Navigating Mazes

Hello everybody! It has been way too long since I last wrote. These last few weeks have brought a whirlwind of readings, translations, vocabulary words and job applications. While we have enjoyed a lot of our times here, there have been some struggles along the way. Job hunting has been tough, much tougher than expected, yet I have two interviews in this next week that will hopefully work their way into something. Once again, your prayers would be much appreciated. Though there is always homework looming on the mind of Joshua and jobs looming on mine, we have found time to have fun and enjoy each other! Last Saturday we joined with our friends from Chi Alpha and headed twenty minutes north to Lyman's Orchard. The day consisted of feeding the ducks, eating cinnamon bread for lunch (because we couldn't bring ourselves to paying over $4 for a hotdog!), playing bocce ball and roaming through a corn maze patterned after the Beetles faces.


In the corn maze!
 

Joshua had the opportunity to go to dinner at the dean's house, something the dean does for all first year students. Not sure what this event would be like, he played it safe, wearing jeans and a polo. Upon entering the house, it was quickly learned this was a classy affair and during the meal Joshua laughed at himself when trying to decide which fork he should use. It was an interesting environment knowing two of the four classmates with you at dinner have lived in Italy and the dean travels the world frequently. Afterwards, me and Joshua decided if we were ever deans, we would have students over for a pizza party and maybe some homemade brownies for dessert! This Saturday we are looking forward to going to a Yale football game while continuing to enjoy the wonderful fall weather here. In a couple of weeks we hope to head north to see the beautiful fall foliage. Another first for us at Yale this week was visiting Sterling Memorial Library. It has been said that the designer of the library wanted to build it as a cathedral to education. We did not have much time to explore, but will soon.


Sterling Memorial Library

I spend my days experimenting with new recipes of bread and bagels. I have bought the fabric for a baby girl quilt I hope to start on as soon I get some quilting equipment that is in the mail (and no, there isn't anything in that oven :)) Thank you so much for all your support. We appreciate you guys more than you know! Hopefully we will get to see you soon.
Love,
Joshua and Alissa

Still Waiting

Greetings! The past week has been rather non-eventful at the Harris apartment. Friday was exciting as it was the first meeting for Yale Chi Alpha. Joshua and I, looking for an adventure, and to save a couple of bucks at the parking meter, set off on the grand adventure of taking the Yale shuttle. The university provides multiple shuttles that have different routes throughout New Haven. We figured we needed to take the Red shuttle, leaving from Prospect and Division. As we walked toward the intersection of the two streets, we noticed the bus was set to arrive in two minutes. The shuttles are synced up with a nifty app that shows where the shuttles are in live time. Suddenly finding the side of the street the stop was on became increasingly difficult. We looked to and fro and seemed to frantically make an entire circle around all four corners, impatiently waiting at each corner for the walk signal, and made it to the sign that said RED shuttle, in the nick of time. Both staring at Josh's ipad for the location of the bus, we saw that we were the next stop for the shuttle! How exciting! In great despair the bus did not turn on its red route but continued on straight and continued and continued. We were so very sad but walked back to the car and paid our three dollars to park in a meter. Therefore, we have yet to ride a Yale shuttle. :( Chi Alpha was great! Fifteen or so students showed up and the Malcolms shared a little bit of what the organization is. As I was about ready to get back in the car to head home, a sweet looking English woman came to my rescue. "You look heavy-laden there, may I help you?....Mind your fingers", were the kind words from an older woman. It reminds me of the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest". Sunday we got to watch the two young children of the Malcolms and had a lot of fun. Joshua was the jungle gym, Lego man, produced an endless amount of laughs, and amongst this did not fail to put a big smile on the face of his wife. Our labor day was spent at the Malcolms with friends and fun. Getting to know people as friends is comforting during a transition time like this. The rest of the week has been filled with homework, baking and reading. I have been reading "Little Women" and am wondering why I have not read it before. It brings warm, treasured memories of my life with four girls growing up. I am still waiting on job responses and have applied to multiple more positions. Your prayers are still asked. I am working on an application to a nanny agency. Tonight we are sitting outside on the quad, enjoying the beautiful weather. We love you guys and hope you are all doing well!

Joshua and Alissa