It's great to be settled in. Past the half way mark through the first week seems like a good moment to gather up some first impressions.The overwhelming sense I have of Ridley so far is of a genuine and warm feeling of community. The student body is very mixed in terms of age, experience and background and in some contexts I can imagine that leading to all sorts of awkwardness, but I see every evidence to the contrary here.
Of course, we're still in a slightly artificial time. Our term has begun, as has some of our teaching, but the typical pattern of life is still a week or two away.
We had the Federation introduction session today. This was hardly the first time we've mixed as a Federation - the New Testament Greek introductory course has plenty of people from all around, for instance - but it was the first time we've gathered specifically to meet one another.
We all (as far as I could tell) co-operated by mixing like mad. My report is: there are plenty of people at least as odd as me, we're all oozing goodwill and ecumenism, and if we keep it up there's a very real danger we'll catch a glimpse of the one holy, catholic and apostolic church.
If we do, we may well get to change the world.
When Sheila and I visited Ridley, we immediately noticed a very different tone from the other colleges. People were friendly, said hello, etc. One student (who introduced me to Reform) asked us if we wanted a look around and then proceeded to give us a little tour. Very hospitable! I wonder - could it be because these people are believers?! Ha!
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