Reflective Practitioner? Moi?

Part of the reason for starting this blog was to aid my reflective processes - which is why every so often I indulge in a wee review of what has been happening in the last few months.

Today seems a good time to review. I got word today that I had passed my Church Law essay - which was a relief as I wasn't so sure it was any good - but apparently it was! Passing this means that there remains just one hurdle between me and looking for a charge of my own later this early/early next year. That hurdle being my final review - which should take place late September.

So what of the last few months? Well so far this year I have preached in 3 different countries!!! Who would have thought eh? This NE lass has been to Malta and Rome and preached in both Church of Scotland churches in these countries. If a year ago someone would have suggested this I would have laughed. But I have been and done it! And the experiences were both fantastic.

The trip to Malta came about when my home minister move there to become the Minister at the joint Church of Scotland/Methodist charge in Valletta. Doug - my then minister, had been a huge support to me and it was a real pleasure to be at his induction. It was especially nice to be invited to preach during his first service as the new minister of St Andrew's Valletta.















Rome was just a couple of weeks ago - and it really was quite an experience. The CofS in Rome has a church which sits in amongst a lot of Government Buildings (the Ministry of Defence is just across the road!) The church has a small apartment for visiting clergy etc which sits on top of the church on the roof terrace,the view from which is just awesome. The congregation are just wonderful and made us feel so welcome. We helped out with some outreach work they do for the refugee community in Rome - 500 packed lunches are made up and distributed every week.

Rome itself is just a fascinating city - one guide book described it as an open air museum and art gallery - and it really is! If you like art and culture then you will love Rome. It is hard to pick a favourite but it would be a toss up between the Trevi Fountain and St Peter's. Incidentally we could see St Peter's from the roof terrace - and spent each evening watch the sun go down over Rome and St Peter's lighting up. All I can say about that is 'wow!'














I feel so fortunate to have had these opportunities - they have given Neil and I so many great memories and I feel quite spoiled by extra opportunities for travel they have afforded us. And my travels this year are not finished - a road trip to London via Manchester in July and a family holiday in Tunisia are still to come....I know - spoiled!!!

I am now more than half way through my probationary placement - and it just gets better and better. I really feel part of things and have a great relationship with everyone that is part of the ministry and staff team. My supervisor from the word go has treated me with respect and trusts me to get on with things - but is always there and willing to share his opinion and advise. This has really helped boost my confidence. The congregation have made me so welcome and genuinely seem to enjoy having me around - something that still takes me by surprise!!

So as I reflect over the last 8 months I have had a ball! I have travelled to new places and made so many new friends. I have faced challenges and met them. I continue to grow as a person.

God truly is amazing - the NE lass is continually taken by surprise at the opportunities he gives me, the way he guides me and the love he showers me with.

So much to do, so little time...

Its been a busy few days and the next 36 hours will be no different!

I set off for Rome at lunchtime on Tuesday and have to have a service and sermon ready before I go. The service is more or less done but the sermon has yet to begin! lol
I also have to sort out a wee list of things - euros, sandals, birthday cards, money for the kids, make up spare room for Suzie.....so much to do and so little time!

But I am also very excited about the rest of the week. Neil and I will be staying at the Church of Scotland in Rome - I am taking the service there on Sunday, whilst Rev Willie McCulloch is at the General Assembly. I feel so very fortunate to have this opportunity - and it was just a case of being in the right place at the right time. As well as seeing as many of the sights as we can squeeze in we are also going to get involved in an outreach that the church does amongst refugees in Rome - each week volunteers make up around 500 pack lunches on a Thursday morning and then give them out at lunchtime Thursday & Friday.

One of the highlights will be a visit to the Vatican. Apparently we will be able to see it from the roof terrace where the bed sit we are staying in is situated.

To cheer you all up - I checked the weather forecast for the next five days - lets just say I have packed the sun cream and shorts!

We get back next monday and after a quick turn around its off to my final probationers conference and a wedding at the end of that week.....life is tough :-)