Must you go on?
The winter is a time for hibernation... Or at least that's what my body tells me these sun-less days. We've had another snow storm, and although the sun did come out for a few hours, it was not enough to become hopeful about spring. Overnight the melt-off froze, and the sidewalks are dangerous this morning! I would agree with my dad when he expresses his deep distaste for winter. Sure, the fact that both of us also have Reynold's Syndrome in our fingers and toes doesn't improve matters much. :)
And somehow- the past week flew by extremely quickly. I finished my paper for NT and we discusses them at lightning speed in precepts....overall I feel satisfied with what I learned, and even though I spent several hours with the Greek/English concordance, I have to say I enjoyed it! Now if I can get motivated today for another paper in my Radical Reformation class, I'll be in good shape!
In a week's time I shall be driving back to SD for our reading week- in time to work on more wedding details! I initially hadn't planned on going back, but since AJ needed to make the trip anyway for his schooling, I decided to go along- and fly back when he heads to his week of school in KS. I'm excited for the chance to work out more wedding details, but I'm not entirely thrilled about all the travel. It becomes wearisome to be going back-and-forth every few months! And yet that will be my life for the next few years, so I'd best embrace it!
Hmmm, what else is going on here- I enjoyed an evening with friends last Saturday, as four couples got together for a game night! Taboo and Apples to Apples...how much more fun could a girl ask for! :) And AJ was able to meet some other spouses of female seminary students- a real highlight for him, I'm sure! :) We will be living out at CRW next year, so it was good to introduce him to potential neighbors~ AND last night I spent with my dear single friends in the dorm. Before watching The Informant w/ Matt Damon, a few of us put together a puzzle (don't laugh, even if it was a High School Musical, glow-in-the-dark masterpiece).
Also, I've had some play practice this past week- and two more this week...it's going pretty well, and I need to memorize my lines now, but it's not that stressful of an undertaking. I do enjoy the play and my part, so I found that play practices (although potentially much longer than a class) are more enjoyable than sitting through lectures!
On a side note, I had a wonderful conversation with my friend Noah the other day. He commented on his appreciation of my positive attitude toward school, and it became a moment for me to reflect on how truly grateful I am for this time, this place, these people, the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest and most dedicated theologians, and experience a new part of the country all at once! I truly find the task of "seeking God at Princeton" is fulfilling in ways I could have only imagined prior to coming. Although I continue to miss my time at Red Cloud- especially interacting so closely with high schoolers, I know that my purposes here will suit me well in my future endeavors... and I am satisfied with my current student status- but thank goodness it's only for another 2 years! :):)
Okay, that will be all for now. I am really anticipating spring, perhaps more so than I realized I would be (although it is generally warmer here, it's still awful to have no sunshine)... and I will hopefully find time next week to write- however, I would like to say that I am reserving the right to wait until reading week (when I'm home) to write again- or even upon my return! :) we shall see!
Sending my love as I receive from God above,
Em
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
March in Sight...
I am writing on a 42 degrees Princeton afternoon, and it's gorgeous. I will choose to ignore slight rumors about more snow in the future- hey, I ran outside today, weather people!
Ah, the past week has been wonderful and fulfilling. My work is much more invigorating at the institute for youth ministry... they are trusting me with more meaningful tasks, which I appreciate. Well, and I did just organize the work room/ paper supply on my own accord, but trust me- that's meaningful to a super-organizer!
February is absolutely flying by. On Monday I will begin my 4th week of class, and I have to say, I'm struggling to find motivation to write my 1st exegesis paper for NT. On the bright side, I'm finally legitimately using a Greek/English concordance (something I perhaps should have learned long ago)...so I feel slightly more legitimate as a seminarian. Speaking of, my classes are pretty cool, but I'm not putting quite the effort into them that I did 1st semester. I mean, so far so good, but I'm not obsessing (except for on the NT paper. Can't quite let it go!)
AJ has settled in nicely to his space in Star's house, and the house continues to become cleaner and more livable every day! I'm proud of him for giving such an effort to help Star with her house. On another note, I'm looking forward to spring so I can bike over there instead of fighting traffic!
