Hey everyone.

Last week was a bizzare one, with it being half term. We decided a while ago that Nathan would go on a much needed retreat and that I’d take Sophia & Aidan to my Mum and Dad’s and work from there. I had some hours owing to me, so I got to go swimming, visit my home church for Ash Wednesday and catch up with a friend and her gorgous little lads. I came back on Saturday for work on Sunday morning.

Mum life and general family life has been tough, as we had a sudden family bereavement while I was away. The news came on Friday morning, so I abandoned all plans to work and just spent time with my lovely family.

Monday- Thursday, Ministry life was very strange. I really benefitted from some solid work time, but very much missed being in Crosby. I was delighted, though, that Team ASSF were happy to run a beetle drive pancake party without me!

When it came to Sunday morning, I found myself feeling rather tearful when driving towards church. As I pulled up, I realised how blessed I am to be the minister in my own safe space. My safe space where I can be honest about how I’m feeling, where I can wear my heart on my sleeve and where I can grieve. Getting through the Thinking Day parade service was manageable, despite feeling sad. I kept reminding myself of those words from the ordination service: priests are to unfold the scriptures and preach the word in season and out of season’.

Sophia wants to read anything she can. She was reading a leaflet about an event that my sister organised for her job. Sophia went to this event, Illuminate, on Saturday night after Aidan and I had gone home. We had the following conversation about Illuminate:

S: I’m looking forward to Illuminate!

Me: I’m pleased! I think you’ll have a great time.

S: there might be giraffes there!

Me: … has somebody said there will be giraffes there?

S: well the leaflet doesn’t say if there will be giraffes there, so there might be!

Me: … I guess you could be right then!

I don’t think there were giraffes at Illuminate, but she did get to join in a parade through the town, proudly wearing the fairy light lit wings she had made earlier in the week!

Aidan has been calling his Granny: Ga, JeeJee and anny.

When Aidan and I got home on Saturday afternoon , and once we had settled in, Aidan spent a few minutes wandering around upstairs shouting ‘ee-ah!’ looking for his sister.

This week, I am especially grateful for: this incredible hard work of my Mum and Dad.

Coming up: I have no idea because my head is a bit scrambled.

More next time x