The phone rang a few minutes ago, but I didn't answer it. I'm not the sort of person that responds to the sound of a phone like one of Pavlov's dogs. Perhaps it's my slightly independent streak, or maybe my ever apparent rebellious nature that rears its head far too often that resists answering. I'm fine with it...but it can drive my friends a bit crazy at times. Anyways I got back to whatever I was doing and was once again I was interrupted by the ding-a-ling of someone who had left a message on my cell. It was someone I worked with. She had just found out that I was leaving my first-grade classroom to pursue a dream and left me a message. "Not many people get the chance to do that anymore," she said. "I'm really happy for you."
I've been praying about going to seminary for some time now. There has been this lingering sense that God might have something else in store for me. Last March I had the chance to visit Nashotah House, an Anglican Seminary near Milwaukee in Wisconsin and soon after I arrived I knew that this would be a wonderful place for me to be. The sense of community among the students and staff was ever apparent. From the observance of morning and afternoon prayers to the sharing of meals together, I soon realized that this was not a typical seminary. Not growing up in the Anglican tradition the high church feel of Nashotah felt a bit strange. I remember thinking several times that it felt a bit like Hogwarts. Many students wear cassocks, those long black robes that remind me of a tradition long past and very out of date.
My faith journey began in a Independent Baptist Church. After high school I graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri with a degree in theology and missions. In the 80's I served overseas with a non-denominational mission group known as International Teams. In the 90's I was back in school getting another BS in Elementary Education from Concordia University, a Lutheran school in River Forest, Illinois. For the past 11 years I've been a teacher working with many five, six, and seven-year-olds. It has been a fruitful endeavor and I've been blessed throughout the years with wonderful families, children, and co-workers.
Now it appears that God is beginning a new phase of ministry that excites me...and also scares the heck out of me. Today I got a nice letter from my school letting me know when my pay would cease, when all benefits would stop, and where to bring my keys before I leave. There is a For Sale sign in front of a house that I simply love. The first and last one I may ever own. I go to sleep some nights wondering if this is the right decision and if my motives are correct. There are several good friends that reassure me when I need to be reminded of God's hand in this and I thank God for their encouragement and constant support.
I decided to create this blog to remember the steps the Lord permits me to take on this journey. Perhaps it will benefit someone else along the way, but I do it mainly for selfish purposes. I want a place to record my thoughts, feelings, my ups and downs, my highs and lows over the next several years. Someday I hope to look back and remember all the great things God did in me and through me over the next several years. I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do.
