- Rydal Hall: The Christian Centre at the Heart of the English Lake District

Thought I should probably put up a photo of the actual Hall, at Rydal. So this picture is taken from in front of the Hall. It is such a stunning building. (This photo shows the Hall on a bit of an angle but I asure you that it stands straight - it is just my photography.) It is fun being on houskepping or showing guests around the place as none of the rooms are the same - almost like being in The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. Just quietly, playing hide-and-seek or sardines in the Hall would be so much fun. Haha my inner eight-year-old is coming out!



It finally rained here (properly) about a week ago. Since then, there has been snow yesterday, and a lot of sunshine. Most days it is sunny:


- Evidence of the amount of sunshine we have been getting

The last week was half-term which means a week of holidays for kids. The weekends in Tea Shop were a little busy but I was in the office a bit so it didn't really affect me. I am usually put on reception so if you ever call Rydal office you may hear the phone answered with "Hello, Rydal Hall, Stephanie speaking" thanks to my many years of answering our home phone so formally. It is good to know it has come in handy!

I find I am settling into life here quite well. Laptop sitting when a friend goes on holidays is fun but I like being here and existing here each day. Each day is different from the last and friendships are growing as the weeks go on.

It was a whole month since I've left, on Wednesday. Kind of crazy to think that I have been away from home for a month. Going on an adventure tomorrow on my day off. Can't wait!

Life at Rydal

- Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens; snowflakes that fall on my nose and eyelashes; these are a few of of my favourite things

Life here has started to slow down to a manageable pace. Love working in Tea Shop and in Reception so praying that I’m mainly in those areas! Tea Shop is so much fun and after conquering the loud and scary milk froth-er it is definitely a favourite. My days vary and usually I’m working 9.30am – 5.30pm. It is awesome to be trained in so many areas!

Annnnnndddd….the sheep are definitely getting better. I have more courage to walk past them. Win!


- Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

On Wednesday it snowed and by golly gosh it was beautiful. It was my day off and two of us decided to walk up to see the waterfalls of which the water runs straight through Rydal. We reached a peak and sat on a rock to enjoy the surroundings. It then started to snow just lightly. Snow is so delicate and perfect. About an hour later it was snowing a lot more and this perfect whiteness covered Rydal. I was jumping up and down with excitement because I had never experienced the snow actually falling from the sky.


- The snow from my window

Had a day off today, which was so nice. After 6 days of working 8 hour shifts I was a little tired and ready for a day of relaxing. Went to Windermere, which was really nice and also had a little explore around the area of Rydal. Still can’t get over the amazing creation here. It's like being in a different world and although it is very different it is such a job to be in a place that I know I am meant to be!

Community is great!! Had a soccer (or as everyone else here refers to it, football) game last night. That was fun (I especially had fun watching my team kick the ball while I stood back).

Some of my new friends here laughed when I told them that I had a blog. They said after a few weeks I wouldn't have much to write. Oh well, I'll try to write when I can!