| ... Yet again, excellent company, gentle worship and great food made it an enjoyable experience. I do appreciate how well you organise these workparties - it is a pleasure to do jobs for people who know what they want; no standing around wondering what to do next. |
... I was able to unwind - especially by doing something practical. Claire's comment about "living in the present" summed it up for me - I hadn't previously seen it that way. I picked some useful skills - I now know about how brambles grow, and some decorating skills previously long forgotten ... I mean this seriously! Because of the company. Friendly fellow workers - all with something in common, ie. wanting to make the week productive and successful. I enjoyed the break times and found the 'gang' of young people very engaging. I enjoyed meeting members of the community again and appreciated your care for us all even in such a busy week. I hope we didn't run you ragged. As the week went on, I began to settle into the rhythm of the daily offices, and to appreciate the strength of the daily structure of morning night prayer, and to take huge encouragement from knowing that the community carries this on, week in and week out. I loved all three special services; the final eucharist with wheelbarrow etc was especially memorable for me. It felt very fitting, and it was an enormous privilege to communicate each other - something I've never done before.
My stay might have been more helpful/enjoyable/productive if ...
Just one thing! I'd like a reading lamp, particularly in the Quiet Room - ideally everywhere! I need a bright light to read or sew by, and I couldn't really see well enough at night. Another idea (so two things, not one), for outdoor events; perhaps helpers could be rostered to change over part way through, so if you get wet (!), bored, tired standing up, or whatever, you know that you'll get a change without abandoning your post. |
... I was given tasks to suit my capabilities and temperament. There was a mix of people I had worked with before and new (to me) people. The programme is varied - a chance to work hard and to relax, be quiet and be busy. What we do is appreciated, rarely criticised even if not quite what was intended, and this is very affirming. Can't wait to come again!
My stay might have been more helpful/enjoyable/productive if ...
the grab rail in the Long Barn shower upstairs was re-positioned. I kept knocking my elbow on it! I had asked to change my room. No10 is quite noisy, presumably from the boiler room below, which seems to keep long hours! |
... It was good to work alongside the community, to feel we could give something back and to share in the fellowship of work recreation and worship.
My stay might have been more helpful/enjoyable/productive if ... I'd had a kneeling pad for creaky knees! Will try to bring one next time! |
