8.28.2008

As I was eating my peanut-butter and guava sauce-covered plank and
drinking tea with fresh squeezed lemon and wild honey this morning, I
suddenly realized what day it was. Thursday, August 28--the first day
of classes at Southern. Wow. For the past three years this was one of
the biggest days of the year. And if I really want to get nostalgic,
this is the first time I haven't been starting school now for 10
years. That's slightly discomforting. I guess it's because after all
these years, I had the routine pretty much figured out. Move into
your room. Get your books. Meet up with old friends. Figure out
where your classes were.

This time, I have no relevant points of reference. I don't know
what's going to happen. I don't see old friends everywhere. I don't
recognize my surroundings. I don't have my comfortable old room 1318,
A-wing, Talge Hall. My roommate is thousands of miles away. My
family is even further away.

But my God is here.

Many of you are probably starting school today. It's stressful--I
know, and I'm praying for you. Many of you are not; perhaps you have
settled into a comfortable routine, perhaps you're in the same
situation I'm in. But wherever you are,


God.
Is.
Here.


Excelsior

7 comments:

  1. Your presence is missed. Bible Study will be on Tuesday night at 7. We'll be praying for you!

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  2. Thursday the 28th? Isn't that a coincidence...that's first day of classes here too.

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  3. Thank you for the encouragement!
    Orchestra is much bigger... different. Woodworking is exciting!

    Miss you

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  4. Mmmm room 1318 good memories oh well. I hope your doing well roomate, and I'll see you again soon :).

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  5. Thanks for this post, Joel. It's good to be remembered, and you're remembered too. I look forward to hearing of your experiences in Ethiopia, and I'm keeping you and the others in my prayers. God bless. :D

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  6. Hey Joel, I understand what you mean! I've been a little school-sick myself. Thinking of their first Sabbath, hymn-sing, etc. etc.! I know that we will have great experiences in the Mission field, though! God bless!!

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