459633650602024-02-07T11:09:58.379-08:00Pick's PadLawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893981945963365060.post-48325782345747433082012-03-03T18:22:00.000-08:002012-03-03T18:22:31.493-08:00New Year Update<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some exciting news to share….at the start of the holidays Karmen Abraham became my “significant other”, so my holiday took on an unexpected very pleasant extra turn! Now, things have progressed fairly quickly. Karmen lives about 20 mins away from me in LA and goes to Grace Community Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My study load reduced this semester by 4 credits to 12.5 Credits, so that is already helping with channelling some time to growing our relationship. Speaking of studies, Karmen has nearly finished her BA with a major in Biblical Counseling at The Master’s College (part time) and works as a professional disabled child trainer. Naturally Karmen is a delight herself, a bright witnesser for our Lord Jesus Christ and wants to be a pastor’s wife and serve in that role while continuing to work part time. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karmen became a Christian 11 years ago, and her husband, hating Christianity, eventually abandoned her and served the divorce papers; the rest is history. Nina is Karmen’s 14 year old daughter who lives at home<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>and attends Grace Church School. Her son Remy lives with his Father and attends a different school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whilst we were engaged to be married late January, we waited till the Master's Seminary Banquet (last night) to generate a good opportunity. How about this one with AirForce One in the background!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WSfv88saav_B7U8WyTuIgMz2zx-HCNU8EcCNt86qgOcKlF4EsLJu3Dtx8EdMjs0ENaaCpqrIORxjpIITuqVXalg9PV_o3CttQQV0x4kAqMXHaIHzP2YgfylMKJ-mMUXS3xjl5ZS4Hwka/s1600/334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WSfv88saav_B7U8WyTuIgMz2zx-HCNU8EcCNt86qgOcKlF4EsLJu3Dtx8EdMjs0ENaaCpqrIORxjpIITuqVXalg9PV_o3CttQQV0x4kAqMXHaIHzP2YgfylMKJ-mMUXS3xjl5ZS4Hwka/s320/334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
With John MacArthur and Reuben and Verity Pickering.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB9jINZQE0DzMr5S8t7fr9QvTSXqfliVlrxxVs0cSUp1szgHGMrUQjYuIJwGEn74_TP6J8Xf4oA1Hjkr24-tHfXvfG8XCvWJ-Gmrr_2MWfv6tz3YOiAjt-8__FZviCXRMLSuGMn-BUX3U/s1600/345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB9jINZQE0DzMr5S8t7fr9QvTSXqfliVlrxxVs0cSUp1szgHGMrUQjYuIJwGEn74_TP6J8Xf4oA1Hjkr24-tHfXvfG8XCvWJ-Gmrr_2MWfv6tz3YOiAjt-8__FZviCXRMLSuGMn-BUX3U/s320/345.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdV9rSyH7_8iGQuaa_tv8P01NJLkEVJwL1gK-CujQ-esLE03tvpLY0v51-2Nb5puBQeWh3ffuBgaFyEOVNinOJSbAH5qDRQU4Uro5PGSh2-oRGN6xh8ENbvqeWQbKEN2__ZE4kxLbEBGD/s1600/336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdV9rSyH7_8iGQuaa_tv8P01NJLkEVJwL1gK-CujQ-esLE03tvpLY0v51-2Nb5puBQeWh3ffuBgaFyEOVNinOJSbAH5qDRQU4Uro5PGSh2-oRGN6xh8ENbvqeWQbKEN2__ZE4kxLbEBGD/s320/336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></o:p></span> A couple with Nina and Jillian....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnyewvAa9D5ZrAnEDZNczNpdZWzFzT6k5MyBEsGlczSiMColkByeuFg97ER5x8wIEYDwqSLlf6fFFKQNa-eQIVI4Fg6tzMkg0olSCy2VRzupsu-brWUzqqJG0NacAn24tY2pXkUic3VAF/s1600/214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnyewvAa9D5ZrAnEDZNczNpdZWzFzT6k5MyBEsGlczSiMColkByeuFg97ER5x8wIEYDwqSLlf6fFFKQNa-eQIVI4Fg6tzMkg0olSCy2VRzupsu-brWUzqqJG0NacAn24tY2pXkUic3VAF/s320/214.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7431nZRG5raTnOaFbIRvXE-cVm8grhPfKnEHW482gv8KQZGmeurrGH943pb_fBaHCpm65DvoV4M-cyp8108MtZv5Ig4pDAhPJAD-Key0vU8x4w9GLBswuR8CUNEMvT_91kBRFJxNmith3/s1600/215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7431nZRG5raTnOaFbIRvXE-cVm8grhPfKnEHW482gv8KQZGmeurrGH943pb_fBaHCpm65DvoV4M-cyp8108MtZv5Ig4pDAhPJAD-Key0vU8x4w9GLBswuR8CUNEMvT_91kBRFJxNmith3/s320/215.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And at a New dinner, Jillian, Reuben and Verity, Nina and Remy.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21D8eWYefpsU9nabj4dJf3ujeIVvu6wIa2rPF3NWQ9Tcpodz2RuQo48Tk8KpW1qFDdX-IerfJucU_y30CcKm9XEOIRFH98qqNvzt_wuqQ2muyPJOii0nvYBLUkSeui8t177-zXuip_Ms_/s1600/313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21D8eWYefpsU9nabj4dJf3ujeIVvu6wIa2rPF3NWQ9Tcpodz2RuQo48Tk8KpW1qFDdX-IerfJucU_y30CcKm9XEOIRFH98qqNvzt_wuqQ2muyPJOii0nvYBLUkSeui8t177-zXuip_Ms_/s320/313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893981945963365060.post-34738583878008155252011-12-30T17:33:00.000-08:002011-12-30T17:33:00.079-08:00Christmas Update<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>As of Saturday night at 9:30pm, all my papers and exams for this 15 week Semester 1 have were completed!....not to mention the readings; Wow! That was quite a mountain to climb. Sunday saw the completion of the various church ministry Christmas functions, culminating in the most fantastic paean of praise in concert I have ever witnessed. Some of the lyrics and music were actually composed for the Boston Pops Orchestra. I went on the last night of 5, which saw about 4-5000 inch their way in.