I'm halfway through my first semester in seminary and enjoying Fall Break. I think I needed it. Last week, mid-term week, I had a test or a paper due in each of my classes. The upperclass-persons (who had been through their own tough midterm week their first year) encouraged us and prayed for us. And . . . we made it to Fall Break!
I love the librarian, Lela Parish. She offers mini-classes at lunch time each week to introduce us to the library: library, online databases, academic honesty, MLA notation, etc. Surprisingly it's the older (40s and 50s) students who come to these--and only a few of us fit that category. I like attending these because I feel at home with the library/librarian, I get to know some of my classmates better, and I can use all the help I can get!
I have my own "study carrel" in the library --- top floor, at a desk that looks straight out the window and into a courtyard with trees. (Betsy, you contributed something important to my cubbyhole!) I have pictures of my family, a lamp, a sweater, a blanket [yes, it gets cold in there, even without Julie manning the thermostat ;=) , and a crate to prop my feet on for the long stretches of reading! I just have turned it into my own little space. Imagine me making myself at home in the library!
I suspect Sharon Taylor shared with you all that the closing on our house *did* go through as planned. We are ever so blessed to have sold the house in this particular economy and housing market. Many thanks to Sharon and Charles for all of their help---and to those of you who kept us in your prayers.
Mary and Sarah are doing well at Earlham and Agnes Scott, respectively. Each of them seems to be in just the right place. Mary has found a group of people as politically-minded as she and is keeping informed and volunteering for the upcoming election. Sarah is trying to make decisions about next year--graduate school? Her mentors at Agnes Scott are highly encouraging her to be a part of the Presbyterian Church Young Adult Volunteer program and volunteer either in the US or overseas for a year in an established Presbyterian mission program. I think that she's leaning towards that. I just hope she applies for a "safe" place.
Kevin is growing in his skills as a hospital chaplain (South Austin Hospital) and is still working part-time for Hospice Austin. He likes living on seminary campus and has a writing project for which he'll need to use the campus library. He also is beginning the necessary steps for chaplain certification. So, everyone in my family is testing, writing, and studying.
This is definitely where I'm supposed to be at this time, but I still miss y'all-- your smiling faces, your words of encouragement, your senses of humor, your sage advice.
I hope to attend Old Town's 20th anniversary, so perhaps I'll see you soon. If you're ever near W. 30th Street, come see me! I'll show you around the campus and the other sights to see/experience down here.
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