chatterfamily news : aug - dec 2012

London was calling!

It’s now been nearly six months since we took the step of moving from Rotherham to London; during which time we have become even more certain that London was and is calling!

Both the kids are growing fast and continue to inspire and amuse us with their insight on life. Joshua is thoughtful, creative and very affectionate, whilst Hannah shines as she dances around, helping out and generally socialised with the world around her. We definitely have a super hero and a little princess in the house!

Education - Although we moved during the summer holidays due to a lack of primary school places in Brent we were unable to get Joshua into a school right away and took the opportunity to home school, discovering his love of maths and all things creative.

In November, Joshua was offered a place at Wembley High Technology College, a primary unit that has been purposely built to receive this year’s children creating a completely new school. Wembley High Technology College is well known in the borough for its excellence and high academic achievement.

Joshua has settled extremely well, making lots of new friends from a variety of cultural backgrounds and is getting on fantastically both academically and socially. (From what we have heard he’s a favourite with the girls!!)

Hannah has started nursery in January and is very excited to be like her brother and go to school! She is attending a local Montessori Nursery three mornings a week, giving us a few moments of silence! (Something that is unheard of with Hannah around!)

Kid's Corner

Moving House

After 50 odd enquiries regarding houses, a lot of prayer and several trips to the North West area of London, we were almost giving up on the idea of moving down south, when we found a house. And it ticked all boxes, a family size garden, off street parking, an office space, spacious bedrooms for the kids and enough space to offer hospitality. After meeting the Landlords in person they decided we were the right family for the house and we moved in on the 28th of July, the 1st day of the Olympics!

The house is located in Wembley, and more importantly five minutes from the M1 linking us to our family and friends in the north. So with this beautiful house we extend the invitation to you all, come and visit London we would love to see you, you are more than welcome.Ours is the yellow house

Storytellers

Storytellers is a project that mobilizes communicators to tell God’s stories and using multimedia to highlight the life and work of Christians who are socially impacting their communities.

As we begin to develop Storytellers in the UK we have been surprised by the opportunities that have arisen. In September we joined forces with a YWAM writer and film maker to initiate a new two year project that aims to communicate YWAM’s core values through telling specific stories from around the world. This project will form of a series of video, photographic and journalistic documentaries.

Our first documentary was filmed in Rwanda in September, and shares the story of various Christians, who in the light of the horrific national genocide in 1994 are currently affecting their communities in the area of education, mercy ministries and politics.

Our team of four included a Rwandan YWAMer, Cris and two British citizens (including our Landlady!) All of whom had an amazing time sharing with the young people in both Rwanda and Burundi.

During this time we have joined YWAM London Urban Key, where we have reconnected with old friends from Argentina whilst also meeting new ones. During this time we have joined YWAM London Urban Key, where we have reconnected with old friends from Argentina whilst also meeting new ones. YWAM Urban Key is involved in a large variety of ministries and events throughout the year, and 2012 was no exception. Throughout the Olympics they organised and received international teams who were involved in both practical and evangelistic activities throughout London. They also organise an annual event over the August bank holiday during the Notting Hill Festival, where together with over 50+ young people they created, perfected and generated eye-catching artist pieces that were performed during the carnival itself, all of which transmitted a message of hope and love.

YWAM London Urban Key

Kings Kids

During the past few months Joshua and Hannah have joined Kings Kids a children’s ministry run by YWAM, where they enjoy a variety of activities and biblical teachings. They love the opportunity of doing something away from Mum and Dad whilst Mum and Dad are also enjoying their freedom!

As part of the Kings Kids they are involved in a choir who performed for the first time during a traditional Christmas Carol Service arranged by Cris in December. The last few years in the Methodist church certainly came in useful.

“tis the season to be charlie” (jolly) Hannah's new carol

What's next? With beginning of this New Year we hope that 2013 will be a time of settling and establishing.

As a family we have now found a new church ‘Wembley Elim Christian Centre’ and aim to get more involved in this very international and friendly fellowship. With both Hannah and Joshua now attending school we are able to focus more specifically on developing both Timeless Media and Storytellers.

We would like to widen our client basis and work with a wider variety of projects, potentially making connections with other people in the media world.

Regarding Storytellers we are aiming to run various training seminars and practical projects involving students from the Basic Leadership School, one of the courses run here by YWAM Urban Key.

Over Christmas we had the privilege of having Andrea and Pablo stay with us, (Cris’s Sister and Bro-in-law) and loved the fact that Cris could spend time with both his brother and sister together for the first time in years.

Over Christmas itself we visited family in Rotherham and enjoyed a fun packed time with Helen’s family. Whilst New Year was spent in London with Pablo’s family joining us to celebrate.

We are also excited to announce that we are going to be Auntie and Uncle again as Andrea and Pablo are expecting the arrival of their first daughter in July.

Family Fun

Timeless Media

We are continuing to develop Timeless Media and are very grateful to both our old and new clients. Living in London means that each month brings its own financial challenge, however, it has been extremely clear to see God’s hand move throughout the last six months. In December Cris had the privilege of working with a Russian TV production team who were making a series about English football clubs. He therefore spent a two weeks visiting different football grounds and meeting the players.

Prayer Points For the Joshi and Hannah as they continue to establish new friendship groups in their schools and social activities.

That God will continue to give us new strategies and clients for Timeless Media.

HELEN AND CRIS BARRIOS Em: info@thetimelessmedia.co.uk cris@thetimelessmedia.co.uk www.thetimelessmedia.co.uk www.ywamurbankeylondon.co.uk

For our new relationships with people at YWAM Urban Key. For guidance and wisdom to develop Storytellers during this coming year, with the possiblity of various training seminars and practical projects.