Now It Makes Sense

I've come to realize the reason for this first week of classes at NBBI.  It's to prepare your heart and bring you to a place where you're ready to serve God.  I've been reminded of what it is to serve God wholeheartedly.  It's amazing to be surrounded once again by believers striving to do just that.  Of course I know believers at home that are serving God just as wholeheartedly… but I’d forgotten about the intensity only a Bible school student brings to it, as they are immersed day in and day out with studying the Word of God and fellowshipping with other believers.  They bring new meaning to the word “passion”.  So, being here and hearing them share testimonies of God’s faithfulness and goodness, has been challenging and encouraging simultaneously.  I pray that God will use this week to prepare my heart for the ministry I hope to have in Belfast.

The freshman class arrived yesterday.  My special job all day yesterday was to man the Timbit table.  It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it!  And, honestly, I’m pretty impressed with myself.  In six hours, I only ate 5 timbits.  Still 4 more than I should have, but they were sitting right there!  It was hard to say no.  I was with Stephanie, who is a senior here, and the two of us sat there for hours just refilling the coffee and tea, and making sure there were enough donuts to feed the new students and their families.  Wasn’t a bad day, but wasn’t too exciting either.

That evening was the Welcome rally, and Dave Storey spoke at that.  He and his family did some music as well.  They are such a talented family.  Each one of them was up on stage either singing or playing an instrument (well, too!).  At one point, the ABM (4^th Year) students were asked to stand.  So, I got a glimpse of my classmates.  Out of a class of 22, only six were able to come for this week of classes.

I had counters again this morning.  Today is my last day, and now I’m starting to get the hang of it!  Had to get there bright and early this morning for breakfast.  Afterwards, I came back to my room, and got ready for church.  When I got to church, I noticed every girl was wearing pantyhose but me!  I hope I didn’t look too conspicuous.  I did find out after that they weren’t mandatory, so I felt better about that.  We left church, and had to get to the kitchen quickly for counters again.  Kurtis made French onion soup for lunch, and it was so good!  After lunch, I got talking to Heidi Clarke, who is getting married in a few weeks to Tyler Hill.  She works in the kitchen here at NBBI with Kurtis.  It was so nice to catch up a bit, and see how things are going.

I’m looking forward to classes starting tomorrow.  Tonight after the evening service, we have an orientation for the 4^th Year students.  So, we’ll find out then what we’re doing this week.  I’m a little nervous, because I keep hearing about how intensive this course is.  But I’m looking forward to it, too.  Strangely common combination of emotions.  I think we have study time in the morning, and then class in the afternoon.  I think I’m going to like it that way.

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So I went to the evening service and then to our orientation.  Dr. Doherty laid out all the rules and guidelines expected of 4^th Year students.  Also, I’ve found out that my class will be studying from 8-12 in the Library, and then have a class from 2-3:30 or 4.  All the same course.  We’re expected to complete as much as we can within this week.  This is my first foray back into schoolwork, so prayers are appreciated!  I must go to bed, because tomorrow is the start of a long, and hopefully productive, week!

I’ll leave you with some lyrics to remind us of Ireland:

Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free.

Stand where peaks meet the sky, and the lochs meet the sea.

Where the rivers run clear and the bracken is gold in the sun.

And the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.

Come by the hills to the land where life is a song.

And sing while the birds fill the air with their joy all day long.

Where the trees sway in time and even the wind sings in tune.

And the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.

Come by the hills to the land where legend remains.

The stories of old fill our hearts and may yet come again.

Where the past has been lost, and the future is still to be won.

And the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done.