And home again..

I did the best I possibly could and if it's a 'no' next week, then I know it's not God's will. And if it's a yes then it is. But I survived, and met loads of great people there. The Chaplains kept us under control and Allister had taken his laptop so we watched series 1 of the Vicar of Dibley. My panel were really friendly and made Simon, the other panel 2 candidate, and I feel really at ease. And Esther from ERMC was there and came to check up on me, make sure I was OK, a couple of times, which was good. Sue took me there and picked me up, which was nice, not having to drive. And I didn't go to college last night as I was too tired.
I had some lovely cards, e-mails and texts from people which I took with me. It was great to have so much support.
This is going to be a long week, waiting for that letter to arrive.

Candidating

God's will, not mine
God's strength, not mine
Only then will I know it's right

So it's all OK

Panic over. I have just heard from the ofice that my resource list was OK and I can still go to MCSC next week. So I am now working on my 5min presentation, and looking forward to rewatching Life of Brian as it's my chosen film I might be asked to chat about in one of my small groups.
I'm at home today with swollen, ulcerated tonsils and a head cold, red eyes and a matching nose - lovely. I'm dosed up on max strength cold & flu relief and just very grateful it's not next week. But the sun is shining, the girls are out grubbing round the garden and keeping us supplied with the most amazing eggs, and Bry just passed grade 2 piano (very just - 101), so life could be worse. And it's only 6 weeks 'till half term.

Candidating...or not

Ho hum. So much for modern technology. I phoned the Methodist offices in London 2 weeks ago to ask when I would find out my interview dates and was told them over the phone, but also that I would receive them by the end of the week. I presumed this meant in the post. When I still hadn't had anything by 10th April I phoned again, only to be told they were e-mailed to me on 2nd. As I hadn't received anything I asked to confirm the e-mail address. That was when I found out they had used the one I had when I first applied to do Foundation Training almost 3 years ago. I gave them my new address and was told the paperwork would be sent out to me. So by Sat 12th, when I still hadn't had anything, I managed to pick up the post sent to my old e-mail that I haven't used for almost a year. Only to find the paperwork was supposed to be back at the office by Friday 11th!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I have e-mailed them, (yes, from my correct address ( the one on my paperwork that went to them in January)) with the details and a request that they accept it late, explaining the circumstances. (NOT MY FAULT - although I didn't say it quite like that)
So I await their decision.....watch this space

Called to be prophets?

So the Amos essay is finished, but has left me with a question. The second part of the essay question was about prophesy in the contemporary church. The message of Amos, and other Hebrew prophets, is very similar to the message today in liberation theology. It is also like the message Jesus brought and showed through the example of his life. So if we are followers of Christ, should we also not be speaking out the message of liberation theology - that oppression, injustice and hypocrasy are unacceptable, that all people should be treated equally, as God treats us all? And if we are, then are we, like Amos, speaking the word of the Lord God, like Amos? So are we not then all called to be prophets? And if we are called, are we answering that call?

Friday

Did lamb in a white wine, onion and redcurrant marinade, with broccoli, carrots and potatoe dauphinoise, and a lemon and white wine syllabub for afters. All turned out very well really. Sue enjoyed it, which was the main thing.
The man came to 'fox-proof' the hen house today, so now we can shut them in to the 'house' part of it securely at night. And they thanked us with 2 more eggs.
I really ought to be finishing my Amos essay now as it's 1000 words short and needs to be in the post by tomorrow lunchtime to arrive on time. Still, I have marked all the assessments for school, done next weeks maths planning, and most of next half terms RE planning, so I haven't been too lazy in the holidays.
We're going out for a meal tonight with Sue's mum and bro at a very nice chinese, the Regent Cottage, in Hitchin, so at least I won't be cooking tonight, just eating plenty and not even drinking as I'm driving home. Still, it'll give my head time to recover from last nights wine. I'm such a light-weight it's unreal.

Sues Birthday

Here they are again, enjoying grubbing around at the end of the garden, loving the sunshine and eating bugs and our plants!

It's Sues birthday today so I'm cooking something special for dinner tonight. Haven't decided what yet though. Either lamb of fish I think, with some fresh local veg. And maybe something slightly indulgent for afterwards, chocolatey and creamy. So I'd better get out to the shops. After rounding up the girls back into their run forst, which could take some time.