Got my second test back and I did improve from last week. My instructor told me I was the ONLY STUDENT to improve from last week, so that's awesome....but felt bad for everyone else....but I also did study pretty hard. I was just determined to do better!
Saturday...while should not have been driving, since my vision is pretty bad right now, I decided to venture off campus to visit an Abbey in Wisconsin right over the border. You have to know that am 10 minutes from Illinios and about the same to Wisconsin. My Greek Instructor, Dr, Leeper, had told us about it, It is a Dominican Catholic Order that houses about 150-200 nuns, It is also a retreat center and I've heard some students, to get away for the weekend, have been known to go stay there. This abbey is pretty self sufficient in that they sell alot of the items they make there. They are MOST famous, in this area, for their bread....which I smelled as soon as I walked in, I just followed my nose down to their little bookstore and was just mezmorized by the smell of their fresh bread. I bought some dinner rolls, which I shared with my classmates this morning for breakfast and some fresh cinamon bread. It's aroma has been all in my room since this weekend. I am trying to control myself in only allowing myself to have 2 slices for breakfast a day...but its hard....as the bread is SOOOO GGOOODD! Even the dinner rolls...you don't need any butter on them. They have a natural sweetness, but not too sweet to make them quite enjoyable to snack on.
I also toured the center. Their Rosary Chapel was quite beautiful. got VERY lucky, in as arrived, some of the sisters were gathering for some rehearsal in there and I got to hear them rehearse as I walked in. The acoustics were amazing. The stain glass windows were beautiful. I did take some pictures which I will post later this week. The ceilings had a very unique design which added its acoustical design. And of course, I had to check out the lighting, which was done quite well. Along the outskirts to the chapel lied several smaller prayer rooms, I sat in one that had these beautiful, quartz like stones in the wall that went to the outside, allowing the light from outside to shine through them. I sat there and meditated just stunned by its beauty. I then walked around the outside. They have a cemetary for the nuns who have passed. The Abbey itself originally dates back to the 1800's, so some of the tombstones were back from the late 1800's. I stopped as I got to the 1920's....it was cool, but it started to rain. So I ran back to my car for a bit, then when the ran subsided, I drove down to their Labyrith. I spent some time walking that and videod that...I'll try to post that later too; I did that one on my phone and sent it to a few friends. My sister Tamara thought it was cool. Then I left there and drove into Illinois. There was a "WingFest" going on in East Dubuque, Illiniois, but I'm NOT a huge wings fan PLUS the crowds were a bit much for me, so I headed back to campus....but drove around downtown a bit.
Sunday, I attended another ELCA church...St. Matthews. This church currently does not have a Pastor, so actually, one of the Ordained professors from my school, Gwen Sayler, preached. I hadn't met her until then, but I will be taking one class by her this Fall. I thought her sermon was quite insightful and enjoyed the church. I took my dormmate, Lisa with me. She's a young MA student who lives on the first floor of the dorm. She and I have hung out a few times, she's pretty cool....but a lot younger than me, so a bit harder to relate since she just got out of school last year, having already studies some theology.
I rearranged my room this weekend....got lots more space in my room now and also finally finished hanging things on my walls. It feels a bit more like home....but I still miss TEXAS!
I got a part time job last week. I start this Wednesday working at a State Farm agency right down the street from my campus. Just making some phone calls. I got the job through an employment agency. I was rather impressed with how quickly they placed me. I suppose it could have been worse. But a little paycheck is better than none at this point.
Have to buy my books for this Fall soon, as have to order all of them online. Feels weird doing that, but actually, a lot of emails are constantly being sent out by last year's students trying to sell their books. I hope to snag a few and save a few bucks.
OK...so I've gotta go work on my vocabulary for this week. Not too bad, but I do have 2 test this week. Please keep me in prayer...for my eyes. I go back for a follow up next week. So we'll see. Many blessings to all readers....Peace!
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