Handwritten contributions

The following people sent handwritten messages that were included in the book:

 

Will Moffat

Rebecca Ryan

Selwyn

Hanga Gebauer

Ruth Arnesen

Blanche Abels

Zeeshan Sheikh

Steffi

Jan Vetter

Tom

Sean Cartwright

Editha Beitze

Joanne Croft

Jeroen van Bergeijk (scanned image of collage)

 

 

Emailed contributions

 

Cate Najjuma [ziricana@hotmail.com]

(handwritten version + photo used for the book)

 

Farewell, Fr. Tom, and thank you

     for the welcome you gave us in Edinburgh.

For the comfort in joy and sorrow,

    the feeling you really did care.

Farewell, Fr. Tom, and thank you

    for the memories rich in each heart

    which will help in the final moments

    when the time has come to part.

Farewell, Fr. Tom, God bless you

   as you blessed our lives everyday----

And please! Will you give the Newcastle community

    the love you gave us, in just the same way.

                                               Copied from "The Happy Home" by Elizabeth Gozney and personalised for Fr. Tom by Cate- (the Ugandan)

 

Dominique White [dominiquewhite@hotmail.com]

(handwritten version used)

Tom,

 

Its time to say a final farewell and in so doing reflect upon your influence on so many people’s lives, mine included.

 

It is true that there were times when we didn’t see eye to eye; moments of high tension and poor communication. There were lessons learnt, tears shed, peace sought for and won.

 

Throughout the years that we coincided in the Chaplaincy I know one thing was true: we both believed in developing the CSU. Our differences arose mainly from the fact that I was a headstrong, idealistic and uncompromising young adult, and you a wiser, careful, highly motivated Dominican.

 

I want you to know that I admire you greatly. I hope you know that your generosity both in terms of time and energy, as well as financial, has not gone unnoticed. You have worked tirelessly for the CSU and made it what it is today. I find it hard to imagine the Chaplaincy without you, even though its been a few years since I sat with a coffee in my hands smoking a cigarette on the steps of 23 George Square.

 

My happiest memories of 1993-96 took place within those four walls, at the many parties, meetings and rehearsals held there. You were the host of all these wonderful moments, opening the doors and letting everyone know they were welcome. When I remember Edinburgh I remember the Chaplaincy, a home from home.

 

Thank you for everything you have done for the students of Edinburgh over the past eight years.

 

God bless you and your ministry in Newcastle.

 

Fond regards,

 

Dominique

 

 

Andy Humphrey [indigoblue71@hotmail.com]

"A wise man once said that it is not the poem or the song which changes the

world; but the memory of its music, carried in the hearts of those who hear,

is a winter rose in bloom, and a bright fountain in the empty desert.

 

"That same wise man might also have asked which is greater - the poet, or

the one who teaches the most ordinary of mortals that they too have a winter

rose, and a fountain of life for the thirsty, and a poem in their hearts and

on their lips."

 

                                          (Andy Humphrey, 6/6/01)

 

"Dominik Heckmann" <dominik@cs.uni-sb.de> 

Hello   

    my name is Dominik Heckmann,

I studied Artificial Intelligence in Edinburgh in the

academic year 1996/97.

   

    I would like to thank Father Tom for everything,

but especially for the wonderful retreats and the very

interesting interpretation of the holy book in the services

on Sunday. It is a pity that he is leaving soon, since

I will come back to Edinburgh next year to finish my PhD.

 

    Father Tom I wish you all the best!

 

Here I attach a photo of myself and late I will send

a few from the

Holy-Cross Pilgrimage to Iona at Easter 1997!

 

Dominik Heckmann

Germany

 

 

ErichMeier@aol.com 

 

Thank you, Fr. Tom, for:

- ...being a friend

- ...being a spiritual companion

- ...your bicycle lock (it still reminds me of you)

                       Erich from Regensburg (93-94)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johannes Harsche [Johannes.Harsche@agrar.uni-giessen.de]

Dear Father Tom,

 

eight years are a long time, and therefore it is probably not so easy for you to

leave the chaplaincy, the CSU and in general such a nice place like Edinburgh. I

send you my best wishes for your new parish in Newcastle. Generally, I think the

role of the Roman Catholic Church is very essential for the whole society in

these times. I am sure that you will start with strong optimism.

Take care,

Johannes Harsche

 

Giessen, Germany

David Stevenson  [david.stevenson@ed.ac.uk]

Father Tom, Many thanks for friendship and for inclusion in the

activities of CSU, and very best wishes for the future.

