28/07/2010
Back in New Zealand now and already missing Tonga. Met up with some great people over there and got to talk about the ministry to a couple of American missionaries about Pacific Partners. I even managed to get one come talk to our station manager Willy. This guy was promoting a program that goes with the book 'Purpose Driven Life', and his pastor was the guy that wrote this book! So great contact there.
12/07/2010
Ok so it's now week 2 of my stay here. I have been mistaken for a German, had a pig run out in front of the motorbike, chased by dogs, and living off bread, tins of baked beans and spaghetti, and going hungry on Sunday because i forgot all the shops shut... I love it!
We rely to much on just going to the shop for our supplies. Coming to places like Tonga makes you realize how much you take things for granted.
I'm still having to get used to the island time however. I often rush back to the guest house to meet someone only to find my self waiting over an hour for them to turn up! But it also shows how we often can become so caught up in deadlines and being everywhere at a certain time, that we loose out on extra time with family or friends or whatever else is going on around us.
9/07/2010
So i'm now in Tonga.. Been here for 6 days now and the weather is great! (much better than NZ right now). The motorbike has arrived safely here and Willy has already been able to use it. I'm using it at the moment while i'm here to get to and from work and its a great asset. What would take a 30 minute journey now only takes half that (not because of speed but because of the pot holes in the road). Just sitting in a nice cafe called 'Cafe Escape', checking e-mails and currently writing this blog. I'd recommend this place to anyone who comes to Nuku'alofa. They have some of the best food I've ever tried and make great coffee's (perfect for Graham).
Well i better be off and get to the station to do some real work.
Hope you are having a great day/night :)
01/07/2010
I shall be heading to Tonga on the 3rd July. I'l be:
- Helping the staff there with the basic maintenance of computers and office equipment
Setting up and training on local TraxStar playout PC
Introduction
to TraxStar as playout tool.
Install
Zara for studio manual assist
Train in using Zara for studio assist playout
Help
with recording promos sponsorship spot and with gaining local
support.
- Reinforce
basic training originally done by Cay with Willy and Sia
Please pray that this trip will be a blessing for the staff in Tonga, and that they will be able to pick up the new software and information easily
06.04.10
Back in New Zealand now after my long awaited return to England. Had a great time with my Family and close friends. Got the word out of Pacific Partners to a few churches also which was great! Just pray that more people will know of Pacific Partners and the AMAZING work we do.
08.03.10
I'm now back in my home country of England. Seen some old friends and been to my old church. Was great seeing people i haven't seen for a while! It's very very cold here...missing the New Zealand summer. Going to UCB Europe tomorrow to do some training with networks. Then heading down south for my Cousins wedding and my Grand Parents 50th Anniversarys. Should be good times!
29.12.09
I'm now back from Tonga and had a great time with the staff in giving them training and encouragement. The Staff at the station have a real heart for this ministry and it's great to see them putting all their effort into it. Willy (the station manager) is now here in New Zealand and will be receiving more training and guidance.
27.11.09
Today i shall be copying music from the main computer here in the office to the new laptop which shall be used as a playout for the radio. We will also transfer the laptop to the studio so we can start using it straight away. However the problem here in Tonga is that the humidity kills computers. We are going to try and a metal case for the laptop with holes for the wires and a fan on the case to keep it dry. If you have any other ideas to keep it dry please e-mail me at
studio@ucbpacific.org :)
26.11.09
I have just arrived in Tonga three days ago; and within the; first two day i have been to a funeral to show my respects, got a new laptop for the station to play music for the radio, and been in the biggest earthquake for i've been in yet.
28.10.09
I am currently looking at going to Tonga to help out with operations. I'll be going for two weeks and would appreciate your support in prayers.