A practical helping hand

As the civil war in Syria enters its fourth year, the number refugees in neighbouring countries and internally displaced persons within Syria continues to increase.  With no end to the conflict in sight, the Syria civil war now ranks as the world's worst humanitarian crisis in terms of number of people impacted and displaced. World Vision's response to the crisis has expanded over the past 12 months, with a significant scaling up of operations in Jordan and Lebanon, and also within Syria itself.      

Even from Cyprus there have been opportunities to provide some practical assistance.  Last month World Vision staff, families and other community volunteers gathered to sort and pack a container of clothing and other items that had been donated from schools and community organisations across the island.  The container has since been shipped to Lebanon, and the items distributed to Syrian refugee families.  The generosity of the Cypriot community in donating the goods was overwhelming, which is noteworthy given the ongoing economic challenges being faced here in Cyprus.

The brief clip below shows the volunteers (including some of the Piper kids) hard at work in packing the container.

Angus turns 10

Some birthdays can be a bit 'Ho Hum' but when Gus turned 10, it wasn't one of those times.  This was a birthday that lasted at least 20 days and we happened to catch a fair bit of it on film.  So, here it is: an entire blog about Gus' 10th Birthday!

Quick!  Only 15mins until the bus comes. 

Chewing gum from Anna, footy cards from Sam, a phone cover from Jessie, a bike lock from Menaka, a football from Mia & Bo, and a new bike from Mum & Dad.  Not bad going!

Meanwhile... Dad is trying to skype from London
but sadly the computer is on mute and we don't hear it.
Whoops; sorry Dad!

Off to a great day at school where his class mates throw him a surprise birthday party.  Then, that evening, it's the Talent Quest (see previous blog) and after that, it's home for CAKE.

Yum...Mum's caramel cake with edible footballs!

"Don't eat the shoes; they'll be stinky like yours!"

Then, it's all pretty normal for a week or so until we head out for Gus' family birthday dinner together whilst on holidays. It's crisp, cold and snowing as we walk to the family Italian restaurant.  Great food, funny stories about our day's adventures and the ritual birthday encouragements from all.

Last but not least was the party.  Usually in the Piper family, it's a birthday party with friends every 2nd year.  Since Gus had not had a big party ever (always choosing just to have one or two friends to celebrate) Mum said yes to inviting the whole class AND Mum said yes to holding it at "Extreme Park".

The whole celebration was made much simpler by sharing the event with his good friend Izem; a Turkish Cypriot girl in his class who was turning 11.  Here are some pics:

Rashid is the little guy to the left of Gus.  His friend in Cyprus from Day 1.

Sam had a great time hanging out with all the older girls

Thick as thieves...Gaspard and Alexander

Definitely the cake was more nutritious than the meal. 

Think cold McDonalds but worse...

"Happy Birthday to you"

A somewhat unique gift from Gus' French friend Gaspard:
2 cans of spray paint and a mask!

A night at the school talent show

A few weeks ago Sarah and the kids enjoyed a night at the school talent show.  This is an annual show, and usually includes an eclectic cross-section of performances ranging from musicians, singers, rappers, dance and drum solos (a particular favourite for Ross).  The performances are of all standards, and its all the kids are encouraged to have a go.  Ross was away travelling this year and was sorry to miss the show, but luckily some video footage was available.  See below for some excerpts of the Piper contribution to the show:

Sam was also itching to perform but alas was too young this year!

Madonna di Campiglio

Wow!  What a week.  It sounds a little indulgent but we'll probably only say (and do) it once in our lives: "just returned from a week's skiing in Italy".  Incredible.  One way to really appreciate living in the northern hemisphere.  We stayed in the village of Madonna di Campiglio, part of the Italian Alps (the Dolomites) approx 2.5hrs drive from Milan.  Our self-contained apartment was right near two main cable cars and from there we had access to 3 different ski resorts with a total of 118 runs.  The weather was a great mix of sun, snow and white-outs allowing the kids to see how changeable the mountains can be.

Jessie and Angus both do well on skis and snowboard, but for Sam and Anna it was their first experience of being on skis.  They had lessons each morning for 6 days and in the afternoons (after Day 3) we managed to take off all together down the slopes.  It was a great moment for Ross and I to see all four of our kids skiing/boarding down the mountain.  No broken arms, no massive melt-downs (except when it was truly warranted), and only a teensy bit of sibling rivalry as Sam's 'technique' tried to compete with Anna's 'speed'.  I have never smiled so much at seeing Anna gunning it down an intermediate slope in her little red ski suit and her look of confusion when I call out "turn! Anna, turn!".  Lets face it, why would she want to turn?  It seems that her skiing style is similar to the Italians....they ski like they drive!

