Family and Friends

I’m waiting at Manila airport for an overnight to go home. It’s been a whirlwind 3 weeks in Indonesia, Malaysia and The Philippines. I have lost count of the number of intense conversations, helping people sort out their lives and finances.

Now as we board the final flight I am so excited to be going to familiar faces and places. Growing up “home” was a place we avoided at all costs. It was violent and unpredictable. Home today is so different.

I have discovered over the years that “home” can also be a relationship with a friend, a happy place, a favourite coffee shop.

Who or where do you feel most at home?

What’s your name? People and life might try and call you many names. Names like, forgotten, broken, damaged or unworthy. They are not your names. Your name is also not hopeless, too much, victim or unwanted.

Your name is “precious, worthy, loved and unique “. You are a work in progress whose time to shine will come. You are not just a survivor but a thriver. You are not alone. You matter. Call the negative labels out for what they are, lies.

Hope calls your name!

It still hurts because it still effects me, and others. And to process this will open my eyes and hopefully not repeat this again #MentalHealth #Depression #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #FamilyAndFriends

#MentalHealth #Depression #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #FamilyAndFriends #Anxiety

I have been at the Orphanage in Indonesia for 6 days now. I am pretty exhausted. As well as teaching staff I have been conducting one on one financial counselling appointments with the staff, utilising my skills from my financial planning days.

Yet, energy seems to be replenished from interaction with the amazing children and staff. They are so grateful for the support and nurturing they receive. Some of their history is quite distressing but they focus on tomorrow and are grateful for today.

These has been an amazing opportunity and I am so gratified for the opportunity to be part of changing lives.

Yes, these are all wonderful! As we travel talk to family and friends, they are experiencing some of the same things with family members. They have brothers and sisters and other family members who they were close to at points in time, but aren’t any longer. Ones that they no longer associate with.

We all agree that we just got tired of the BS and the drama. We don’t have to live with that..I personally would rather surround myself with people who I feel simpatico with, and those that make me laugh, those that have gratitude, those that are positive individuals..

I started thinking about this drawing, and I realize these are stress releases. These little luxuries/indulgences, also make us grateful for the simple and uncomplicated things in life.

Things don’t have to be epic drama, or confrontations, and discord with others! I prefer peace..I should work to project and perfect that in my life.-What type of person do I want to be seen as? Project positive, and then,that’s what returns. #MightyTogether #FamilyAndFriends #Selfcare

After two long flights we arrived the orphanage in Indonesia. One of the children I was looking forward to meeting was a young girl named Abigail. One of my Granddaughters is named Abigail and not much older than the child I met today.

Abigail came to the orphanage through tragic circumstances. One of the orphanage founders was in a local village when she saw a baby being thrown out of a house window. The baby landed, unhurt, in a garden bush. When she scooped up the crying baby her mother came out of the house and said she wanted the baby to die because they already had children and couldn’t provide even for them. The mother begged to have the baby taken into care at the orphanage. She was grossly underweight and very ill. Her first 3 months in care were a constant medical battle for life. Today she is healthy, very happy and thriving.

Sometimes we can feel like life is throwing us out a window. Know though, you are loved, you are valuable, you matter. Someone cares for you!!!

As I reflect back on the 63 years I have walked this life I am astounded at the heroes I have encountered. People like the old construction worker who I encountered on my walk to high school. We had a school camp and as he saw me walking with my small suitcase encouraged me to go home and patch things up with my parents. In spite of reassuring him I wasn’t running away and was going to a school camp he told me, “Charlie knows, and if I just talk to them it will be ok”.

Sunday school teachers who put up with my disruptive ways and saw potential beyond a hypo kid.

Doctors and nurses who have looked after me through 16 surgeries, and done so with genuine care and compassion.

My Wife who has visited me countless times when I have been in hospital. Family and friends who stood by me through a horrendous 3 year legal battle without wavering. Fellow patients in psych wards who offered encouragement and hope.

Mr Wells who rode a horse and buggy to deliver fruit and vegetables to us when I was young.

People here on The Mighty who have been amazingly generous with encouragement.

My Wife’s Grandmother who survived the concentration camp at Auschwitz and lived without bitterness or anger.

My congregation who know my mental health journey and support me without judgement or glib opinions.

God, who has never forsaken me or let me down, even though I have let Him down countless times.

Who is your hero?

TW: abuse

I am angry this morning. Really angry. I am really fed up reading about violence perpetrated against women and men, from people that supposedly love them.

We need a massive cultural shift where violence against partners and others is considered abhorrent and without excuse. Yes, those closest to us know how to press our buttons but abuse is never justified.

As a Pastor I NEVER encourage someone to stay in an abusive relationship. They cease or they get out.

If you are in an abusive situation please reach out. It’s not your fault. You “can’t make them do it”. You deserve better.