Random funny story (which hopefully is as funny to hear as it was to live). :) In speech class last week I presented a poem from the lectern, much like I've always done in that class. Only on Monday, something didn't feel right- so I started looking down at the lectern, scanning it for any changes, and seeing none- I say to my classmates "Does this look taller to you?" (as an important side note, we have the option of adding the box on top for extra height)...and it was precisely when I was thoroughly stumped that my professor says, "Well, you can take the box off!" After my verbal expression of realization, my classmates burst into laughter. Now I don't get embarrassed too easily, but I think the nerves associated with speaking in public heightened my embarrassment at my oblivious nature just then. (and yes, I have noticed the box every time prior when I've gone up to speak) :) Oh well, cheers to being a wonderful ice-breaker! :)
Another random note- I gave blood yesterday! it is an excruciatingly long process when there's no urgency of a blood drive, I shall explain... The Central NJ Red Cross center called last weekend and asked if I would give blood, and considering it's one of my favorite things to do, I said sure! Sign me up! Well, on Friday morning I was slightly late to my appointment because of my unexpected inability to find the place! :) Once I got there, the process took 1 1/2 hours, even though NO ONE was there ahead of me (and I overheard the nurses talking about needing back-up...what??) But now I have the tell-tale light-headed moments to remind myself of my heroic act. Oh yeah, I'm gonna give a shout of encouragement to anyone who hasn't given blood in awhile- the sign I stared at yesterday read, "Your Red Cross Needs You!" and it's actually true. :) GO FOR IT!
Okay, truthfully, this posting is a two-fold experience for me today. One- I needed to update my fabulous readers, but two- I'm procrastinating from my paper, so I'd better hop to it! I hope the best blessings for all of you- and I also hope that we might all continue to remember our blessings so as to spread the graciousness to others! (BTW- when AJ and I were saying what we are thankful for at dinner last night, something we're trying to make habit, he said, "I'm thankful for the generosity of blood donors." :) I love him.
Much peace and eternal bliss as we continue to walk toward the truth of Christ during this Lenten season.
Love, Emily
Ah, the past week has been wonderful and fulfilling. My work is much more invigorating at the institute for youth ministry... they are trusting me with more meaningful tasks, which I appreciate. Well, and I did just organize the work room/ paper supply on my own accord, but trust me- that's meaningful to a super-organizer!
February is absolutely flying by. On Monday I will begin my 4th week of class, and I have to say, I'm struggling to find motivation to write my 1st exegesis paper for NT. On the bright side, I'm finally legitimately using a Greek/English concordance (something I perhaps should have learned long ago)...so I feel slightly more legitimate as a seminarian. Speaking of, my classes are pretty cool, but I'm not putting quite the effort into them that I did 1st semester. I mean, so far so good, but I'm not obsessing (except for on the NT paper. Can't quite let it go!)
AJ has settled in nicely to his space in Star's house, and the house continues to become cleaner and more livable every day! I'm proud of him for giving such an effort to help Star with her house. On another note, I'm looking forward to spring so I can bike over there instead of fighting traffic!
Random funny story (which hopefully is as funny to hear as it was to live). :) In speech class last week I presented a poem from the lectern, much like I've always done in that class. Only on Monday, something didn't feel right- so I started looking down at the lectern, scanning it for any changes, and seeing none- I say to my classmates "Does this look taller to you?" (as an important side note, we have the option of adding the box on top for extra height)...and it was precisely when I was thoroughly stumped that my professor says, "Well, you can take the box off!" After my verbal expression of realization, my classmates burst into laughter. Now I don't get embarrassed too easily, but I think the nerves associated with speaking in public heightened my embarrassment at my oblivious nature just then. (and yes, I have noticed the box every time prior when I've gone up to speak) :) Oh well, cheers to being a wonderful ice-breaker! :)
Another random note- I gave blood yesterday! it is an excruciatingly long process when there's no urgency of a blood drive, I shall explain... The Central NJ Red Cross center called last weekend and asked if I would give blood, and considering it's one of my favorite things to do, I said sure! Sign me up! Well, on Friday morning I was slightly late to my appointment because of my unexpected inability to find the place! :) Once I got there, the process took 1 1/2 hours, even though NO ONE was there ahead of me (and I overheard the nurses talking about needing back-up...what??) But now I have the tell-tale light-headed moments to remind myself of my heroic act. Oh yeah, I'm gonna give a shout of encouragement to anyone who hasn't given blood in awhile- the sign I stared at yesterday read, "Your Red Cross Needs You!" and it's actually true. :) GO FOR IT!
