Goodbyes are always sad

Sonali has been a very familiar face at all of our events over the past year and it was with a mixture of sadness and excitement that I drove her to the University of Warwick earlier this week.
It'a good job that over the summer her mum made her sort and re-pack her 'stuff' as we only just squeezed it all in to my car.

She has moved in to a lovely brand new house on a quiet estate about 25 minutes walk from the campus. Sharing with three other girls, two from China and one from India.

"Sonali, we pray for some exciting times

ahead for you. You have worked hard and

you deserve this great opportunity!

We will miss having you around.

I will miss your smile, your hugs and

your marvellous chick pea curry!!

If you miss us,  hold on to God and

remember we are only three hours away."

Welcome Meal 2016

Saturday, October 1st was our annual Welcome Meal for new students.  Sadly, of the 75 students signed up for the evening there were over 50% no-shows  ...  you missed a great evening!!

Those who did come had a great evening and enjoyed the food, the company and the activities.

 

A warm welcome from Ernie,
from St Mary's Island Church

After the welcome everyone got stuck in to our 'Find someone who ...' ice-breaker. A great of getting people up and mingling and talking to folks they haven't met before.

 

Yeah ... finally it was time for food :-) 

On our menu this evening was ... lamb chilli, vegetarian chilli, veggie chow mein, spring rolls, chicken pasta bake, veggie pasta bake, Bombay potatoes, Indian party snacks, veggie cous cous, jollof rice and plain rice.

The main course was followed by a World Quiz ...

A VERY BIG WELL DONE to the winning team :-)

Nationalities represented at our meal this evening, including longer-term students who were helping out, were ... China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Holland, India, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Mauritius, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, UK, USA, Vietnam.

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone from St Mary's Island Church who helped to make the evening such a great success. Special thanks go to Janet and her team of kitchen ladies who slave away in the background all evening. Many thanks too, to other volunteers and longer-term students for all your help!!