countdown is on...

in just one week, i will be boarding a plane for st.louis, missouri (with a breif layover in chicago) for urbana. it will be my first time at urbana so i am not sure what exactly to expect but from what i have heard from others, it should be quite the experience. i am mostly looking forward to it because my role there will be as a small group leader for 4 MAC students while we study ephesians together. it will be so nice to have some good quality time with students having been absent from campus this semester, especially studying scripture together. after studying ephesians with staff this summer, i am anticipating that it will be an amazing experience for students and i am excited to see what will develop on our campus and in the lives of students.
if you remember, please pray for those heading to urbana, that we will be open to God and what He may have to say to us while we are there.

let the exams begin...

today was the first day of no more classes (making yesterday the last day of classes) and the vibe around campus and the student neighbourhoods already feels different. the huge snowfall last night certainly helped create a holiday mood around here but most people i chat with seem happy that the end of the semester is nearing.
a lot of people find exam time is stressful but it seems more managable to me because you don't have to attend lectures and hand in assignments and essays, while trying to fit in study time. it will be a great time for me to catch up with students that i haven't seen all semester and to put in that last push for fundraising so i can return (triumphantly) to campus in january.
i have one take home keeping me from finishing up my semester. i was hoping to get it done nice a early so i wouldn't have to have it hanging over my head for the next week but that is proving harder than i thought.

christmas party curcuit...

tonight was the MAC IV christmas party. the traditional banquet in a church hall idea was scrapped this year and replaced by a house party and i fully support this decision. the whole thing seemed less formal and stuffy and people really seemed to just enjoy hanging out, spreading some good cheer.
it was nice to be able to catch up with some students i haven't seen all semester since i have been focusing on fundraising. it confirms my desire to return to campus. i really miss being a part of the every day stuff and feeling like i know what is going on in people's lives. focusing on my fundraising now will ensure that i will be able to do this long term but i just wish i could have both at the same time.
our small group will be meeting tomorrow night for the last time this semester too. i have to get my favourite christmas treat ready to share with everyone. so many options to choose from...