New Beginnings

“No, this is not the beginning of a new chapter in my life; this is the beginning of a new book! That first book is already closed, ended, and tossed into the seas; this new book is newly opened, has just begun! Look, it is the first page! And it is a beautiful one!” 
― C. JoyBell C.

Dearest Family and Friends,

Well here it is, the blog I promised to keep you all updated with my new beginnings here in Philadelphia. The posting will try to not only keep you updated, but also remind you that I am never far. This is just talking over coffee, only I will be talking more and I cannot share my pot of coffee with you right now. Instead I will share my experiences and I hope to hear yours as well. Well, here goes...

I moved in to my little apartment just over a week ago and I am mostly settled into my space. There have been a lot of changes here, especially the fact that I don't have to wear flip-flops in the shower because I not only have my own bathroom but it comes complete with a bathtub! Pictures will be coming soon when I fill my empty walls, which are currently driving me crazy. I'm enjoying living on my own, but in a wonderful community. My door is always open and my room has already been dubbed the hang out hub of the hall. It helps that my closest neighbors are all guys in their twenties and so there was not much competition. My favorite part of my new digs is the beautiful window with glorious sunshine and great view of the campus. The sun is helping with my fresh cut white daisies that I keep near the window. 

Outside of my room lies the campus with incredible classes and absolutely wonderful professors. My classes are as follows:

Intro to Old Testament
Intro to Hebrew
History of Christianity (with a prof that used to work at VALPO!)
Thinking about God
Intro to Public Theology

After my first week I am already finding the coursework more than challenging. There is more reading than is conceivable, but that is not the problem. The problem is...I want to read ALL of it! There are not enough hours in the day or enough sanity in my mind to read all of what is required and recommended. The classes themselves are truly inspiring and the professors feel as though they have an incredible passion for what they teach. I don't have a favorite class yet, but I have a feeling it will be my Old Testament class. Most of the classes have a plenary (which is the main lecture) and then small discussion groups to really dig into the material. 

Beyond the classes I have also been exploring the social life here at seminary and it began with a wonderful two for one night at the Monday night haunt called Mcmeniman's. It has progressed to a drive to the Apple store for a friend with two dead computers where I saw some of the most beautiful bridges and wonderful restaurant with delicious flat bread pizza. My entering class is very small, but we are already finding our place on this campus. 

Well, I have procrastinated my homework enough so here is my first entry in my weekly posting. I hope you will join me for coffee next week. 

Talk to you soon.