So, it turns out that my confirmation kids were perfectly behaved on Saturday. I think the surroundings helped. There was a deep intake of breathe when they entered (the majority had not been there before), and they set about doing their worksheet we had for them (that will be going in their confirmation pack that we are putting together for them). The staff and stewards at the cathedral were lovely - in fact they asked 4 of my young 'uns to do the take up the gifts during the service. After Mass, when the cathedral was emptying, the cathedral administrator gave us our own little tour and history of the cathedral, really interacting with the children, and meant that the cathedral had to stay open a little longer then usual for this to happen, and meant that we were the only ones left in there! As I was the last out, I turned around and took a quick picture of an empty westminster cathedral. Epic. A huge thank you to all the staff and priests there for helping us, being friendly towards us, and even mentioning that we were their in the prayers, and praying for us! I really believe the kids are developing, and realising that I am there to help them develop and learn about their faith and not just to tell them to turn their phone off, stop talking and remove their chewing gum!!

Yesterday I went to a very interesting debate held at university: 'Holiness and Wisdom and the beginning of life: When does human life become morally significant?'
Two speakers - a Professor of Medicine (and an Anglican Priest) and Peter Smith (the Archbishop of Southwark). Both spoke very well, and provided an interesting account of the ethics and morality of embryonic stem cell research. I had a very long conversation with Peter Smith afterwards...about many different things - including a question I had been too scared to ask in the open forum...to which he said "and this is the type of question that we needed in the debate - something very well articulated". But we had a long chat about faith formation and development, East Anglia, Taize and time! I said I would be seeing him in 2 days time as I am sponsoring a couple converting to Catholcism and this weekend is Rite of Election!

This evening, I will however be meeting with another Southwark Bishop who answered my e-mail and agreed to attend the Taize prayer around the cross at Southwark Anglican Cathedral this evening. I will be leaving to go and see Frere Paolo shortly, and hope that the St James Taize cross has arrived at the cathedral safely as are lending it to them!! I hope that this service goes well, as I am really wanting to get Taize more on the scene in Southwark - Peter Smith has encouraged me to keep going with it (and it is really helped by that fact that Bishop Michael always used to tell him to go, and that I had been told by Bishop Michael to plug Taize in Southwark)....so we shall see what Bishop Paul makes of it. But I am also excited about seeing other Taize friends who have indicated that they will be attending this evening...

in a few hours time I am taking my confirmation candidates to Westminster Cathedral for a tour of the cathedral and Mass....I hope they are far better behaved then when they went to their actual dioesan cathedral. Lets pray for them. They need prayer!

today I have dipped into gloom mood. I dont know why - but I have not been myself, and I feel all out of sorts.
I went to Mass in my lunch hour to give myself a spiritual kick...and to get through the afternoon...
On getting home, I did not feel much better, even when getting some lovely texts from some people attempting to cheer me up and giving me some prayers.

But, I got some news this evening that did cheer me slightly...I have been asked to be godmother to me neice. A complete little pleasure...this cheered me. An honour. My little neice is gorgeous and makes me smile...and now I will have this extra bit of responsibility for her. May God bless her.

yet another friend recently diagnosed with depression - literally sad times. It is horrible to see my friends so down, frustrated, tired. I pray for you all. At the same time, I am being given a little purpose allowing people to talk through things with me...on that note- although it has been nearly a year since I have been clear of the meds - I am still by no means better - I still have bad days, I am just trying to find other ways to cope with them. So yes, I am talking through situations with people, encouraging them, and praying that they can soon see the light out of the dark situation they are in.

On a more positive note the homily I helped to write received positive feedback...ha...I could have made a good priest. I was also able to talk openly and honestly to my confirmation candidates about the importance of prayer, and how they really need to pray to develop their relationship with God - blessed moment. Let us see how they act when we take them to Westminster Cathedral on Saturday!

And on a tragic note - I had a surprise visitor in London yesterday, which meant for a cheeky late afternoon pint. Before this happened I was in the post office with him laughing about my lack of valentines day card (not even a pity one from my dad), and the man behind the counter felt so sorry for me he said, "I do feel sorry for you. It's not right really is it? Here, look, have this chocolate - go on, have it". My friend nearly wet himself laughing at the situation....I told this to a down friend - and it made them laugh. You see - my tragic love-life situations are a huge source of amusement to others. Job done!

This week, I took a few days leave to go and visit some friends in Norwich. I have to say - it was such a blessed time, and I thank all the people that I spent time with and spoke to - there are three people who deserve a mention...

Luke - I have known Luke for about 4 years now, and bar a few occassions where we have met in the UK for special events (most notably his ordination for the priesthood and Bishop Michael's funeral), my only real interaction with Luke has been in (surprise, surprise) - Taize. But Luke (and the fellow priests at Cathedral House) let me stay in the guest room. Yes, Luke continued with his priestly mninistry when I was there, but we also had lots of time to chat, and I also helped him with his Homily (which I am told has received lots of Positive feedback), and following on from the previous post - had the joke of - there is a bit of priest in there somewhere. But it was lovely, and I thank him for his kindness and support.

Hamish - as with Luke, Hamish s a Taize person - but I have met him in London on a few occassions also. I love Hamish for having tha ability to be completely blunt in a tactful way! But many chats, potential persuassion to pursue youth ministry, and a lift back to the station yesterdat afternoon (plus the opportunity to play with his gorgeous daughter) meant that I had the chance for some lovely Zosh and Hamish chant!

Helen - now Helen is a relatively new addition in the life of me - but an amazing one. Helen is also an EA Taize pilgrim, who joined us for the first time this year - and we just really clicked which was great. She also came to Berlin, and she came to visit Luke and I when I was up - and even was brave enough to introduce her new boyfriend to Luke and I....we were nice to him (especially as I know his brother quite well). But she is just a lovely, beautifully hearted young lady, makes me smile, and I know that she has been, and will continue to pray for me...and even better I know that she also pops in to Luke as well.

I just had time to talk, laugh, rest and be me. It was good.
I thank the EA people for taking me on...legends!