SYI Week 1 Reflection

   I have had quite the jam packed week, from mission work to classes, dances to naps. My first week in Pittsburgh is at a close, and I'm only more excited for the second! So, logically, what else is there to do other than reflect on everything that has happened this week? 

   WORSHIP. Everyday, we've opened and closed with worship services at the Seminary. We also had the opportunity to attend a Taizè service. This was one of the most powerful services I have ever attended. Other services ranged from drawing out our prayers in the art room to listening to the allegory of the Unicorn, to enjoying morning worship on the chapel steps. 

   MISSION. Wednesday and Saturday mornings we were able to help out at a couple of different mission sites. Half of the SYI crew worked at Garfield Community Farm while the other half worked at a housing project. At the house, we scraped old paint, primed ceilings, and helped with demolition. Unfortunately, our group wasn't able to work at the farm due to weather, but we were able to tour and learn about what the farm provides for the community and how the plots and gardens work. 

   CLASSES. The weekend marks the end of the first language class and the first week of elective classes. I took Greek the first week, and I'll be going in to Hebrew this week. My elective class, Practical Theodicy, has raised questions and offered theories of why evil and suffering exists in the world. I've learned a lot in this first week, and I'm excited to learn more! 

   SMALL GROUPS. Small groups have given me the opportunity to become closer with some of my fellow scholars and to just relax after a long day of class. Our group chose to meet in the basement rec room, snuggled up with blankets for our evening chats. We've shared Faith Journeys, shared jokes, and most importantly just had fun hanging out. 

   FIELD TRIPS. This week, we had outings to Inventionland and Kennywood Amusement Park. These were so fun, and a much appreciated break from regular class days. Inventionland taught us to always be creative, and that God can call you to do anything in life. Kennywood wasn't exactly a learning experience, but it definitely taught me who my fellow adrenaline junkies were! We also had free time to explore the area around the Seminary, which we took as a call to an ice cream shop. 

   RELATIONSHIPS. Probably the best part of this week are the friendships I've made. We've come a long way from the first day, that awkward car ride of silence from the airport. Dinners have turned into family dinners, everyone crowded around the conference table, sharing stories and jokes and, most importantly, chocolate chip cookies. We ended our week with a dance, and we're all still feeling the after effects of jumping for three hours today. It's amazing to see our group become more and more comfortable with each other and learning more about each other. I know these relationships are ones that will last for years, and we'll all only grow closer. 

   So, I'm pretty certain SYI is only going to get better from here, and I'm excited to see what else they have in store for us. For now, we're going to spend the afternoon relaxing with a pizza and movie night, recuperating and preparing for another week of adventures!