How is the trip so far?...

... asked friend Jon Nolan ... and I told him that the trip has been good - life is restful and nice and I like it. I was worried life on the road would be too un-routine like and that staying in so many different settings would drain me of energy. Instead, I have received so much goodness and life giving love from those around me - those that we've visited and and from Leslie - that for the first time in a while I can say that I am rested and well. I was discouraged from my calling/gifting/passion and tired, but God has affirmed that I am where I need to be and that I am on the right path - even though I don't know right now where that is going.

There have been many beautiful moments on this trip, and one of them was when Jon MacDonald asked if he could pray for us before we left. I felt (feel) so humbled and privileged to be invited into the lives of others. It is especially encouraging to me to reconnect with students from Briercrest and see that what happened there between them and I carries on so much further than I can hope or imagine and that even though I am done (mostly) at Briercrest, what has taken place there certainly isn't done. God is so good to allow my life to intersect with so many others.

Just a thanks to those of you who are following our journey. We were smiling to think of all those whose minds we are on because you are following our blog or you have invited us into your home, making you a part of our journey. While our blog connects you to us, please remember to connect with us - by comments, emails or calls! We love to share what's going on with us - but even more so, we love to share in what's going on with you!

We've entered a new phase of the trip today - that of visiting universities that we consider potential places of learning for master and PhD studies. We are at University of New Hampshire (http://www.unh.edu/education/programs/phd/experiential_outdoor.html) . It's a funny learning journey towards a learning context (meaning I'm having to learn how to figure out where I want to learn). I like this process, but what a process - even learning what questions to ask is new! My head is spinning!

Today we sat in on a 3 hour grad seminar course called 'Change Processes in Adventure Education' led by Dr. Jayson Seaman. The discussion centered around apprenticeship, guided participation and participatory appropriation (basically, community, interpersonal and personal aspects of experience). There were 4 students plus us there - so we definitely were invited to be involved. In the afternoon, we chatted with Jayson about his experience as a PhD student and now faculty at UNH and then met with Dr. Michael Gass (of 'Book of Metaphors' noteriety). Mike was inviting and helpful and we left his office and presence energized, and for myself, a little overwhelmed in a positive way. It was exciting to watch him catch and share a bit of a vision of how I could be a match with what is going on here, but frightening too! (Sociology!?! What!?!) I look forward to tomorrow - sitting in on Dr. Brent Bell's class wrapping up Dewey's 'Experience and Education' and chatting with him, as well as a couple of current PhD students. I am also glad to have a bit of time to mull over this experience here before the next school (University of Minnesota).

Rest well friends, Carrie