A snapshot into this life

When trying to write a title I search for a cohesive theme to the activities or thoughts I wish to relate to all of you, my faithful or not so faithful readers. This last week it seems the only common thread seems to be me.

This last week was the first week of class at Gordon Conwell. I now have a better picture of what this semester is going to be like and the word "intense" comes to mind. As a theology major I have so much reading (which is good because I like to read.) Let me give you an example. This was the first week of class, and I have already read an entire book. Also, I managed to get behind on reading.

Not a great way to start the semester - behind. But that is where I am. Specifically on my Semlink classes for the summer. I have to take the final in New Testament and I will be finished with that one, but I have the majority of the Old Testament semlink to finish, not to mention taking what I have heard to be a very difficult final for that class. Lucky me that the final is the only grade for the class.... not.

This last week was also my first week of attending the Bennett Center (the gym on the Gordon College campus.) Both of my suite-mates are very health conscious girls, so I enlisted them in making sure I stay healthy this year. Part of this agreement is that I go to the gym three times a week. This last week I mostly walked/jogged. I think total distance was around 6 miles, which isn't a ton, but I need to work myself into this gradually so I don't get hurt.

Finally, of note is that yesterday I was a leader for the Boston Plunge. I cannot remember if I wrote about this or not last year. The Boston Plunge is sponsored by Gordon Conwell and it is meant to be an introduction into ministries happening in the city of Boston. I went last year as an opportunity to go into Boston for the first time in a group. I really enjoyed the trip last year so I volunteered to help with it this year. One ironic side note: out of the 4 volunteer student leaders, 2 were from South Dakota! Way to represent!

It was a great experience to have a few students in my group and talk to them about their seminary experience thus far. It was strange to be on the side of giving advice, rather than seeking it. It was also strange to be the person responsible for getting people around Boston (which included a bus ride!) The time was wonderful, but it definitely wore me out. Last night I had a surprise birthday party to attend as well, so by the time I got back to my room I wanted to collapse, but I couldn't. Sarah's, my suite-mate, mother stayed over last night so I stayed up to meet her. She was very nice, but it made me a little impatient until my own mother comes to visit. Nobody can hold a candle to MY mother! :)

I am now working on my study guide and doing some reading. Keep me in your prayers as I adjust to a new schedule and learn to be diligent in my reading. This semester has the potential to be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.