David (the piper)

 

 

 

Patricia Uribe [pattica@hotmail.com]

my heart has a special place for edinburgh and all the people that was there. Father Tom.... thank you so much. I hope you still remember the colombian cook that did a poster for one of the csu wednesday dinners.

 

great time.. here some pictures

 

Patricia Uribe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Charters

Dear Tom,

I was really sad to hear that you were leaving, you will be greatly missed. You have had a huge impact in my life by creating a wonderful environment in which I could be and express myself. Thank you so much and please stay in touch.

love Rick

 

Nick Creagh [nick@maths.ed.ac.uk]

Dear Fr. Tom,

 

A light to enlighten the Gentiles and bring Glory to God's people, Israel.

 

Many thanks for all that’s happened in the past three years.

I've enjoyed it all, from the retreats, to the poetry, to the

ceilidhs, to the dinners. You've been a light to lead me and

a fire burning in the hearth.

 

Many, many thanks and all the best for Newcastle.

 

Nick Creagh

 

Wendy [wendym@frugalmail.co.uk]

Father Tom,

           Although I've only been involved with the CSU for 2 years, both of those years are filled with happy memories of the fun, the music, (the food!) and the beautiful people who have been apart of it. It is indeed a very special place, and only made so by you, because you have made it a place of welcome to all and encouraged those who have entered it's doors to share their gifts and their talents, their friendship and much more.

          I wish you luck in your new parish and hope we will see you often back in Edinburgh.

                     Love from

                       Wendy, Patrick ,Finley and little dot !

 

Tobias Ermel [00400625@napier.ac.uk]

Thank you that Edinburgh for us is

a place like that:

 

            "And this our life exempt from public haunt

            Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,

            Sermons in stones and good in every thing." (Shakespeare)

 

Thank you for a open house with a more familiar atmosphere,

Thank you for all the uncountable invitations,

Thank you that we could be what we are.

Might Newcastle are a new challenge for you.

Best wishes and God bless

 

tobias

 

 

Rene Koop [00400626@napier.ac.uk]

Dear Tom,

the trip to Uist was wonderful, I really enjoyed it.

Thanks Rene

 

Anthony Davis [9743600@sms.ed.ac.uk]

Father Tom's greatest achievement was that he created a feeling of

welcome for everyone who came to the chaplaincy.  For me this

was very important during particular crises in my life.

 

As the longest standing member of the current csu what I have

seen is the creation of a strong sense of community and Father

Tom has been the pillar around which this community has unified

itself.  This is very important especially in a university where

students can often feel very alone, Tom has created a place where

I felt comfortable and at home.  The csu and especially the

common room has been for me like a home-away-from-home and

Father Tom has been largely responsible for creating that feeling. 

Thank you Father Tom.

From Anthony Davis

 

Anne Douglas

Farewell Father Tom!

 

Christ who first gave thee for a friend to us,

Christ keep thee well, where'er thou art for us.

Earth's self shall go and the swift wheel of heaven

perish and pass, before our love shall cease.

Do but remember us, as we do thee,

and God, who brought us on this earth together,

Bring us together in his house of heaven.

Rabanus Maurus

 

Father Tom, I shall always hold you dear for your kindness, the time you gave me and most of all for welcoming me into the Church; sacramentally and in friendship. I wish you much success in your new venture: I am sure you have the skills and the wisdom to deal with all that your life in Newcastle will present. Remember that wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there are politics!

 

Goodbye.

I came as a stranger

And you called me father.

I leave as a friend and brother.

When the time of harvest comes

remember me.

From A Sower's Farewell

Amado L. Picardal

 

O make my heart so still, so still,

when I am deep in prayer,

that I might hear the white mist-wreaths

losing themselves in air!

Utsonomya San

Japan

 

With Love

Anne

 

Andy Loughe [andyloughe@hotmail.com]

Dear Tom,

I'd like to take this opportunity to bid you farewell. I hate to say goodbye, rather "au revoir" because it expresses better what I feel. I am sure our paths will cross again in the future. Thank you sincerely for giving me the opportunity to meet some of my dearest friends in Edinburgh, and to take part in the things I love to do most: socialising, performing on stage, meeting new people. I owe you and all your hard work this. Thank you dearly.

