Saturday, August 31, 2013

Since I Moved...

Brunch at Dot's Back Inn (Bellevue area. Just a nice bike ride!)

Coffee in Carytown

The most fruitful garden! It has bountiful tomatoes and basil, cucumbers, okra, watermelon and cantaloupe

Firepit nights with beautiful music, drinks, and friends.

Apple Muffins (Fresh apples from the Farmers Market)

Fresh flowers

South of the James Farmers Market

Saturday night tradition- homemade pizza and wine.

It almost feels ridiculous how much I love being here.  I can't wait to explore more, especially now that my camera's battery is full again.  My on-line class meets in person next week along with new student orientation.  Fall classes start September 9. It's all still so exciting. 

Monday, August 19, 2013

While I Was Sleeping...

So many lovely people were taking pictures of their (kids') first day of school!
While I just began my first Seminary on-line class, I certainly didn't have to wake up at 6:15am to do it.
All of my thoughts and prayers go out to you, educators and students!  As I've looked through Facebook, there are people going into middle school as I remember when they were born.  Best friends posting pictures of their brand new classroom and jitters about meeting their students!  New students moving into their residence halls as freshmen in college. Hopes for a really great year.

As for me, I will return to this assignment of 24 cases and about 500 questions.



Sunday, August 18, 2013

We've Only Just Begun..

"Hey Judith! You should write a blog!"  I don't have many bouts of motivation to do much of anything really.  I have about a five minute period of motivation and then I need a nap. My life is hard.

But I'm starting a new journey.  A new journey in a new city, a new community, a new house for me and Stella, a new faith.  I couldn't be more excited!

Stella and I moved last Friday to RVA.  Such an exciting time (Stella was unimpressed).  We got to RVA in time for two good friends to have opened the house (and windows) for me.  Mom and Dad were about an hour behind me with my bed and washing machine.  As Mom and Dad arrived, so did a lot others from the Ginter Park.  People I had never met before were helping me move in! I was already in love.
Families brought goodies (paper supplies, cookies, and of course beer).  We unloaded everything, got everything hooked up and I was able to get settled in for the night.  This old historic Richmond home was going to be perfect for me and kitty fella.  I could feel it! (spoiler- I was right).  So far, I've been a part of meals with friends I'm most thankful for, afternoons spent in Walmart with no power, girls nights with wine and puppies, fire pits with s'mores and new music (SN: everyone listen to The Lone Bellow), afternoon runs around the neighborhood, river days with new church members, and evenings spent with roommates in the garden with overflowing tomatoes.  For all these, I am incredibly grateful. This community is exactly what I needed at this point in my life. Perfect moments.



Tomorrow, I start an on-line class called "Exploring your Ministerial Identity".  It's a pretty general Seminary 101 class.  You learn personality types and what Seminary is really going to be like.  It's online, which can be dangerous/forgetful.  We've introduced ourselves, where we're from, why BTSR, and what we're thinking we'll do when we graduate.  I am the youngest of the people in my class.  And it makes me wonder, "Am I ready for this? Do I have enough life experience? Am I mature enough? Have I simply lived enough to be here?"  The other students in my class have a spouse and kids, they're coming away from a career, or learning what their call really was.  How intimidating! All I have is my cat.  I'm still trying to figure out if this is a good thing or bad thing- being here so young.  Maybe I should feel lucky that I heard my call early? I'm grateful to be a part of a school that is going to challenge me theologically, spiritually, and emotionally.  I'm grateful to be a part of this community that will affirm my call (hopefully) and will help me answer my questions about my preparation for this new life. 
Join me :)