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	February 2004				Em and Bonny get ready for a ride.
		Personal column The visitor by Gaylene Harrower
			I really have to admit that I wasn't sure at first that our visitor that day was going to accept my invitation to ride one of the donkeys, or to go for a trip in the donkey cart. Em had come with some of her family to our home, to meet the stars of the Donkey Ministry. She had been entranced by the donkeys' gentle manners, big eyes and their obvious enjoyment of cuddles and carrots. But it was clear, also, that they are not slow plodding creatures, but ones who love to set off at a brisk trot and canter. And that they are very strong, with minds of their own - far stronger than their size implies! Em waited patiently as her son helped me saddle up Bonny and Jake. The donkeys knew that a ride was ahead; they moved restlessly and impatiently, keen to go. Honesty I enjoyed chatting as I worked, telling Em about our four donkeys, and asking her about herself. Her son proudly told me of her church activities - regular visiting of elderly residents; cooking for sick and lonely folk; making of over 100 dozen mince pies, and her regular exercising of her gift of hospitality. Em was clearly a woman of activity so I figured that a donkey ride would be something she would really enjoy. She held her son's hand as she gazed reflectively at Bonny. 'Well, I haven't ridden for quite a while,' she murmured. Em had mentioned this several times in our conversation, and I appreciated her honesty: it is always wise to be cautious when riding 'unknown animals'. However, to everyone's delight, Em decided to have a go. We helped her on and I noticed the way she naturally collected the reins and sat in the saddle. It may have been 'quite a while ago' but she hadn't forgotten much. In for a penny, in for a pound We promised to lead Bonny and she moved off quietly and well. Em was delighted and her son beamed with pride. Next activity was the donkey cart pulled by Ben. By now it was a case of 'in for a penny, in for a pound'. Em was confident that her son could drive it capably, and they set off down the road accompanied by riders on Bonny and Jake. So, what made that particular visit by Em so very memorable? A friendly lady deciding to accept an invitation to ride... Nothing much, except that the Em is 93 years old! What a trooper! She had never ridden a donkey before and, yes, it had been a long while ago since she had been in a saddle. But at 93 years old she was prepared to 'have a go'. Hang back We all felt challenged that day by Em's example. So often we hang back, say we are too old or inexperienced to accept an invitation; too shy or scared to take a risk. But God honours our willingness to 'have a go', to trust Him, to step out in faith for Him. Let's take up the challenge: while 2004 is still young, let us 'have a go' at something new for God.