New Chapter in Book of Brad

Hey all,
Sorry for the long absence. Been busy and not all that inspired.

But now begins a new chapter in the book of Brad. My first week at St. Paul School of Theology is behind me and I couldn't be more excited. I have a pretty normal first year schedule with Intro to Hebrew Bible, Ministry, and Christian Traditions. I have an Episcopal preist who will be in Chicago half the time, a Methodist who made us contemplate the meaning of a bent paper cup, and an Eastern Orthodox nun who knows all there is to know about history but absolutely nothing about humor or spicing up lectures. I have already heard things that make me think in a way i've never thought before, and I've only had one class. That's the most exciting thing for me; I'm still not too happy about actually being in class again, having to read 400 pages a week, or writing papers again, but hearing things I've never heard before that challenge my relationship with God and strengthen my ministry make it all worth while. Suprisingly (or maybe not) I haven't had too much "Your Jim's son, right?" or "Aren't you Andy's brother?" (to which I respond politely, NO, he's my brother). It's not really like I was expecting this, or dreading it, but it's nice that so far people are seemingly seeing me as me, not as a BRYAN. I am ready for the challenge, and excited for the journey.

I've had a real good month. Bills that I thought I'd have to pay (and didn't have the money for), we're cancelled. I got to see Mustoe and Tom Gibson from SPFD. Went to the circus and the zoo within the span of three days and in between saw Jack Johnson in concert (Mom, looking for more "contemporary adult music" check this guy out). The best part about my month, however, is that I've spent it getting to know a young woman that I'm starting to care about very much. She's going to be a great friend, no matter what. I know there are many people with much harder problems than I in this world, but being a 23 yr old, single, pastor, is not an easy place to be. And I know you all can't really help me out, since you had your ladies before the whole ministry thing started. Just know that it's weird. Lindsey doesn't even go to my church and I don't really know what to do...We are dating exclusively (i hate this terminology) but no one in the young adult group or my church knows. I'm really at a loss. I want to talk about her, but don't know how. I want to take her to dinner, but I'm sometimes scared of who'll see us and what it'll mean. It's scary, amazing, hard, easy, all at the same time. What you all should know, is that I'm in a very happy place right now. I love KC, love my church, am going to love school, and have a pretty girl on my arm (not right now of course, she's in Europe for three weeks).

Maybe St. Paul will offer "How to be a minsiter and still like girls" next semester.

As classes continue, my insights will increase and so will my blogging, sorry for the delay,

Riding my bike to church and sweating profusely,
B