Happy New Year everyone!
In general, this
year has been extraordinary and was filled by so much joy and laughter. However,
it was not all laughs, there was sadness too and those lost will always be remembered.
It was generally a good year and I'm looking forward to 2017. So here we are, a
year in review.
People
began treating me differently:
As soon as you
say, you’re going through the process, God willing, to become a vicar, people
think you are some kind alien. I have had to learn to understand that people
don’t always get what I am doing and just have some grace if they are rude to
me. For this reason, I started this blog
in the hope to give people an understanding of what it might mean to be an
ordinand and young Christian woman.
I
finished my degree:
In June, this year
I accomplished a 2:1 in my degree and graduated from the university of Chester.
It was ‘’blumin’ hard. Nevertheless, I feel I learnt so much in my three years
at Chester uni, from how to look after myself, deal with living with 4 women,
to understanding what context theology is, getting to know the gospels and most
of all becoming a minor expert on women priests and clothing. I've made some
fantastic friends and I am very ready for the next chapter.
I
was accepted for training as a priest:
This is probably
the most significant thing of this year. It has been a very hard journey with
endless interviews and decerning, but I could not be happier. I would not say
this has changed my whole life, because when I finished uni I knew things would
change. Nevertheless, it has impacted on myself and anyone close to me. It's a
journey like no other, but I feel so blessed to be called to this vocation.
I
began planning my wedding:
At the end of 2015
my fiancé proposed to me next to where we had our first date. It was perfect.
It wasn't the magical princess moment I thought it would be in my head. It was
the perfect moment for Harry and I. So, this year meant I had to start
planning. We now have a date, a room, some bridesmaids, food, decorations, transport
and venues. There is still so much to plan, but we have plenty of time to do
it.
God
has plans I don't like:
I desperately
wanted to go away to train to be a vicar and I had a place at Ridley College
Cambridge. But I have never felt God say no to something more in my little
life. I felt like God was taking something away from me that I so desperately
wanted. The mode I am training in instead is wonderful. Even if this summer was
very stressful, trusting and waiting upon God, I am 98% sure I am doing what is
right.
I
bought a table and chairs:
This may not sound
a big thing for my friends with children and a house, but for me it is huge. It
means I am growing up. I now own a sofa as well, that I bought with my own money!
This all means I have moved out from home, nearly (sorry mom) and beginning to
make my way on God’s earth. Any one who says growing up is easy is lying or
abnormal.
I
re-took up a new sport:
When I finished
uni and returned to Chester I realised that many of my friends had either left
Chester or were a Christian. Now it's wonderful that my friends are coming to
know God, but I needed to get outside the Christian bubble too. I decided to
start playing netball again. I played at school and captained the team. I had
defiantly forgotten how to shoot and some of the rules, however it is a lot of
fun and has been a great way to meet new people.
What are my plans
for this year? Well I’ll post that in the new year. I hope everyone reading
this has had some good parts in 2016 and is looking forward to 2017.
Be blessed
Steph xoxo
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