Jollt - Sept 2012 (Issue 2)

“Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12

You might have cottoned on that we made the following communication covenant before our recent relocation: Write shorter, and more regular missives (missivettes?). We realize that people’s attention span has shrunk             

<short pause for people to take a break>.

We have also come to understand that readers like you also receive letters from others! Over and above it being the middle of the month, a number of developments are especially newsworthy.

1. Plan B Needed for Nathan?

On Thursday morning, we had another meeting with people at Chiang Mai International School (CMIS). We had met before to hear their assessments of N’s strengths and weaknesses, and how the latter could be strengthened. Almost immediately after beginning, things had been put into place to help do this. These were a mixture of assessments and support structures. We got the message that they had concerns. N also got the message that he had to work hard, which he did. It soon became apparent to us that the main objective of Thursday’s meeting was to break the news to us that the decision had been made that N could not continue to study at CMIS. As a private school, new students are offered provisional acceptance. This usually becomes unconditioned before the end of September. Obviously, this sometimes doesn’t happen. We were given the following reasons for this difficult decision: (a) His reading level and writing ability were too far behind that of his peers; (b) CMIS are not able to provide for him the assistance he needs to close this gap; (c) These weaknesses urgently need to be strengthened, and an alternative schooling scenario is the best way to do this. We have to pull him out before Sept 28^th. 

While we’re not taking this personally, we’re disappointed. We’ve been delighted, relieved, and encouraged that N quickly fitted into his class and applied himself. He’s worked hard! Our focus is now to come up with a Plan B ASAP. As we’ll aim to reapply to CMIS sometime in the future, we’re likely to following an American home-school curriculum, with special input on improving his reading level and writing ability. Our new home base is literally teaming with people able to support parent pursuing this sort of educational track. We couldn’t be in a better place! Please pray that we’ll make wise decisions and that N will know God’s comforting love and presence in the midst of what might be a tricky transition.

2. Health Concerns with Important Others

CJ’s Dad has been in and out of Palmerston North hospital over the last four weeks. This has been very concerning. Although we are grateful for the cocktail of cousins, family friends, and health professionals who have cared for him, we wish that we could do more ourselves. Please Pray that his health will improve.

3. Three Days of Fieldwork Fun

Before flying to KL on the 9^th to process our new visas (that we received in the 11^th), I (CJ) was in Bangkok for 3 days of fieldwork on Sufi orders in Thailand. As you know (!?), Sufis are Muslims that follow a range of devotional practices, that differ between orders. However inadequate, it might be helpful to compare these to “charismatics”. I managed to meet a mixture of practitioners and leaders of one local order. My time with the leaders began by me introducing myself and giving them a copy of my book. They were surprised (but delighted) that while I was a scholar of Islam, I was also a devoted follower of Isa (Jesus in the Qur’an). I took the opportunity to point out that a deep love for, and devotion towards, our respective mediators was something that we shared. I summarized what I had already learned of their order and its relationships with others in Thailand. Having passed the “Try-hard Tire-kicker” test, I explained the aspects of their movement that I was interested in researching, and what kind of cooperation I would need from them. Business as Mission (BAM) is trendy, but we are already onto the next thing: Academia as Mission! Is it OK to love your job so much?! Hope not.

4. Important Dates

·       26: C’s 45th birthday!

·       27: CJ now closer to 50, than 40.

·       28: New schooling scenario starts for Nathan

·       Oct 9: Nathan’s 11th BD.

5. Prayerorities

a.      For wisdom in settling upon the schooling scenario that will best strengthen Nathan’s weaknesses, and celebrate his strengths.

b.      For those involved in the decision-making process and/or involved on Plan B by the 28th.

c.      For  Nathan’s self-esteem and confidence, and circle of friends: than none of these will shrink.

d.     For Granddad’s health, and care needs, in PN.

e.      For fruit from our (informal) input into new workers.

f.       That the doors will open for CJ to study these Muslims movements.

g.      For ongoing discussions about where CJ teaches in 2013.

h.     That SJ will have more contact with those involved in CM’s spiritual formation networks.