Au revoir,

Andy Loughe

 

Aidan Slingsby [aidans@bigfoot.com]

Fr Tom,

 

Like everybody else in who knows you in Edinburgh, I will greatly miss

you next year.  You and your dedication to the CSU have been important

parts of my life through university.

 

There have been frequent good times over the past few years, which I

will never forget, such as the retreats in such beautiful places, your

birthday bothy trip in 1998, frequent nights at the pub, followed by

Negociants, followed by CSU common room; the list goes on and on.

 

Without you, the CSU would have been very different.  The CSU was

turned around by you arrived in Edinburgh and with the committee's

help, gave rise to the friendly, open and welcoming CSU I first

encountered back in 1997.  In my first year, the CSU was tremendously

important to me.  Being shy, in a new place and in a flat of people I

didn't get on with, if it wasn't for the CSU, I would have found first

year difficult.

 

Since first year, I have been privileged enough to serve on the

committee, be involved in Freshers' week, and hopefully to contribute

to making the CSU as open and welcoming as I found it.  I have also

worked closely with you over the past four years, and will have to work

closely with the new chaplain (as will the new committee).  I can

probably speak on everyone's behalf when I say that your help and

support have been invaluable and have been very much appreciated.

Outside the CSU, I know that your availability, with your office

adjacent to the common room, dedicated phone line, answer machine and

e-mail has made the Catholic Chaplaincy a tremendously important

service for many students.

 

You can be proud of your achievements that since you took the post as

Chaplain in Edinburgh.  Although your new Parish next year will be very

different from the Chaplaincy in Edinburgh, I hope you find it

fulfilling and challenging in a satisfying way.  Although your

departure from Edinburgh will be a sad loss for us, you will be able

to carry on your good work in a new parish.

 

With all my best regards for the future,

 

Aidan.

 

Eva Gröstenberger [eva.groestenberger@web.de]

For Father Tom, who was

Always there for all of us,

Taking our homesickness away,

Helping whenever he could,

Energetically taking us to pubs,

Restlessly making new people welcome:

 

Thanks for giving so much,

Offering all of us a second home in the CSU.

Many, many thanks for making this year very special to me.

 

James Sergeant [jungleyjim@hotmail.com]

So long father Tom, I'll always remember the Hebrides trip

Good luck in Newcastle

James

 

Meinolf Thiemann [meinolf.thiemann@urz.uni-heidelberg.de]

Dear Fr. Tom,

 

I very much enjoyed my time in Edinburgh and the events at the CSU. There

was that marvellous trip to Pluscarden abbey, and do you remember the Royal

Oak, us singing Irish, German and Scottish songs?

 

All the best to you and I hope you will have a good start and a good time in

Newcastle.

 

Yours

 

Meinolf Thiemann

 

Jamie Ward [jward@newlogic.com]

It is a sad loss for Edinburgh to see you go, but I hope you're influence

remains in George sq for years to come.  All the best wishes with your new

endeavours,

Jamie

 

Annette Niesing aniesing@gmx.de

Although it is nearly eight years ago that I studied Agriculture in

Edinburgh as a foreign exchange student I still sometimes think of Father

Tom.

 

We had good discussions and also a lot of fun in the chaplaincy and after the

masses when we went out for having a beer.

Since meanwhile a lot of years have passed since then and I still remember a

lot of things I am sure I will never forget Father Tom.

 

With all the best wishes for him!

Annette Niesing from Germany

 

 

And best wishes from:

Joslyn Ogden (American Lutheran theology student)

Michael Ballingal [Oxy104@aol.com]

Ssembajjwe Joseph [semjoe@avu.org]

 

Alexander Patterson [eightyshilling@hotmail.com]

 

On Arriving At Whitehaugh Bothy For Father Tom’s Birthday 1999

 

The bothy was located on the other side of a river, and the bridge on the other side of a stile. After crossing both, myself, Will and Blanche, made our way through the trees along a soggy path until the white of the bothy could be made out through the dusk and the drizzle. I had not expected this walk and had had to leave behind six cans of beer to lighten my load. I was relieved to find that it was not too long and the distance to the car helped to enhance the exhilarating feeling of isolation that I had found here.

            The bothy looked better than I had hoped. It did not appear too functional, nor too basic and the sloping slate tiled roof and white walls gave it a homely appearance. A steady column of smoke rose from the chimney, promising that my face and hands would soon be warm.

