Office life at ChristianWeek

By Liz Fehr  |  ChristianWeek Staff

This month marks my first year as administrative assistant at ChristianWeek. It usually takes this long before I get comfortable in a new workplace, but I've felt at home here since day one.

Of course, many things have changed in the past 12 months. Without Annaka (who I replaced) and Josiah (who is currently in Africa), there is less noise and laughter. Although Annaka and I worked together for only a month, I often think of her as I sink into the comfortable chair she left me.

Josiah still feels nearby. I miss his bicycle, fascinating lunches, absurd quotes and tea-at-three, but I enjoy following his journeys through his interesting blog The Peripatetic Toubabou. Seeing his big white grin shining through a face covered in dirt and desert sand brought joy to my heart. I miss having him here.

Usually when someone leaves, another arrives. In our case, Kelly came back from maternity leave. It feels good to have another female around the office. We often exchange "boys will be boys" looks over lunch and listen to each other's stories about motherhood (in my case, grandmotherhood). Kelly is not in the office on Thursdays and Fridays, but thankfully, Barb bounces in every Thursday.

I love Barb; absolutely love her. She is fun, funny, friendly and brilliant. I've never known a bookkeeper who could make me laugh like she does. As far as I can tell she is serious about only two things—numbers and sports. Barb can hold her own in any soccer discussion she may have with Jerrad.

Speaking of Jerrad: Have you bought your copy of We Call it Soccer yet? I am picking one up from Chapters today. Not that I care to read about sports, but I've heard the book is great and we're celebrating my husband's birthday this evening. I am proud to know Jerrad. I think we should name a lake after him.

By the way, did you know that our designer Jeff is from Ontario? We do. We are reminded of it every time the city of Winnipeg brings in a new bylaw or puts up another parking meter. He might miss Ontario, but we are so happy he lives and works here. Not only do his cartoons show his sense of humour, but he is able to fit in last minute advertisements when there is really no time or space for them. Jeff is my buddy. He is the person closest to me in age and theology. And he doesn't fine me when I forget to sign in.

Doug is my go-to guy. He is the most supportive, approachable and knowledgeable boss I have ever had. His stories fascinate me. I'm sure he knows more people than anyone else on this planet. He's known for his writing, but I believe his greatest talent is compassionate listening. Oddly enough, I even enjoy most of his puns.

I don't have the space here to mention everyone, but you can certainly see that the people I work with have become like family. We laugh, talk, eat, cry and pray together. ChristianWeek isn't just my workplace. It's my second home here in Winnipeg.

LIz Fehr is the administrative assistant for Fellowship for Print Witness.

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