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Monday was the day to tidy up, emailing, mowing lawns and cleaning a pool – a special deal I have with the gracious APMT owners Bob and Teri White, where I now live - 8830 Newcastle Ave, Northridge, CA 91325 USA; which is about 15 mins from church and seminary.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Whilst the work has been voluminous and tough, it demands a very high quality, as are the professors, who do their job as of a single accord. Basically if you get behind you cannot catch up. One saviour for us was the week break for Thanks Giving from 23<sup>rd</sup>November, the end of which marks the beginning of the Christmas Period.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>I have had the privilege of being one of five who served as Interns at the Grace Life Fellowship, which meets on Sunday mornings at 8:30am in the Gymnasium, and various fortnightly home Bible Study and Prayer and Praise Groups.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>There are 500 students, so this makes for a full chapel twice a week, where we get tear both faculty and visitors speak, indispersed by a couple of seasoned Q & A’s with our President, John MacArthur. There are 3 class days and excepting Sundays, another 3 days of homework . All good stuff.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Next semester starts 9th Jan with a special week on Christian Ethics by Dr John Feinberg, a visiting lecturer. I will try not to do a repeat performance of “The Tie” in the picture, which was the product of good Kiwi Ingenuity. Yes I had forgotten to wear my tie (running late), so could not turn up twice without it, so unhooked the computer case strap, and Bob’s Your Uncle, there it was. To avoid the gang member approach I simply tucked the metal clip ends under a short button…no one would ever know, so I thought. I think by now it has gone around the globe, to say nothing of the Kiwi reputation!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4669YYzGKpTqbSOQpHSyt5i52Lj5Rw3aQ82IHaPMtdh5RYVH20fv69LPHqpHmPVEI1IN0sRcnFLvyGHFq4NhoqphmHU5jEZ2L93iEh_azQ_BzVdOAyyOrHpR9OTsrRqzLZzdzx7btMDiu/s1600/The+Tie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4669YYzGKpTqbSOQpHSyt5i52Lj5Rw3aQ82IHaPMtdh5RYVH20fv69LPHqpHmPVEI1IN0sRcnFLvyGHFq4NhoqphmHU5jEZ2L93iEh_azQ_BzVdOAyyOrHpR9OTsrRqzLZzdzx7btMDiu/s640/The+Tie.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Apart from the odd reverberating head from doing unfamiliar memorisation, a couple of crowns (before their spiritual, or was that physical time) the body is going well; being acceptive of a generous helping Vitamin C and similar. Ouch, that was a bit expensive. Really, secular Masters Degrees do not quite cut this standard.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Social Scene: 13 Kiwis and others (note the Kiwis outnumber the Aussies on a number of count s as per normal) made a pilgrimage one Thanksgiving night to the Staples Centre, where Professional Ice Hockey was turned on for 2.5 hours. This was not just sport, this was a event with not one spare moment. Unfortunately the LA Kings lost 2:1 to the Chicago Black Hawks. On Friday night the seminary hosted a special Christmas time for the international students and wives – rather nice, but we did miss our Christmas Cake and mince tarts! They do make great egg nog and cinnamon and apple cider here though!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>I am on the way north to Verity’s folks for Christmas in Vernon, BC, Canada, then over to the Halcyon Hot Springs at the western foot of the Canadian Rockies for a couple of days. Reuben and Verity + the bonus of Jillian joining us for some 2 weeks from Auckland! This will be my first white Christmas…..after singing all the songs of Winter Wonderland etc for years, then going to the beach at home!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Winter has hit LA, with temperatures cooler at night than Auckland – more like the Waikato or Hawks Bay in winter. Yes it does rain in Southern California, but when it does, it doesn’t really pour as the song says; just a good wetting rain. And yet their drivers can’t handle it and people stay away from work / functions because ”it is forecast to rain today”!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Watch this space on my return from Canada for an update on what’s happening in Semester 2. Meantime, I extend a very warm and blessed Christmas to you all.