American Faux Pas (The First of What is Sure to be Many)

I had my first "American Moments" today.  

The first one was in trying to use the water closet (aka restroom).  My friend had pointed out the door, and indeed, it said "WC" and had stick figures of people. I opened the door and there was a man inside, to which I profusely started apologizing and backing out the door. I waited until he had left and then cautiously made my way inside.  Upon entering, I discovered there were many stalls, and in further conversation, it is a space where both male and female can take care of business at the same time. 

Needless to say, I was slightly taken aback by all this (even though in our homes we share bathrooms...).  We did have a good laugh, though.

The second one is going to require some research on my part.  It was during our Intensive, "Godly Play" (stay tune for a post on this one...).  We have been taking turns leading the sessions as we finish up the course and the last one today was on communion, or The Lord's Supper.  I was feeling slightly confused by much of the conversation and the images that were being used in the lesson.  Think, "It's a Small World" wooden characters circled around a table.  I raised my hand and asked, "Is this lesson for World Communion Sunday?" to which majority of the class looked at me blankly. The professor mentioned that "World Communion Sunday" is an American thing. 

Oh. 

Huh. 

Once again, I felt quite American. 

I want to be quite clear that my "feeling American" isn't necessarily a bad thing or a good thing; it's more just being aware to the cultural differences at hand.  Being the inquisitive kind of gal I am, I like to get to the bottom of things, asking and wondering why.  I think Sherlock would have totally let me be his sidekick...just saying. 

On a completely random note, saw this really cool building on my walk to Boots (a pharmacy meets Sephora type of place).  It says it is a bank, but I will have to check it out in the daylight. 

Then there is this photo of St. John's College Chapel.  Once again, I'll try to walk during daylight hours and get some pictures.  It's quite nice walking in the evening though.  

And lastly, if you feel the desire to send snail mail, here is how you can reach me:

Katy Walters, PH 11

Westminster College

Madingley Road

Cambridge

CB3 0AA

(In case you wondered, PH = pidgeon hole.  I love this name.)

Cambridge, Day 1 (and 1/2)

Good Morning to my stateside friends!

Good Afternoon to those of you on this side of the ocean!

I made it!  I navigated two three airports, one underground train, and a national rail ride and even a payphone.  The end result?  I'm here!  I was greeted by my friend Catherine (and met some new ones!) and let me tell you, it was WONDERFUL to be greeted by a familiar face.  

Front of the Westminster, well, most of the front...

Westminster is a busy place - they are finishing remodeling much of their space.  My room (described as posh!) is just perfect and meets just about every need I could imagine.  I'm currently sitting at my desk, drinking a cup of coffee, and looking out the window which shows the roundabout in front of the college. 

Olaf loves the bathroom. 

I journeyed to the center of town to purchase some towels at a place called "TK Maxx".  (If that sounds familiar to you, yay!)  Needless to say, I was quite proud that I was able to find my way there and back, and was so grateful for my rain jacket as the storms came and went.   

 

It's not messy!  Just unpacking.  (And my bed IS made!)

Everyone here at the college has been so friendly and helpful, even when my brain seems fuzzy and I can't string together sentences (thank you, jetlag).  The Intensive classes start tomorrow and I will begin with Godly Play.  I'm looking forward to creating a routine of sorts and getting settled.  

I will let you know that I'm not the only new student here, this gentleman started this week as well.   We're in different programs, of course, but still kind of neat. 

Prince William starts classes at St. John's College

Blessings, 

Katy

World Traveller

Well, it's here.  In about two hours, I'll be on a plane (a big one!) that will be crossing an ocean (it's big too!) and when I wake up, I will be in London.

Yep, that's a window seat.  

Will wonders never cease to amaze?

I have been worrying, praying, pondering, thinking, worrying some more and then, praying some more about this day.   And it is finally here.

I've said goodbye to family members and loved on some sweet, sweet babies, miraculously packed enough* for my four months, coordinated what happens when I land, pondered what this journey would have been like in the 1900's with my sister, and even found some time late last night to see an amazing animated movie (GO SEE FROZEN.  IT'S AMAZING.).

So it's here.

