I really need to get on the ball and visit some seminaries . . . Or at least plan out when I am going to be "sick" from work and go visit. I feel bad lying about that but I really am left no choice as we only have 2 personal days and are really limited on how we can use them, and have to be approved for them...
Surprisingly enough, vocations conference turned me back on to the idea of either Southern or Gettysburg. I was surprised. So now, I think I might try to narrow it down to three and just apply to those. I really need to go visit to make sure which three, I know. It is hard because I don't want $ to influence my decision, but I would like much more to go somewhere which may offer me a scholarship. I am pretty serious about really wanting a full scholarship - that would be amazing - so I am going to be really committed to working toward that and finding other monies.
In my excitement about Cosby, I thought that I would actually start doing some school stuff. But with backpacking and trying to tie up loose ends before the summer is over, it doesn't look like it's happening.
I am really nerdily excited about everything about seminary - learning, field experiences, etc.
I pray that my parents will come to a better understanding of the "why" of my call . . . I know the logistics and all the steps are hard for them to understand. . .
My dad and I just got back from hiking Cold Mountain in Amherst County, VA. (Some maps refer to it as Cole Mtn) It was amazing. It was the best hike I have ever taken in VA definitely, and as far as my memory goes back, my favorite hike ever - and that includes a great # of hikes in the rocky mtns. The campsite we stayed in was, as the directions correctly stated "one of the most beautiful campsites in the Blue Ridge." AMAZING! The saddle and summit of Cold Mountain had 360 views, which from the surrounding topography and gorgeous views, made you feel like you were in the highlands of Switzerland. We also did Mount Pleasant first actually, in a figure-8 double loop with a one-night backpacking stay, which all in all turned out to be at least 13.something miles when all told. But worth it. I will have to post some pics here when I get them from my dad. It was freezing at night though, and I am pretty beat up from the hike.
and that's the way I like it. :)
This is one of my favorite songs for worship, father I adore you
And it all becomes more real . . .
It is exciting, moving toward what I finally feel is my true vocation, to be taking those steps.
I am really excited and just feel blessed by the gifts for ministry I am given and blessed for the challenges, though I know some will seem daunting, that I will be presented with in the coming years.
I am also blessed with the ministry of teaching I am able to do in the next year. Today I saw Cosby (the brand new high school I'll be teaching at) for the first time. And my beautiful, beautiful classroom. I mean, a classroom is a classroom, I know, but when you are used to teaching @ two schools and in a miserably deteriorated trailer, it's so exciting. It's nice to be on a staff which as to now has this atmosphere of joy to be at this new school. I realized today how much I will be also happy to see my students! Especially my favorites :) and I know teachers aren't supposed to have favorites, but whatever, we all do . . . Though, I do love all my students for their complexity.
This month so far has been like one deep breath, preparing and looking ahead. Everything has materialized (literally, in the case of Cosby), and is becoming more real. Vocations conference was amazing, and I met and reconnected with some amazing people. It had slipped to the back of my mind how God can put people in your lives in such a grace-powered way. I can't write all about vocations here now, I am tired. But I do need to make a longer post about it at some point. The committee all seemed very nice, and I felt very happy to speak with them. I need to get on sending my check and getting in touch with my contact for my interview and psychologicals. One particular experience at vocations reminded me so much of God's love and that I am not alone in my call, in my feelings, in my perspective.
I realized that like, with everything, this year of teaching will not be dull, even though I know my curricula and most of my students already. Not that I ever thought it would be dull, maybe just lackluster and so much more routine than that over-talked-about "first year" of teaching. I guess that's how people get hooked. . .
I won't.
Not that I don't love teaching.
I am called to ministry in the church...
it's a me and God thing.
So I guess I do need to tell my co-workers pretty soon. . . sigh. . . that will be a hard day. And yet it will make it all the more real, which will be yet another forward step. (Step by step you'll lead me, and I will follow you all of my days)
My life flows on in endless song,And that's the way I like it
above earth's lamentation.
I hear the clear, though faroff hymn
that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
that's the way I like it