Okay, truthfully, this posting is a two-fold experience for me today. One- I needed to update my fabulous readers, but two- I'm procrastinating from my paper, so I'd better hop to it! I hope the best blessings for all of you- and I also hope that we might all continue to remember our blessings so as to spread the graciousness to others! (BTW- when AJ and I were saying what we are thankful for at dinner last night, something we're trying to make habit, he said, "I'm thankful for the generosity of blood donors." :) I love him.
Much peace and eternal bliss as we continue to walk toward the truth of Christ during this Lenten season.
Love, Emily
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Snowy Gorgeous Mess
Here it is...Full documentation of my two worlds (SD and NJ) colliding in a snowy, swirly, slushy mess!
The beauty of snow-frosted shrubs
The Igloo built by Brown Hall residents
A not-so-pretty pile in front of my dorm
A (lazy) view from my window...Hello from the wonderland of snowy NJ!
In case any of you wondered whether or not the snowstorms of the east coast hit home here in Princeton- well they did. And it is quite the sight, seeing 15-20 inches accumulate on top of the previous 8 inches from a few days ago! I believe this is more snow than NJ has seen in a long time! And getting my car stuck in the parking lot brings me a certain amount of nostalgic pleasure, being from SD and all!
Ah, so a few big-news items this week. First of all, AJ has successfully moved in here to his new semi-permanent (3 month) home with a woman named Star. They get along pretty well, and there is plenty of work needed done on her home...AJ has a lovely room and feels comfortable here (well, as comfortable as a SD guy can feel in Princeton, NJ after one week). We are enjoying being able to spend time together everyday, but it's also an adjustment for both of us! I suppose it's getting us prepared for the even-bigger adjustment that we like to call....marriage! (less than 4 months, woohoo!)
My classes have been relatively calm, especially considering the fact that we've had two days cancelled because of the snow! And trust me, this is a legitimate cancelling- because they take school pretty seriously here! ;) I am not sure what I think about my classes thus far- perhaps because my mind hasn't exactly been focused on studying, but today I feel a renewed zest for reading, so hopefully I can get into my classes a bit more and really learn something this semester!
Oh, a grade note- I received a solid A for my youth ministry course in January! And since I really tried hard/cared in that class, I feel so happy to have my passion reflected in my grade. A 3.7 first semester...not bad at all!
This Monday evening we had our first read-through for the play, and it was actually a really enjoyable time, even if my vocal chords were exercised more by laughing at other people than reciting my 11 lines. :) That's right, 11. I counted. Evidently the lawyer isn't such a major character in this play. :):) But that's cool, I enjoy my part, the cast is awesome, and the play itself will be entertaining over and over again (at least that's what I'm hoping for during rehearsals). We perform the second week of April, so it should be a great performance- and if you're in the area, you're more than welcome! :)
I am looking forward to an evening with my just-married girl friends with whom I get together for prayer and sharing. It's good to have a social balance, and I realize that I need a variety of different people-interaction to be my best self....
On a final note, I am sensing God working on my heart in discerning a future vocation, and although I am far from a clear answer, I am excited about my field education opportunity as a hospital chaplain intern next year, because I am intrigued by this valuable ministry setting. I'm sure you will be hearing about my learning next year!
Well, to finish, I must say that I've been feeling a bit out of touch with several of you dear friends- but I also know I haven't caught up on blogs in awhile, so I shall do so soon!
As one who is delving further in the New Testament this semester, I love you all with the love of Christ, our great messiah and crazy king.
Emily
PS- I just wanted to mention to a certain faithful reader that I might continue to include posts about the mushy gushy "I'm in love" kinda stuff, just because AJ is here now doesn't mean I don't still think about him! ;)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February, Friends, and Love
Lest you, my beautiful friends, become concerned that I am no longer interested in blogging, I thought I should post once again...
Here are a few pictures from my friends' visit to NJ! But first..... a picture of a snowy PTS campus (something my friends did not experience)....
Picture taken from my window
A Van Gogh from the Met Museum
A Monet (I believe) taken at the Met
A photo of my favorite painting at the Met (artist: can't remember) :)
Katie and Nealy posed in front of the Egyptian Sphinx in a lovely room housing an Egyptian temple from 15 ce!
