Bureaucracy and the Mundane

A slice of the mundane...

(Early July)
Me thinking: I need to close my RI checking accounts, I will call and find out what I need to do to cancel them...

Me calling the bank: *a million 'self-serve' menus later* Hi! I need to close my accounts, I'm moving and you aren't in my new area.

The Bank: You can't close these accounts this way.

Me: Oh. Ok, how does it work?

Bank: You must submit written notification.

Me: oh. ok. Thanks...

Bank: Have a nice day.

Me: ok.

(Letter sent early August; Mid August - reply from the bank sent: We cannot accept this letter dated 8/14/05 (copy enclosed, lest I forgot). It is not notarized. Ok...)

Me (at my new bank, freshly printed notice of cancellation in hand): Hi! I need you to notarize this so I can close my accounts in RI.

Them: I can't notarize this. It doest have an Acknowledgement of Certification form at the bottom for me to sign.

Me(beginning to loose it): Ok - where do I get that?

Them: I don't really know, they always come to me this way - try Kinkos or Office Depot.

Me: ok. i'll be back.

(off to Kinkos)

Me: Do you have a Acknowledgement of Certification form or stamp or something?

Kinkos Guy: No, I don't know what that is even - try Office Max.

Me: ok.

(off to office Depot)

Me: *Normal Spchele*

Sales Guy: Try isle 36, though I'm not sure if we have it.

Me: *in isle 36* There are lots of forms here, but none of them are the one I need.

New Sales Guy: I don't think we have that - try a lawyer.

Me: *sigh*



(I went home and found it on the internet, downloaded it, printed it and brought it back to the bank where the mission was finally accomplished. Now we have to see what my RI bank has to say. I'll probably have to submit DNA next.)
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The End of the Mundane!

Well, I've finally begun classes! Hooray! I had my first class today: Ministry in inter-Cultural Contexts. (Mission 501) I like my first professor and am looking forward to the 3 papers I'll be writing for her. It seems like a lighter class (in comparison to Defending the Christian Faith). I met up with some folks from Orientation and am looking forward to working with them

The other event today was that I sat down with my new pastor, Steve Thulson for 'get to know you' chat. I'm more convinced than ever that this is going to be my spiritual home for the next 3 years and so wanted to go the next step of seeing if there's 'room' for me. It was a wonderful meeting of sharing ideas and getting to know each other. I was also able to meet the worship pastor David and let him know I'd like to serve with him if he'd like. It sounded possible. I love what the Lord is doing in this church; it sounds like He is calling them to more central time in prayer and calling them to a ministry of healing. I feel like I've come at the right time for me and for them. I'm feeling more and more at home here. Thanks for remembering me in prayer - it sure matters.

Prayer requests for this week:
- Please pray that I would find a small group that I can belong to in Centennial Cov.
- " for God to build my 'reading endurance' as I will need to read hundreds of pages a week for classes.
- " for God to continue to build my relationships here, especially with Kaila and Jennifer and the not-yet-Christians at my Gym that I'm getting to know.
- " for my health and safety as I continue to adjust to life here and a new schedule
- " for my professors: that they would have wisdom and love as they lead the students this semester.
- " for God's ongoing healing and redemption in my life.

Friends...

Well, dear friends, I last wrote you a little over a week ago. Time has passed and some events, both small and large have occurred! First - thanks again to those of you who have sent books this week - its been great to get packages every couple of days! (Thanks Seun, I got the compass back JUST before going on a hike - it came in VERY handy!) In some ways, life is settling in here. I go on walks or bike rides with my new friend Jennifer (next door neighbor) a couple of times a week; I've started a Tae Kwon Do class in my gym Monday and Wednesday evenings; I go to the gym most mornings, do e-mail in the afternoon, watch TV a while, check e-mail, and be available to whatever comes up. Sounds boring, I know, but it's nice to have any routine right now.

My pool of people is beginning to expand. I went back to Centennial Covenant Church this week and loved it again, so I'm thinking I may not do as much 'shopping' as I thought I'd have to do. Folks are beginning to talk to me a little more and I'm feeling a little more comfortable there. I went to a 'Jazz, Arts and Sunset' event at the church this past Sunday evening with Jennifer and got to talk to a few more people. Each day a little more comes together, usually when I'm not looking.


