Officially Done

It has taken three long years, and my patience and sanity have been tested immensely, but I am officially done with Seminary. I'm sitting in the airport right now, waiting to board my last flight back to CA from Princeton. I meant to post this a lot sooner, but the crazy rush to pack and get everything ready has been more time consuming than I imagined.

I finished my last class yesterday. It was hard to really consider it a class because it was simply attending a forum on Youth Ministry held by Princeton. There were no papers to be written, no requirements other than to be at every session. And it was quite rejuvenating, encouraging, empowering, and relaxing. I got to hear Shane Claiborne, Peter Gomes, and Kenda Dean speak on Youth Ministry. And I left the forum feeling ready to set into any role in the church, including youth ministry, without hesitation. And what more could I ask from my last class at Princeton, feeling ready to be sent out in the world?

So this is in many ways the end but it is also the beginning. I've spent three years trying to figure out my calling, whether the Church is any part of that, and what role I should fit into. After three years, while the edges remain fuzzy, many of those questions have solidified. And if you've been tracking along, you certainly know how those questions have been answered. But much more remains to be learned, discovered, tested, and tried. I don't know what the future holds completely, but I know God will be faithful throughout.

I will most likely continue this blog as I originally intended it when I first started it. Random musings of my theological mishaps will most likely covered the pages of my future blogs. So if you want to hear more about my thoughts and how they're developing, keep reading.

For those who have followed me through the last three years, thank you for your support and prayers over my time in seminary. I look forward to keeping you updated about what happens here at this new beginning...

Almost the End

I almost should call this the last post before school ends because I don't know if I'll write anything next week, but this chapter will soon be closing. I have three finals left, one due next week on Wednesday, and two on Saturday. All papers. I have already completed two of my finals, so two classes (which includes my independent study) is done.

My independent study being done has given me the greatest relief and joy. I have been studying under a professor who is considered one of the leading (if not the leading) theologian on Missional Theology in the world. I turned in my paper to him last week and was able to sit down with him yesterday to discuss my work, and I was incredibly happy to hear his response. He gave me some good criticism and advice moving forward, but overall he was happy with my work and thought I had made some good contributions not only in general but also to some of the work he has been doing. So I was very happy to hear that and to know that I had received an A for my work. The grade is definitely nice, but it was even better to know that my work has been appreciated.

So now the rest seems pretty easy. It's not going to be too easy, but compared to this research paper, the rest is not as stressful. So I'm working diligently on everything, slowly chipping away at each project one at a time. It's been harder to stay motivated knowing that I'm so close to the end. But I want to finish strong, so that is what I'm pushing toward.

In other news, I have a summer job. I'll be working at Forest Home this summer as a staff dean. That means I'll be the pastoral presence for about 200 young adults (17-26 years of age) who work as program or support staff. So I am pretty excited about that. I wish I could be a little closer to home and church this summer, but this will work for the summer. I can come home in the fall and hopefully find something closer to home and family (and Cathy).

Now it's time for me to get going today, so I'll plan on updating once my finals are over.