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

Princeton or Bust

Hello from the Prairie for a final time.

Granted I have not written much this summer, but perhaps that is an unconsciously deliberate way to live into the the quiet of this summer. I cannot say all parts of this summer have been quiet, but living out here has a way of making calm a common enjoyment.

In July we enjoyed helping host the wedding for AJ's brother and new wife Hillary at the lodge. Since Nate is AJ's only sibling, it was a pretty big summer for the Munger family (and for me, who had the chance to meet plenty of Mungers at both weddings).

Now in August we have been making some short trips, celebrating my birthday with lovely friends, hanging out with family, and occasionally mowing lawn, tending our garden, canning tomatoes, and attempting to organize our lives. Such organization includes changing my name and account information throughout the various business-y parts of life (and as a student, it entails a few more to-do items as well). Although I cannot say I enjoy the name change process, I am actually quite satisfied with my new name. Emily Munger. I especially like that the 'm' from my first name coordinates with the "M" in Munger. Or am I just being positive?

We are off to Princeton in a week's time (leaving Sunday morning, arriving Tuesday afternoon to move into our apartment). While this week is somewhat stressful- packing up our lives once again (now with the additional wedding gifts!), it is also thoroughly exciting, because I know the fabulous people that await my return to Princeton. And my class schedule will be cool this year. I have 2 classes that meet for 3 hour periods one day a week, and 1 class that meets 3 days a week. As a commuter this year, I think I will appreciate the condensed schedule. I will also intern at the hospital on Wednesdays, and continue work for the Institute for Youth Ministry. I might also pick up an occasional babysitting job. Who knows?

So, I bid you, my reader friends, a farewell for now- and a goodbye from this place of solitude...otherwise known as Ree Heights, SD. :)

Much love,

Emily

Wedding Hypnosis...

After being married for nearly a month now, and with my husband gone to a conference, it only makes sense that I snap out of my wedding hypnosis and begin my real life again....this time as a married woman.

I cherish so much about the past month, including the time spent preparing for the wedding. Overall I felt like an angel, floating from one compliment to another well wish... and to snap out of it is not as easy as one might think. The winds of a SD prairie, however, might just do the trick. :)

I am currently living with AJ in a quaint, three bed-room house on the prairie. My father likened it to The Little House on the Prairie (Laura Ingalls Wilder style) and despite the fact that I have a few more modern appliances, plumbing, etc...he's nearly right. Since AJ has been away to a conference, I have not spoken to another person face to face in days (unless you count the guy driving past as I was walking. He asked if I needed help.) Ha, I guess most people don't enjoy a dusty walk in the middle of nowhere. But even among the natural elements, I sense a calm about me. I am able to drink in this solitude now, knowing fully well the noise that awaits me in Princeton.

Speaking of Princeton, I am eager to return and see all the lovely faces that I had yet to meet one year ago. Although with a 2nd year comes added responsibilities, it also involves a social scene where you actually KNOW people! I cannot wait to see them again!

I have been reading Kathleen Norris the past few days, and she really has a gift for putting religious words into everyday language. I am relishing reading a book which doesn't exactly require taking notes! Two more precious months of such learning for the sake of the soul. :)

Well, I send my smiles once again. This is perhaps one of the last times I correspond as Emily FISCHER. I received my marriage record in the mail today, which means I can now submit a name change to the Social Security office- and then I will officially be Emily MUNGER. I'm actually getting used to the idea, even if I wasn't the bride most eager to make the change. :)

I'm not sure how little/much my blog is being read, but I assume for the sake of continuity that I have an eager audience for each post. Thus, I say farewell my eager audience, and I hope the Lord shines heavenly blessings upon you FOR BETTER OR WORSE. :)

Much love,

Em

June 2010- a month to remember

Hello All!

In case you haven't noticed, I have been taking an hiatus from writing on the blog because of two reasons.

1. I'm in SD, not Princeton (ha, as if my location ever prevents me from sharing my thoughts)

AND MORE IMPORTANTLY...

2. I JUST GOT MARRIED! And I am trying to allow the bliss of being a newly-wed to thoroughly sink in. Thus, I have no guarantees regarding how much I will update this during the summer (we don't have internet at the house)...but I promise to resume all animated writing (about what God is up to in my life at Princeton) upon my return to the East Coast in September....with my husband AJ. :):)

I love you all, if you happen to be reading, and I am anxious to share more later....

Em

The countdown begins...

I happen to be quite excited as I write this post.