This was a special week for me as I had my first guest out from RI. Julie McMurry came out after a conference she was attending in 'the area' (she was in Wyoming - which around here is fairly close by, by CO standards!) and had to fly out of the Denver Airport. We had about 3 days together of hiking (Garden of the Gods (above is a pic from the park - it's called the Kissing Camel! we also went to Red Rocks and Bear Creek), vegging, and exploring. It was good to have a friend nearby. Julie took me horseback riding for my B-day, but it was her first time on a horse; I had the best of all my worlds - someone to worry over, nature and a horse!

Prayer requests for this week:
-For a good time connecting with Amanda, a 3rd yr Denver Seminary (DenSem) student I will be meeting for lunch this week - she's a rare female MDiv student, so I'm looking forward to gleaning from her experience what I can about being in the minority in our program.
-For my school Orientation - this Friday 8/26
-For the school picnic on Saturday 8/27 (I really don't enjoy smooze fests, so pray that I have a great time and that it can be a time of use/ joy for all of us and not a time of awkward survival) (pray for my attitude about this...)

Thanks guys - you all bless me SO MUCH. Thank you for praying for me and staying in touch - I am truly blessed.

Happy Birthday...

I had a TERRIFIC birthday. Thanks so much for praying for me; it could have been a miserable experience. I woke to the sound of the ringing telephone- Ken Lundberg was calling wish me well for the day and to say they were NOT going to sing the H.B. song (in the meantime, Ruth (his wife) started singing in the background - CLASSIC!). I felt adventuresome and downright frisky (an unusual occurrence since my move), so I got my boots on, dug up my hiking hat and filled my camel back (water/backpack). I took a look at my map, remembered a place called Red Rocks from my earlier trip here in April and set off. I had a great time hiking in what's called the foothills. After that, I went home, and had dinner with Sara Massy and her sister Jill (fellow N.Englanders who came out from VT - Sara was a former IV student at Roger Williams, introduced to me by my good friend Bonnie). We went to this great little Thai place near downtown and I ordered the HOTTEST thing I think I've ever eaten - it was a wonderful curry dish (it made Sara cry when she tried it!). After that, we went back to their place and hung out for a while and had ice cream. It was a lovely day.


I think I'm beginning to feel more at home here. I think my birthday was a turning point. I wasn't afraid to go out and wasn't worried I'd get lost or my apartment would get ripped off while I was away. Do keep praying for me in this area, I know I'm not 'out of the woods,' yet.


This past weekend I went up to Bear Trap Ranch (an IV camp here in Colorado Springs - about 2hrs South of me) to visit a friend and one of my former students at RIC. Becca is a wonderful, wise and intelligent young woman who has been doing summer staff work at the ranch and will continue into the fall, returning to school in the Spring. Do pray for her transitions and return to school and home. I had a great time catching up with her, commiserating on culture shock and bopping around the camp some.


(I couldn't resist passing this one on - it's a gate door, but no attached fence - the sign says 'Keep gate Closed.')

Life Begins Again...

Greetings from Sunny Colorado! Well, it's been about a week since I wrote last and I must say, it's been a good but exhausting week. I got out a bit and got to know the area some - found a mall this week and got a great area map book. This was utterly exhausting, though not impossible. As most of you know, when learning your way around RI you go by landmarks (usually from Dunkin' Donuts to Dunkin' Donuts) - currently existing or no longer existing (you know, where that bank used to be...). Here it's all about the compass. 'We are located on the NE corner of the plaza.' Now, I've spent essentially my entire life in RI which is to say my sense of direction is completely corrupt - I have to think really hard to tell you which way is North. And if it's nighttime, I'm really in trouble. Here it is very helpful that the Mountain are to the West. The only down side to that is that you cannot always see the mountains (I get a little panicky when that happens). Needless to say, it still sets my blood pressure up a few points every time I go out the door.


Some victory points for me this week are as follows:
- Found where to buy milk and rent a movie!!
- Got a cheap couch!
- Went on a walk with my new next door neighbor Jennifer on a local trail (above picture is from there)
- Got back into my gym routine (my lungs could only take 10 minutes my first day at 5.5MPH - really sad compared to my 30 minutes at 5.6-6.0MPH in RI. But today was better - 25mins at 5.5/5.6MPH)
- Went to my new Campus and got my book list!
- The Army found me and got me papers, I'm a little closer to being commissioned!
- Went to Centennial Covenant Church this week! (Very cool, I'll be surprised if I've found a church on my first visit, but I am seriously thinking I may have.)
- I'm note sure if this is a Victory Point or not, but I'd appreciate your prayers as I consider being an International Student buddy from the local college.

