last updated 2013-04-29
Want to email me? You can reach me here: rachaelspaniel@aol.com (don’t forget the extra a in rachael, and no my surname is not spaniel, I have a dog!)
Rachael Elizabeth March 2013, photo/Florence
Some favourite posts from this blog here
The Basics
I’m 18 years old, born on April 1st 1994, and none of my relatives are actually Christians. It took me a while to be courageous enough to be myself, but happily arrived in my local Anglican Church (St Michael & All Angels) when I was 15 years old. I spent a happy three years before moving to Wales to study in university…
Education
I graduated from Marple College with A Levels in English Literature, Religious Studies, and Classical Civilisation. I am now a student of BA Theology in the University of Wales: Trinity Saint David, Lampeter (years 2012-2015).
What kind of Christian, what kind of Anglican?
I’m a Liberal myself in the highish end of the Church of England. I love older hymns alongside a church organ as well as quiet spaces for prayer opposed to modern praise music with a band. I’m for gay marriage, for gender equality – obviously -, for openness and continual growing, for open communion, for love. Whilst I find myself very uncomfortable in an evangelical setting, I make various trips to meet with those of other faiths and traditions in the hope of bringing a little more unity in our divided world.
Special Moments?
My “conversion moment” would probably come down to my 8 year old self standing under a cherry blossom tree (post here). I attended my first Sunday service on the 12th July 2009, was baptised on 25th October 2009, confirmed on 5th December 2010, served for the first time on April 20th 2011, and preached for the first time on 22nd January 2012.
My future?
I am an ordinand (wanna-be priest) in the Diocese of Chester, with a potential BAP (Bishops’ Advisory Panel) in the summer of 2014.
Hobbies
I play the piano, the (left-handed) acoustic guitar and the harmonica. I am very passionate about music. Favourite musicians? To name a few: Ludovico Einaudi, Jimmy Eat World, Bon Iver, Jack Johnson, Muse, Imogen Heap.
A lot of my time is spent reading (some favourites here), and my ever-increasing collection now means that I am never short of something to read, or re-read, to be inspired from. Etymology fascinates me and deepens my understanding and love of scriptural passages, so I recommend studying the “roots” of things. I am also a big film lover (see my recommended films page for some of my favourites).
I love scenic views and exploring, and hope to continue to improve my photography skills. I also hope to make many returns to the Lake District, and maybe if I’m up to it I’ll go back to Switzerland (where I once fell part-way down a mountain) and that time round I’ll avoid falling to my peril! 
That is a nice picture on the top there. Did you take that picture? You stated that you like photography, so it seemed that you may have taken it.
I’m trying to better understand Martin Luther’s teachings since I am Lutheran. I grew up outside of the church and joined during my teen years. I hope you manage to become an Anglican Priest like you want to.
Yes I did take it, thanks!
Nice to hear someone else who joined during their teen years, and I love your blog name! Conveys a great message. And thanks, I hope so too.
Wow rachael; it’s a proper website!!!!!!!!!! the picture of the trees is beautifulxxxxx i am just off to explore the sitexx
Hi
Thanks I took that photograph last summer. A lovely place! Glad you’ve found my site. Rachael x
Interesting blog. I like it. I’ll start following – we may finish up with some interesting discussions or questions as I am anglican too, but fairly low church and evangelical – and an Aussie. I promise nothing horrible though, I’m just interested in your writing and ideas.
If you decide to check out my blog, it works as a story and you’ll understand it better if you from closer to the beginning forwards than going backwards. I’ve not gotten up to writing the next chapter yet…
Happy to be in conversation with you. I’m reading through your blog at the moment, and will keep in touch.
I would just like to say follow your dream, It looks very familiar to my own having just graduated from university (doing Theology), I’m having a gap year then coming back to start the discernment process proper. God be with you
Thanks! You too
Good luck with your goals! You seem very mature and passionate for a 17 year old
Thanks! Just had a look at your blog – unfortunately I can’t get around studying Shakespeare for 6 months… pray for me!
Great story, happy for your journey!
Very informative and interesting – always be true to yourself and your heart and you’ll be fine! V Proud!
Thanks Dad
Good Morning, I nominated you for a Liebster Award. I think your messages are great and believe others will find them helpful too. Click on my site to find out more.
http://lostpineschurchofchrist.wordpress.com/
Wonderful blog. Wise, insightful and familiar in that I grew up in an Anglican church, love and am studying theology and have been wondering about ordination for several years.
Every blessing Rachael and I’ll follow your posts
Hi Rachael,enjoyed reading your page and I have e mailed you 2 sunset photos which you may find of interest. Your comments are heartwarming and I read your page often. Love, best wishes and good luck in all you do.
barryc59
Thanks Grandad, for your words and the for the photos – the ones you took of my dog Lucy were brill!