First of all, the countdown of class days begins, (I believe we are at 6 right now) before the end of the year- at last! The class I'm taking has been really fun. The workload is not overbearing at all, plus I get to read about sports history and leisure within the context of the church and missions. I have one group project to work on, but since we have several members of the group, it won't be too difficult. The only other work left is a little reading and a take-home essay exam....the best part? I'm taking it pass/fail, as I previously mentioned! Talk about perfect pre-wedding class! :):)

Speaking of, yesterday my RSVP count for the wedding officially topped 300 people, which is both thoroughly exciting and a little nerve wracking (what with 100s of RSVPs yet to be returned) :):) However, the entire "send out almost 400 invites" idea was completely on faith, and I continue to cling to that faith. Everything will work out just fine! :)

I am getting really excited for the wedding, and as I mentioned to one of my bridesmaids yesterday, I feel as if I should be freaking out- or at least a little stressed...but I'm not! Only super-thrilled to be marrying Mr. AJ Munger in less than a month! I'm also excited for the three months of summer bliss before I have to return to school! :)

I am officially choosing which furniture I'd like to have for next year, from the apartment of the couple moving to China.....what a blessing- shopping for on-loan furniture all with the point of a finger! "I will take this- and that- oh, and that and that too!" Love it!

I spend a few hours last weekend scraping old paint off Star's house. In case you don't recall, Star is the women with whom AJ is living at the moment, and he really wanted me to help him- which I did, although I burnt out after a few hours. Turns out scraping paint isn't really fun! Now AJ has done wonders with her backyard, and he's planning on painting sometime soon too! I'm really proud of him and all the work he is doing from his sincere desire to help Star. What a guy!

In two weeks' time we shall be leaving for SD...and I am thoroughly excited to be back for awhile. I'm less excited about the 24 hr. drive, however, since AJ and I are both driving our cars, and we will be caravaning instead of cruising together. Oh well, it must be done (plus we both have quite a bit of stuff!) :)

Sorry I don't have any pictures for you all. I get really lazy when it comes to that. In fact, I sort of wish I would be more thoughtful and take pictures of AJ and I....but alas, our slideshow might be bare, since he never thinks to capture those kodak moments, and I only rarely.

Well now, it is Friday, I am done with class, and I think I might just go for a walk! That sounds lovely on this sunny, 72 degree weather day! I hope you are all feeling the warm embrace of God as May cruises by!

Em

PS- I neglected to mention that a dear high school classmate of mine (in a class of 18 people) committed suicide this week, and although I could not be present at his funeral, I have been thinking about him all week. I want to express how much I treasured knowing him. He was my neighbor, my best guy friend in HS, and although I lost touch with him the past several years, I hold him close to my heart and wish I could have known him better. Here's to the sadness and grief of tormented souls who simply cannot see the light. May God draw you close in your greatest moment of need. Rest in peace, Richard.

My Endless "to-dos"

Hello from a busy woman trying to keep it all together!

Do you know that feeling when it seems as if life should be fairly relaxed, considering you have a few days off, but what you find is a mental list of all the little details you've been avoiding in the busyness of everyday life? Yep. That's where I am right now.

Tomorrow we begin our final 3-week intensive coursework; I call it May Term. This year I am taking a course on Church, Sports, and Leisure in Modern Europe. The professor recommends we take it pass/fail (which I've never done) so that might be interesting- how motivated does getting a "P" make me? This class meets everyday 9-12noon, and the reading should be fairly interesting, so I'm looking forward to it!

I also have a variety of wedding details to work out during the next three weeks. Generally speaking, nothing overbearing, but a decent amount of items of which my organizational preferences demand. I have been receiving several RSVPs back, which make me happy- but we are still looking for about 2/3 of them, and the "due-date" is in a matter of days...so I guess I have to expect a lack of response?

The end of my "long-term" semester was last week, and my New Testament final exam actually went really well. I am so grateful for my lady friends who are in my prayer group with me. They are dedicated students who encouraged me to collaborate on a study guide with them (Which I did, and it actually helped). I've never been big on creating new study guides (um, that's why I take notes in the first place)...but I have to say, I went into the exam with more confidence than I might have otherwise.

So, in this transitional moment, I am awaiting a new class, awaiting my past grades, and looking forward to the classes I just registered for next year. Are you ready? A pretty stellar line-up, if you ask me...

Feminist/Womanist Theology
The Apostle Paul, Karl Barth, and the book of Romans (with all my friends!!!)
Medical Ethics (to correspond with my hospital chaplaincy)
Field Education (Chaplaincy w/ reflection papers)
*short term- Theology of Thomas Aquinas (or if something else sounds more appealing)

So, I am venturing outside the realm of intro classes next year, and I am excited! I wanted to take preaching next semester, but it will have to wait until spring, since my schedule did not allow for it.

