A Funeral Home and IHOP...what I've been up to lately...

Yesterday my Principles of Pastoral Care class went on a field trip to a funeral home. It was very informative and I think a trip such as this is essential to ministry training. Many of the practices and regulations in terms of death, burial and cremation vary and are regulated by the state, so I learned what kinds of questions I need to ask someday when I'm establishing myself in an area and need to start networking with people such as funeral directors. The class had a complete tour of the funeral home and saw all the behind the scenes stuff. I feel as though I have a much better understanding, and slightly less fear as a result. One interesting tidbit of information: the Amish believe that one must be buried with all their body parts therefore if they're in a farming accident or have an amputation, they need to preserve that body part. This funeral home has received feet, hands, or legs which they then embalm and give back to the person for storage until they die. Apparently these detached appendages do not require any special care after they are embalmed - just put it on a shelf and forget about it!

Following this exciting field trip my roommate and I went to IHOP for supper. We'd seen the commercials on TV so often that we decided we had to check it out. It is very similar to the Pancake House in Winnipeg. They do live up to their motto, though: Come hungry, leave happy! The interesting twist was me telling my roommate, who wasn't on the field trip, all about embalming and cremation and the process of planning a funeral over our all-you-can-eat pancakes!

Next week we have reading days. I've noticed that many students are slacking a bit this week in anticipation of having tons of time and getting lots done over those two days (Maybe I should just speak for myself!). I have a feeling that I'm going to be very disappointed with the amount I'll actually get done but at least I'm getting some relaxation time in right now.

So other than my 15 hours of work, 10 hours of class, 36 hours of scheduled homework time, 2.5 hours of coffee break, 49 hours of sleep, 21 hours of meal preparation and consumption, 2 hours of shopping, 7 hours of exercise, and 7 hours of computer time per week, I have plenty of time to meet new people, hang out with friends, read all kinds of optional readings for class, scrapbook, watch movies, etc. Life is good!