Was back on the phones in the office this week “Welcome to the Companies office you’re speaking with Patrick” – first time in about a year. Was actually quite fun.. esp as David sat across from me so that when I got stuck (which happened a lot) he could answer my questions!
The reason for being back on the phones was that alternately, 1/3 of the staff were out on a Team Building & Leadership course. I went on Thursday and Friday, and actually really enjoyed it, especially the practical exercises… which I’ll explain in detail – but not for a week in case anyone from work sees what the games are about!
On Wed, my friend Aoife was in town – as she flew back to Ireland on Thursday… it’s amazing really how time flies – I can remember when she left Dublin back in Jan 04.. seems not so long ago. And I hardly feel like I’ve been here anytime at all (well, sometimes anyway).
We had a party on Thursday night for Till – a sort of flatwarming for him. Great turnout for a Thursday..
Then Friday – had the second day of the training, and then a (quite sad) leaving party for 3 people from the office. About 50 years of collective ministry experience leaving. There were quite a few tears. Then it was on to (German) Florians leaving party.. he’s off on a months trip around the S.Island with his friend Fabian (Laura- thanks for sending out the Fruit and Nut cadburys with Fabian :) Finally to a home-brew party (tramping club ppl). I’m getting old though, was pretty wrecked by the end of the night!
Then this morning – Steve and Yvonne left 39 Fendalton – after living here for – oh 4 years or something. They’re off to their own house now, they’re excited I know, but also quite sad to leave the – well – amazing group of friends and sense of community that there is here.
I have really mixed feelings about leaving here in August.. I do want to travel, and I am wondering about living in back in Europe (though Dublin I’m just not sure yet) but I will really miss all the amazing, fun, outdoorsy and inclusive! friends from here. But on the flip side, it’d be kinda great to see family and Irish friends again… esp my brothers twins who I’ve not seen yet! I guess it’s a win/win situation.. but then if I leave ChCh, I mean where will I find in Europe where I can have a relatively stress free job, lots of flexibility with unpaid holidays, an hour from ski-fields, 2 hours from quality hiking and mountaineering, caving, mountain biking, etc. etc. (I’m repeating myself).
Teleportation really is the way forward.
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