Update and More Pics (Thanks Krissi)

I realized that I haven't updated in several weeks, so here we go. I got to go home a few weekends ago and had a great time. My friend Susie went with me. We left early Friday morning and arrived in PA around 3pm. Our first stop at my house to drop off a few things, then we stopped to see the KHS Marching Band. (They sounded great!) We decided not to go to the game because it was too cold, so we headed to Cabot UMC instead. At CUMC we hung out with the kids of Friday Night Light and Kids Night Out. Susie jumped right in with the kids, while I took the time to talk with Lynn and P. Matt. It was very good to get to sit down with both of them, even if for only a little while. Saturday we went to the Cokesbury in Cranberry and the Pittsburgh Mills (a large indoor shopping mall). We found so great deals at Cokesbury 80% off tent sale, and I got a Pink Terrible Towel at the Mills. Sunday we went to church then came back for the Concert of Prayer that evening. As always the Concert was wonderful, and I got to help by anointing and praying for people. That evening when we got home, Susie gave me some money that people from the church had given her to give me. It was so sweet, I began to get teary eyed. (Thank you if you were one of those people and are now reading this.) We left Monday morning and arrived safe and sound in Wilmore around 4pm. Since coming back things have gotten back to normal, and I am back to my regular routine. It's mid-term time at Seminary, so everyone is very busy. I only have 2 this semester, one was a paper for KCW which I got an 'A' on, and my Greek mid-term is due next Tuesday (it's online). I am glad to say that I am finally in a routine and I am mapping out my weeks so I know what I need to do and when I'll have time to do it. The longer I spend here the more I enjoy it and can't wait for next semester and more classes, with more opportunities to learn. I am trying to work on my schedule for next semester. I am taking 4 classes again and I know of 2 definites right now, which are Greek 2 and Method and Praxis in Theology. I still need to figure out what else will fit into my schedule but I have some time. Fall has been beautiful here in Wilmore, I love how warm it still is (even though some of my southern friends think it's cold). Last night I was walking back to the dorm from a healing service with a 3/4 sleeve shirt, a skirt, high boots and my trench coat and was warm. I wanted to walk around town for an hour, but I thought that a single woman walking around in a black trench at 9pm was not a smart idea, though I did later got to get milk at Cluckers (the local gas station). The Sems (Singing Seminarians) sang in Chapel today. It was a great time, we celebrated all Saints Day. My friend Krissi took some pictures of the Sems for me, so I can show them to you. She also took so pictures of the fall foliage for me. (Thanks Krissi.) So I will leave you with these pictures. Until next time. . . In His Service,Erica <>< P.S. Feel free to call, send me an email or a card. I love to hear from people back home, or family from all over.

The View from Main Campus

Toward our Dorm (center)

Me in Sems and Dr. Goold our Director

Singing Seminarians

Pictures Finally . . . And Other News

Hey everyone. We'll I've made it through another week of seminary. This week was kinda non-eventful, until tonight. Classes are still going great. I amazed at all the things I'm learning and that my professors know, so well. It is fascinating when someone asks a question, whether related or not related to the topic we are discussing and how the professor can explain it with out any notes, or at times (mostly in my IBS - Matthew class) the Bible open. These men are really amazing and I'm sad that my New Testament prof will be retiring so I will not get to have him again, but so glad I did this semester. (P-Matt you were write Mulholland is amazing.)

Anyways, I've been doing very well in my classes. Greek is probably my favorite because of my professor, and that I now understand it and am getting all 'A's on my quizzes. Midterm in a few weeks, we'll see how I do. I am starting to like my Inductive Bible Study class on Matthew too. My professor is a little quirky but fun. A friend and I have nick-named it the "Bauer Power Hour." Again I am getting all 'A's in that class to. New Testament if fascinating. I have learned so much that I never new before. Kingdom, Church, World is okay, but I love my small group. We will be doing a service project together soon, I don't know what or when though. (I don't have that class this week, so it will be nice to have Wednesday off.)

We had a really great week of chapel 2 weeks ago. Each day Dr. Oswalt (a distinguished visiting professor of Old Testament studies) spoke on holiness all week. I got to meet him, officially, today at church and tell him how much I enjoy his messages. This past week in Chapel we had the Theta Phi lectures on Open Theism. I went on Tuesday, but did not go Thursday (to boring, because it was a lecture, so it was like sitting in class for 4 hours straight instead of 3). I also attended the Wednesday chapel, where we had a UM Bishop for Nigeria speak. (He is a Beason student.) He had a very good message also.

I am still going to Nicholasville UMC and enjoying it more each week. I went to the late/traditional service today, and really enjoyed it. The choir sang "Rise Up in the Morning" and I sang along quietly, since CUMC's choir has done that song before. NUMC is really a moving church, each week I go it reminds me of Cabot. They are so involved in their community and are always looking for more ways to become involved in the community. But this weekend I will be enjoying worship at CUMC.

Yes I'm coming home for the weekend. I cannot wait to see everyone again. Also I will be bringing home a friend with me (so the drive won't be so lonely). We should arrive home between 3 and 4 Friday afternoon. We may go to the KHS v. Indiana game @Indiana, and will definitely be in worship for the 10:30 service (6pm too if we can.) Again I'm excited to come home, not only to see everyone, but I also need warmer clothes.

It has been rather cold here in Wilmore. Though I know I have nothing to complain about, for you who are back in PA. We are still about 5-10 degrees warmer than you and maybe even more this week. The leaves are finally changing colors down here and the campus is very beautiful. If I have time tomorrow or if I just need a break I hope to get some pictures of campus so y'all can see them. But for now you will just have to live with pictures of my room and a pictures of the fire we had tonight at the Wilmore campgrounds. (One of the girls from my floor worked there this summer and so invited us out for a fire and s'mores, umm so good.) So here are the pictures:

Sarah's Bed My Bed (notice the Pittsburgh Rug)

My desk and our bookshelves Our sink area



Sarah's Cow (closet) door hanger

Our door (Yes that's my puppy!)
The fire from tonight (fire + s'mores = good night)

Like I said I hope to have more pictures up soon. Maybe even some day a picture of Sarah, my roommate. We'll see. Well until next time (or for most of you next weekend when I'm home) God Bless.

In His Service,

Erica <><