Nealy, Katie, and I posing right before The Phantom began at the Majestic Theatre!
Here are a few pictures from my friends' visit to NJ! But first..... a picture of a snowy PTS campus (something my friends did not experience)....
Picture taken from my window
A Van Gogh from the Met Museum
A Monet (I believe) taken at the Met
A photo of my favorite painting at the Met (artist: can't remember) :)
Katie and Nealy posed in front of the Egyptian Sphinx in a lovely room housing an Egyptian temple from 15 ce!
Nealy, Katie, and I posing right before The Phantom began at the Majestic Theatre!My title to this post is quite lovely, I know. :) First of all, it's February and the ground is snowy! I am adjusting to this "30 degrees is cold" mentality, a nice change from "-30 degrees is cold" mentality of SD! :) And February 1st ushered in the new semester!
To back track, however, I shall explain more of my past week-long break spent with my friends Katie and Nealy from South Dakota. They made the trip out here to spend a week in rainy NJ with me! :) We had a fair share of relaxing and excitement. On Tuesday we headed into New York City (my 3rd time ever) to see the Metropolitan Museum of Art (my 1st time ever) and a broadway show (my 2nd time ever) :) We ended up getting pretty great 1/2 price tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera- and it was incredible! The entire day in NYC was spectacular, and hard to top!
After a restful day on Wednesday, we headed through NJ traffic for the coast on Thursday. It was fun to see the ocean, and to b reminded of exactly how close I am to the edge of our country! It's a big strange, being from SD and all. The beach was great, but cold enough to warrant leaving after about 10 minutes... :) (did I mention I'm getting used to thinking 30 degrees and wind is cold?)
The weekend following my friends' departure, I rested up, cleaned, and put my life in order to begin classes this week...and my gosh, it's already Wednesday! I've had my three classes (New Testament, Radical Reformation, and Speech) in addition to my audition for the play! (which I will be taking for 3 credits). It's going to be a lovely semester, I can already tell!
And as is often the case when I become more familiar with my surroundings, I tend to get busier as well...I have agreed to work with the children's program at church, I have scheduled some weekly coffee dates with a few friends, the group of friends in the picture on my previous post have begun a bible study, and I am continuing a prayer group from last semester. Also, I add in my usual volleyball nights and yoga class, the option of attending daily chapel, my work at the institute for youth ministry, finding time to be present to everyone in my life (both friends here and friends and family afar) AND AJ is moving out here in a few days!
Whew, yes- the semester has indeed begun!
I will really enjoy my classes, especially since one of the them happens to be an art and theology class- the play!!! The play cast will be announced toward the end of the week, so next post you will find out my (either daunting or not-s0-daunting) role in the play!
I am truly blessed with my life here, and I have so much to look forward to, including the integration of my life with AJ and my life here. (and getting the final wedding plans completed). Also, we just found out that my current pastors here (a great couple- Seth and Stephanie) will be happy to do pre-marital counseling for us! I am thrilled!
Oh yes, so much to mention- I am also visiting a hospital tomorrow where I might possibly do my field education experience next school year. I am excited for the opportunity to be involved in hospital chaplaincy, and although it's a 45 minute drive, I'm hoping it works out well. The supervisor seems really great- and he's RCA (which has become a familiar and welcoming association for me) :)
Well, that's about all on the news front. I am missing my family and friends who are spread throughout so many states and countries...but I do anticipate a beautiful reunion of love in four months when.....AJ AND I GET MARRIED!!!!! Looking forward to seeing everyone together at last.
May hope and blessing be present in our lives as we seek after the God of love, the God of mystery, the God of redemption.
Emily
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Deed is Done...
And that Deed is.... My Final Paper!!!!
Before more discussion...here are a few photos from our celebration of Joe's birthday party!
Before more discussion...here are a few photos from our celebration of Joe's birthday party!
Joe stuffed three mini cakes into his mouth....gross!
Joe showing his excitement about about the idea of stuffing three cakes into his mouth.
The super-card we made for Joe...I counted how many friends were in the dorm room...it was a dozen! What a fabulous group!I just submitted my final assignment for the January course, which means (as tired as I am), that I have an entire week to relax before 2nd semester actually begins!
