Joy!

Those of you who haven’t been reading this blog for very long should probably read this post before continuing...

Bearing all that in mind, imagine my joy when I came home from band practice and saw THIS waiting for me: I actually gasped.

It was like old friends meeting up again: Stephen had actually sent me a message while I was in the Faroes to let me know, but I thought it was his idea of a joke (albeit tasteless*), or just something they had int’ North. I sent my parents out looking for it, but they didn’t find it.

Until yesterday.

Dreams really can come true. I hope this story of love and loss and love again will inspire you to follow your own dreams.

On another note, I thought I’d upload this video from the Faroes. We had a guest conductor over from Norway for the band’s anniversary (see here) and we told him it was traditional to play a verse of Joy in The Salvation Army in our band festivals. As he stood up to conduct us, we started to sing our parts instead of play. It took us a little while to get going (as you’ll hear), but I think it sounds pretty cool. It only really worked because it just so happens that nearly all the girly instruments (cornet, horn) are played by girls, while the men are playing the big, tough, manly instruments (euphonium, bass). In the band rehearsal when we first practiced, I was like ‘Have you seen the euphonium part?’ but I think I got it... I know I’m quite loud, but I was standing right next to the microphone!

Enjoy!

*unlike Yoghurty Special K.

Before and After

Firstly, HAPPY NEW YEAR! (Somewhat late, I know!)

BEFORE

Ok, so we’re here. Today’s a day I’ve been really excited about, but now I’m a little nervous. Those of you who read my blog regularly will know that it’s always been a dream of mine to get a gospel choir going at my church (Salvation Army) – not just because I love gospel music, but because I think it’s something that others will enjoy, invite their friends to and get excited about. And we all need a little excitement, don’t we?

Well, I started making plans a year ago, but for various reasons (me being out of the country was a big one), it got pushed back and back, and I didn’t know whether it would be possible at all.

But here we are!

The first rehearsal is tonight. Reaction to posters, leaflets and invitations has been really positive. I’ve been preparing, but I have NO idea how many people are going to be there tonight. Fifteen would be a good number, I reckon. Yep, I’d be very happy with fifteen.

So, here goes nothing!

AFTER

Ten minutes before the rehearsal was due to start, there were two of us.

But I was trying to keep positive.

Five minutes before the rehearsal was due to start, there were five of us.

But I was trying to keep positive.

And then, just as the rehearsal was due to start, fifteen others came, meaning we had twenty singers, and a very happy John!

The rehearsal went really well – it was great to see so many people there. The sound was great, and people really seemed to be enjoying themselves. I know I did. Obviously the true indicator is how many come back next time, but I’m hopeful. And thankful that so many people were prepared to give something new a go.

Let’s see where this takes us!

Christmas Day and Boxing Day

I'd planned to do a little write-up of Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but I decided against it - every family has their own traditions and way of doing things, and to be honest, it's not that interesting hearing about other people's, is it? But all the same, I thought I'd just choose 5 photos from Christmas Day that summed up what we did (so my Aussie sister can see it) and a couple from Boxing Day. I hope you all had a great Christmas and that you have an excellent New Year!

Christmas Day

1. It's great when the family can all get together. This is my aunt and Nanna.

2. The cooks at work (my cousin Molly and Uncle John).

3. Christmas wouldn't be complete without the family singalong!

4. Or presents!

5. Rounding the day off by playing Cranium (our team won!).

Boxing Day

1. I experienced the joys - for the first time - of Guitar Hero. And I rocked.

2. Anna decides to take on Paul in an Expert challenge (a brave choice).

And finally, when we played Cranium on Christmas Day, I had to draw sweat with my eyes closed - not an easy task! But I don't think I did a bad job - they got it! I thought I'd share my artwork with you as a Christmas gift:

Carolling

And it's lovely to be home!

Coming home just two weeks before Christmas meant I was straight into the carolling period (although I had already done some carolling in the Faroes). I really enjoy carolling – and there was quite a bit to do. In my first week back we sang at an old people’s home, played at an old people’s home, played at a local scout carol service and played and sang in the high street.