I'm sitting in Boston Logan at one of the VERY FEW electric sources and crossing my fingers the internet signal stays strong so I can post a picture of SNOW.  (I was so warm from the heat of the plane and airport, I really did just stand outside for a spell.  It felt glorious.)

SNOW! (Boston)

So I'm here.  And I am so grateful for this time and space that I find myself in.

And even with all the anxieties and fears (there will be a post about this!) upon my heart, I know this is going to be one heck of an adventure.

So join my squirrel sanitizer and flashlight buddy, Olaf**, and I as we begin.


Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures here below; 
Praise God above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 
Amen.






*I know I packed enough...I'm feeling very American and needy and wanting to bring everything that I love and find comfortable.  But I didn't.

**Olaf, much like the Olad in Frozen, loves warm hugs.

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like...

It's beginning to look alot like...Christmas, yes...but here on the CTS campus, here are some other words that might fit:

Finals

Schoolwork

Papers

Projects

End-of-year (a mouthful, I know)

Homestretch

and lastly, maybe this one:

It's beginning to look alot like chaos. 

That's how I feel.

In addition to end of term things such as schoolwork and meetings and the likes, for me it is also wrapping up my business here on the campus and getting things in order for studying abroad next term.  Wrapping up business here means everything from making sure my paperwork is in order to packing suitcases to cleaning my bathroom and making sure there are clean sheets on my bed (if you have met my mother, you get this...).

  I will be gone from the CTS campus for EIGHT months!  I might have a weekend here in April, but that's about it!  

I'll be at Westminster College in Cambridge, UK for ten weeks beginning January 6 (prayers are appreciated!), then spend a few weeks worshipping and living at the Taize community (if all goes well!), and hopefully get to Iona, Scotland as well for some worshipping experience.  

Then it's TEXAS for the summer (God willing!) for my Clinical Pastoral Education at a North Texas hospital!

While all these things are VERY EXCITING and GOOD, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with it all.  

And to be completely honest, this week I came back to campus and Advent and Christmas about 90% in a not so happy-go-lucky-Christmas-spirit-share-cheer-everywhere kind of mood.  Part of that might be because the Friday before returning to campus we said our final goodbyes to my grandmother, part might be just dealing with loss from earlier this year, and part might be due to my lack of sleep. 

Regardless, on Monday, I felt like this:

And it's the week of the CTS Christmas Banquet.  That I'm co-chairing. 

(And this, my friends, is where God provides...)

My co-chair has worn AMAZING Christmas sweaters every day this week. And they truly are breath taking.  She has been so full of Christmas cheer and joy and happy thoughts that it has been enough for the both of us, and contagious to boot!

I have inadvertently had time made to talk about things near and dear to my heart and to hearts of others on our campus.  Not all these conversations have been easy, but all have been productive.  We've voiced opinions and feelings that are different and sometimes difficult to hear, and have been heard with this spirit of grace.  

These conversations have been in classes, on living room floors, meetings, cars (it was turned off!) and even just in passing. 

Maybe in this rush to finish things I find myself lingering and holding to the comforts that come in impromptu conversations with the roommate where we confess that in the midst of the disappointments and frustrations of the church, we are so excited and hopeful for the church to come. 

And all of a sudden, it's not so much about the school work and the rushing to get things done, because they will get done.  

Tonight, in this season of Advent, a time where I find myself struggling with darkness and light, it is enough to hope. 

The people who walked in darkness

    have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness—

    on them light has shined.

- Isaiah 9:2

Sharing Stories

I love to tell the story,

’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

About this time of year, Columbia Theological Seminary launches the "phonathon" here on campus.  For those of you unfamiliar with this term, here’s  what it is: students are encouraged by the Development Office to sign up and get compensated to make phone calls to Alumni, Friends, and more to ask for gifts for the Annual Fund.

So, basically, we are calling and asking for money.  Just as many of our churches are entering a time of Stewardship, we here at Columbia are doing the same kind of thing.

Except we have to call total strangers.

And talk to them.

And then ask them for money.

And let's be honest for a second...most of you all who receive a phone call around 7-9 in the evening on your HOME phone have an idea of why we're calling...

I've never been able to participate in this fun event, so this year I thought I would give it a whirl.

I love to tell the story, ’tis pleasant to repeat,
What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

I'm going to be honest here - the first night I felt like I was having heart palpitations before making these phone calls.  I might be the absolute worst cold caller known to mankind... I really am not a fan of asking people for money.  Even when I worked at Panera and would have to tell people the amount they owed for their Frontega Chicken Panini and Loaded Potato soup combo, I would quietly whisper (with a tad bit of guilt in my voice) the amount they owed as if I was airing their dirty little secrets into the earnest ears of the waiting customers behind them.

So on my first evening of working the phonathon, I was anxious, and not so secretly praying no one would pick up the phone.

But people did pick up the phone.

And an amazing thing happened...

The palpitations stopped, and I got to share a piece of my story of how I am here at Columbia Theological Seminary with these alumni, friends, and even the random people who weren't even sure how they ended up on our calling list.

I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams;
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me,
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

And then, an even better thing happened.

I was privileged to hear a part of their stories.

Stories of what Columbia was like in 1952, 1988, or even 2010.  Stories of what it was like to be the spouse of a seminarian or child of a seminarian.  Stories of what ministry looked like and how their call developed, adapted, and surprised them.  Stories of how they heard about this school in Decatur, GA, even if they never were a part of the actual community.

In those first two hours, I was doing ministry in a way I never imagined.  Yes, I was asking for money for this school I hold so dearly in my heart, but I was listening to what people had to say.  It was a bit like a roller coaster ride – I congratulated people on new calls, mourned with those who had lost a spouse, laughed at stories involving professors, and was even made a little jealous by some of the work that these people have done (if only I could be more of an artist!!).

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest;
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

We live in a culture that has encouraged us to tune out – or if we want to be heard, we should make it in under 140 characters or with an entertaining picture and caption.  The act of listening is just that – an ACT.  Talk to anyone who has spent time in a classroom and they can tell you about the different styles of listening – active – false – deep – casual – informative – partial – total – there’s lots of ways to listen!  And sometimes I am in AWE of what I hear, especially in hearing personal stories.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true,
It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.

I’m pretty sure Jesus was a good listener.  I like to think listening was a BIG part of his ministry – the woman at the well, Zacchaeus, even to his (sometimes whiney) disciples. Jesus was also good at sharing stories. 

I’ve included in this post the lyrics to one of my favorite hymns that I associate with one of my favorite story tellers – my Peepa.  I Love to Tell the Story is a hymn about sharing that story of Jesus and Jesus’ love.  I don’t think it is a coincidence that through sharing our stories or sharing the stories for those who cannot speak that we often find ourselves immersed in the love of Jesus.  

So as I anxiously continue to participate in our phonathon, I will remember the kind and encouraging words from one of the callers, “This is a hard thing to do, but good job for doing it”.  I will remember the laughs I encounter, the memories I’m privileged to hear, the well wishes wished, and too, the hurts and pains of those I encounter.  And while seeking gifts for the CTS community, I will remember the gifts I'm being blessed with.

 I love to tell the story,

’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

Back to School

A few weeks ago I had the honor to sing at a friend's wedding. Her wedding day coincided with the time of year we actually met, and as I reflect on leaving the great state of Texas for another exciting semester of seminary, I can't help but remember the story of our friendship.

Ten years ago (!) that weekend, I stepped out of the family minivan on Grand Avenue in Sherman, Texas, excited to finally be at school.  Austin College starts a bit later than most schools, so all my friends had already begun the new exciting journey called college.  Before stepping out of the car, I had just promised myself that I would be starting this adventure with an open mind - I was ready to make new friends and "be" Katy Walters.  I had willed myself to just greet the first person I met and go!

 The lovely lady who was married was the first person I met on that curb outside our dorm.  We walked up to each other, introduced ourselves (VERY enthusiastically), and were pretty much inseparable the entire fall semester.  Our enthusiasm and energy and love for life was contagious.   Through this friend, I met two other gals who joined us in our romping around campus, and to this day - they are still some of my closest buds.  

The Princesas at my Senior Recital 

As I get ready back to school, I recognize I'm a little beat.  I didn't get out of my car upon pulling up to campus with that energy I had when I started at Austin College so many years ago.  My thought upon arriving to CTS was, "here's the to do list for tomorrow." 

