David Barton is My Hero

Dear Jack,

Let's see new friends are Jason, Shai, and Smoake. Those are the closest so far...although I've more that aren't as close yet. And then there is Josh. All of the people I've gotten to know here are pretty cool. I think they are a great group of people, and I'm glad to hang with them.

Last night I went to a modern opera called the Temptation of Anthony at the BAM. I went with a group from the school. I rode in the train back with my friend Rick from California. We ate at John's Pizza in the village, and then walked our way back to the school.

Somehow I convinced him to join me at the gym today. It forced me to have to go. And it was a great time. He knew a lot of what to do, and I had some level of comfort having a friend with me. I will say that I can now go to the gym on my own... and with the wonderous specimens in the locker room... I intend to.

After that we went to Mary Ann's Mexican on 8th Ave.

I was supposed to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art today, but have opted to go to the Jewish History Museum tomorrow instead.

Today I may meet up with some friends later on... maybe go to the Big Cup on a quasi date thing. I don't want to call it a date though.

But that's all going on nowadays.

The Issue Before Us

Dear Jack,

I write this post on the eve of the Eames Report. I know in both parishes there is not one mind among you, but rather a plethora of various views and undefinable depths of emotions voiced and unvoiced. Tomorrow a report is being issued which reviews the situation of the Church in the United States and Canada, and the roles of homosexual persons therein, specifically in response to the ordination of Gene Robinson as bishop and the presence of unions in Canada and the USA in the Church. The report reviews as many sides as possible and will offer at least one suggestion as how to best deal with the situation that has unfolded. Already one can find "leaks" as to what the report is going to say, and already are people on both sides (more liberal or more conservative) bracing for the best and the worst possible scenarios.

Among all this disagreement there are also many among you who are untouched by these issues, who have no opinion, or who are not passionate enough with their opinion to express it. For you it is perhaps the hardest as there are many pressures pushing you to be one way or another. I implore you as a middle ground to call both sides to the altar together to break bread and seek reconciliation.

Yet as the Church deals with this situation, so too is our nation at a point of discernment. Across our states, and in GA specifically, there is an amendment offered which is tantamount to illegalizing the possibility for two committed homosexuals to be united legally. One would be hard pressed to find someone who has not heard of the proposed Amendment to our US Constitution.

I am not one to be political, however I will point out that these amendments are hidden behind the phrase "defense of marriage". The point is to define marriage as union between a man and a woman. The insinuated antithesis, is that it is an offense to marriage, or the oposite of marriage for a man and a man or woman and woman to be so united. If one were to want to truly defend marriage, a similar union being illegalized is not the way. Rather I would suggest re-emphasizing the importance and meaning of such a union, deterring people from rushing into marriage, and dealing with the 1/3 of the marriages which end in divorce would be a more direct way of "defending marriage". When the majority of celebrities, people who are held with esteem among the populous, are in second or third marriages, who have married for reasons of wealth and popularity, one questions why homosexuality is the issue being banned. I am in no way saying those who have gone through divorce are the problem with marriage... rather the speedy and illadvised way in which people rush to marriage is, as many of these marriages end poorly. In addition the third and fourth marriage lowers the status of marriage. In addtion the infidelity among partners in a marriage is high, yet often overlooked. The problem with marriage is not two men wanting to be with each other. Rather it is the "return for a 105% money back guarantee if not satisfied" mentality, the high number of infidelity, and the "everyone's doing it so we need to because we've just graduated" mentality. Thus to call the banning of homosexual unions a defense of marriage is parallel to blaming bicycles for traffic jams.

I wish the homosexuals in our parishes and in the church, in the community and government would all stand up and let themselves known. One would probably be surprised at the vast number there is, and who they are. It will never happen however, at least not in my lifetime, as there is not an air of understanding among the non-homosexuals who are at present the status quo.

