info packets!

For those that are curious, here's a little info on Carlisle!  This was taken from an info packet that they sent me early on in the process.  Enjoy!  In other news, my visa is safe at home and I am working out the logistics of travel. Stay tuned as things progress. :-)

Carlisle: A small city (but feels like a town) in the far north of England, very close to the Lake District one of England’s most beautiful areas. Population approx.103,000. Is famous for its Roman history and Hadrian’s Wall. It is situated about 7 miles from the border of Scotland.

Surroundings: Carlisle is 30-45mins away from one of England’s most beautiful parts of the country – The Lake District. The area immediately outside of the city is farming.

Carlisle People (Cumbrians): Are generally quite shy people. Many people have generations of their families around them. There are people who have moved to the area from outside, but the city is not a cosmopolitan city with many different types of people around and most people are white.

Weather: This could be summarised by saying it is WET! Carlisle is one of wettest areas of England. It does rain a lot! Summers are pleasant (although it still rains a lot) it will often be warm enough for short sleeves and occasionally it is tee shirt and shorts weather in the summer.  Winters can be very cold and from October onwards it gets dark at 4pm so it’s dark when people leave the office. It occasionally snows around the outside of the city and sometimes small roads get blocked with the snow, but it rarely snows in the city itself (where most people on the team live).

Shopping: Has all the major shops that a city has, as it is the main shopping area for the whole region. There are also several large supermarkets for food located all over Carlisle.

Driving: In the UK we drive on the left. If this is unfamiliar to you, we will provide you with an official driving lessons to gain confidence on the roads.

Accommodation: Will be in private rented accommodation (unless you plan to buy property). If you are single and joining OM for the first time it is usual that you will be sharing accommodation with 1 or more others. If you are a couple you will have two bedroomed accommodation and larger accommodation for families. It is usual that you arrive in Carlisle and live with other team members while we help you look for suitable accommodation. This allows for a settling in and orientation time as well as enabling you to have some choice in your accommodation. The standard of accommodation of privately owned property is higher than rented accommodation. There are also differing standards of rented accommodation available. It is important to bear this in mind as there are inequalities in the teams accommodation and lifestyle just as there are in life outside of mission work.

Orientation: You will receive orientation in the following areas: office procedures and policies, finance, personnel related issues, your specific work role that you came to do, driving on UK roads.

Purpose of ICT: ICT has a support and coordinating role for the work of OM. It coordinates the areas of leadership, research and strategic planning, maintenance of financial accounting standards, internal auditing, fundraising, personnel administration and training, IT services and communication. Those involved in the work of ICT have a good overview of the OM movement.

Team life: The team in Carlisle differs to many of the teams within OM. We live quite separately although a few single people on the team share accommodation. We are all involved in a local church and whilst there are often a number of OMers in a church we are encouraged to get to know people outside of OM. We do not work, live and fellowship together all the time, but are committed to loving one another and being involved in each others lives. If you were to draw a scale we would be half way between a close nit outreach team and just an ordinary office environment in the secular world. There are good friendships to be made on the team, and opportunities for fellowship. We are a team but not in the sense of an OM outreach team or a team based in a very unfamiliar culture which generally draws people very tightly together, but the environment is closer than just an ordinary office and we enjoy serving and being together.

The Office: We have new, modern offices on the outskirts of Carlisle. Some team members have their desk in an open office plan, while others have their own office. Where your working place will be depends on availability of space and your specific job. The main office consists of two almost identical buildings next to one another. OMNVIvision is in another building in town. With the team being in different locations, one needs to be pro-active to stay in touch with one another.

Churches/Fellowships: There are several good and lively churches in Carlisle and people from the team are spread out among them. There are a variety of different denominations and styles. Carlisle churches are generally very mission minded after years of having OMers around. Most people find a church where they receive fellowship and feel like they belong. It is good to settle in a church quickly and join a bible study group as this helps the settling in phase enormously.

Fin.