The coldest May in 20 years?

Spot and I have been away for three nights. As we haven't really camped since before out crash, we headed to The Duke of Atholl's campsite in Blair Atholl. Just an hour from home and a great base for walking, bird watching and wildlife spotting.

The things we saw were great - 4 (yes, 4!) red squirrels, one of which we spotted just after I took this photo:



Some ducks with their ducklings:



The broken and fallen trees, pushed down by the weight of the snow earlier in the year:



The underside of railway bridges:



And even a golden eagle, though you will just have to take my word for it!

One thing we didn't expect to see was this:



Or this:



Or this lump of ice on top of the 15 litre water bottle! (NB The feet are size 7!):



I had been a little cold overnight, in my rated to -3 sleeping bag. Turns out last night was the coldest for 20 years, with temperatures in the Blair Atholl area reaching -6!

So, Spot and I decided stuff this for a game of soldiers and came home. We've still a week and a half of our holidays to fill, but I'm sure we'll manage. I like camping, but not below freezing.

I wonder if this is global warming? Britain, the only country which could get colder with global warming. I love it!

Defer?

Okay, I should have applied for a university place when ministries council recommended I did a few months back. I didn't. I suppose it was a case of not wanting to tempt fate and my personal thing of not wanting to take a place out of circulation for someone else. I know, I know. Highsight is always 20:20!

So, on a practical level, Edinburgh University is the where I'd like to go. I'm already used to commuting to Edinburgh for work and the other universities are just too far away.

I had thought of applying to Glasgow uni. It's my alma mater and I thoroughly loved my time there first time round. But I'd be looking at a 4 hour (minimum) commute per day. I just couldn't do that and do placements etc I need to do.

Edinburgh uni has no places left. So, looks as though I will have to defer my training for a year. On the bright side, that gives a year to build up a savings fund. I'm sure it's all meant.

Or God may have other ideas and "allow" something to crop up. Either way, I'm not worried, though I think I'll need to think what to do for the next 16 months, until I can begin training...

Selection conference - the letter

Yesterday, I was nervous and slightly distracted all day, wondering if the post would arrive and, more importantly, if the letter from ministries council had arrived.

It was there, behind the door, when Spot and I got home. It was a really small envelope. Not good, not good at all. Results like this should come in large(ish) envelopes.

I had decided during the day I would open the letter immediately - why let the worry go on for longer than necessary. I'd not been accepted, but needed to open the letter to read the report from the conference. To see were I'd gone wrong and begin reflection of where I was go for God next.

Quickly, it was opened. I began reading. It was good news! The assessors has decided to accept me as a candidate in training for full-time ministry. I was stunned, shocked, amazed. I'd done it!

Spot was really chuffed too, as are all the friends and family I have told since then.

God has guided me here and will guide me where I go next. But still. Minister? Me? Wow.

More thoughts from the weekend

Yes, I really enjoyed the conference. Since then, I have been going over some of what I said and did. I'm reassured knowing the assessors are looking for potential, not the finished article. I also know there was a few questions I could have answered differently/better/more fully. It's done now and it's out of my hands, so I'll not dwell on it.

The topic discussion I led went well. I very much went into leading the discussion. Trying to ask open questions and I did make sure all could have their say. I did give my opinion, but only because another of the applicants asked. I even managed to sum up our points (which were varied and interesting) with just about 1 minute to go. So, I did keep it on time.

During the discussion, I did come out with the cheesiest line I think I've ever come out with. There was nothing wrong with the sentiment, but smell the fromage!!! "It's not about the steeple, it's about the people". Excuse me while I go and throw up in that bucket other there, please!!!

I wish I hadn't told Spot and a couple of friends we were visiting yesterday. Did I get ribbed, or did I get ribbed? I don't think I'll live that one down. Oh well...

I should hear if I've been successful by the end of the week. At least it's quick. I will post the outcome when I know. Thanks again for your prayers and good thoughts.

Wow - that was fun!

This is a quick up-date from selection/assessment conference. It was really great. 8 people, all in the same boat. All working through our call from God. All nervous and excited and overwhelmed and humble.

There was laughter, mainly at the drop and egg from head height exercise (our team was successful; the others broke 3 eggs!). For me, there was challenging questions and affirming encounters.

I will be disappointed if I am unsuccessful, but I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. I pray the assessors have made the right decisions for God, for the church, for the applicants. And I pray for all the other applicants - they will be find their call, whether now or in the future. God is with us all.

He kept his promises to me this weekend, as he always has and always will.