I encourage people to not jump to irreversible decisions which exclude anyone. Let time aid us in this age. And may God give us grace to love each other even as we are so divided. May we all admit we do not know all the answers and there is none of us who hear God exclusively. Perception defines our reality, but it is OUR reality, not necessarily what is real. It is when we realize we are not alone but apart of an ever changing, every different community that we will learn to overcome our differences.

Above all I encourage you to pray for continued unity of the Church and country.

Saint Francis and Home

Dear Jack,

Since my last post I've attended church at Saint John the Divine Cathedral for the Saint Francis Day Festival. The festival began with liturgical dancing, and banners waving. The music utilized animal sounds, more dancers, choirs, and drums, incense, and rescue animals in procession. One of the most striking features in my mind was the Kyrie which began with the howl of a timber wolf, then a cantor began to intone "kyrie" to the sound of what the had howled. The Sanctus began with humpback whale sounds and streamers waving. Then from the back came a tubular kite in the shape of a whale. The culmination of the service came with the opening of the huge bronze doors which let in another procession, this one comprised of camels, donkeys, horses, cows, owls, hawks, ducks, lizards, bees, even algae and a pet rock. The procession ended at the altar where they all gathered. Then the animals led the procession into the world, followed by the entire Cathedral. It was by far the most extravagant service I've seen so far.

I've begun making some good friends. The one who looks as if will be one of my best friends is a Georgian from Tallapoosa named Jason. He is at NYU and I hang out with him and his friends often. Shai, one of the crew, is a cantor at one of the local synagogues. In a way they are supplying an urban family.

Last weekend I went home to GA. My brother Kris recently returned from Iraq, and he and I were able to make it home at the same time. It was a shame that my other brothers could not make it. Joe was in town, but was apparently to busy to join us for much.

I will say for flying, the easiest thing to do is get e-tickets. Doing so afforded me a lot of extra time, as there was only one line I had to wait in... the security line. Otherwise I'd have to check in, and wait in that line.

I will mention that while in GA I was able to catch up with my friend Joy who has been dealing with a lot of stresses psychologically, recently. She seems to be doing well now.

Well that is all for now.

This coming week we have special lectures on Wednesday from a guest speaker, so classes are canceled. On Thursday we have Honorary Doctorate Commencement. I know we are giving four of them, all graduates of General. Although many of my parishioners at both St. Simon's and All Saints' may not be happy with one of the candidates, I am proud to announce that we will be giving a doctorate to Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson.

My next post I encourage all to read.

Going Well

Dear Jack,

Despite a migraine, things are going well. I've met some wonderful people online and in person, and have begin the fostering of what I hope to be good friendships. One's of interest are Will, Joe, Jason, Brendan, and Gene. There is also a wonderful cool crew from one of the plethora of Starbucks. They are all extremely friendly and nice, and I hope to get to know them all better too.

I've been watching the debates, and must say they seem like a bunch of rhetoric between two very staunch sides. I know I've not changed my opinion. I've already voted, and I encourage people to vote their conscience. In my understanding I see that as Democrat... but I know that's not everyone.

Tomorrow looks like a full day, and my first day at the gym. Wish me luck. Woot David Barton (the owner of the Gymn).

Getting off the Close

Dear Jack,

I've been trying hard to get off the close nearly every day. It is something I find I need to do to make sure I am apart of the city. Last week I went to a seminary for singles, and on a friendship outing. This week, so far, I have met a lot of locals. Last night I went with a group of them and my friend Chris to a club. It was pretty cool, and the people were very nice and hospitable. I hope to continue making friends with them. They are all near my age which was really cool. It is nice being around people my age who want to do stuff. I also did my weekly Bob - Big Cup trip. I am feeling like a regular now when I enter the Big Cup. Well that's all for now. I may head out for coffee later... and who knows what else.

Time Warner Sucks @ss

Dear Jack,

The title is true. I spent way too long waiting for them to not get any service now. I won't get service till at least the 8th of October now. I am considering canceling and going with DSL. If only I knew DSL would work here.