My friends from HS are actually visiting for the week, so I will have a break from homework, but still an active break! I have a few things to share with you, my blog friends, but I'm also not up for typing much...since I have typed more in the past three weeks than was required for all of 1st semester! Seriously!
So, a few highlights. 1- my grade for OT changed from a B to a B+ because they caught some final totalling error...woohoo! 2- I found out some incredibly exciting news recently- my fiance AJ is able to stay in a house nearby campus for free in Princeton...which means he's moving in a few weeks! 3- I met some awesome people who have asked us to use their furniture while they are away in China for two years....perfect timing for AJ & I in our first two years of marriage! 4-My friends here at the seminary are delightful and I love them so much! (pictures of us at Joe's party reveal their awesomeness!) 5- Did I mention that I am finished with my short-term class??? :)
Okay, so much more likely happened, but my brain is shot- and my friend Nealy is here already, so I shall sign off and post some pictures from Joe's party!
Love you all and hope you are finding joy in life, amidst the uncertainty of natural disasters....
Em
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Internal Tension
It's mid January, and in the midst of my busiest week here at Princeton thus far, a tragedy of enormous proportion occurred in Haiti.
I feel as if moments such as this life-shattering earthquake must cause us all to re-evaluate the purpose of our lives, and even though I know I am not well-equipped to be of aid at this desperate time in Haiti... a part of me wonders if I say that because I do not want to disrupt my life. Honestly, I would guess that we all deal with an internal tension regarding our desire to help and our inability to concieve of how our skill sets might be put to use.
I cannot deny that large machinery and medical aid seem the most important tools for saving lives at this point. However, I also possess skills of a relational nature...and in the coming months, perhaps those would be more useful? Gosh, it really tears me apart, since all the prayer in the world is only floating in the winds if people aren't prepared to answer those prayers on the ground...and yet as a theologian I understand that God can work miracles, that God often chooses to work miracles through those willing to help, and that in the midst of chaos, God' peace can reign. I know these truths, yet I cannot simply disregard the immense physical suffering by ascribing a spiritual quality to the events. What if the earthquake was in a coastal area of the US? My hope is I would feel no more or less desire to help regardless of the geographical location of suffering people.
I could ponder this internal tension for hours, yet I realize that with no immediate plan for how to help, I must continue with my life for the sake of the people I am around today who need a touch of comfort, a word of encouragement, or a smile of understanding. These past two weeks have been a blur...I continued recovering from my cold last week, while enjoying a few extra hours of rest...and this past Monday I hit the ground running by writing and more writing, reading and more reading. Whew, I can finally breathe this weekend, and my class requirements are over 1/2 done!
A bit about youth ministry- I am writing a paper regarding my own hermeneutic of ministry (based on prior experience) and what I hope for in my future ministry. It has been an interesting process, as I enjoy reflecting on my experiences quite a bit. I have realized that as much as my youth group moments helped form my spiritual devotion, my consistent involvement within the church family as a whole likely had an even greater and long-lasting effect upon my faith formation. Such is the basis for my envisioned model of intergenerational youth ministry.
I received my grades for last semester's classes, and I must say, I was quite pleased. I received one A, two A-, and a B! Total: 3.5 GPA for my first semester! This makes me happy. :)
On another note, upon returning to school after Xmas, I have been overwhelmed with realizing my many blessings here...great friends, talented faculty, faithful people, warmer weather, convenient accommodations, and technology to keep me connected with friends such as you! :)
My fiance AJ began his Master's Program simultaneously with my first week back to school, and it has been interesting to see how our time for talking is whittled away when we are both studying/ in class. However, less than 5 months and we shall be married...without this crazy long-distance business to deal with. Honestly, my busyness here is helpful to create distraction from missing AJ- primarily because I did not previously realize how much I could possibly miss him!
Next week I have my final few assignments due, a class presentation, and finishing my final paper! This will all be done on Friday, in time for my two dear HS friends to come visit during my week break! I will surely have pictures and stories to share from our time together.