Some final thoughts:
It is really funny to me that after 4 domestic missions projects and 4 overseas (three of which I trained students to be on)I am still experiencing culture shock. I know from my training that it doesn't ever go away, you just get better at recognizing it and praying though it, but I think a part of me thought it wouldn't be so bad because of all my travels (additionally 30+ moves throughout my whole life). I am praying. I know Jesus is here and he is working out his plan for me here. He is establishing my life. I am reading Jeremiah and finding comfort and strength. Thanks for all your prayers for me as I begin this new life - I've especially appreciated all the e-mails, note cards and phone calls - I feel well loved and supported! Please continue to remember me in you prayers!

Some of you asked to help out with my book list for the Fall, so here's a list of my classes and the books I will be needing. If you'd like to buy me a book and send it to me (or if you have it and are willing to part with it) or send $ for books, I'd really appreciate it - just let me know ASAP so I can coordinate the effort! I should have my books accounted for by August 29th (first day of classes). You can send books/$ to Terri King, 3445 S. Downing St. #211 Englewood, CO 80113. (See lt. blue block at the top of this page, too for address/phone.)

Oh, yeah - FYI, it's my birthday Friday (12th)- so this would be a great present!! (Cards are also really great to get!)

BI 501 - Effective Biblical Interpretation
- Introduction to Biblical Interpretation; 2ed ed. - Kline, et al
- Slaves, Women and Homosexuals - Webb
- NIV Dictionary of New Testament Theology -Verbrugge

NT 511 - Understanding the Gospels and Acts
- Synopsis of the four Gospels - Aland
- Hammond Atlas of Biblical Lands - Frank
- Jesus Creed - McKnight
- Jesus and the Gospels - Blomberg

PR 501 - Defending the Christian Faith
- No Doubt About It- Corduan
- Truth Decay - Groothuis
- On Jesus -Groothuis
- On Pascal - Groothuis
- Jesus in an Age of Controversy -Groothuis
- Without a Doubt -Samples
- Scaling the Secular City - Moreland
- Complete Guide to Apologetics and Philosophy of Religion - Evans
- Rule Book for Arguments -Weston

IM 501 - Intro. To Ministry in Intercultural Contexts
- Introducing World Missions - Moreau
- Missional Church - Vangelda

T/M 500 - Intro. Spiritual Formation and Theological Education
- Soul Keeping -Baker
- -OR-
- True Faced -Thrall

EM 501 - Foundations of Teaching and Learning
- Introducing Christian Education -Anthony

NT 501 - Learning NT Greek I
No book list yet...

The Journey...

Greetings from Englewood Colorado! So, here's the story:

Friday, July 29:
Greg and Sarah Johnson, Cheri Markward, Stuart and Andrew McCoy, Jenn Traficanti, Scott King, Christina Milner and Karen Pasquale (I hope I didn't forget anyone!!) are my personal HEROS. These guys got all my stuff out of the apartment and loaded into a 5x8 trailer and my little 4x2 Pick up truck in a record 3 hours. Stuart and Andrew got the whole loan 'battened down' for the haul with an amazing display of bungi-chord prowess and I was road ready by 5pm.



This was right on time for me, as I had hoped to be spending the evening just hanging out with folks and saying good-byes. It was a borderline magical night for me, as I saw some folks I haven't seen in months. I am so grateful to all of you who were able to come out (or send your thoughts/wishes) and help me bid a fond farewell to RI. Special props to my end of the night crew - you know who you are.

Saturday July 30th:
The long drive began at a very reasonable 7:30am. I pulled out fully loaded with the love and prayers of my friends very close to my heart. This was a long day to drive, as I had gone to bed late the night before, so I knocked off at 6:30pm. Follow the loving advice of Phil and Jonna Axelson, I stopped over in a small hotel at the edge of the Pennsylvania border. It sort of felt/smelled like an old beach house, but it had cable and A/C. I was sound asleep by 9:30. The drive itself was relatively uneventful, but it was an AWESOME day to begin catching up with folks. THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you who called me on the road - I really felt like I was road tripping with a whole gang and not alone.

