Next Sunday, I leave for a week of classes in Berkeley, and a whirlwind weekend when I return the following Saturday with enough time to do laundry, hopefully make it to church, and hit the road to drive to Illinois, where I will begin my twelve week Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
I am very excited for these next steps in my journey to ordination. I have been studying for the classes I will be taking in Berkeley since October and am anxious to have the classroom experience in discussing the topics of Into to New Testament and Ministry in Context. The reading has been very interesting and insightful, and the papers I have written have caused me to gain new understandings, especially as the church exists in our current world.
While, I am not looking forward to leaving Susie or the drive to Illinois, I am very anxious to begin my CPE. For this, I will be spending my time at Advocate BroMenn in Normal, Illinois. My experience will include visiting and providing spiritual care to patients and their families along with some evaluative course work. In addition, I will have my normal class work for my seminary classes, so I should have plenty to keep me busy.
During this time, please keep Susie and I in your prayers. the separation won't be easy, but we both understand the importance of my completing this part of my education. We're hoping she will be able to come to Illinois mid-way through my time there.
My plan is to post here regularly about my experiences in the CPE, so check back often. God's blessings to each of you.
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