            A minute later we reached the outermost door and the noise of us opening it prompted a cheerful “Come In” from behind another. Already I could smell the smoke of the fire and as Will pushed open the second door the smell increased and was joined by a wave of heat and light. As I stepped into the smoky interior I saw Fr. Tom seated in the corner of a kitchen and living area. The chair he sat in was large and padded and could not have appeared more comfortable. He smiled a relaxed smile. And clearly pleased to see us he encouraged us loudly to move into the warmth.

            On doing so I saw Sean crouched in front of the open fire stirring a large blackened pot he had balanced on the coals. He turned his head and announced that we were just in time for tea, and that he was cooking a pot of rice for the occasion. Jo was busy cooking too and she stood in front of an electric ring frying sausages.

            I was immediately hungry and could imagine nothing better to eat than sausages and the rice which Sean was tending so excitedly. To the pot he was adding spices and a dried chilli which he produced from the small black bag he often wore round his waist. As he did so he explained what a good idea of his it was to bring these flavourings.

            All ate well.

 

Sandy Patterson

 

 

Mariadonata Villa [merydon@yahoo.it]

 

I don't want to become old

because I've already been a thousand times

and I already know the darkness and that vile tempest.

              Now that I cry as I saw

my father crying,

the same wrinkle and the head

abated, full of astonishment,

I learn that youth doesn't run

in the surprises of the blood

but in the look that a wind

tears from the land

 

              to see in this hard country

the infinite resemblance between God

and the face of her every evening, the branches

bare against the sky, the wine

which stands still in the glass...

 

Since you love poetry so much, I thought you would

appreciate this poem written by one of my favourite

Italian contemporary poets, Davide Rondoni.

May God bless you even more with this new beginning.

Thank you for everything

 

Mariadonata

 

Gerald Anleitner [geribald@web.de]

I was in Edinburgh (like Dominik Heckmann) in 96/97 and had some very

nice moments while being with the CSU. I do especially think of the

trips to Iona and to the Highlands and of many Sunday services. Thus CSU

was a very important part of my life in Edinburgh and I was very happy

to meet so many nice people there. Thanks and greetings to father Tom

for making all this possible!

Gerald

 

Thomas Brandtner [brandt@sbox.tu-graz.ac.at]

Father Tom,

 

greetings from Austria, the Country with the good wine which are not sold in Scotland.

 

 

I had a great time in Edinburgh during my Erasmus exchange in 1997/98 - and you and the CSU played a very important role. Thank you for everything. Take care and good luck in Newcastle.

 

 

Thomas

 

Marie.Denoyer [marie.denoyer@wanadoo.fr]

 

Souvenir… Souvenir…

I really have a nice time in Edinburgh thanks to the CSU.

Thanks a lot.

 

Father Tom

 

I wish you all the best for the future. The CSU of Edinburgh will certainly miss you a lot but new people are going to have a really great new chaplain…

I envy them! :-). We keep in touch. Have a nice goodbye party. I think of you.

 

Piero Polato [piteluo@yahoo.it]

 

Edinburgh, 24-04-2001

 

Un pensiero.

Od un ricordo.

Forse l’attesa di un destino che sta per compiersi…

Rumori dal di fuori, rumori nella testa ed in queste

lacrime tornate a prendermi.

Rumori nel mio cuore ed in questi pensieri che non

sanno liberarsi dei ricordi che uniscono il tempo alla

malinconia.

Posare per un attimo la penna su questo quaderno,

Vedere scivolare via idée che forse non busseranno

piu’ alla mia fantasia,

Pensieri interrotti,

Pensieri distanti

E qualche voce vicina,

Che torna,

A far rumore.

Pensare ad un’anima che si appresta a volare e’

sentirne gia’ la mancanza,

Vedere due occhi che si chiudono e’ avere gia’ freddo.

Volerti bene sara’ vivere.

Ancora.

Perche’ partire e’ la nostra condizione.

Salutare ed andare, senza vedere che il fiume scorre

ancora, che il sole nasce e poi tramonta, che le stele

danzano senza guardare quaggiu’…

E pensare che un giorno tutto questo sarebbe bastato a

tutto, mentre ora non basta per nulla.

La mia anima implora un ultimo bacio, amico mio, sul

tuo viso, sulle tue paure, sull’infinita voglia di

riabbracciarti ancora.

Ma sappi che quando qualcuno fermera’ le  stelle ,

zittira’ I tuoni e spegnera’ I vulcani,

Quando qualcuno fermera’ gli uomini e non ci saranno

piu’ tutte le luci, io tornero’ a cercarti…

E ti ritrovero’.