But for me, the highlight of the carolling season is on Christmas Eve, when the younger people from the Salvation Army go to various people’s houses from the corps who might be on their own/are unwell, etc. One of the families from the corps provides us with food at the end, before most of us go to the late night service at the hall. There were 16 of us this year, and it we had a great time. The last couple of years we’ve also taken a four-part band out with us, which really adds to it (and means that the people we sing to realise it’s The Salvation Army, and open the door!).

So here’s a few pictures from the evening (the quality’s not great, because I left my camera at home and had to use my phone, which doesn’t cope brilliantly with darkness):

Sitting in one living room:

Stacey playing the horn (very beautifully, I might add!):

And my favourite picture from the evening. This is me and my Nanna on the doorstep as we sang Silent Night, which she requested. This photo was made possible by the unbelievably boring baritone part in Silent Night, which is all on the same note until the final line.

FAR12.1: My Final Week

So this post marks my final week in the Faroes (for a little while – I will be back later in the new year). And a busy ol’ week it’s been!

In most parts of Europe (and the USA and Australia, I think), the Salvation Army uses big collection pots when collecting money for its work at Christmas. In the UK we use hand-held collecting tins (which I kinda like, because otherwise it’s hard to know what to do with your hands when standing there!), but you know the saying – when in the Faroes... so I gave it a go.

This week I did two collecting stints at the SMS Shopping Centre. Now I love doing this kind of thing. I love being out there, on the street, so that people can come and speak to me if they want, and so I can give a personal thank-you to the people who support the work of the Army so generously. So on the one hand I was looking forward to it. On the other hand, I was having to do the whole thing in Faroese and that’s a little more intimidating!

But I got through it – one seven-year girl came and asked me where the money was going, but she seemed satisfied with my answer as she skipped off.

On my way to the centre (a little nervous).

My pot.

Help Us to Help

What was funny is that people said exactly the same things here as they say at home: ‘I always support The Salvation Army – they do such good work’ or ‘Only pennies I’m afraid, but every little helps!’ and so on. I liked that.

Obviously I did a lot of finishing off for my work during the final week, but that doesn’t make a good blog post.

One thing I like about the Army in Tórshavn is that they have a games night every fortnight, where the younger ones (or anyone who wants to come actually) get together to play a load of games, and then finish the evening with a big game of football or volleyball. And it was a great way to spend my last night in the Faroes – although I was responsible for the religious ‘thought’ halfway through, but that seemed to go well (I also had to lead a meeting on my last Sunday – I think the officers there were doing their best to make my time in the Faroes an officership training programme). Just some of the gang.

I’m really going to miss the Faroes and the people here – I’ve had a great time and made some really good friends.

PS. I’ve begun to update mitchenstein 365, so make sure you have a look. And I think the photos are of a slightly higher standard this year, even if I do say so myself!

PPS. I’ve also added William Booth’s quote (in the right-hand column) in Faroese. This is the first one I’ve translated myself. And remember, if you know the quote, or can translate it, into a language I don’t have, let me know!

FAR11.2: Gjøgnum viðarlundina/Through the Park

The first thing you notice when you arrive in the Faroe Islands is that there are no trees. None. On all sides you’re surrounded by rocky mountains (well, not on all sides, because chances are that water will be on at least one of the sides, but on the other side of the water, chances are, you’ll see mountains, so actually, my original sentence can still stand). There have been attempts to add trees, but the Faroese wind doesn’t treat them too kindly – plant a tree, and chances are it won’t be there when you come back.

All this makes the beautiful park in the centre of Tórshavn quite a special place...

I went to the park for the first time on my third or fourth day in the Faroes, and immediately thought how great it would look once the snow came. The other week, the snow did come and I ran (yes) to the park with my camera to find that the rain had washed the snow away. I ended up with this picture of ducks walking on the frozen pond, which is quite cool in itself, actually:So today when I woke up and saw that a few inches of snow had come overnight, I rushed back to the park, which – as I had hoped – was looking very Narniary.*

So here’s a few pictures: *In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe obviously.

