I've been trying to think...

This past week has brought with it a number of blessings, and a few struggles....

First of all, I've been trying to think through the haze of (what I sense is) allergies. Although the blessings of sunshine and bike rides seem glorious, I think I've developed allergies to pollen here, and it's been keeping my mind in a haze (either from the meds I take, or the lack of meds- same symptoms- foggy thinking)...

Which is why I've been trying to stay focused, yet I feel as if days melt away in the blur of a swirling head. Don't worry, it isn't like this all the time, but most of the time the past week, it has been. I've had moments of clarity and beauty too, I've enjoyed time outdoors, I've been working on papers (one rather successfully)...but I don't feel %100. All this to say, I should concentrate on things you might rather read.... :)

I finished an exegetical paper this week on 1 Corinthians 11: 17-34 (it's Paul's address to the church at Corinth concerning unity in practicing the Lord's Supper). Really interesting, since this is the 1st written account of the Lord's Supper, and one which most churches use as words of institution before communion, yet Paul was primarily addressing the divisions within the church, particularly economic situations of separation based on class...I enjoy the task of exegetical work quite a bit, and I especially enjoy allowing my work to remain as a "working paper." HA! Basically that means you write all your accumulated questions and research, but you don't have to synthesize into a cohesive argument! Oh yeah!

Speaking of cohesive argument, I actually have to do that for a paper I'm starting on this weekend...it is the 2nd of three for my Radical Reformation class, and I have generally zero direction...so my plan is to choose something and run with it, since I've heard from several people that this professor isn't likely to give an A anyway unless he thinks it's "publish-worthy." Ha well then, I'm not exactly anticipating a publishing contract here...

I have truly been enjoying my prayer group with three other married ladies (who are also 1st year students). We have a great time speaking about our lives and concerns and joys- and bringing them together before God. The consistency of this group is a treasure, and I've just now begun to realize how intentional people must be to create groups like this, yet how naturally they come together when everyone desires that connection. And prayer is only as powerful as one believes in its meaning.

Surprisingly, I have actually been able to take my mind off wedding for awhile this past week- well, okay, so not exactly "off"- but at least "on hold" while I wrote my paper. :) I am getting thoroughly excited, because my wedding falls exactly 2 months after Easter- and the time from Easter to summer always flies by! We have our wedding rings in wax molds waiting for us to try on in SD, we have finalized a number of details, our energetic mothers are sending out invites soon, and we are not feeling over-burdened with work for the wedding- such a blessing!

So, good story from last night. AJ and I decided to go on a double date with my friends Karen and Brian. We went to the best sushi place in Princeton (and supposedly the chef worked under a famous NY sushi guy before moving to Princeton)...and it was really fun, although I must admit that sushi is not my thing! Too many 4-H Special Foods rules about cooking meat are running through my head as I'm eating! Funny thing- AJ also took Special Foods in 4-H, but he seems fine eating raw fish. Strange. Anyway, all the dishes and food looks miniature which is really fun, and I sort of felt like a giant eating at a hobbits table! :)

Okay, that's about all for now- I am off to attempt this paper- or at least attempt to choose a topic. That would be wonderful! :) Please, if you pray, pray that my body might adjust to this season, so I can be of a clear mind as I tackle the next several weeks of the semester. Thanks.

Much love and a forever smile,
Emily

PS- I forgot to mention two very important things- 1. the play is coming along well, and we perform in less than two weeks! 2. my dear friend Emily is coming to visit and see the play, and check out campus! How fun, right? Okay, whew, almost forgot!

PPS- Another thing! I've been offered two additional positions for next year (both of which I sadly turned down due to lack of time)- one was to be host for the admissions department, and another was to be my speech professor/play director's TA! How fun would both of those be! Yet I already committed to doing the work of data entry at IYM. Oh, if only I had enough time for it all!

Is it really March 19th?

