October Update

It has been so long since I've been here. Only those halfway around the world seem to notice, but that's ok. Life has been crazy busy. And it has actually been one of those rare times where it's been a really really good crazy busy. Not a stressed out and overwhelmed and "I hate my life" crazy busy, but a intriguing, challenging, "I am so blessed to get to do all this and learn all this" crazy busy. I am enjoying my classes a ton this semester, so much more than I was envisioning. I'm enjoying doing some research, learning about the research and testing side of psychology, and find myself newly awakened to all sorts of things I'm really enjoying.

My actual clinical experiences are also going well. My clients are challenging and enjoyable and I am especially challenged and motivated by my practicum site where I work in a residential addictions facility. There is just so much to learn and so little time. And in all of this, I really feel like God has been all-so-present. I have been challenged as I think about grace and mercy, forgiveness and acceptance, culture and class. It's a lot, but I'm loving it and trying to soak in it as the questions fly. The questions will probably get less time in the next month: I've got several books to read and three 12-page papers to write. The fun never stops!

Joy is enjoying teaching 2nd great immensly. And honestly, I think she's an awesome teacher, a Master Teacher in learning. She has so many creative ideas, thinks about individualizing her lesson plans for each student, and has even made some suggestions that are being incorporated into the entire 2nd grade literacy section. I'm ridiculously proud of her. We've been enjoying our fall together, have gone on some nice walks and light our autumn-spice candle every night as we settle in for some schoolwork. It's funny...a great date for us is to simply go to Barnes and Noble and read and get some coffee. We have busy things we need to do for school, but we make it as enjoyable as we can. Plus, we have The Office and Law and Order (Olivia comes back next week on SVU!), so what more do we need?

Joy and I also had a great Homecoming weekend at Taylor University this month. Lots of fun, food, and fellowship. My three favorite things in the world.

Also, in regards to my last update, I should probably let you all know that a week after my credit card limit was mysteriously raised to $25,000, it was just as mysteriously and quickly taken away. I should've bought my new car while I could.