Mid-Semester Break
Milestone
The
kids have completed their first school term at CMIS. They have both been on a
huge learning curve & we are pleased (& proud) as punch at how they
have coped with the adjustment to a new school that’s not only in different
country, but follows a completely different (American) curriculum. K’s teachers
had many good things to say & N’s spoke warmly of what he contributes to
the class, how he is appreciated by his peers. She also noted where he has made progress. They both deserve a
week at home hanging out with us and the grandparents.
While N will continue at CMIS next term, we’re still working on where and when his (reading & writing) weaknesses will be strengthened. What is clear is that we’ll provide intensive literacy input at home during the first two classes of everyday, meaning that he’ll get to school at morning recess. It’s also possible that he’ll do more on this during his art and Thai lessons. There’s more planning -- as well as praying -- to do before Oct 29.
While N will continue at CMIS next term, we’re still working on where and when his (reading & writing) weaknesses will be strengthened. What is clear is that we’ll provide intensive literacy input at home during the first two classes of everyday, meaning that he’ll get to school at morning recess. It’s also possible that he’ll do more on this during his art and Thai lessons. There’s more planning -- as well as praying -- to do before Oct 29.
Fieldwork in ST
From Oct 1, I (CJ) was in South
Thailand for a week of fieldwork. Students of a Muslim mate and fellow scholar (who
share my interest in sufi networks) took me on a tiki tour of the backblocks of
South Thailand where to began my survey of sufi networks. On the firs two days,
I spoke no Thai: The most concentrated session of Malay total immersion I have
had for 2 years. As is always the case, once interviews were completed, there was
lots more talk about all manner of issues. These ranged from our own personal
spiritual journeys and disciplines, and how believers respond to people (such
as movie producers) who insult what we hold as sacred.
I spent a couple of days in PTN with younger members of the team. It was good to listen to, and pray for, their joys and challenges. While this trip contributed piles of momentum to my research project, I was pleased to have contributed something to these new recruits. They’re a great bunch! I’ll look forward to reconnecting with them later mid-late Nov.
I spent a couple of days in PTN with younger members of the team. It was good to listen to, and pray for, their joys and challenges. While this trip contributed piles of momentum to my research project, I was pleased to have contributed something to these new recruits. They’re a great bunch! I’ll look forward to reconnecting with them later mid-late Nov.
Teaching in the
Southern Philippines
S & I will see her parents (Ian
& Maybeth Roberts) off at the airport in Bangkok on Nov 7. They are
retiring after 40 years of service! What at milestone! I leave almost
immediately after them for the Southern Philippines. I’ll be leading a 3 day work-shop
for the leaders of a movement among one of the Muslim ethnic groups there have
requested some biblical and theological input. When a colleague invited me, I (wrongly)
assumed there was some connection with my area of expertise. I was certainly surprised
(read: mildly traumatized) when I heard that, as they were in the process of
translating the Pentateuch, they wanted to grapple how to most appropriately
present this to their Muslim readers. I didn’t have the heart (read: guts) to
confess that it’s been 14 years since I have seriously studied this part of the
Old Testament. Needless to say, I’ve enjoyed reminding myself of the importance
& significance of Patriarchs, people like Moses, the Passover & Exodus,
covenants, worship, purity &
defilement, & judgment. While not yet ready, I’m looking forward to it. Pray
on!
I return home via (a) Manila, where
I’ll meet with the academic dean of Asian Theological Seminary (ATS) where I
hope to teach in 2013, (b) Singapore, where I’ll present a seminar at the
National University of Singapore, and (c) South Thailand (via over-night train)
where I’ll do four days of fieldwork. I’ll also sneak some more time with the
team. Isn’t it cool that over this this trip, time is being given to training,
care/encouragement, and my (academic) career!
Skyping,
Transcribing, Reading & Writing
These four words sum up what SJ’s
spiritual director’s training looks like for her at the moment. Her next
assignment is due before leaving on November 5th. It’s sometimes a
challenge to find the time for all these, but it’s something she has done
successfully. Another extremely important
date coming up for S is her 40th birthday on Nov 20th
Closing Shots
 | |||
| K & Ferret |
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