One random detail before I wrap up this long-time-in-coming post. During the writing process for my paper in class, I soon realized that my blog-writing style is not exactly helpful for an academic paper. In my revising stage, I think I reworded at least five sentences where I used parenthesis (because, who of course doesn't love the random explanations inside parenthesis? Oh, professors). :)
Okay, here's to feeling torn about my blessings here in Princeton- and the atrocities of Haiti. May our God who is found when sought be found in the midst of the struggles in Haiti- and may our redeemer Jesus Christ be given arms and legs by people who provide comfort to those who are suffering.
All my love, in the midst of difficult questions,
Emily
I feel as if moments such as this life-shattering earthquake must cause us all to re-evaluate the purpose of our lives, and even though I know I am not well-equipped to be of aid at this desperate time in Haiti... a part of me wonders if I say that because I do not want to disrupt my life. Honestly, I would guess that we all deal with an internal tension regarding our desire to help and our inability to concieve of how our skill sets might be put to use.
I cannot deny that large machinery and medical aid seem the most important tools for saving lives at this point. However, I also possess skills of a relational nature...and in the coming months, perhaps those would be more useful? Gosh, it really tears me apart, since all the prayer in the world is only floating in the winds if people aren't prepared to answer those prayers on the ground...and yet as a theologian I understand that God can work miracles, that God often chooses to work miracles through those willing to help, and that in the midst of chaos, God' peace can reign. I know these truths, yet I cannot simply disregard the immense physical suffering by ascribing a spiritual quality to the events. What if the earthquake was in a coastal area of the US? My hope is I would feel no more or less desire to help regardless of the geographical location of suffering people.
I could ponder this internal tension for hours, yet I realize that with no immediate plan for how to help, I must continue with my life for the sake of the people I am around today who need a touch of comfort, a word of encouragement, or a smile of understanding. These past two weeks have been a blur...I continued recovering from my cold last week, while enjoying a few extra hours of rest...and this past Monday I hit the ground running by writing and more writing, reading and more reading. Whew, I can finally breathe this weekend, and my class requirements are over 1/2 done!
A bit about youth ministry- I am writing a paper regarding my own hermeneutic of ministry (based on prior experience) and what I hope for in my future ministry. It has been an interesting process, as I enjoy reflecting on my experiences quite a bit. I have realized that as much as my youth group moments helped form my spiritual devotion, my consistent involvement within the church family as a whole likely had an even greater and long-lasting effect upon my faith formation. Such is the basis for my envisioned model of intergenerational youth ministry.
I received my grades for last semester's classes, and I must say, I was quite pleased. I received one A, two A-, and a B! Total: 3.5 GPA for my first semester! This makes me happy. :)
On another note, upon returning to school after Xmas, I have been overwhelmed with realizing my many blessings here...great friends, talented faculty, faithful people, warmer weather, convenient accommodations, and technology to keep me connected with friends such as you! :)
My fiance AJ began his Master's Program simultaneously with my first week back to school, and it has been interesting to see how our time for talking is whittled away when we are both studying/ in class. However, less than 5 months and we shall be married...without this crazy long-distance business to deal with. Honestly, my busyness here is helpful to create distraction from missing AJ- primarily because I did not previously realize how much I could possibly miss him!
Next week I have my final few assignments due, a class presentation, and finishing my final paper! This will all be done on Friday, in time for my two dear HS friends to come visit during my week break! I will surely have pictures and stories to share from our time together.
One random detail before I wrap up this long-time-in-coming post. During the writing process for my paper in class, I soon realized that my blog-writing style is not exactly helpful for an academic paper. In my revising stage, I think I reworded at least five sentences where I used parenthesis (because, who of course doesn't love the random explanations inside parenthesis? Oh, professors). :)
Okay, here's to feeling torn about my blessings here in Princeton- and the atrocities of Haiti. May our God who is found when sought be found in the midst of the struggles in Haiti- and may our redeemer Jesus Christ be given arms and legs by people who provide comfort to those who are suffering.
All my love, in the midst of difficult questions,
Emily
Monday, January 4, 2010
Back in Action- 2010!
Wow! I am back in action after a long blogging hiatus!
Thanks for tuning in again to my wonderfully busy world of seeking God at Princeton. See- I have actually been away from Princeton for awhile- yet I still have so many updates to share, it's hard to know where to begin.
