Yesterday was really full, but really great. I worked from 8-5, during which my friend Laura interviewed for my job and we went to lunch together (I'm keeping her in my prayers for this one! I think she would be great and I am happy to hand off my job to someone I know really deserves it). After work, I raced over to the UST campus so I could finally get my student ID card, which will come into play later on. From there I was able to take a peek up into Ellie's new on-campus apartment (so cute!) and then head over to the St. Paul seminary so I could start my first day with the Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute. What a wonderful time! I was there from 6pm-9:30pm, but already I've met so many wonderful people and I think being involved with the CI will only help me figure out the more practical end of my time in the Catholic Studies masters program. After helping out with the CI, I ran over to the library to find a copy of a book which I ordered online (and paid for!) and never came (but I still have to do the reading by Wednesday nonetheless) and then drive the half hour home to Eden Prairie. It was about 10:30pm by the time I got home. I was tired. I was worn out. I was happy. I am so excited to be doing something once again that is in the interest of my own personal and professional growth. Here's to this academic year to continuing in the way it has started; full of blessings and unimaginable plans for me!

Last Monday at the Office

Even though I have complained from time to time about my job, I am really starting to feel sad to be leaving here. Not for the job itself, but rather for the people and how comfortable I've become here. I'm also really excited to really center my life around my studies and to be going in a direction that is best for me. Going for a masters in Catholic Studies might not be appealing to many people, and perhaps even confusing for those who don't know me well, but I truly think that I have received so many small hints and blessing that I am doing what is right for me, that this can't be wrong. Everything seems to be falling into place so well! Not only did some other job possibilities come through right when I was on the brink of feeling like I need to quit work, but I have just been meeting with so many amazing people that I will have been blessed to know.

Your continued prayers and support are greatly appreciated!

And...breathe out

I've completed the first week of my classes in the Catholic Studies Masters program at the University of St. Thomas, and despite a few snags, all went exceedingly well. It was evident to me in the two classes I attended this week that I am certainly in the right place.

My philosophy prof is so down to earth. She's a mother of four, and you can definitely tell that she views motherhood as her first vocation. She is extremely intelligent, but also very humble, which is a great combination in a professor.

Literature in light of Theological Aesthetics is going to be a great transition from my English Lit background into a more theologically based program. I am happy to have already gotten my feet wet with having read the first book of the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy by Sigrid Undset in my undergrad days (It's such a great trilogy!!! I highly recommend it. Kristin reminds me of Scarlett O'Hara, a character you hate and love, especially since they are so human and remind you of yourself in their choices and struggles). Although it will be a difficult class, I am hoping that I will love it.

Tomorrow I will have my first Catholic Thought and Culture class, so I'll let you know what that and help out with the Catechetical Institute is like once I get there :D

Goodbye and Hello!

It's a good day. Today I received an opportunity to be a nanny for a fabulous family in St. Paul. I am so excited by this prospect, and thrilled that it came just in time as I start classes this week. It is such a relief to know that my crazy crazy schedule will probably only last about two weeks. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity.

I'm also so excited at the prospect of starting my classes this week. I finished the first book that I needed to read and I am well on my way to completing the other reading I need to have done as I start this week. Tonight I will be at the orientation meeting for my program.

I really happy that my prayers (and all of yours for me!) have paid off and that everything is falling into place right when it should.

More updates to come as the week continues.