Perche’ nulla e’ piu’ forte di cio’ che mi hai

lascaito: due anime abbracciate dale tue emozioni.

Ciao Tommy.

Spero che un giorno mi insegnerai a volare…

 

A thought.

Or a memory.

Maybe the expectation for a destiny about to be

fulfilled...

Noises from the outside, noises in the head and in

these tears come back to get me.

Noises in my heart and in these thoughts which cannot

be set free from the memories which bind time to

melancholy.

To put down for a moment the pen on this notebook,

to see ideas which maybe will not knock at my fantasy

again

slide away,

interrupted thoughts,

distant thoughts,

and some voice nearby,

which comes back,

making noise.

Thinking of a soul which is just about to fly is

missing it already,

seeing eyes closing down is feeling cold already.

To love you will be to live.

Again.

Because leaving is our condition.

To greet and to go, without seeing the rivers flowing

again,

that the sun rises and then sets, that stars

dance without looking down here...

And thinking that once all this would have been

enough,

while now it is not at all.

My soul begs for a last kiss, my friend, on your face,

on your fears, on the infinite desire to hold you

again.

But know that when somebody will stop the stars,

silence the thunders and exstinguish the volcanoes,

when somebody will stop men and lights will not be

anymore,

I will come back to look for you...

And I will find you.

Because nothing is stronger than what you left me:

Two souls embraced by your emotions.

Bye, Tommy.

I hope someday you'll teach me how to fly.

 

Piero

 

Thanks for all.

I'll remember you always.

 

Pauline Kay [paulinemkay@hotmail.com]

Dear Father Tom,

I don't think anybody has appreciated my apple crumble as much as you and I

shall always remember you for this.  However, I am more likely to remember

you for our wonderful trip to the Outer Hebrides as well as the retreats to

Nunraw Abbey and Pluscarden.  Each was very different but all were equally

enjoyable - and really interesting due to your outstanding knowledge about

these places!  Of course the frequent trips to the pub are always fun - and

I will always remember in particular the Royal Oak and numerous glasses of

Baileys Irish Cream and Talisker!!  You are enormously great fun all round

with your love of poetry, music, food and drink - the important things in

life!  You will be greatly missed and New Castle is very fortunate to have

gained.  I'm sure you will make as much of an impact there as you have done

in Edinburgh.

Best wishes

With love

Pauline Kay

 

Steve Feltbower [streakersteve@hotmail.com]

Dear Tom,

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you ever so much for the support you've provided so many of us during our time here. Your generosity and care has meant so much to us all. I have truly enjoyed my time in the CSU with you and everyone so very much. The environment that has been created by your hard work over the years is a jem to anyone who walks in to our doors, and should be something that you feel proud to have been such an influence in.

I will close with one of my favourite bible verses, that I think is appropriate to anyone who is starting afresh and maybe feeling a little uncertain:

 

For it is written:

 

"No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

and no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him."

 

1 Corinthians 2 v 9

 

I wish you all God's blessings in your new position.

Take care and God bless,

Steve Feltbower

 

 

Grant R Campbell [campbell@ibsm.cnrs-mrs.fr]

Fr Tom

 

I would like to thank you for making my time at the University of Edinburgh so enjoyable, and for giving me the opportunity to meet such a wide range of people in such a wonderful atmosphere, something that is unique (and I have yet to find something to match it).  I have so many wonderful memories of the CSU, from the ceilidhs and Burn's Suppers to the quiet coffees and drinks a little stronger that one could have on the cold wintry days and nights of Edinburgh.  And even though I am no longer in Edinburgh, I do still think of the times that I had there, in the walls of the 23 George Square, or within the embrace of the CSU atmosphere.

 

Finally, a BIG thank you for your welcome to the CSU, Freshers week 1998.  If you hadn't have come up to me at that time and brought me into the world of the CSU, I wouldn't be where I am now.  You had an impact on my future, and for that I thank you.  Mafgarna.  Níl aon rud ann le bheith faitíosach faoi.  Níl sé ach le bheith tuigthe.  Cheers and until again!

 

Grant

 

Chris Ferguson [chrisjferguson@hotmail.com]

 I would like to pay tribute to our sometime Chaplain and resident

Father Priest in a few words regarding his almost indefatigable

commitment to the members of the CSU.  On occasion this

commitment has stretched to the limits of credibility.