As with most posts, I shall begin chronologically! The week of finals was grueling. Not any more grueling than one might expect a masters degree study to entail...however, since it was my first semester, I'm not sure I had fully solidified my expectations of how intense the exams would be. I studied my little brain to exhaustion (seriously, like the feeling after taking a 4 hour standardized test? Yep. Three days in a row). By the time Friday came, my brain wasn't exactly prepared for the OT exam...so let's just say I did less than excellent on that one! But I shall report (my currently unknown) grades sooner than later- perhaps even next week! :) (I feel as if I am a kid writing home to her parents to check on my grades- as if I have some child-like accountability to my blogging parental audience) :)
So, exhausted from my super-mode thinking, I headed to the airport on Friday- as one of the lucky few who got out before the snow storm hit hard! However, my flights weren't exactly a piece of cake. See, I got to Newark International, and they told me the flight to Chicago was delayed and I wouldn't make my connection. This is the same dismal story they told me time and again, which is why I contacted a friend in Chicago to stay with her, since the next flight they booked me on didn't leave until Saturday morning. Ha! All I wanted to do is be home in SD- more badly than I had anticipated! With all the grace of God, my flight was delayed leaving from Chicago- which meant I was able to make it to Sioux Falls by around 1am Sat. morning to fall into the arms of AJ! In enough time to make my Sat. a.m. haircut, my cousins wedding, and my way to Minneapolis the next night for my flight on Sunday morning to Tampa. Whew, this begins another long story of travel chaos... (btw- the haircut was great, my family is awesome, and my cousin's wedding was beautiful!)
So I reach my friend Emily's place (of great hospitality) late Saturday night, and AJ & I fly out 7am Sunday. So, we didn't plan well in the morning to get to the airport on time- only to realize we had enormous lines to endure...so long that we would never make our flight on time. Again, a long series of God-events, and we ran down the gangway to make the plane to Tampa! Seriously- it was so close- two minutes later (or one less God-event) and we would have been flying ourselves to Caymen to reach the first cruise port! The joy does not end there...after we get on the plane, we realize our seats have been occupied by a family of four...which left us floundering a few minutes before an attendant ushered us to two first class seats! That's right- flying in style, knowing we were the luckiest travelers in that plane! AND although our luggage did not make the first plane, we eventually were able to receive our luggage on the ship before departing- which means everything worked out perfectly- and our travel mishaps suddenly turned to good fortune. First class- door-side luggage transport.... what more could we ask? :)
Okay, at this point I will direct you to a series of pictures I have posted online (facebook) which have captains that will explain our cruise better than I could in a few paragraphs....so check them out! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021889&id=110800880&l=506eadfe7d
After I returned from the cruise, I had a few crazy days of wedding planning, during which my mother and I knocked out several major "to dos" which felt really nice. We are about set for the wedding! Or as set as you can be 5 months out! :) Then we had our annual new year's eve party, which was great- seeing friends and family for a short time before heading back here for school. Also, our family waited to celebrate Xmas until I came back, which was splendid- and although I have been sick this whole time since Xmas day- the trip back home was wonderful!
Now, a short moment about my new class! I am in a Paradigms of Youth Ministry class, which is more accurately- a philosophy of living/eating/ministry and ways to discern the best way. :) like that title? I just made it up now. Yeah, I am considering a career in writing, thanks for asking. :)
I'm actually really glad to be back to a routine here, to see familiar faces, and to be active again in the gym! However, it was quite hard to leave SD behind, especially my adorable fiance AJ with whom I am madly in love. I suppose it's a good thing that it continues to become harder and harder to say goodbye, but that doesn't make the goodbyes pleasurable to say the least! Now, how to make 5 months feel like a short amount of time...
Okay, this is plenty long, I realize, but the typing bug hit me today, and that's when this blog is at its best! I would like to mention that I actually caught up on all the bloggers on my dashboard before typing my own (admirable perhaps?) :) and so if you'd like to send your URL, I'd love to be included in your blog, if you happen to be reading this! :)
To my friends who desire a weekly update, I apologize for the last month- and I will have you know that my new year's resolution involves more routine- which could include more blogs?? we shall see!
Peace to all in this festive year of 2010! Sending my love, but not my germs,
Emily
Thanks for tuning in again to my wonderfully busy world of seeking God at Princeton. See- I have actually been away from Princeton for awhile- yet I still have so many updates to share, it's hard to know where to begin.