FAR11.1: Advent Starts, Faroese Style

Man, I am so fired up about Christmas this year. More than ever (well, that’s probably not completely true). But I’ve been good – I didn’t let myself listen to any Christmas music until 1st December, but then I made up for it! (Obviously, I heard Christmas music in shops, band practice, etc. but I had very little control over that).*

I was really excited about seeing how the Faroese would welcome in the Christmas season. As you’ve probably seen from the pictures, large parts of the Faroes look like a Christmas village anyway, so lights and snow just make it perfect.

This weekend I went to the lighting of the main tree in the centre of Tórshavn. There were so many people there, and the atmosphere was great.

Waiting for something to happen:

After a couple of readings (nicely aimed at kids and nicely religious – I haven’t spoken about religion in the Faroe Islands yet, have I?) and carols by the town band, Father Christmas (Jólamaðurin) arrived on a sleigh to light the tree. Impressed? I don’t think the crane was as invisible as the organisers may have hoped, but all the same. As he came out of the sleigh, there was a gasp around the crowd, and it was one of those moments: ‘Was that supposed to happen?’Fortunately it was, and he did his stuff and lit the tree. (This picture does look somewhat tragic, doesn't it?)

The crowd dispersed pretty quickly, but the surroundings they left behind were beautiful.Of course, Christmas is a busy time for the Salvationist, even when he’s living in the Faroe Islands. This weekend marked my first carolling of 2008, at the lighting of the Christmas tree in Hoyvík. I LOVE carolling :)

*Plus the Faroese carols don’t sound Christmassy anyway. Well, obviously to the Faroese they do. They would hear those songs and get a warm glow, whereas I’m like ‘What’s this?’ In the same way, they asked what I wanted to play, and I said ‘As with Gladness Men of Old’ (only because it has a nice euphonium part, and it was on the page I was looking at), and they didn’t think that was particularly Christmassy at all. I hear it, and immediately picture a little group of Salvation Army bandsmen, wrapped up warmly, playing on a street corner in deep snow, with a little lantern, and... But that’s just me.

FAR10.2: I DID IT!

Allow me to blow my own euphonium: I did it! I took a photo every day of the past year. They said I’d never manage it (well, they didn’t, but Lisa did think I’d given up after Day 4). But no, the photo you see here is photo 365 – there were, of course, 366 days in the past year, but on one fateful day in June, my phone deleted the photo I’d taken (see here) – but I did take a photo every day!

Some of the photos are quite cool, some are incredibly boring, but then again, some days are like that too. It hasn’t always been easy – some days I’d know exactly what I wanted to take a photo of, other times I’d panic at 11.50pm and take a photo of a cup. But although not all of the photos are exhilarating, I remember taking every single one, and I can associate a memory with each.

And it’s kinda cool (for me), looking back over the past year: the highs and lows, the funny times, the boring or stressful times, the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met and the thoughts I’ve thunked.

So what now?

Well, I’m going to carry on, for at least one more year. I have a feeling the next 365 days will be quite an adventure, and this is a decent way of documenting it.

If you haven’t had a look, check it out.

Thanks for reading :)

FAR10.1: Language...

FAR9.1: Making My Own Entertainment

So this week, a lot of the regular things at the Salvation Army were cancelled for various reasons, and people were very busy, etc. so it meant that I had to make my own entertainment... And make my own entertainment I did!

(Obviously I got a lot of work done too – an awful lot of work done actually – but you need to unwind a little, don’t you?)

1. I went cultural. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I’m not a particular fan of exhibitions and museums, etc. I’d much rather just walk around a place to experience it. But according to my guidebook to the Faroe Islands, no trip to Tórshavn is complete without a trip to the Faroese National Museum... Well, I had nothing to do, so I checked it out!

While a lot of the exhibits didn’t interest me, I thought a couple of things were very cool. Check out one of the early Faroese flags (pictured next to the actual Faroese flag):

How great is that? I don’t know why they had to change it... (although it may not have done much for the Faroese standing in the wider world).

