7 kilometres of Fibre Optics at .0000009 milimetres in diameter!
35 kilometres of copper wire
500 computers
300 telephones (internet phones of course!)
600 radios
It's quite some high tech Jamboree!
It was fascinating talking to the guy who had put it all in! Virgin Media had given him three weeks unpaid leave and a fully equipped van and he had been hard at work supervising the installation of it all.
He had got down to breakfast earlier than me so he left, leaving me learning a little about Luxemburg before turning to Chief Emanuel of Nigeria, who treated me to an explanation of the kingdoms of Nigeria.
Only the day before at the opening ceremony the UK had been introduced to the world as four nations making up the United Kingdom. He explained to me that there were six kingdoms in Nigeria each headed up by what he described as a 'natural' king. I took that to mean a hereditary monarchy. He also explained that other kingdoms had been created more recently that were not 'natural' or hereditary.
Oba of Yokuba Kingdom
Amanyanabu of Opobo Kingdom
Amanyanabu of Kalabari Kingdom
Alafin of Oyo Kingdom
Obon of Calabar Kingdom.
He belonged to the Bonny kingdom. Under the king various communities elect their own chiefs. Each chief has a particular portfolio. He explained that not only did he have a key role in scouting which would lead to him becoming Commissioner, but he also had been elected by his community as chief. He had a portfolio that gave him responsibility for youth issues and employment and other things too.
It was fascinating hearing such a description of the way his society worked.
Breakfast over it was down to the Ocean Hub for a briefing on our responsibilities staffing The Reef, a 'Quiet Zone' where leaders can bring youngsters who have problems they need to work through, or where scouts can simply drop in and chill out. The day was then spent at the hub, and by the end of the afternoon it was becoming apparent how important it is to have this level of pastoral support built into the organisation.
My duties done, I met up with Felicity and joined an act of worship on our hub. A couple of hundred and more joined together for a very simple by quite moving service bringing together people of so many different nationalities. The closing words of 1 Corinthians 13 speaking of a love that is so important became the theme of a reflection on the value of playing an active part in making that kind of love work. I found it quite emotional to think of the range of nations represented, some even now at war with others and yet all coming together in a spirit of peace and here praying together for that peace to be a reality.
The day has come to a close with another good meal, and now I'm off for a hot chocolate.
After torrential rains through the night leaving the site awash, we have had a lovely day and an even lovelier night. I may leave Felicity heading off for the tent and set off to find whether the astronomers have set up their telescopes yet.
Watch this space tomorrow night and remember to add your own comments!
Every blessing,
Felicity and Richard
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1 comment:
Dear Richard & Felicity - WOW!!! How much technology? It's almost too much to think about.
It's great to hear that amongst all the excitement and activities, there are places to go and reflect or just be quiet. As you know I'm quite a busy person and find it difficult sometimes to find a quiet corner just to empty my mind. I've even resorted to sitting in my car on one occasion.
Star gazing certainly gives me a sense of calm and wellbeing. Not sure why, but maybe it's because I can't explain why it's all up there. I can just accept that it is and that's that.
Forgot to tell you yesterday, Highbury Beavers made it in the Echo I think it was Thurs, with their trip to the Everyman.
My Mum tells me that Wayne Sleep was on their local telly promoting High Society in Plymouth. Apparantly he does the splits at the end of the show!
Am looking forward to your daily blogs. Enjoy the hot choc!!!
Love
Amanda
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