Good news...

I just got the third email this week with "good news" as the subject line so now I think I can finally share what has fallen into place.

In lieu of the CPE unit that I was going to do this summer in Winnipeg, I'll be working on a specialized chaplaincy practicum back at Elkhart General. The proposal for this substitution was just approved by our dean and registrar earlier this week. I received approval from Elkhart General today. I'll be working with the chaplain's office again, but I'm also going to be working to incorporate Gestalt Pastoral Care into spiritual caregiving. This is the first time that someone is attempting to integrate chaplaincy and GPC, which is causing a bit of excitement (in a good way) and will also require me to do a great deal of writing and reporting. My focus will likely be oncology, though I anticipate doing a bit of everything again like I did last year. A meeting with the chaplain at EGH next week will probably clarify a few of these things. It is a 200 hour practicum and I plan to complete those hours in June and July, which means I'll be sticking around Elkhart for most of the summer.

This practicum falling into place also means that I get to participate in the commencement service on May 21, something that I had all but given up because I didn't think I'd be able to complete all my requirements by December. Now it looks like I'll have everything complete for my M.Div. by August! I have been consumed this week with paperwork - independent study proposals, course substitution forms and grad petitions, not to mention my senior interview portfolio which was due today. They sure require you to jump through a lot of hoops for this degree, but it will all be worth it in the end.

Now, to hear some "good news" about a job...