My final goodbye...

This will be my final post in this blog. This space has served me well for three long years of study at Princeton Theological Seminary, but life has taken me on to Newark, NJ- so I will be saying farewell to this blog, much as I said goodbye to my PTS community over 3 weeks ago.


As a final recap, I'd like to say a bit about how the past three years have changed me....

In some ways, the changes I have experienced at Seminary have been subtle and reaffirming, rather than any radical shifts in perspective. I have maintained my commitment to worshiping within the Reformed Church in America, although I have decided not to pursue ordination in any particular denomination as of yet (one of the aspects of ministerial life I imagined I would have figured out by now) :) In fact, all my experience with delightful cohorts from a variety of faith perspectives has solidified that I must continue pondering where God is exactly calling me as a minister.

In some respects, this faith exploration began 10 years ago when I felt a distinct call from God to follow Jesus into ministry with my whole heart- and I am confident this I have done- although I have never once felt a "distinct" direction toward ministry. It has remained a vague calling to service of my fellow humankind in the name of Jesus. I am excited to be involved in my final year of Social Work studies here at Rutgers. As I continue to pursue future plans for ministry of some kind, I am understanding that social work is a practical way to facilitate the kingdom work in the lives of Jesus' "least of these." I am thrilled to integrate my theological studies with my social studies, and I have faith that my life will bring ongoing moments in which a fuller integration of these two essential disciplines will collide in a positive way.

My graduation week was delightful. My parents came for a visit for the first time, and I enjoyed sharing my graduation celebrations, in addition to exploring Jersey. Here is a link to an album of photos from the trip:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.574061280539.2038526.110800880&type=3&l=dbadda6041


After I said goodbye to my parents, I had the terrible task of saying goodbye to my dear neighbors, friends, and prayer circles. Although I was emotional at times, I am beginning to get used to such transitions, and I found myself focusing on the task ahead: Newark, NJ.

So here I am, living into my 4th week as an RA of a house operated by my church's affordable housing corporation. AJ and I are up for the challenge, but it can certainly be overwhelming at times. We are finding our groove, and on this Fourth of July, I have decided to end this blog forever in recognition that our time in Princeton is most definitely at an end....we are Newarkers, :) and this is our calling for the next year.

My summer class will be over once I (hopefully ace) my final exam in psychopathology tomorrow, a stepping stone that leaves me with 6 classes and one intense internship before I graduate with my second masters degree! I imagine this year will simply fly by, and because of the sensitive nature of my position here, I have chosen to not blog about my experience. Even my personal stories will involve tenants and clients, a confidentiality I do not wish to breach for the sake of my own need to express myself. Thus, only short snippets on facebook shall suffice, unless of course my readers would like to email me with any questions- :) I would be happy to respond!

Okay, as I sign off for the last time, I'd like to end with a prayer:

Holy God of the finite and infinite- bring peace to your nations, bring grace amidst horror, bring love in the most unlikely of places, and bring all humankind to one day recognize your face for what it is: pure goodness. Bring me, your servant, to the places in this world that are ready to accept the ministry for which you have equipped me. I will always be your daughter, your friend, your admirer, and your humble minister.

With love and appreciation for all of God's goodness, thanks for joining me on this journey, friends.

Emily

Official Announcement

Here it is folks, the moment I've been anticipating sharing on this blog for three years.....

Get ready...

Get set.....

Okay, here it is.... I have officially completed all my requirements for a Masters of Divinity....so in reference to this blog title, I suppose I can claim that I've found God! :)

Yes, the completing seminary bit is true. At 11:45am on Saturday, April 21st, I turned on my final 2 papers of my divinity education. And it feels great!

I haven't had much time to reflect on what all this means, however, because I have been busy with Rutgers classes and the Institute for Youth Ministry forum. Once those two things are done, however, 2 free weeks in May will afford me all the reflection time I desire! (and time for painting my nails, exercising, napping, writing letters, reading novels, organizing school materials, and cooking!)  I am pretty excited.

The last two months since I updated my blog have been eventful, although I'm sure I cannot remember half of what I've done....which brings me to a particular moment of reflection. In keeping a blog, I have come to understand more about life priorities. For example, if I don't recall things that have recently happened, how important was it that I spent so much time on these things?

Here is what I do remember, hence, things worth my time...

I remember celebrating Easter- and sharing the joy of the season with AJ and his family (and I remember AJ asking why I cried during the church service...because I responded with "I'm loving Jesus on Easter, I don't get why you think I wouldn't cry? It's me, you know.")

I remember celebrating my women senior cohorts at a lovely seminary brunch, the first senior year milestone that brought me to tears.

I remember celebrating the final paper submission with a lovely drive and lunch in a gazebo with my husband.

I remember a girls' night where close friends shared our ups and downs through seminary.

I remember senior banquet, during which I cried, of course.

I remember bits of conversations with friends and family.

I remember moments of shared intimacy, understanding, and spiritual reflection with my husband.

I remember the good news of friends receiving job offers.

I remember moments when I felt the Holy Spirit overtaking my fears of transition into Newark.

You see, these memories are reminders of how I might best spend my time. Do I remember the plot of a Bones episode? Not really. Do I remember what I ate for dinner yesterday- no. I really don't. Do I remember what I've read this semester? Not all of it, for sure, but I do remember conversations that reading sparked.  In essence, self-reflection is a way to keep my priorities in check. Spend time with friends and family. Check. That's the gist of my list above, and I aim to make this a priority as I enter a new stage of transition away from seminary.

I'm sure I will have more to come, but as I near the end of this period of my life, I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has contributed to my network of support. I feel loved, appreciated, and motivated to serve God in so many ways.....

Now if only you all can help me choose a career path. My options only seem to continue expanding! :)

I sign off in the precious name that is above all names.
(that's Jesus Christ, something I learned in seminary) :)

Em

Leaping ahead...

I am writing on the last day of February- thanks to a leap year! :)

That means that I can "technically" claim I've written once each month in 2012, although I have to admit I've been terribly neglectful. Good thing no one relies on this blog for anything other random "well, she might have written" updates. To you who are checking, thanks!!!

January flew by in a breeze, and I ended my month in sunny Santa Barbara (and fully recovered from Jan. 1 food poisoning)! The institute for youth ministry forum turned out well, and my mini vacation was splendid! I swam in an outdoor pool in January, went for jogs by the beach, and drove into the mountains to see a sunset. All while getting paid to be there. :) It hardly needs saying that I was reluctant to return to New Jersey! :)

February has been a full full full full (and did I mention full?) month! In addition to working 20+ hours a week at my internship, complete with consumer satisfaction surveys, our annual walkathon, and supervising the community activities for one group home, I am taking four classes, working at IYM, and babysitting. The second half of February I enjoyed the company of my friend Denise, who returned from Kazahkstan and shared life with AJ & I for 2 1/2 weeks (enough time to become addicted to the card game Monopoly Deal!) During Denise's stay I visited NYC twice, nearly equal to the amount of times I've been to the city the past three years! :) We saw Chicago on Broadway, visited various touristy sites, and met up with some of her Peace Corps friends. I can now say I feel comfortable taking my mom into the city when she visits in May...so, thanks Denise!

