I Am Making All Things New

Yesterday I had an interview for a job teaching art at a very wonderful school. When I got home I begged God to let me have it - and how on earth do you convince God to give you something? I don't know. I considered striking up a deal, but wasn't sure that was the way to go. So I just pleaded. He must have wanted me to have it, or been all right with it at least, because when they phone an hour or so later they offered me the job!

I have just read through some of the previous posts in this ancient blog of mine. I love being reminded of the journey I've been on. I still recall the feeling of realising I wanted to train to be teacher because I really wanted to do it, not just to feel sorted with a plan. At the time of the PGCE interview, I was working part-time at a high school as an artist, and part-time at the library, which i was starting to feel a little disillusioned about. I was at the library when I got a phone call to let me know that unfortunately I didn't get the one remaining place on the teacher training course. Heading back into the library from the tea room, I broke the news to my colleagues. One slightly grumpy woman responded, "well, you're stuck with us now then." In that instant I decided to hand in my resignation as soon as I could type it out. Forming in my mind was a plan to pursue my artist work instead, as my school was offering me an extra day. I would develop my personal practice in my days off and work towards setting up a creative business, perhaps. Jeff and I had a fantastic dinner out at the Red Chilli that evening to celebrate!

Last night we were back at the Red Chilli, celebrating my getting my first teaching job.

Two months after quitting the library, a place became available for me on the training course, and I had to think long and hard about whether I still wanted to be a teacher, as my new ideas felt very exciting too. I'm glad I took the place as I've discovered that I'm very good at teaching! I love being in the school environment, I love challenging and inspiring teenagers, and I love working in a team with like-minded adults. Jeff says I'm anointed to teach. I feel that maybe I am. It fills me with life and joy, and I know I'm making a difference in young people's lives. I'm in awe of God bringing his excellent plans to fruition despite all kinds of obstacles, and I'm really grateful for his goodness.

No Internet No Blogging

Having moved house, I have no internet access as yet. The house itself is great, thank you, although if anyone has any spare furniture knocking about, please donate.

Tonight Beginneth a New Era

I'm moving house as I type! I feel like a door is opening on a whole realm of new possibilities.

Sign up now for dinner chez Steph and Alina!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

Allow Me to Update

New job! Part time at Wigmore Library, just what I wanted (and needed, financially)
New house! A lovely little house in South Luton in which I can entertain friends to my heart's delight, and which I will be sharing with...
New housemate! Steph, who had dreams about moving to Luton and decided to act on them!? She's fab.

Very happy. Thank you Jesus

Me, My Future and Forever

July is fast approaching, and with it Summer Camp, the annual grand finale of the LCET year. This means my time with this incredible team of people doing incredible things is coming to an end. Whilst delighting in (almost!) every moment since September, I spent a lot of time in confusion about my direction; it was like the path ahead of me was obscured by mist...or, I could see lots of potential paths, but I couldn't see where any might lead to, or which were dead ends, and I didn't know which I wanted to take. But now I look back over the year with joy and fascination because I can trace the path God has drawn me along so clearly. One of the most beautiful moments of the last few weeks was a sudden realisation that I wanted to train as a teacher - really wanted to, for its own sake, not just because it made me feel secure to have a plan. In that moment came the joy of knowing God was really blessing me, that his plans for me matched up with my own desires. (I think I had feared that they would not.)

Next year, the factual expectations:
- Work part-time, probably at Wigmore Library
- Apply for PGCE/other means of teacher training for 2008
- Do Barnfield's course in teaching adults

Things that next year will mean for me:
- Hopefully moving out of the family home and into somewhere else in Luton: bliss; the opportunity to be more myself than ever, I hope
- The stability of a regular income
- Investing in my church community and relationships on a deeper level than before
- Time to be artistic, to explore my interest in art and art theory

It feels good to know.

Positively Ancient

I just took out my mother's sewing machine to check what kind of state it was in. She had told me that it was in perfect working order; only the pedal needed to be repaired. As I dusted off the cover and opened the box, I realised what a truly ancient machine it is. Somehow the fact the it had been my grandmother's hadn't registered with me! I'm not sure that fixing the pedal will be the solution...I couldn't even find a power cable. I wonder if it even made after electricity was invented :p


It's a beautiful piece of machinery I think I need a slightly more contemporary model.

Don't suppose anyone is looking for a good home for a sewing machine that they don't need anymore?