Since all the lessons were in a foreign language and Gus and Jess were having a ball just hanging out together we let them off ski school and gave them each a private lesson mid-way through the week.  Gus' instructor was John; a big goggles, small face kind of guy who taught him some new tricks at the snow park.  Jessie skied with a blonde Italian uni student named Lara who really increased her confidence on the steeper slopes.  By the end of the week they were looking everywhere for the best powder side tracks and jumps.  Lucky it was compulsory for all kids under 14yrs to wear helmets, especially when Gus bumped his head trying to ride a rail.  Ross enjoyed cruising the slopes with all the kids, and for me it was simply great to be skiing in such a majestic place.  One of these days I'm going to get myself a lesson on how to look less clumsy on bumps.

There was one day when the weather changed and we had quite an adventure.  Remarkably we came out of it unscathed.  So memorable in fact it was worth trying to pen a few verses about it.  Forgive the lack of rhythm....and enjoy the story!

PIPERS IN A MESS

It started out fine, Day 4 of skiing,

The Dolomites, they were a-singing,

We were on the first lift, Jess, Gus and Mum,

Whilst the little ones to Dad, were a-clinging.

Our morning exploring in a brand new resort,

A snowboard and skis, all we need,

Snowflakes adrift on our gloves in Pinzola,

With Gus constantly taking the lead.

Sam & Anna to lessons with Italian friends to make,

Dad now had 3 hours on his own, 

No time to lose with the powder building up,

Get out on the slopes, forget the phone!

Cafe Viviani was the lunch spot place to meet,

All six of us together now, with stories that would keep,

The sun had gone behind a cloud and fog it was a-forming,

The afternoon's adventure was a memory in the dawning.

We took to the slopes - nice and slow

A Piper family snake

Falling snow and pea soup fog

Our 10yr old calling "you're late!"

Mr Impatient was Gus you see,

His snowboard was too quick,

"Stay on this run, don't drift away,

the snow is getting thick".

Jess was happy, leading the turns,

Sam just loved to follow,

Anna charged down on pizza skis

As if there was no tomorrow.

Whilst Sarah was there to catch the slides,

Ross was reading the map,

A fork in the run, so hard to see,

Oh no, we're on the wrong track!

Not long after that and what do we find?

The steepest, longest slope ever,

"Is that run a red? I'm sure it's a black",

Not something we'd planned to endeavour.

But there's no going back at the top of a slope,

So the little ones just had to brave it,

Between our legs, they slipped and they slide-d,

If we'd seen a skidoo, we'd have waved it.

A Dutchman came along, saw us not having fun,

And kindly offered his help to Mum,

He took Anna's skis and delivered them to Ross,

Whilst Anna slid down on her bum.

With Gus now lost, on the slope next door,

Sam & Jessie waiting - WHAT A BORE,

Dad carrying Mum's poles and Anna's skis as well,

And Mum holding Anna who was crying loud as hell.

Ross says "lets keep moving, the chair-lift is not far",

"Not far?" says Sarah, eyes ablaze,"we'll need a ruddy car!"

Amidst all Anna's moaning, Ross comes upon a plan,

He's going to drag 2 kids up hill, like Clarke Kent-Superman.

Sarah takes a minute to think these actions through,

"Our daughter's hypothermic Ross, there's only one thing to do,

I'll get Anna into someplace warm whilst you take Sam up the hill,

Jessie can join me with Anna; I'll pay the hot chocolate bill".

The cafe was more of a restaurant, a ritzy one at that,

But they were kind to Anna, sympathy they did not lack,

Ross returned from his trudge up the hill to find Anna on Mum's lap,

Wrapped in a blanket, noisily drinking, no longer in a flap.

Thank goodness for the Italian man, who drove Anna & Dad up the hill,

Jess & Mum were keen to ski home, hoping to find Gus "yes we will".

The weather was cold and the fog still around with Mum warning Jess against stunts,

But to her surprise she had gone down the slope with her skis in reverse back to front!

As the last lifts closed we found Gus outside home, 

No key and needing a wee,

In no time at all the others returned, the little ones cold I confess,

We took a hot bath and remembered the day that the Piper clan got in a mess!

Thanks for persevering right to the end.  Here's a much easier work of art to enjoy:  A short family ski video kindly produced by Jessie!

Anna and Sam receive their trophies after races on the
final day of lessons

Stunning scenery in the Dolomites

Protests and birthdays

The protesters gather in front of the embassy next door

It's been interesting living next door to a Ukrainian embassy with the current unrest affecting the Ukraine.  Whilst there are only a small number of Ukrainian citizens living in Cyprus, on a few occasions over recent months there have been protests outside the embassy.  The most recent of these was last weekend, where a group of around 50 people gathered to sing and light candles in solidarity with the protesters in Kiev. Unlike protests at other Ukrainian embassies around the world, the gatherings in Cyprus have been quiet and peaceful.  One of our World Vision staff here in Cyprus is Ukrainian, and he is not hopeful on progress towards peaceful resolution of the current situation within the country.

