“Hello, my name is Kylie and I’m a Pastor’s wife”
There, I’ve said it. I wonder if somewhere in the world there exists a support group where ladies will stand up and make such a confession?
Like other maladies for which such groups exist, being a Pastor’s wife is not something you readily volunteer at parties. Nor is it something that young girls aspire to be when they “grow up”.
When my Husband was Ordained back in September 1993, a wonderful, accomplished, intelligent, thoughtful, high powered woman (who also just happened to be married to a Minister) gifted us a Recipe book entitled “A Proper Tea”. In it she had inscribed:
“Ordination creates not only a Pastor but also a Pastor’s wife. Therefore, this gift is for you both: afternoon tea at the vicarage is, after all, one of the essential clerical arts”.
Unbeknownst to this thoughtful lady, I am one of the world’s worst scone-makers.
So this was it. I was sunk.
So how did all this come about? Well, I firmly believe that God has a sense of humour and also a healthy dose of irony. You see, I had spent my University years protesting loudly to anyone who would listen that I was looking for a boyfriend with a “Proper Job”.
As I was studying Music at the time, my choices were somewhat limited in the man-with-decent-earning-capacity stakes so I was rather inspired by the interest of an Arts student – studying Japanese – who I met through the University “Lutheran Student Fellowship”. My Mum was happy; as the young man was even a member of the same church I had grown up in. The relationship was looking promising – to me at least – until I learned that the following year he was headed off to the Adelaide Luther Seminary for – gulp – Pastor training. So that was the end of that… (Shame, as he was good-looking, too!)
Then there was the case of my country cousins. They were studying in the City and boarding at the Seminary. One cousin – a talented Organist – became engaged to a Seminary Student. What a cliché, thought the younger, less tolerant me. The Pastor’s wife chained to the Pipe Organ week after week. They seemed happy and I thought – fine if she’s OK with it, but that is not the life for me.
How wrong this was to prove.
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If you would like me to pen the next instalment of the story, please “Comment”. Thanks!
rather disappointed to come to a sudden end … expectantly looking forward to the continuation
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Well, I thought I’d gauge interest in my ramblings first…also, I had to stop somewhere… Its quite the long saga! Thanks for your encouragement!
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loved your writing Kylie, and you can’t possibly leave us hanging like that so there must be further blogs
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Keep going please!
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Keep going!
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I think this is great!
Definitely keep going!!
I actually your blog could be called “A Proper Tea”!!!
I believe everyone has a story within them to be told!
We can all learn from each other!! X
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That’s a thought, especially with the English concept of “Proper”… however I love the whole idea of SERENDIPITY – which is the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it….. 🙂
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This is amazing! Absolutely loved reading it! Can’t wait for more! 🙂
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Thank you, that is very sweet x
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We always love your conversations/stories. This way we get Snippits at a time without having to have you apologise for taking up too much of our time. Looking forward to the next installment. And noting that you will also have to let us know what happened to the handsome Japanese student whom you had to pass up.
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The handsome Japanese student? He became a Lutheran Minister and now has a very influential position in Melbourne. He once called into our home in Ararat for coffee en route from Adelaide to Melbourne, and Neil has attended conferences with him, which I personally find hilarious.
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PS: the title is perfect. A line from the classic musical “The Sound of Music”.
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“Let’s start at the very beginning
A very good place to start
When you read you begin with A B C
When you sing you begin with Do Re Me”
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Love! Don’t you dare stop!! 😄👏
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Well done Kylie! It looks like this is more of a ladies corner, but as one of your R.U. connections, I just thought I would like to encourage you to keep up the good work!
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Dear Jaco,
Welcome! No, its not a “Ladies Corner”, just thus far mainly females have commented! Very suave new photo by the way!
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Hello
I saw a link to your blog on Cheryl’s Facebook page I think. Was intrigued, I read it and would like to follow if that’s ok.
I do blog myself on current affairs, religion and education mainly.
Blessings
Julie
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By all means, Julie, welcome! I’m an Australian who met Cheryl and Jonathan in England in the early 1990’s. My (now) husband is British and studied for the Lutheran Ministry at Westfield House, Cambridge. As newlyweds we spent the subsequent year (1992-1993) in Ruislip, West London where my husband was “Curate” (here called “Vicar” – basically an Intern/Apprentice as the final “practical” part of training) assisting Pastor Jonathan. Best wishes Kylie
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