This past weekend I went to The Big Cup many times. Several times with Bob, my Methodist friend, and then once with Jason, my NYU friend, although we ended up going to New Venus Cafe instead. Jason is a cool guy, and I'm not just saying this because he may read this. I look forward to a stronger friendship. I've also made friends with two other wonderful guys up here off the close. On the close, I'm finding my spot. I am happy to say I get along with everyone, and I have found no one who has a qualm with me. I am running for a few offices in the community council. I don't know if I'll win any of them, but, hey, it can't hurt to run for them. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the Matriculation dinner. We sign the book to show we are true members of the school, and then they feed us Filet Mignon. It is a black tie affair, and I am hoping I can find mine.

Other than that, not much is going on here. It is raining... the remnants of one of the hurricanes from Florida. That's about it.

Well It's Been a Long Long Day

Today I tried to get internet and cable. It was with Time Warner. At noon, I stayed in my room and waited until 4:30 for the technician. Finally at 5:30 he showed up. At 6 he left saying that another technician who can run lines would be here before 9. It is 1:30 AM now... the person never showed up, and I had to call and be mean to Time Warner. In the end, they are now coming to COMPLETELY install my system on the 8th. I am getting a month and a half free, and free installation. And they're writing a report regarding the technicians who lied to me.

Other than that, classes are going well. I feel compelled to write my congregation in Georgia regarding the possible Constitutional Amendment in GA regarding marriage. I would urge them to consider saying No to it, even if they are not for homosexuality. My main premise is that regardless of what one thinks of homosexuality, the bill isn't about that, but about defining what marriage is. The end result is blowing out the candle of the homosexual unions so as to make the flickering candle of the heterosexual marriages seem more bright. If one wants to defend marriage, illegalize divorce. ::soap box breaks::

The End for now.

Fall Retreat

Dear Jack,

Well this past weekend was a retreat weekend. All of the first year students and the second year students were taken to Trinity Conference Center. It was a long and winding trip into Connecticut. A few people got sick on the way. The place was very quaint, but I have indeed been spoiled by Camp Mikell and Kanuga. It did have a northern charm to it, which was very relaxing. We had small group time, keynote time, and a lot of social and free time. The town, West Cornwall, in which Trinity Conferences is located, is a very nice place. It was very reminiscent of the town from The Dark Secret of Harvest Home. For those who know that the film was made in Kingsville, OH, one can get a sense of what the town was like.

The trip was a very nice one, and was a good chance to build friendships among the students. I think I am beginning to really find my niche here. The return ride had more people sick due to the whinding roads.

On Monday there were classes, and I was able to finally get my bank account set up. Tuesday was the easiest school day I've had. Due to the lack of musical knowledge by many here, Church Music on Tuesdays is for those who cannot read music, so I have only one class on Tuesdays now. I decided to do some town exploring. I set up insurance and did some shopping for household needs. I also ate lunch at Monster Sushi. I found it rather satisfying. I then met up with Clair and Meghan at another sushi restaurant down the road where we chatted for a while. Back at the Close, I went to check my email and fell asleep. It felt like a wasted day when I awoke. We had a Solemn Mass for the Feast of St. Matthew, ate a mediocre dinner, and then had a Community Forum. The Community Forum was the place to discuss our ideas and concerns for the community of GTS. It seemed to go smoothly. Afterwards I went with Stephen and later Matthew to Rite Aide and Gristides (grocery store), respectively. Upon returning with laundry detergent and cleaners, I met a group of people who were going out for some drinks and some light food. I went with them. We went to Dallas Bar-B-Que on 8th Ave. The wings were pretty tasty, and the prices weren't bad. The only scary thing I saw was the "Onion Loaf". It resembled a bunt cake, only made out of deep-fried onion rings stuck to each other. Anything with the title "loaf" should be changed unless it refers to bread. It was not an onion bread like I thought.

Today looks like it will be another normal day, but this weekend should be fun. I hope to finally get stuff I need for my room, as my funding has finally processed. Things are looking up even more.

And the Beat Goes On

Dear Jack,

Classes this week were pretty good. In Old Testament we got to look at a three hundred year old scroll of the Torah. It was used as an aid to show how the condition of a fairly new scroll can be deteriorated, let a lone a scroll from before Christ. The scroll was made of lamb parchment and was very thin. One could see how if it were in the wrong type of temperature or humidity it might become damaged. We learned that some animal skins would have knots in them probably from calluses. In time, they would break from the parchment. He says that many of the older scrolls have had much damage and he wanted us to see how easily damageable the scriptures were. It turns out that the oldest text we actually have of the Bible is not in Hebrew, as the scriptures did not survive. Rather they are Greek translations, many variations among them, collectively called the Septuagint. They know the Septuagint was translated over a period of time in to Greek from Hebrew by Hellenistic Jews. Traditionally this was done in Alexandria by seventy scholars, thus Septuagint (Greek for Seventy). However it is more likely that it occurred over a large period of time with an undetermined amount of translators. One thing that is for certain is that the Greek text includes extra (Deuterocanonical) books. These book were considered canon by some Jews. In fact the canon of scripture for the Old Testament was not closed in Jesus' time. We do have mention of "the Law" and "the Prophets" as two sections of Scripture in several New Testament books. In one book, Yeshua ben Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus, we have refernce to "the Othes" which would include "the writings" such as Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, etc..

For a period of years following the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD, Rabbis met in Jamnia to figure out which texts were truly sacred. This was also done because many Christian and Mandaean texts were floating around. For those that don't know Mandaeans are a surviving Gnostic group who honor John the Baptist as the main prophet of God. They are one of the few Gnostic groups that still exist today. The Rabbis could not agree on some books, for the most part had a text which was very similar to the Protestant Old Testament (not including the Deuterocanonical books). This was debated and the debates were put down in something called the Mishnah. Now the Mishnah was confusing and expanded. This commentary to the Mishnah became known as the Talmud. Now here's the thing that is interesting. The Talmud and the Mishnah inside it contain debates over the meanings of passages, over which books are holy, and stuff like that. Even then, they didn't agree. For example they debated over whether or not Ecclesiasticus was holy or not, and one cannot come to a for sure conclusion among the various Rabbis' accounts.

Now the Septuagint was the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible with Deuterocanonical books. It was this text that was commonly known to the various writers of the New Testament. This is known because of the many quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures are done from the Greek translation and include some variations in the text that are only seen in the Septuagint. Plus some writers, like Paul and Luke, were Hellenistic Jews and that would have been the main text used in the Synagogues. Around 300 AD, the Pope wanted a new translation of the Bible in the common language. Apparently even then people showed up to Bible story with various translations... some good, and others not (I'm guessing there was a Good News version of the Latin). He picked a historian named Jerome to make a translation. Jerome decided to use the Hebrew Bibles, since it was indeed their scriptures. We was very upset to learn that they did not have many of the books. Since he trusted their pen, he decided they must have it correct and the Church must be wrong. So he put the extra books in what he called "Apocrypha". Now St. Augustine heard this and fought him and eventually won out... thus the books remained in the Old Testament since the Church had been using them. Later we learn that the canon is acurate to the books that were used when the Septuagint was made... thus more accurate to Christ's selection of books in his time.

When the Reformation came around, Martin Luther noticed the same thing that Jerome had noticed and put the extra books in "the Apocrypha". Calvin and Zwingli removed them completely. In England, we kept the books in the Apocrypha also, and every translation including the KJV has the Apocrypha (until it came to the more Calvinist America). The Catholic Church held the Council of Trent and in the deliberations decided that if Jerome translated the books into Latin, they might as well keep them. (Of course it we know Jerome translated them, but wanted them separate). Thus I learned the origins of the Old Testament Canon of Scripture. In regards to the Deuterocanonical books (the Apocrypha), us Anglicans have taken the middle road. We claim that they are not equal to the Law and the Prophets, but are still beneficial to read, but we won't base doctrine on them. And it's true, you can get away with reading from the Wisdom of Solomon in Church, but would probably upset a few people if you read from the Hidden Gospel of Thomas (a non canonical but intriguing book).

