Was today typical?
Not in the slightest.
It began with the quiet courage of 78 new students
stepping into their first lectures—
most in a new country,
many in a new language.
Timetables, tutorials,
and the brave business of beginning.
I began the New Resident Interviews—
they’ll continue over the next two weeks.
Most are in small groups—two or three at a time—
but each one opens a window.
They share who they are,
what matters to them,
what brought them here.
It’s draining, yes,
but also one of my favourite parts of the year.
I listen, ask questions,
and try to lock in names—
because knowing someone’s name
is part of truly seeing them.
And then dinner.
No candles (our fire alarms are famously unforgiving),
but the room was full of sparkle—
residents dressed up,
a great meal from our kitchen staff,
and some fine musical performances
from within our own community.
Dr John Dickson joined us as guest speaker,
visiting from Wheaton College.
He spoke thoughtfully on Solid Ground—
the kind of talk that helps anchor young minds
at the start of a semester.
I introduced him by mentioning his new film,
The First Hymn,
which opens across the road on Thursday.
He didn’t mention it himself—
just gave a good talk with humility and substance.
The night ended with a stumble—
one resident tripped while packing up,
cutting her hand on glass.
But others responded immediately—
first aid, calm care,
a late-night trip to emergency.
The kind of moment that quietly shows
the strength of a community still forming.
No, today wasn’t typical.
But it was real,
and good.
And full of promise.
Exactly what this place hopes to be.
The Afterword 
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