Now that we are nearing March, many of my friends are in turmoil regarding their "next steps." We are graduating in May, and I am getting SO excited to have at least one diploma in hand, propelling me into my final year of study for the MSW. Although many of my friends are attempting the job search world, I am content to stay one final year and study. Thankfully I have a wonderful arrangement lined up for next year. More to come on that later.

So here I find myself, waiting at Rutgers University for my evening class, and deciding that I need to live outside of my daily grind and post on my blog. Here is a story for you all...

My husband AJ was recently going through his old emails, and he came across all the emails I sent him during our dating period. I thought it was funny that he had saved them, but then I started reading one of them..."my dear and darling and wonderful boyfriend, words cannot express my sorrow at not seeing you for two weeks, blah blah blah..."and I changed my mind. Not funny. Corny, cheesy, over-the-top, but not funny....in fact, they are embarrassing! So, anyone in that lovey-dating world right now, enjoy it, but don't look back. :) Those emotions are truly wonderful at the time, but the record of them is....well....weird. And the worst part of this story? He continues to save those emails. Oh dear. Three years from now I can look back again, and maybe I will appreciate them more than I do now. :)

Speaking of AJ, I feel like letting the world know how much I am still madly in love with this man, but the love is deeper somehow, a love that is shared with simple acts of mutuality. For example, AJ made me scrambled eggs this morning at the expense of being late to work. And he wakes me up with kisses, and when I respond to his chipper "good morning," with a groan, he breaks into "This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made." Oh goodness. Who exactly is the seminarian? :) We both are, that's what I've decided. My seminary experience would be lacking without a kind, dedicated, loving husband with whom I can share my faith.

That's all for now. February has been a tremendously eventful month, and I anticipate the same for March....and I might just decide to live it instead of blogging about it. That's the rhythm I find myself marching to these days.

In the surest faith that God loves us, I send my love to you.

Emily

Better Late than Never...

Happy 2012!

Over my (short, albeit wonderful) Christmas break, I received a few comments from dear people regarding my negligent behavior toward this blog, and I must admit, a few months went by when I literally forgot that I had this blog. Whew, I think that's called stress.

In any case, I'm still here, plugging away at this dual degree. I am learning SO much, particularly about the new and exciting world of social work. This past semester really opened my eyes to what is involved with social work....and I like what I see! The irony of that statement is the truth that my January term class here at seminary is extremely interesting, and I totally feel myself called to ministry as much as social work....I believe a fusion of the two will suit me quite well. :)

The trouble with skipping blog entries is my lack of detailed memory. Thus, I have no great stories from first semester, because it all lives as a blur in my mind. I finished with (likely) all A's, even though that was definitely NOT my focus. Also, I received my first A+ at seminary! Ha, I realize that nearly every other student in The Minister and Mental Illness also received an A+ but it still feels nice. :)

So, a story from Xmas break. First of all, my nieces are precious and beautiful- and I was able to spend 4 days playing with them. The final day, however, when I should have been bathing them in kisses and fond goodbye's, I was lying on the couch miserably weak....from food poisoning! That's right, I got food poisoning the first six hours into 2012. What a great start to the new year! Despite the horrible expelling of bodily fluids, I kept my humor about me and decided that most people choose to detox around this time of year anyway.... :) If I ever get the inclination to detox in the future, however, I'm pretty sure I will not choose food poisoning again. The sad part of this story is the fact that I couldn't spend time with my nieces on the final day of my break! :(

I finally arrived back here in Princeton a day later than anticipated, missing my first class and a few hours of work. The week turned out to be pretty positive, however, as I am healthy and well and not even very stressed! This January is suppose to be my crazy month, but here I am on a Sunday evening- blogging after a fulfilling day of reuniting with church family and catching up around the house- and thoroughly enjoying the company of my husband.

So here's to a involuntary detoxed beginning of 2012. I will say that my unofficial resolution for the year involves spending more time in scripture. Despite the fact that I am in seminary, a majority of my time is spent with social work focus this year, and I realized that not having the daily built-in bible discovery of seminary classes is a spiritual drain. Thus, AJ and I are reading through the Psalms and Proverbs currently....and I love it! :)

Okay, this is all for now. Eventually I may decide to post pictures, but it's also possible that I won't. :) If you are reading this and sent us a Christmas card, I send my sincere thanks; I regret to inform you that AJ and I did not create a Xmas card this year- mostly because I was as negligent about that as I was about this blog. However, you may expect to hear from us come May with an address change!

Writing this with peace in my heart,

Emily

Year 3

Need I say more?

This is year three, and before I had a chance to blog about all the wonderful (and daunting) tasks that come with a joint degree program, the degrees swept me off my feet.

After experiencing more emotional roller-coaster days than usual the last few weeks, I have determined that one semester should never hold all this at once: 5 graduate level classes, 15 hours of internship a week, evening baby-sitting, work study, church commitments, and the occasional social event. Let me back up. One semester should never hold 5 graduate level classes. Period. And adding more commitments makes me a little crazy. But what do I give up? SUCH A HARD decision. I knew I was going into a whirlwind the moment I said yes to two degrees, but the reality of time restraints is hitting hard....

So I've determined something for my own sanity. I say, "Emily, you are not allowed to do all your reading." WHAT? But the reading is so engaging, and I am new to social work. I simply must soak in every thought each article or chapter has to give!

But then I consider my sanity level, and sanity is worth more than knowledge.

So here I am, trying my hardest to be less of a good student than I am used to. Any graduate students share my experience? AJ says if I ever need advice about how to slack, I should just ask him. :)

Enough about my busyness. That's a boring topic. I am going to post pictures. Hmm, I do not humor myself by imagining that thousands of eager souls are awaiting these pictures (I haven't blogged in over two months!) but if you happen to be tuning in, enjoy!!!

Summer Recap (Penance for not blogging)

I'm a readhead. Need I say more?

Our newly painted (and acquired) red bookshelf. Love at first sight.

Jersey Shore when Nealy visited in August. No big deal.

A hurricane came along and left a few wretched marks.

My adorable niece Lizzy. LOVED my surprise visit to SD in August

AJ and I saw U2 in Philly. Also, no big deal.

AJ & I at a June wedding. I may have run into my ex-boyfriend's mother! (and she MAY have asked me why I broke up with him- 8 years later). :)

Girlfriends the Fourth of July- Fireworks in Philly!

My equally adorable other niece- Alexis is precious.

Friends and I at the Falls- gotta love the falls- and friends.

My work trip groupies! Love them.

My husband is always so happy

We canned a lot of original salsa with friends!

I painted this chair and created the cushions! Impressed?

Peace to my lovely friends, especially those who haven't given up on my blogging efforts. :)

Summer Flies- and I don't mean bugs.

Hello Friends,

I am requiring myself to write a blog entry today because I have yet to break my streak of writing at least once per month, and this will likely be my only free time between now and August 7^th. J I am feverishly planning for a mission trip to a church located outside Camden, in a town called Willingboro. We are essentially helping beautify (painting, landscaping, cleaning) for a small Reformed church comprised primarily of an older population. I’m sure the week will be wonderful; however, the planning has been a bit excruciating at times, given the non-committal nature of most of my congregants. In part I do not blame them, as many live day-to-day, looking for jobs and maintaining their livelihoods, and others have small children and cannot commit to a week! All in all, I have come to the realization that whomever comes will be perfect, because that’s how it has to be.

