The Swing of Things

This is the first day of the first "normal" week here at Whitworth for us. Kyle's folks, Mark and Cindi were here for a visit last week. We had a great time celebrating my birthday, refinishing furniture, eating at fave 3 restaurants, exploring local fruit farms (pumpkin doughnuts and apple cider!!!), attending Chapel, enjoying the gorgeous grounds at Manito Park, and taking a little day-trip to Sandpoint, ID. So great that they now know what our life looks like here. They approve of our guest room so come on up, y'all!

There is always something going on around here. Tyrone Wells (a local Spokanite) is putting on a concert this week, finally going to the Farmer's Market downtown, meeting up with my RA from Bodenseehof who now lives in Couer d'Alene, volleyball games, student dinners, and coffee dates abound. The Fall weather is finally starting to make its way to the Northwest (it was 90 degrees on Saturday). Time for scarves and tea and riding boots. It is refreshing to feel like there is a sense of normalcy as we experience our first season change.

Still looking for a church body that we can be part of. Trusting the Lord for His timing and clarity. Started my Spiritual Formation Workshop a few weeks back. Really enjoying learning about intimacy with Christ and anticipating a challenging and refreshing look at (and practice in) the disciplines. May you stop trying to live for Jesus, but let Him live through you. It is about His Life.

Traditiation

Every year when the freshmen arrive they embark on a three day introduction of sorts to Whitworth and their Hall called Traditiation. This clever word (tradition + initiation) encompasses everything from meetings, to competitions, to moments of reflection, to welcome dinners. The men and women of East Hall are called Kinsmen and Beauties. Kinsmen on leadership (the traditiators) wear red capes with nicknames on the back while the leadership Beauties wear colorful tutus and crazy vests with roses pinned on them, carry wands, and traipse everywhere we go. It was really special for Hoosier Daddy (Kyle) and Mother Salient (Me) to be involved in this creative three-day event for the first year students.

The competitions are the best. The third night students are on campus we all convene at the Fieldhouse for "Yell-Off." It begins with a massive dance party. Let me tell you - Whitworth likes to dance! Each Hall team takes about 4-5 minutes to yell their Hall chants and cheers as loud as they can on stage in front of everyone. It.gets.crazy. The following night is "Mock Rock" (sort of a lip-sync dance to a 3.5 minute mix of music). This year, the East Hall Beauties took first place! Check out their fly performance here. So proud of these gals - they put this whole thing together on their own in a single afternoon! Rock on, Beauties!

Classes started on Wednesday and Convocation was yesterday morning. The Whitworth community was challenged to use the gift of the mind by being intellectually competent, to practice moral courage, and have hearts of compassion for others. Kyle and I are thankful we get to be at an institution that values these things. Excited to do life with these students each day!