This weekend we have a retreat at Trinity Conference Center in Connecticut. I'm told it's supposed to rain, but I'm still looking forward to it.

The Eyes of All Wait Upon Thee, O Lord.

Dear Jack,

Well I have been given my workstudy assignment. I am to sing for my supper. Litterally, they have a job here called Refectorian. The job of the refectorian is to check the names of people off when they come in to eat. Having done that, I get to ring a bell, and say, "The Lord be with you" to which they reply "And also with you." Then I say, "Let us pray" and then chant:

The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord.
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thy hand.
And fillest all things living with plenteousness.

Bless, O Lord, this food to your use
And us to Thy service
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

It's not a bad job. It pays $8 a each meal, and I get to do it at least three times a week.

In other news, classes continued today. They went smoothly, although I felt that they could have moved faster. Tonight we had our first Solemn Evensong. The difference between Evensong and Solemn Evensong appearently is in that the officiant is all fancily dressed in a cope, we've two acolytes, fancy candles, and inscense. Our regular Evensong consists of a processional of the faculty... this time they processed behind the incense. During the Magnificat we were all thruroughly incensed. Surprisingly, no one complained. Guess they know it would be to no avail.

I had acolyte training today too. The Juniors all get trained in acolyting and are the primary acolytes furing this year. Next year we move on to officiating at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. The final year we will preach, thurifer, and crucifer.

On another note, I made it into Schola, the seminary choir. It is directed by Dr. David Hurd who's music can be found in the various hymnals of the Church. It looks like it is going to be challenging at least. It consists of the singers of the seminary, as it appears none lacked in being able to read music.

All in all, I've had a pretty busy day.

This weekend I worshiped at the Chapel in the evening, trying to avoid the rush of 9/11 seekers at the services. I figure, it would be more meaningful to those here than to me who was not effected by the occurance.

Other than that, I've made a few good friends, and am happy to be slowly finding my niche.

Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth...

Dear Jack,

Classes have officially began. Today I get the joy of taking Hebrew, Old Testament, and New Testament. I cannot say that any seem to be very difficult as of yet. Hebrew was complete review, and had I not slept well the night before, I would have probably done so in the class. I do think Hebrew was the better choice over Greek for now, since I've had nearly two years of Greek already, I would be in a longer review time. With Hebrew, at least near the end there will be some new stuff.

Today my land phone should be installed. Should be good.

Smoke-Free Hogwarts

Dear Jack,

I had a great time last night. A group of us went to the local tavern and chatted. There is no smoking in public buildings in NYC, and I love it. After the initial hanging out time, I went with some of the ladies to Chelsea Commons and hung out there. We all agreed it was nice to have that time to get to know each other. I think I'm beginning to find my niche, or niches here at General. Chelsea Papaya is a great place to eat. If any of you come for a visit... we're going there. It is the NY version of WaHo... well 'cept all they serve are hotdogs, fries, and drinks. It is open all night and is ideal for the midnight-snack run. After the bar hopping, we ended up there. Hotdogs are good food for snacks...and they taste different up here for some reason. I think it's the atmosphere. It's sort of like how Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwiches never taste as good as at Waffle House.

I hiked up to Time Square. Turns out it's only about a 25 minute walk. I plan on walking whenever I can instead of using the subway. I am determined to loose that last annoying 20 pounds. The food here isn't too bad, not a lot of choices per meal, but the quality is fairly decent (I'm referring to the Refectory). We eat in a place sort of like the Great Hall from Hogwarts... stairwell and pictures included. We don't have owls delivering mail, but we do have pigeons popping their heads in the windows and flying around.

