Life as an ordinand family

I think this is a photo of Wycliffe Hall - it's not the view you get from the main road which is why I'm confused! Look closely enough through one of those top windows and you might see Rich chatting with his study mates in their room but you won't see him working!

It's not that he doesn't work, just that he's on the ODMTG (the dossy course) which we as his family are very grateful for or we'd never see him. He's done one essay so far. Most of his friends have done many, many more. We try not to talk about it in front of them, so as not to cause them to stumble!

It's great being part of life here. At first we didn't quite know what to do with ourselves because we had no-one to lead but Rich has found a few 'disciples' since. He's sharing a study with some fantastic guys, Tom & Miles. The Lord has brought them together and they seem to spend all their time being accountable and sharing their deepest fears and hopes and this has had an impact on those around them too (and probably on their essay marks!). Tom & Miles are second years and have their curacies sorted with two very famous churches we know.

I must admit being quite envious of Richard and wishing I was doing it too but I know in my heart it's not the right thing for me. I'm not getting to spend time with the ordinands much which is the thing which I find most difficult - I hate missing out. On the plus side, there's lots for me to do as an ordinand's spouse. I've met lots of people and my social life outweighs my housework-life for the first time in my life! I also have my first ever accountability partner which I never could find in Sheffield. I'm also doing some modules from a Theology Diploma Wycliffe teaches in the evenings. Although close friends take time to establish, I think we're on the right track.

It's a very family-focused college - we can all go into lunch whenever we like. There's a creche where we can leave the kids and go out for coffee!!! If I didn't have the girls or if I had an amazing babysitter, I would be welcome to any of Richard's lectures (I think). So, it could've been much worse.

We've made lots of observations about theological college and have plenty of concerns about it all and I'm sure we'll discuss it all in due course. We have to tell you, too, about just how much God has been blessing us but that can wait 'til another time. Blessings, Kathryn