What a month October has been! We played pickleball (I watched), volleyball (played that one), went to the state fair (pictured below), watched Gabi rizz up a guy at the ice cream shop (she did great y’all), surprised Virginia on her birthday (at a restaurant that was closing in twenty minutes), and so many more crazy times. I have loved building a community with the people here so much, it’s difficult to put into words. The way each of us contributes to the group in such different ways is a joy to see, and a beautiful representation of what’s to come in God’s kingdom.
I didn’t really get into what life was like on the day-to-day in my last blog, mainly because I wanted to start off by processing what I was feeling at the end of the first month, but now I’m here for it… so here we go.
CLASSES
If you know ANYTHING about me, you know I love learning, so classes have been absolutely amazing. From Old Testament (s/o Emily, Hayes, and Eric), to Just Leadership (taught by THE David Spickard) to Family Systems (hi Laura!!), I have greatly enjoyed the wisdom we’ve received from such knowledgeable and giving individuals (and some others not mentioned). Can’t wait to learn more in November, and for the teachers we’ll have next semester!
HOST FAM
Y’all I am as spoiled as spoiled can be with my host fam. They are some of the most generous, loving, and gracious people I have ever met. What’s really funny is the one bane of my existence is doing my dishes right after I eat (sorry college-roommate-Meg), but our one huge rule at the Mangum house is… do your dishes right when you use them. God has a great sense of humor and knows exactly what tools to use to grow me. I also get to live with another Fellow, the amazing Meg Spickard!!
FELLOWS
MVPs this month are Hunter Davis and William Simas. They stayed with me after I locked my keys in my car at the state fair (cue internal screaming) and kept me laughing so I wouldn’t beat myself up about it. They truly were great friends to me that night, I am so thankful for them. That’s not to say the other Fellows are not amazing friends. I am so grateful for each of them, for Meg’s laugh, Luke’s teasing, Linda May’s silliness, Hunter’s generosity, Simas’s good-naturedness, Gabi’s humor, Bunter’s hugs, Virginia’s wisdom, and Maddie’s joy. Most of all, I’m thankful to God for the space and time I get to inhabit with them.
ROUNDTABLE
Y’all. Roundtable is the sickest part of Fellows. Fellowship is so awesome, I eat UP every roundtable we have. It is such a special time to participate in with the other Fellows. I am so grateful to Ashley and Sam for opening up their home and time to us. Also, shout out Molly, who has strangers invade her house every Wednesday and is a CHAMP about it. Roundtable is such a beautiful time of community, discussion, and openness, and it brings me such joy every week to participate!
JOB
God also granted me the gift of awesome co-workers (shoutout to Susan, Karen, and Ryan!!). My job can be kinda slow sometimes, that office intern life, but they make the time so enjoyable. They are all so gracious and helpful, I would not be able to make it without them. Also super great to work in an Audiology office that gives me a snapshot of what my future could be… in five years (woo grad school!!).
OTHER STUFF
Meeting with my mentor has been awesome. Ann is such a good listener and kind soul, I’ve greatly appreciated her opening her home to me these past couple of weeks. Her dog, Ruffin, is the cutest, and I’ve loved sitting on the porch, hanging with Ann and Ruffin.
We gave our eulogies in Spiritual Formation, which I strangely found to be a fun and cathartic process. It was eye-opening to hear what other people wanted to be seen as and remembered by at the end of their life, who they wanted to give their eulogy, too.
Neighbor to Neighbor is the ministry we volunteer with where we get to mentor kids in the community who need some extra help with schoolwork. My kiddo is the silliest, he loves games and playing outside, and works really hard at his reading. I can’t wait to see the progress he makes over the next couple of months, and I am so grateful I get to work with him!
All in all, October has been a heck of a ride. I am constantly baffled by the way the Lord is working in each of our individual lives. My favorite concept we have discussed this month is Imago Dei, the image of God, how we all carry it, and what that means for the way we interact with those around us. What better way to learn and apply this mandate for life than with the people whom He hand-selected to be in it for the next 7 (eek) months?
