Conference Conversations

I made my way through the congested roads with my immediate destination at heart and in sight--Lake Junaluska, of course. I creatively found a parking space, as to be in close walking distance--"create-a-space," of course. I maneuvered amidst the masses--United Methodist masses, of course.

Specifically, I was amidst United Methodists from all over the left half of North Carolina for our annual conference meeting, which happens at the same time each year.  We descend upon beautiful western NC at Lake Junaluska, and we meet.  Of course, we meet to share faith-filled connections and for official Conference matters, but really we meet for conversation and catching up.  We see long-time friends.  We talk.  We become acquainted with new colleagues.  We talk.  And then, we talk some more.

On Wednesday night at the clergy session, it was revealed to those present that my husband and I would be appointed at churches in England.  Those gathered voted and made it official.  And the chattering began along with the questions.  Where are you going?  What will you be doing? etc. etc. etc.  We joyfully shared our story (the short version), again and again.

"We will be living in south England in Berkshire County, an area one hour southwest of London.  We will be serving separate appointments and will be in two adjacent Circuits.  We will be living in a town called Thatcham, which is not too far from the well-known tourist destination of Windsor.  We have had an interest in returning to the UK for another experience, after having lived in Scotland two years previously, and so we applied to serve directly through The Methodist Church in Britain.  We complete our current appointments in June, depart for England in August, and begin our ministry appointments on September 1st.  We are thrilled about the opportunity, and we eagerly anticipate our new experiences!"

(Definitely, the short version.)

The clergy members voted and the Bishop set the 2008 appointments at this session of Annual Conference, and my husband and I continue to claim our story--long or short.  In our telling, there is joy...!  In our sharing, there is excitement...!  In our speaking the words, there is reality...!  Yes, reality...  And after being with the masses of United Methodists, things are now really sinking in.

I think about all that is familiar.  There are long-time friends and colleagues on the North Carolina side of this journey, sending us forth with blessings and encouragement.  They are listening and sharing our joy.  They are thinking about the possibilities of visiting.  They are pleased for our willingness to set out on this adventure.

I think about all that is yet to be known.  There are new friends and colleagues on the England side of this journey, offering words of introduction and kindness.  They are welcoming us even before we arrive.  They are planning for and awaiting our arrival.  They are gearing up to share in our adventure.

With England in mind, I do understand the reality of such a move.  On the one hand, I am sensitively aware that there is much of the familiar that will be at a distance.  On the other hand, I am equally as certain that there is much of the great unknown to be experienced.  So at this point, I must be content and find a balance between the two.  Thanks to the chattering, the talking, and the heartfelt conversations amidst the United Methodist masses, I have become more comfortable with the reality of life transformed and have drawn closer to the goodness of adventure.