Reflections on our year
My classmates and I were sitting in the chapel the other day and saw the first-year Greek students enter, and it dawned on us that we are now second-year students. The year has flown by, and I have learnt a lot. I am currently taking summer classes (Hebrew 1 and Hebrew 2) so no rest for the wicked really!
People often describe the academic experience here as trying to drink from a fire hose - and after a year of study I can concur. When the quarter starts you know you have 10 weeks of intense learning, trying to take in and learn as much as you can, all while balancing academic life with your field work commitments and family.
The community aspect of pastoral formation has been vital, and it's very edifying to be able to go to chapel every day with your classmates and lecturers, to serve in the chapel with them as you learn the different aspects of the Liturgy throughout the church year, and to have face to face lectures, and be able to discuss theological matters over lunch with your classmates and lecturers, or in the library study rooms. The lecturers are very accessible and more than willing to help with anything or just discuss things further that interest you. To have access to a physical library full of everything you need for your studies has also been great, with all the resources you need.
Field work has also been great, allowing me to put into practice the theology we have been learning, and to deliver God's word to the people where the rubber hits the road, so to speak. I have assisted with many Sunday services, led Bible studies with all different age groups, and visited shut-ins around the city with Pastor Olsen. Soon I will start preaching on Sunday mornings, which I am looking forward to. Working with the Pastor and the other field workers, and being able to pick his brain about how he handles various situations that come up has been invaluable. Overall, my first year has been great, and I have already learnt quite a lot, and while it's not always easy, having the seminary community around to help and support each other is invaluable, and has really played a large part in my formation so far.
From the family: Where has the school year gone?! Although we haven't been here a full 12 months, it's hard to believe Corrie is entering his 2nd year of studies. The girls continued to enjoy and perform well in their school studies, and were each recognised in their achievements. The school load during the quarters is quite full, and with seasonal sports thrown in, it really does make for a busy schedule for Cate, Eloise, and Sylvie. But the girls are thriving and making the most of every opportunity offered to them.
We are a few weeks into the long summer break now, and it is lovely to have a change of pace...and some very warm weather! We managed to get away for a road trip before Corrie started summer Hebrew classes, and visited Niagara Falls and Tim Bayha who is studying at St Catherine’s. It was great to see him again. We then drove onto Cape Cod and enjoyed the laid-back villages and the nice beaches. Then, finally, onto New York City which was a great adventure.
Adeline and I have continued to be involved in seminary activities and a pre-school co-op which she enjoys. I've recently joined the Seminary Women's Assembly (SWA) board, which organises regular events for the women in the CTSFW community, so this is something I'm looking forward to being involved with more in the coming year. The seminary community and our fieldwork congregation have been an enormous support for us and a huge part of our smooth adjustment to our time here. We continue to follow LM-A developments, look forward to the newsletters and any updates, and pray for our Lutheran family in Australia. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support.
God Bless.
Corrie, Di, Cate, Eloise, Sylvie and Adeline Steel