Back, and Forward!

Well, I came back.

I can probably say that in regards to a few things (back to blog... bear with me as I get into writing again), but I mean back to New Brunswick and back to St. Stephen's University.

It would be good to give a brief picture of what my life has been like over the past 5 months.

It was in August that I returned to Three Hills from 2 months of travelling and studying in Europe. By the end of the month I had written my final Europe assignment which meant I was officially finished all of my undergraduate reading and writing. I then spent two weeks travelling through Alberta and BC with my wonderful girlfriend Rosie as we visited family and friends, lovely people who neither of us had seen for a while. It was a great trip catching up with old and new friends and taking in some beautiful scenery (and wonderful hospitality too). In September I followed Rosie back to St. Stephen NB to spend a month closeby before she left for her Asia trip. During that time I helped at the university by setting up the classroom space for the students travelling to Asia. Before travelling to Asia, the students go through a four week intensive which requires them to be in almost 6 hrs of classes from Monday to Friday. Each day I would make sure the room was ready to be used and that coffee and tea would be made to make tired students happy students, and maybe a little more eager to learn. I also acquired a part-time job at a local Bistro where I served meals and made specialty coffees (which is something I've wanted to learn how to do for a long time!). In October the students left for Southeast Asia and I remained for the next month, working and trying to stay involved in the community. In November, shortly before I returned to Alberta, a few staff, faculty and friends gathered and celebrated with me in a small office at the university as I was handed me my official Bachelor of Arts degree! It was a last minute decision to return to Alberta, but I came back mid November to look after the farm and feed the cows while my parents were away on holidays. Christmas came and went (and it was such a great Christmas with the family!) and now in the New Year I find myself ... living in New Brunswick yet again!

So why am I back? Well, because I consider it a step forward.

In November I was offered the chance to take part in an internship that the University was newly creating, one which would give the opportunity for alumni to continue to be more involved in fostering the spiritual, relational and community life that happens at SSU. As details were worked out and as I prayed and talked to family and friends about the opportunity it became clearer to me that the internship aligned with what has been on my heart to do and maybe more-so what I need to be challenged into doing as well. I decided to take on the opportunity presented in the internship and for the last couple days have been trying to get re-settled and find my place once again in this amazing community. I'm still trying to understand the whats and hows of my role now; its something new to the university and to me as well, but I'm excited to see what unfolds!

I know this update is quite short. I want to write more, fill in some details, but its getting late and I just want to get something out and onto my blog! I'll try to keep you updated as I become more settled into place and into the internship!