Next Week!

Hello, dear readers! Sarah here! :-)

The moving date is drawing near {next week!}....cardboard and white walls seem to be the decor of our apartment these days. {Just add some stainless steel side tables, bright red contemporary throw pillows and you've got a modern industrial theme going on.}


A few months ago {Februaryish} I began packing boxes. Some thought this was funny. However, I'm glad I kept packing despite the chuckles because between our work schedules, there isn't a whole lot of time to pack. Today I picked up the last of our boxes to pack (hopefully), bubble wrap should be delivered on Thursday (yay Amazon) and we hope to reach near "camping" status by Sunday evening. You know, paper plates, bare essentials, furniture wrapped and ready to jump into the moving truck. {Er, gently frolicking into the truck, that is...}


Along with packing, another activity we've been involved in lately is couponing. Inspired by TLC's new hit show, we've done some research of our own and have found couponing very worthwhile. If you're interested in saving some mega mullah for your family, check out the following links:

http://www.howtoshopforfree.net/

http://thekrazycouponlady.com/

Limbo

We have been filling boxes lately - packing up our home of two years into boxes is bittersweet. We worked hard to make our apartment feel like home, a refuge and a cozy place to welcome family and friends. Now it's being taken apart, sorted, wrapped, boxed and labeled.


Bittersweet.


When we unpack these boxes and treasures,  they will be filling a new space (although for only a year). I am looking forward to making our new home a cozy house, warm and welcoming for family and friends (both old and new friends).


The different emotions of transition and overwhelming sense of temporaryness looms in the air. A verse that gives us encouragement and comfort is:


Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.


Despite the many transitions through the circle of life and journey of an education, the Lord is with us through all of it and His promises never change. Knowing that we are blessed with a wonderful opportunity to further the Lord's kingdom and learn is so exciting and fueling our enthusiasm for this "sweet" chapter: vicarage.


Our cat, Inkin, has been a great source  of comic relief. She has lightened the tough moments during the ongoing assembly  of our moving box mountain. Whether unexpectedly making herself at home in a random basket  or creating a "fort" out of packing paper, we can't help but respond with hearty laughs.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.

Our Vicarage Destination

Well, it is official.  This August Sarah and I will be heading to Wheaton Illinois.  That's right this is Adam and this is my first post here on "The Glory of our Pilgrimage."  It was a pretty intense night this past Monday.  As my fellow brothers went on before me to receive their vicarage assignments, I was praying that wherever I was sent it would be the best vicarage for me.  My prayer was answered when Prof. Nuffer announced that I would be serving at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois.

So where is Wheaton you might ask.  Well its about 30 minutes west of Chicago but north of Joliet and Lockport.  From what my documents tell me there are 56,000 residents in Wheaton, but there are numerous towns that surround us.  The church itself is very large with over 1,000 members, and three pastors.  Pastor Scott Bruzek will be my supervisor.

There is a twist to this story though.  I know my supervising pastor.  Pastor Bruzek was the pastor at Our Savior Lutheran in Momence Illinois.  During his time there around 18 of my relatives passed away (yes I have a large family).  During that time I was under Pastor Bruzek's care, but now I will be under him as a vicar. I look forward to learning more from him now that I am twelve years older.

I will be writing here periodically, checking in with those who are following our vicarage and updating you all on our progress.  If you would like to hear more about where we are going check out: http://www.stjohnwheaton.org/

In Christ our Risen Lord and Savior,

Sem. Adam E. Jacobsen

One week!

One week away until the vicarage placement service!

And we're excited to see where the Lord sends us for this year long adventure.

I'm praying for our vicarage congregation as well as all congregations that will be receiving a vicar this year. My prayers are also for the vicars and their families - the vicars and families coming back to Fort Wayne and those leaving Fort Wayne. Transitions can be tough at times but I pray that all continue to look to our Heavenly Father for guidance and peace.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; 
   the LORD blesses his people with peace.



Toodly doo,
Sarah

Moving Organization - Box Labels and Moving Checklist

Hello, dear friends!

I am aware that many of you {i.e. seminary families} will be moving soon whether it be to vicarage, back to Fort Wayne, or to your call. Here are a couple handy dandy resources I've come across that I thought I'd pass along.  Happy packing! :-)

Box Labels
Take a peek at this link and read the comments - more helpful info.

Moving Checklist

 page 1

page 2

page 3

Vicarage Announcements

Take a peek at these modern vicarage announcements {created to match this blog}. Some of these vicarage  announcements will be sent to our supporting congregations.  The cards are currently blank, but with a little help from picnik.com here are some examples of what these vicarage announcements may look like after May 2nd, 2011:

 

Blessings, 

Sarah

An Encouragement of Fellowship

Today SWA (student wives association) hosted an informational event for wives of the seminary students. This event had great speakers (professors and placement directors) from the seminary who not only explained the vicarage and call process but also answered the wives' numerous questions. Everything from how the process begins to how it concludes, moving logistics to insurance, furnished vicarage to bringing a pony....

This event was informational and an encouragement from the placement directors to the wives. The meeting was also a wonderful fellowship opportunity for the wives as we prepare for yet another chapter of this seminary adventure.

Blessings,
Sarah

{Now where is my packing tape....}