I fell in love with General Theological Seminary the first time I entered the chapel while on a tour almost three years ago.  Before I moved there, I already loved New York City as I had vacationed there many times. Naturally I now have a different sense of the city. There are images I will never forget, people I have grown to love and a seminary with many dysfunctional peculiarities. I have been formed and transformed. I have loved and hated the experience, as with anything worthwhile.

For me, it’s the everyday ordinary encounters of God’s love that will be etched in my memory. Some of the gentle reminders of God’s active presence at seminary and in the city include the chapel bells ringing three times a day, a quick look out my apartment window and knowing everyone walking on campus, the staff which takes care of us in profoundly loving ways and the students and professors. The neighborhood has many familiar faces too, the moms and dads walking their kids to school, the     shopkeepers and restaurant wait staff that is always happy to see us. Before I start to get too ‘Pollyannaish’ and wishing I could stay there forever, I’ll stop. But with most incredibly rich experiences, it boils down to the relationships we have with others and God.

There is nothing like sharing your story with another person. I am astounded by how much humans are alike and yet unique from one another. Sometimes I have wondered if there are even six degrees of separation in the world. When talking with folks it doesn’t take long to stumble upon a commonality. Yes, even in a city the size of New York! One of the many things that I have learned from this is, it is through our flawed humanness that we can offer ourselves to each other, as the body of Christ. God knew we needed community. It is God that we turn to thank and the people of God, as the body of Christ that we thank as well.

I have many folks to thank and none more than the folks at All Souls. As I was ‘sent’ from All Souls into this whole discernment process, I want to thank you all for this opportunity. I could not have made it financially or spiritually through seminary without you. I appreciate your prayers as I know there have been years of them. I am humbled by the generosity of spirit, love and encouragement from this cathedral parish. I have spoken highly of the ministry and people of All Souls in numerous circles. I have shared my love of the diocese of Western North Carolina all over the city of New York.

I cherish my Manhattan seminary education at General Theological Seminary. If I had to do it all again I’d still take Manhattan. The city provides an interesting backdrop to seminary life, study and ministry. Whether in New York or Asheville, God’s desires for us are the same- to seek and serve Christ in all that we do.