Okay okay,

So I admit, my generally-timely blogging tendencies have been lacking....but I would assert for slightly good reason! :)

The week leading up to my reading week (aka- spring break) I was frantically pulling together my life: studies, wedding plans, packing, the endless correspondence which goes with being overly social...and then AJ and I made swift driving of the 25 hour trip back to SD. Yes, we drove. Also for good reason, I would suggest. AJ needed to drive to Kansas the week following my reading week, so we thought it would be best to drive to SD together and I would fly back to Princeton (Sunday) in time for my midterm exam (Monday)....

I must say that my reading week was full of wedding plans and feeble attempts at studying for my NT midterm exam (which, btw, did not go well- but on the bright side, I feel as if I know a lot more about the gospels! -just not the specific details they happened to ask on the test!) :) My wedding plans, I realize, will never diminish in number or detail until the day I marry AJ. What I mean to say...is that if I hadn't gone home, the same things would have been accomplished sooner or later before the wedding- but when I have time to fill with wedding plans (as I did this past week), I somehow realize a million more to-dos! :)

We are on the final stretch of basically two months until the wedding, which makes it strikingly difficult to stay focused in school. Did I mention the 70 degree weather doesn't help much either? Yes, finally the good Lord has provided sunshine for our weary academic minds, only to create further distraction from the last 8 weeks of the semester! I keep telling myself- only 8 more week of being a student, then 4 MONTHS off for summer! In reality, I should be able to maintain focus, but add in the psychological effect of already having my first bridal shower (thanks to Debi and the Mina crew!)...I am overly excited about one thing- wedding.

I never imagined myself for "that girl"- you know, the one who becomes so consumed with wedding plans that everything else falls off the face of the earth for awhile, but I must admit that to an extent, this has been me. Entirely unintentionally, I might add. In some ways, the very circumstances of getting married require me to be thinking about little else...and it's wonderful- but as we all know, thinking about others (taking the focus off yourself) is ultimately the most fulfilling sense of peace and meaning, as opposed to always being preoccupied with "my decisions" "my wedding" "my this" "my that." With that said- I know I will be thoroughly happy with my wedding day- but I will be even more thrilled to begin a marriage with AJ Munger- and be able to focus OUR energies toward others.

So, this week I have been busy catching up on all the "school stuff" I conveniently forgot about during reading week, and I've also been sleeping off this little bug that keeps wanting to attack my immune system! The weather has been fabulous, and everyone's spirits are up on campus, which is a nice change from the gloom of the cloudy, sometimes rainy, sometimes snowy past several weeks. I went for a few runs outside, and the feel of fresh air on my winter-whitened legs feels marvelous!

Tonight I am hosting our very first dinner group! I signed up for dinner groups as a way for AJ to meet people (and coincidentally, he is still on his way back from Kansas...poor timing), but it's basically a random group of people from campus who have all signed up. I agreed to host our first dinner, and we will be eating Mexican in our stylish gray Alexander hall basement! (emphasis on the "stylish" sarcasm). So hopefully everyone enjoys themselves...I'm looking forward to meeting a few new people!

And this weekend I start in on my 2nd (and last) NT paper, due Tuesday. It's an exegetical paper, which means spending endless hours pouring over a passage in 1 Corinthians to understand the literary structure and nuances...and maybe write a good paper? :) I did get a few papers back recently. My first NT actually came back with an A on it. Weird, I know. :) And my first Radical Reformation paper was a B. Not so weird, considering how difficult I found that paper to be. But I will get a chance at another one of those soon too, lest I think I can relax. :)

Okay, speaking of relaxing- I'd best get going! Ha, JK- I actually need to prepare for the dinner group, but I'm so glad to be able to write an update- as I know many of you might have written me off as a quitter! :) Never, Never, never quit.

Sending my love and as much NJ sunshine as I can pack into this blog post!

Emily

Oh dreary winter...

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

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

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! ;)

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!

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

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!

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