Well, week one of training is nearly through - and boy has it been awesome! Through our sessions, I have come to learn quite a bit more about what it is that I am doing this year! The project is a 'residential' program mostly, which is British for 'Overnight retreat'. Basically, if you think of a youth group retreat and mix it with a week of summer camp, you get a SPEC retreat. Most of the groups that come are from Catholic Schools in the Westminster Diocese. They come to us for 3 days 2 nights typically, and we put on the retreat for them. We do a mixture of sessions that fit the theme of the retreat, outdoor activites, and prayer. It's really up my alley, but rather new in a lot of ways as well. There are many moments that remind me of camp, but they are different enough that I'm definitely learning something new.

Some practical speak - I have an address now! It is as follows:


Allison Sutton
SPEC, All Saints Pastoral Centre
Shenley Lane London Colney
St. Albans
HERTS
AL2 1AG


Long, isn't it? I really have been enjoying the British - the tea, complaining about the weather.. :) I was chatting with my friend Melanie, who lives just 20 minutes from central London, and she was sharing with me that, though stereotypes, she and many Brits will claim them and be proud. The pride in their nation is something that I'm not too used to, coming from the US. It's been very fun to hear people speak so fondly of where they come from. That doesn't stop with the Brits, though. I have chatted a bit about Sweden with my friend Sara, and have shared great conversation about our homes with Anthony from Zimbabwe.

Home is such a personal thing. Someone once said that when you go somewhere, you don't learn a whole lot about that place, but you sure do get to know your home better. It's true. Explaining to people what the US, Washington, and Deming are like has made me realize the different things I really value about them, and what qualities are really relevant. It's so easy to look past these things while they are present.

The SPEC Centre, St. Albans, England - they are beautiful. Here are a few pictures of the site:







The back door to the main house. This is where most of the SPEC meeting rooms, offices, 2 chapels, and some team member housing resides. I live in this building, which I love! There are 7 volunteers that live here, and we are getting along famously! We have stayed up having deep theological disscussions and watched half a season of 'Friends' together already :)











This building is known as 'The Loft'. The Loft is the Children's project for ages 7-14- they do a few residential programs, but more often than not it is a day program. Children come with their school groups, sing silly songs, play games, do crafts, and have sessions fitting their theme - depending on age. There are no shoes worn in this building, which I think is pretty fun, and the decorations are very bright and inviting.


For more pictures of the grounds and my room etc. Check out my facebook pictures - just click on this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2056678&l=6ec66&id=39207159


The staff and volunteers are headed out to Snowdonia in Wales on Sunday for a retreat of our own. I imagine we'll be doing a lot of team building, and there has been talk of a hike, which I think in WA terms is more of a walk, but it sounds beautiful none-the-less :) I'll keep everyone posted. Also - if you'd like to be in touch, feel free to comment here, or shoot me an email at allicat_smile@hotmail.com

Much Love to you all! Cheers!
Allison