A lot of life has taken place since my last post almost two months ago!
This post is just going to be a quick recap and “where is she now”.
Then, each week ill add a little something more about one topic in this general update, or, something entirely new!

December was an incredibly busy month, wrapping up ministry ends in bows (probably more knots), traveling to Africa for the most beautiful wedding I have ever experienced, sending off a favourite kid to follow God at redeemer university, traditional MacDonald Christmas one week late, car camping in -12 degrees with the only one crazy (fun) enough to do it with me, chasing pigs with a new friend, reconnecting with old ones, and finally, moving to Sussex NB to start my University Era.

So, I’m two weeks into classes. I love them all. My favourite one is “Spiritual Formation” we are reading “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster. Because my marvellous big brother Brock loves and knows me so well, I read his copy a few years ago. Re-reading now is so different. I come alive in my assessments of this in the most exciting ways. Maybe I’ll share some of my assignments! (If you’re interested, let me know, I can send the file.)

My Basic Christian Beliefs class has been so affirming for me in the continued navigation out of “high demand group” trauma. I also have a financial maths course, which is a good motivator and accountability to stick to my “Anti-consumerism” plans. I have New Testament, which lines up perfectly with what I’ve got planned for kids church right now. Finally, general psychology, which I surprisingly remember quite a bit of from college 1 DECADE ago…

Last Saturday Zula and I went for a hike with a group of students to The Bluffs Look Out here in Sussex. She had a BLAST, and so did I. She’s settled in well, to our tiny twin bed. She’s a pro at going to class, and everyone on campus has done really well at knowing when to visit with her, and when to ignore her. Shout out to Greg Mann, the man in charge of all campus food, for allowing me to store Zula’s extra food in the walk in freezer! (i got a little one for our room, but its only half the size i needed) A few days ago I text my dad with a sobering revelation. I haven’t yelled at Zubie at all since being here. This highlighted to me how well we are doing here. So happy. But also, how much i had been unknowingly releasing frustration on her about things that weren’t “actually” about her. So much time alone has been so good for us. I mostly just go to class, and back to my room. A few visits with friends, but not often. The time alone has been a much needed refreshing I didn’t realize I was so desperate for. Everyday we laugh and play and dance together between class and homework and walks.

I’ve been going to King’s Church in Quispamsis, and will probably go to Moncton to Glad Tidings sometimes too. Those are both churches I had gone to on and off when I lived in Moncton and when visiting since. Tuesday nights theres a student lead worship night in the basement of the chapel, we haven’t had one yet this semester, but I’ve been when visiting and I’m looking forward to that this week. Wednesdays there’s no classes, I’ll be using that day to continue to meet with Pastors Bert & Brock for ministry stuff, as well as kids church and youth prep, and other ministry work. Friday mornings is campus chapel, all staff and students meet for our weekly “church service” Saturday mornings theres a student lead bible study that has been so fun for me. Reading and praying together is so building and refreshing for my heart. I’m looking at adding a bi-weekly bible crafting meet up like i had been doing with some of the ladies in Roblin.

I’ve gone to Fredericton once to visit an old friend. I’d like to go to Moncton to visit two legends there, but fuel costs $1.69!!!!!!!!! At home it cost about $75 to fill my car, here, its $97!!!!! trying very hard to live as low cost as possible, this first month of settling in has proven to be a challenge! Pray for me for wisdom and perseverance as I continue to climb out of the financial pit I have stepped/fallen into.

Grace and Peace,
Monoak