Happy Easter

As a Christian, Easter is the most important and significant time of year for me.  It is a time to remember all that the Cross of Calvary means and also a time to re-affirm my faith and give thanks for sooooooo many things.

It has become a tradition in recent years to have a Bring & Share lunch on Easter Sunday, accompanied by an Easter egg hunt around my house.  On Saturday I hid approx. 200 mini eggs around the house and before food was served there was much pandemonium as 25+ students and friends ran around trying to discover all my hiding places.

Bring & Share lunches are the most wonderful thing because you never know what delicacies you're going to get ... it's always a taste explosion!!!

Exploring my cupboards in search of well-hidden Easter eggs :-)

The day was made additionally special because it was Sonali's birthday.

That evening we had a baptism service at St Mark's.  Three people were getting baptised by full emersion and Sonali had decided to renew her vows.  Here she is preparing to give her testimony ...

Receiving the sign
of the cross

Little did Sonali know that her special, special day was far from over ... she had a surprise party waiting for her back on campus!!

Turning the other cheek!

Easter is the best of times to discuss a subject such as: Turning the other cheek - the power of forgiveness.  I thank all those who participated in our TABLEtalk evening and gave of themselves honestly.

We looked at questions such as  ...  What is forgiveness?  What shapes our view of forgiveness?  Is forgiveness an innate human trait or is it something we have to learn? And here are just a few of the quotes that also formed part of our discussions.

 

Sunday Lunch Scheme

"The words can not describe how much I love this event, especially the family. It was more that I have expected, the food, games, and some funny jokes, at the beginning, I was same how afraid since I have never met any families in the county, but now, I am excited to meet another family. The day was simply amazing."  
Hazem from Egypt

"Hi Lynne, I was overwhelmed with joy (to attend the Sunday lunch). It was like I was at home with my parents having lunch. It was a great day having lunch with Alan and June. They are goodhearted. The lunch was fabulous.  It was my first time to partake in such an event. They took us to Allington and Rochester. Can't forget the day. Thank you Lynne for giving us such an opportunity to have lunch with an English family in the UK.   God bless you all. 

Merci beaucoup Lynne. Je suis plein de joix.    Brian from Nigeria

"Dear Lynne, What a day that was. We had fun at Alan and June's place. The food was yummy and the tour around the Medway river and into Rochester on our way back was exciting. More interesting was how much record they have of people who have to their home since 1964 and your name was there too. And some Kenyans that I know as well. Mine is to say a big thank you for seeing to it that you provide us with these opportunities. May the good Lord give you more strength to continue doing what you do and impacting the lives of people like myself and many more."   Justus from Kenya

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday, dear Melissa

Happy birthday to you!!

For six long weeks I've been keeping the secret that Melissa's grandparents and cousin, Morgane, were coming to visit for the weekend as a surprise for her birthday. Seeing Melissa's face on Friday was well worth the wait :-)
I think it's safe to say it's been a lovely and busy weekend for all the family; and it's been a pleasure for me to meet everyone and enjoy a birthday meal today.

Melissa has been my lodger for the past eight weeks but will be returning to France soon after Easter :-(

Diversity Fair

Our annual Diversity Fair is one of the bestest days of the year :-) As usual we re-located our weekly World Cafe from Blake building down to Pilkington to be part of everything that was going on. 

Setting up ...

Our addition to the 'diversity' of the event was serving scrumptious scones with jam and cream, tea and coffee. We served over 100 people!!



Colouring was our simple activity ...

"What does diversity mean to you?!

There was also some great entertainment ... including bangra dancing, music, song, sign language and Tai chi

Claire Friday
GKUnions, Student Activities Team Leader

Claire Clarke
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager