I know, it's been over a month since I posted anything new. My calendar keeps reminding me that I should add some news for those who have been following our journey. Truth is, I'm not sure what to tell...
We are settled into our apartment (as I look around, the boxes that remain to be unpacked are my share of our home office) and learning our way around Mobile (it's about twice as big as Columbia, but only about half as big as Charlotte, so it's not at all overwhelming to us, but we certainly haven't seen it all yet). The big traffic jams all seem to occur on Airport Blvd, so if you can avoid that one street, traffic rarely slows you down significantly - except maybe in school zones first thing in the morning! We have found our way to the major hospitals to visit members of the congregation, and have found the essential post office, grocery store, pharmacy, etc.
There are some beautiful and quaint neighborhoods that I look forward to exploring when it gets a bit cooler. We've made one trip down to the beach and plan to go again when it is cooler. Detect a theme? The heat and humidity have sapped my energy. Most days since we have been here have topped 90 degrees. Just this past week it has finally dipped below 60 at night and highs are only forecast in the 80s. We will really enjoy being outside more after it cools down a bit!
Talked to someone on the phone today, explaining that Monday is our day off. "So what are you doing?" came the question. We then explained that we had a really exciting day planned: after doing some housework, we were going out to visit the local public library, pick up something at Radio Shack, find a Chinese buffet for a late lunch, then grocery shop. Later in the afternoon, we took Smokey across the street to the park for a walk. Quiet, relaxing, very normal day.
Some days are like that, others are much more busy. Our internship so far has been both exhilarating and exasperating; sometimes in the same day! We are pulled in two directions - responsibilities and activities at the church AND needs and meetings at LDR. We are trying to be good stewards of our time and of resources, especially since it's about a thirty minute drive between the two places. But so far, balance between the two has been very difficult to attain.
It's been important to set a schedule, so that that others will know when and where we will be and what we will be doing, yet it is very difficult to firm up that schedule, since there are conflicting demands. I know, normal experiences for an intern, typical too of a pastor's schedule. Yet the division of responsibilities makes it even harder, keeps me feeling scattered and disorganized. Those who know me, know that I don't like feeling that way, so I've not been very - shall I say happy ?- about the situation.
I'm praying that as the days and weeks turn into months, and we continue to settle into our duties, that we will be better able to balance the conflicting demands, because I know that all the needs, responsibilities, activities, and meetings won't go away! And I don't want them to, because they have also brought great joy. Visiting church members, preaching, helping with case work at LDR, and leading worship have all been great experiences - and I look forward to more of those opportunities as the year goes on.
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I know what you mean about trying to find balance. My issue is finding balance between church and family. Since st. Luke's is operating with only one pastor, (they usually have two) I have had to pick up a lot of the extra duties. Days turn very long indeed.
On top of all that is the issue that my family has not been made to feel at home at St. Luke's and they have now begun attending my field church, so now we also seem to be playing dueling churches.
Better to wrestle with these issues now than after first call I guess.
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