When I began working at chaplaincy last year we were based at Newman Hall on Waterloo Quadrant. I initially came only to help out for a few weeks but loved it so much I applied for a full time job, and ended up working here for 18 months. I’m not sure exactly what I expected working as a chaplain would be like, but I can definitely say working here has not only been a lot of fun, but a good chance to further my own faith formation, ask questions, and learn from all the people who end up in here, staff and students.
Not long after I began working here we started playing frisbee on Tuesday nights at Albert Park, with students from the university as well as seminarians and others from around Auckland. Despite two people ending up with concussions during our frisbee days it would have to be one of the highlights of my time here – was such a good way to get to know people, and to have some fun outside of what a normal chaplaincy day might look like. Thanks to everyone who came along to these nights!
Being a part of a community of people with all different ethnicities, backgrounds and interests has been really special. For the last few years since I’ve left home I’ve felt a really strong desire for community and that’s something that’s practiced really well here. There will be so many people whose lives will be changed through being involved with ACTC, and I am one of them!
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since being here, is about the gift of a person. It doesn’t matter if we come across someone who is different from us in every way we can imagine, when we actually take the time to get to know the person properly the differences don’t matter, we share in something that is so much greater, the fact that we are human, created in the image and likeness of God, and every person we meet has something so unique to share with the world.
It’s definitely bittersweet leaving chaplaincy, exciting because of what lies ahead but sad having to leave a place which I have loved so much. I think it’s been a time which I will always have fond memories of, and I will always be thankful for all the blessings God has given me.