Link News

June 2008

Easter at Link House

This Easter Sunday saw the surprise arrival of a blanket of snow. This was much to the delight of many of the students - many of whom had never seen snow before! A group of residents were up bright and early to take advantage of the opportunity to make snowmen and have snowball fights!

On Easter Saturday we took a group to Wimpole Hall. Despite the cold weather it was a lovely afternoon out and enabled students to visit one of the local stately homes.

On Easter Sunday, those not playing in the snow, accompanied us to church. In the evening we then had a meal together in the garden room enjoying a traditional meal of roast lamb with the trimmings.

New Assistant Warden for East Hertford Street

This month sees the departure of Jonathan and Laura Beatham from their role as Assistant Wardens at East Hertford Street. They have been in post for 3 years and have worked hard at providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for students in their care.

They will be replaced by Tony Evans. Tony is a PhD student from South Africa and is a current resident of the Chesterton Road house.

Tony

News

Annual Supper Meeting

The Trust's annual open meeting was held on the 28th March. About 60 friends and supporters of Link House attended for the meal and Open Meeting.

Reports were presented by the Treasurer, Wardens and on behalf of the friends of Link House. The annual report is available on the website or a paper version can be posted out on request.

Bartow Wylie was guest speaker and spoke about the potential of the relationships formed in Link House to make lasting changes to the world.

Building Work

The last few weeks have seen some building work at the Chesterton Road house.The laundry has been extended to allow an increase in the number of washing machines and dryers available to residents.

Also, following the collapse of part of the roof, this has been replaced along with the damaged room underneath. This has allowed for the updating of one of the communal bathrooms.

Many thanks to all our generous donors whose gifts have enabled this work to be carried out from the existing building fund.

Our time in Link House

By Jonathan and Laura

It is nearly three years since we moved in as new assistant wardens to East Hertford St. We were filled with mixed feelings - excitement that God was opening a new door for us and a little nervousness about hat it would involve. We knew that we would be living with fourteen international students from many different continents, and trying to make East Hertford St a home from home for them. However, we were still to meet them and get to know them.

Over the last three years our lives have been enriched by living in Link House. It has not always been easy. Sometimes people have found it hard to get on with each other. Often we ourselves have had to ask God for help to love people very different from ourselves. As strong kitchen smells wafted into our bedroom late at night, or the front door banged just outside or bedroom we had to ask God for help to persevere. However it has been wonderful to live with so many interesting people and to see God at work in their lives.

Some of our strongest memories include:
Kenneth from Uganda leaping from the settee and starting to dance, to the rhythm of Jonathan drumming on the wooden cabinet
The amazing cakes and pastries made by Kimi from Malaysia
Seeing poor Jan fall into the river while punting
Sharing wedding pictures and videos
Getting together for birthdays, farewells and international meals
Seeing students disco dance for the first time at New Year!
Visa Courses in the Garden Room
Trips out - to the seaside, Ely and a country fair
Hearing a variety of intelligent questions asked at Garden Room talks

Above all, we have been deeply moved to see God at work in people's lives as they learn to live alongside each other, learn more about each other and their cultures and learn more about God and who He is. We have had so many experiences here. We feel that we have been privileged to live here, and are sure that we will carry memories of Link House around with us for many, many years to come.