Weekly Update #5: "Settling In"

The title of this week's update comes from words from a guy named Joel, who happens to be my RA. We were getting together for breakfast, and I was explaing to him how schoolwork this week was very difficult because I was unmotivated. His response me was, "Yep. That means you're settling in." I found his words comical, I hope you do as well.

Anyway, it happens to be true: I am in fact "settling in" both in my classes and my routines. My classes have still been great, but they are a lot of work. It has been hard to stay motivated, as much of the work is difficult, and a lot of the times I want to do anything but read and study. Nevertheless, I am learning, and that is good. (Also, I'm paying this place $10k a semester, so they better not make it easy on me!)

I've also been "settling in" to my routines as well. As far as churches go, I have found one here that I really like. It isn't Calvary, but it is a nice "home away from home." The people there have already taken me in and treated me like family, and I've already connected with many of them. They have a Sunday service, a Bible study, prayer meetings, and even a college internship that I will be involved in. The church is truly an answer to prayer.

As far as everything else, not much has happened in the past week. I had an interview at a job I didn't get (I didn't really want the job anyway, so don't worry, it's a good thing.), I went bowling (of course...), I went shopping, and ultimately I continued the walk that God has for me here. Although it is still incredibly hard to be away from home, God has sustained me, and I know that he will continue to.

Prayer Requests...

• JOY in trials (James 1:2).

• WISDOM in trials (James 1:5--see devotional).

• A Job. I've been able to carve enough time in my schedule each week to have time to work, but I have not found a job yet. Be praying that the Lord would open doors, that I might get more involved in the community here by working off-campus.

• Strength and Motivation in Schoolwork. This week's classload is a lot heavier than last.

• Starfish.

What I've Been Leaning in Class...

• (I didn't have History of the Bible this past week because of the Labor Day holiday.)

• In Greek, we took an exam, which went SUPER well. Anytime you get a two-digit number starting with a "9" on the top of your Greek exam, it's a good thing.

• In Ethics, we are discussing the ethical implications of war. Is war just? What circumstances permit war, and what circumstances do not?

• In English, we are learning how to create bibliographies and hwo to find good articles for research (yup...still bored).

• In Christian Education, we are defining Christian discipleship. Oftentimes the word "discipleship" is thrown around, but do we actaully know what it is supposed to mean? My professor showed us how a biblical definition of discipleship includes four seperate aspects: the ontological, the phenomenalogical, the socio-economic, and the doxological. Yes, it is confusing. However, it is extremely enlightening to me. If we are to disciple others, we must consider all of these four aspects (which I won't try to explain for you in one blog post).

I know this week's update was short, but that is because not too many exciting things have happened. Nevertheless...(spoiler alert!) next week's update should be more exciting. I miss you all; peace be to you through our Lord Jesus Christ.