News and Prayers

Hello, friends! I hope you have all had a great week. Since my post last week was so long, I'll try to give you a break this time. (Please note I said "try.") Rather than go through my week day-by-day as I usually do, I'll focus on a few things that are new/interesting.

First, an update many of you have been curious about: I have stopped looking for a part-time job. This is for a few reasons. Number one, finding a part-time job has proved very difficult for me. I don't know for sure what the reason is, but I suspect my somewhat inflexible schedule is part of it. Number two, I saw two goals for the part-time job -- to make some extra money and to connect with students outside of church. After nearly three months of searching for a job, I decided that since I'm not short on money at the moment, there might be another way I could connect with students outside of church.

And I have found one! There's an organization on campus called the Center for Leadership and Social Change, and they have a community outreach program. Every week there are various volunteer opportunities you can sign up for. They don't seem to mind that I'm not a student, so I've been signing up for a few each week. This week I will be helping at a community center garden, the Red Cross, and America's Second Harvest Food Bank.

Second, next Friday, October 3rd (also significant for another reason) is the end of the "First Forty." The first 40 days of school are when students figure out their routines and decide what they're going to be involved in. If we haven't gotten in touch with them already, it's much less likely that we will after the First Forty. So I'm excited that I have been able to get together with a lot of students -- and definitely a variety of students, as well.

Third, as I mentioned, October 3rd is a rather significant date. That's Baby Winters' due date! Yay, baby! It's significant not only for Pastor Jay and Liz but also because it will change things around University Lutheran. Katie, Matt and I will be taking on more and different responsibilities while Pastor Jay is otherwise occupied.

Fourth, there are some exciting things coming up. PJ, Katie and I will be going down to Orlando next week for the FL-GA District Presidential Convocation. That should be great fun and a good time to network and meet people. The students are also having a Beach Day this Saturday, which will be my first visit to a beach since moving to Florida!

Lastly, the weather is finally cooling down. Tonight I walked outside for almost two hours because it was actually chilly. Normally this wouldn't be so exciting, but I can't remember it being cold outside since I moved here, so I just had to experience it for as long as possible.

There, that wasn't terribly long, was it? Unfortunately I have no pictures for you this week, although I really wish I had pictures of the cats I just saw in the ULC parking lot. Adorable! I miss my cat! Anyway, good night, friends. This Iowa girl is going to bed.

P.S. The FSU campus could use some prayer this week -- there's a lot of controversy and division surrounding the star quarterback and also the new university presidential appointment.