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Love<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">PICK</div>Lawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893981945963365060.post-5435701044989249112011-11-07T21:55:00.000-08:002011-11-07T21:55:37.906-08:00Update from California<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just a brief note to keep you folks in the loop on my comings and goings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have just relocated from my temporary apartment with Mark and Lisa Tatlock in Santa Clarita, to my permanent digs at 8830 Newcastle Ave, Northridge, CA 91325. It is about 15 minutes away from the TMS campus and Grace Church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am really enjoying being my having been selected as a Ministry Intern with the GraceLife Fellowship Group. About 450 go there and I am one of five interns, who have participation with the leadership and mid-week Bible studies; mine is the Glendale study. Each group has two shepherds and an intern. The process also has me checking out many of the other ministries on campus over the semester. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">TMS is going well - really busy work load, with lots of assignments and exams, tests, quizzes, reading, research etc. Suffice to say I am really learning lots and growing much. Classes are over Tuesday to Thursday, with the associated study hours being many more than one would imagine. However, a continuing wonderful experience!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My zippy little car is a royal blue Kia Spectra 5 (for those interested it is a 2,000 cc stick shift job). It gets me to TMS in 15 minutes – now there is no freeway needed, contrary to when I was in Santa Clarita.</span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am joining with the Tatlocks for my first Thanksgiving Dinner; something I am looking forward to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We celebrated Reuben’s birthday on the 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> November with dinner at Burbank, which was rather good!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather was over 107'F and like a hot blanket when I arrived, but now a bit more like NZ, at 65-70'F.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God has been very good and keeping me well!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a key exam tomorrow – this is a prayer item. Had one last weekend too. They tend to consume 6-7 hours in extra study. One has to get 91+ to get into the A Category.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My interview session with my advisor regarding Semester Two is in three days’ time. Thought I would give a better update after the exam and my Historical Theology 20 page project is done next weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Missing you all back in NZ very much but hardly have time to catch my breath.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jillian is coming over for her first white Christmas and New Year. She will join Reuben, Verity and I on our road trip up to Verity’s folks in Vernon, BC (Canada) for the big day….and a few more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chow for now and may God bless you in your service for our Lord and Saviour!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">PICK<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Lawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893981945963365060.post-48262189713469816532011-08-10T18:46:00.000-07:002011-08-10T18:46:00.799-07:00Highlights from Victoria Falls to Johanessburg <span style="font-family: Consolas;">Hi all, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">As you can imagine, there have been many adventures on my travels so far – too many to recount them all now, so I’ll give you some of the main highlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had a few challenges with health (bad chesty cough, and a recent stomach bug) but have recovered mostly now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Tuesday, 2 August</span></b></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">After leaving Victoria Falls, we changed trucks and travelled to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, population 1.1 million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has big, wide streets, quiet and calm atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visited Cecil Rhode’s grave, and what may be the largest museum in Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed really nice, upgraded accommodation with a Muzungo couple... including a hot shower!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Here, we went to Matopos National Park to chase the white rhino, some 60 kms from Bulawayo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw two rising adult rhinos at about 1300 kgs, after tracking them for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got within 30 metres of them - simply awesome! Just as we were about to take a picture of a nice sunset, another on the tour saw a big grey “rock” move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out to be the largest male rhino in the park, weighing in at over 3000 kgs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to within 20 metres of him before he started walking towards us. He is Swaziland 4 and at 48, is very old; the oldest known in the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was one of our best days on tour. