I went looking for a bag today. There generally is not anything special about a bag... However, this bag is special. It holds many letters and notes from friends in Edmonton! These letters remind me how loved I am and when I go back to visit, how many friends are going to want to see me.
So I have now been in Calgary for 2 months. It does not feel like it has been 2 months. It feels like forever!
Where to begin... So much has happened and yet, there is still so much that is going to happen!
In the last month, I have:
A) Found a home church
B) Got a job at another Oxford
C) Applied for a 'real world' job
D) Visited Elbow Falls with friends
E) Made some AMAZING new friends!
F) Met friends who will be lifelong 'family'
G) Joined the Seminary Student Council (SSC) as the PR co-ordinator
H) Made it on to another committee
I) Attending Classes
J) Had/Having my mind blown with new information in my classes
K) Having information presented in a new way where my mind becomes blown
L) Found a new small group to join
M) Celebrated my 24th birthday with friends after one of my weekend modulars
(This was a birthday to remember!!! All I have to say is... Pictionary Man!!! LOL!!!)
This list is not exhastive, but it has been a full and exciting 2 months. God has been teaching me a lot. My classes have all changed how I view the church and what goes on in it. I find I am becoming more aware of lots of different things. I am also becoming more aware (and scared) of what I am called to do. I have realized that in Children's Ministry a lot of curriculum is watered down for the Children. I also feel like we do not give the kids enough credit. We keep telling them that they are only kids and that they don't know anything... but we are wrong. I find that sometimes, the kids can hear God better than we can because they are not constricted by social structures and views that hinder them. I find that we tell them they dont understand or know things because they are children. If you know me, this is something that I am really passionate about. I could talk for a while on this, but if you want to talk more, let's go for coffee.
One thing that scares me is that I am called to teach the Children. I keep asking and wondering how I take what I am learning and teach it to the Children. It is something that I have asked my profs, and they keep telling me to keep asking that question.
It's challenging, but what can I say, I LOVE IT!
I love Seminary! I feel like I belong in Seminary. I have made so many new friends and not just people who are just there, but friends who will be friends for life. These people have been my support and kept me sane. They are willing to go the extra mile to make me laugh and the stuff we have done... Memories have been made! :)
So, on another note... If you know much about my health in the last few years, you know that I have had a terrible time. I have had tonsilitus for the last 4 years (multiple times a year) and I am often sick. In May, I started feeling sick everytime I had dairy... So I got checked out and found that I now have a lactose intolerancy. Fine, I can deal with that. I also found out this summer that with my thyroid disease, I should not be eating a bunch of things. This list is rather long... it includes Gluten (any form of wheat products), soy products, certain vegetables, etc... SO I went from having no food allergies at all to an interesting list of DO NOT EAT foods. By God's grace, I am survivng. There is still lots I can eat, but it forces me to eat healthy so it's a good thing. I am learning how to eat gluten/soy/dairy free and most places are accomidating, and as long as I remind people when I go out, it's managable. I also have some amazing friends who try to accomidate me when we
share meals together. Have I mentioned that I love my friends? In response to all these new issues, the one thing that has been amazing is... I HAVE NOT BEEN SICK SINCE THE SUMMER!!! No tonsilitus, no colds, no flu... NOTHING!!! This is the time of year where I have been sicker than a dog. Amazing eh? Somehow, my body has been trying to tell me this for the last few years, but no one thought to check for intolerances or things that might be affecting me when ALL my tests ALWAYS came back clear... Hmmm... Some doctors eh?
God has been doing so much in these last 2 months, that it is hard to count all the blessings! I feel blessed and Loved.
I have more to share, but for now, you have to wait. There is stuff going on that I won't share about yet. If you have had a chance to talk with me, you might already know. However, in due time, you shall find out.
Prayer:
A) That God will show some discernment to those involved
B) That God will continue to bless and strengthen me as I finish this semester
C) That God will continue to teach me and show me what He has in store
D) That as I am learning, God will show up in unexpected ways
E) That I will continue to be blessed with good health.
Praise be to God for all that He has done.
