Evans in Seminary: August 2007

Friday, August 31, 2007

Entering Thoughts

During this week of orientation, I have been blessed with many good conversations and food for thought. At the heart of it all is the question, "What does the Lord require of me?" I pray for determined patience as I ask, seek and knock for God's answer.

In budgeting, we learned a few helpful principles. It is helpful to distinguish between a want and a need, or as it was re-phrased, what comes "before me" and what comes "after me." We were warned that the Marin lifestyle, of cute boutique shops, eating out and fancy cars, can not only be seductive but also destructive. Also, scholarships are an act of faith in you, the recipient. It might be for something you've done, but it's really for your service in the future. This last thought was a particular challenge to me, as I feel particularly blessed with the financial assistance I have received so far for seminary.

I also met Ruth, who is from Kenya! We spoke some Kiswahili with each other and were both much encouraged to make an unexpected connection.

I even found myself in my first theological discussion at seminary, talking about how the academic theology of the university is not addressing the social-political theology coming from grassroots ministry. Ramon, who brought the idea to my attention, believes there needs to be a dialogue between the top-down approach of academics with the bottom-up approach of social justice movements. I agreed, pointing out there was much power-sharing that was needed to allow others to sit down at the table as equals.

All in all, I have been pleasantly overwhelmed with all of the great food, stimulating conversation, and spirit-moving worship of this opening week! As I allow all of these thoughts to enter my head, I pray I will open my heart up to the spirit's movement in all that is happening.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Tree Protesters

Today we visited the GTU in Berkeley, about 45 minutes away over in the East Bay. There we heard about some people who were up in a tree in defiance of a proposed expansion to the Cal stadium.

"The Earth isn't dieing... The Earth is being killed!"

So my friend Pete!!! (to emphasize his preference over Peter) and I headed off to find these people. We soon found a small group of people standing behind a chain-linked fence, with a policeman watching from inside where the trees were. Redwood, one of the people supporting the protesters, befriended us.

Myself with the Tree People

Apparently, people have been in the trees for over 9 months in protest. Currently there are 11 people up there in the trees. The fence was recently put in by the school to protect the protesters from the football fans on the upcoming opening game day. We had thought it was to starve them out, but overhanging branches allow for some transport. A judge recently ruled the fence to be in compliance with safety concerns.

Pete!!! and Redwood in front of the food supplies for the tree lovers

It's interesting that a cause such as cutting down trees would cause such a riot, but such is California I suppose. I did admire these people for spending so much time there - think of all the food that must come in, the sleeping arrangements up in a tree, and then what to do with waste! I hope a more peaceful agreement will be brokered that makes both sides happy without resulting in court appeals and such visual protest.

Pete and Myself in a Tree of Our Own

In admiration of their efforts, Pete!!! and I decided to claim a Tree of Our Own that will not be cut down. Ours happened to be outside the GTU library. An administrator came out to politely request we come down, and since it was time for the library tour and our resolve was weak, we quietly obliged. Thankfully passions on both sides were not so fierce.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Paradise Drive

Today I headed out with my trusty guide and friend, Andrew, on a 26-mile ride called Paradise Drive Loop. We begun in San Anselmo, made our way to Mill Valley, then crossed over the 101 to Tiburon before returning through Meadowsweet and Corte Madera.

Andrew takes a break in Tiburon.

It was quite an extensive loop, making for a great workout topped by one spectacular view of the bay after another. All of these were taken at our one break halfway, in downtown Tiburon.

A boat and a bridge

Seeing all the sailboats in the bay made me think of sailing on Lake Tahoe with Dad and Chuck. It also reminded me of how fortunate I am to be studying in a place of such great wealth and beauty.

It's times like these I miss Emily

I give thanks for what I have, and place my trust in God for all those things my heart desires. In this way, of offering thanks and relinquishing control, I feel what the psalmist felt in saying, "In You I lack nothing."

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Hiking Around Lake Phoenix

I'd heard there was great hiking and mountain biking in and around Marin County. My newfound friend and housemate, Andrew Hoeksema, took me on a little local hike this afternoon.

We biked a mile before arriving at Phoenix Lake, where we ditched the bikes and walked up a dry creek bed, meandering through a shady grove. I cannot believe what beauty is right in my backyard! I marvel at God's glorious and wondrous creation!

I have a feeling I will need more of this time in nature as the year goes on, and I find myself wallowing in books and papers.

The Hikers

Andrew

Myself

The Phoenix (Lake)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Biking around the Bay

Here I am at Golden Gate Park.

In the park I found a bridge, pond and even paddle boats!

Entering the San Franciso Botanical Gardens - No bikes allowed!

Getting a little lost, I climbed a tree to get my bearings - and what a view I found!

More Biking around the Bay

Another shot of the Botanical Gardens - possibly the arboretum?

I biked the length of the Golden Gate Park, finally to arrive at the promised ocean:
The Pacific! In all its cold, cloudy glory.

Yes, I biked that! It's so steep I couldn't even get the street in the picture. ;)

And finally, the Golden Gate Herself!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Point Reyes

We arrived in the Bay Area and were able to get this one shot looking up the north shore of Point Reyes before the fog overtook the peninsula... enrapturing us in a cool wet welcome to San Francisco.