summer shift

Shifting from CPE -- still need to unpack! -- back into student mode. Studying for ordination exams 6 hrs. each day -- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at least -- surprised how noisy the library is -- hard to concentrate, or I am distractable -- worse now than I ever used to be.... Classes don't start until Sept. 14th (I think -- better check that out!), but have to gear up for the kids to go back to school on Sept. 8th -- glad it is after Labor Day. We have a wedding Labor Day weekend (our 4th wedding this summer! amazing!) -- can't relax until after ords on August 26th & 27th, and exegesis (language proficiency) due Sept. 1st.

Friday night had dinner at hubby's only cousin's house (small family!). Fun to catch up with them again -- I was honorably asked to say grace...it was fun to be seen as the resident pastor in that crowd. Have never been asked to pray/say grace w/ hubby's immediate family -- as evangelical baptists, they don't want to risk what comes out of my mouth -- and they have their own sense of spiritual leadership which doesn't require any input from me. I am fine with that.

Have heard from none of my CPE pals -- it's been a week. Not sure if they are away on vacation, recovering from CPE, or just glad to be rid of me.... I emailed them all photos of our last day (also gave them home-made, hand-made prayer books from me to each one of them) -- am not getting the acknowledgement I crave. Oh, well. My issue. Heard from my attending chaplain -- love her and will miss her.

Not sure about worship tomorrow -- where we will go. Want to drop something by my field ed church (CD of burned digital photos from a baby shower I went to last Weds., also a letter from Africa for the pastor -- who is on vacation). Seminary friend is preaching, but worship starts at 11 and can run long, other worship services start earlier and my oldest has places to go (driven by me) and people to see....I need to study, not sure when -- have done none today but got other necessary errands and housework accomplished....

Could read a little bit right now before bed. Better get to it. Youngest wants to play computer games anyway.