Yesterday was the day for World Prayer, what we would have called a few years ago Womens' World Day of Prayer, and up and down our land here in Britain, services would have taken place in churches, hotels, halls etc uniting denominations and women in the common purpose of prayer and worship. I think it was just two years ago the nature of this women's group changed to be all inclusive and still is across the globe in so many countries, using so many different languages in a common liturgy, using common symbols and rejoicing in a common fellowship. With lockdown yesterday, the services were not held face to face but rather on Zoom or Facebook and maybe by other creative means.
When I was at Tintern we used to meet in a local hotel where vast numbers of men and women came and after worship enjoyed coffee, shortbread and chit chat. Later most of the assembled number would fill the hotel dining room for a fish lunch and yet more laughter and chat. It certainly was a good occasion and drew so many different backgrounds and denominations to a neutral space, warmth, comfort, good food and prayer.
This year despite the effects of the world wide pandemic the ladies of Vanuatu prepared yesterday's liturgy, so it seemed a natural place, today to come and visit to for our exotic day out!
"The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Caledonia, east of Australia and west of Fiji. The Y-shaped chain of fourteen main islands and about eighty islands in total, between the South Pacific Ocean and the Coral Sea is of volcanic origin and home to several active volcanoes."
Vanuatu is not a wealthy country but is visited widely by tourists, helping to boost its economy. It is though, a beautiful South Sea island with white and black volcanic sands leading into a turquoise sea. People visit primarily to scuba dive and see the colourful creatures, wrecks and coral gardens beneath the waters.
That was amazing though the waters not a clear as I had expected all the time. What did you think about the fascinating coral gardens? Some of the formations were so large, and such interesting textures and shapes!
Now to have a bit of a tour around the capital, Port Vila and a fleeting look at the market. It all looks quite grey and apparently is raining but decidedly "Tropicool!" It wasn't quite as I had expected and less dazzling in colour. Perhaps it is more natural. The climate does mean it has high humidity, constantly warm and becomes very hot in the "summer" period.
I found this trip to one of Vanuatu's natural highlights Mele Casade which shows a bit more of the island. It seems a strange mix of very commercialised and not at all! I don't know if I would have braved that steep decent down the muddy bank. The falls look quite inviting and the warm waters sound tempting. Who fancies dipping a toe in?
It is certainly quite popular but a long way for us to travel. Anyone been to Vanuatu? I can see it is gorgeous, but I don't think I will pop this one on my bucket list, not yet anyway. What about you?
A reminder that if you have photos to show Winter do send them in. They will make up a display in St Illtud's when things open up again - probably sometime in the Summer. They do not have be of anything in particular and could include close ups of buds, barks, flowers etc. Just be creative! I haven't had very many photos in for this part of the exhibition.
Also we are into a new month for the 2022 calendar, so do send in any photos for March - plenty of time now to show this month in its fullness in our Ministry Area! They can be older photos you might have or indeed black and white ones too. Pop them on the computer and do send them to me. I am most grateful for all the lovely photos you have already send in. Thank you.