Claimed, gathered and sent

Summer Greek 2008 ended yesterday. And a sigh of relief was heard from all. We have had some marvelous cheerleaders throughout the process--previous years' students, profs. We've had ice cream socials, picnics and prayer. The 2 weeks was concluded with a celebratory Greek dinner last night, followed by a round of plate smashing. The stress levels were high in the intense 2 weeks of whirlwind, head spinning study of Greek. We stood on the patio of the refectory (dining room) for the plate smashing. Plates were smashed in honor of our class, spouses, the profs etc. Our class has been divided into 2 groups based on grades and where we would fit best. There is the rabbit group and the turtle group. I am happily a turtle. The pace will be such that what didn't stick in our brains during the fast pace of Summer Greek will have a chance to stick. We were reminded of the old proverb, "Slow and steady wins the race." I couldn't help but think of this video as an expre

We are now halfway through Summer Greek. My head has finally stopped spinning around long enough for me to write. Most of us in Greek class this morning had a case of scrambled brains. Our first exam was this past Fri. We studied hard for that and most everyone did well, including me. But by Fri. night, I didn't want to go near Greek...Sat. I made myself do a little...Sun. a little more...and finished the assignment this morning. It seemed like I had poured everything I knew about Greek out of my head and onto that exam with nothing left. Many could not remember the simplest things we knew cold last week. But then we were reminded of the grace and love of God that continues to work and see us through--even through intensive, two sessions a day, quiz each morning Summer Greek. God's grace is sufficient . It is that which bears us up and carries us. Students that were in our shoes a year or more ago keep reminding us of this. Flickr picture

Since our arrival on campus, Abby, my husband's Seeing Eye Dog, has been making friends. I have been walking with Ray around campus so he and Abby can learn the way. The plan was for Ray to meet me after class, to attend chapel and lunch. We did not know ahead of time that the class time would run much later than anticipated and that it would be followed by chapel. I called Ray and told him and he and Abby set out, unassisted, to make their way to chapel to join me. Ray said that Abby got so excited when she realized that they were going for a walk that she started to bounce, almost skipping along the way to chapel. She was in her glory as a Seeing Eye Dog, helping Ray get around campus. At the evening picnic, she was "off duty" and could be petted by any and all. She loved it. She even made friends with another student's pug, Bella. The difference in size didn't bother either one of them as they sniffed, licked, tails wagging the whole time. Perhaps we ha ve some

Yesterday we began the cruise of Summer Greek, our prof's analogy for this intensive two week course. We even have an activities director! Not only will we work together, but we will also pray and play together. We worshiped in chapel, had a picnic last night (which Abby particularly enjoyed), worship Sunday, miniature golf next Saturday, etc. Despite our fear and trepidation of a quiz on the first day of class, we all survived and even had some fun. The first session was introductory, the quiz, and work. After the break, we met in a large room in a circle to introduce ourselves in 4 minutes to our classmates and others. We each had to give our name, tell where we were from, what church/denomination, how God got us, and why we were at Gettysburg. Everyone's story was different, yet there were recurring themes that resonated with each of us: a sense of God's leading, circumstances, "It just felt right." We are of various ages, from varied locations and backgrounds

Though the space was smaller, it was just about this bad in our apartment until Saturday night. We found ourselves moving boxes from one place to another, then back to their original location just to make a path. Much of the chaos dissipated with the unpacking of my books. The difference is so dramatic that it reminds me of this song. Just substitute "boxes" for "rain." Chaos is becoming order, which is a good thing since Summer Greek starts Friday. Flickr picture.

We are grateful to family, friends, and Garmin for a successful move from RI to G ettysburg. The packing and preparing for the trip were a nightmare. If it wasn't for our family, we wouldn't have gotten on the road on time. We didn't have everything done when the movers arrived!!!!! Talk about stress. There is nothing like the love of good friends to help you along the way. We were totally spent last Friday night and were privileged to spend it with some special friends. They made us sit down and relax and wonderfully took care of us. That was the first night I slept well in a very long time. After a few errands, we were on the road Saturday, Aug. 2, which was our 5th wedding anniversary. Due to Garmin, the gps system, the trip was relaxing. She told us where, when, and onto which roads to turn. I could concentrate more on driving than looking for the next turn. It was a relaxing drive to our halfway point. After checking in to the hotel, we went out for a nice dinner. Sund

Psalm 121:7-8 (Today's New International Version) 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Tomorrow the moving van arrives between 8 and 9 in the morning. I will say good-bye to the apartment that has been my home for the last 5 years. We will spend the night with friends so we can be rested for the drive to Gettysburg. Consequently, I will be away from the computer for the next few days as we travel and get settled. There is still a lot of packing to be done, but once we're on the road, I will relax. Our faithful God has brought us this far. Even 6 years ago, I could not have imagined this as the next scenario in my faith journey. Now, within a couple of short weeks my seminary career will begin with Summer Greek . I am in awe of God's grace and care for us. As Martin Luther wrote in his Small Catechism : I believe that I cannot by my own understanding