End of Summer (back to “normal” schedule)
Tomorrow (Thursday, September 8th) is the first day of the fall semester. At 8:30 a.m. I’ll resume the academic year with a church history course (Modern Age). Other courses include OTHT I (Old Testament History & Theology), Aramaic & Targums, and Psalms. Thus ends the summer.
This summer, perhaps more than any in our recent memory, has been one of travel, adventure, unexpected schedule changes, family, and opportunities for serving. Back in February I thought the summer would look very different. In fact, other than a few trips to be with our daughters I thought I would spend most of the summer studying Greek. The plan was to take the Westminster Greek exam on Sept. 6. Somewhere between the trip to Sudan and some unexpected–but wonderful–family events we had to make a decision. Should I stick to Plan A and put blinders on so that once we returned from Sudan I would only study, study, study… or should I postpone taking the exam until February so that I would have time to help out friends and family, be available for hospitality, etc.? I didn’t really want to put the exam off again (I was unable to take it last September because my aunt had died and I was away settling things). Yet, I didn’t want to miss opportunities that I could not have predicted back in the spring. I have no courses this fall that are contingent on having the 3 semesters of Greek finished. As various engagements started to encroach on more and more of the August calendar we decided to opt for Plan B. Waves of relief flooded over me. I could invite new neighbors over to our apartment. I could travel to NY to be with my niece for her wedding shower. I could drop everything and help my daughter drive a newly purchased vehicle back to Maine. I could also begin to enjoy studying Greek again. I want to be prepared for the exam and not just rush to prepare. This postponement will give me the month of January to do final preparations (hopefully January will be less likely to be “eaten up” by unexpected activities).
I am glad to be back at WTS. After exploring the world, visiting with family, and living like a vagabond, it is refreshing to come back to campus and be greeted by name by faculty, staff, and students. I really do feel like I’m home (at least in the non-eschatological sense…see, school really is starting again). And we all know that “there’s no place like home.”
September 8th, 2005 at 6:00 am
[...] My wife Karyn has alread written a much saner piece on returning to class. [...]
September 9th, 2005 at 6:10 pm
We already feel like we are at home too! (In the non-eschatalogical sense). Our first day of class yesterday was sooo thrilling. We can’t wait to soak everything up! And by the way, as new neighbors who have enjoyed your hospitality, we’re glad you put that Greek exam off.