A Long List

Things have been happening since I last wrote...

My faith took another bashing at a Youth BBQ. I can understand the school children doing it, they don't know me, they are permitted to ask questions (however mockingly). But at a BBQ with young people I know quite well, sadly I had to walk away and not be part of the conversation any more, cause I'd run out of answers and patience.

Then we had Lewsey Churches BBQ inside because of the torrential rain and thunderstorms outside. I can't remember having such extreme weather in the UK, it's been such a long time since we had regular decent thunder and lightening. I really enjoyed it, mainly because I wasn't getting wet!

The week wore on; it's that time of year for trips. We have an unusal thing in our youth group where two people were born hours apart, so have the same birthday. They are completely unrelated. I love the way God brings people together. We headed to Laser Quest for their birthdays. During 'dinner' I sat back and realised what a wonderful youth group had been formed over the last year. They, as a group, are testament to how much I have learnt. I love them all dearly and pray that their group gets stronger.

We had breakfast on the car park and a mighty miracle from God to do it. He moved the clouds at 8am and the sun shone through till 9.30am. Everything is possible when you let God work! It was great to see the young people and teachers that day, though sadly no dustbin men or old grumpies. Our community doesn't feel complete without them really. It was a great way to end the term.

During that week I also completed the practice and essay for my PGDip and JNC. So I can now say that "I am a fully Qualified Youth Worker, subject to Exam Board passing my essay and practice file". Not quite as fun as saying I'm a JNC Youth Worker, but close enough for me! It's been 2 years of hard work, but it's all done (subject to Exam Board - it's like a sting in the tail).

Then it was time for me and my sister to turn 25. We went our separate ways for our actual birthday. She hung out with our family and went drinking and dancing, whilst I spent the morning at Luton Hoo, and the evening at Silverstone.

For those who don't know Luton Hoo is a stately home turned Hotel, newly refurbished and reopened to the public. They do a great breakfast. So I and 12 girls (and 1 boy who is so tiny he didn't know any different) had breakfast together. It was delightful!
Me and Christine

Me in my new role as Stately Home owner!

Silverstone is a whole other world. Its one of the main race tracks in the UK and where Formula 1 raced only a few weekends ago. I went up there to spend the evening with a friend who was racing with Formula Student. All the Mechanical Engineer departments in Europe racing cars they have built. Was very fun I stood on the track and in the pit lane. My Dad really lovely Formula 1 so was very jealous. I loved it.

The Home Straight

Me standing with a vacant expression on my face... hoping not to get run over, not really know what to do. I look proper tiny under the Santander Bridge!

The pit lane... apparently still had markings on it from F1 (I don't really know though, I'm a girl!)

Sunday was spent at church with a[n embarrassing] rendition of Happy Birthday, which left me very red and quite embarrassed. Then to the parents for BBQ with family, extended family, our church friends and the boys school/work friends. Was lovely to see everyone and hang out. (will post pics soon)

Monday night I held another Youth BBQ and the new Curate helped out. He's a man and loves building fire, so the job was perfect for him. The YP had brought me a card and cake! They surprised me massively. And again I realised how blessed I am to have all 13 of them in my life. Lovely young people! Brilliant end to a great weekend!

Hopefully life will calm down now. Just Uganda and September term to prepare for! Ha ha... working hard as ever!

Going the extra mile

Being in Leicester is always really interesting... As a class we are very small, so our discussions tend to be deep and meaningful (ususally over food).

This last day or so has been intense discussion-wise. It's the last proper time we see everyone who has started at the same time as us, some crazy people will graduate in a year or so. Others will take their time and maybe never graduate... I think I fall some where inbetween.

I'm dissatisfied with my performance so far, I could do better. I'm starting to realise that (unsurprisingly) I really need help on this one. I really need guidance and most of all I really need someone to spell check my work before I hand it in.

It's great to see people who are really passionate about their own young people while they are here. Stories of lads who've drastically changed whilst in a youth workers care, youth workers who go the extra mile to make sure that the young person they are dealing with achieves as best they can.

I just wish I could write well, even if it was only for a day a week. Then at least I'd pass essays the first time round!!

Half term

I'm kinda having two weeks for half term this time round. I didn't have to go into school at all this week due to trips and changes of timetable.

It's been nice, nice to not have to be any where, and good to get through essays and plan for the long weekend. Having to take matters into my own hands and hope to get s decent essay in on time for next week.

God is definitely by my side, with me in all I do, even essay writing. Funnily enough I am really enjoying compiling a history of youth work and informal education. It's about time though.

So there won't be much going on in the next week, back in Essex for a bit, and then back to Luton for a nice quiet half term, one hopes!

Soul Sista, half term and essays

I got the feedback from my first essay for my masters today, a narrow pass and I know that I had a harsh marker, so it's ok, and I've taken it on board for the next one, which is due in two weeks.

The last week has been half term, and it's been relatively quiet. Only five weeks til Easter... yeay.

We headed to Soul Survivor today, with 600 other girls, we learnt about how amazing we are. Amazing to be me, amazing to be a girl and amazing to belong to God. All good things. We had a very good talk about Hosea.

Came home to some beautiful purple tulips.

Keeping tabs

I'm not really sure what to say. I'm back at work, and kinda glad that I just found a folder I thought I'd lost in the mess that is home right now. I'd always thought September was a weird month, but it gets even stranger if you are away for most of it because of holiday and learning.

Of course it's nearly over now and before you know it it'll be half term, and then we are into Christmas!

The last few days of the launch for the MA were more interesting, though to be honest the last day was a bit of a waste of time. But it is really great to chill out with the guys form the course and listen to their thoughts on the issues we seem to hold as a group.

The next three years will be hard, but fun and I hope that I'll be a better youth worker when I've finished. (and I get another graduation ceremony, fun!!)

Any way, back to work.

MAAAAA

I just listened to John Mayer singing to me down the phone!!

Ok he was singing to other people in the Albert Hall, but Christine was kind enough to ring me and share "Dreaming with a Broken heart", "No Such Thing" (which I'm told I heard, but I couldn't make it out) "Gravity" and "Why Georgia" (the encore).

Why am I not at the Albert Hall drooling on Mr Mayer's feet (that is how close I would be)? Because I'm in Leicester at the beginning of launch week fir my MA. I'm absolutely petrified (still) and have the feeling that I will be glued to my laptop for the next three years. Distance learning will definitely answer the question "how disciplined am I?".

Anyway... back to the fact that I'm missing John Mayer for the 2nd time in a year. His visits to the UK better become more frequent, or I'll be travelling to see him soon.

God has me on all this MA stuff, but I wish he's aduibly give me directions when I'm driving. Leicester is a confusing city with enough road rings to make even the most confident out of town driver (not me by the way) scared.