Padres’ Peace

Starting at a new base can come with a few nerves, even for a Padre.

There are new colleagues to meet and get along with. There is a new 1RO and a new 2RO, with new Intents to learn and new ways of doing things. There is a whole new community to fit in with, for the family just as much as for self. Yep, a new base could be quite unsettling. Less so, however, the more you move on.

In my life I’ve done a lot of moving on to new jobs, long before I was even a Church of England Minister. On leaving school at 18 I wasn’t good enough for university, so I took a job at a cardboard box factory – a job even more dull than it might sound! After that it was a case of moving on when time or circumstances made it right. I’ve been an ice-cream maker, a dockworker, a waiter, and a gentlemen’s outfitter. I’ve worked on building sites, in kitchens, in offices, and in warehouses. I’ve spent time as a gaoler, a school caretaker, an administrator, and a Christian Minister (obviously). I have a little experience at new starts, even moving house 12 times in the last 15 years on top of it all.

As I’m sure you all know, moving is hard, and we all have things or people which help us to cope with life’s challenges (I’m going to be honest, mine is Jesus). Yet, this move has been made all the easier for my family and I by the welcome and support from the communities we’ve found in and around Brize. Like most Padres, I’m sure you’ll see me about the base over the coming weeks. Feel free to stop for a chat, about moving or anything else you’d like.