This summer was an amazing whirlwind of traveling, laughter, amazing meals and stories shared.  It's been a summer of learning and affirming of gifts.   It's been a summer full of keeping commitments, writing papers, preparing for ordination exams, and some late nights full of coffee and Migliore.  It's been an emotional summer with losing my Meem and my Peepa, and the highs and lows that come with those kind of meetings where really important things are decided.  It's been a good summer, but I am feeling a bit empty. 

Having met some of our new students at Columbia, I am a wee bit jealous at their enthusiasm and energy they are bringing to their first semester of seminary.  I like to be the one full of life and enthusiasm!  

And I know I will be.  

I know with some rest I will be back to my ever so encouraging, cheerful self.  

I've been reading Psalm 37 daily - using it as a prayer as I return to school. 

Trust in the Lord, and do good;

so you will live in the land and enjoy security.

Take delight in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act.

He will make your vindication shine like the light,

and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;

do not fret over those who prosper in their way,

over those who carry our evil devices.

  

 I pray that the energy from our new class is contagious and it rejuvenates my spirit. 

I pray I always remember the call I have answered - the call that energizes me and gets my blood flowing. 

I pray that I remember what an amazing gift it is to be able to study freely and ask, seek, and knock on this faith journey.  

I pray I fully "commit my way to the Lord" - including the trusting bit.  My God hasn't led me this far to leave me hanging!

And mostly right now, I pray offering thanksgiving for the wonderful support I receive in prayer, phone calls, letters, emails and texts.  It sustains me and gives me little "oomphs" as I journey on. 

I may be a little beat, but I am blessed.  And for that, I give thanks. 

Shall We Gather at the River

 I cannot believe that tonight is my last night in Chapel Hill for this summer internship.  I'm being specific with the dates because I've fallen in love with this area they call "the Triangle" (despite it's 100% humidity at times) - and I intend to come back.  It has been such a blessing to worship, learn, teach, preach, sing, dance, play, read, eat, and just be with this community called UPC.  

I truly have felt a part of this congregation, and not just because they have to be nice to me and like me as their intern for the summer (which, I hope really never happens anywhere...).  

The past few weeks have felt like a whirlwind due to unexpected life events then followed by a week long mission trip with the youth to Hinton, West Virginia with Appalachian Service Project, then wrapping up my last week here in the church.  

I know all good things come to an end.  I know it is good that I am returning home to things familiar.  I know it is good that I set up my summer so I would have the next few weeks to focus on Ordination Exams and not be too super stressed out about them.  (Which, let's be honest, I still am semi-super stressed out about them...)  

It is good that I am going to be able to worship at my home church for more than just one quick Sunday!

It is good that I will be going to my 10 year high school reunion! (gulp!)

It is good that I will be able to spend some time with my ailing grandfather!

But, it still is sad to say goodbye. 

So, I've been cheating.  I've been telling all the good folk here, "see you later".  

And I mean it.

  I want to see them later - at Montreat or some fun conference type thing.  

Or in Atlanta, should they decide to swing through for a visit. 

Or however or wherever God arranges for us to meet.  

One of the neat things I've done here at UPC is one of the things I love to do best.  I had the opportunity to sing a beautiful arrangement of "Shall We Gather at the River" with an awesome guy who also happens to be an awesome baritone.  Jim was a chaperone for the Montreat Youth Conference and when we sat together in the pews for worship and sang, it was awesome.  

He would harmonize, I would harmonize, the youth would harmonize.  

It was a little bit magical at times.  

(The people in front of us even said how much they loved our harmonies...and I don't think they were being sarcastic...).

Anyways, we thought it would be fun to sing at church - and we did!  They even thought to record it!  Listen to it by clicking the link above or this one. 

**I'll be honest - this song was picked way ahead of time, and then something happened that made this song even more precious to me.  I'll write about it soon, but getting through this song was TOUGH (with a capitol T).  Singing and crying were not made to co-exist, despite what the opera world would have you think.**  

Regardless, enjoy. 

 It was a pleasure to sing and worship God in one of my favorite ways, and share it with others.  

And, it is one of many, many, many fond memories I will have from my time here at UPC.