Once upon a time, there was a 24 year old who decided to move across the country to go to school for something that she never saw herself doing but she is loving the experience thus far.
Hey, what's up, hello (shoutout to my boy, Fetty Wap). That 24 year old is me
A lot went into this move. I know I started thinking about it sometime last summer, I toured the school in February, I was accepted in April, I told immediate family in May, and then I resigned from all of my positions at the end of June before sharing everything via social media on July 2nd. Fast forward to September 4th, and I am writing in my bedroom in my apartment in New Jersey where I have been for two weeks as of tomorrow.
The story of all of the pieces moving together to get here is for another day. I find it necessary to acknowledge that I wouldn't be here without the support of friends and family at home, and I wouldn't have considered the possibility of all of this without the encouragement from the For the Love launch team Facebook group, brought together two and a half years ago. Thanks, J-Hat, but really, thanks, God.
Genuinely, I am loving it. I worried that I wouldn't because I am the worst at change unless I can completely control it. Lol life.
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This semester at Drew Theological School, I am taking theological writing and research, introduction to educational ministries, pastoral formation, and a hybrid biblical literature / preaching. I love the readings for educational ministries, everything about my pastoral formation class seems wonderful, and biblical literature is already opening my mind to things I never would have considered before. It's cool.
As my mind is being opened and my knowledge is being deepened, I am encouraged to ask more questions about the text rather than accept the stories as they previously have been presented to me. One professor was speaking about this topic and brought up the parable (aka a Bible word for stories that Jesus told to make a point) of the prodigal son (check out Luke 15:11-32 to read all of it). I am extremely familiar with this story because it is read at every Chrysalis Flight, so I have heard it approximately 80,000 times.
The professor, still, had a new perspective. The story opens with a man and his two sons which should already bring questions to mind. "A man doesn't just get two sons. Where is his wife? His girlfriend? His baby momma?"
So that was hilarious.
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Despite my introversion, I think I am doing well at stepping out and making new friends. I am getting over a respiratory infection which has limited my friend time a bit, but I am taking opportunities as they come (and as they balance with all of this reading that I get to do) and being adventurous, courageous, and brave.
The hardest part, really, is the lack of identity. In June, I could have identified myself as so many things. Beta Club Sponsor of the best club in Illinois. Drama Club Director of a small but talented group of kids. Chrysalis Community Lay Director, a pretentious thing for a 20-something to run a non-profit biannual youth camp, but a position that I loved and respected. Sunday school teacher to a tiny group of girls who want to learn more about the Bible, how to help others, and how to achieve their goals in life. Worship band guitar player. Sometimes community theatre participant but frequent theatrical patron. Person surrounded by numerous special friend groups with an always busy schedule from all of her commitments that she loved.
Now, a few less titles: Student seeking a Master of Divinity. New Jersey transplant. Sister, daughter, friend from afar. Jesus follower.
In Luke 22:25-26 MSG, Jesus says, "People in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It's not going to be that way with you. Let the senior among you become the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant."
And that's hard. When we have done class introductions, mine goes something like this, "Hi, I'm Kirsten, like CURSE-ten. I just moved here from Illinois. I want to do youth ministry / non-profit work and write a book at some point, and I'm happy to be here."
It's all new. It's all happening. And I like it.
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