I mentioned
a couple of days ago that I began a new educational endeavor this week. When I started
the master’s program last year, I realized pretty quickly that even though the
program was designed for pastors in full-time ministry, I didn’t have
the margin in my life to do my particular job with that particular program –
and do either of them well. I chose to walk away from that program and instead
enroll in a certificate program offered by our denomination. I won’t have a
degree at the end of this, but I will have the certification I need to pursue
ordination.
This week I needed to attend orientation,
which took place in person down in Richmond, Indiana. The bulk of my classes
will be online, but I needed to go in person for this part. So I packed up and
headed out on Monday. Lexi was sad to see me go, and so was Ryan. I cried when
I left but pulled it together before I arrived at my destination.
I stayed in one of the student
houses. (I had my own room, but there were five ladies staying in this house
for the week.)
Sweet Ryan tucked this card in
my bag, and I kept it right where I could see it all week. That first night
was rough. I don’t sleep well away from Ryan, I missed my weighted blanket, and
I had some pretty intense anxiety, but I had some prayer warriors keeping me
afloat, and before I knew it…it was Tuesday morning.
I hadn’t slept much, so I was
profoundly thankful to have this to get me going!
I felt like a genuine student –
strapping on the backpack to head out for class!
There were seven of us starting
the program together, and we began each day with breakfast together. It was fun
to start getting to know them over each of the meals we ate together.
We took a tour of the seminary building,
which was just beautiful.
Class began, and I looked rough.
(Thanks, no sleep!) That first day, in addition to orientation pieces, we started
our first actual class: Introduction to Biblical Studies. Our professor walked
us through what the classes will be like in this program and talked with us
about the methods of Biblical studies – and how they differ from regular Bible
study.
That first evening, we all went
out to eat at a Mexican restaurant, and one of the students asked for a group
picture. She was kind enough to share it with me!
After dinner I worked on
homework and then found a lamp to add to my room. (I hate overhead lights.)
I slept a little better Tuesday night,
so by Wednesday morning, I had a little less of a headache.
I forgot to mention that the air
conditioning went out in our classroom on Tuesday, so I gave up and wore shorts
on Wednesday. I felt a little too casual in shorts, but I figured it was better
to wear them than to melt.
And of course, this was the day
they did the official class picture. 😊
We did a craft project during
this day of orientation. They asked us to create a map of our faith journey. I
designed mine to reflect stone altar moments from my walk with the Lord. I really
loved this exercise and plan to hang mine in my office!
We went out for dinner again
that evening, and then it was back to homework! I felt good about I was able to
accomplish in the homework department while I was there!
I was SO EXCITED for yesterday morning
because I knew before the day was over, I’d be home with my people!
We had our final sessions
together, ended with worship, and then I packed the car to come HOME!!! (This last picture is a joke for Ryan – imitating a reel we find hilarious.)
There was a Parlor Doughnuts
just around the corner from the school, so I stopped to get a treat for Ryan
and a coffee to get me HOME!
Look who was so happy to see me!!
And she was super excited that Parlor Doughnuts had treats for her too!
I am still thinking through all
the things we learned, and I’m excited to see what the Lord has for me!
2 comments:
It is always hard to start something new, but you can do it!!!
Thanks, Katie!!! It feels really good - as long as I don't think about how many years are in front of me!
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