Flying By...

I realize it’s almost been a week since I last posted... but only because I’m looking at the date I last posted and today’s date together. Otherwise, it really does not seem like it has been that long. I believe it is because time is just flying by. Tomorrow starts the fourth week of the term and I’m sure that before I know it we’ll be at the end of the term. I really just don’t know where all this time is going.

In other news, I am definitely back into the swing of classes and such. I spent much of the day yesterday in the library partially because I really needed to get some stuff done but also because I just simply wanted to get some work done and that’s always been a good place for me to be. I’m also honestly starting to think that the more I study, the longer I’m in seminary, the bigger a dork I become. I’m excited (but also willing to laugh at myself for this) because I found a website tonight that allows me to download MP3s of the New Testament being read in Greek. Man! What a geek! I think I’m sick, yet I’m not sure I want a cure either. Anyway, definitely back into the swing.

Here’s something I feel like I need to debrief/journal about. As part of my MIC experience this year, I’m visiting two members of our congregation on a fairly regular basis. I made my first visit to one of these ladies on Friday. Overall, it was a good visit and I am happy that I get to walk with her on her journey for a short while. But one thing about it makes me stop and think about a lot of things taking me back to CPE. This particular person has had a lot of health problems lately and after being in rehab has moved to her daughter’s house until she is strong enough to move back to her own house. She can’t drive and only gets out if someone takes her or occasionally to go out to eat with her daughter and son-in-law. She also doesn’t have very many visitors. Anyway, she was extremely glad to see me. Partially, I think, because she and I used to talk when she was still going to church, but additionally because she really wants to be with people. During our visit, she talked a lot and I listened which is exactly what I had planned. But after an hour, I needed to go. I wanted to stay, but I had other things to do. Additionally, I thought (and this is totally a CPE thing), have I been here long enough, too long or not long enough? I wound up excusing myself at a point when the conversation died down a bit, but she asked if I really had to go. I wanted to say no I think because I do enjoy visiting with her, but also because I felt bad she didn’t have anybody else there at the moment (her daughter and son-in-law work during the day) and I would be leaving her to an empty house. I genuinely felt bad. But I also knew that I had other things I needed to do and other appointments to keep. I also knew that I couldn’t be there with her all day, every day, and I can’t take away how lonely she is. I did tell her that I would like to come back and visit again. She really liked that idea. I have to say I look forward to it, but I also have the feeling that I will feel the same way next time too. I really wish people didn’t have to be so lonely, it makes me sad. But regardless, it was a good visit.

That’s probably enough from me for now... probably more than needed to be written, but oh well. More at a later time I’m sure.

Kate