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also saw native bush people’s rock paintings in a high cave and then climbed up on top of it for a great 360</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">º</span><span style="font-family: Consolas;"> view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw Steinbox, Warthog, Baboon, Impala and much more today.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Wednesday, 3 August</span></b></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">The next day, we travelled to Antelope Park, Gweru.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This must be the best camping resort in Africa, with dining, fires, court yards, pick your meat kitchen, lakes, 94 lions in a multiplication programme, elephant and other animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all upgraded to a homestead with a nice fire place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a lion walk that afternoon with lions eight and ten months old. Got to stroke them and walk with them – I have photos </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Consolas; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Consolas; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Consolas;"> </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Friday, 5 August<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-family: Consolas;">We continued our travels, heading to Lake Chicamba, Zimbabwe and the Vilanculos Coast, Mozambique, via Christmas Pass, dropping down into Mutare, Zimbabwe's third largest city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really enjoyed stopping for lunch just over Christmas Pass by some awesome red and orange flower bushes/trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great market here.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Sunday, 7 August<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">At Larium today, at the Vilanculos Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a “Dhow Safari” (boat ride in a traditional skiff) to Bazarulo Island for snorkelling on its reef, hiking around it and a great lunch. Set sail at about 9 am, returning under motor at 5 pm after really enjoyable day out.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Tuesday, 9 August<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">We drive south on the coast 260 kms to Inhambane and Tofu Beach. We stayed in Fiji-like chalets at Barra Lodge Resort for two nights - the best spot all holiday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Palm beaches, quad bikes, swimming, whale-shark and dolphin watching and snorkelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is Mozambique at its best.</span><br />
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</div><i><span style="font-family: Consolas;">The plan for the next few days is:<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Thursday, 11 August<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Drive 540 kms to Mozambique's capital, Maputo, to stay overnight.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Friday, 12 August</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">Cross the border into South Africa early and drive to Kruger National Park for an afternoon and evening game drive.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Saturday, 13 August<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;">At Kruger National Park in South Africa for last game drive before heading to Jo'burg.</span>Lawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893981945963365060.post-16816806992365475722011-07-26T13:41:00.000-07:002011-07-26T13:41:16.359-07:00From Zanzibar<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tried to hook up at Arusha - Snake Park - but the power went out all afternon- that's Africa for you though!<br />
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Spent 15 hours on the road yesterday - I'd rather forget about it. Traffic jam for 2.5 hrs.....went nowhere.<br />
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Hit Stone Town an hour ago and visited the church that was built on the site of the old slave market centre, that Dr David Livingstone had abolished in 1873. Also caught the ferry and did a spot of shopping here too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am now in Zanzibar on the beach and logged in to the email. One word...awesome. Beach is like Raro.....just great! Off for a swim now. A couple got engaged on the tour so we are celebrating tonight over a meal.<br />