In addition to planning for the work trip, I have given two sermons (and planned both services) in July, and I believe they are posted on our website: www.rchighlandpark.org in case you’d like a listen. Beware, I may have cried a bit during the first one. J I thoroughly enjoy leading worship services, and this has been a firm validation of my call to some sort of church ministry…and we shall see how the future is unveiled.

Speaking of future, I am officially beginning my MSW in one month! The summer has flown by (see my catchy title for this entry) and soon I will become a student of books again. I am sitting here with AJ and my friend Karen in Panera Bread, and I just exclaimed how excited I am to be a student at Rutgers- my first state school experience! Although being a student at two schools simultaneously (hence, two financial aid departments, two insurance waivers, two of this, two of that) is a bit daunting, I am excited about a new genre of subject matter, and I will surely incorporate my experience together for a lovely “divine social work” angle. J

AJ’s mother came out for a lovely visit last weekend, which was AJ’s and my first time to the beach! We live so close to the shore, yet we hardly make time to enjoy it, so we appreciated her visit to spur us on toward appreciating our proximity to the ocean (I love the waves, BTW, and anyone wanting to come visit should come soon- or better yet, next summer!).

AJ just began a new job at Urner Barry Publications in Toms River, NJ- and he is really excited for the job. He is a market reporter for the company, and his first video interview with Cattlefax is Monday morning! Don’t ask me any more specifics. J

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time interning at RCHP, but in three weeks I will be finished with the internship (yet will continue attending for the next two years). I am beginning an internship with Enable, Inc. in the fall, which is an organization that works with people with disabilities. I am eager to begin this position, as I have much to learn regarding this population of folks, in addition to the world of social work at large.

What more to say, of course! I’m excited to be an aunt times 3 in the next few months. My sister Les is having a girl in less than a month (hang in there, Les!) and my sister Al is having a boy in around 3 months (wish I could be there)! Woohoo for being an aunt! Me- I’m consistent with birth control. J

On that note, I believe it’s time to wrap up. I hope everyone is experiencing God’s presence as life comes hurling by. May the grace of God and the presence of the Spirit be with us always as we strive to be patient in faith and hopeful in times of uncertainty.

Love, Em

Life Decisions

Hello Beautiful Folks,

I will not apologize for neglecting my blog, because I have been busy living life. This summer I immediately launched into my internship at Reformed Church of Highland Park, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience. With only four weeks of internship done, I took a 10 day vacation back to South Dakota, and now I am having a lazy Saturday morning, a perfect time to update my blog.

I can hardly express all the wonderful opportunities I have had at the church this summer. The congregation is so alive and full of needs, gifts, energy, and beauty. Everywhere I walk in the church I encounter different groups of people utilizing our building. In fact, over 35 different community organizations use our building space for meetings and worship....that characterizes the ministries of RCHP to a T. I am the general practitioner ministry intern, hence I am exposed to a little bit of everything. :) And I love it. One of my main events this summer is leading a mission trip to Willingboro, NJ (near Camden) and I have been making plenty of connections through the process of planning. In addition, I am helping with the youth group, meeting wonderful teens. I am also in charge of the "transitions" age group (18-30)- we meet for conversation and dinner, mostly- although last week we joined the "Alliance for the Disabled" for Karoke and dancing (going on in our fellowship hall)- and might I say it was a beautiful moment in my ministry.

In addition to my church internship, I had the wonderful privilege of celebrating my first anniversary with Mr. AJ Munger. We went to New Hope, PA for a fireworks show and stayed in a bed and breakfast town while perusing a local art show. It was wonderful to spend some romantic-y time with AJ, since he has also been super-busy with full-time work at Whole Foods, graduate courses, and making a little progress on his Small World Farms business.

So, to the life decisions component of my summer. I have been going back and forth regarding the Masters of Social Work degree at Rutgers, for plenty of factors that I will save you from at the moment. In any case, the important details is this: I'm Doing It! Yes, I am officially in for the long haul. Two more years in Princeton (well, NJ at least)....for a grand total of two masters degrees. Actually, I've already been offered a field education site at Enable, Inc....which works with children and adults with disabilities right in Princeton. I am grateful for this opportunity, as I contemplated pursuing a placement with this organization during my MDiv degree.

Let me recap- I am working toward graduating with my MDiv next year, and my first year of MSW work. I will graduate with the MSW in 2013. Woohoo! I can taste all the student loans already! :):)

Okay, that's my short recap of the past few months. I hope this post finds all of you enjoying the gifts God has given you- and might I say, my life is full of friends and family who are having babies left and right- I want to say my sincere congrats to all the happy families (and to remind everyone that AJ and I are thoroughly happy as a family of two at the moment) . :):)

Love to all in the name of our Loving God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit,

Emily

Nearly Summer....

One day away, but really it's already begun with a string of "sunny and 70" days!

Yep- summer officially begins as of 12:00pm tomorrow, May 12th. And I am particularly ready for my first ever NJ summer!!!

The past few weeks I have been juggling a few life events- finishing my May term class (which has been really awesome- interfaith youth leadership), attempting to help AJ with website work for his new business (Small World Farms), finishing my internship at the hospital (one day left!), and phasing into my summer field education at our church. I say phasing into, mostly because that's what I would rather be doing right now (planting a garden for my internship? OKAY!), but I've had so many other commitments, so I am juggling my responsibilities accordingly.

In case anyone was desperately waiting at the edge of their seat to see whether or not I have become a NJ resident....well wait no longer, because it's official!!! Not only am I the proud owner of NJ legal domicile (does anyone actually say that?) but I have been okayed to enter the joint MSW program as a result! This means I am embarking on a new educational road, and I am surprisingly okay with that. I thought after my MDiv I would be through studying, but I have once again deceived myself. Bring on the exams! God's got something going on in the area of social work, and I am about to find out!

So, yes, that means for anyone looking to make an east coast visit, you're in luck! We will be here another year, and you are always welcome to board with us while exploring NYC, Philly, the shore (JERSEY shore) :) or anything else that catches your fancy. You may even inspire us to get away for a weekend- something my crazy schedule has not afforded us for quite some time.

This summer I am looking forward to many things- hopefully a day at the shore soon. And working the church garden. leading a church mission trip. preaching at least 2 sermons (hmm, the Spirit better be moving, that's all I have to say about that). grilling with neighbors. building more consistent relationships with church friends. not studying (unless I take a summer MSW course, in which case, nix this). Visiting SD friends and family in June- and perhaps again in August. celebrating my 1st year anniversary! (that one deserved a "!" because I can happily say our 'year of transition' has been quite successful and I'm looking forward to the next). expanding my cooking know-how (my anniversary gift to our marriage is the addition of the Food Network magazine). being intentional about caring for my body and spirit (which are always interrelated, of course). enduring the heat of a NJ summer without complaining. :)

Okay, that's my long-term anticipation. Short term? I have more than a week off from responsibilities before I begin officially at RCHP, during which time one of our good friends will be moving in with us for the summer. Thus, I have some major apartment organizing to do! It's perfect, though, because we are helping him with rent costs, and in turn he will be helping us with utility bills. We have a spare bedroom, which currently hosts an office, but we are glad to transform it into a bedroom this summer! Party every day! :)

I need to catch the bus. Oops!

Sending love in the precious name of Jesus.

Emily

Finals Week- Holy Week- Really?

