Vicarage is over. I am no longer "The Vicar". We had a beautiful farewell Sunday the last weekend in July and said all of our goodbyes. After preaching my final sermon and an old-fashioned roasting, the congregation gathered for a farewell potluck. The church was such a supportive and loving place to learn and grow. Moorhead has become such a wonderful memory in our seminary journey. Much was learned and we gained so many new friends and family in Christ. We think quite often about the people and places we miss from vicarage.
After landing back at the seminary just long enough to unload the truck, we headed out to New Jersey to spend some time with my family. It was the first time Isaiah got to meet most of my family and friends. Our time there went really quick. But it was nice and relaxing--a family BBQ, three days at the Jersey Shore, mini-golf, hot-tubbing and lots of time and meals spent with people we love. Not to mention the amount of Jersey-style pizza and Taylor Ham & Cheese sandwiches we were able to eat at the infamous Lox of Bagels. We even got to go the NJ State Fair for an evening that included going to the petting zoo and seeing the racing pigs. And Isaiah fit right in with the rest of the Sussex County crowd with only his two teeth!
I'm pretty sure that Isaiah enjoyed New Jersey the most as hardly a second went bye when he was not being held or entertained. It's been bit of a hard reality for him since we've been home and have been busy unpacking and cleaning the new place. I also had the privilege to preach and lead worship services at the congregation I grew up in. Got to stand in the pulpit of the place where this crazy pastor thing all began. Overall it was really just a nice trip back out east, even despite the realization that I'm becoming less and less "Jersey" via losing my accent and actually trying to be a courteous and patient driver. Jersey drivers do not like to merge!
As for St. Louis, we are just about now settled in. We are moved completely into our on-campus apartment and have everything put away and all the pictures hung. We really like our place, perhaps pictures will come later. And though we already miss our dishwasher in Moorhead we are so thrilled to have our very own washer & dryer. No more quarters or waiting for other people, yay! The simple things in life indeed! Though I don't start classes until after Labor Day, Calie starts work back at the LCMS International Center next Monday. This year she will be working in the youth ministry office; working primarily with the 2010 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. So, I will be able to be Mr. Mom until classes start. I'm really excited for this but need to work a bit on my gag reflex when it comes to diapers filled with #2. Once I enter back into the wonderful (blah!) world of academia, we have been blessed to so easily find childcare for Isaiah. He will be watched by a seminary wife on campus who also watches two other children. Her husband is an exchange student and they are from Brazil. They are both really nice people and Isaiah snuggled right up with her when they first met. This is a God-send! A perfect fit for us as far as location, cost, and quality care. God is so good, praise Him for answered prayers and peace of mind!
So now in these next few days we are trying to enjoy our last few days of open family time. We have already re-visited the Budweiser Brewery and will soon be going to the St. Louis Zoo and Ted Drew's Frozen Custard. It really is nice to be back in the sultry St. Louis area, knowing it is only for 9 months. The weather still is hot and nasty. Today, the temp wasn't so high but the humidity was at 97%. As long as the central air keeps working it will be all good.
Enjoy the pics!
