Complete

Classes are over! And I'm written-out, so this is not going to be a profound entry. The past three weeks have been incredibly intense, busy, and exhausting and refreshing all at the same time. I feel so blessed to be doing this graduate program. I have found myself encouraged and challenged in my work these past couple weeks. It has helped me to have a renewed vision for what I'm doing. Not to mention, it's a great privilege to learn and grow and discuss with the thirty-five amazing people in our class. I've gotten to kneel with, eat with, and grow with some pretty incredible people here. This aspect makes me excited to come together with them again in January in Thailand (although the stack of books to be read before then adds a slightly overwhelming tinge to that feeling). The other blessing of these weeks has been spending time with "old" "non-Asia" friends in the Wheaton area. If you're one of the wonderful people who sat at dinners, played miniature golf, watched movies, and generally just loved on me...let me say a huge THANK YOU. I found myself so refreshed by the company of these friends. Leaving Wheaton tomorrow is somewhat bittersweet. I'm excited about the people I'll get to see in the next couple weeks, and eager to get back home to China. However, this place is so sweet to me that it's hard to say goodbye. At least I have a good excuse to spend at least a month here for the next two summers!

Returning to the ivory tower

It's hard to believe I've already been in the States for three weeks--the time has been flying by! I greatly enjoyed my time with Ethan; it's hard to accept the fact that the next time I'll see him he'll be walking. I hate to be so far away during his first year. Watching Samantha grow up this past year, I know how quickly they change! Below is one of my favorite pictures of the little guy.

After being relieved of baby duty, I headed over to spend a couple days with a dear friend. It was an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating time. I absolutely love the opportunity I have in the summers to interact face to face with those closest to me. I am continually amazed at how the Father continues to knit our hearts together despite such a great distance. Heather and I had our annual miniature golf tournament (the Mordt tournament). Due to an ill placed water hazard, I ended up losing by one stroke. Next year...

I have now finished my first week in the "ivory tower" of Wheaton. It has been incredibly refreshing to be back in the midst of my community here. I love how Abraham had certain places in the promised land where he would plant trees of remembrance in places he called upon the Father so that he could return to them again to call on the Father again. If I planted such trees, a big one would be here in Wheaton. This place is just one of those special places where He communicates clearly with me. Class this week was incredibly powerful--but also exhausting! Despite that fact, I found myself at the end of each day not wanting the class to end. We have the same professor (different class) this coming week, which makes me excited to see what's in store!