Mid-Semester Update!

So, lets just say that my attempt to keep this blog updated on a weekly basis has obviously not happened. I realized that I have survived the first half of the semester and have learned many things that are worth sharing, but will only share a few of them. Classes are going very well and keep me busy with work most of the time. This fall we have had several guest speakers, but some of the main ones have included: Dr. Jeremiah Wright and Tony Blair. Friendships continue to develop and strengthen. Groups that meet within the seminary have started to work on projects for the academic year, which is exciting to take part in.
Many people have asked me if I have become an expert in getting to and around NYC. I have driven into NYC once and have also taken the train in for an adventure as well. The day that I took the train in I was able to walk around the city, do some shopping, see the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline from a ferry, enjoy a good meal, and then headed back to NJ. As far as traveling goes, I have become an expert in driving to the Newark airport and making it back to Madison. If you ever need a ride to or from the Newark airport, then just let me know!
I am very happy with my decision to come to Drew! There have been many adventures, and I am sure many more to come. This has been such an affirming experience for my call. I am trying to live in the now and appreciate this wonderful opportunity to take part in Theological Education at Drew.

Learning to Walk on Water

I moved from WV to NJ this week in order to start seminary at Drew University. As I carried boxes to my third floor apartment, I realized that I definitely over-packed. The good news is that I had room for everything and the apartment is starting to feel like home. Besides moving into a new apartment, I also completed four days of orientation with the rest of the incoming theological students. I was not sure what to expect out of seminary or orientation, but I definitely did not expect to start theological discussion or debate. As you can probably guess, that is exactly what happened. Lets just say the members of the entering class got their feet wet. After orientation, I feel better about the upcoming semester and am looking forward to the start of classes on Monday.
On a reflective note, I want to share something a fellow classmate and friend, Glen, shared with me. We were discussing what some family and friends thought about the pursuit of seminary education. Jokingly, we talked about how some thought it is about learning to walk on water and perform other miracles like Jesus. Glen shared that in a way, seminary is like learning to walk on water. In Matthew 14 we see Peter walk on water as Jesus commanded him to do. Peter had to overcome his fear and take the first step out on the water. Like Peter, those entering seminary had to answer the call and overcome fears in order to start the pursuit of theological education. Although we may not be physically learning to walk on water, we are taking part in something that allows us to learn to be like Peter.