Sunday July 31:

Got on the road again by 6:30, had a good breakfast at a Dutch Inn (I think it's a chain from the 50s) - they had the cutest baskets there (I almost bought you one Ruth, but I couldn't think of where to put it!!) and began to think and pray about the upcoming day/s. More driving and phone calls today; pushed all the way to the edge of Illinois. Following the loving advice of Karen Pasquale, I stopped at this really cool, obscure camp ground and pitched my tent. I've been wanting to camp FOREVER, so it was nice to be able to a little. The camp was on the edge of a little pond and there were crickets chirping all night (I like that sound, so it was soothing, not annoying!) I tried to journal some each day, but it really wasn't coming to me. Jenn T. gave me a cute little travel journal thing with crayons, so I mostly just did that at night. It was hard to think beyond the road trip really. I knew big changes were coming, but wasn't able to put any real face on them. I was asleep by 9:30 again!

Monday August 1st

I was on the road by 6:30; breakfast was a non-descript PowerBar. I was really hoping to make it the rest of the way. The road had smoothed out considerably the previous day, which had made it much easier on my truck. But it was not to be; the road got really hilly again, which kept my average speed a decrepit 55. It was really boring going though Indiana and Illinois - you've seen one corn field, you've seen 'em all.


It got better in Missouri - more rocks, different crops, more contour to the land. Pushed all the way to the edge of Colorado this day - I decided to knock off at 10pm and not drive through the night (though I was SORELY tempted). Against everyone's loving advice, I picked a rest stop, pitched my tent on the lawn beside my truck and went to sleep under the stars. I've always wanted to do that, so it was cool for that, but it was also very loud. It was also very windy there, so it was hard to tell what was someone sneaking up you or was the wind pushing the grass against the tarp bottomed tent. So, I didn't sleep super soundly, but it was ok.

Tuesday August 2ed
I pushed on at 4:30am from the rest stop and arrived right in the middle of rush hour traffic in Denver. I finally made it to my apartment around 9am. God must have really been with me because, after all that, I was able to off-load all my stuff except 4 pieces of furniture by 3pm (I took at break 12-2) - and I didn't even mind, it was just fine - I actually enjoyed it! The Lord really blessed me that evening too, because Sara Massy (a former IV student from Roger Williams Univ.), her sister Jill and their mom came over and helped me with the last few pieces and also unpacked a bunch of boxes for me. We then went to dinner at a local sub shop.


(home!)
It was so nice to see people I even vaguely knew. When I took my break from 12-2, I had gone next door to a local Thai place for lunch. I got the food to go, as no one else was in the place and it's just weird to eat alone in a public place no one else is in. I got home, had lunch, read for a little while and decided to take a nap. That's when it hit me. I was laying on my bed, but not in my room, my apartment or even my state. I suddenly felt like crying - and boy did I ever! I'm still pretty fragile; the reality of what I've done has begun to sink in. I really miss everyone and everything about my life in RI. I'm in the full-blown grip of culture shock; knowing that doesn't make it easier. I was grieving the fact that I didn't know where to buy milk or rent a video last night. Every box I unpacked set off a cacophony of protest in my soul - something like, 'AH! Don't unpack that! Don't throw that box away! We aren't staying that long!' I talked with/ cried on/ prayed with a couple of friends, ferociously fought off the urge to get back in the truck and drive home and sang some worship songs. The Lord sent Sara and her family along at just the right time - the evening of the first day of my new life in Colorado.

There were (emotionally) good things about the day too. My next door neighbor is Jennifer. She's super cool and nice - has a very friendly cat named Dutchess. One of the downstairs neighbors is Debbie - also super nice. The building manager I've been dealing with was here and she greeted me by name and showed me the ropes of the place; she was both professional and kind.

Wednesday August 3rd:
Today's been ok so far. I got up at 7:30, had breakfast and began the task of assembling my life here. First order of business was to get back on line - so here I am! Next was to drop off the trailer (which is really great, because I didn't feel comfortable whipping around town with it on which only made me feel trapped here.) and hit Wal-Mart - I have an answering machine now!! Which reminds me: I had a landline! Please do use it - 303-781-3375 - I will be trying to rely on this more now and cut back on my cell phone. My cell number will still be good for the next few weeks, but it will be changing soon! (I'll let you know the change!)

The other fun thing I did today was to visit my Seminary and get a copy of my schedule! I found all my classes and said hi to a couple of folks I'd met back in April. It was a weird, but nice experience. The campus is gorgeous. (I'll send pics)

Thanks for all your prayers and love for me - I don't know how I could be here without them. Please do keep me in prayer; this is something I've been waiting for, but it's a hard change. I love you; know you are in my thoughts today.