The First 2 Weeks at John Carroll

Well, I've been working and living at John Carroll for the past two weeks, and it has been a joyful time so far.  Sure, it's still the "honeymoon" phase, but everyone so far has been so welcoming and supportive.  Students are just now arriving, because classes don't actually begin until this Tuesday.  So what have I been doing?  Here are a few things:

• Living with about 10 other Jesuits across the street from the University.  These are wonderful men, full of wisdom, grace, and joy.  Many are in their 70s, although a couple are in their 40s.  It's amazing how the Jesuit brotherhood transcends age.  I feel they appreciate me and believe in me.  We gather each night for social and dinner, which is a time of good fellowship
• Meeting and working with my new colleagues in Campus Ministry, learning about their programs (such as retreats, service trips, and small faith communities) and plugging myself into what they are doing.  The Campus Ministry team are true professionals with a lot of experience serving students from many faith backgrounds
• Getting situated into my new office in Student Activities...cleaning, organizing, making it a hospitable place for students and co-workers to come by and chat (complete with a bowl of good candy on the desk :)
• Preparing and delivering a presentation on vocation (in the sense of each person's unique calling in life)  to 55 student leaders of various organizations
• Hanging out with buddies, both old and new, going out to eat, to a movie, or just lounging around