a new semester

The semester began last week.

This week is a week of new things. At first I just thought it was new stuff starting with ministry and all that but then even the new president of ATS will be announced today. Hmm..

Kristy and Casey just visited this past weekend and it was great. Mostly it was weird though to have them here in my Wilmore World, but it was good. It was like people reading my blog, as if I was giving them a glimpse of my life. Obviously it wasn't completely the reality as I got no work done this weekend and I like to think that I generally get stuff done. But it was great for them to see and interact with the people I hang out with.

I have a feeling this semester is going to be seriously definitive. Not sure how, but definitely some serious inner-work will be going on...probably already started in a big way.

heading back

After just a few weeks again and more than 2,000 miles travelled, I'm heading back to Wilmore, KY. I'm looking forward to it, but mostly because I can finally settle down a bit. I'll be moving into my room and am ready for the opportunity to spend a lot of time with God.

I have to admit that having a sort of schedule will be nice as well.

The International House of Prayer onething conference I went to last week was amazing! I'm still digesting and surely will be for quite some time. This break was definitely an awesome one and I look forward to whatever God may put in my path. Exciting times ahead for 2009!

a strong word.

Is it too strong of a comment to say that I think I hate it here? Going back "home" for the break made me realize how much it's not really home and how much I don't like this state I'm in, the figurative kind of state and the actual state. Am I really supposed to be here? I kind of don't want to be right now. I should be grateful for this opportunity to study, but I'm not and I don't like that I'm not.

I'm checking options at the moment, but very much in a mode of bolting out of here if need be. It's not too late to start over...somewhere else.

I didn't expect to be this "real" here (on this blog) but here I am. It's possible I've reached my threshold of frustration. What happens now?

One week to get through. I don't even like the fact that I look at this next week as something just to get through. That's not the attitude I want to have, but it's what it is...

only a few days left...

I've survived, but not without some wounds that will be scar-worthy. Well, in the end, I guess I've learned some lessons and I'll be working on figuring out some things and moving on. I keep going between knowing I'm supposed to be where I am and hating it so much I want to quit.

Diving in head first can often cause head injuries, but if you dive into the ocean, you end up seeing a whole lot more. But yeah...I have to just hold onto God's grace and keep pushing on. There is hope.

Less than 2 more weeks to get through...

too long

Now that midterms are done, all those papers due before the end of the semester are catching up to me. I'm currently working as Dr. Choi's only teaching assistant. I'll be grading papers, running her errands, and helping her with research. There may be more, mostly she owns me. I'm thankful for the job, it will be stretching and challenging but I've had experience while in Korea so at least I know what to expect, to some extent.

Being here for two months has really shown me how easy my busy life in Seoul was. You wouldn't expect such craziness in a tiny town but it happens. My days "off" consist of meeting different people and taking care of bills and such. When will I study?

Hopefully I'll keep up better with writing as I forgot my password and even wasn't sure of my username for a while. It's taken care of now so here I am. Pass the word along.

These days I need prayer for relationships. Some of the most broken people come to seminary and well, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the darkness but that's not where we are called to stay and dwell. But entering into that place can be dangerous. I need protection and guidance.

It seems there needs to be a revolution here. I'm praying for patience and for God to reveal when and how to act.

Also, I can't wait for the elections to be over, it's no fun to get ready in the morning at 6 or 7 am to hear conversations about politics. -____-;;

God is good and reigns here, whether we like it or not. I like it.

Possible degree change...

I realize no one is probably reading this yet but just in case...

As of last week, God seemed to put in my heart a clearer view of direction and purpose. Everything in light of it has changed. It's a simple change, but not one I considered was even an option. God got me here with intentions for completing a Masters of Divinity degree and then finishing up ordination (which path, I did not know)...and now here I am with some joy of seeking out an Inter-Cultural Studies degree and seeking ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church. It's an exciting venture and I am moving forth with more passion than I had in coming here. We'll see what happens once I get into the degree but at the moment it seems I can catch a glimpse of the purpose for me to be out here in Western Kentucky and it's awesome.

There's a trip back home to Cape ahead of me this week, a major exam on Thursday and another the following Tuesday. But with the yoke lifted of the MDiv, I feel much freer in the difficult courses I'm taking and will simply do my best knowing that His plans for me truly are to prosper!

He is wonderful!

In His Hands,
Izzie***

To whom it may concern...

Hi y'all! (as they say down here in the south.) Well, it's kind of the south. Far enough south to have sweet tea at most places.

I just want to leave a brief explanation of this blog for those who come upon it:
This is for those who know or know of me who are curious as to what I'm up to here at Asbury Theological Seminary. I've been sort of off the radar during the last five years. I was in Seoul, South Korea doing ministry and finishing my undergrad and then God called me back. So here I am, attempting a Masters of Divinity degree and travelling down the ordination path in the strength the Lord provides.

It's an exciting time, an amazing culmination of the last 25 years of life God's given me. I'm not sure always what I'm really doing here, but I have a general idea and I'm excited to use this as a venue for sharing that plus the other things that come along. Hopefully once I get some of these big papers out of the way that are due this week, I'll give a brief summary/update on what's happened in my first month here.

This is a place for checking on my prayer requests, to see what God's doing over here (through my eyes), and to get a glimpse in the life of a seminarian. Exciting, eh? Most of the time you may have no idea what I'm talking about (and I might not either), but hopefully I can communicate the awesome things I'm learning in a clear way...that's what I'm here to learn to do!

So thanks for coming by, I'll likely be updating at least weekly so be sure to check back!...

In His Hands,
Izzie***