Author: MASadmin

6 weeks late and a dollar short

I Live in Virtual Space

Yesterday, I emailed scanned copies of my internship evaluation to my candidacy committee and mailed printed copies to the seminary. My internship is officially done. So that’s that then.

On Thursday, I head to Philadelphia for my interview with two members of the faculty of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. I’ll be commuting a total of 6 to 7 hours for an hour long interview. Based on this interview, a recommendation will be brought forward to the entire seminary faculty on November 12. If they vote to recommend me for ordination, I’ll then be interviewed by my candidacy committee on Saturday, December 14. I’ll know whether I’ve been approved for ordination that day, basically, and then (God-willing), I’m off to the draft in February 2014. Just a few more steps to go – I think.

The most expensive meals…..in the (ministry) world

STRESSEDOne of the more irksome realities of seminary living is having to purchase the meal plan. Usually, the food is pretty terrible, expensive, or both. My work schedule is so constant that if I have any free time, I am 70 blocks north and not on the seminary campus. And the seminary meal plan only covers one meal – lunch. It kicked off 3 weeks ago during orientation week. I’ve eaten there four times. The food is good, mind you, but I’m not a vegetarian so the fact that there are plenty of meat options make me happy (and I really love the cookies they provide). I also know that my funding of the meal plan is really helping to support the staff (including the wonderful ladies who watch Oliver all week long), faculty, facility workers, administrators, receptionists, and executives enjoy a meal while I’m at work. The meal plan is $1350 a semester. Since I’ve eaten lunch four times, each meal cost me $337.50. That is why I typically overload my plates and have seconds – I want to make it count.

I’m curious what my per meal cost will be once December hits. At this rate, I think I’m pushing 28 meals for the entire semester (making sure to not include Thanksgiving week or my fall break) which would give me a per meal cost of $48.21. There’s no meal a seminary can put together, even in the heart of NYC, that is worth that much.