Driving up there was an adventure. I took I-55 the entire way, which meant that I didn't get lost and that I could set the cruise control at 75 mph and just go for 6 hours. I got to drive through Memphis, which was the most complicated part of the trip, and the Arkansas delta before I came upon the rolling farmland of southwestern Missouri. All in all, it was a beautiful drive. The delta region was incredibly flat - huge farms for as far as the eye could see. I drove past one town that had less than 400 people living there. I don't know where the people there buy their groceries or go out to eat. There really was nothing there. Missouri has really pretty farmland. Rolling hills, red barns, white farmhouses... It was beautiful. On the way home I stopped for a minute at a really neat Catholic church that was perched in the middle of a small farming community.
It was so great to see Jeff and to hang out with him, but being on Covenant's campus and spending time with his roommates and the girls I stayed with made me realize just how spiritually empty Starkville can be. I have good friends here, and I have loved my chats with Kasey and Amber, but it's just not the same as being surrounded by people who all desire to go into ministry and who are striving with everything that they are to serve and know God. It's such an amazing and encouraging environment!
I also attended class with Jeff. Greek was boring, but his Covenant Theology and Apologetics & Outreach classes were really interesting. I had an "aha!" moment in Covenant Theology regarding infant baptism and the concept of "the people of God." The professor for Apologetics was probably the nicest, sweetest, most loving, caring person I have ever encountered. I could have just sat and listened to him for hours. The day that I was there, he was telling the class about his garden, and it sounds absolutely incredible. I've been inspired to have extensive flower gardens in my own yard someday.
The students in Apologetics were giving presentations on a book they had read, in this case, a biography of Francis Schaeffer. The book sounded interesting, in general, but one of the presenters said something in his own personal testimony that really hit home with me. He said that he grew up in a home where his parents created a "culture of grace" where he was never afraid to come to them with questions to to admit to wrong-doing. He said that his parents assured him of their love for him and their grace and mercy when he had sinned. I was struck by how wonderful a home that must have been and how much I want to create a similar "culture" in my own home someday. I even think that that is something I can strive for in my classroom as well. What an amazing thing to strive for in all my relationships!
Anyway, I basically came away from the trip refreshed and really hoping that I can find a job in St. Louis. I want to mooch off of Jeff's friendships and connections, and be a part of that amazing community even if it is only on the periphery. Plus, he could set me up with a roommate. St. Louis has a lot to offer, and I really miss being around my siblings.
So, God, I don't know what you have planned for me for next year, but it would be really amazing if I could get a job in St. Louis. No matter what though, I know that you are in control, and I trust you to help me find the right job in the right place where I can serve the people you bring into my life. Thanks for having a plan that is bigger and better than I can even imagine. :)
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