Oxford Was MAGICAL!

http://www.ukunitarians.org.uk/oxford/

The Chapel Society, affiliated to the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, meets for worship every Sunday at 11 am in the chapel of Harris Manchester College in Mansfield Road, central Oxford (OX1 3TD). MOM! Harris Manchester College is Unitarian Affiliated! This is the Unitarian Challace in our Courtyard! And there is an actual Unitarian Chapel, which I didn't even realize. 

I can't even begin to describe what an incredible experience this was. There was 27 delegates as they referred to us. The program was designed to make sure we had several opportunities to engage with each other for deep conversations. Each presentation was only 15 minutes with a 15 minute discussion, led by one of us as assigned. We had three presentations before a half hour tea break, then two more before lunch. ON the first day we only went to lunch, giving us time to explore the city of Oxford. It is amazing that Oxford, established in the 12th century, really follows the typical University town design, with a vibrant downtown. There is just so much interesting history and specifically related to literature that iit made both Rebecca and my heart SING! Not only that, but there was something amazingly unique about this cohort! Everyone came from their own University, with their own expertise area, but they were all just lovely warm individuals. It was as if we bonded right away and started forging friendships. Every presentation was unique and valued by the group. The discussions subsequent to the presentations were rich and informative, then we would all go "break bread" together. We had wonderful further conversations around the dinner table. I know I am not doing justice to this experience but all I can truly tell you is that it was amazing. From the rich historical architecture that housed us; the amazing honor of presenting in one of the 38 colleges that make up the Oxford University, the fact that Harris Manchester is a UNITARIAN affiliated, it is just beyond description. 

After Tuesday's big day, a group of us went to the Turf Tavern, on the premises of the University a block away from our dorms, That would NEVER happen on an American campus, LOL:) 

It was great just to hang out with each other. The whole group is not represented but there was about 8 of us. This Tavern was founded in the Twelfth Century and still has the orginal structure! 

Marybeth Fortune is from Canada, across the border from Buffalo, her birthday is May 15th and she is adopted. She is amazing. Carlos Torres, is Puerto Rican, and has multiple degrees from Harvard. All in all, just hanging out people. We had fun. 

Rebecca and I presenting: Co-teaching: A Collaborative Approach to Developing Teacher Leaders

Reception held in the Senior Common Room. 

Participants for the Oxford Round Table are chosen by a unique, closed group at Oxford University entitled the "Secretariat of the Oxford Round Table". They pride themselves that no one knows how they are chosen to participate in the Symposium. Once you are in though, you are in. You are then part of the society and invited back:) AND...WE...WANT...TO...COME...BACK!!!