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Going snorkeling and will get into some Hebrew tomorrow!</span></div>Lawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893981945963365060.post-49456423040707089882011-07-11T02:23:00.000-07:002011-07-11T02:23:01.880-07:00News From AfricaAfter some logistical nightmares that began in Perth and resulted in changes to my itinerary, I made it to Africa. Toilets are something to behold up here... or lack thereof. Our tour is advocating "going bush" instead of using the toilets! Of course, they are not toilet pans like we have... just holes in the ground anyway, with all of the "mis-fires", etc! As for the Kili climb, I made it to the summit! We were unable to complete the last 1,000 due to extreme weather conditions like you wouldn't believe! I was still a bit sick, but was able to help some others in the group. I got the summit completion certificate and am back on track now that all of the itinerary dramas have died down (I have caught up to my original tour group and travel plans - should all be tickityboo from here on).<br />
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Just finished the Massai Village and Great African Rift, seeing all of the Big 12 in plenty of numbers as the annual migration is just starting. Looking at some five million animals so far, all gathering for and starting the migration north for more food. Lion and cheetah within three meters of us. Our group numbers about 15 at present.<br />
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Apart from the main highway, the roads are mainly atrocious and it takes hours to negotiate the pot holes and wash boards of various descriptions.<br />
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Weather is fine. I am 98% better now... praise God!<br />
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We are all going out for tea tonight in Nairobi, a game meat extravaganza!<br />
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Off to the Serengetti tomorrow back in Tanzania, so it's border crossing time again.<br />
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Huge contrast between the extremely poor and "fifth world", and the most modern technology. Locals are very keen on using internet banking via their mobile phones and everybody does it! <br />
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Unfortunately, there will be no pictures until I get back, due to limited technology access, but they will be well worth the wait!Lawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893981945963365060.post-87089664091997171222011-06-14T01:34:00.000-07:002011-06-14T01:34:01.050-07:00Journeying to The Master's Seminary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LddR9A0GUKDW48hyphenhyphenFB2ZSXYhpZUJ3jVS4F6_qlDxQHV8MrT83qz9_f3mNpm8gYeEnathvGemBDZZCY5SxQhyIgfGqolMTADeR8IgAOFGvlTHY2PZRkW9nFCgTcNmbm_pUeTSor-UmqR0/s1600/tms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LddR9A0GUKDW48hyphenhyphenFB2ZSXYhpZUJ3jVS4F6_qlDxQHV8MrT83qz9_f3mNpm8gYeEnathvGemBDZZCY5SxQhyIgfGqolMTADeR8IgAOFGvlTHY2PZRkW9nFCgTcNmbm_pUeTSor-UmqR0/s400/tms.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></u> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next step to fulfilling a 17 year personal dream to be trained for and enter the full-time ministry of our great Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is now just inside three months away. That would be to enter at arguably the best expository preaching training facility in the world – The Master’s Seminary (TMS).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can take a good look at what makes TMS distinct from other facilities at </span><a href="http://www.tms.edu/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.tms.edu</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and click on "TMS Distinctives". Check out "Why TMS?" for two personal testimonies, or you can join me for a short presentation follwed by lunch, after the service on Sunday, 19<sup> </sup>June </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">at Auckland Bible Church’s café (approximately 12 noon).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a great privilege to have unqualified support and commendation which has come from Auckland Bible Church, The Shepherd’s Bible College and others. I leave Auckland at 2:30pm on 26 August and the first class starts four days later, after having sat three entrance tests.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first semester landscape includes Hermeneutics, OT Studies, Hebrew Grammar, Historical Theology, Preaching Intro and Church Ministries.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best way to keep in touch while I'm at TMS is through my email, </span><a href="mailto:Lawrence.pickering1@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Lawrence.pickering1@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. Initial digs are at 21613 Placerita Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91326 (opposite from The Masters College) and phone, c/o Drs Mark & Lisa Tatlock: (818) 799-2842 (my next post will see this changed).