In a way, with us all new here, it does feel like we are entering Hogwarts, and will be trained in the priesthood rather than wizardry. I am sure there are some who would be upset by such a comparison, but I mean it in all jovial jest.

Well that's all for now.

Smokey Mary's

Dear Jack,

Well yesterday I put posters on the walls. The room looks more homey, but I still need to get some curtains or something. On Friday I went to dinner with two ladies, Betsy and Marta. Betsy and Marta are both maybe in their late thirties maybe early forties. They were very kind to invite me. We had some good conversation at a small Italian restaurant on 7th. It had the best four cheese pizza I have tasted (Gorgonzola YUM).

Today I got up early and walked to Time Square. I attended St. Mary the Virgin just off of Time Square. The streets were filled with many vendors, as it's Brazil Day today. Now to the untrained Christian, one would think I had gone to a Catholic Mass. The Church looked like pre-Vatican II in it's design and lay out. The Altar, surrounded by seven red lamps, statuary, and an enormous central Reserved Sacrament lamp, was a high altar. There was not a pulled out or nave altar. There were statues everywhere with votive candles at each of them. There were two side chapels, one dedicated to Mary's perpetual virginity, and the other dedicated to the marriage of Mary to Joseph. Again, each of these had statues and votives in it. The ceiling in the Nave and Chancel was painted dark blue with stars. The Rose window was blood red and was flanked by pipes from an enormous pipe organ. The pews were a split between being box pews and being open pews. The services ran from 8:30 till 6 PM. Literally continual prayer. On a pamphlet at each seat in the pews next to the BCP, there was the "Angelus" which had the Hail Mary on it. In the bulletin I learned that they were going to celebrate Holy Cross day having secured a "Holy Cross" relic, as found by St. Helena on that day in Palestine. They said it would be processed at the "Mass" and then "venerated" in the Mary chapel. Apparently at the high Mass they use incense every week, and the church is very Anglo-Catholic.

The thing that was strikingly different about this Anglo-Catholic parish and the ones I've observed in the south, was that socially it is a very open and liberal parish. One of the clergy is a gay man. And I've learned that in the open culture of New York, nearly every parish has a gay or lesbian cleric. I know there are many who may read this who are against such things, and I pray you open your mind to that. I am, however, happy to see full inclusion here in New York.

Another thing I've found strikingly different so far, the majority of the parishes seem high-massed. Everyone crosses themselves, clergy wear not only an Alb, and Chasuble, but also a Cassock under the Alb. I imagine it must be hot, but luckily many of the parishes have air conditioning.

Last week I attended Holy Apostles here in Chelsea. The Church was more moderate in its liturgics. There were few images on the walls, save for the stained glass. The Church had been recently restored after a fire. I also noted that Holy Apostles cohabitates with Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, a GLBT Jewish Community. The worship space is used as the Parish hall for that type of function, and during the week serves as the dining room for their soup kitchen.

I'm not sure where I'm going to attend next week. I'm thinking perhaps Trinity Wall Street, but I'm not sure.

There doesn't seem to be much going on in the next few days. I'm thinking of visiting China Town on Monday, but that may change if I find some other people doing something. Well that's all I have to report. Walk in love.

The Phantom of the Opera

Dear Jack,

This week has been Orientation. We've been introduced to all of the faculty and staff, been oriented in academics, money, the seminary, the community, and the chapel. We have Chapel two times a day, and in the normal year will have it three times a day. David Hurd is the Organist and director of Church Music. We do a lot of music which he has composed, and that is a real treat. On Friday I'm auditioning for the Schola, the Seminary's choir.

This Sunday I attended Holy Apostles' Episcopal Church. The Anglican Observer to the UN was the guest preacher. She gave a wonderful sermon.

