It’s a funny thing sitting here reflecting over the last three years of my time at York, trying to express some of the journey that God has taken me on, and attempting to pinpoint what has shaped me along the way. I am filled with gratitude at the amazing friendships that I have made, the incredible opportunities had, and the awesome community of Christians in CU, at church, and around the city itself. Each day has naturally had its own challenges, and like everyone else I have had to work through difficult times, but God has been so gracious in his provision, and faithful to refine and shape in his timing.

Before coming to York to study English and Education in first year, I had finished my schooling in Norway and taken a gap year to do a Discipleship Training School with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) in Perth, Australia. Helping people to grow in their relationship with God and equipping for world missions, this school was pivotal for me in terms of perceptions of faith and God, assurance and confidence in my own identity, and developing a heart for missions. This was affirmed and tested on our outreach to India and Sri Lanka, where our team worked with local churches, orphanages, AIDS and leprosy hospices and in tsunami refugee camps. God broke my heart for his people in these places, and through challenge, joy, exhaustion and worship, God developed desires and gifts in me that I believe continued to grow during my time in York.Camilla in Chennai, India

Thinking back, it is amazing how God prepares us for the road he has marked out, and in that way we can be most effective and ready for the challenges he places before us. Doing overseas missions has been important to me at throughout my time at university, and at the end of my first year I was able to partake in a mission trip to Romania with a group of students from York. We ran kids clubs for Romanian and gypsy children, and it was an amazing time of reaching out and loving these children whom are neglected by so much of society. Last year I also travelled to Brazil with my friend Emily, and we volunteered with YWAM for a month helping in their work with street children and in the slums in Belo Horizonte. Although separate from the University, these experiences have placed such an important part of my time at York, really helping me to understand more of who God is, and the bigger picture of his kingdom. Such an adventure.

When I first arrived at York I was still a little overwhelmed with impressions from the previous months on mission abroad, but very excited to get involved in CU and church, and I was so amazed at the hoards of Christians that seemed to exist in York compared to the very few back home in Norway. God really blessed me with close accountable friendships and I quickly became involved as College Evangelism Coordinator for Alcuin CU, and the year after College Rep for Alcuin CU. I loved being a part of leading our CU and it was such a privilege to dream, think and pray in ways of reaching the college and people there. I was so touched by people’s commitment to serving and praying for their flats and course-mates, and it was so encouraging to stand together in that.Camilla with children in Brazil

I was also part of Elim Pentecostal Church, where I could help serve on the children’s work team and be part of a large international community. It has been so wonderful to worship with people from so many countries and I really valued the diversity of backgrounds, ages and nationalities. Working with children strengthened my desire to pursue a career in teaching, and functioned to prepare me for my Primary PGCE, which I will be completing at Edinburgh University this year. I feel that my time in York has truly prepared me for the next stage of my life, and I am filled with hope and excitement as I attempt to prepare for the unknown and embrace the adventure that is ahead.

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Camilla Bevan, September 2008