Yes, I have been negligent. My blog has suffered the same neglect as many other regular endeavors in my life....and my reason? The busiest semester of graduate school yet.

And now I'm to finals week. And holy week- wait, really? A seminary decides to take one of the busiest weeks for ministry to have finals? Yes, that's right. Thankfully, my field education is at a hospital, not a church. In many ways I can hardly believe it's finals week. The semester has rushed by faster than any other....it's almost May??? Wow.

Okay, enough back-tracking....here's what's up. I am officially 10 pages away from being through my spring long-term semester. After this Saturday, I will be done done done with three classes. Only one class awaits two and 1/2 weeks of my attention in May, and summer will officially begin. Whew! I'm really excited for my May class, but before that can happen, we have IYM APRIL FORUM!!!! Next week I will be insanely busy with the forum and the beginning of May term. So finals week this week does not entail celebration next week. I must wait until May 11th to officially celebrate.

That's a flash look at my life....let's see, I'm sure many interesting things have occurred since my last post. We have started the garden at church, which will continue to be my project this summer. I experienced a flurry of drama surrounding spring student government elections (nothing I intended, just a little tension I walked into as oblivious as can be). AJ & I are going to western PA for Thanksgiving and bringing along a friend of ours from church. AJ has been enjoying his work at Whole Foods, and I am enjoying the ability to eat with him on breaks- and the discount!!! I only have a few weeks left at the hospital, and at this point in my experience, I can see myself possibly working as a chaplain at a hospice center. Perhaps as far opposite as I might have expected. Well, that or a chaplain at a children's hospital! :)

Oh, and I'm still waiting on word from Rutgers about my residency status for the MSW program. I have been officially accepted, yet now I must prove I have legal domicile here in NJ. My entry into the MSW program is entirely contingent upon my legal residency. And I'm not so sure how strong my case is. Yuck.

Spring weather has been hit and miss lately. Our weather hasn't been horrible, but definitely not all days have been like today- mid-seventies and sunny. Beautiful! AJ and I just got back from a bike ride, a celebration of finishing my first final paper. Now I'm on to my last paper, a 10 page hermeneutical paper that I am semi-excited for! :) I better be finished by Saturday, because whatever is done will get sent in- and I am off for Easter- two days before the forum begins.

Whew- that's a lot in a little time. I wish you all the best, and I'm assuming I still have somewhat of a readership since I continue writing. If not, I totally understand. :)

Sending love on this particularly poignant Passion Week. May God bless you with experiences of resurrection in your own life.

Em

Lent, Transitions, Beauty

My wonderful friends and listeners...

I have a heart full of intention and peace. Today marks a transition of sorts in multiple ways. It is the first Sunday in our season of Lent- and our church service was particularly moving today. I cried multiple times, and the tears were refreshing. I find that I know when I am truly living by my tears. In recalling several momentous occasions in my life, I realize that tears were always a significant presence. My acceptance of Christ's calling on my life- check. My first break-up with a boyfriend- check. My graduation from high school- check. My second break-up with a boyfriend- check. My experiences on various mission trips- check. My graduation from college-check. My departure from Red Cloud- check. My wedding- check. The first Sunday of Lent 2011 while overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings of solid relationships- check.

Today is also a transition of sorts in my schooling- I am finished with a very fulfilling reading week (more on that later), and I am now embarking on the final half of my 4th semester. Essentially, 2 1/2 more semesters to go, and I'm an MDiv recipient. Yep. Never saw that coming....ha. Okay, I did- but it has snuck up on me, and I find in this season of Lent a wonderful moment to reflect on my experiences thus far, and how my experience has been so enhanced by my relationships.

I LOVE people, in case you hadn't noticed before, and my time here in NJ has introduced me to all sorts of people. Quite a variety of folks in my life, and I love it! For starters, my seminary friends and companions along this journey are remarkable. I cannot say enough about how dedicated, faithful, fun, inspiring, and life-giving my seminary friends have been and will (I'm sure) continue to be. LOVE them. Also, my church family in Highland Park, NJ- I have grown SO much as a result of the compassion, energy, humility, and concern each person has shown me in his/her own way. I am thrilled to be doing my internship there this summer. Another major aspect of my relationships while here is the continuity with folks back home- family and friends whom I adore...and they aren't all 'back home' either. My social network spans the globe- so let me be clear- I truly thank God for skype, email, facebook, and cell phones. Whew- what would a girl like me do without these tools?

And finally- I will risk sounding cheesy in saying this- hands down the #1 most significant relationship in which I am continually blessed is marriage. In some respects, people expect this to be true of newlyweds. However, I know a fair number of marriages that might shatter people's expectations (well, need I point to the 50% divorce rate?)- Wow- I suddenly feel quite justified in celebrating my marriage. AJ is wonderful- but more than either AJ or myself individually- I would like to celebrate the beauty of our marriage. This journey is not without bumps- and I risk speaking of marriage in the presence of readers who are light-years ahead of me in that department...but I risk it anyway, because I am enthralled with my husband.

9 months in, and I'd have to say that marriage has taught me more than any single relationship I have ever experienced (well, mom and dad still win the longevity award) :). I am learning when to say yes, when to say no, how I might lay the positive path of affirmation rather than the receding path of negativity, and what it means to cherish my life partner. We are exactly that- partners in this life together...and as wonderful as are all the positive models of marriage in my life, nothing can replace first-hand experience. Okay- really I can go on and on, but this blog would become a big marriage-loving fest, so I will move on to other things...

I have to report the most beautiful surprise that awaited me at the beginning of my reading week- none other than the arrival of my sister Alison from Japan (well, Okinawa to be precise)...she had coordinated a two-day surprise visit through AJ, and I had NO CLUE. When Al, my sister who was suppose to be in Japan, knocked on my door last Saturday night, it took me a few minutes to actually believe it! Once the initial shock wore off, I invited her in (probably a good thing to do when your sister is at your apartment door) and we spent two glorious days catching up. She saw my basic surroundings, attended church with me (which was wonderful) and we did some good ole sister bonding! How beautiful!

The rest of reading week I spent socializing (a must, you know), catching up on sleep, and actually being somewhat productive with my studies! I am entering the next 5 week sprint feeling refreshed and loving life. How much more could I ask for? (even with the time change!).

This is a long account, which isn't surprising considering my neglect this entire past month! One more tidbit- during the month of March I have been recording my sleep habits (which aren't great, but not horrible I realize) with the intent of discovering my ideal sleep needs. I need a more stable rhythm if that's gonna happen in the next three weeks- but I'm hopeful! Plus, this practice will give me some good raw data for my final paper in my sleep, surrender, sabbath class. If I have one mission after taking this class- I would say to all of you: SLEEP. It's pretty darn important.

Okay- much love to you all on this Lenten journey, as we anticipate the coming of our precious redeemer, and recognize our humanity along the way.

With a peace-filled heart,

Emily

Sinking slowly...

This may sound strange, coming from someone who is entirely blessed and excited about my future...but I feel as if I am slowly sinking into the dense quicksand of a new semester.

Despite the fact that my courseload is quite similar to last semester- same two jobs, same number of credits, same husband, same friends, pretty much same everything- I feel more, well, rushed somehow, as if I've stepped onto quicksand and must find my way out immediately. Only I'm not on my way out- I'm on my way in...

