Introduction

Here I am, a former deaconess of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, getting ready to graduate in two days from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Gettysburg with my Master's of Divinity. To say that it's been a wild ride is a bit of an understatement, and it will continue to be a wild ride over the next few months. I have been assigned to the Montana Synod, and the call process is--well, in process, and that's about all I can say at the moment. In the meantime, after graduation, I will be returning to my home in Virginia for a couple of weeks, even as my parents are in the process of moving to Florida. I will be hanging out in Florida with them until I receive a call out West. But don't think I won't be busy. My beloved younger brother, a lawyer, is getting married to a beautiful--in all senses of the word--woman who is going to be a doctor. The wedding is happening in Orlando, which is her home base, and then she and my brother will be moving to Jacksonville, where she will be doing internship and residency. Oh, and did I mention that she's Greek Orthodox? Yes, I will get to experience a real-life version of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"--up close and personal, since I am going to be one of the bridesmaids! How cool is that!  :)

My intent for this blog is: 1. To keep everyone up to date with where I am and when, 2. To record any pertinent observations/thoughts of what I am experiencing, and 3. Anything else that evolves from this.

A note on the title for my blog.  Dr. Oldenburg, who is dean of the chapel here, composed a series of choir anthems with Dr. Folkemer, our cantor, to go along with the Old Testament readings during Lent, Year B. The title of his anthem for the Second Sunday in Lent is called, "After Wandering Years," and goes along with the Genesis 17 reading about Abraham. I've recently begun to feel an affinity with Abraham as I go from place to place, not knowing what the Lord has in store for me. But yes, I did change the preposition to "through" because I am still in the midst of these "wandering years", trying to trust that the Lord knows where he wants me and when.

Looking forward to seeing what's next!