Whew, I'm sure there is much more to tell, but I also have written enough. Wait- of course! The Institute for Youth Ministry's big MOMENT is here on campus! 240 people are participating in the youth forum: HOPE, and I have been busy, considering this is our biggest three days of the year (that's the mystery place I work- coming out to breathe in the realm of practicality)! *I picked up The Reverend Dr. Peter Gomes from his hotel today, and he is a "pretty big deal" I guess. He was lovely to chat with, as he has been the dean of the Chapel at Harvard University/Divinity School for 40 years! A wealth of knowledge (and humor). :)

I guess I shouldn't really have expected too much of a break in between finals and May term...that said, I was able to take a trip to Charlottesville, VA with AJ to visit some of his college friends; as fun as that was, it wasn't terribly restful either. Oh well, here's to a summer of wrapping up wedding details and then relaxing a bit!

I hope this post finds you well- and eagerly awaiting the goodness that everyday holds in store. This world might be a little more peaceful if we all sought God's goodness which surely abounds.

Sending my smiles and prayers,
Emily

Easter Blessings...

Hello Wonderful Children of God~

I wrote this post in two segments, so if the timeline seems funny, that's why! I shall begin with a few pictures my dear friend Emily has taken while she visits!

Emily & Emily- the dynamic duo!

My character "Illo" addressing the High Court of Justice (quite emphatically)

My nobility groupies addressing the crazy judge Azdak!

We are skeptical of the lowly peasants' plea for justice

I try to calm my client as she wails about in disgust!

I somehow neglected to write about Easter. Hmm- so many things to be thankful for, and I haven't written a single one on this blog!

I believe that's what I will dedicate today's post toward- the many blessings of this Easter season...

*NOTE: I am posting this a few days after writing this section: :)

I am blessed by the play performances which are going on right now (in fact, I have about 15 minutes until I need to report for tonight's show!)...the cast has congealed nicely, and we are putting together (what my audience friends told me last night is) a great performance! I'm not sure I ever mentioned the setting- early 20th Century Russia- conflict between nobility and peasants- and the theme of justice... (I am lawyer defending nobility, guess toward which side of justice I bend)... :)

I am blessed by my church family here (Reformed Church, Highland Park)- a place where my gift for working with children is celebrated, and a place where AJ's gift for business plans is being utilized. I presented the children and worship message for Easter Sunday, and since we had a spattering of about 30 children with varying ages, I was glad for my plans of unison "acting out" the resurrection story from Matthew. Check it out, so many action verbs to keep the kids involved! :) They (and their parents) loved it!

I am blessed by my wedding plans- going so smoothly, I feel like it truly is a celebration rather than a burden! I have 56 RSVPs back thus far, and so far 47 are people who are coming! Makes me super excited and only a little nervous that the numbers might skyrocket above expectations! :):)

I am blessed by my work- today I completed a cycle of forum registrations almost entirely on my own! I enjoy working with Caroline (my predecessor) but I will be glad to have independence in my work as well- and today I proved to myself that I'm learning quickly! Our biggest youth ministry forum of the year is coming up quickly (Apr. 26-28), for which I am thoroughly excited!

I am blessed by my manageable work-load, as this long-term spring semester is coming to an end! I have 3 days of classes, 2 papers, and one final exam before I move on to the 3-week May term....and then the weeks will really fly before my wedding! Sometimes I get so excited for my wedding that I start to tear up. That's when you know I'm REALLY feeling some emotion! :):)

I am blessed by a fiance who is my best friend, and by his eagerness to be involved in the church community here. I know he's in a difficult position of re-creating his community and network of friends, but he has been so easy-going about everything, and for that I will continually give thanks!

I am blessed by the B+ I got on my 2nd Radical Reform paper today! Perhaps an A- on the final paper? Yes? :) But a B+ is just fine. I have been one of the few regular attendees/contributors at his class, and that has to count for something, right?

I am blessed by the presence of a dear friend these past few days- Emily J. has come to check out the seminary and visit me at the same time! She's lovely to have around, and if she ended up here, I would be more than thrilled! (she also took pictures from my play, which I successfully posted!)

And finally, I am blessed by the space, environment, and community to praise God, the One whom we seek here at Princeton....and when sought, God is often found. I celebrate the finding of God in my midst as I type this final post. May you experience the profound joy of finding God along your way this week and into the future!

My biggest smiles and warmest hugs,

Emily