Done!

I'm officially finished with my Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School!

Woo-Hoo!

Five years ago this month I began my first class...and about twenty-five classes later...done.

I'd like to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude to my beautiful, loyal wife Tara. This was a decision we made together, though initiated by me. We traveled up to Deerfield a month after Emma was born to scope out the school, we prayed over it, anxiously awaited the acceptance letter, and made financial arrangements then for the first class in the fall. And then the madness began.

Tara - this was a hard venture for us to go through...but we got through it together. I couldn't have done this without your partnership, you made it possible in so many ways. You made sacrifices...some I know of, many I don't. We had to keep reminding ourselves of why we chose to go this path...we knew it was the right choice...but we had to endure the overwhelmingness of it together. It got really hard, and then it slowed way down. The three summers that I was gone, the three summers where I missed Emma, Levi, and Isaac growing up...that still weighs on me, and I know it was difficult for you. The past two years have been easier, the schedule has been much more acceptable. And as the schoolwork wound down, the relief began to emerge. I know that you are just as excited for me to be done as I am - in a good way. We have accomplished a lot together, you and me... we did it.

I'm done. Tara - I'm coming home.