Arrival

I have arrived in the party capital of europe. The journey was an adventure into the inhospitable realms of flying ryanair as well as crossing europe. Its so fantastic to be here and im really looking forward to the summer ahead.

I have moved in with Bruce who has lived here for 2 years. He is part of the longer term community of the 24-7 team that live here - all year round. we will be sharing an apartment for the summer - and what an apartment it is!!!! Yesterday evening we ate on the terrace with great weather, looking across san antonio bay to cafe mambo and the sunset strip.

This week i have hit the ground running. Its been really busy getting the centre ready, and doing loads of prayer with a team of 6 people that are here for the week to help us prepare for the summer season. Its prayer that i believe really causes our work to be successful this summer!!!

Ibiza town


This whole chapter we really feel applies to the work we'll be doingthis summer.

Isaiah 62: 6

O Jerusalem, i have posted watchmen on your walls;
they will pray day and night, continually.

Sunset strip: San Antonio



These are the prayer team who have been watching and praying for the island and our work this week.

First night of the season clubbig tonight. Pacha - should be good!

community

One thing about ibiza im looking forward to is living as part of the community.



goldfinches are sociable birds often seen in colonies. i think i saw a group of six in my garden the other day - but there has regularly been a quadruplet.

Ecclesiastes 4:
8 There was a man all alone;
he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
"For whom am I toiling," he asked,
"and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?"
This too is meaningless—
a miserable business!

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Preparation

Having finished work 2 weeks ago i have been resting and preparing for my time in Ibiza. Gardening, canoeing, climing, visiting family, eating well. Its all been great fun, but its also been an important time to get focussed not only in regards to the practicalities of moving country but more importantly in prayer!!!

Have been to brecon, cheltenham and gloucester, back to bristol and am in brecon till i fly. busy but restful if you know what i mean.

glos cathedral


Brecon Cathedral



river wye: glasbury to hay




iconic Bristol image



gardening

The countdown

In four days time i will arrive in Ibiza. I will be living in San Antonio for the summer; living, working, dancing, and praying with 24-7 prayer (http://www.24-7prayer.com/). It's a big change from life in Bristol, but hey im glad to say the adventure of life goes on.

Blogging on a reglar basis will be a new experience for me. hope you can catch a flavour of what im doing and why im doing it. Photo's, stories and adventures to follow - assuming i get there!!!

An Ode to Neil by James Barber

A time has come from up on high,
To journey south in three weeks nigh,
And slip the surly hands on work,
Free from patients crying "my venflon hurts".

A new adventure, to a new time,
I have trouble making this poem rhyme,
Good luck Neil may adventures flow,
in Ibiza's capital San Antonio.

Will you miss the early starts,
Nightime working and the other staff,
To save the souls of party life,
The wayward flung and wayward strife.

The best of luck from all of us,
Enjoy and learn this is a must,
Stay in touch and let us know,
Your stories of wayward San Antonio.

And finally i have to say,
I hope you had a fun last day,
May God be with you and do his utmost,
Let us all to you celebrate this tonight.

cheers James, love your work!