I have come into School Chaplaincy a little later than many other Chaplains that I meet. I was in my late 40s when I began. Looking back, I see that even as a teenager I was open to working anywhere in the world, in some sort of Christian job, whatever that meant. And I think that’s partly because as a child I met missionaries at my local Anglican church, and I remember them talking about some personal prayers and how God answered them and gave them clear guidance. Their testimonies made faith in God so much more real to me.
Over my Uni years I really got into the Christian Union and Church, and my friends there helped me explore more of the Bible and how it all fit together. I was so open to experiencing Jesus’ love and being a part of his mission to the world. I ended up doing a DipEd after my Psychology major, really just so that I could hang out at Uni a bit longer.
I did go into teaching, but only worked in the school for a year and a half, I confess now that I really didn’t like it at all! I then moved across into the mental health sector and loved the work with people living on the margins. I did some Theology studies and got married, and then we went as missionaries to Pakistan.
Fourteen years in Pakistan – serving alongside the local Christians, sharing life with our neighbours, raising my own children, and working in an International School, was an incredible experience. Coming back to Melbourne was difficult, starting life all over, with a family, was hugely challenging. Finding work, a church, a home, settling our children in schools, so many big life decisions all at once, was hectic! Fortunately, I was able to work with a mission organisation that kept me involved in many of the exciting ways God was growing his people around the world. After a few years, I found myself wondering and praying about – what next?
Then my daughter came home from school and told me that the Chaplain had resigned. Suddenly my teaching degree, the Psychology studies, Theology and my love of people and ministry seemed to fit together. Six weeks later I started at Ivanhoe Girl’s!
When I reflect now on Chaplaincy, I am so thankful to God for this position. I enjoy my time with students in the classroom as I teach Religious Education – I love their questions, their stories and I really feel privileged to have a role in their ‘growing up’. I want to provide a safe space for them to explore spirituality, and for them to have the opportunity to learn about and from Jesus. I enjoy the freedom in Chapel Services and Assembly talks, to sometimes be gentle and sometimes be challenging. I try to make it real, as I remember how some very real missionaries helped me come to God when I was younger.
