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

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