Transition

Dear sisters in Christ, wives of seminary students,


For many seminary families, there are times during the seminary journey when the insecurity of transition can be....well, "uncomfortable."


Summer, after seminarians have received their vicarage assignment or call, is one of those times when hundreds of questions and uncertainties may arise in our minds.  And anxieties of moving away from our dear friends...or them moving...or both of us moving!


Concerns I've heard over the past few summers at sem:


"All my friends left for vicarage! They will be back in a year, but then we'll be leaving for our vicarage....hopefully our paths cross next summer."
"My good friend has moved away...and it's for her husband's call. They won't be coming back to seminary. I may never see her again."
"We move for vicarage in a matter of days and I'll be leaving the friends that are more like family. What if I don't make friends during vicarage.... I'll only be there a year....  w h y  make friends?"


Dear sisters in Christ, this seminary journey is such a great adventure! Yes, it has its sorrows and frustrations, but we are so blessed to have this opportunity and privilege of supporting our husbands through this trek and further the Gospel. The seminary community is rich with support, encouragement and comfort. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us, the Lord will provide.


During this time of transition (and always), let us count our blessings and keep our eyes on Jesus. Close friendships can be maintained (thank you email, Facebook, Skype, texting, phone, etc). Embrace where you have been placed...whether it be at seminary, vicarage, or call. Bloom where you have been planted and trust in His plan - He loves you and will always take care of you, even through the heart-wrenching pain of leaving beloved friends.


Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."


Hebrews 12:1,2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Finally in Illinois

Moving day on June 30th went well overall. Despite a leaky tire on the van and the day running behind schedule, our things made it to storage at our vicarage church.
For the month of July, we will be living with family and vacationing. Early August we will be moving to Wheaton for Adam to begin his vicarage. (Many sem students have said that time flies during seminary...it's so true! For two years I've been looking forward to vicarage and it's here already!)
We are thankful for the wonderful support from our family, friends and supporting congregations during this time of transition and always. Thank you!! 

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

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