I also saw the national treasure of the Faroe Islands. Now I’d heard a lot about the Kirkjubøur pew ends (Kirkjubøarstólarnir), and had been wanting to see them. Carved in the Middle Ages, they were taken to the National Museum in Denmark, but returned to the Faroe Islands in 2002.I don't know how many of them there are, but they surround you on all sides as you walk into the room, and they all have different designs. They’re beautiful, and the Faroese are very rightly proud of them. (You can’t say you don’t learn stuff from mitchenstein...).What else did I do?

2. I went walking. I did a LOT of walking. Like Forest Gump, only walking. (It's a pretty nice place to stroll). 3. I wrote a short story about Elmo and the National Roller Skating Team of the Faroe Islands.

4. I did this:I’d have loved to have seen my mum’s face when she saw this!

FAR8.1: Travelling South...

I’ve been told that you can’t say you’ve been to the Faroe Islands unless you’ve been to Suðuroy, the South Island. So although I’d been here for a month and a half, I still couldn’t say I’d been to the Faroe Islands – until this weekend.

So when the opportunity arose to go to Suðuroy with a couple of officers from the Salvation Army, I jumped at the chance. And I had a fantastic time – the scenery was stunning, the people were so friendly (I ate a LOT of cake) and it was great to see some more of the country.

One of the things I was most looking forward to was the journey. It takes two and a half hours (usually it takes just two hours from Tórshavn, but the ferry is currently in Denmark being serviced, so we were using an older ferry, St. Ola) and I’d heard the scenery was great. I have a bit of a thing about islands, and I loved travelling through the fog, seeing islands I’d heard of, but never seen, suddenly appear from the mist – it must be the romantic in me!

So I made a little video of some of the trip – it’s a little different to the other videos, and I don’t know whether it’ll be particularly interesting for people that aren’t my mum (and most of you aren’t), but I quite like it...

But before you look at it, here’s a map of the Faroes (complete with spelling mistakes) so you can get your bearings:

As I said, we were using an older ferry, which had evidently come in from Estonia. Now my Estonian phrasebook was not one of the things I had expected to need in the Faroes (stupid, I know), so I was a bit concerned to see signs like this, which are clearly very important (check out the number of exclamation marks!), and not have a clue: But then I realised that you just read out the Estonian words and it sounds like English anyway...St. Ola: A highlight was a visit to the other Salvation Army corps (church) on the islands, located in the village (or, as far as the Faroes are concerned, metropolis) of Vágur (pop. 1,400):Somehow I got roped into singing a song in the meeting – and for the very first time, I accompanied myself on the piano, singing ‘He Leadeth Me’. I was so nervous, because I’m not that confident on the piano, but it seemed to go OK...

So thank you to everyone who made the weekend great :)

FAR7.1: Kavi!*

I may be getting on in years, but I still get excited by snow (here’s some more proof). I woke up Tuesday morning to find that quite a few inches of snow had arrived overnight (it had been falling so hard that I’d actually thought it had been raining all night – something which isn’t too unusual here...). And it was proper snow! Like when you were a kid and you’d go outside and you didn’t know where the pavement finished and where the road started, until you fell into it. Well, that’s what used to happen to me. And what happened to me on no less than five occasions yesterday...

(What was even stranger was that the schools stayed open... And you know what? If the Faroese had trains, I reckon they’d have even been running... Don’t they know how dangerous snow is?!).

Anyway, I’d just got (‘got’, not ‘gotten’) used to the fact that Tórshavn was so picturesque, and stopped taking photos every 5 minutes – and then the place went and got a whole lot picturesquer!

So here’s a couple of shots. This is an old Faroese house, complete with grass roof – and I don’t remember the last time I saw icicles like this...
The old town: A view from Tórshavn Cathedral (the Cathedral is tiny – it’s not even the biggest church in Tórshavn – but it has a certain something!):The town hall: But then it had all gone. And all we were left with was a giant skating rink...*The Faroese word for ‘snow’, in case you hadn’t guessed. Or didn’t know already.

FAR6.2: Birthdays