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
speaking of negligent saving practices... did you mean to end this post mid-sentence? Just wondering.
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