CAMPUS NEWS

Welcome week started on Tuesday (8/21/07) with a Furniture Fair, where all the new students had the opportunity to “shop“ for gently used furniture, household items, and small appliances donated by local church members. What a pity that I arrived the next day, so I couldn’t enjoy the opportunity. I was assigned to occupy Oxtoby Apartment No. 103 with Jim, a Korean-American student. His father is a pastor, and Jim is a very kind gentleman.

On Friday, all the new students were invited to a potluck meeting at Hunter/Langdon residence. This event was arranged by Barbara England, one of the new students, Nick Kolivas, second year student, and some other friends. I brought some dishes made by a professional cook, The Rev. Dr. Kyle Matsumoto Burch, who I believed God used to help me during the time of distress of my adjustment. I was so glad because everybody was so welcoming and friendly. Barbara told me that her friends laughed so intensely because she told them about my email to her asking “what kind of animal potluck is”

On Sunday, Jim, my roommate, Pete and Luke, our neighbors, and some other first year M.Div students, went to the First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo. There we were welcomed as part of the church community. Right in front of the gate, there was a welcome banner and each of us received a red ribbon and also a name tag. We were invited to stand up and everybody gave us applause.

The busy days finally started on Monday (27/8/07), the New Student Orientation. All the students and their family, staff, and professors went for breakfast at the President house, Rev. Dr. Philip Butin. He shared a scripture from 2 Peter 1:1-8 about how to be a community of faith and how to draw close to God during this of discernment. Many people were there. It was fun because the sense of togetherness was so strong. After breakfast, which was also a “welcome party” according to the President, we went to Scott 101 to learn how to register for our courses through the Graduate Theological Union on-line service. I registered for the following courses: Pentateuch and Former Prophets, Intro to Ministry, Organizational Leadership Church and Community, History I, Advanced English Academic , and Church Music.

At the end of every activity, the schedule that was given to us was stamped with funny icons as a proof that we took part in it. This was important in order to get the Library Card, which also serves as our students ID. In fact, I would not get my Library Card because my Business Office schedule wasn’t stamped yet; means that my rent and insurance still on hold. But, praise God that I got an extension up to October the 1st to make it done.

These activities brought us closer and we got to know one another more deeply: Form Filling Fíesta, GTU Library Tour in Berkley, Spiritual Direction Program, Community Fair, and special orientation for International Students inwhich we learned about how to get a driver’s license and take part in Academic English Advanced class.

I was fascinated by every activity we had, but the most impressive one was every time we went to Stewart Memorial Chapel or Mongomery Chapel, because in every service we had there, I felt God’s confirmation for us as we came to answer His call in our lives.

On Friday (8/31/07), all the new M.Div students, gathered together in Geneva Hall for a retreat. There we learned about the Daily Examine in order to grow in an intimate relationship with God and to build Christian character. The next day, Saturday (9/1/07) there was still a closing activity for everybody who wanted to join in: Seminary to the Sea Hike. I missed that one because I had a mission trip to Los Angeles. I went there to see the Indonesian Church pastured by Rev. Dr. John Mambu who helped me a lot during the time of application to SFTS and still supports my study here.