Ready for Orientation

Hello Again!
My place continues to come along. It is feeling more and more like home... not sure if that's because I'm more comfortable here or because the dog is more comfortable... either way, it's good. The photo of my dorm room shows my desk (which is already a mess), my couch (with the dog in her assumed position) and the view out my window (which is nice and woodsy... lots of squirrels, too!). I'll find a better way to make photos available but for now, this works.
Yesterday I attended the Solemn Mass at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Times Square. Boy, Fr. Ron wasn't kidding about High Church. I've never seen that much smoke come billowing out of a censer in my life! It was awesome, though. Really a beautiful service. No Choir as they are off for the summer but the soprano cantor was phenomenal.
New student orientation begins this evening with a community Eucharist in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd followed by dinner. I'm looking forward to getting started. Since the first semester is pretty much set in stone (save for my elective) I've purchased my books and am trying to get a jump start on some of the reading. I'll be taking Old Testament I, New Testament I, Church Music I, TSP I (a tutorial seminar Program) and, as my elective, Greek! I've spent the last few days burning the greek alphabet into my memory banks.
I finally met one of my floor mates. His name is Frederick and he is from Haiti. He arrived today (just in time for orientation). I'm sure I'll be getting to know him a bit better over the next few years.

Until next time! Peace.

Settling in on the Close

Well, the drive cross country went pretty well. Only got lost once in New Jersey (I'm pretty sure they do that on purpose in New Jersey). My Nephew and I arrived at GTS on Thursday Morning, August 16. It was hot and humid and we took about two hours to unload the car and haul all of my belongings (including the dog and the cat) up four flights of stairs. The Seminary is beautiful, just like I remember from my visit in February except now there is no snow. The close is quiet, peaceful, serene. The Chapel of the Good Shepherd is awesome and I can't wait to start worshiping there. Daniel and I attended the Eucharist at Trinity Wall Street on Sunday.
My dorm room is a bit larger than I expected. I will be setting up a small, makeshift, kitchen in one of the bedrooms and will put my desk in the living room. Although the seminary provided a desk I was not to keen about working on a 36 inch by 18 inch work surface. So, that desk has become a counter in my kitchen and I am purchasing a desk on-line.
As planned, I brought no furniture with me so the first week or so is dedicated to furniture shopping and buying those items necessary to establish myself in my apartment. (that's what I'm calling it now because I'm going to do my best to make it feel not like a dorm room.)
My room is in Dehon Hall (named after the second Bishop of South Carolina). I actually have a small fireplace with built in shelves. It's nice... only problem is that the cat keeps trying to escape out the chimney. I have yet to meet others on my floor and have only met one other person in the building. Once I figure out a good way to post pictures (and once I get it looking like home instead of empty rooms) I'll post some photos.
Orientation starts Monday. That gives me five more days to really settle in. Until next time... Peace.

Halfway There

Well, it's been a heck of a drive so far but we (my nephew Daniel, the dog, the cat and I) are over half way there. We've been through the desert, over the Rockies, across the great plains and into corn, corn, and more corn. We've spent the last day and a half in Milwaukee visiting with family. Tomorrow we head to Ft. Wayne, Indiana where we will visit with Tony and Robin Mireles (one time parishioners at Christ Church). We are on schedule to arrive at GTS on Thursday, 16 August. I'm sure the dog and cat look forward to some stability as Daniel and I look forward to not having to unload and load the pets each day in a hotel parking lot.
It was difficult leaving my mother and sisters in San Diego but the closer I get to New York the more confident I become in answering God's call. I look forward to arriving on the close. At times it still feels like I'm on a big vacation. Once I arrive in the city and settle into my room I know I will begin to feel at home. I'm a bit anxious about how the dog will adjust. I guess we'll see. Look for my next post from General!
Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and support.

My First Post

Hello all. This is my first post and intriduces you to the forum for keeping you all up to date on my activities, sharing some pictures of my adventures, and receiving your comments and thoughts in return. My time in San Diego is short and I am in the middle of packing up some belongings, storing others, and donating the rest. I don't think my dog has any idea what I am doing and I'm certain she's in for a big surprise. As for the cat... well... he couldn't care less (as long as I feed him).
My nephew and I (and the dog and cat) will leave next week for NY. It will be a long drive but I am hoping to see some family along the way.
I am thankful for the support from all at Christ Church and look forward to returning to my Church Home throughout my time in Seminary.
Please, feel free to respond and leave comments. I'll post again when we get to the Close!