This past week I’ve received a number of phone calls and texts from friends and family back home, all along the lines of, “Hey, it’s been a while since we’ve talked–how’ve you been?” So, in an effort to reverse this trend (one that I normally develop every semester around this time) I just wanted to write a brief little update about my life and the goings-on here in Central Florida at RTS Orlando.
With the dawn of Spring break a few weeks ago, the proverbial “speed” of the semester began to increase at an alarming rate. Prior to that week, the semester had been much more of a breeze, as I was only managing two classes per week. But over Spring break, I took Isaiah through Malachi as an “intensive” course, from March 21-24. Each day was 8-5, and for once I felt like I had been thrust into the “real world.” In general, my weekly schedule is much more varied, as I juggle between school and two jobs. But I found myself thinking that week, “So this is what it’s like out there…I think I sort of get it now.” Haha!
But with the advent of this course, I quickly realized that I had better start pouring my time and energy into its coursework, as I found out that the term paper, project, reading, and final exam were all due on April 22nd! Through my own lack of diligence, I had no idea that the due date for all of these was so close. So, needless to say, these past few weeks I’ve been pouring myself into the paper and the reading, making up the lost ground I lost by not being more attentive to the syllabus earlier in the semester!
Also, back on March 25, my now-former roommate Josh got married to his beautiful bride, Carly! I was honored to have been one of his groomsmen, and was so glad to have gotten to be there with them to celebrate their big day. I can’t help but admit that I miss him (and his TVs, his kitchenware, and his patio table!), but I’m really happy that he is with the girl of his dreams. Carly really lucked out, I have to say. And I also can’t help but be mindful of God’s grace to me in giving me Josh as a friend, and how cool it is that after having only been here for a little over a year and a half, I have already been asked to be a groomsmen for a “new” friend. What an answer to prayer this is.
So now, of course, my apartment is that much quieter, being that only Brandon and myself remain. But I can’t complain–the peace and quiet is good for the studies! I’m looking forward to turning all this stuff for Isaiah through Malachi next week and then turning all of my attention to the papers and tests and readings I have for my Acts and Pauline Epistles and History of Philosophy and Christian Thought courses. The campus deadline for these papers is May 13, and finals run from May 16-19.
Which brings me to my final segment of this update: on Friday, May 21st I am being flown out by my brother and sister-in-law to visit them in London, where they are living until July. I am really looking forward to seeing them, touring London, and seeing as many historical sites as humanly possible. One of my growing interests since entering seminary has been British Church history, so I’m chomping at the bit to see things like the Martyr’s Memorial (the monument erected in honor of the English reformers Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer, and Nicholas Ridley, who were each burned at the stake under the reign of Queen Mary I, a.k.a. “Bloody Mary”), The Eagle & Child (the pub that C. S. Lewis and the Inklings gathered to discuss literature), All Soul’s Church (the former parish of Rev. John Stott, the great evangelical preacher), as well as a number of other, older sites. I just really cannot wait. It’s going to be a great trip!
After which, I will be flying home on May 29th to be back in Kingsburg for the entire summer! As it stands, I will be working full-time at Mountain View Fruit Sales and a ton of hanging out. If you’re a Kingsburgian, or even a Californian, hit me up and let’s get together sometime! Coffee, lunch, or anything else. Let’s do it! I want to see you!
For now, that about sums things up. I have to get back to my paper on the servant songs from the end of Isaiah!
Grace and peace,
Zac
Following the Call 