One explanation for the feeling I am currently experiencing might be my propensity to add more social events than is somehow sustainable. A few of these so-called "social" events have actually been altruistic in nature (hosting weekly meals at the house in Newark, serving at the senior citizen 'high tea' at church, volunteering to speak with a friend's youth group about the reservation, cutting someone's hair...yes, that's right. I said cutting someone's hair). Even so, they tend to whittle my time down to a few spare minutes here and there, during which I am suppose to be a student.

I say all that to mention how attentive I must become to my schedule so as to avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed. I've been truly overwhelmed before, particularly my senior year of college, and I vowed to never go back. The past few weeks I've been getting similar feelings of slight panic about my schedule, a clear sign I must prune. But the obvious question is- what? I enjoy everything I'm doing, and this semester's classes are quite interesting, so my reading is not only fun, but somewhat necessary for my well-being. I think I'm on to something though...we have been hosting A LOT lately at our apartment, which involves cleaning, cooking, more cleaning, and several hours of missed opportunity to be productive. If you know me, I of course think that hosting IS productive, so I'm speaking from both sides of my mouth, I guess.

I have a few other estimations regarding the reason behind my feelings of sinking slowly and the need to refocus my time...events have transpired recently to put my focus back on being a diligent student, and here they are!

1. I have officially applied to the joint program between PTS and Rutgers University through which I may receive a Masters of Social Work. I will not go into detail regarding this decision, but I will say that I am extremely excited about this opportunity to further my studies in the field of such practical ministry....It will only be one year extra, after which I will have received both my Masters of Divinity and my Masters of Social Work. Oh yeah- I know what some of you are saying (Katie...) that I'm deliberately being a professional student. Ha, this might be true, but for such a good price, why not? :):)

2. AJ has officially started his job with Whole Foods, where he is acquiring the skills of a meat-cutter professional! That's right, he works behind the meat counter- AND we get a 20 percept discount. :) This new addition to our lives means that our 'together time' will need to be much more intentional, but I guess we're facing what all couples face all the time....we were spoiled for 8 months of super-flexible schedules, and now we might have to actually...(gasp)...plan dates!

3. To top it all off, I have begun a class called "Sleep, Surrender, Sabbath" which has inspired me to focus on the amount of sleep I recieve and how I spend my time on a daily basis. Don't you think that's a little ironic- the week I start my "sleep" class I become extremely busy, and get a cold? Oh yeah- that's something else fogging my mind...I have a cold. First one since this past summer- is it also ironic that it's warmer outside today than is has been for several months?

Hmm, evidently I caught myself in a rather introspective mood today during my blogging moment. I hope you enjoy this somewhat murky post...complete with random tidbits and a slight amount of complaining. I really do know better, than to let myself sink slowly into the quicksand of life, sometimes I just need a reminder to rest myself on firmer ground.

May I seek to find my place of centeredness in the one true God that desires my complete trust. And I'd have to say that I do find peace amidst the chaos in knowing that God is in control, and my frantic human efforts really could be scaled back...who knows, it might even allow God to work in my weakness.

Here's to continually discovering new and frustrating parts of life, all with the deep and unfettered knowledge of a God who knows, loves, and cares for all of Creation- including me and you!

Emily

A New Semester Begins...

I have to admit- the past week I have been on break, presumably giving me ample time to update my blog. However, at this point I will refer you to my previous post. :)

To recap my past few weeks- I enjoyed my whirlwind of a class called Theology of the Lord's Supper. We really dug into the major theologians representing a majority of Christian eucharistic traditions....and we also studied our professor's suggested ecumenical approach toward church unity. I must say, it grieves me that we are so far away from unity as Christians, and as much as I respect attempts toward ecumenical dialogue, I really have serious reservations as to whether we are capable of allowing variances in tradition to exist without condemnation. Time will tell...

Last Saturday (well, after an evening of girl-time on Friday) I finally finished my paper, and starting Sunday I've been on a glorious break! I did have to spend two days at the hospital being a chaplain (which continues to be a really fulfilling experience) and an afternoon working at the institute for youth ministry...but overall I've been doing fun things- like hanging out with my husband, going to the gym on a 'free week' trial, digging out of 15 inches of snow (it began again about 15 minutes ago), helping host a birthday party for a dear friend, baking hundreds of cookies (seriously), and cleaning, organizing (if you know me, this is a good thing), and overall feeling great about life!

I have to brag a minute. Only a minute, I promise. A few weeks ago AJ and I were having some minor bickering argument, which had been occurring relatively frequently, and I went for a run...which was amazing...and during my stress-relieving run, I had an epiphany. AJ and I are SO LUCKY to be together. I decided right then and there that we should start acting like we believe it. And since that moment, we HAVE. Every time something minor comes up, all I have to do is remember that moment on my run- and I am overwhelmed with joy in marriage.

There, that's all the bragging I'll do for one day. Thanks for indulging me.

Well, another development has recently occurred in our lives. AJ spent a few nights last week up in Newark at a house for young men and women who were without a home and somehow connected with the justice system. It is a new housing initiative through our church, and this particular house is still awaiting a house mentor...as you might be able to imagine, some unpleasant happenings occurred in the house, and our pastor asked AJ if he could go monitor the house for a few days. While there, AJ developed a relationship with a few of the guys, and now we have decided to go up to the house weekly and cook a meal, stay the night, etc. It should be a fun adventure for AJ and I this semester!

I'm sure there's more to tell, but that's it for right now. If I were really cool I would have provided pictures of all the snow here (think- South Dakota!) :) Alas, I'm still leaving something to be desired.... :)

I hope you are all well, if you happen to be reading this blog. Since my lapse in writing seems to be progressing at a normal rate, I imagine I may have lost a few readers. In any case- much love to you all from this winter wonderland called NJ!

Emily

Remember when...

I used to blog regularly?

Yeah, I vaguely do too.

Except now I don't feel as inspired. Why?

Well, perhaps because what I do actually seems boring to write about.

Certainly I must have crazy stories from my winter break. But then again, I didn't spend winter break in Princeton. And this blog is suppose to be about Princeton.

Nor did I truly 'break' from anything in my travels back to SD.

Except reading and writing. I didn't read a single page. Nope. Okay, maybe a news article here and there.

Instead I saw plenty of friends and family- and my darling little niece, whom AJ now loves (she gives him kisses- it didn't take much more than a scrunched-up smile to win him over).

And now I'm back in Princeton, doing my boring ole' study thing.

Except lately I intersperse studying with visions of my next life. My life after Princeton. Maybe I'm not suppose to live in the future, but the present is too boring without visions of the future, when I, you know, actually do something with my life.

Don't get me wrong. I love seminary. I do. I love so many things about it. I love the people. I like the lectures. But I don't like writing papers, or striving for grades. Instead, I seek my 'meaning' in odd sorts of ways one really shouldn't say aloud. So... (in a whispered voice)... I practice speeches I will one day give to young people. It's true. I stand in front of a mirror and rehearse motivational speeches. There I said it. And you may have even heard, despite the lowered voice.

So, that's what I've been up to lately, with my husband gone again to a week of class in Kansas. I prance around our apartment pretending that millions of bright and hopeful young people are eagerly anticipating my next word. And it keeps me going....keeps me contemplating this enormous mystery of God- being people of God in a world littered with false messages of meaning. Oh- and I'm also studying the Lord's Supper...interesting, but pretty 'heady' and really dense reading.

