Afghan forces capitulated; Ashraf Ghani has left the country and the Taliban have established themselves in the presidential palace. Thousands are internally displaced; thousands have fled the country. Although their rhetoric is conciliatory, Taliban actions on the ground are reminiscent of the 90s with forced marriages and reprisals for those deemed anti-Taliban. A return to … Continue reading Lost and Found in Afghanistan →

It’s good to see all the weddings, put on hold because of COVID-19, finally taking place. So many were postponed not once but several times due to changing restrictions. Brides were ready, had the dress, the venue, the guest list, but then felt they had to wait. The church, often referred to in scripture as … Continue reading Stains and Wrinkles →

Last Sunday was traumatic. Sevgi, our kitten, climbed the ash tree. It was easier to go up than down, so soon she was high above the ground and literally out on a limb! She is fearlessly adventurous and curious, but she’s still little, and though her sense of balance and spatial awareness are developing fast, … Continue reading Out on a Limb →

The Euros have given me a lot of pleasure these past weeks; it’s been good for us to be inspired again by watching football played well. I love the skill of a passing game when players know each other’s strengths and play as a team, discerning the path of the ball and keeping possession. I … Continue reading The Beautiful Game →

What a shock I got! I was standing over by the desk in the window of my husband’s study when suddenly I heard an almighty crash behind me. Almost a third of the ceiling had fallen; the floor was covered with plaster, dust and stour filling the air. I hadn’t noticed any cracks or sagging … Continue reading My Ceiling Caved In! →

Two of my friends died recently, a prayer partner and a prayer mentor. Esther and Freda had much in common. Both had been missionaries - Esther in Belgium and Freda in what was then called the Belgian Congo. Both lived life to the full, always thinking of how to serve others. Both were humble, unassuming, … Continue reading Freda’s Farewell →

The city of Glasgow was shocked when it was reported that Esther Brown had been found dead in her flat on Tuesday under suspicious circumstances. It’s still hard to believe she has been murdered and those who knew her are still reeling with the sad and tragic news. There have been many tributes in the … Continue reading Esther Brown – a Woman who Prayed →

My Dad was good at sports and he taught me to play cricket when I was still quite young. He was a keen bowler with excellent aim. I remember our bat being big and heavy. Actually, it was full size - only the handle was a little shorter. Amazing I managed to hit the ball … Continue reading Keep your eye on the ball? Sounds like good advice but not always……. →

Looking back over my journey through this pandemic with its imposed lockdowns, I recognise the various phases of culture shock I experienced when I moved to live in Turkey 40 years ago. It was a new country and a new way of life. Then I had similar experiences in reverse on returning home to Scotland … Continue reading Culture Shock →

Who are you seeking? What are you talking about? Do you love me?