Newest Norseman

Today we drove from sunrise south into rain clouds and spent the day at Luther College in Northeastern Iowa. It was my son Joren's registration day. It was our third trip to Luther in Decorah in the last 18 months as we've been discerning with him about college choices.

Luther admissions very clearly chose him, but he kind of ended up there by procrastinating default and with the help of a reference from an friend alumus, Karen (Thank you, Karen!). Last year during Spring Break Luther was his first choice with cursory attention being paid to St. Olaf, Macalester, and Northwestern. After his All State Choir experience last summer, combined with some trips to St. Olaf in the fall, becoming an Ole was the top priority.

But then the procrastination bug bit and no amount of badgering from this bitchy mother could get the 17-year-old senior to get his college applications and audition requirements finished in time for anywhere . . . . but Luther. Hmmmm........

Luther wanted him, no question. But he had to decide for himself. Once he stopped beating up on himself for blowing it, he came to the realization that it's a great school and they want him.

Today he was sort of bragging about how difficult accomplishing a music major for vocal performance will be. Clearly he wants to rise to the challenge. We required him to attend the Procrastination Prevention workshop:)

Registration and orientation was so efficient, friendly and smooth today. It did not compare to the Arthur Missoula experience of two years ago whatsoever. The difference between a regional, small, private, faith-based, liberal arts college and a western state university were night and day. Don't get me wrong, U of Montana was a great choice and a great learning and yearning year for Arthur. FYI - his first night interning on the ambulance crew proved to be a hit, although a relatively slow night - only two trsansport calls and both relatively mundane. But he loved every minute of it and can't wait to work again on Wednesday night.

So the moment of the day that brought my heart joy for Joren was when we were visiting his grandparents on the way home and Grama asked about his day. He explained what his class schedule would be like. He reassured her that he will learn about his roomate(s) and dorm assignment in August and that it was okay since they hand-pick the roommates. He also related his need to audition for an ensemble in the fall but that all freshman men end up in the Norsemen choir.

*BIG GRIN*

Grampa then asked, "Do you think you'll like it?"

"Oh, I'm gonna love living there," he replied, without a beat of hesitation.

Music to my ears.

So we spent some cash in the giftshop and outfitted ourselves with Norse attire reminding Joren that he may be the only Danish Episcopalian in the incoming class.

His reply; "I bet I'm the only Joren Skov, too!"

One can only hope.

Internship

My oldest son frequently wears a uniform. When he reports to a specific set of classes in which he is enrolled at Inver Hills Community College for his degree in Emergency Medical Sciences, he is expected to act professionally and to be prepared to work in the "lab" setting of responding to 911 dispatch calls with his colleagues in an ambulance rig.

This child/son/man of mine seems to have a gift for this strange form of adrenaline rush in the moments of someone else's life and death distress. His father and I suspect that he has actually discerned his vocation in life. This internship that begins tonight will tell.

Arthur is taking a required Anatomy and Physiology class this summer with two EMT peers and a room full of nursing students. He is also undertaking an internship with an ambulance response and transport agency in St. Paul this summer to gain credit and crucial practical experience. He is already a nationally board certified Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT). His hope is to upgrade his certification to Paramedic and graduate with an associate's degree in Emergency Medical Services.

He slept most of the day in preparation for his 7:30 pm to 7:30 am shift on a Saturday night in St. Paul. He packed a big lunch that consisted of several sandwiches and who knows what else. As he left for St. Paul he said to me, "This might be the most exciting night of my life, Mom."

How the hell am I supposed to respond to that?!?

I hope it isn't too exciting. I fear for his safety and sanity. Then again, I can't remember his ever being this excited about learning. Truth be told, if there's a medical tragedy unfolding, I want Arthur there. He's level-headed, knowledgeable, reassuring, and competent.

And he looks pretty handsome and impressive in his uniform.

Anyway, I wish him all the best tonight and send him heartfelt prayers for guidance and safety. I'll let you know how it went tomorrow.

No Parking

Today was the day.

I packed up all my sentimental crap in my office, stuffed it into boxes and made approximately 10 trips up and down the three flights of stairs from my office to my truck. Thursday and Friday I'll be attending meetings near the Mall of America for Province VI of The Episcopal Church. Saturday afternoon marks my official vacation as I transition to a full time position with The Episcopal Church as the new Program Officer for Lifelong Christian Formation and Youth.

BIG BREATH!

My near-sighted view is totally focused on prepping for our Official Youth Presence at the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

What ever happens after that has me excited and mildly petrified. But it is clear to me that it is time to move on. I'm leaving behind a beautiful office with a fantastic view of the Minneapolis skyline, a tremendous group of committed colleagues, a title and significant salary for a lay professional in the church, what would have been a four month sabbatical, and a reserved parking place near downtown Minneapolis.



I am taking up an adventure in collaborative connectivity in Evangelism, Youth Ministry, and Faith Formation. I get to upgrade the technology in my home office, work next to my trusty Jack Russel Terrorist (Nessie), travel more, learn more, and connect people and resources using some wisdom and innovation. I know my new colleagues a little bit and am thrilled to get to work with them. I trust that others will learn to trust me and will ride along to do a new thing with God.

But before I get carried away, I can't wait to splash my boat into the Mighty Mississip' next week. If the sun comes out it will be perfect timing. I can hardly wait!!!