Settling Inn.

I have been at my new job as the Residence Manager/Housing Coordinator for almost a month now. It's been an interesting job. During the summer months the Residence functions as a hostel/hotel. We take in shorter stays and people booking for group stays for summer courses. I currently have a "full house". Many different kinds of people staying for different reasons. As I said, it's been interesting. And a great learning experience.

Despite some ups and downs, the job itself is pretty easy. I am currently getting ready for the Great Move - when the permanent Residents start moving in for the new school year. This is slightly complicated by the varying start dates of different programs offered at the U of S. I have some students starting next week! And then other students arriving from all over the world at different times. This wouldn't be so bad if I didn't currently have a full dormitory! As it is, the fine act of juggling current guests who are leaving, guests arriving and then leaving, and new Residents moving in has been a good one so far. I have 5 rooms clearing out after this weekend and then 15 more next weekend. And two whole days to get those all cleaned up before masses descend upon the building. Should be an interesting couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, I've been reorganizing some things in my office (trying to get rid of the useless and unnecessary). It's taken a couple of days, but I think I am nearing completion. Still processing paperwork for the new Residents (and probably still will be come Sept. 6th).

As for the life of this Seminarian, I have gleaned the following information:

Orientation starts on the 6th or 7th. We have a LTS only orientation and get together, then an STU-wide get together, a retreat to Shekinah (an altogether lovely spot north-west of Saskatoon in a valley somewhere...), and an opening worship on the 12th. Classes start on the 13th.

I am taking the following courses this fall:

- Introduction Pastoral Care
- Galatians
- Lutheran Confessions
- Homiletics
- The Self
- God's Secretaries: Devotional Literature

Yes, I know. There are 6 courses there. There's a little arrangement with the Homiletics course from last year moving through this year, so I'm not really *taking the class*, but I am *registered* for it. The last two are functioning as electives for me this year, and I am intrigued to see how they are going to impact each other. All in all it looks like a decently intensive amount of classwork. I am a little disappointed that I couldn't take the history class I wanted to, but after seeing the reading list for that class, I have to admit that I am a little relieved. My professors for the semester are an interesting group and I am looking forward to each class.

On top of classes, I am also going to be the Assistant to the Dean of Chapel. It's a job I was hoping for last year as I love all of the worship planning! I am aiming to not take on as much this year as I did last year, and I am rapidly meeting my quota of workload. Still, I am looking forward to classes starting. It's been kind of surreal to think that I am now an ongoing student and at the end of this year I will be off on internship! Ack. There are a few months in between now and then to keep me busy however.

I have also been given the information I need for the Clinical Pastoral Education program I will be doing in the Spring. Hopefully I will be doing the one in Halifax, but I will also be applying to the one in Winnipeg.

No good news on the car front. I have exhausted all of my options, and it has been decided that I will need to be supported by a most gracious and giving person who will either co-sign or outright purchase a car for me that I can then pay back over time. Gifts and donations will graciously be accepted as well. Ideally, I was looking at a new car, but there is a used car that I would gladly take. But, I don't think I've ever known a person willing to give a $12,000 gift. Here's hoping that something will come along. Otherwise I may have to rethink the CPE thing in Halifax. :(

Peace and blessings to you all!