Anticipation

I feel excitement and anticipation surging in me by the time the informational meeting ends for Philosophy Camp 2008. Almost everyone associated with Philosophy Camp 2008 has come together in the same place at the same time to meet each other face-to-face and connections and energy have already begun to build among us. Around the table were members of the instructional team, John, Joanne, Lynn, Nance, and Peter; our able apprentice instructors, Aaron and Amanda; many of the adventurous "fellows" who will stay with us for a week at a time to learn with us and participate in our work; and, most importantly, the students enrolled in Philosophy Camp 2008, otherwise known as Philosophy 4326--Lives Worth Living: Questions of Self, Vocation, and Community at the University of Minnesota.

This year, as in every year, the students and fellows who select themselves for the Philosophy Camp experience seem to be so interesting! I am eager to see them arrive at the farm between noon and 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 27, our first day of class. The excitement and enthusiasm that meeting them has generated will carry me through the work of packing up the many supplies and belonging that make the trip with us to support the course. It's all part of an important transition from the life that I have lived during the academic year as a lecturer in family, youth, and community courses at the University of Minnesota, and the very different teaching-learning environment that we create and jump into the moment the students arrive next Tuesday. Follow along with posts to the blog to read about our highs and lows as we reflect on the big and small of what makes life worth living and live out the relationships and daily tasks that puts into practice what we believe.

Lynn