Transition Overload

Yesterday I got home from a two-day retreat for the incoming seminary class.  We went out to a ranch in the country and spent most of our time having fun: swimming in the river, riding the insane water slide, trying out the high ropes course, canoeing, hiking, and, of course, hanging out together.  We did have a few scheduled sessions, but the main point of the thing was for all of us to have the time to focus on getting to know one another before we start classes together.  I have now officially finished my orientation (including the purchase of MOST of my books for the semester, as you see above), and I am preparing to begin classes next Wednesday.

I have a bit of sad news to report, though.  Yesterday when I got home, I immediately had to shift gears and deal with our dying cat, Willow.  Through many agonizing hours, we deliberated and decided that putting him to sleep was the best option.  No one can tell us exactly what was wrong, only that his kidneys had stopped functioning and that he didn't have much time left.  As much as that cat irritated me, I discovered yesterday that over our nine years together I really had developed a connection to him.  I held him and said goodbye as he went, and we brought him home and buried him in the garden last night.  We are sad to be without him, and of course the kids are full of questions.  It's quite a time.