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Check this out: I'll be only a five minute drive from Six Flags Magic Mountain, but 25 minutes from TMS!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meantime the friendly doc, dentist, eye specialist, insurance man, employer and rest-home manager have all given their big tick; of course after taking their slice of the pie first :) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can contact my daughter Jillian Vivian at </span><a href="mailto:jillian@platinumprojects.co.nz"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">jillian@platinumprojects.co.nz</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> / 021 329 755 for NZ info updates. I will still have a footprint in NZ to return to, annually in July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the Lord's perfect timing, my son Reuben is also being led to full-time pastoral ministry, and undertaking the program at TMS at the same time as me. What a provision from God to have he and Verity close by in LA. The three of us were amazed late last year, that while in the spa having a catch up, we soon discovered that we both had the exact same news to share with eachother: applying to study at TMS!</span></span></div>Lawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893981945963365060.post-7654262497944458912011-06-01T19:39:00.003-07:002011-06-14T01:38:29.175-07:00Kilimanjaro Countdown<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JNkcML4aKxaipQZCM1GHryin87eiGVv3zqDipWkvxivehOVNLGo03RAWCF3DE8BlhLI0hdEm0f0Bep0_Nyj3-R3kXyRDbjiotlKNx7LfB6XF43fsvFUhBzs8fW2cbRPcvYOT5J_fg0PW/s1600/PICK+Send+Off.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JNkcML4aKxaipQZCM1GHryin87eiGVv3zqDipWkvxivehOVNLGo03RAWCF3DE8BlhLI0hdEm0f0Bep0_Nyj3-R3kXyRDbjiotlKNx7LfB6XF43fsvFUhBzs8fW2cbRPcvYOT5J_fg0PW/s320/PICK+Send+Off.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 30 days from now I will be two thirds the way up to the “Roof of Africa”; yes, Mt Kilimanjaro!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the extensive equipment kit now completed, I can look forward to carrying the day pack on the five day climb up 6,000 metres to the top….very grateful for our porter friends! Except for the final 11 hour climb, each six hour walking day will serve to build and acclimatise the body. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You wouldn’t believe the do-it-yourself chemist shop amassed, which of course, will occupy pride of place in the day pack. Extra conditioning will be accomplished via some simulated altitude training starting later this week.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leaving on Air NZ on Friday, 24 June at 2:30pm, for Nairobi, Kenya via Cape Town and starting out on 26 June with the Kumuka Mountain Guides.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, after traversing the Tongariro Crossing, Mt Tongariro, the Routeburn Track (return) and a few good attacks on Auckland’s Waitak’s, there are just three more training events left.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With all vital signs pointing north, I am looking forward to the support of many prayers and to posting a pic at the top of ole Kili! Check out this brilliant vista:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0hYIaxxGx-nwg7sKTw-zoo9zs3ypOJaoDpq7CXXWSbLOi4QjdnLsGB3Ysh1NoV1z3c7dTOVpQBvRPxdv_JxsoYiz1QyAiRq_Iscye-e36DejT1nsVpyI1EXZgB3CtQtZ3kx9u4eHha2T/s1600/Mt+Kilimanjaro+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0hYIaxxGx-nwg7sKTw-zoo9zs3ypOJaoDpq7CXXWSbLOi4QjdnLsGB3Ysh1NoV1z3c7dTOVpQBvRPxdv_JxsoYiz1QyAiRq_Iscye-e36DejT1nsVpyI1EXZgB3CtQtZ3kx9u4eHha2T/s400/Mt+Kilimanjaro+View.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then it's seven weeks touring safari highlights in six African countries until 24<sup>th</sup> August: </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">National Parks: Hell’s Gate, Serengeti, Great Rift Valley, Masai Mara, Mikumi, Matobos, Antelope, Kruger</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ngorongoro Crater,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Livingstone, Da es Salam, Vilanculos, Bazaruto Archipelago </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zanzibar Island (old Spice Trade), Victoria Falls, Dhaw Safari and Ponte de Barra Beaches</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span dir="ltr"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, via Addo Elephant Park, Storms River, Knysna and Table Mountain</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Touch down during our Auckland winter is mid-night 24<sup>th</sup> August.</span></span></div>Lawrence Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960437130715428552noreply@blogger.com3