Take 7-no joke

This is the 7th time I've attempted to make a comprehensible post that is publishable!

Its amazing what a change of scenery can do! The past term has been a toughie, a mixture of lots of things left me feeling down, just generally and there was nothing i could seem to do to perk up! but now I'm back I feel invigorated, to be fair I've spent the past 2 days with pretty much my best friends in the world, and the sights here are beautiful, even just the view from my window.

It was Nigel our lead elders last preach on Sunday and he said some very wise words, including that when he pops back from Berlin (where he's off to plant a church) he is going to be selling T-shirts with 'It's OK to be you' on them, he then said why do you think teenagers self harm?! It's because they are rejecting themselves, rejecting who they are. I spose this is one thing that has been true of myself over the years, I have been plagued by feelings of insufficiency, feeling that I'm just not good enough, that I don't make the cut. But it is true that God made me who I am and I'm great at being me, who this 'me' is I'm still discovering, but I'm learning to accept her. In some ways it's easier when I'm here with the people that just 'get me' and for that I am so grateful to them, and I'm grateful that they have been put in my life :) I find it so easy to dwell on those feelings, its great to feel free!

Term has been a long one and somewhat challenging, more work, actually counts, everyone got more work, people rarely free for fun :( but I have had some amazing times with the physios :) many laughs (bodies, dinner, malaysian food,countless lunches) and my secret Santa present was great- thanks Em! Housing for next year had to be sorted out, a highly stressful experience but its pretty much sorted now! Current house Christmas was great :) with the exception of Lyds being ill :(.

Been to a few gigs which were great, my like of muse was multiplied by 50 seeing them live. Michael McIntyre was hilarious as always. Paramore were great though it was a shame that our party ended up split up :( and that Russell used all the camera battery on 'you me at six' that it died when paramore came on-typical lol. The delirious farewell tour was amazing I've always loved the way that Martin Smith talks with such faith that it lifts yours and make you realise that with God's help, we actually could change the world! 'This beautiful thief' were great too :)

Mum has a new full time job-hooray :) answer to prayer when you least expect it!

House wise this term has been great, It's been so lovely living with people I want to come home to and there are usually a few guests round as well, highly distracting from a work and sleep perspective, but nice all the same!

I found that everything got a bit much in the first few weeks so I stepped down from being on the mission team, which I'm pretty sure was the right decision. Sorting out all the tri team's kit has been a headache especially as I kept missing training due to illness but hey ho!

Had two races, my first ever duathlon and aquathlon, both went well, I beat the times I was hoping to do :) made the mistake of saving time in transition by not wearing socks for the aquathlon and my feet are still recovering :/.

Only 'went out' a few times this term and most were spontaneous on the night 'why not?!'s, was alright, saw some random xfactor dude performing at Jam house. dressed up army, Christmas and togas!

Rugby has also taken a back seat this term, Wednesday afternoon is such a large chunk of work time! I also find it strange that I look forward to the weekends, then I work through them, except for church of course :)

The freshers have been cool to get to know, I found a life double in Tamsin which was really cool and we went for Starbucks in the last week of term :). Haven't seen much of my old flat/floor mates but I did stop by Wednesday and end up chatting with Lotte for 3 hours which was lovely-will try to make more of an effort next term, weds made me realise how much I miss them.

Started leading a small group at oasis which is cool, the people that come changes every week so no continuity, but that's what you expect with busy students really! Also embarked on the adventure of playing bass at church which has been fun :). looking to be relaunching the youth band next term which is exciting! have had some good times helping with youth socials this term!

That's all I can think of for now
Have an amazing Christmas and a very happy new year
peace out :) xxxxxxxxxxx :)