Speaking of dense reading, I hear a few books calling my name. Off to my world of study that is painfully necessary to enhance my future vision of ministry. That's what we like to call seminary.

Love- with all the hugs possible,

Emily

Seeking God through Papers

Can this be possible?

Yes, it must be, if I'm to assume that my every action can be performed in an attitude of prayer. Here's the deal. I'm entirely unmotivated to write these three final papers....so if I tell myself it is a viable form of seeking God, maybe I will find motivation?

Ha- okay, I will let you know exactly 2 weeks from now if it worked. My final papers are all due 2 weeks from now, and I lack nearly all motivation to write them. Several of the thoughts are in my head already (well, for two...the other one is gonna be sheer sweat and blood)...but putting them on paper is always the most difficult.

In other areas of life, however, I have experienced more success. I finished my photo album from the wedding, finally. I have gathered my energies and figured out Xmas gifts for family members. I have added a few decor items to our apartment recently. And I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with AJ since he returned from his 11 day hiatus... Although he is gone again, this time only for a few days.

I honestly don't have too much to say. I need to write papers- so if I can request a massive helping of your prayers, I will. I know that's a little selfish when so many children and adults alike experience horrendous life situations...and here I am in my privileged position of study, thinking I have it so hard. Geez, someday I might get over myself. :)

Thanks for tuning in to this rather boring post. I am sending my love and cheer on this brisk December evening. May the love of God surround you like a warm fuzzy blanket!

Em

Thanks for Everything...

Here in Princeton my life often becomes a swirl of "to-dos." It's the student life, I suppose, yet somehow I know we all need space to reflect beyond our daily tasks to the greater picture of our lives. Thanksgiving seems to be a great time for such things. I have been trying to do exactly that this week, as I work on another 10 page paper and anticipate the other three 15 page papers yet to appear before Dec 18 (at noon, to be precise). Yes, I have so much left this semester that I often get sucked into thinking only about my STUDENT LIFE.

And then my husband lures me away from the temptation to become extremely self-absorbed. If I had one complaint about being a student, it would be my continuous propensity to think only about myself. And my husband is really good at reminding me my papers will not solve world problems- nor will they matter in the long run....or even short run, really. My papers are an important part of my synthesis of information here, but the synthesis of learning occurs the entire time I'm a student, and papers just happen to be needed to determine grades. Yuck.

So after all my admissions about how busy I am and will be- I have to stop and say....Wow! Thanks for Everything! Thanks to God for continually guiding me and walking alongside as I ponder the mysteries of faith. Thanks to my husband for bringing endless joy into my silly student life. Thanks to all my family for sharing their lives with me and providing a solid foundation. Thanks to all my friends for truly caring about my well-being- (and also luring me away from my self-centered corner). Thanks to all my church family for providing space for me to be involved in creating change outside the walls of the church. Thanks to myself, for learning to appreciate little accomplishments and take minor defeats in stride. Thanks to a husband who just went to the grocery store so we could make breakfast together this morning....ah I could continue on and on...

Speaking of Thanksgiving. I celebrated all day Thursday with a couple friend of ours in addition to another couple friend we only met that day! It was great- and extended into the evening playing games (Rummikub...awesome!) and enjoying our time with old friends and new friends...we provided a mean spread for the table, I must say!

I don't have too much more to update. Of course I do, but right now all I can think about is making pancakes and eggs, working on my paper, and walking a friend's dogs this afternoon. I have a friend who is celebrating her birthday today as well- so it'll be a great day I'm sure.... even if I possibly need to resort to my self-centered corner to write a few more pages on my paper.

I am waiting to receive photos from our time at Thanksgiving, so when I do- I might even post them! :)

Love you all, whoever you are. Take a moment to be thankful in your own life. It makes all the difference.

Em

Seriously serious

To begin, a short thought about the whole idea of blogging...

Okay, bloggers who update their blogs daily or thereabout are seriously serious. Today I thought to myself, oh I just posted the other day and wonder if anyone has commented? Well, looking at the date, I realize it's been 9 days already since my last post. Seriously? I must not be that serious.

In any case, I continue to enjoy writing about my life with God. The thing about seminary is...I learn the language to speak about God (or to speak about that which is so utterly other that human language cannot attempt to solidify with words)...but unless I speak about the God moments in my own life, God will remain an abstract reality. So here I am, attempting to put words to the movements of God in my everyday life. To be honest, many of us 'theologians' struggle with this endeavor more than seminary papers...here's to keeping it real....God style.

I have been in good prayer lately. My life of prayer (which is the best way to remain in contact with that which is so utterly other... :) seems to ebb and flow according to unexplainable forces. My primary mode of prayer is journaling. It is a highly intimate reflection of my deepest yearnings, and even that practice seems to ebb and flow. After a good journal entry (which often leads to further impromptu prayer) I think to myself "Yes! I shall write everyday for the rest of my life!" And then life happens. I get distracted by a new husband, by the swirling thoughts of the following day, by the dizzyness which accompanies fatigue, by the thought of my head hitting the pillow...

And in the ebb and flow, I am reminded that Jesus called Christians into community for a purpose. At church we can pray together as a community and worship the one true God. With my group of prayer girls, we can share our burdens and joys- counting on one of us to initiate the meaningful prayer for which I long. With my husband, I can prayerfully imagine a future full of serving God and serving neighbor. With my seminary friends, I can pray with the understanding that theological differences melt away in the presence of an all powerful God.

And the structure of community leads me back to my moments of peaceful journaling. Such intimate moments inevitably lead me to thank God for the wonderful communities throughout my life that have sustained my faith, my belief in the power of prayer, and my understanding that God never leaves us. Our interest in deepening that relationship might ebb and flow, but God's presence never does. And in light of that faithfulness, I am prompted to say, "Thank God!"

Because seriously, who would I be if God wasn't faithful? Probably a miserable seminarian wondering what the heck I'm studying anyway. :)

Pay attention to the movements of God in your life- and remember that God's presence never leaves you...it's our motivation that ebbs and flows.

Loving you and loving God!

Em

Hello From the IYM Conference...

First of all, don't get overly excited. I haven't actually "gone" to a conference. Indeed, I am a part of administering the conference taking place here on campus!

If you hear me speak of working for IYM (Institute for Youth Ministry), this is one of the conferences we work toward all year. I am sitting at the "central command" station on campus, where we reside in case anyone needs our help or direction. Yesterday was crazy busy getting everything set up and everyone registered...but today it is a bit calmer, so I have to chance to finally update my blog.

Last week was our "reading week," which translated into "writing week" for me. I had 2- 10 page papers due at the end of last week, and although I worked really hard, I was still barely done in time. Plus I was working extra to gear up for this present conference, and I went to the hospital as usual. On top of everything, I lost 5 pages of work because of my negligent "saving" practices. One might assume I would learn from my failings in undergrad. However, I guess I was so eager to write my paper about the Native American novel we had been reading, that I neglected to double-check my saving. Oh well, I rewrote it all (hopefully better the 2nd time) the next day, and began writing my medical ethics paper, which took me awhile, even without losing 5 pages of that work.

