What's New.

I have been at the Training College for 2 weeks now, and just wanted to let you know 3 new things about me.

1. I have joined the Gym. I have realised that College is all about sitting around a lot, so have decided to get myself fit again! I hope to go there twice a week, and so will let you know my progress there.

2. I now know where the College library is. I have decided to try to read 1 book a week, and to save money, I will try to get them all out of the library.

3. I am not very good at following maps. I drive into College every day. One day, full of confidence I decided to try out a new route that had a few shortcuts in. Well, it took me twice as long as it would have done if I had gone the usual way.

4. The early bird always misses the traffic. I leave home at the same time every morning, and arrive at College within half an hour. If I leave home 10 minutes later it takes me 1 hour to get there.

5. I can't count. I said that I would only write about 3 things!

My Part In History

I have been really into Salvation Army history this past few days. I think that this started because I am the historical site of the Training College. As I mentioned in my last post I touched the wall of my room at the college and thought about the Cadets who had been in there before me. Today, as I walked up the stairs to my room I allowed my hand to touch the railings of the stairs as I walked up them, and thought again of my predecessors. For some reason I have just started using my touch to help me to think about such things.

Yesterday I went to William Booth's grave in Abney Park cemetery. The picture here is of the grave. I got it from www.salvationarmy.org.uk. As I stood looking at this grave, I kind of had a strange feeling inside of me. Here was the grave of an ordinary man, but it was because of him and his obedience to God's leading that I have found myself in the Training College. I know that William Booth was not perfect, but then neither am I. We are just ordinary people. I wonder where my obedience will lead me.

Quick update.

I wanted to give everyone an update of what has been happening for me this week so here goes. I started college yesterday and two days into the course I am still a Cadet, so that's a good sign! (I think) Today I had to ask Bram what day it was because I was just so confused, and thought it was Wednesday. I guess I'll be able to work out what day it is when the timetable settles into a routine.

I stayed over at the college yesterday and woke up this morning, touched the wall of my room and thought about the other 100 or so Cadets that had used my room before me, and wondered what had become of them. I also thanked God that I have been given the great privilege of following in their footsteps into Officership. It is a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. I pray that I will be faithful in bringing God's word to the hurting, oppressed, and indeed all of mankind.

Ok, the picture is of the old Training Garrison, not the present William Booth College, but I haven't seen any I like of William Booth College.

Last Day Of Freedom.

Today has been my last day of freedom. Tomorrow I move some of my things into the William Booth College. My life will never be the same again. I'm excited and just want to get things moving! I think the worst thing at the minute is not knowing what is going to be happening for the rest of the week. I like to know in advance where I am and what I'm supposed to be doing. The studying will be pretty difficult as well.

So my last day of freedom has been spent washing and ironing and collecting money for The Salvation Army Annual Appeal. I can't think of a more boring day!

I'm back!

I haven't posted for a while because I have been on holiday with my parents. We went to Butlins in Bognor Regis. The Salvation Army provided entertainment every day for a week. I had an excellent time and had lots of confirmations that I am in the right place at the right time doing the right thing.

One of the things I loved about my holiday was playing in the New Horizons band. This band consisted of people from all over the UK who belong to the Salvation Army and can play brass instruments. I just love being a part of the worldwide Salvation army and doing crazy, weird Salvation Army things! Fire a volley!!!!!!

2 days left.

As I write this I am really excited! I have 2 days left of employment. I really can't believe that the time has finally arrived for me to finish work. I start College 2 weeks today! The time has really gone quick, and although I do love my job, I can't wait to go to College and be a part of the best session ever!

I feel that my recent posts have had a touch of negativity about them, because I have been going on about being nervous a lot, but this last few weeks have been good really.

Yesterday

Well, that’s it, I’m officially………. Well actually I don’t know what I am. I’m either a Candidate or a Cadet. I tried to work it out during the meeting yesterday but couldn’t because I was referred to as both Candidate and Cadet! So if anyone knows what I am, please let me know.

So back to the meeting. I started off by marching in behind the Poplar Corps flag which I have never done before. When I entered the hall, I heard lot’s of cheers going up which kind of put me at ease. It made me realise that lot’s of people were there to support me, and also made me smile because I was slightly embarrassed. So I marched up onto the platform at Regent Hall Salvation Army and sat down. At this point I looked around and saw what must have been about 200 people. Now I really got nervous. I was just getting used to preaching to 50 people and I was going to have to give my testimony to all of these people. I was so nervous I kept forgetting the words to well known songs.

Just before it was time for my testimony the kids sang and basically stole the show! Now the pressure was on for me to live up to what the kids had done. Anyway, the Territorial Commander stood up afterwards and said that it was now my turn to speak. I was really nervous, but once I started talking it was like I was talking to myself. It might have been because of the size of Regent Hall, but I really wasn’t aware of anyone reactions to my testimony. I sat down when I had finished and was relieved because my bit was over and I could now relax.

The whole meeting just felt so surreal, like I wasn’t really there, or I was living someone else’s life. I have waited 6 years for this moment. I think I’m still in a state of shock that The Salvation Army have put their trust in me as an Officer. I really want to thank Kate and Gordon for all the help and support they have given me over the past 2 and a half years and the advise and encouragement they have given me over this time for my preperation towards officership. I also want to thank my previous Officer Major Cynthia Clay for her support and encouragement for the 4 years that she was my support Officer at Coalville Corps. Most of all, I want to thank God for His help, strength and promises to me. I hope that I can be a worthy officer and do my part well in the salvation of the world.