As we walked into college today, I immediately sensed strangeness in the air. Instead of warm greetings, I saw small clusters of faculty members talking softly. Maybe it was woman’s intuition, but I felt something that caused me to signal 2 Papa just as he was about to greet everyone and join their discussion group. Typically, that’s the perfect thing to do, but today was different.
We decided it best to take a seat in the Senior Commons Room and wait for the lunch bell to ring. Sitting across from us and talking to no one was Dr. Paul S. Fiddes. Dr. Fiddes was the former President of Regents Park College serving until 2007 and is currently the Professor of Systemic Theology (Keep in mind, a professor here is not like our professor status. He teaches no classes, but uses his time for research and writing books). In 2004, Dr. Fiddes was elected an Honorary Fellow of St Peter's, where he was described as being recognized internationally as one of the leading scholars in the fields of theology and literature. One of his books is titled The Suffering of God and since 2 Papa’s research for his book is on this subject, he has wanted to visit with him since we arrived. When the time was right, 2 Papa walked over and introduced himself and then I followed. He was very gracious, offering to have a meeting with 2 Papa in the future. Then went on to tell us that one of the students, a young girl, was found dead in her room last night around eight o’clock. Students (only the freshers) live at college, each having their own room. Apparently, she was at breakfast yesterday morning, but when she didn’t appear for the evening activities her friends got concerned. Not seeing someone during the day isn’t cause for alarm here as everyone has so much reading to do that is it considered normal. But, by evening, students reappear to eat and visit. When she didn’t come out, some friends contacted a faculty member who opened her door and found her.
The bell signaling us to lunch never rang, but we moved to the dining hall at 1:00 as usual. Everyone was very quiet and sad. This will be a difficult day for Regent’s Park and I’m sure they will appreciate prayers from America for this young lady’s family, the students, and the faculty. She is an only child and was described today as full of energy and bubbly, always greeting those she passed in the hall with a smile. Having experienced something very similar the summer Charlie went home to Heaven, we, along with many of you know the what it takes to keep a school or camp going in the midst of such sad news.
We walked back to our flat more reflective than we were as we rushed to get there by the one o’clock bell. No matter what you are doing in life, it becomes insignificant when you look tragedy in the face. Not knowing this young lady or her family doesn’t lessen our concern for them. News, just like this, will affect people all over the world today. We’re grateful to receive the prayer list from our church family every day so we can be aware of other’s hurts and pray for them. Even today’s list from WFR asked for prayers for someone who lost a child and our list is just one of many that will go out today from other congregations.
The doors of the beautiful homes that line our street are fascinating. Today we decided to start taking pictures of them. With each stop, we would say, "Just think of who knocked on this door and who greeted them when they did." I couldn’t help but think of the Jesus’ words in Luke 11. “Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open.” What a blessing to have access to a door that is always greeted with love and concern. Today, as in everyday, we need to knock on the door and ask God to be with all those hurting for whatever tragedies they are facing.
One month ago today, on the last Wednesday in September, we flew out of Louisiana into this "other" world. We miss you all and love you.
Hugs, 2 Mama
We decided it best to take a seat in the Senior Commons Room and wait for the lunch bell to ring. Sitting across from us and talking to no one was Dr. Paul S. Fiddes. Dr. Fiddes was the former President of Regents Park College serving until 2007 and is currently the Professor of Systemic Theology (Keep in mind, a professor here is not like our professor status. He teaches no classes, but uses his time for research and writing books). In 2004, Dr. Fiddes was elected an Honorary Fellow of St Peter's, where he was described as being recognized internationally as one of the leading scholars in the fields of theology and literature. One of his books is titled The Suffering of God and since 2 Papa’s research for his book is on this subject, he has wanted to visit with him since we arrived. When the time was right, 2 Papa walked over and introduced himself and then I followed. He was very gracious, offering to have a meeting with 2 Papa in the future. Then went on to tell us that one of the students, a young girl, was found dead in her room last night around eight o’clock. Students (only the freshers) live at college, each having their own room. Apparently, she was at breakfast yesterday morning, but when she didn’t appear for the evening activities her friends got concerned. Not seeing someone during the day isn’t cause for alarm here as everyone has so much reading to do that is it considered normal. But, by evening, students reappear to eat and visit. When she didn’t come out, some friends contacted a faculty member who opened her door and found her.
The bell signaling us to lunch never rang, but we moved to the dining hall at 1:00 as usual. Everyone was very quiet and sad. This will be a difficult day for Regent’s Park and I’m sure they will appreciate prayers from America for this young lady’s family, the students, and the faculty. She is an only child and was described today as full of energy and bubbly, always greeting those she passed in the hall with a smile. Having experienced something very similar the summer Charlie went home to Heaven, we, along with many of you know the what it takes to keep a school or camp going in the midst of such sad news.
We walked back to our flat more reflective than we were as we rushed to get there by the one o’clock bell. No matter what you are doing in life, it becomes insignificant when you look tragedy in the face. Not knowing this young lady or her family doesn’t lessen our concern for them. News, just like this, will affect people all over the world today. We’re grateful to receive the prayer list from our church family every day so we can be aware of other’s hurts and pray for them. Even today’s list from WFR asked for prayers for someone who lost a child and our list is just one of many that will go out today from other congregations.
The doors of the beautiful homes that line our street are fascinating. Today we decided to start taking pictures of them. With each stop, we would say, "Just think of who knocked on this door and who greeted them when they did." I couldn’t help but think of the Jesus’ words in Luke 11. “Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open.” What a blessing to have access to a door that is always greeted with love and concern. Today, as in everyday, we need to knock on the door and ask God to be with all those hurting for whatever tragedies they are facing.
One month ago today, on the last Wednesday in September, we flew out of Louisiana into this "other" world. We miss you all and love you.
Hugs, 2 Mama
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