The Republican National Convention has been here this entire week. The results have been blocked streets, police officers on every corner (three or four of them), and a decreased amount of New Yorkers (800,000 left NYC). Jay Leno put it this way, "A plane flies into two buildings... New Yorkers stay. The terrorist threat goes to Red... New Yorkers stay. The Republican National Convention comes, New Yorkers run for the hills."

There have also been a lot of protestors. The ones that I thought were the most original were a group of cyclists. The wore tri-cornered hats, and put paper-mache horse heads on their handlebars. The drove in a group through the city screaming "The Republicans are Coming! The Republicans are Coming!" The strangest group I saw was "Jazzercize Against Bush". This group jazzercized as they walked in a group around Mid Town.

On Wednesday several of the Seminarians were given FREE tickets to see "The Phantom of the Opera" It was pretty good, but I thought that the story itself was very predictable. It was cool to see where the familiar music went in the story line.

Today I met up with my Russian friends from Kanuga: Pavel, Jenye, Igor', and Vova. They were in NYC for the past few days, so we met to do lunch. It was cool to see people I knew in the Square. We had an English Tea here with the Faculty. I got the opportunity to try Armantilldo Sherry. I felt very Poe-ish.

My computer came in, and I am now rehabilitating myself as I am able to check E-Mail, do my journaling, and talk with my friends. I've decided to name the computer, Genedell.

The people here are pretty cool. I feel like I am developing friendships, especially with Tim, Greg, Megan, Susan, Matthew, Chip, and a few others. I hope to make even more friends as time goes on. I find myself sort of turtle-shelling, but I'm opening up pretty quickly. Phantom helped, and the wonderful people here are the best help.

Well that's all for now.

Arrival

Dear Jack,

So I left Conyers at 3 AM on Thursday the 26th. I drove through Greenville SC, Spartanburg SC, Charlotte NC, Durham NC, Richmond VA, Washington DC, Baltimore MD, Trenton NJ and arrived at the Lincoln tunnel at 6 PM. At 8PM (no kidding), I arrived in Manhattan. For those who don't know, the Lincoln tunnel is one of the connectors to Manhattan from New Jersey.

New Jersey, and I appologize to any from there, smells. It really had about six different disgusting odors. The U-Haul I used did not have a/c so I got to smell the countryside. I will have to say the two prettiest places I saw in my trip were Baltimore and Richmond. You really don't think of Richmond as a big town, but it seems pretty large.

So I arrived in Manhattan around 8PM, and promptly turned back on the ramp to re-enter the Lincoln Tunnel (by accident), luckily they let me turn around. Around 9PM I finally found a parking spot at the Seminary. For those who have not been to the seminary, it is a very prestine place among Chelsea in Manhattan. Chelsea seems like a pretty clean and safe neighborhood. I've only heard good things regarding it, including that Sam Waterston lives there along with other celebrities. It does appear to be affluent. It is also known as the gay district, which I find intriguing considering the seminary is located there with the current discussion going on in our church. It is as if I am taken from the backwoods (and no offense is meant to my wonderful friends in Clinton SC) and dropped into the Now of the times.

When I arrived, another student was also arriving (from Duluth MN) named Marta. Several returning students helped us both move in, and a lady named Melanie helped me with the U-Haul and getting it back to the U-Haul place.

Last night I went to sleep early, and today I unpacked. I ate an inexpensive but good meal at Frank's Deli down the street. Other than that, I've met several people who are either new or returning. Rick, my neighbor, appears to be in his late forties or so and is first year like myself. He is from New Jersey. I think he is single, as he's in a one room apartment like myself. Marta, also appearing to be single, maybe a divorce or widow as she has a teenage daughter, has an apartment flat the floor above Rick and me. Other than that, I've seen very few people around... some professors, I did meat the dean in his housecoat as he let his cat out for the morning. Well I am going to go for now. Tomorrow the Cable and Internet people arrive to get things hooked up. Hopefully my computer will arive then too (I'm using the commuter computer by the mail room.