(two-day intermission, I got distracted at the conference)

So, I was geared up for a fresh start for our "2nd half" of this semester on Monday, only to contract an illness from which I have only today fully recovered. It's good to be myself again, but I must say, it wasn't quite the "fresh" start I had anticipated. I couldn't perform my responsibilities at the hospital (although I am going to Flemington tomorrow for a hospice memorial service). Also, I didn't go to my Monday evening medical ethics. Pretty amusing to miss a "medical ethics" class because you're sick, I guess. I did, however, work 25 hours this week, which isn't bad, considering I also attended my other classes, and somehow got the most reading done that I have ever before classes this week!

Now the forum is officially over, and I sense that people really enjoyed themselves. Of course so many people have random feedback, which we welcome. It all has to be taken with a grain of salt. Our jobs now will consist of organizing our lives once again and revamping for the next forum! On top of that, I plan to write another paper next week (this time I'm trying to work ahead). I figure I will have time since AJ is planning on leaving for two weeks to go back home and take care of random business. I will miss him. That's definitely the longest we will have been apart in our 5 months of marriage.

Speaking of 5 months, that seems like a long time for someone who still considers herself adjusting to the idea of mutual dependence. In case anyone is wondering how I enjoy or dislike married life... I love it. Really, I'm not just saying that because a new wife is suppose to. I'm saying that because it actually pleasantly surprises me when I compare my present attitude with that of 2 years ago (about the time AJ started calling me for the first time). What a remarkable difference 2 years (and a lot of God's grace) can make on my perception of life direction and happiness. It gives me endless joy to dream with AJ about our future- the way we want to eat well, raise children well, care about our neighbors well, envision a more just society, and altogether live full and meaningful lives dedicated to honoring God through our decisions. Who knew that growing into a marriage could be so enriching!

Okay, enough of the marriage talk. I have to say that seeking God here at Princeton has been particularly interesting this semester. I am beginning to sense that last year's more "basic" learning has helped me move toward more nuanced ways of understanding my own faith and the vast history of theologians, beginning from the writings of Paul. I can officially say that I now enjoy my Karl and Paul class. Karl Barth has stretched my understanding of the "freedom of God"- and further theological implications (many and layered, too dense to sort out here). Paul has emerged as a complicated and intriguing theologian throughout the book of Romans, and I am a bit intimidated about writing that final paper!

I don't have any new photos. Sorry. I know some wonderful ladies who include photos quite often in their blogs (and I am jealous of their diligence)...but that would require forethought, something I seem to be lacking lately.

Tomorrow we have a potluck at church, and then the memorial service I mentioned above. If AJ leaves tomorrow, I will have a quiet evening at home alone. If he doesn't, I will spend it with him. Monday my usual life will resume again. I have such anticipation for these last few weeks before Christmas break, probably because I found out that I have most of my classes cancelled during Thanksgiving!!! Woohooo! (I still have field ed, though, making travel difficult).

Okay, my fingers have lingered over the keys long enough. I shall wish you all the love of God in the less noticeable moments of simple peace and gratitude. And I send my love as well, for what it's worth. :)

Emily

Nearly 1/2 way through...

Hello beautiful children of God!

I am sitting here in my Institute for Youth Ministry office, munching on my lunch- and I decided it was high time I record my thoughts from the previous few weeks. Today begins our 5th week of classes already...and I really sense time slipping away from me. Hmmm, I am almost 1/2 done with my first long-term semester (fall semester extends three weeks into January yet)...and I have 5 or 6 major (10+ page) papers to write. I am somehow in denial of this reality and find it more pleasing to simply celebrate the quick arrival of festive holiday months! But still, even Ms. Peppy Emily cannot ignore the daunting task of writing those somewhat exciting yet terribly long papers. I am pretty sure this is my most intensive writing load yet, but I have to remark that I will have ZERO objective tests. Thank the good Lord.

So, my classes have been going strong- and remain interesting, which is key to survival! My medical ethics class surprised me a bit last week. We had a former surgeon for the Princeton Hospital present on conjugal twins and the ethical decisions which arise from that 1 in 10,000 biological rarity. Today we are learning about intercessory prayer and the role it plays in patient recovery- and a moral ethic of "should you/should you not" pray. (I have yet to do the reading)

My feminist and womanist class has been great as usual. We read The Handmaid's Tale for last week and this week. It is a novel depicting an eery world in which all the racial and gender advances of the late twentieth century America were reversed by a "republic of gideon," which used a few literally interpreted biblical passages to support its male-dominated society...it's complicated, but a really interesting read!

So, that leaves Paul and Karl. I am occasionally interested in the theological arguments outlined in the readings and lectures, but it has yet to capture my full attention (sorry, Sas). I'm sure it's a wonderful class, but lately I have been much more engaged in practical ministry concerns, especially with the hospital. Paul and Karl obviously have something to contribute to that area of thought, but it can be difficult to connect the dots at times. I lead precept this week- and our articles are on the ontology of God in Paul's writing and how to speak of God. I actually enjoy this topic.

Okay- the hospital has been wonderful the past few weeks. I have felt more connected with my ministry- and more assured of my ability to make a difference. Also I was given the opportunity to sit in on a training for vigil volunteers. Basically the presenters (one of whom was my supervisor) reviewed helpful ways to "sit in vigil" with a person who is dying. The previous week was definitely my most intense encounter with the moment of death. I experienced it (to a degree) at the hospital, I wrote my own funeral, we discussed end-of-life issues in medical ethics, and I attended this vigil training. Whew! I never knew how helpful all that could be. I really appreciate it, even if it is extremely difficult.

So those are my encounters with God through school- and I must say, God is active in all areas of my life! AJ and I have been really learning from one another lately- both in wonderful and trying ways. I guess the first year of marriage is full of that sort of thing. :) This weekend was great, because we were able to serve at several church functions. On Saturday we helped cook and serve an Italian night dinner fundraiser- and were exhausted at the end! Sunday we hosted the coffee hour (which is quite an event at our church) -I ended up making a lot of cookies on Friday for the coffee hour, and we had left-over food from the fundraiser as well. On top of all the kitchen work, AJ and I led Children's Worship yesterday. Overall, I felt the past three weeks (two previous weeks we were invited my church members to attend special lunches) have provided ample opportunity to connect within our worshipping community, and I only become more and more excited about my summer field education at RCHP!

So that is most likely more than enough to read for now. I continue to love my friends here at PTS and RCHP...it is such a blessing to have a whole community of faith-filled, eager, fun, and intelligent people! And to know that my community of friends only adds to the wonderful people already formative in my life- I am one happy woman!

I pray that God's light of power and wonder fill your minds and bodies as you go about the regularities of your extraordinary lives.

Em

PS- sorry no photos today.

2 weeks in and happy.

Hello my wonderful friends and family...

I have begun this post with a few pictures- mostly random and in no chronological order.

AJ & I at his brother's wedding. Looking pretty spiffy, I must say.

AJ & I in front of the Target Stadium on our honeymoon. I realized I never showed any pictures from this quick yet fabulous trip.

How could I walk by this extremely large glove and NOT take a picture? (even if it embarrassed my new husband)

And two apple pies I made with my mother's recipe. I have to say (as did AJ), they turned out pretty well (thanks mom)!

Okay, so in case you're wondering what I've been up to while shirking my blogging responsibilities...I have to say. Everything! :) (including making pies when I had entirely too much reading to do. Oops.)

