Engagment: A treasure hunt round Durham

Two weeks ago, Nathan asked me to marry him! I can't say that it was much of a surprise, because as ordinands we both needed permission from our Bishops to get engaged. As I wrote to the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham 2 weeks earlier, I knew it couldn't be far away. Nathan had also requested that I keep the 5th November free, and so I did.

I woke up on the Saturday morning and we had a chilled morning watching Gavin and Stacey and drinking the new coffee that I had purchased the day before. I went for my shower and Nathan disappeared. I pottered around in my room tidying up and filing until he returned at about 2.15. 

He walked into my room and gave me a white envelope with some instructions inside! The envelope had been wax sealed and the paper had a gold embossed 'P' at the top. 

So, I was going on a treasure hunt! Nathan had left 9 other clues scattered about the city, and I needed a pen, journal, coat, phone, earphones and Bible! There was also an old looking (stained with tea, I think) map stuck to my door. 

Upon reading the first clue, I excitedly kicked off my slippers and gathered together the suggested items. I knew in my giddiness I was likely to have forgotten something so I checked, double checked and triple checked that I had everything I needed with me before heading out. Here I am, ready to go on a treasure hunt!

So the first clue sent me to my pigeon hole in the Common Room where many a happy hour has been spent! Next, I went to the Leech Hall where we have our lectures, College Communion and parties! After one memorable night out, Nath and I ended up in Leech Hall dancing to no music. Another great spot for a treasure hunt clue, and this time, a bar of chocolate was attached to it!

As if I needed an excuse to go, this envelope said 'you owe your birthday saint a visit'! St Cuthbert is buried in Durham Cathedral and his feast day is my birthday. This has always spoke very powerfully to me, and helped me decide to move to Durham in the first place. I got there and hunted high and low for another clue, and I definitely know all the crooks and crannies of that Chapel now! After texting for some more help, I found the clue hidden under the altar (it turns out that if you speak to the head Sacriston, they can show you the best hiding places!)! There was another bar of chocolate and I sat to join in with the prayers that took place at 3pm.

After visiting my favourite spot in Durham Cathedral, I was sent to 'the place of beer, not of books' which can only mean Durham Library pub, which I always love going to. Nathan and I ended up in here after our second date. I asked behind the bar and the man gave me my next envelope, which contained another clue and a tenner for lunch! As I scoffed my bbq pulled pork topped fries and Crazy Goat Cider  (another favourite, only usually found at Greenbelt!) I had a chance to go through and read my clues again, and to look up the Bible verses that were included in them. 

Next, I was to go to the other kind of library. There is only one person that I would go to the library for on a day off, I can tell you!! But the 20 minute walk there was completely worth it to find the next clue hidden in my favourite book which had been planted on a shelf. 

At this point we're only half way through and I can feel myself getting very excited and wanting to get to the remaining clues as quickly as possible! I headed back into the middle of town to my favourite cake shop where the next clue was waiting for me in a bag complete with a piece of red velvet cake! I was supposed to sit and eat this but it was cold and I wanted to crack on! So I had a selfie with the lovely cake ladies and went on my way.

The next two clues were a little harder to find because they were outside and therefore were well hidden! Clue 8 was hidden at the bus stop where Nathan picked me up from giving blood, and clue number 9 was hidden under the steps on the way to the railway station where we have been on so many adventures together already. It took me much longer to find these, but like the genius he is, Nathan had put them inside plastic wallets so that they wouldn't get wet if it rained.

The last clue took me to Starbucks where the envelope was behind the counter with a £10 note, presumably for a drink. 

However the letter said 'when you're ready, come and find me on Prebends bridge'. So I skipped the drink and took myself down the river to the bridge in question. When there, Nathan got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes, and gave him his ring too! We then wandered back to Starbucks for a drink to warm up before getting in a taxi to go for a meal at the restraunt where we had our first date. 

It was a truly magical day, with so many bits designed beautifully to make me smile! It was all so creative, and it was such a joy to be a part of!

There's a lot more to the day than what I have described above, so as I process I will form another blog about engagement, and God's hand within the day.

Also, thanks to Durham Cathedral, The Library Durham, Sweet Tooth Durham and Durham Starbucks for helping to facilitate our day!