Don’t You just Love Irony?

Nicola — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:46:54 +0000

It’s funny isn’t it. Here I am in a house with internet connection the whole time and yet it takes me well over a week to get around to posting on here. But in South Africa, where I had limited and very dodgy internet, I did a much better job of keeping you up to date! Well appologies in advance for my poor and inconsistant blogging while in Salford!
Well it’s been an eventful time so far. I’ve met a lot of the local young people and they are all very interesting, lively, exuberant and strong willed! I’ve learnt a lot so far from spending 2 Monday evenings in the youth club! I’m also in the process of getting to know the year 1′s and 2′s at a primary school. We go in at lunchtimes twice a week to sit with them and play in the playground afterwards. It’s a lot of fun! I made the fatal mistake of showing them how my cane works and since then they all always want a go… And another go… And just one more go…
We have organised to work in the Oasis Academy, which is a secondary school 2 mornings a week. I will be based with a group of year 7 girls, and, believe it or not, I’m going to be their mentor! They all have varying social and/or behavioural issues so I’m going to use all my powers of persuasion, creativity, pleading and bribery to get them to trust me enough to open up!

I’m starting to get to know all the members of our church as well which is great. I got to do a presentation on Sunday about South Africa and I’m helping plan upcoming services and events. We went to some people’s house on Sunday for a barbecue and we’re being taken out on Thursday evening by a lady who is very good friends with lots of Manchester United players and personell.

I am so so lucky to have two awsome housemates. They are so much fun! We all love cooking so I’m eating so much amazing food at the moment. But it’s ok… I’ve joined the gym!

I found out something today which I didn’t know. Apparently schools up here have 2 weeks off for half term. Is this the same everywhere? If so, how is it possible that I have a boyfriend, mum and sister who all work in different schools and I didn’t know?

Adventure Number Two!

Nicola — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:07:02 +0000

Welcome to Salford!

Yes I’m writing this from my new house in Salford. I moved in yesterday. We live in a counsil estate, but it’s pretty green around us.

I went to church this morning and met most of the members. They all seem so lovely and welcoming. I’m so excited about getting to know them all more and working with them!

You know it’s amazing how perfect God’s plans really are. this time last year I was feeling a bit upset that I wouldn’t be working in London. But now, having done the training and met the team, I can really start to see why God brought me here. One of the things that the church here wants to explore further is their worship, and possibly finding a worship leader. This is a dream of mine so hopefully I will get the opportunity to use my gifts, if this is what God wants for me.

So thanks for joining me on my South Africa adventure. And I really hope you will stay with me on my Salford journey as well. I really appreciate your support, comments and prayers.

Nicola on a Mission! » Salford

Don’t You just Love Irony?

Adventure Number Two!