Rejourneying: a pilgrimage on paper

[french_rhubarb]

I have done it. After years and years of reasons why I "just don't have time this year", coupled with the consolation "next year, next year", I have finally done it. I have finally signed up for NaNoWriMo. I have no excuse right now. I am back in Australia, passing the time until January, when I relocate and start my new job. My plans for November

Comments

[ex_logospil]

Thank you for adding me over there, most beloved! It is so encouraging to be doing NaNo with loved ones ♥

[nun_sense]

Pray tell......what is "NaNo"?

I'm glad you will be using the time to do this work. It is important work.

What and where is your new job?

[french_rhubarb]

My role is 'Lay Assistant/Trainee Youth Worker'.

DUTIES

The parish assistant will:

(i) work with young adults, say from age 17-25, within the parish to form a ministry to people in this age group within the area;
(ii) encourage young adults in their discipleship through group activities organised by the pastoral assistant but not necessarily facilitated by the assistant;
(iii) make contact with facilities such as ----- School to build networks;
(iv) work with the young children and parents within the parish to form a Sunday School and/or activity for children to which other children can be invited;
(v) provide administrative support specifically in relation to the web site, quarterly newsletter, restoration newsletter, examination supervision, rosters - as time allows;
(vi) pastoral visiting at ---- - as time allows.

As part of this job, I will also have my study paid for a Diploma in Theology! ^_^ Feeling so blessed.

[nun_sense]

How absolutely wonderful! This was my job while in college and graduate school. Once in seminary, I became the student associate pastor. I LOVED working with the youth. I think you will enjoy it too. And....... they will be paying for your degree! Now, how wonderful is that?

Is this in Australia?

[french_rhubarb]

Oh, an NaNo or NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month (although, it is more like International now...). It promotes November as a month to get writing, and the aim is to write 50,000 words in the month. It is a great tool to make you accountable and to give you encouragement by letting you share the journey with others who are doing the same thing. A bit of a kickstart, really.

[dannyboy_588]

Ahh... I want to know all about everything!

It's a strange thing when you come back from a long journey, and people ask "How was it?"
There are really only two answers: One takes several months of solid conversation, and the other is an incredibly reductive generalisation.

[french_rhubarb]

Exactly. And when I say, "it was really amazing. I'm so glad I went. It changed my life", it surprises me how many people are happy to accept that, and just say, "oh, good."

Indeed.... months of solid conversation, and without that opportunity it is hard to say anything. Anything real, anyway.

[jdnightghobhadi]

Journal-type nonfiction can be so introspective. Best of luck!

[french_rhubarb]

Thanks. I'm going to need it, I think. :)

[jdnightghobhadi]

You're very welcome. I'm glad to have given you what you needed. :)