So here I am, nearly four weeks into the semester and it has been nothing but a whirl wind of crazy activity! I survived pre-orientation with the student life team and Orientation week - the invasion of new and returning students, fun bonding events, somewhat boring yet interesting info sessions and simply getting into the grove of things around the big yellow house. The first weeks of classes have gone relatively smoothly, although I have had to drop a course just to lighten my load this term. I've driven to Nova Scotia with 13 youth and 5 other leaders for the Atlantic Vineyard Youth Retreat where we had an inspiring and God encountering few days and I've flown to New York State for Emily and Ryan's wedding. All while trying to balance school work, classes (some missed) and the last few days with some beloved friends that are moving on from this community. Did I mention that it has been a whirlwind?
But I think I am now here for the long haul. So hopefully I can get a handle on my courses, my social life and my role on the student life team. My schedule seems to be all over the place and usually I am on top of that, but not so much this month. For instance, last week I ended up going to class about 20 minutes late because somehow I was convinced that it was at 10:30. But when I walked passed the classroom at 9:15 on my way down to switch my laundry over, what did I see? My class sitting around the table listening to Walter, my professor, talk about something important…well that threw me for a loop. And it's been interesting juggling my coking shifts since I am scheduled for Saturday suppers but the last two weekends I've been away.
I'd say it's always difficult to get use to a new school year what with new classes and a slightly altered routine, but I feel as if that is an understatement for me at the moment. First year was a whole new ball game cause it was…well… first year. Second year was a whole new ball game cause I was in prep for Asia which involved intensive classes (9-4 every day), assignments (usually done in the evening/weekends since my days were full), new students and wrapping my head around the fact that I was about to spend two months in Asia! And now this year, again, has been a whole new ball game with some extra activities/events/changes added into the mix. But it is also an exciting time, looking into the year knowing what is in store but also knowing there is so much mystery ahead of me. This week I've been relieved to be back, I'm ready to just be. To get myself settled, organized and back in the loop/community of SSU.
It's been difficult coming and going, but it has also been difficult knowing that the absence of Angela, Jeremiah and April is nearing (3 dear and wonderful staff/friends). Their absence is already felt in every day life as they were done working a week and a half ago but they will soon be heading back to Ontario. Shelley Kadatz presence, another staff/friend, is also missed around here - especially her bubbling and contagious laughter that is usually heard through out the building. Community is great and all, we live, work and socialize with one another, breaking down barriers, become vulnerable and essentially like family. So when it comes to the time for some to move on, it's hard for them to leave, a grieving process really. It's also hard for us, the remaining community, to watch them go. But I know that God has some incredible adventures ahead of them, and I am excited to see what that will look like!
So as I get myself settled here at school, I hope to eliminate the emotional stress I've been feeling the last little while, organize my life and schedule so as I can fully immerse myself back into this community I fell in love with, even if there are some big changes this year. I am trying to hold tight to the exciting things that I see happening now or will happen. I know that God has some awesome adventures laid out for us as well. I hope to keep those interested in these happenings updated through this blog over the year. As much as I want to connect with people here physically around me, I too want to stay connected with those not - family and friends back home, and those other friends afar. I also want to share with those who don't know, what life is like here in the big yellow house.
Stay tuned to see how God unfolds this adventurous year in the life of I, Janell de Graaff.
Blessings In Christ
O-week activities - photo scavenger hunt!
Dover Hill
Have a picnic in the woods - we met strangers!
Todd Hall
I scream, you scream, we all scream for...
one fish, two fish, blue fish, red fish
O-week whale watching!!
Seals!
Emily and Ryan's wedding!
You may Kiss the bride!
Emily forgot to grab her flowers, so James took mine so I could still take his arm walking out :)
Samm, myself, Nicole
Jonas, myself, Nicole, Noah
I have THE best parents EVER!
Mrs. Moser and I!!