As with most posts, I shall begin chronologically! The week of finals was grueling. Not any more grueling than one might expect a masters degree study to entail...however, since it was my first semester, I'm not sure I had fully solidified my expectations of how intense the exams would be. I studied my little brain to exhaustion (seriously, like the feeling after taking a 4 hour standardized test? Yep. Three days in a row). By the time Friday came, my brain wasn't exactly prepared for the OT exam...so let's just say I did less than excellent on that one! But I shall report (my currently unknown) grades sooner than later- perhaps even next week! :) (I feel as if I am a kid writing home to her parents to check on my grades- as if I have some child-like accountability to my blogging parental audience) :)
So, exhausted from my super-mode thinking, I headed to the airport on Friday- as one of the lucky few who got out before the snow storm hit hard! However, my flights weren't exactly a piece of cake. See, I got to Newark International, and they told me the flight to Chicago was delayed and I wouldn't make my connection. This is the same dismal story they told me time and again, which is why I contacted a friend in Chicago to stay with her, since the next flight they booked me on didn't leave until Saturday morning. Ha! All I wanted to do is be home in SD- more badly than I had anticipated! With all the grace of God, my flight was delayed leaving from Chicago- which meant I was able to make it to Sioux Falls by around 1am Sat. morning to fall into the arms of AJ! In enough time to make my Sat. a.m. haircut, my cousins wedding, and my way to Minneapolis the next night for my flight on Sunday morning to Tampa. Whew, this begins another long story of travel chaos... (btw- the haircut was great, my family is awesome, and my cousin's wedding was beautiful!)
So I reach my friend Emily's place (of great hospitality) late Saturday night, and AJ & I fly out 7am Sunday. So, we didn't plan well in the morning to get to the airport on time- only to realize we had enormous lines to endure...so long that we would never make our flight on time. Again, a long series of God-events, and we ran down the gangway to make the plane to Tampa! Seriously- it was so close- two minutes later (or one less God-event) and we would have been flying ourselves to Caymen to reach the first cruise port! The joy does not end there...after we get on the plane, we realize our seats have been occupied by a family of four...which left us floundering a few minutes before an attendant ushered us to two first class seats! That's right- flying in style, knowing we were the luckiest travelers in that plane! AND although our luggage did not make the first plane, we eventually were able to receive our luggage on the ship before departing- which means everything worked out perfectly- and our travel mishaps suddenly turned to good fortune. First class- door-side luggage transport.... what more could we ask? :)
Okay, at this point I will direct you to a series of pictures I have posted online (facebook) which have captains that will explain our cruise better than I could in a few paragraphs....so check them out! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021889&id=110800880&l=506eadfe7d
After I returned from the cruise, I had a few crazy days of wedding planning, during which my mother and I knocked out several major "to dos" which felt really nice. We are about set for the wedding! Or as set as you can be 5 months out! :) Then we had our annual new year's eve party, which was great- seeing friends and family for a short time before heading back here for school. Also, our family waited to celebrate Xmas until I came back, which was splendid- and although I have been sick this whole time since Xmas day- the trip back home was wonderful!
Now, a short moment about my new class! I am in a Paradigms of Youth Ministry class, which is more accurately- a philosophy of living/eating/ministry and ways to discern the best way. :) like that title? I just made it up now. Yeah, I am considering a career in writing, thanks for asking. :)
I'm actually really glad to be back to a routine here, to see familiar faces, and to be active again in the gym! However, it was quite hard to leave SD behind, especially my adorable fiance AJ with whom I am madly in love. I suppose it's a good thing that it continues to become harder and harder to say goodbye, but that doesn't make the goodbyes pleasurable to say the least! Now, how to make 5 months feel like a short amount of time...
Okay, this is plenty long, I realize, but the typing bug hit me today, and that's when this blog is at its best! I would like to mention that I actually caught up on all the bloggers on my dashboard before typing my own (admirable perhaps?) :) and so if you'd like to send your URL, I'd love to be included in your blog, if you happen to be reading this! :)
To my friends who desire a weekly update, I apologize for the last month- and I will have you know that my new year's resolution involves more routine- which could include more blogs?? we shall see!
Peace to all in this festive year of 2010! Sending my love, but not my germs,
Emily
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