 

I recall a night when I with one other CSU member sat in the

Common Room deadly bored and contemplating going home and

studying.  Suddenly Tom popped his head round the door and

demanded that we go to the pub with him that very moment.  My

friend and I readily agreed and eventually found ourselves falling

asleep into nachos in Negociants after the Oak had shut.  On our

way home Tom told me about his attachment to his job.

'You have to study and try and have fun in the meantime.  It is my

JOB to take you out for drinks and keep you happy.  And it is the

best job in the world.'

I hope Tom settles in well wherever he goes and I hope the rest of

his jobs will be as enjoyable as his time in Edinburgh.

 

Conor Farrington [cjtf32@yahoo.co.uk]

Fr. Tom,

 

You were such a welcoming figure when I came to the

CSU for the first time in March. Since then, I have

made so many friends and feel as if I am at home when

I am there - and I have learnt so much about myself,

about other people, and not least about God. It has

been the most wonderful time of my life, without a

doubt - I've never been so happy. And I'd like to

thank you for your part in all of this - helping to

set up the CSU in the way it is, so that all of these

events happen and that there is such a great family

atmosphere here...When I was in Fatima (where I didn't

forget to pray for your check up :) ), I really missed

everyone - and it was such a great feeling when I got

back to know that people had missed me and were glad

to see me back. Truly this just means everything to

me. And thanks again for helping it all happen and

being such a sociable and easy-going chaplain, it

makes a big difference. Thanks also for sharing the

Irish songs and the beer!

 

Also, I will always remember your sermon on 'Peace',

which I found very inspiring both at Mass and on the

Web. And I wish you God's peace - the peace that only

Jesus brings - wherever you go in the future. I also

pray that whatever challenges you face in the future,

God's hand will always strengthen you.

 

God Bless,

Conor

 

John Marioni [9901847@sms.ed.ac.uk]

I will always be very grateful for all the help and advice you have

offered me in the past two years, particularly at the start of my first

year. I might well have been studying in Aberdeen by now were it

not for all the good counsel you gave me at that time.

Wishing you all the best in your new parish,

Yours appreciatively,

John Marioni

 

Rachel Blake [blake@maths.ed.ac.uk]

Dear Fr. Tom,

I remember the first time I met you after Mass early in January of this

year. Your accent, which is both pleasant and familiar, made me fell instantly

at home. Your welcome and easy hospitality are some of my most cherished

memories of this year. It really is thanks to you that I've become involved with

the C.S.U. and been given the chance to get to know other like minded

people. When we were on retreat at Nunraw, the walk and chat we shared reminded

me of the times I have spent with both my father and grandfather; and when away

from home, such thoughts are precious.

I pray that God blesses you in your ministry in Newcastle and that those

students realise what a wonderful pastor they have in you. It is wonderful to

benefit from the community you have built with the students over the past eight

years and may you forge such a community in your new home.

May the Lord bless and keep you, may He make His face to shine on you all the

days of your life.

And little well wishing in Irish:

Go n-eiri an t-adh leat,

Go n-eiri an ghra leat,

Is ma eirionn an da leat, beidh leat!

God Bless you Father Tom,

love Rachel Blake

 

Gesine Aden [gesine.aden@gmx.de]

You really made the CSU a welcoming place and I believe that you had a great

impact on all the students passing through your hands over the years. The

first thing I noticed about you was the way you spoke to people: with a warm

smile and a real interest. Through all the things you did one could see clearly

that the CSU was really close to your heart and this made other people

getting committed. I guess it was because the work in the CSU meant so much to you

that you sometimes had rather strong feelings about how things should be...

which I sometimes found difficult to accept. But I appreciated it very much

that I could always feel open to discuss these points.

I especially want to thank you for all the support you gave us in the

starting phase of the small group. It was you who pursued the idea when it came up

on the retreat and encouraged us to go ahead.

From all what I can say after just one year you have been a real instrument

of God for His ministry to students in Edinburgh. As you have to leave now, I

pray that God will give you the reassurance that he has even bigger plans

for you in Newcastle. I guess our views on HOW to pray and to worship God have

always been different. But I will not forget your sermon on the body of

Christ setting the focus right: we are unified in WHO we believe in rather than in

the particular way in which we express this belief. And your way of doing

things has been a blessing to many.

 

I wish you all the best for your new start in Newcastle!

 

Gesine