New Town, New Blog, New…well a lot of things (pt. 2)

The continuation…upon my announcement of coming to Wake Forest to attend Southeastern instead of staying in Pineville to continue at Louisiana College there was a lot to be done. Firstly, talking to men wiser than myself about my decision. After talking with various people about the opportunity of being part of a church plant in one of the fastest growing cities in America it was clear to them and myself that I should head up to Wake Forest. Once that was set I felt it was necessary to get here as soon as possible. It seemed only reasonable to get settled and find a job before starting school. I wanted to start meeting people in the north Raleigh area so that I could live life in the community Imago Dei would be reaching out to. Honestly, I was trying to get to Wake Forest the day after graduation, but that just wasn’t feasible nor would it have been the proper way to leave the people I know in Pineville. After saying my goodbyes and getting my affairs in order it was time to pack up and make the long trip to Wake Forest.

I made the trip over 2 days and it was a seemingly uneventful trip until I arrived in Durham. I needed to stop off for gas and after a 15 1/2 hour trip it was the last stop I would make until I got to my destination. Unfortunately, my car felt that the trip should be extended. I had a malfunction with my gas tank and after an hour and a half of unpacking my car, fixing the problem and repacking my car in the summer heat I was back on the road. Once arriving to Wake Forest I wasn’t truly able to get settled in until my parents drove up 2 weeks later after my arrival with my furniture. That was probably the largest relief of the first few weeks because after living out of a suitcase for 2 weeks my apartment started to feel more like home.

That same week I received a call about an interview with Starbucks the following week. I was also able to get contact with Nate Akin and meet with him the same week to talk about Imago Dei and just able to get to know each other. This led to me getting to attend a Saturday morning core team gathering at the Merida’s house in Wake Forest. Initially it was a little intimidating to walk in to a room of people not really knowing any of them. However, once everything began it was obvious how much each one of them loved the Lord and the church. I knew I was in the right place. After that first Saturday I felt a sense of community I had been waiting for since I left Pineville. It was a good day. After being able to go a few more Saturdays and getting to meet everyone I was able to feel more at home in North Carolina. Everyone was very gracious in helping me feel a part of the community. The church felt like a church should. A group of believers living life together united around the Gospel of Christ. It was encouraging to talk to everyone and hear their stories and how they all ended up in Raleigh at IDC. A large majority came from Temple Baptist in Hattiesburg where Tony was formally the pastor. While others were at Southeastern and had known Tony in the past.

While all this was going on the Lord was very gracious in letting me get a job at Starbucks. The great thing about this was that I would make a decent amount of money and be located in North Raleigh. Also, it was a job that I actually wanted. After working in the admissions office at Louisiana College sitting behind a desk for 8 hours a day I was glad to be able to see people face to face working. I have been working there now for 3 weeks and 2 of those weeks were training, but across that time I have gotten a chance to get to know some of my coworkers. It has been a great experience to meet people who are exponentially different than myself. I have opportunities throughout the day during down time to speak with them and explain why I moved, what seminary is, and about Imago Dei. I pray that those conversations will lead to far more.

As far as school goes it does not start until August 22 and the majority of my free time has been studying Hebrew and Greek. My plans are to get a MA in Old Testament Studies. It is supposed to be a 2 year degree, but I most likely will take 3 years to finish it up. I am wanting to take some extra classes in other areas and honestly I am not as comfortable jumping in halfway through a program, which is what I would need to do, as I would need to be to finish in 2 years. I have met with Dr. Cole who is one of the Old Testament professors and one whom I think I will like quite a bit. It was a great meeting where we discussed soccer, Hebrew, the Old Testament, and Dr. Shepherd. I am nervous and excited for the school year to begin, but most of all I am ready to sit in class once again.

So that is the update. There is actually a decent amount missing, but mostly mundane things. Hopefully this blog will keep more regular updates so they are not so long. Thanks for sticking through the whole thing. Also check out the IDC website on the side and tell anyone you know in the Raleigh area that we are launching 9/11/2011.