Last week, which was the first week of classes- I can hardly account for how quickly the time went. All of the sudden it was Monday again and I hadn't done any homework. Literally, the whole week. I went to classes, to my internship at the hospital, to work at the Institute, to our apartment cookout, a farmers' market with AJ, a church softball game, and everything in between...but I did not do homework. Thus, I began pinching myself and inwardly reciting over and over again, "You are a student Emily. Students study."

So, this week I studied. And to my glorious surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it! My medical ethics class is super interesting, and it all happens on Monday evening (which is a time I find myself extremely alert). We discuss issues such as patient rights/paternalism, moral reasoning, and other really exciting things in the coming weeks. It also pairs quite well with my internship at the hospital. Already a few of the vocab words are corresponding, which helps me in a setting I am otherwise entirely unfamiliar.

Speaking of the hospital, I will say that much of my learning from there I will most likely not share on this blog. For reasons you will understand, it is both deeply personal to the patients with whom I interact, and to myself. Death, illness, medical uncertainty and the like are extremely tough and sensitive issues that should be reserved for personal communication. I will say- the first week "on-site" was basically on my own, making "cold calls" to patients rooms, and although it was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my recent life, I came away with a largely positive perspective. I will share learning such as "gosh I never realized how foreign of a language and culture a hospital can be" and "my supervisor is really great and I look forward to learning from him this year" Other more serious issues must be discussed separately.

So, for my other classes. I am taking feminist and womanist theology, and for those who might have a certain impression in mind of what "feminist" means (because let's face it, in many contexts it is still a dirty word, often misused)- I would invite you to a conversation about what I'm learning and what I've learned in the past. This is a class I am especially interested in, and I was thrilled that the first two weeks of the class we are reading/discussing the Native American experience. We will also discuss feminist theology from the white Euro-American perspective, the Latino perspective, the Asian and Asian American perspective, and the African perspective. I may have missed some, but basically the course pays attention to the various experiences around the world of Christian women who have been oppressed within their communities and we will follow the improvements or lack of improvements in a world where "gender inequality" should seem like a distant past but is certainly not.

And for my final course- Karl Barth and the Apostle Paul- interpreting the theology of Romans. As this course progresses, I am finding it more interesting, but at first I wasn't sure if I'd really invest my time in it. The theological language in an upper-level course is somewhat tolerable, but a little over my head. Also, I seem to enjoy more of the biblical discussion, and as this is a dual New Testament/Theology course, I can choose one perspective to focus my studies for the final paper- and I think it might just be NT. Which is actually new to me. I thought I would be more interested in the theological side. Maybe that will change. Who knows. If you're not following this conversation much, don't worry. Only seminaries and the like separate NT studies from theology (and the point of this course is actually to acknowledge that separating them is sometimes unhelpful).

Okay- so what else is going on you might ask? (because clearly everyone is still reading this, I'm sure). AJ left for three days to a friend's wedding, and I've had a good time catching up with things (such as bloggging and cleaning)...and last night I took a bubble bath. The first time in years. And it was wonderful, complete with music and candles. :)

I've also been keeping busy catching up with friends whom I have missed over the summer. My good friend from college actually came as a first year student to PTS (after visiting me last year) so that's been wonderful seeing her so often. Her name is Emily, not to be confusing.

Well, I hope that life is good to you all, and if you're reading this blog and have a blog- I likely know what you are doing as well. Funny world we live in, that we can stay caught up with everyone without so much as one conversation. :) I wouldn't have it any other way, given the circumstances.

Sending my love- and my advice to take a bubble bath every once in awhile. Especially you, Kevin Sas. :)

Emily

And we're back...

To begin this post- I present several pictures of our new apartment here in Princeton. I hope you enjoy (especially you, mom, since they are late after all) :)

An orchid AJ bought for me. Lovely, isn't he?

Our living room- the furniture is awesome, and nearly all borrowed from a generous couple who lives in China for now.

One of two paintings by Star's mother. She is the woman AJ stayed with last spring. I LOVE the paintings- they were a wedding gift from Star. How wonderful.

Another shot of our living room (with the other painting in the back). I love our new home.

Our small kitchen table with a shot of our patio in the backdrop. We have another larger table for guests (or sewing machines).

One-half of our small, yet adequate kitchen.

The other half. We finally discovered how to make our burners run on low. (even if it took a maintenance guy coming over to show us) :)

Our extended kitchen. Gotta have all the room when you have a gourmet chef as a husband!

One of the four valences I sewed this week. Makes our bedroom a little more cozy.

Our bed and dressers. Also generously loaned by the China couple.

My dresser/vanity. Check out the wedding bouquet.

Our small yet adequate bathroom.

Our multi-colored shower curtain goes surprisingly well with the pink tile. I'm actually growing fond that dreadful pink.

Our "let's make this apartment a home" supplies in the corner of our office by the new deep freeze AJ's parents gave us upon arrival. So handy!

One half of our office. My "Study" chair.

The other half of our office- along with my husband who tried unsuccessfully to get out of the photo. :)

For those who have been extremely saddened by my lack of posts this summer- I have good news. I am back in action here in Princeton, and I'm hoping my environment inspires me to continue on blogging in a diligent manner. This time, as a married woman living in an apartment!

I am officially a middler. A middler, for those who are unfamiliar with seminary lingo, is a 2nd year student who generally happens to have a busier schedule than incoming students and outgoing students alike. The 2nd year brings with it an intense course load and the addition of a field education placement. Regardless of the busier schedule, I KNOW PEOPLE and I know what I am doing....which makes the beginning of a school year infinitely easier. And fun.

AJ and I have been here for 2 weeks now, and we are settled in fairly nicely. I've actually been waiting to post this blog until we had our apartment put together enough to share pictures. The wait was unnecessary, I realize, but it's fun to show people the "real deal" when it comes to our living situation. And I must say, this whole married life thing makes me enjoy being domestic way more than I ever anticipated. I sewed valences for our office and bedroom windows. Yeah, I know, my skill set is pretty broad! :) (thanks, mom).

Ah, so much to say, so little ambition to write. Briefly- I will mention that I've been at the hospital where my field ed will take place, and I'm getting excited for this year. Plenty of learning in a completely new environment. A hospital. Also, I've been working at the Institute for Youth Ministry again, this time enrolling people into our forums. I enjoy it, and my boss is really nice....so I'm grateful a had a job as soon as I came back this year!

AJ and I have enjoyed our apartment so much the past few weeks. We are getting prepared to host 2 gatherings this Saturday. You heard me, 2! The first is a brunch for my single friends in the dorm- an "open house" of sorts so they feel welcome and comfortable in our apartment. the second is a belated birthday party for my friend Rachael and my married folk friends. It already looks as if this year will be a juggling act of the best sort- a full social life, a full class schedule, and a full work schedule. Did I mention I just got married this summer? So, I will add in the newlywed component, and you can get a picture of what my year will be in a nutshell.

One random note- this evening AJ, Katie, and I went to a Princeton Art Museum "Nassau Sampling" event. Basically a variety of restaurants on Nassau gave out samples of their food, and the public could taste them all and receive a few freebies as well. It was a fun evening, complete with a Princeton University A Capella choir for entertainment.

I will not waste more time with details. I'm sure plenty will come again soon. I begin class this Monday- and my schedule will be included in the following post (because of course everyone is REALLY excited to hear all about it). :)

Love you all, may the love of God reach you in unexpected ways this week.

Em