"At the blast of your nostrils the water piled up"

I just found my favorite verse from Exodus (so far). It hails from ch. 15 v. 8a in case you'd like to take a look for yourself. Did God sneeze the Red Sea into parting? You tell me.

I don't think I've ever read this much in my life - which is in a way very taxing, but also rewarding not only because I'm learning things but because I can't think of a better sense of accomplishment than finishing a book. That actual cover-to-cover moment of truth. There should be a parade every time that happens. But it almost feels like there IS a parade because it's rewarding in itself!

But with much reading comes its exciting and ever present comrade, procrastination. Therefore I make cards, do art, modge-podge leaves that are beginning to turn so I can put them in my room, and paint those 3-for-$1 IKEA frames that are so easy to decorate. The opportunities really are endless. I'll try and contain myself, but here's documented proof that I was not studying at 11am today, and was in fact creating a tiny photo studio on my desk ...

In Water, Was I Spoiled.

A Psalm.

The refreshing waters of dewy mountains
Sweet springs of life attached
How I lament the absence of thy presence
In this land so far away.
I had taken for granted the fresh flowing joy poured out from kitchen faucets
And now taste the bitter tinge of Jersey flow from glass or bottle alike.
Oh! For a Brita to return it's taste, and make sweet the earth's milk.
But alas, for the cost of such a deity would be too much from mine own assets.
A memory, sweet memory, is what flows on distant shores
And is held in the hearts - and belly's - of so many.

Selah.

In The Beginning ...

Who knew seminary was such a party? I can't tell you how many people I've met over the last week and a half. No really, I can't tell you because I don't remember at least half of their names. But I'm getting better! Classes are awesome, and to put to rest all of those who worry about my faith and love for Jesus while I'm here, fear not. In one of our orientation meetings one prof said something along the lines of, "contrary to what your family, friends, and pastors may have told you back home, we are not out to destroy your faith". And its true! The faculty is amazing, the student life is hoppin', and SO friendly - and worldly! Iceland? Malawi? Puerto Rico? We ate lunch today with Hungarian theologians. What?!

So aside from the book store not having a book that we are required to write a paper about due next Friday (Barth - very heady) everything is amazing! ALSO this week the NJ transit offers FREE - I'll repeat that - FREE rides for students! So, of course I went to NYC for the day on Wednesday, when we basically have no class (don't worry, I'll get all my reading done). Pictures? SURE!Taking the 'Dinky'Bead stores galore!

A Glass elevator! at the Mac store. It was awesome.
Get it? Enchanted? In Central Park?!?
I've heard a sermon on this one - couldn't resist.

And so you have it. And today we had a dance party. What a way to start the year. And hey, look we've decided to decorate our suite with paper cranes from the ceiling!

Is a member of the public library!

Look! Physical proof that I am in Princeton. Well, kind of. I guess I should take a picture of me holding it ... I WAS going to scan my ID card but then realized that probably wouldn't be a good idea ... having my student number, name, and picture who knows where on the internet. Mhmm, it's official I've started using my brain again which is good since classes start Monday.

It's weird though, going through the orientation process again - only this time they call you Juniors even though I have not been previously through 2 years ... but I did pass through 2 time zones so maybe ... ? And then your second year you are a middler - which I think sounds Tolkien-esque but then again I'm half wishing to get both a Masters in Divinity AND Divination, so maybe my brains a little different.

Alright, heading out to the Presidents house - yeah that's what happens when you're in a class of less than 150 people - wow I was just informed of that and that is ridiculous after UW.

It's the Final Countdown ...

Okay. Here we are. Less than a week until lift off. The coffee dates and last goodbyes are trickling into place, and the suitcase is on the brink of explosion. Leaving/arriving on the 8th. Well, apparently according to the Beijing Olympics (and my Chinese heritage?) 8 is pretty lucky, so we'll see how this goes. For a first taste though, check out the picture I have of the apparently prophetic road signs near my neighborhood. See you on the other side!