A birthday dinner for Sam

In the meantime life continues as normal for us.  We enjoyed celebrating Sam's 7th birthday a few weeks back.  He was delighted to receive a suit and 'fashion glasses' as his main gift.  Not being one to shy away from the theatrical side of things, he has been wearing the suit at every opportunity, and his friends were suitably impressed when he wore his new glasses to school.  Angus continues to love his football, and plays several times a week.  Jessie remains obsessed about musicals.  Her current favourite is Wicked, and we are learning the appreciate the music from this musical as it seems to be on constant repeat at home!  And Anna has just asked that training wheels come off her bicycle, and seems to be growing up too fast.  At the moment she cannot decide whether she wants to do ballet or football.  The mere fact that she has expressed some passing interest in ballet is interesting for us; she has been far more the tom-boy than tom-girl thus far!    

The ambassador speaks with the protesters

The new suit

Happy Birthday Sam!

Anna and her friend Lukas

A sleepover with some friends

First day out with no training wheels

I wonder who this could be??

Into the wild

A few days ago I returned to Cyprus after spending a week in Norway.  It was truly a gift from Sarah to be able to take some time out for solitude, rest and reflection.  Also to enjoy some fine cross country skiing in the mountains and forests of central Norway.   I stayed in a sparsely populated area about 30km from Lillehammer, and had to ski 10km to the nearest shop for supplies when needed (which the puritan in me loved).  It was a stunning area, with deep forests, frozen lakes and hundreds of kilometres of marked and unmarked cross country ski trails.  Norway served up suitably cold weather for the week; the thermometer did not get above -10 degrees for the entire time I was there, and the max temp last Wed was a barmy -18 degrees. It was snowing most days, but very still so was absolutely beautiful. Being mid-winter, the days were quite short but I was able to get out and ski for up to 30km each day.

There is something quite profound about the silence you experience when alone on cross country skis in the middle of a forest or high on a mountain range.   Coming from a job and family that is not exactly quiet and subdued, I think my body and mental state was in shock for the first few days as I was able to absorb and dwell in this silence!  After three years in my present role in Cyprus, and with a pending transition for us in 12 months time, it was a rare and precious opportunity to reflect and pray about all aspects of life, and to think about the future.

Whilst I was there I enjoyed reading the latest Tim Winton novel in the evenings, and in the mornings a book by Father Richard Rohr (a Franciscan priest) called Falling Upwards.  It's all about the 'two halves' of life; the first being the time when we consciously or unconsciously 'prove' ourselves through our work, and may feel driven to achieve or to provide, while the second half of life is the season where we are learning to surrender and let go, to fall with grace and realise that it's actually not about us at all.  It's a profound book which I've enjoyed reading a few times over the last few years, but never in the context of unbroken silence and reflection that I was able to enjoy this last week.  So this, combined with a daily re-run of the Australian soapie The Flying Doctors on Norwegian TV, provided my staple fodder for thought for the week!

I'm extremely thankful to Sarah for giving me the gift of this time, and I hope very much that she may be able to something similar during the year.

To finish with a brief quote from Father Rohr:

"How can I harbour the legitimate needs of the first half of life, while creating space, vision, time and grace for the second?  The holding of this tension is the very shape of wisdom."

The cave for the week

Not feeling the cold at all.....well maybe
just a little! In fact I think my face was
frozen when I took this picture!

The cave

...all made possible by the advent of 15 Euro fares from
Ryanair, direct from Cyprus to many destinations in
Europe including Norway!

Getting Back to Normal

Now that Mum & Dad are safely (and health-ily) on their way back to Australia, we begin to get back to normal.  The children are excited about having their own bedrooms again and I look forward to a few quiet days to myself (well, sort of).  Ross is currently in Norway having a "man holiday" which appears to involve pushing himself to the limits on cross country skis.  It's an awesome opportunity for him to take a break; and good timing too with the New Year getting under way.  It seems a bit surreal that this time next year we'll be on our way back to Sydney.  Every month we experience from here on in is a "last" for us in Cyprus so we'll be savouring every morsel and memory we can.

When I asked the children what they enjoyed about their grandparents stay:
Jessie said "playing Scrabble".
Angus said "more people in the house".
Sam said "hot chocolate with Mia" and "reading Fantastic Mr Fox with Mia".
Anna said "going to the cafe with Bo".
For me; it was simply having them here and sharing life with them for a time.
We weren't expecting such an eventful visit but, as they say, "all's well that end's well" and end well it did.  The funny bit came when saying goodbye to Dad at the airport and him apologising for having a heart attack.  That's what I call polite to the point of ridiculous.

It was interesting to have Mum & Dad here, commenting and noticing small things about life in Cyprus that I have come to accept as completely normal.  The way people drive, most people wearing black, the general lack of customer service ( I enjoyed a bit of clothes shopping with Mum), and the varied shop opening/closing times.  It was a bit of a shock when Dad was in hospital; the nurses don't do much of the 'personal care' with patients because they are so used to the whole family coming in and taking over.  Also, Dad was 'somewhat' amused when he heard a patient beside him in ICU playing a musical instrument!

Ahh...may the year continue smoother than it began.  As much as critical events are the spice of life, I don't mind NORMAL.

Jessie found these pictures taken in Cyprus: