On Sunday after church I went to play touch rugby on Millwall with some of the men I met in the cafe on Friday. It was really nice to run a bit again, but I was aware of how unfit I have become. I played for an hour and a half and then made some excuses to leave. Then we as a family went to Wagamama for mothers day. When we got home things started to go wrong. For about 10 years I have been getting these funny feelings after strenuous exercise - something which some years ago quack in Harrow prescribed me heart burn pills. Well it was so extreme on this occasion that I called an ambulance. I got ECG'd and the medics rushed me to Royal London Hospital. While I was being checked out I flatlined for 20 seconds. The decision was made to send me to Barts Cardiac unit. I was so scared. I cannot tell you how awful were those 20 seconds, or the hours that followed. It has happened before, but ignorance is bliss - I guess seeing the ECG give a flatline while it is connected to you makes the reality more awful. I blacked out. The following morning, after a gruelling night in Barts I was operated on. It is a really strange course of events. I cannot say how grateful I am to the NHS staff that looked after me. From the ambulance crew to the Surgeons at Barts - the treatment was without fault, and with incredible dignity and consideration. I am so grateful for the staff of Royal London and their concern and quick thinking. I also have an increased gratitude for today, for my family and friends.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Friday 1 April 2011
Week ending 1 April
On Sunday I led the worship service at City of Peace, Tom spoke on Proverbs relating to work - we each have a purpose and a gifting and we must look for it. After the service about 15 of us headed off for a short cycle ride around the area. One of the Boys, Ed, came off his bike quite badly and got some bad grazes and fractured his finger. We had lunch together at Thames barrier park and Hannah had a great time playing on the park equipment.
On Monday Tom and I had planned to install a projector and screen at Cafe Forever - we have had to set-up and pull down the church service every weekend and it is getting tedious. We didn't complete the task due to various factors, one being the installation of fibre optic broadband at Cafe Forever. The engineer got the equipment installed but only one computer would get onto the network. I had to make a call to get our engineers in.
On Tuesday I spent most of the day with the engineer as he tried to sort out our computers - I find I learn a lot doing this and i now understand a bit more how the system is connected. In the afternoon D_came in - he said that he would like to end his life. All the staff have been chatting to him for at least 4 years and he often gets very depressed. He has a very depressing situation for sure, but I challenged him on what his hope is. He was uncomfortable and so I asked if he would rather we had this conversation at his house. He agreed and we will meet up later in the week.
Wednesday morning Tom and I looked again at installing a permanent video projection screen at the Cafe, and we think we have a solution. All going to plan we will install it on Monday. In the morning in the Cafe we have Island music - a singing and music group for mum's and their children. It is always very popular and today was no exception, Natalie brought Hannah and Lisa along. It is a real treat to be able to see so much of my children and my wife. The school is closed today for industrial action and so there's very little business coming through the cafe.
Thursday I met up with John Marc Hobbins, my mentor. It was good to chat with him. Then in the afternoon I met up with D_ as planned earlier in the week. There were no opportunities for religious dialogue, but I did chat with him about his dog and the possibility of getting her neutered, he can't afford it since he's on benefit. I told him I would look for funding.
Friday morning I take assembly at the local school and today we looked at the temptation of Jesus in the desert through objects. I get a lot of help from http://www.barnabasinschools.org.uk website. During the day we were quite busy in the Cafe - I quite enjoy doing the dishes and running the food side of things. I got that number for D_ when he came in and gave a call to Tower Hamlets fund for neutering. We couldn't get hold of them. In the evening I met with K_ and his daughter, they are regular visitors. He introduced me to 'sly and the family stone' - I dig it!
On Monday Tom and I had planned to install a projector and screen at Cafe Forever - we have had to set-up and pull down the church service every weekend and it is getting tedious. We didn't complete the task due to various factors, one being the installation of fibre optic broadband at Cafe Forever. The engineer got the equipment installed but only one computer would get onto the network. I had to make a call to get our engineers in.
On Tuesday I spent most of the day with the engineer as he tried to sort out our computers - I find I learn a lot doing this and i now understand a bit more how the system is connected. In the afternoon D_came in - he said that he would like to end his life. All the staff have been chatting to him for at least 4 years and he often gets very depressed. He has a very depressing situation for sure, but I challenged him on what his hope is. He was uncomfortable and so I asked if he would rather we had this conversation at his house. He agreed and we will meet up later in the week.
Wednesday morning Tom and I looked again at installing a permanent video projection screen at the Cafe, and we think we have a solution. All going to plan we will install it on Monday. In the morning in the Cafe we have Island music - a singing and music group for mum's and their children. It is always very popular and today was no exception, Natalie brought Hannah and Lisa along. It is a real treat to be able to see so much of my children and my wife. The school is closed today for industrial action and so there's very little business coming through the cafe.
Thursday I met up with John Marc Hobbins, my mentor. It was good to chat with him. Then in the afternoon I met up with D_ as planned earlier in the week. There were no opportunities for religious dialogue, but I did chat with him about his dog and the possibility of getting her neutered, he can't afford it since he's on benefit. I told him I would look for funding.
Friday morning I take assembly at the local school and today we looked at the temptation of Jesus in the desert through objects. I get a lot of help from http://www.barnabasinschools.org.uk website. During the day we were quite busy in the Cafe - I quite enjoy doing the dishes and running the food side of things. I got that number for D_ when he came in and gave a call to Tower Hamlets fund for neutering. We couldn't get hold of them. In the evening I met with K_ and his daughter, they are regular visitors. He introduced me to 'sly and the family stone' - I dig it!
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