And now…

I went to college from 1999 through 2003. These were pretty awesome years.  I grew, I learned, I played, I loved, and I graduated.  I attended classes where I heard lectures, read books, participated, took tests, and wrote papers.  Parts of it excited me for how God might use my life.  Other parts of it, I’ll confess, I sat through in order to earn my grade and ultimately my diploma.  I learned a lot outside of class during these years, and I would never give up those experiences or opportunities.

That was over a decade ago.

Since then, something in me has transformed.  I have gained a greater context for the need of wisdom and understanding that comes from studying.  I have gained a thirst for reading and learning that I never had in college, and writing regularly has given me the ability to articulate and understand thoughts I skimmed over in college.

All of that to say – I’m going back to school.  Or better put, I’ve gone back to school.

I was drawn to the program of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.  Many of the places I looked into furthering my education said things along the lines of “Even though you’re serving a church full-time, we’ll help you pursue your Graduate Degree, etc.”  Wesley Seminary seemed to fit better when it came across as, “We know you’re serving a church full-time, and so your coursework and learning experiences will be integrated with the place and people you’re presently serving.”  In the context of a 3(ish) year cohort where I connect with pastors and leaders from all types of churches and backgrounds, it’s already becoming a valuable experience.

Humbling as well.  There are so many people out there doing incredible things as they join in the mission of God.

I suppose what I also want to communicate here is, “It’s not you, it’s me.”  I probably won’t be around much as a “blogger” during these classes.  I might post work from a paper here and there if I feel like it offers my readers (hi mom) something valuable.  But, for the most part, I’ll be doing good if I still say something through here once a month or so.  It hasn’t been “crazy busy” with coursework yet, but I know it’s just beginning.

Most of you have my e-mail address, and I encourage you to stay in touch.  It’s true, I’ve not been on Facebook since last summer.  I will probably even “go dark” on Twitter here in a week or so.  I’m having to re-learn what it’s like to ask people what’s going on in their lives, not assuming I know.  I’m also having to re-learn what it’s like to need to tell people what’s happening in my life.  All of these changes are helping me to be significantly more “present” with those I actually live with, and more purposeful (as I’m re-learning, please be patient) in my communication with those I’m apart from.

We’re still in the midst of our adoption from the DRC (our case is finally in court, hurray!!), and praying for the country to open so that we can bring her home someday soon.  We are also praying for peace, stability of their government, and for the health/redemption of the people and family systems there in the Congo.

No worries…when we bring Phoebe home….you’ll know. 🙂

Thank you for not unsubscribing in disgust.  I promise, there’ll be great stuff to read ahead (well, maybe not great, but nothing worse than what you’ve already read….hopefully?).  God is moving in my family, in my life, and in our community.  I’m praying He continues what He began…and believe this is a neat step in that direction.  Thanks for your prayers!!