Kentucky

Moving can be a scary thought, especially when the move is approximately 12 hours away. With that being said, we had a great time in Louisville this weekend. Southern Seminary is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen. Kentucky as a whole is lovely, too. Andrew and I went for a run through the streets of Louisville on Friday, and it was so refreshing. Unlike Oklahoma, Kentucky has rolling hills, a true fall season, and... (my favorite thing) NO WIND! Southern is in probably the nicest part of Louisville, called Crescent Hill. The houses are older, but very well-maintained and HUGE. Lots of people own large dogs and walk them in the afternoons. My dream is to one day own a golden retriever and name it a people name, such as Jonathan, Christopher, or Norman. Many people do not approve of people names for animals, but Andrew and I think it is funny. But I digress...

The seminary was kind enough to provide us with a hotel room on campus for two days, free of charge. Most of our meals were provided, as well. While we were there, we had the opportunity to eat lunch with one of the admissions counselors, who was extremely helpful in answering many questions we had about the seminary. We also took a tour of the campus and were able to ask even more questions then. One thing I was especially excited to discover is that Southern has a program called the Seminary Wives Institute. (I looked into it, and Southwestern also has something very similar.) Through this program, I would get to take many of the same classes Andrew does, but for MUCH cheaper rates and in a less rigorous format. This would give me the opportunity to meet and build relationships with other seminary wives, as well as learn about the Bible for almost no cost. Also, Andrew would receive half off his tuition because we are currently members of a Southern Baptist church. I have much respect for the current president, Albert Mohler. When he came to Southern 17 years ago, the seminary had become very liberal and strayed away from its founding principles. Mr. Mohler pulled out the founding principles and asked all professors to sign them, stating that they agreed and would abide by these principles. Long story short, 2 professors were fired, and about 100 more just left. Mohler hired almost an entirely new staff to help make Southern what it is today.

So where does this leave us? Honestly, I don't think either of us really knows the answer to that question just yet. Southern seems like a great school, and we have no doubt that Andrew would get a good education there. Although getting a teaching job in the public school system is somewhat limited to people who have been educated in Kentucky, I feel pretty sure that I could find a job in a private school, as the private school sector is quite large in Louisville. However, this is a huge decision, and it is a long drive to Louisville. There were many things we liked about Southwestern, particularly the fact that we would be closer to our families. And the church we visited there was phenomenal. Andrew does not need to make a final decision about where he will attend until about a month and a half from now. Until then, we will keep praying and trying to determine where the Lord is leading us. I'm thankful that this is all in His hands.

In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel

Letter to a Fourth Grade Teacher

Dear mrs. wilshusen,
I rilly did not want to do this asinmint but mrs flaherty made me so I start. i do not wont a free homwork pass and I do not want to rite this letr so the end.
sinserly yours
Trey

9/11 and Lincoln Elementary

It's funny the things you remember. Eight years ago today started off to be a very insignificant day. Until I walked in late to Mr. Simpson's eighth grade science class, sat down next to Sean Hill, and tried to put the pieces together of what I was seeing on TV. The halls were eerily quiet that day. Some of my teachers cried. Some kids were making phone calls from the office to check on their family members on the east coast. Minus the fact that I live in the United States, I was completely unaffected. This has basically been the story of my life. In the middle of other people's suffering and loss, I have had my own small trials. But all in all, God has been very gracious to me, though I am the least deserving. My heart aches for the people who lost loved ones on that day, especially for those who do not have the joy that comes from knowing a beautiful Savior who will one days make all things right. I long for the day when there will be no more tears and "everything bad will become untrue".

In the middle of sadness and loneliness, it is refreshing to hear the laughter of precious children. Nothing is really "normal" in a special ed classroom, which is why I think laughter is even more therapeutic. Kids have bad days, teachers have bad days, aides have bad days... but always at some point during the day, a student laughs, and I think that only a very bitter person can resist laughing along with them. Lately I have had some trouble not laughing "at" kids. I don't mean to, but sometimes the mistakes they make are just so cute. My laughing at them is not an "oh, you're so dumb" kind of laugh, but more of a "you are just the cutest kid" one. I have never been a huge fan of boogers, bathroom issues, and 20-second attention spans (or, elementary schools in general!), but the kids really ARE worth it. I'm thankful that God put kids on this earth to remind us of the simple joys in life, and the importance of laughter.